The Most Challenging Treks In Nepal

Home to lofty peaks, incredible scenery, and a rich cultural heritage, Nepal is one of the world’s best trekking destinations.

But with so many different treks to choose from, selecting just one hiking route for your next expedition in Nepal isn’t easy—especially if you have an appetite for adventure.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the most challenging treks in Nepal. Whether you’re looking to push yourself physically or you simply want to head off the beaten path, here are 5 excellent, yet difficult, treks to consider for your next trip to the high Himalaya.

Everest Three Passes Trek

• Trek Duration: 20 days
• Maximum Elevation: 5,545 m (18,192 ft)
• Best Time: September–December or March–June
• Type of Trek: Tea House/Lodge

Of all Nepal’s well-established trekking routes, the Everest Three Passes Trek is easily one of its most difficult. This 20-day trek takes you into the heart of Nepal’s famed Solukhumbu District and onto the path less traveled around Mount Everest.

Like most treks into the region, this adventure takes you to see Everest Base Camp, but that’s just one part of the fun. Before you reach base camp, you’ll have to cross Kogmala Pass at 5,535 m (18,159 ft). After your time at the foot of Everest, you then have to climb up and over Kalapathar Pass (5,545 m/18,192 ft) and the pass at Cho-La (5,368 m/17,611 ft).

The most challenging part of the aptly named Three Passes Trek is all the time you’ll spend above 5,000 m (16,404 ft) in elevation. But your hard work on this hike is well-rewarded with exceptional views of Everest, Ama Dablam, and the rest of the gorgeous Solukhumbu.

Kanchenjunga Trek

• Trek Duration: 26 days
• Maximum Elevation: 5,140 m (16,863 ft)
• Best Time: October–November or March–April
• Type of Trek: Tea House/Lodge or Camping

When compared to its loftier sibling Mount Everest, the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga, is often overlooked. But, despite the fact that Kanchenjunga tends to exist in Everest’s shadow, it’s a superb trekking destination in its own right, especially if you’re up for a challenge.

There are many treks you can take in the Kanchenjunga region of eastern Nepal, though one of the classic itineraries takes 26 days to complete. This trek begins with a flight to Bhadrapur and then a drive to Taplejung, after which, you’ll make your way into the alpine around the Kanchenjunga massif.

The challenge of this trek includes its length and the amount of elevation change along the route. Even though you don’t spend too much time above 5,000 m (16,404 ft) on the Kanchenjunga Trek, you do have to repeatedly climb in and out of the alpine, through dense subtropical forest valleys, and across several high passes.
See more about Kanchenjunga trek and Package

Upper Dolpo Trek

• Trek Duration: 24 days
• Maximum Elevation: 5,140 m (16,863 ft)
• Best Time: February–June or August–December
• Type of Trek: Tea House/Lodge and Camping

Looking to trek into a true wilderness in Nepal? The Upper Dolpo Trek just might be what you need. This infrequently traveled trekking route is fully isolated from some of the more touristy areas of Nepal and it boasts minimal infrastructure along the way.

In fact, the Dolpo region, like the Mustang, is an ethnic Tibetan region that was closed to visitors until fairly recently. Travel to the area is still heavily restricted, so the help of an experienced trekking guide is a must when planning an expedition to the Dolpo.

Along this exceptional 24-day trek, hikers get a chance to cross 3 passes above 5,000 m (16,404 ft): Jeng La, Shey La, and Kang La. You also get to trek to secluded lakes and waterfalls and you can enjoy the privilege of spending the night in rural villages where the views from your tea house or tent are nothing short of mind-boggling.

Upper Mustang Trek

• Trek Duration: 17 days
• Maximum Elevation: 4,200 m (13,779 ft)
• Best Time: September–December or February–June
• Type of Trek: Tea House/Lodge

For a truly remote adventure in the high alpine of Nepal, consider the Upper Mustang Trek. The Mustang is a rugged region situated in the north-central part of the country that’s a bastion of Tibetan culture. Due to geopolitical reasons, access to the Mustang was highly restricted until the 1990s, so the area sees substantially less tourist traffic than other parts of Nepal.

That said, a trip to the Upper Mustang is truly a wonder to behold. Over the course of 17 days, you’ll trek through a region where tourist infrastructure and even trail signs are hard to come by. But you’ll get to experience the wonders of an incredible culture and you’ll have the rare privilege of traveling through the amazing Tibetan Plateau.

This hike follows an old trans-Himalayan caravan route that’s been used for transportation and trade for centuries. While it doesn’t take you above an elevation of around 4,200 m (13,779 ft), the challenge of this trail comes from the remoteness and ruggedness of the terrain itself.

Annapurna Circuit Trek With Tilicho Lake

• Trek Duration: 20 days
• Maximum Elevation: 5,416 m (17,769 ft)
• Best Time: April–May or October–November
• Type of Trek: Tea House/Lodge

For a true Nepal trekking experience, the Annapurna Circuit Trek is one adventure that you just can’t miss.

