| Nepal as a destination for trekking & mountaineering The immense contrasts in altitudes and climates found here support an equally spectacular mix of lifestyles and wildlife. Trekking in Nepal is as much a cultural experience as a Himalayan Adventure. In the shadows and foothills of the icy pinnacles of the Himalayas, one passes picturesque charming villages inhabited by diverse ethnic groups. Treks vary from expeditions, high altitude treks to simple easy paced walks. In its immensely diverse and undulating topography, varied climate and mix of people combine to produce a magical attraction for outsiders. Many of these foreign visitors come to trek one or more of the many beautiful trekking regions now opened by HMG.
Nepal is still largely without roads; long established trails and ancient trading routes connect isolated villages. Here life has changed little over the years and it is by trekking in Nepal that one can discover the true magnetism of the country. One can trek along the beaten trails or virgin tracks. There is something for everyone - the magnificent tumble of great snow summits; the highest in the world, or great-ridges carpeted in alpine flowers, forest of Rhododendrons, isolated hamlets, villages, small mountain towns, birds, animals, temples, monasteries, many different people etc, trekking can be done from October and November.
For visitors on extended holiday, there is an even more varied spectrum of adventure-be it rafting on sparkling rivers, safaris in the jungles, trekking to explore deeper into the alpine valleys with perpetual snow and glistering glaciers. The more intrepid traveller may venture further up to scale any of the 18 minor trekking peaks. The consummate classical experience in the Himalayas is to commune
with nature; cutting loose from the trappings of concrete jungles
and the frenzy of modern life. The attained experience is extremely
rewarding and rejuvenating. The main trekking region of Nepal:
One of the most popular treks begins at the lakeside town of Pokhara and leads six or seven days northwest around the Annapurna Massif, through dramatic changes in landscape, climate and culture to the high village of Jomsom, near the isolated land of Mustang. Trekkers often continue on to the sacred shrine of Muktinath, near the 5,415-meter Thorang-La pass and down into the lovely valley of Manang. The route through Manang circles the Annapurna back to the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. The Annapurna circuit takes one through terraced hills, forests and alpine pastures and through the villages of a number of different cultures.
The other popular trekking routes of the region are Jomsom, Annapurna Circuit and Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna foothills, Sikles, Lamjung, Dhaulagiri, Upper Mustang and around Pokhara. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn. Unlike other part of Nepal, even the monsoon months are ideal to visit to Upper Mustang that falls in the rain shadow area. Most trekking routes in the Annapurna region are well serviced by teahouse trekkers should, however, be careful while trekking to the more remote parts of the region.
Above Helambu is a mountain pass through the lakes of Gosainkunda reaching the valley of Langtang. Gosainkunda Lake itself is situated at 4,380 meters. It is sacred to Lord Shiva and every summer there throngs thousands of Hindu devotees to take a holy dip into the waters of the holy lake.The trek passes through a varied landscape ranging from evergreen forests, cascading waterfalls and turbulent streams to sub-alpine grasslands and stark, beautiful mountainsides. Langtang valley stretches north of Gosainkunda. One travels through pristine forests to the village of Ghoda Tabela, then the valley opens out into a high, Himalayan river plain full of beautiful camping sites, spectacular peaks and wide glaciers. One can hike to the back of the valley or take numerous optional trips to explore glacier-filled side canyons.
The valley approaching the mountain base camp has been opened to trekking, specifically for organized treks. The long trek to the lap of Kanchanjunga takes one through some of the country's richest and most pristine forests. The region is quite uninhabited, so the visitor must bring along all food and camping equipment. Most groups fly in and out of Taplejung, which requires a plane change from Biratnagar. You could also walk to Taplejung from Basantapur, which takes about three days. Two separate routes head northeastwards from Taplejung, one to the North Base Camp, the other to the South Base Camp. These routes can be combined into a circuit. There will be optional mountaineering opportunities and is the best option for hikers seeking extended challenge.
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The
Everest region is one of the best-known trekking trails in the
world. It is located in the northeast of Nepal. The most visited
part of this region is Solukhumbu district, home of the legendary
Sherpas and the highest peak of the world. The Mt. Everest at.
8,848 meters. To the north of Solokhumbu is Everest national park;
while to the east is the Makalu Barun National Park. Popular trekking
area is Everest Base Camp, Gokyo Valley, Lukla, Pike Danda, Duda
Kunda, Salleri, Chiwong Circuit, Hinkhu, Hongu Valleys and Everest
to Arun Valley. How to trek in the Everest region depends on the
route chose. Teahouse trekking is possible on the main trail to
Everest Base Camp or the route up Gokyo Valley. 
Gateway
to Annapurna trekking region is the famous city of Pokhara. North
of Pokhara is an area protected by the Annapurna Conservation
Area Project, tucked beneath the southern slopes of the Annapurna
Massif. The Sanctuary is an easy trek from Pokhara and takes one
through some of Nepal's most lovely rhododendron forests to the
Annapurna base camp. There are also numerous one or two day treks
out of Pokhara town, where one can have views of Dhaulagiri, the
Annapurna range, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. 
Langtang
area is toward the north of Kathmandu valley. The scenery here
is spectacular, and the trek more adventurous as fewer tourists
visit the area. Helambu region is easily accessible to those who
have limited time, where one may experience Tamang and Sherpa
life, temperate forest and alpine pastures, glaciers, lakes, snowy
peaks and spectacular view in spring when the Rhododendron are
in bloom. Helambu valley noted for its scenic grandeur and pleasant
climate, lie in the north of the Kathmandu Valley. One can stay
in highland monastery villages and small settlements in pristine
forests. 
