Trekking Regions
Annapurna Region
This is one of the most famous trekking areas in Nepal. It starts ≈ from either Pokhara or Benshisahar. There are fewer places in the world more gifted with such a splendid variety of natural beauty as that of the Annapurna region. It is a rare combination of long vistas of snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, turbulent rivers with deep gorges, hot springs and beautiful villages. It is home to the famous Gurkha soldier and other friendly ethnic groups, as well as many Buddhist monasteries. You can choose a beaten, well-worn path for your trek, staying in comfortable tea houses along the way or take one of our off-the- beaten-track camping treks in this region.
Everest Region
The Everest Region in the Sagamartha National Park established in 1976, lies some 120 kms north-east of Kathmandu and covers an area of 1,148 sq kms. The park includes the upper catchment areas of the Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi Rivers. The park is largely composed of rugged terrain and deep gorges. The vegetation at lower levels is dominated by silver fir, birch, rhododendron and juniper trees. At around 4500m the forest gives way to juniper and rhododendron scrub. The park contains a variety of mammals; Himalayan thar, musk deer, the Himalayan red panda and the Himalayan black bear are all native to the park. The famed Sherpa people, whose lives are interwoven with the teachings of Buddhism, live in the region.
Tea houses are available for most of the Everest region trek. Once you fly into altitude at Lukla airport, we take things slow and steady to minimise the effects of AMS as most treks here climb over 4000mtrs. AMS is a risk here and we will discuss this journey with you on booking to make the necessary allowances.
Langtang & Helambu Region
This region is accessible within a day’s drive from Kathmandu. You trek through the Langtang Valley passing rivers through pine & rhododedron forests ascending to alpine plains just a stone’s throw from the Tibetan border. The Gosainkund trek climbs more steeply through farmland. Once you are above the tree-line, a huge Himalayan panorama is revealed. The sacred high altitude lakes make for a popular pilgramage trek for Hindus and Buddhists. The trail is snowbound in the winter months. Helumbu offers a closer look at village life and is a wonderful cultural trek. If you only have a week, this region is a great option due to the logistics and the ability to trek away from the crowds on the Annapurna and Everest main routes.
Eastern Nepal
The Eastern side of Nepal is an untamed frontier offering views of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest peak at 8586 metres. The villages are home to a diverse range of tribal people. Infrastructure is limited and for most areas we arrange camping tented trips through the area.
Western Nepal
This region has some of the country’s best trekking with spectacular turquoise lakes, timeless Tibetan monasteries and high mountain passes and stunning views of the towering peaks such as Dhaulagiri and Api Saipal. Treks in the wild west are very much off the beaten path and only camping treks are offered.
Restricted Areas
The trans-Himalayan deserts of Mustang and Upper Dolpo, the deep gorges of Manaslu, the Inner Dolpo and the Humla region (which is the opening to Mt Kailash in Tibet) are all classified as restricted areas. A permit can cost up to US$500 to access these areas. Strict controls are in place to protect the fragile environment and cultural integrity of these regions and to provide security both for the safety of trekkers and the protection of Nepal’s borders with China. These treks are certainly more expensive than the main teahouse treks and demand a lot more coordination on the part of Himatrek. They require an extremely well-organised camping trek, but the extra effort and expense is well worth it as these remote corners offer some of the most remarkable gems in the Himalayas.
