What is trekking?
Trekking is not just walking trekking is a journey that involves multiple days of walk-through nature and various cultures. Trekking involves hiking in the remote areas with scenic views where the walk will go on for multiple days.
While trekking trekkers have an opportunity to know about the local culture and tradition and even interact with the locals.
Why is trekking in nepal special?
Trekking in nepal is special due to the combination nepal offers in terms of nature, culture, traditional cultural immersion, adventure in evert trek, helps for self-growth and personal self-esteem build up increases the patience and makes people realize how basic life can be how can we stay happy despite everything and even makes people humble and sometimes completely changes the way people see the world.
Breathtaking landscapes – Nepal is home of the Himalayas, lush forest, terraced farmlands. Base camp of mountains like Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Langtang, Kanchenjunga Himalayas also.
Nepal has rain ward and wind ward sides rain ward side means place where it rains while windward sides are places where there is very less rainfall.
Cultural immersion
While trekking in Nepal trekkers will pass through local villages, see age old monasteries and temples. The rooms are extremely basic with two beds, blankets, table, and a beautiful view. The warm and genuine hospitality of the locals will touch the trekkers during the journey and Nepalese are hardworking people with warm hospitality and they always have a smile on their faces.
Adventure for all age groups
Nepal has adventure for all age groups from bungee jumping to sky diving, rafting, kayaking, natural wall climbing, trekking, peak climbing, jungle safari, mountaineering, motor biking, cycling. yoga, meditation nepal has a lot to offer.
Spiritual and personal growth
Trekking in nepal is hard and and the serene solitude of high-altitude trails, combined with the time given to ourselves and the time spent in the reelection of what happened through out the life encourages and provides a different feeling. Those taking it positive experience a different change.
What are the best places to trek in Nepal?
The best treks in nepal are mentioned below
- Everest base camp trek
- Annapurna circuit trek
- Annapurna base cam trek
- Langtang valley trekking
- Ghorepani Poon hill trek
- Mardi Himal trekking
- Kanchenjunga trekking
- Upper Dolpo trekking
- Upper mustang trekking
NOTE - Explore more in detail about trekking regions in Nepal
How did trekking start in nepal?
The roots of trekking go back as the trekking route now was a Himalayan silk trade route back then, the rugged path and the passes between the mountains were used to travel or transport good ands other items. For example, through the route of Everest base camp the goods and commodities were taken to Tibet, china, and Europe from there.
That is how trekking started in nepal knowingly and unknowingly. During mid century around 1949, nepal was inaccessible in many areas so even the daily tasks and for example like going to village from the city areas also took long which was also called trek.
In 1949 a person named bill Tilman received permission for the first time to trek in the regions like Everest, Helambu and kali Gandaki areas. This trek was followed by French and American teams, which helped to spread the natural beauty and culture of Nepal’s mountain regions.
In 1964 the first commercial trek started Colonel Jimmy Roberts recognized the potential to transform the ancient routes into organized adventures for travelers from all around the world. Till 1968 jimmy Roberts was the only person running the trekking industry in nepal his first clients were three women from the United States, but they were doing some work in Calcutta, and they were the first three people to trek officially through a trekking agency to Everest base camp in spring of 1965.
Now in 2025 there are more than 2200 trekking agencies who are working under the license of government are bound to the law and among them we holiday tours nepal stand tall and proud to be a part of the trekking and travel association in nepal.
Period | Events that occurred |
Centuries ago, | Locals used mountain trails for goods, souvenirs, transportation and as the trade route. |
1949 AD | Nepal border was opened for the exploration and treks began with British explorers like Bill Tilman who received permission from the palace then known as royal permission for kali Gandaki, Helambu and Everest first foreigner to trek with permission from the royal palace. |
Early 1950 | American, British, and French team organizing mountaineering expedition to climb the Himalayas to het the name written in history attracting the attention and interest of all the hikers, trekkers, and mountaineers in the world. |
1955 | King Mahendra coronation played a huge part in shaping the tourism. King Mahendra introduced the tourist visa in nepal which opened the gateway for all the international visitors. |
1964 | The first trekking agency Mountain Travel was established in nepal by Colonel jimmy Roberts. |
1965 | First official trekkers three ladies trekked through a trekking agency to Everest base camp |
1980 | Trekking and tourism started to boom with the rapid growth yearly more than 25 thousand visitors were there on average during the 80’s. |
2025 | More than 2200 trekking agencies in nepal and unknown number of agencies and people working the business without paying taxes. |
Why is trekking important to nepal?
Economically growth
Currently the condition of generating foreign currencies to balance the amount of money coming in and going out from the country for import export and other thing is hard. Trekking generates a ton of revenue through permit municipality fees paid by the trekkers and trekking agencies.
