Overview
The Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) is a long-distance trekking route that covers the entire Himalayan section of Nepal, starting from the eastern part of Nepal and ending in the far west. This extraordinary trail stretches approximately 1,700 kilometers and offers trekkers an immersive experience through Nepal’s most breathtaking landscapes. The journey begins at Kanchenjunga and covers a multitude of areas such as the Kanchenjunga circuit, Makalu, Everest, Rolwaling, Langtang and Ruby Valley, Manaslu, Annapurna, Dolpo, Mugu, and the Far West area.
The Kanchenjunga section is the first section of the trail and covers the region around Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain. This section is known for its beautiful landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and rich cultural heritage. Trekkers can witness rhododendron forests, rare wildlife species, and traditional Limbu villages along the way.
The Makalu section of the trail covers the region around Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest peak in the world. This section is known for its challenging terrain and stunning views of the Himalayan range. The area remains relatively unexplored, offering adventurers a true wilderness experience away from crowded trails.
The Everest section of the trail is perhaps the most famous and covers the region around Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. This section is known for its spectacular views of the Himalayas and the unique Sherpa culture. Trekkers pass through legendary villages like Namche Bazaar and have opportunities to visit ancient Buddhist monasteries perched on mountain slopes.
The Rolwaling section of the trail covers the Rolwaling Valley and is known for its challenging terrain and beautiful landscapes. This sacred valley is believed to be one of the hidden valleys blessed by Guru Rinpoche and features pristine glacial lakes and dramatic mountain scenery.
The Langtang and Ruby Valley section of the trail covers the Langtang Valley and is known for its diverse flora and fauna, stunning mountain views and cultural significance. The region is home to the Tamang people, whose warm hospitality and unique traditions add a cultural dimension to the trekking experience.
The Manaslu section of the trail covers the region around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world. This section is known for its remote and untouched landscapes and unique cultural heritage. The circuit around Manaslu offers a quieter alternative to popular treks while delivering equally stunning scenery.
The Annapurna section of the trail covers the Annapurna region and is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse cultures. From lush subtropical forests to high alpine meadows, this section showcases remarkable ecological diversity within a relatively short distance.
The Dolpo section of the trail covers the Dolpo region and is known for its remote and rugged landscapes, unique culture, and ancient monasteries. This region remains one of the most isolated areas in Nepal, preserving centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
The Mugu section of the trail covers the Mugu region and is known for its unique culture, stunning mountain views, and ancient caves. The crystal-clear Rara Lake, Nepal’s largest lake, is a highlight of this remote region.
The Far West area is the final section of the trail and covers the region around Simikot. This section is known for its remote and untouched landscapes and unique cultural heritage. The journey concludes with a sense of accomplishment as trekkers complete one of the world’s most demanding long-distance trails.
Overall, The Great Himalayan Trail is a challenging and rewarding trek that takes you through some of the most beautiful and remote regions of the Himalayas. The trail demands physical endurance, mental strength, and careful preparation, but rewards trekkers with unparalleled natural beauty and authentic cultural encounters. Whether you choose to complete the entire route or tackle individual sections, the Great Himalayan Trail offers a life-changing adventure that connects you with the majestic spirit of the Himalayas. If you seek the ultimate trekking challenge, this trail is absolutely worth exploring.
Package Overview
Great Himalayan Trail
The Great Himalaya Range of mountains goes from Namche Barwa in Tibet to Nanga Parbat in Pakistan, that’s about 4,500 km of continuous mountain! The Great Himalaya Trail takes the highest feasible route through them all and has been completely walked and documented in Nepal, which is roughly 1600km – the highest and hardest section of the Himalaya to trek.
In Nepal there are 20 passes over 5000m and many more lower passes that mean you have to do a lot of up and down, in total over 150,000m as you cross the country. This trek was much harder than a climbing trip I have ever done. Many times I thought we would have to finish because we nearly had no food or fuel. Everybody lost weight and because of the hard trails I often had sore knees and back and ankles.
