154 Days
Ktm
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Trekking is essentially day hiking and doesn't require any special training. However, good physical condition, a love of walking, and a desire to enjoy mountain views and village life are essential.
These treks are suitable for walkers looking for something more challenging and energetic. Hill-walking experience is desirable, with longer days and higher elevations.
Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers should be in good physical condition and have previous mountain walking experience. High passes and extended trekking days may be involved.
This is challenging and technical trekking or climbing in Nepal. Participants should be physically fit, mentally prepared, and ready for off-the-beaten-trail routes, camping, or high passes.
Tea House + Camping
April- May, Jun- Jul Sep-Oct-Nov
6200 M
1-10 Pax
land, fly
The Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) trek in Nepal offers an extraordinary journey combining various mountainous regions into one awe-inspiring hiking experience. It spans eight peaks above 8,000 meters, from the Far Eastern to the Far Western Region. Known as the “Great Himalayan Trail,” it includes diverse routes like the Kanchenjunga Circuit, Makalu Route, Everest Route, and others. Each route offers unique landscapes and cultural experiences, making it a coveted destination for trekkers seeking diverse adventures in the Himalayas. Embarking on this epic journey allows immersion in Nepal’s Himalayas for nearly half a year, or choosing a low-route GHT trek to suit preferences.
The Great Himalayan Trail offers two distinct routes: the low Route and the upper Route. However, the upper route is considered the true Great Himalayan Trail. Drawing on our extensive 25-year experience in Nepal Trekking, we strongly recommend beginning your GHT journey from the eastern side. Nepal Wilderness Trekking has expertly crafted itineraries that allow you to complete the GHT route continuously or choose specific sections to conquer, accommodating your availability and preferences.
The legacy of the Great Himalaya Trail dates back to 1949, when Bill Tilman became the first chain traveler to explore the Helambu, Langtang, Kali Gandaki Valley, and Mount Everest regions. The introduction of organized trekking holidays in 1965 revolutionized travel, making the Himalayan regions accessible to adventurers from all walks of life. It’s worth noting that Nepal, though one of the most accessible countries, had strict ‘no-go’ areas along its border with Tibet until 2002. Since then, Nepal has opened all its mountains for permit-based trekking, attracting intrepid explorers eager to conquer the Great Himalayan Trail.
Nepal Wilderness Trekking stands as one of the pioneering trekking agencies championing the promotion of this iconic hiking route. Our seasoned trekking guides and travel planners possess unparalleled expertise in high-caliber trekking in Nepal. Following the guidance of our travel experts is highly recommended, given our comprehensive knowledge of the entire GHT course within Nepal.
The Great Himalayan Trail is a monumental undertaking, requiring approximately 150 days to complete. This epic journey meanders through the Nepal Himalayas, showcasing some of the world’s highest peaks. Your trek commences in the Kanchenjunga region, nestled in the shadows of Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain on the planet. This region, especially in spring, is renowned for its stunning Rhododendrons, adorning the hills with a kaleidoscope of colors.
The trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp includes crossing the Lumba Sumba Pass (5,178m) and venturing into the Makalu region. Basic tea houses provide respite in the Kanchenjunga region, inhabited predominantly by the ethnic Limbu and Rai communities. Camping is essential as you journey from Ghunsa westward to Lumba Sumba Pass.
For trekkers who wish to divide their Great Himalayan Trail adventure into sections, returning via Tumlingtar is recommended. Alternatively, continue northward toward the Nepal-Tibet border area, reveling in the beauty of the Makalu region (part of the Makalu Barun National Park) and captivating views of Mt. Makalu and Makalu Base Camp. The high route leads to Amphu Lapha, crossing the awe-inspiring Sherpani Col, offering breathtaking vistas of snow-clad peaks and towering mountains. Now, you’re in the heart of the Everest region, exploring the enchanting Khumbu valley. Accommodation is readily available in several tea houses along the route. After a trek that includes Gokyo lakes and a visit to Gokyo Ri, plus a crossing of Renjo-la pass, you transition into the Rolwaling valley via Tashi Lapcha pass, where Gurungs and Sherpas call this region home.
Upon descending from the Rolwaling Valley through Tilman Pass, you’ll enter the Langtang Valley, home to the Tamang and Sherpa ethnic groups. This part of your journey exposes you to diverse customs, lifestyles, traditional attire, and unique languages specific to these ethnicities.
Continuing your odyssey, you’ll venture into the Ganesh Himal region and the Ruby Valley, where lush meadows and fertile pasturelands unfold against the backdrop of the mighty Annapurna range. In the Ruby Valley area, Gurung and Magar communities predominate.
In the Manaslu area, your trek follows much of the Manaslu circuit’s route. The Larke-la pass (5,106m), north of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), treats you to captivating views of the Annapurna mountain range, Mt. Manaslu, and the towering peaks of the east.
After conquering the Thorong-la pass at 5,416 meters, the Manaslu circuit trail merges with the Annapurna circuit trail, leading you to Manang and across the Thorong-la pass. As you descend, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of Upper Mustang, a region characterized by its barren yet incredibly colorful landscape. Along the way, a stop at Muktinath, a renowned pilgrimage destination, precedes your westward journey toward the Upper Dolpo trekking area. Upper Dolpo stands as one of Nepal’s remotest regions, boasting pristine natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. During your trek, you might walk for days without encountering settlements, but you’ll likely cross paths with caravans of yaks and goats, either grazing or transporting goods.
