Our main treks range from 9 days (Poon Hill) to 20 days (Everest Three Passes). Highest points run from about 3,210 m at Poon Hill to above 5,500 m on the Everest passes. Most are best in spring and autumn. Restricted areas such as Upper Mustang, Manaslu and Kanchenjunga need a special permit and a licensed guide.
Everest region treks
These are the Everest routes we run. Highest points are approximate and depend on viewpoints.
- Everest Base Camp: 14 days, highest about 5,545 m at Kala Patthar, best in spring and autumn, no special permit
- Everest Base Camp with Gokyo: 17 days, highest about 5,545 m, best in spring and autumn, no special permit
- Everest Three Passes: 20 days, highest about 5,535 m, best in spring and autumn, no special permit
All three are demanding because of sustained altitude. Flights to Lukla can delay the start, so keep a spare day at the beginning and the end of the trip. Several nights are spent above 4,000 m.
Annapurna region treks
These cover the Annapurna side. Heights are approximate.
- Poon Hill: 9 days, highest about 3,210 m, best in spring and autumn, no special permit
- Annapurna Base Camp: 10 or 14 days, highest about 4,130 m, best in spring and autumn, no special permit
- Mardi Himal: 11 days, highest about 4,200 m, best in spring and autumn, no special permit
- Annapurna Circuit: 18 days, highest about 5,416 m at Thorong La, best in spring and autumn, no special permit
Poon Hill is the gentlest. The Circuit is the hardest of this group.
Restricted and remote treks
These routes need a special permit and a licensed guide through a registered agency. We arrange both in our packages. Rules change, so confirm before you travel.
- Manaslu Circuit: 15 days, highest about 5,106 m at Larkya La, best in spring and autumn, special permit yes
- Upper Mustang: 18 days, highest about 4,000 m, best from spring to early autumn, special permit yes
- Kanchenjunga: long and remote, highest about 5,100 m, best in spring and autumn, special permit yes
Days for Kanchenjunga vary by itinerary, so ask us for the current plan.
Langtang and Makalu
- Langtang: 10 days, highest about 4,770 m at Kyanjin Ri, best in spring and autumn, no special permit
- Makalu: long and remote, highest about 4,870 m at base camp, best in spring and autumn, special permit: confirm with us, as park permits apply
Makalu is a quiet, demanding route with simple lodges and long days away from roads. Langtang is closer to Kathmandu and a good moderate option. Both are best walked with a spare day built in. Days for Makalu vary by itinerary, so ask us for the current plan and permit position.
How to read the grades and use this list
Grades are rough guides. Poon Hill is easy to moderate, Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal and Langtang are moderate to demanding, and the high passes and remote routes are strenuous. Fitness, season and pace all change how hard a trek feels.
No list replaces advice on your fitness, time and season. Permit rules and walking days vary, so confirm before you travel. Treat every highest point here as approximate. Altitude illness can affect anyone, so symptoms such as headache or nausea mean stop climbing, and descend if they worsen. This is general information, not medical advice.
Common questions
Which Nepal trek is the easiest?
Poon Hill, at 9 days and about 3,210 m, is the gentlest of our main treks. It has frequent lodges and gives good sunrise views. Cold mornings still need warm layers.
Which treks need a special permit?
Manaslu, Upper Mustang and Kanchenjunga are restricted areas needing a special permit and a licensed guide through a registered agency. Rules change, so confirm before you travel.
Which season is best for most treks?
Spring and autumn are usually best, with stable weather and clear views. Upper Mustang also works in the monsoon because of its rain shadow. Conditions vary, so ask us before choosing dates.
