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Top 10 Most Popular Himalayan Trekking Routes

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Top 10 Most Popular Himalayan Trekking Routes

One of the greatest adventures you can possibly have in a lifetime is trekking in the Himalayas. Walk at the feet of these majestic giants with snow covered peaks, pass by mystical temples, walk on ancient trails, and experience the culture and the daily life of the hill tribes and breath in the most amazing nature and scenery that you have ever seen. For many people it remains just a dream, sadly. When talking about the highest mountains of the world they picture snow covered paths, climbing gear and extreme physical strength and stamina they must bear with. Well, this is not the case. Or at least not for every route. Make sure to pick a suitable itinerary, have a knowledgeable guide and do not expect luxury accommodation. Apart from that? Take with you the love of nature, sense of humor and a pair of comfortable walking boots.

1.    The Everest Base Camp, Nepal

Lukla-Airport

Photograph taken by Andrew McDougall

The EBC trek in the Khumbu region is one of the most popular routes in the Himalayas. It starts with a mountain flight to Lukla and gives you the opportunity to explore the mountains and valleys around the highest peak on Earth, rest in Nepalese tea houses in the evenings and to learn about the traditions and cultures of the famous Sherpas.

2.   Annapurna Circuit, Nepal

Annapurna- circuit-trekking

Photograph taken by Dragan Tapshanov

The Annapurna Circuit is the second most popular trekking route in Nepal. It passes through various terrains starting from jungle to high alpine, ending in dry deserted region and gives a chance to have a closer look into Tibetan Buddhist culture and with an extension you can enter into the restricted Upper Mustang Region, which goes all the way to Tibet. The highest elevation and also the toughest part of the trek is climbing to Thorung La Pass (5416m).

3.  Markha Valley, Ladakh, India

Markha Valley, Ladakh, India

Found journeys2remember.blogspot.com

It is one of the greatest treks in North India, Ladakh. A truly beautiful and very diverse route, passing through charming valleys, picturesque villages, colorful canyons, and high alpine grasslands. The highest pass on the trail is Kongmaru La (5200m).

4.  Mount Kailash, Tibet, China

Mount-Kailash

Photograph taken by Raphael Bick

Mt. Kailash described as the spiritual center of the universe in ancient texts, is a sacred mountain to four religions and the greatest mountain pilgrimage on Earth. Many Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims walk the very strenuous sacred circuit around the mountain to cleanse themselves of sins of a lifetime. Given that Tibet is not available for solo travelers this trek is only accessible with tour guide lead groups.

5.  Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill, Nepal

Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill, Nepal

Photograph taken by Nathan C. Potter

This route combines many different landscapes and brings you close to the base of 7000 and 8000 meter high peaks in a short period of time. The entire trek can be completed in 7 to 11 days depending on the itinerary. The Annapurna Base Camp trek famous for it’s variety of people, rich culture, beautiful landscapes and panorama view.

6.  The K2 Base Camp Trek, Karakoram Range, Pakistan

The K2 Base Camp Trek, Pakistan

Photograph taken by Javier Camacho Gimeno

The K2 Base Camp Trek is an extremely strenuous, long and challenging walk through an isolated and craggy land. K2 is considered to have one of the world’s most magnificent scenery that can not be compared to anywhere else in the mighty mountains. Unfortunately trekking in Pakistan can be difficult or even impossible due to the unstable political situation.

7.  Ganden to Samye, Tibet

Ganden to Samye, Tibet

Photograph taken by Carlo Marrazza

With its mysteries and legends, Tibet has long been a desired destination among trekkers. This route East of Lhasa, is one of the most beautiful trekking routes of central Tibet linking two of the most prominent monasteries together and providing access to Tibet’s first monastery of the 8th Century.

8.  Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand, India

Valley of Flowers Trek, Uttarakhand, India

Photograph by Leonid Tit

There are many legends associated with the enchanted and magical Valley of Flowers National Park. Due to its outstanding natural beauty locals believe it is the playground of fairies and that they descend in the valley in the absence of humans. The best time to visit the valley is from the beginning of July when the plants begin to bloom. In September, the plants prepare for over eight-months of hibernation. By the end of September, the valley is again covered with snow.

9.  Druk Path Trek, Bhutan

Druk Path Trek, Bhutan

Found on Pinterest.com

Bhutan is one if the most isolated countries on this planet, also called “Land of The Thunder Dragon“. It requires previous planning and organization but it worth’s all the effort, time and money.
This trek takes normally six days to complete and it is the most popular in the country as it passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes offering the opportunity to visit some ancient villages and monasteries.

