First Timers Guide to Trekking in Nepal

Nepal, the land of soaring Himalayan peaks and rich cultural heritage, offers some of the world's most spectacular trekking experiences. As a first-timer, trekking in Nepal offers the perfect balance of adventure and challenge, but the remoteness can be daunting so here's your comprehensive guide to prepare for an unforgettable first trekking holiday in Nepal.

Image

Why Trek in Nepal?

Trekking doesn’t get more diverse than in Nepal. From the ancient forest in the lower rolling foothills, to the valley plateaus and to the summits of 6,000 metre Himalayan mountains. But, a trekking holiday in Nepal goes beyond the trail, it’s a cultural immersion. Trekking deep into remote valleys inaccessible by motor vehicles and planes, the locals still hold onto their traditional way of life and along the trails you’ll have to make sure you walk clockwise round the Stupas and pay respect to the monasteries you’ll be welcomed into. Holidays in Nepal are more than just about the trek.

Image

Which trek in Nepal is best for beginners?

As one of the worlds most rural countries, there is an abundance of inspiring walks and treks in Nepal. However, there are a couple of iconic trails and places that stand out above the rest.

Everest Base Camp

Image

Few trips are more iconic than the Everest Base Camp trek. For a few months a year, at the foot of the infamous Khumbu Glacier, this empty frozen lake becomes a village of explorers seeking to conquer the worlds highest peak. Whether you do the trek during the Everest climbing season or not, the Everest Base Camp trek is a perfect first timers trek in the Himalayas with easier walking days and teahouse accommodation. But don’t under estimate the altitude, this isn’t a walk in the park, however it is a well balanced trip of challenging and cultural.

Annapurna Region

Image

Easy trails, comfortable guesthouses and an abundance of cultural highlights all make the Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary trek a perfect first trekking holiday in Nepal. There is also the dynamic opportunity to take on an easier or more challenging trek, from the lucutury lodge trek to a KE Classic to Chulu Far Eash and into the hidden valleys of Naar and Phu.

Trekking Summits

Image

Trekking holidays in Nepal don’t just stay in the foothills and valley floors. While surrounded by seemingly unclimbable peaks, there are a few peaks that can be conquered without too much technical skill. Our qualified local guides will teach you all the rope work and crampon skills needed to conquer your first Himalayan peak.

Image

When to go to Nepal?

The monsoon season of the Northern Summer, has one of the greatest affects to the trekking conditions in Nepal. As such the best times to do your first trekking holiday in Nepal in in the Spring (March to May) as wintery weather abates a little and before the monsoon season, and October to November when the weather is equally as stable.

Image

What is the Accommodation like?

The accommodation on our trekking holidays in Nepal is varied between tents and tea houses. Some treks, such as the classic Everest Base Camp trek are entirely base in teahouses. However, as we venture further into the more remote valleys these teahouses become fewer and farther between, as such we take to tents to keep exploring these remote valleys and passes.

Image

Cultural etiquette

Nepal's rich cultural tapestry includes Hindu, Buddhist, and animist traditions that have flourished for centuries in relative isolation. As a visitor, demonstrating respect for local customs enhances both your experience and your reception by local communities. The Nepalese are known for their warmth and hospitality, and a little cultural sensitivity goes a long way. Our local guides serve as cultural ambassadors, explaining traditions and helping you navigate appropriate behaviour at religious sites, in villages, and during interactions with locals. These cultural exchanges often become highlights of somebody’s first trekking experience in Nepal, offering insights into ways of life that have remained largely unchanged for generations in the mountain communities.

Image

Communications

As you might expect, connecting to phone and internet signal in the remoter parts of the Himalayas is a little patchy and can be expensive. You can purchase SIM cards in Kathamndu for basic connectivity and along the trail tea houses do offer WiFi, however the higher you go the more this is likely to cost. Our guides to carry satellite phones for emergency communication.

Image

Tips for first time trekkers to Nepal

Trekking holidays in Nepal are unlike nearly anywhere else in the world. It’s an opportunity that will stay with you. However to improve the experience we have a couple of quick tips:

  1. Pack light – porters typically carry 15kg of your gear
  2. Break in your boots before arrival
  3. Take your time – trekking is not a race
  4. Capture memories but be present in the experience
  5. Follow your guide's advice – they're experienced professionals

Image

Lets Get Trekking in Nepal!

Nepal is such an incedible country. It can be the toughest trekking destinations, but there are easier routes. Culturaly it's so different to the West, but our guide are there to help and yes there will be times when you have zero internet. But embrace it, because you are in one of the most beautiful part sof the world with soem fo the friendliest people in the world.

You're bound to have questions un answered here, however our team is filled with those that have first time experience of trekking in Nepal so would be happy to help. Just pick up the phone and give us a call or drop us an email.

Footer logos
Your Wishlist
No Wishlist Items

Start your next adventure.

Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to save a holiday to your wishlist.

Holiday Search