Top 8 Challenging Treks of Nepal

Nepal has an option of different types of trekking routes sorted out for all levels of adventurers. Whether you are a beginner looking out for an easy short trek or up for challenging your inner self, there is something for everyone.

Despite being the base camp for the highest peak in the world, Everest base camp isn’t one of the most challenging treks in Nepal. Are you intrigued to find out which one it is, then?

If so, keep reading the blog to learn about the top 8 challenging treks in Nepal. The reason these are challenging isn’t the elevation or ruggedness of the trail but the shortcomings of a multitude of factors that make any trek a piece of cake.

Annapurna circuit / Annapurna round trekking

Annapurna Circuit Trek, or Round Annapurna Trek, is one of the most popular trekking routes in Nepal, and it is part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

This trek is unique and adds unforgettable moments. It is filled with lush green valleys and farmlands with an exotic view of mountains, along with the culture, traditions, and unique way of life of the ancient ethnic communities.

What makes the ACAP trek challenging?

This ACAP trek goes for two to three weeks, depending on the individual trekker. Crossing the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters can cause altitude sickness if not acclimatized properly.

The trek features diverse terrains, including steep ascents, narrow paths, rocky trails, and river crossings around Tilicho Lake, and demands both physical stamina and mental endurance over an extended period. Fatigue, exhaustion, and physical discomfort hit the trekker walking on their feet for hours on the knee-straining descents and harsh weather of Muktinath and Manang.

As the trekkers reach more remote areas, logistics become limited, with basic lodges offering only essential amenities, including medical assistance.

Upper Dolpa and Mustang

Upper Dolpa is one of the most isolated regions in Nepal, with few villages and out-of-way settlements. The trek to this region typically starts from Juphal, which a long flight from Nepalgunj can reach. The Upper Mustang and Dolpo regions are restricted to foreigners and can be accessed with a special permit.

Upper Dolpo to Mustang Trek is a rocky mountainous region speckled by several fortified villages, Dzongs, and monasteries. Apart from strongly influencing Tibetan culture, the ancient Bon-Po religion existed here before Buddhism was spread on the Tibetan plateau. It is home to Phoksundo Lake and the remarkable Shey Gompa, along with a variety of wildlife uncommon to lower regions of the Himalayas.

What makes the Upper Dolpa and Mustang trek difficult?

The Upper Dolpa lies at a high altitude of 5300 m at the top of the Numa La Pass and the Baga La Pass. This height is always full of the risk of altitude sickness due to thin air and lower oxygen levels.

The lack of infrastructure, medical facilities, and communication in both areas makes the trek more difficult and dangerous. The rugged terrain, cliffs, and dry, arid landscapes include a series of steep climbs and high passes, such as the Numa La and Baga La, which are strenuous and challenging to navigate.

Although it’s a rain shadow region, strong winds and dust storms are common in the upper parts of the Kali Gandaki Valley. Winters bring cold temperatures and snow, particularly in higher elevations. The monsoon months (June to September) are challenging due to unpredictable rain and snow at higher altitudes.

Hence, both treks require excellent physical fitness and mental toughness to endure long days and rugged terrain. The trek involves several days of continuous uphill climbing, making it physically demanding, especially when carrying supplies. Wind and cold can make the passes dangerous, and trekkers must be prepared for difficult conditions and the need for careful navigation.

Everest Gokyo Trek/Goyko Ri/Gokyo Valley Trekking

Gokyo Ri is the highest point at 5,380 m, a steep climb from the Gokyo camp in this trekking route. The Gokyo Ri Trek leads alongside the Dudh Koshi River and covers approximately 120 kilometers from Lukla.

The trek passes through several beautiful places, including Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and the Gokyo Lakes. Gokyo village (4,750 m) is one of the most beautiful Sherpa villages with its huge herd of Yaks. This Gokyo Trek features a magnificent view of Everest, Camp, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Pumori, Amadablam, and Thamserku.

What makes the Everest Gokyo Trek challenging ?

The high altitude of Gokyo Ri reaches 5,357 meters, and the reduced oxygen can cause altitude sickness, making the trek physically demanding. The long trek, which takes 12–14 days, involves rocky, steep ascents and descents, rocky paths, and sometimes icy stretches.

