Nepal has declared year 2020 as Visit Nepal Year with a target of 2 million tourist arrivals. The government expects supports from local and international tourism trade entrepreneurs, Nepalese residing abroad (NRNs), foreign diplomatic missions and of course the individual travellers to make this a grand success.
There should be peace and sound political situation in order to increase the number of tourists. However, efforts are being made to extend their average length of stay and daily expenditures. We should also focus on branding our tourism products among the international media. The centuries old history, culture, traditions and natural resources are the important factors to lure the tourists from all over the world.
Nepal is full of reasons to be on a travellers bucket list. Its friendly people, culture, heritage, sites, landscapes and world-class trekking trails are to name a few. The biggest attraction is however the amazing views of the Himalayan ranges as Nepal is home to eight of the fourteen highest peaks in the world such as Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Manaslu, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
Besides, Nepal’s dense forests are other reasons to visit this amazing country. The endangered elephant, one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger and many elusive bird species are found here. Nepal has a range of climatic conditions although it occupies a very small area of the Earth. It is a landlocked country that extends from 67 meters to 8,848 meters, the highest Mount Everest.
Nepal has world famous unique trekking trails rich with natural heritage, biodiversity, ethnicity, remoteness, virginity, sacred and off-the-beaten paths where only a few have been before. Some trekking routes even go through the high passes that demand the highest level of stamina. Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp treks are the most popular trekking trails for 2020.
We have a list of top 20 selected trekking trails for VNY 2020:
1- Everest Base Camp Trek – 14 Days
Trek to Everest Base Camp offers the spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse and many other great peaks. The trip covers the thrilling flights to Lukla, visit of Sherpa hometown Namche Bazaar, the ancient Tengboche Monastery and finally the exciting view of the Khumbu Ice-fall.
2- Everest Panorama Trek – 9 Days
The Everest Panorama trek is suitable to the short time trekkers and young parents with their kids. This trek offers the magnificent view of the highest Mount Everest (8,848m), also popular as Everest view trek. Additionally, it combines the introduction of unique Sherpa culture and adventure.
3- Everest Three Passes Trek – 17 Days
Everest High Passes trek covers the major three high passes of the Khumbu region. Hence the fabulous Renjo la, the challenging Chola and adventurous Kongma la passes are the highlights of this trek. The views of Mt. Everest and the great Himalayan range from Gokyo Ri is truly unforgettable.
4- Makalu Base Camp Trek – 18 Days
Makalu Base Camp trek is also a virgin trail with great biodiversity like a living laboratory. The trek offers magnificent views of the great mountains such as Makalu, Chamlang, Everest and Lhotse. This is one of the best alternative treks for travellers who prefer less crowded route in the Everest region.
5- Annapurna Circuit Trek – 20 Days
The major attractions of Annapurna Circuit trek are the adventurous Thorung la pass and the 360 degree views of the Annapurna Himalayan range. Furthermore, Muktinath Temple, the deepest Kaligandaki gorge, stunning viewpoint- Poonhill, flora, fauna and its diverse ethnicity are the bonus outcome.
6- Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 11 Days
Annapurna Base Camp trek is the shortest trek available to the Himalayan glaciers. The trek offers to witness the great countrysides, typical Magar and Gurung settlements. The stunning viewpoint Poonhill, Jhinu hot spring and the massive views from the Base Camp are some highlights of this trek.
7- Poonhill Ghorepani Trek – 7 Days
Ponhill Ghorepani trek is an ideal trip suitable for family, children and young students. The trek offers varieties of attractions such as adventure, breathtaking Sunrise views from Poonhill, traditional ethnic villages, countrysides, rice field, scenic landscapes and the dense Rhododendron forest.
8- Annapurna Skyline Trek – 9 Days
Annapurna Skyline trek is famous for the panoramic views of the entire Annapurna Himalayan range, unique Gurung culture and traditions, impressive landscapes, rivers and streams. The stunning views from Poonhill and natural hot spring pond at Tatopani are the major aspects of this trek.
9- Mardi Himal Trek – 9 Days
Mardi Himal trek offers the spectacular views of Mt. Fishtail and Annapurna including the Mardi Peak itself. The trail is also rich in mixed indigenous lifestyles, cultures and traditions. Another great feature of the Mardi Himal route is the taste of home-stay and smiling people along the trail.
10- Langtang Gosaikunda Trek – 14 Days
The combined trek of Langtang and Gosaikunda Lake is a classic route that offers the spectacular views of Langtang Ri and Ganesh Himal. The mixed culture of Sherpa, Tamang and Lama Societies, Tibetan style village settlements and the adventurous Gosainkunda pass are the major attractions of this trek.
11- Tamang Heritage Langtang Trek – 13 Days
Tamang Heritage trail together with the Langtang and Kyanjing Gompa is a combined itinerary designed for people expecting to experience some adventure, fun, cultural diversity and social lifestyle. The trek offers a taste of traditional villages of Tibetan influence and the livelihood of Tamang People.
