Himalayan Hiking Trails

Trekking the Himalayas is a firm fixture on the bucket list of many keen hikers. The iconic mountain range spans from Kyrgyzstan to Burma, with a huge number of treks along its 4,000-kilometer length. Some people prefer to head to Nepal, while others have always dreamt of hiking in Bhutan.

Perhaps the most famous Himalayan trek is to Everest base camp in Nepal. Due to its popularity you will need to book ahead, but it’s an 11-day trek to the foot of the tallest mountain in the world.

If you want to dodge the crowds, Nepal is also home to the Manaslu Circuit. This 14–16-day hike snakes around the base of Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, and is a good alternative to the more crowded Annapurna Circuit.

There are also some great treks in India. The Gangotri Glacier Trek takes around six days and takes you to the source of the Ganges, the most sacred river in India. Another good option is the Markha Valley trek, a six–eight-day adventure that takes you close to Tibet.

If you can get the right visas, you can get into Tibet itself. You may also want to hike in Bhutan, but visas can be hard to come by.

All along the Himalayas there are spectacular treks crying out for hikers. The main restriction is organizing a guide, which can be done through a tour company or locally.