The Great Himalaya Trail is a network of existing routes linking east and west Nepal, roughly 1,500 km long. It follows high mountain passes and remote valleys. Few people walk it in one go, because the full route takes months. Most walkers choose sections of one to four weeks.
A network, not one path
The trail is a chain of local routes, joined to cross Nepal from Kanchenjunga in the east to Humla in the far west. There are high and lower variants, and details change between sources.
The high route
The high route goes through remote passes and uses mountaineering skills in places. It is only for experienced trekkers with expedition support.
The cultural route
The lower route follows mid-altitude trails through villages. It takes more days but is easier.
Walking a section
Most trekkers pick a section, such as Kanchenjunga, Makalu to Everest, Manaslu to Annapurna or Dolpo to Humla.
Who it suits
Experienced, self-reliant trekkers who like long journeys and are happy with basic conditions.
How long it takes
Walking the whole route takes about four to six months, depending on the variant and how many rest days you take. Sections take two to four weeks.
Questions people ask first
Do I need to do it all? No. Can I do it alone? Not advisable. Is it a single path? No, it is a network of routes.
Plan it
See sections and routes and how to plan a section.