10.  Chadar Trek on the Frozen River of Zanskar, India

Chadar Trek on the Frozen River of Zanskar, India

Found on Pinterest.com

This is the ultimate experience for adventure lovers. Walking on top of the frozen river of Zanskar creates the most exciting and unique experience, a very special and an extraordinary trek on shiny ice.
For the local people for centuries it has been the only possible way of accessing snow-bound villages in winter. Nowadays this is a popular route among thrill seekers for the breath-taking views of ice-peaks and hanging icicles.

Source: Top Inspired

Nepal for Tourists

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  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    This trek is the one of best views of annapurna range, nilgiri , Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak , Dhampus peak , Hiunchuli ,Machhapuchhre , Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal other many more greatest views of mountains you never seen before.
  • KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
  • 08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    Sagamartha (Everest) Base Camp trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world.
  • KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia.
  • KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash, the sacred mountain and the abode of the Hindu god Shiva is one of the world's greatest pilgrimage destinations especially for Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others.
  • MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.

Nepal, a tiny country located north of India, has long been popular with tourists looking to trek in the Himalayan peaks. Popular locations in Nepal, including the city of Kathmandu, the Khumbu Valley, and Pokhara, have a well-developed tourist infrastructure, and tourists will find it easy to locate transportation, accommodations, tours and food. Whether you are traveling on or off the beaten path, you will find the Nepali people to be warm and more than willing to welcome you into their culture and country.

Trekking

One of the most common reasons tourists’ visit Nepal is to trek among the most famous mountains in the world. The Himalaya Mountains run the length of the country, offering unparalleled hiking and climbing opportunities. The two most popular treks in Nepal are the Everest Base Camp trek and the Annapurna trek. The Everest trek, which takes you to the base camp on the Khumbu Glacier, usually starts with a short flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Annapurna treks begin in Pokhara. You can trek with a tour group or on your own; guides and porters can be arranged in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Budget travelers will save an enormous amount of money by trekking on their own. Lonely Planet’s “Trekking the Nepal Himalaya” is an excellent guide, and trails are well marked.

Transportation

Travelers in Nepal generally get around the country by bus or flight. Buses serve almost every location in the country, and generally come in a variety of classes. The tourist class buses are the most comfortable, and often include an on-board restroom. Second-class buses are less modern, but are perfectly adequate for medium-distance journeys, such as the one from Pokhara to Kathmandu. To book a bus, simply visit one of the tour offices that populate most cities or inquire at your hotel; most will be able to arrange tickets for you. For travelers with less time, Nepal has several domestic airlines: Buddha Air, Cosmic Air and Yeti Airlines.

Visas

Citizens of most western countries can obtain a single-entry tourist visa on arrival. You will be required to pay $30 (as of May 2010) and to provide a passport photo for the visa. If you are flying into Kathmandu, a photographer will take the photo for a small fee. Be sure to have cash on hand for the visa and photo; there is a currency exchange before visa processing, but no ATM. Visas are generally given for a 60-day stay and can be extended by visiting the Immigration Department in Kathmandu or Pokhara for a $50 30-day extension.

Airport Taxes

Nepal has exit taxes for all flights, whether you are flying domestically or internationally. For travelers leaving Kathmandu on an international flight, the tax is “Rs. 900 (about $13 in May 2010) if going to SAARC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) and Rs. 1,100 (about $16) to all other international destinations,” according to the Visit Nepal website. Taxes on domestic flights are Rs.165 ($2.36).

Culture

The Nepali population and culture have been influenced largely by India to the south and Tibet to the north. According to Nepal.com, there are 35 different ethnic groups who are mostly Hindu or Buddhist. The website advises that visitors handle items and eat with their right hand, as the Nepalese “use their left hand to wash themselves after being to the toilet.” When traveling in Nepal, dress modestly to show respect, and refrain from public displays of affection. Regardless of the region in which you travel, says Lonely Planet, “many visitors, drawn to Nepal by the promise of adventure, leave equally enchanted by the friendliness and openness of the Nepali people.”

Source: USA Today

Tourists from 120 countries trekked Annapurna Circuit in 2014

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Tourists from 120 countries enjoyed the Annapurna Circuit Trek in 2014.

Junu Pun, tourism assistant at Dharapani check post of Annapurna Conservation Area project (ACAP), said the popular trekking trail received visitors from 120 countries from across the world in 2014. Last year, the trail had received visitors from 86 countries. “The popularity of Annapurna Region is growing with each passing year. We are getting visitors from across the world,” she added.

