With three weeks, the strongest options are the Three Passes trek (20 days with us), Everest Base Camp with Gokyo (17 days), Upper Mustang (18 days), and a Manaslu route extended with Tsum Valley. Kanchenjunga is longer still and very remote. Several of these need special permits and a licensed guide through a registered agency, and rules change, so confirm before you travel.
Three Passes and Everest with Gokyo
The Three Passes trek is our 20 day Khumbu circuit, crossing three high passes that each rise above roughly 5,300 m. It is demanding, with cold, rough ground and long days, and suits experienced or very well prepared trekkers. Everest Base Camp with Gokyo is 17 days, including the lakes of Gokyo at about 4,790 m, and gives a gentler way to see a wider part of the region. Both start with a flight to Lukla, so keep spare days for weather. Altitude illness is a genuine risk on these routes; descend if symptoms of illness do not improve with rest. General information only, not medical advice.
Manaslu and Tsum Valley
The Manaslu Circuit takes 15 days with us, and adding Tsum Valley extends it towards three weeks. The route follows river valleys, Buddhist villages and monasteries, then crosses a high pass. Manaslu and Tsum are restricted areas, so a special permit and a licensed guide through a registered agency are required. We arrange this as part of the package, and we do not publish fees here since they change. Lodging is simpler than on the busiest routes, and the walking days can be long, so this suits trekkers with some previous experience.
Upper Mustang and Kanchenjunga
Upper Mustang, 18 days with us, is a dry, high desert region with cliffs, caves and walled settlements of Tibetan culture. It is also a restricted area, with a special permit and a licensed guide through a registered agency required. Kanchenjunga lies in the far east and is longer and more remote, with fewer lodges and more basic conditions, so it asks for more time, stamina and flexibility than most trekkers expect. It is also restricted, with the same permit rules. Rules change, so confirm before you travel. Ask us to check whether your dates and fitness suit these routes.
Choosing among long treks
Pick by what you want: lakes and passes in the Khumbu, culture in Tsum or Mustang, or remoteness in Kanchenjunga. Add buffer days, since landslides, snow and flights can all cause delay. Three weeks also supports a proper acclimatisation schedule, which is the best protection against altitude trouble. Train for two to three months and test your boots on long days. Indian travellers do not need a visa for Nepal but should carry valid photo ID such as a passport or voter ID, and should check current currency rules for Indian notes. Our packages include permits, licensed guide, porters and transfers.
Common questions
What is the best 3 week trek in Nepal?
It depends on your goal. The Three Passes suits strong, experienced walkers, Everest with Gokyo gives lakes and views at a gentler pace, and Manaslu with Tsum or Upper Mustang offer culture and quieter trails.
Do these long treks need special permits?
Manaslu, Tsum, Upper Mustang and Kanchenjunga are restricted areas needing a special permit and a licensed guide through a registered agency. Fees change; confirm the current figure with us before you book. Rules change.
Is three weeks too long to be away?
Not on these routes, since they need the time for safe acclimatisation and weather buffers. If you have less, a shorter classic such as Everest Base Camp in 14 days may suit better.