Tourism and trekking create a lot of job opportunities from the arrival time to the departure time. For example, the driver at the airport, the hotel staff, guide, porters, sherpas, tea houses and their staffs. The ratio is mass a single trekker spends at least 500$ in minimum which goes to the locals, business operators, hotels, and the government.
How much amount does government generates through trekking and climbing in one year?
In a single fiscal year at least 30000 trekkers are there so imagining the amount coming in.
The Everest expedition happens once in a year for which at least 100 climbers are there every year. The cost of single permit is 15,000$ that means only 15,000*100= 15,00,000$ is just earned through permits.
So, if we start calculating the amount of money trekking and climbing generates is more than 30,00, 000$ in a year and this is just the fees generated through trekking and climbing permits the other income are not included.
Cultural preservation and exchange
Trekking is important for nepal in many ways to preserve and show case the culture and even to exchange the cultures to various people around the world. People might say how is culture preserved from trekking well the first thing is trekking generates income which helps for the funding of conservation and the other thing is trekkers pass through traditional villages, where they experience and see our customs, traditions and even celebrate our festivals.
Trekking is important to nepal it is the backbone of earning foreign currency in nepal and tourism industry is one of the biggest industries giving employment opportunities to the citizens of nepal.
Environmental conservation
Trekking highlights the environment and nature, from towering peaks Himalayan peaks to the valleys and all the way down to the river. There is a growing concern on sustainable and responsible tourism practices. Local communities and the government are showing interests on preserving the fragile eco system. This practice will help the future federation to enjoy the nature and the environment at the way it was left by the perseveres to the future generation.
Trekking generates an important revenue for the funding of these practices through permits and other necessary stuffs.
Social impact and global connectivity
Trekking in nepal contributes on a global scale for highlighting the traditions and cultures and now in this modern generation through social medias, written blogs, and videos. This increases the presence of the country and the areas of tourism, adventure activities, and other interests.
Types of Trekking in Nepal
An Overview of Trekking Adventures
Nepal, a country renowned for its majestic Himalayan peaks, offers a diverse range of trekking experiences that cater to adventurers of all skill levels. Each type of trek brings its own unique challenges and rewards, highlighting the natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant local communities of this enchanting land. Here, we explore the diverse types of trekking in Nepal and what each entail.
Tea House Trekking
Tea house trekking is one of the most popular forms of trekking in Nepal. It involves staying in local lodges, known as tea houses, which provide basic accommodation and meals. This type of trekking allows adventurers to experience the warm hospitality of the Nepali people while enjoying comfortable lodging and hearty, traditional meals. Famous routes such as the Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna Circuit are well-known tea house treks.
Camping Trekking
For those looking for a more rugged and immersive experience, camping trekking is an excellent possibility. This type of trekking requires carrying all necessary equipment, including tents, food supplies, and cooking gear. Trekkers camp under the stars in remote locations, often in areas less frequented by tourists. Camping trekking offers a deeper connection with nature and is ideal for exploring less accessible regions such as the Upper Dolpo and Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
Remote Area Trekking
Remote area trekking takes adventurers off the beaten path to some of Nepal's most secluded and untouched regions. These treks often require special permits and are less commercialized, offering a unique opportunity to see unspoiled landscapes and traditional lifestyles. Treks to regions like Manaslu, Makalu Barun, and Nar Phu Valley fall under this category.
Short Trekking
Short treks are designed for those who have limited time or prefer a less strenuous adventure. These treks typically range from a few days to a week and are suitable for beginners or families. Routes such as the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek and the Langtang Valley trek offer stunning views and cultural experiences without the need for extensive preparation or high altitudes.
High Altitude Trekking
High altitude trekking is reserved for experienced trekkers who are ready to face the challenges of extreme altitudes and harsh conditions. These treks often lead to base camps of some of the world's highest peaks, including Everest, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri. Acclimatization is crucial, and proper preparation is essential to tackle the demanding terrain and weather.
Luxury Trekking
For those who wish to combine adventure with comfort, luxury trekking provides a premium experience. Trekkers stay in high-end lodges with modern amenities and gourmet meals. Routes such as the Everest Luxury Lodge trek and the Annapurna Luxury Lodge trek offer breathtaking views and cultural encounters while ensuring a comfortable stay.
Nepal's trekking landscape is as varied as its geography, offering something for every type of adventurer. Whether seeking the simplicity of tea house trekking, the challenge of high-altitude routes, or the seclusion of remote areas, trekkers can find their perfect journey in Nepal's awe-inspiring mountains.