Continuing your journey off the beaten path, you’ll reach the serene oasis of Rara Lake, nestled at nearly 3,000 meters, framed by dense forests and distant snow-capped mountains. The route to Simikot takes you through remote areas that have seen few tourists. As you pass through local villages, you’ll gain insights into the lifestyles and traditions of the people residing in one of Nepal’s remotest and economically disadvantaged regions.
The route further leads to the remote Limi Valley trek, featuring abundant flora and fauna, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and rich religious traditions. From Simikot, the starting point of the Mt. Kailash trek, you can embark on the Great Himalayan Trail’s final leg, culminating at the Hilsa border crossing, the Nepal-Tibet border. The journey back to Kathmandu retraces your steps via Simikot.
The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) is not a single, fixed route; instead, it comprises a network of existing trails and routes that span the entire length of the Himalayas, covering roughly 1,600 miles (2,600 kilometers). This network offers trekkers a variety of experiences, from remote wilderness areas to culturally rich villages, showcasing the diverse landscapes and cultures of the region. The trail passes through six countries: Bhutan, Nepal, India, Pakistan, Tibet (China), and Afghanistan.
However, it’s important to note that the exact distance can vary depending on the specific route taken. Moreover, any deviations or side trips a trekker might choose to make along the way can also impact the overall length of the trek. Furthermore, the trail’s length is subject to change due to the establishment of new routes or modifications to existing ones.
A summary can hardly capture the grandeur of the Great Himalayan Trail high route. The trail unfolds an astonishing tapestry of landscapes, natural wonders, diverse lifestyles, cultures, and traditions unique to various ethnic groups. To delve deeper into these regions, explore the distinct sections of the Great Himalaya Trail. Our dedicated team at Nepal Wilderness Trekking is eager to guide you through the route options.
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, meet your expedition leader for a detailed briefing about the 154-day Great Himalaya Trail journey. We will review logistics, permits, equipment, and weather conditions. A traditional Nepali welcome dinner will be served
Today you visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley: Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The remainder of the day is reserved for gear checks and any last-minute purchases.
Take a scenic domestic flight to Bhadrapur in eastern Nepal. From there, drive through the lush tea gardens of Ilam and the hill town of Phidim to reach Taplejung, the starting point for the eastern section of the Great Himalaya Trail.
Drive along a rough mountain road to Lelep and begin trekking through forested trails beside the Tamor River. The route enters the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area and reaches the riverside settlement of Sekathum.
The trail climbs gradually through Amjilosa, Gyabla, Ghunsa, Khambachen, and Lhonak. Along the way, you pass waterfalls, yak pastures, and ancient Tibetan villages. Snowy peaks dominate the horizon, culminating at Pangpema, also known as Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, with outstanding views of the north face of Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 m).
After descending to Khambachen, the route leaves the main trekking trail and heads over the remote Nango La Pass (4,776 m) to Olangchung Gola. From there, continue through pristine alpine wilderness to cross the spectacular Lumbasumba Pass (5,178 m), one of the wildest and least-traveled high passes in Nepal.
The trail descends into isolated villages such as Thudam and Chyamtang before climbing once again through remote yak pastures and glacial valleys toward Makalu Base Camp. At base camp, enjoy incredible views of Mount Makalu (8,463 m), Baruntse, and surrounding peaks.
This is one of the most demanding sections of the Great Himalaya Trail. After acclimatization and climbing practice, cross Sherpani West Pass (6,143 m), descend to Baruntse Base Camp, and continue to Amphu Laptsa Pass (5,800 m). Fixed ropes may be required. The traverse ends in Chhukung in the Khumbu region.
From Chhukung, continue through the heart of the Everest region. Trek to Lobuche, Kala Patthar, and cross Cho La Pass to reach Gokyo Lakes. After climbing Gokyo Ri, cross Renjo La Pass and descend to the traditional Sherpa village of Thame.
Key highlights:
A remote and challenging alpine crossing over Tashi Lapcha Pass (5,760 m) leads into the hidden Rolwaling Valley. Descend to Na and Beding, villages rich in Sherpa culture and mountaineering history.
This wilderness section traverses Bigu Gompa, the Bhotekoshi region, Panch Pokhari, and finally the technical Tilman Pass (5,320 m), which connects to the upper Langtang Valley.
Highlights:
Descend to Kyanjin Gompa and continue west over Pangsang Pass to the culturally rich Tamang villages of Gatlang and Tipling.
The route joins the Manaslu region, passing through Jagat, Deng, Namrung, Sama Gaon, and Samdo before crossing Larke La Pass (5,161 m) to Bhimtang.
Major landmarks:
Larke La Pass
Continue along the classic Annapurna Circuit through Chame, Pisang, Manang, and Thorong Phedi. Cross Thorong La Pass (5,416 m) and descend to the sacred pilgrimage site of Muktinath Temple.
The final and most remote western section crosses Nepal’s hidden trans-Himalayan landscapes.
This section combines ancient monasteries, Bon and Buddhist culture, high Himalayan passes, turquoise lakes, and some of the most isolated villages in Nepal.
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