Such difficult terrain makes it physically exhausting to walk for hours each day. Trekkers must maintain a steady pace and stamina over a prolonged period and have good physical conditioning, excellent physical fitness, and mental resilience.

In addition, the weather in the Everest region can be unpredictable. Harsh winds, snowfall, and rain can drop the temperature and create challenging conditions.

Everest Three Pass trek

The 15–19-day Everest Three Passes Trek begins with a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. After walking through various villages and towns like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Thame, and Lungden, we cross Renjo La Pass, from which we have mesmerizing views of Gokyo Lake and Himalayan Peaks. You are most likely to catch sight of Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8516 m), Makalu (8,481 m), Cho Oyu (8,201 m), and Ama Dablam (6,812 m).

Then, passing the Gokyo Ri and Cho La Pass, the second significant pass in this trek, we reach Gorakshep. After reaching Gorak Shep, we head to Kala Patthar, which offers awesome panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nupse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Amadablam, and Thamserku. On our return to Chhukhung, we cross the Kongma La Pass at an altitude of 4,730 m.

What makes the Three Pass Trek challenging?

The Everest Three Pass Trek crosses three high-altitude passes: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). These high altitudes put trekkers at significant risk of altitude sickness, usually due to reduced oxygen levels. Also, walking through the passes is physically demanding and requires technical skills and high endurance.

The trek requires outstanding acclimatization at different points. It typically takes around 18–22 days to complete and involves long, strenuous days of trekking across challenging terrain. Trekking through the Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La requires navigating glaciers, steep, challenging climbs, and slippery, snowy paths.

In addition, the weather conditions in the Everest region can be unpredictable, with snowstorms, strong winds, and freezing temperatures, particularly in winter and spring. These conditions make it difficult to cross the high passes and cut off amenities and medical assistance, requiring trekkers to be self-sufficient and prepared for emergencies.

Manaslu Circuit and Larkya Pass

The Manaslu Larke La Pass trek is known for true nature lovers, painters, poets, and artists. The classic way to Manaslu Larkya La Pass Trek starts from Soti Khola and ends at Besisahar. This is also a trek within the restricted zone of Annapurna Circuit, which requires a special permit in a region of Nepal.

The trekkers ascend along the Budi Gandaki River to Larkya La Pass (5,160 m), where they can enjoy breathtaking views of mountains like Manaslu (8,163 m), Ganesh Himal (7,450 m), and Hiuchuli.

Trekking through the typical villages, communities, and monasteries enriches a blend of Tibetan and Nepalese culture, scenic beauty, and an ecosystem with rare animals and birds.

What makes the ManasluTrek challenging?

High altitude is one of the most prominent challenges during the Manaslu Circuit and Larkya Pass Trek. Crossing the Larkya Pass at 5,160 meters (16,929 feet) especially demands well-planned acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. The trail to the pass is steep, filled with snow, and slippery during the winter. The rocky paths, narrow ridges, and steep ascents and descents demand physical fitness and mental resilience. As with other trekking routes, the weather conditions are also unpredictable.

In this region, high winds and rapidly changing temperatures can complicate conditions, adding difficulty to the trekkers. However, unlike popular treks like Everest Base Camp, the Manaslu Circuit offers limited infrastructure, with fewer teahouses and basic facilities along the way. The absence of modern amenities makes the travelers self-reliant on their supplies and even medical assistance.

Mt. Kanchenjunga Circuit

Also known as Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, the trek takes us to the base camp of the third highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga. The entire Kanchenjunga region is protected under the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Hence, trekkers must get a special permit from the Department of Tourism.

The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek lies in eastern Nepal, connecting the borders of Sikkim and taking you to the north and south base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga. This is a remote area trek with a very limited number of teahouses on the route.

What makes the Kanchenjunga Trek challenging?

Being one of the most remote areas in Nepal, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Circuit is considered a difficult trek. Unlike trekking in Everest and Annapurna, the lack of teahouses, lodges, and basic facilities requires careful planning for food, shelter, and medical emergencies, making it more challenging for trekkers.

Since this trekking connects the North and South Base Camp, this journey lasts for 20–25 days, requiring a high level of stamina and mental resilience. The highest altitude of the trek reaches up to 5,143 meters at Pangpema (North Base Camp), which means there’s a greater risk of altitude sickness.