Annapurna Region

Data compiled by ACAP shows a total of 20,694 foreign tourists enjoyed the Annapurna Circuit Trek in 2014. The trek begins from Besishahar of Lamjung and concludes in Jomsom after crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m). Last year, 21,207 tourists had completed the trek.

Tourism entrepreneurs say the popular trekking route is attracting visitors from across the world. “Not only the conventional markets, we have started receiving guests from new markets,” Ram Chandra Sharma, president of Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) Western Regional Association, Pokhara, said.
Tourists from Sri Lanka, Syria, Pakistan, Mongolia, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Dominican Republic, Cambodia, Bolivia and Paraguay enjoyed the Annapurna Circuit trek in 2014.

“Word of mouth publicity is the biggest advertisement. It is good to note that tourists from new countries are coming here and promoting our products and services in their countries,” added Sharma.

France (2,702), Israel (2,687), Germany (2,042), United States (1,441), United Kingdom (1,317), Australia (1,095), Russia (859), Spain (849), Netherlands (812) and South Korea (691) were the top 10 countries in terms of number of visitors completing the Annapurna Circuit Trek in 2014, according to ACAP.

Source: Republica

The “New” Route on Everest

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The “New” Route on Everest

This past week, there has been extensive media coverage of a “new” route on Everest. Once again, shallow journalism has misstated reality. The fact is there not a totally new route but rather a small change within the Khumbu Icefall that amounts to about 4% of the traditional Southeast Ridge route being affected.

The BBC is mostly responsible for this headline with their article and other outlets picking it up and simply parroting the story. In the first version, since changed, the BBC article as I read it, suggested the route was to no longer traverse through the Icefall at all. While theoretically possible to avoid the Icefall by climbing from Lhotse’s East Face or traversing the flanks of Nuptse, it is practically impossible.

Everest-new-route

All of the coverage is driven by the tragic deaths of 16 mountain workers on April 20, 2014 from a release of an ice serac off the West Shoulder of Everest into the Khumbu Icefall. The route is installed and maintained by a team of dedicated Sherpas under the direction of the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC), Each client pays $600 as part of their permit for this service. For the last two decades or so, the route went directly underneath the fall line of a serac (the bottom of a hanging glacier) thus increasing the exposure to anyone in the area if the serac released.

The route had migrated towards the West Shoulder from a safer but longer route in the center of the Icefall to accelerate the climb through the Icefall for workers and clients alike. Almost every year the serac had released thus the danger was well known, but accepted by most of the workers in order to move faster. Western guide companies, led by Russell Brice, had asked for a safer route for years but their request fell on deaf ears. Brice even canceled his 2012 season based on this danger. After the 2014 tragedy and with immense pressure from the Nepal Government, operators, world media and climbers, the SPCC re-evaluated the current route and is planning – note future tense – to shift the route away from the West Shoulder and more towards the center for the upcoming 2015 season.

Everest-basecamp-new-route

The current estimate is to move the route about 150 feet towards Nuptse and the center of the Icefall from last years position. This may not be far enough if a larger release occurs than last year’s.

The Icefall is approximately 1,500 feet long and the section in danger is maybe 500 feet of that. The total route from Everest Base Camp to the summit is 11,535 feet so we are talking about 4% of the route. There are few good options for climbing through the Icefall. The center of a glacier moves the fastest and has tall seracs and ice blocks that shift without warning. By moving the route to the climber’s right as seen from EBC, climbers are exposed to avalanches and serac releases from Nuptse. In general, the Icefall is estimated to move 3 feet or 1 meter a day.

In all cases, the higher one goes in the icefall, the more jumbled and dangerous it becomes. Ladders are commonly used to scale high ice walls.

Pete Athens, 7 time Everest summiter, was interviewed on NPR in an objective, non-sensationalize style. He had recently returned from Everest to work with the SPCC on the proposed route change. Click this link to listen to his interview. He also said:

We had a much colder season this year. We had more snow, and I think that that bodes well, actually, for the icefall. If there’s greater coverage, if there’s greater snow, I think we actually see the icefall route be somewhat more predictable.

everest_2008_1296

From other sources, it appears using helicopters to ferry gear into the Western CWM has not been approved by the Nepal government for environmental reasons.

The modified route will make the climb from Everest Base Camp to Camp 1 in the Western CWM longer by about an hour according to some estimates.

Finally these stories of a “new” route have provided a platform for those wanting to promote climbs from Tibet. The following table is an objective look at the statics from the Himalayan Database comparing the deaths of hired, their term for mountain workers, who went above their respective base camps and died. This covers the time frame from the first deaths in 1922 on the Tibet side to last year’s 19 total worker deaths on the Nepal side.