12- Langtang Valley Trek – 9 Days
Langtang Valley trek is another amazing trek that takes to the foot of the glaciers at Kyanjing Gompa passing through the Tibetan village in Langtang. The trek offers an impressive vegetation and flowers en-route. Ascent of Tserko Ri is a bonus adventure trip and for the views of the Himalayan panorama.
13- Manalsu Circuit Trek – 14 Days
Manalsu Circuit trek is an emerging trekking trail as an alternative route to the popular Annapurna Circuit trek. The major attraction of this trek is the challenging Larke pass. Diverse culture of Hindu and Buddhist socities and the sacred monasteries and traditional villages are other highlights.
14- Tsum Valley Trek – 15 Days
Tsum Valley trek is the sacred trekking trail and was unexplored until few years back. Still its virginity and purity of unique culture and traditions of the Buddhist people along with the sacred monasteries, ancient gompas, chortens and mani walls are truly awesome to experience once in a lifetime.
15- Upper Mustang Trek – 16 Days
The Upper Mustang trek includes the tour of ancient walled city of Lo Manthang, mud-houses at Choser and the 14th century monasteries including the ancient village settlements of Tibetan influence. It may be interesting to witness the survival of the people for centuries in Upper Mustang across the Himalayas.
16- Upper Dolpo Trek – 21 Days
The pristine landscape, turquoise-blue Phoksundo Lake, remote villages, high passes and ancient Buddhist monasteries including the most admired Shey Gompa are the major highlights of Upper Dolpo trek. The trek requires a fully supported camp-crew and special permits that costs US $50 per day.
17- Lower Dolpo Circuit Trek – 16 Days
One of the major highlights of the Lower Dolpo Circuit trek is the blue Phoksundo Lake and interestingly the lake contains no aquatic life. Due to the widespread biodiversity, opportunity to experience the remoteness, challenging high passes and breathtaking views of the snowy peaks; it can be an exceptional adventure.
18- Nar Phu Valley Trek – 10 Days
Nar Phu Valley trek is the spectacular Himalayan trail opened lately for foreign trekkers combining the two separate villages of Nar and Phu. It is also a virgin trail and the inhabitants in this area are from Tibetan origin. The challenging Kang la pass is a bonus adventure for more enthusiast trekkers.
19- Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek – 21 Days
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP) is regarded as a tri-national (Nepal-India-China) peace park that lies in eastern Nepal and also recognized as a Global Eco Region by WWF. It is a scenic off-the-beaten trail which offers the spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and remote settlements.
20- Sundarijal Nagarkot Trek – 3 Days
Sundarijal Nagarkot trek is the shortest and closest hiking trip available with spectacular views of the Langtang Himalayan range and Kathmandu Valley. It is a suitable trek for families and children and an ideal excursion for a quick city escape. So, the trip is a perfect blend of adventure, culture and fun.
Popular Climbing Trips for more enthusiast trekkers:
Island Peak Climbing – 13 Days
Island Peak is one of Nepal’s most searched after trekking peaks for passionate climbers. It is NMA listed popular climbing peak in the Everest region of Nepal. The permit fee is also different for all four seasons. Hence Island Peak climbing can be customized with the Everest Base Camp trek on request.
Mera Peak Climbing – 15 Days
Mera Peak climbing is also suitable for beginners in the mountaineering expeditions. However, some basic knowledge of rope climbing is necessary for the trip. One of the greatest features of this peak is the view of the stunning panorama of five 8,000-meter peaks from its summit of 6,470 meters.
Popular Helicopter Trips for time bounded travellers:
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour – 1 day
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is the best option for people who cannot manage a trek for two weeks. This tour can be taken by the travellers of any age including children and senior citizens. The tour completes in a few hours from Kathmandu with an opportunity of landing at the Base Camp (5,545m).
Annapurna Base Camp Heli Tour – 1 Day
Like Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour, Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour is another day trip available everyday in the morning as per your interest either from Kathmandu or Pokhara. The tour offers the best aerial views of the Annapurna Himalayan range and includes landing at the Base Camp.
Popular Pilgrimage Day Trip for religious travellers:
Muktinath Helicopter Tour – 1 Day
Muktinath Dham is a famous pilgrimage destination for both Hindu and Buddhist followers. A huge number of pilgrims from Nepal and India visit this holy temple by Helicopter. Muktinath Helicopter Tour is the best option for short time vacationers which completes just in a couple of hours from Pokhara.
Luxury Heli Treks for short time vacationers:
Everest Base Camp Heli Trek – 9 Days
Everest Base Camp Heli Trek is designed for people opting to reach the Everest Base Camp on their foot but cannot manage two weeks. This 9-day trek starts at Kathmandu on a regular flight to Lukla and trekking to Everest Base Camp. Then, you will be lifted by a Helicopter and the trip ends in Kathmandu.
Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek – 5 Days
Similarly, Annapurna Base Camp Heli Trek is intended for trekkers having a short duration of holiday but aim to reach as higher as possible on foot. In fact, the trek is for 3 days only from ABC to Pokhara. The additional 2 days are the journey time between Kathmandu and Pokhara on regular flights.
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