In our world, with all its beauties, there is still so much more to discover. Some are already very much known to the public, while others have kept their secrecy. Off the beaten track takes you to these places where the roads are merely untrod, and tourists are scarce compared to our big metropoles. Let’s get inspired!
Nepal is a country known for its towering Himalayan peaks, which draw adventurers and nature lovers from around the world. Eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, including Mount Everest, are located in Nepal, making it a mecca for mountain climbers and trekkers. There are countless trails to explore. The most famous trek is undoubtedly the Everest Base Camp trek, which takes you through some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. The Annapurna Circuit trek is another popular option, offering a diverse range of landscapes and cultural experiences. Cool right? Why not pack your bags and embark on an adventure of a lifetime? The Himalayas are waiting for you.
How to non-rev to Nepal
There are 43 airports in Nepal, but the Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) is the only (as the name says) international one and is based in the capital city of Kathmandu. Additionally, there are many domestic airlines that operate from Kathmandu to other cities and towns in Nepal, providing access to remote areas that are not accessible by road. The Tribhuvan International Airport has undergone recent renovations to improve its facilities and services for passengers, including new restaurants, lounges, and duty-free shops. Currently, only a few airlines fly to this airport from outside the country, some of which are listed on the right. There are no direct flights from Europe and from the US; you will most likely fly via the middle east such as Dubai. A long layover will be no problem there with these tips.
|
Istanbul
|
Turkish Airlines |
| Delhi | Vistara, Air India |
| Dubai | FlyDubai |
| Doha | Qatar Airways |
| Hong Kong | Cathay Pacific |
| Tokyo | Nepal Airlines |
| Kuala Lumpur | Malindo Air |
| Seoul | Korean Air |
| Singapore | Singapore Airlines |
| Bangkok | Thai Smile |
After landing at Kathmandu airport travelers have a few options to get to their destination. One of the most convenient and quick options is to take a taxi, which should take around 16 minutes and cost approximately €2.40 (NPR 305). Another option is to use the bus service provided by Sajha Yatayat, which operates green-colored buses throughout the city. The bus stop for the airport route is located between the International Terminal and the roundabout, and the journey can take up to an hour. Tickets for the bus can be purchased from the driver and typically cost €0.15 (NPR 20) per person. More information on the bus service can be found on the Sajha Yatayat website.
Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most iconic and popular trekking routes in the world, attracting thousands of visitors each year. The trek takes you through the breathtaking Himalayan landscapes of Nepal, including stunning mountain ranges, glaciers, and valleys, and ultimately leads you to the base camp of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. Along the way, you’ll encounter traditional Sherpa villages, monasteries, and tea houses, providing an unique cultural experience in addition to the natural beauty.
The journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small town located at an altitude of 2,860 meters (9,383 feet) above sea level. The flight to Lukla is often described as one of the most thrilling flights in the world, as it involves landing on a narrow runway that is perched on the side of a mountain.
Once in Lukla, trekkers begin their journey towards Everest Base Camp, which is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level. Trekkers can expect to walk an average of 6-7 hours per day, covering a distance of 10-15 kilometers. The trek involves crossing suspension bridges over rushing rivers, steep ascents and descents, and walking through Sherpa villages, rhododendron forests, and high altitude landscapes.
Along the way, trekkers will have the opportunity to experience the local culture and customs of the Sherpa people, who are known for their mountaineering skills and hospitality. They will also visit ancient monasteries such as Tengboche Monastery, which is the largest and most famous monastery in the region.
The trek to Everest Base Camp also includes acclimatization days to help trekkers adjust to the high altitude conditions. These days are essential for preventing altitude sickness, which can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Trekkers will spend a day in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche, two important stops on the trek, where they can explore the local markets, interact with the locals, and take short hikes to higher altitudes.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek, also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, a is another popular trekking route in Nepal, offering equally stunning scenery and cultural experiences. The trek takes you through the beautiful Annapurna region of the Himalayas, passing through traditional Gurung and Magar villages, lush forests, and terraced fields. The highlight of the trek is reaching the base camp of the tenth highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna, which stands at 8,091 meters.