Above Base Camp Deaths %
North 3,419 23 0.7%
South 6,800 61 0.9%
Total 10,219 84 0.82%

So with all this pre-climb publicity, the world’s attention once again includes Everest. The reality is no one knows where the route will be placed until the Icefall Doctors can evaluate the dangers in person. This should start in late March.

Climb On!
Alan
Memories are everything

Source: Alanarnette.com

Circuit trek route being developed

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  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    This trek is the one of best views of annapurna range, nilgiri , Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak , Dhampus peak , Hiunchuli ,Machhapuchhre , Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal other many more greatest views of mountains you never seen before.
  • KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
  • 08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    Sagamartha (Everest) Base Camp trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world.
  • KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia.
  • KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash, the sacred mountain and the abode of the Hindu god Shiva is one of the world's greatest pilgrimage destinations especially for Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others.
  • MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.

A study has been initiated to develop a circuit trek route encompassing Pokhara and villages in Tanahu and Syangja districts in a bid to boost rural tourism.

The survey will plot a route joining Pokhara, Chisapani, Chitre Bhanjyang, Kihu, Arudodaya, Siddha Cave and Bhimad. “The circuit has been developed with a motive to promote rural tourism,” said Aash Bahadur Gurung, general secretary of the Trek Management Committee.

The plan to develop a trek route was launched 14 years ago but no serious efforts have been made since. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (Taan) have pledged to promote the initiative.

The trekking circuit will pass through 15 village development committees (VDCs) consisting of more than 30 villages in Tanahun and Syangja and two municipalities. The planned trekking circuit is 57 km long and rises from an elevation of 420 metres to 1,709 metres.

The trekking circuit aims to offer trekkers an experience of endangered cultures. The walk can be completed in 10 days. It will offer scenic views of mountains that cannot be seen from the cities. The route also features picturesque spots like Millennium Cave, Budha Kot, Deupuje Dhunga, Bhirkot Kalika, Manakamana Temple, Raipur and Kolma Kot. The Millennium Trek Festival has been organized for the past three years to promote the trekking circuit. “Our initiative has helped the increased the number of tourists,” said Harka Gurung, coordinator of the festival.

Source: ekantipur

American in bid to set Himalayan trail record

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  • ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP TREK - 15 DAYS
    This trek is the one of best views of annapurna range, nilgiri , Dhaulagiri , Tukuche peak , Dhampus peak , Hiunchuli ,Machhapuchhre , Gangapurna, Lamjung Himal other many more greatest views of mountains you never seen before.
  • KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    KATHMANDU-POKHARA-CHITWAN TOUR (BY FLY/LAND)- 07 NIGHTS 08 DAYS
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    DAMODAR KUND TOUR BY HELICOPTER - 05 NIGHTS 06 DAYS
    Many Hindus from round the globe are dreaming to take a holy bath at least once in their life time in the sacred Damodar-Kund
  • 08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    08 DAYS 07 NIGHTS NEPAL TRIP: KATHMANDU 3N, CHITWAN 2N, POKHARA 2N
    Nepal, the land of splendid nature and rich culture is waiting for you exploration through its different facets.
  • EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK - 17 DAYS
    Sagamartha (Everest) Base Camp trek takes us into one of the most spectacular regions of Nepal where the Sherpa culture thrives amongst the highest peaks in the world.
  • KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    KAILASH MANSAROVAR YATRA BY OVERLAND - 14 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash (6714m) is the most sacred mountain in Asia.
  • KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    KAILASH YATRA BY HELICOPTER VIA NEPALGUNJ/SIMIKOT/HILSA/TAKLAKOT - 11 DAYS
    Mt. Kailash, the sacred mountain and the abode of the Hindu god Shiva is one of the world's greatest pilgrimage destinations especially for Hindus, Buddhist, Jains and others.
  • MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    MUKTINATH TOUR BY LAND/FLIGHT
    Muktinath is one of the most ancient Hindu temples of God Vishnu.

Martin Coleman, a climber from Colorado in the US, said he was attempting to cross the Great Himalayan Trail in record time this spring. “On March 17, I’ll be leaving for Nepal to complete the Great Himalayan Trail.

It is 1,250 miles from the border with India to the border with Tibet. I am taking the route that was used to set the record for the traverse and it will involve more than 2.6 million steps and more than 500,000 feet of elevation change,” he said. Not many people have ever completed the traverse and typical times are five months. The record for the traverse is 49 days 6 hours and 8 minutes.

Source: The Himalayan Times