This classic trek takes you on a full loop around one of the Himalaya’s most iconic peaks: Annapurna I. Over the course of 20 days, you’ll circumnavigate the base of the peak and even visit the stunning Tilicho Lake, which rests at an elevation of 4,920 m (16,141 ft) on the shoulder of Annapurna itself.

But if a quick loop around a mountain and a trip to an alpine lake sounds like a breeze, think again—the Annapurna Circuit Trek is no walk in the park. This hike requires 20 days of walking through steep, high-elevation terrain. You’ll even get to cross one of the highest passes in the country, Thorong La (5,416 m/17,769 ft), to test your stamina in the alpine.

Nar Phu Valley Kang la Pass Trek

Trek Duration: 18 days

Maximum Elevation: 5,416 m

Best Time: (September -November) and (March-May)

Type of Trek: Tea House/Lodges

Nar phu Valley Kang la Pass Trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal.  You will require a lot of physical endurance and mental resilience to complete this scenic adventure smoothly. This trek is also considered difficult because of its elevation. The Kang La Pass lies at an elevation of 5,320 meters. The trail leading to this exciting pass is remote and rugged in many sections, which requires good balance and grip.

In addition, you will also be trekking to Thorong La Pass, which lies at 5,416 meters and trekking to such a high altitude is physically demanding. You will take a sloppy trail to the beautiful Muktinath through this pass.

Despite the difficulties, the trek rewards you with exceptional Himalayan scenery.  Kang La Pass offers beautiful views of Gangapurna, Annapurna, Nilgiri, Tilicho Peak and many other peaks. Likewise, the Thorong La Pass is also renowned for presenting panoramic sights of the Annapurna Ranges.

In addition, you will pass through many rocky and steep sections which adds to the difficulty. The sudden changes in the weather, especially in the high passes area also make the journey challenging. During this trek, you should be accompanied by expert guides familiar with weather patterns and terrains of this enchanting region. The Nar Phu Valley Kang La Pass Trek can be manageable with determination and careful navigation.

Manaslu Circuit Trek 

Trek Duration: 16 days

Maximum Elevation: 5,106 m

Best Time: (September to November) and (March-May )

Type of Trek: Tea House/Lodges

Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered a scenic and challenging trek in Nepal. This trek takes you to remote and pristine areas of the Manaslu Region. In addition,  you can also experience thrills of trekking through off the beaten paths by partaking in this adventure.

The trek is renowned for its demanding terrains, suspension bridges and rocky trails. However, the most challenging highlight of this trek is crossing the thrilling Larkya La Pass. This pass lies at 5,106 meters. Crossing this pass requires good focus, balance and physical endurance.

However, your every step will be worthwhile as you will be rewarded with ethereal views of mountain vistas.

The panoramic sights of Larke, Samdo, Naike and Mount Manaslu from the top of the Larkya La are mesmerizing. This pass gets heavy winter snowfall, making crossing even more strenuous. So, assistance from the expert guide is required to navigate the Lakrya La Pass smoothly.

In addition,  the length and duration make Manaslu Circuit Trek one of challenging treks in Nepal. The trek can be completed between 16 and 18 days and requires walking for almost 7 to 8 hours daily.  The long hours of trekking through steep terrain can be strenuous for some trekkers.

While there are certain difficulties the Manaslu Circuit Trek is also among the most scenic treks in Nepal. The trek is manageable with careful planning, adequate acclimatization and a good focus. You will be rewarded with unparalleled experiences traversing the pristine terrains of the Manaslu Region when you are familiar with the difficulties and develop strategies to tackle them.

Langtang Helambu Trek

Trek Duration: 14 days

Maximum Elevation: 5,122 m

Best Time: (September to November) and (March to May)

Type of Trek: Tea House/Lodges

Langtang Helambu Trek is an adventurous journey in the pristine Langtang Region that rewards you with unparalleled scenery of the surreal Himalayan landscapes. The trek is renowned for offering enchanting views of the Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal and many other peaks. While you will be rewarded with beautiful mountain vistas and a delightful cultural experience the difficulty level of the trek must be carefully assessed and proper planning should be made to tackle it.

The trek is considered challenging as it requires you to traverse various high altitude places requiring proper acclimatization and careful footing for smooth and secure completion. Likewise, the trails require you to pass through uphills and downhills at many sections, requiring a lot of physical endurance. In addition, many trekkers opt for Langtang Helambu Trek via Ganja La Pass which is exhilarating and scenic. However, crossing the pass needs the guidance of the experts.

The paths towards the Ganja La (5,122 m) pass are narrow and slippery in snowy conditions. The pass also has technical sections and requires technical mountain equipment.  The use of fixed ropes are necessary in the technical areas.  However, the adventurous feeling and enchanting views of the Jugal Himal and Langtang range elevate your sightseeing journey. You can complete this marvelous journey smoothly and make many unforgettable memories with adequate preparation and proper guidance from expert guides.