The trek from Nayapul to Annapurna Base Camp is a popular and unforgettable experience, attracting adventurers from all over the world. The journey usually takes around 7-12 days to complete, depending on the route and pace. The trek usually starts from Pokhara or one of the places around such as Nayapul. This is a small town located at an altitude of 1,070 meters (3,510 feet) above sea level, and takes trekkers through a variety of landscapes, from lush subtropical forests to rugged alpine terrain.
Trekkers can expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day, covering a distance of 7-15 kilometers. The trek involves crossing suspension bridges over rushing rivers, climbing steep hills and descending into deep valleys, and walking through a diverse range of terrain. Along the way, trekkers will pass through charming villages such as Ghorepani and Chomrong, where they can experience the local culture and hospitality of the Gurung people.
As trekkers make their way higher into the mountains, the landscape changes and becomes more rugged and dramatic. The trek includes a climb up to Annapurna Base Camp, which is located at an altitude of 4,130 meters (13,550 feet) above sea level. This part of the trek offers spectacular views of towering snow-capped peaks such as Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre (also known as “Fishtail”).
The trek also includes acclimatization days to help trekkers adjust to the high altitude conditions. These days are essential for preventing altitude sickness, which can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Trekkers will spend a day in Ghorepani and another day in Chomrong, where they can rest, explore the local markets, and take short hikes to higher altitudes.
Finally, after reaching Annapurna Base Camp, trekkers will retrace their steps back in the area of Pokhara for their return journey.
What are the differences?
Everest Base Camp trek
- One of the most popular and iconic treks in the world, offering stunning views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam
- A bit more challenging due to the height and longer days, so good mental and physical fitness is required
- Includes acclimatization days to help trekkers adjust to the high altitude conditions, reducing the risk of altitude sickness
- Visits ancient monasteries such as Tengboche Monastery, which is the largest and most famous monastery in the region
- Higher altitude than the Annapurna Base Camp trek, increasing the risk of altitude sickness
- More expensive than the Annapurna Base Camp trek, with fewer accommodation options and higher prices for food and lodging
Annapurna Base Camp trek
- Lower altitude compared to Everest Base Camp trek, reducing risk of altitude sickness
- Offers a variety of accommodation options, including tea houses and lodges that are more affordable than those on the Everest Base Camp trek
- Beautiful views of the Annapurna mountain range and surrounding landscapes
- Less challenging than the Everest Base Camp trek, making it suitable for beginner to intermediate trekkers. Still good fitness is necessary
- Less popular, so less crowded during peak seasons
- Some sections of the trek may be affected by landslides and other natural hazards during monsoon season (June to August)
With an agency?
It is a challenging but rewarding adventure and there are a lot of travel agencies offering trekking. Whether this is something for you really depends on your own needs.
On the positive side, trekking with an agency ensures that you have a well-organized trip with experienced guides who know the region well. The agency will take care of all the logistics, such as accommodation, food, and permits, allowing you to focus solely on the trek. Traveling in a group also offers a social aspect, where you can meet new people from different backgrounds and share the experience with them.
On the negative side, traveling with an agency can be more expensive than organizing the trek independently. Additionally, trekking in a group may limit your flexibility in terms of itinerary and pace, as you have to stick to the group’s schedule. There is also a risk of encountering large crowds of trekkers during peak seasons, which can take away from the solitude and tranquility of the trek.
There are a lot of companies and agencies offering tours to both of the mountains. To start of you have The Natural Adventure, which offers both the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek.
G adventures is a company that also has a broad offer of group travel all over the world. This also includes the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Trek. They offer a supportive and social environment for solo travelers, with the opportunity to meet new people and share the trekking experience.
Intrepid specializes in group trekking for people aged 18 to 20-something, allowing you to join a group with people in your age range. They go to Everest in this category. They also do the Annapurna Base camp Trek, but this is not in their 18 to 20-something category.
Finally, for those interested in a more eco-friendly trekking experience, Responsible Travel offers a range of sustainable trekking tours, including the Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna circuit. Their tours are designed to minimize the impact on the environment and to support local communities, while still providing a challenging and rewarding trekking experience.
Of course, these are just a few opinions, and to really figure out what works best for you, it’s a good idea to do some research and explore all of the options out there.
Embarking on an adventure to Nepal promises to be an experience of a lifetime. With towering Himalayan peaks, Nepal is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers alike. The famous Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Circuit trek take you through some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. So why not pack your bags and explore the beauty and culture of Nepal? The Himalayas are waiting for you.
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