A gradual ascent and acclimatization are necessary to prevent illness, as the thin air can make breathing and movement difficult. It’s not uncommon to have limited visibility due to dense fog or cloud cover.

In this remote area, rescue and emergency services are limited. If any issues arise, like health complications or injuries, help can take a long time to arrive, increasing the risk factor for trekkers, who require a high degree of both mental and physical resilience. Trekkers must be prepared for long, demanding days with only basic facilities, often under harsh conditions.

Dhaulagiri Trek

The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging yet undeniably rewarding camping trek through various landscapes and high passes in remote Nepal. The Dhaulagiri Mountain is the 7th highest mountain in the world, located in the vicinity of the Annapurna Mountain range.

The trek starts from Beni, after a 3-hour drive from Pokhara. It passes through diverse landscapes such as farming fields, Rhododendron and pine forests, and alpine meadows, and it crosses two high passes to reach the hidden Valley at 5,200 m.

If one wants to experience the life of people who live in a remote settlement without modern amenities, this could be the best trekking route on the bucket list.

What makes the Dhaulagiri Trek challenging?

One must keep in mind that this trek is not for beginners. The Dhaulagiri Trek is considered the most challenging trek in Nepal. The rugged terrain, high altitudes, unpredictable weather, and limited facilities, such as fewer teahouses due to remoteness, make it harder. The trekkers are supposed to carry their supplies—food, tents, and other supplies needed for camping.

At the high altitudes of the French Pass (5,100 m) and Dhampus Pass (5,240 m), there is a chance of suffering from altitude sickness, which demands proper acclimatization. Additionally, the trails around the Chonbarden and Dhaulagiri glaciers are slippery and steep, demanding the use of crampons and careful navigation over icy sections.

Of course, the weather can be extreme and unpredictable, with sudden snowstorms and jaw-freezing temperatures. Trekking through the harsh climate and rocky terrain can test our endurance and strength.

Upper Mustang Trek

In the Tibetan language, the literal meaning of Mustang is “fertile land.” The Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most enigmatic and cherished adventures you will embark on in the forbidden kingdom, restricted until 1992. The kingdom is known for its landscape, rich cultural heritages, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and ancient hidden caves. Still, it is one of the most well-preserved regions in the world.

This trek allows us to witness spectacular views of the Himalayas, deep canyons, and barren landscapes, taking us to 3,840 m at Lo Manthang, the highest point on the trail. One can experience the lifestyle of the Thakalis, Tibetans, and Gurung communities that have existed there for centuries in the rain shadow of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

What makes the trip to Upper Mustang Trek more challenging?

Being a restricted region, only limited trekkers are allowed to visit the Upper Mustang with a special permit, which can be costly compared to other trekking areas of Nepal. In addition, this trek also has fewer amenities and accommodations, which eventually hikes the price of the facilities.

High-altitude barren and arid landscapes with steep, rugged trails, along with strong wind and dust from the arid land, especially in the afternoon, make the trekking challenging. As we will be trekking to elevations over 3,800 m, there is always a risk of high-altitude sickness. Hence, proper acclimatization is essential to manage this challenge and feel the adventure of the trek.

FAQ

1. How does altitude impact these challenging treks?

There is a thin air at high altitudes. Especially above 3,000 meters, be aware of symptoms like headache, nausea, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. Plan proper acclimatization and maintain your physical fitness.

2. What are the risks involved in these high-altitude treks?

Injuries due to challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, limited medical facilities, and evacuation challenges in remote areas.

3.  What are the top challenging treks in Nepal?

Nepal’s top challenging treks include the Annapurna Circuit, Upper Dolpa and Mustang, Everest-Gokyo Trek, Everest Three Passes, Manaslu Circuit, Kanchenjunga Circuit, Dhaulagiri Circuit, and Upper Mustang.

4.  What makes these treks more challenging than other treks in Nepal?

These treks typically involve high altitudes (often above 5,000 meters), rugged terrain, steep ascents, long durations, and limited facilities, requiring physical stamina, technical skills, and mental resilience.

5.  Why do people find the Everest Three Passes Trek especially tough?

This trek crosses three high passes: Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La, each above 5,000 meters. It requires technical skills, endurance, and acclimatization to face altitude sickness and unpredictable mountain weather.

6.  How difficult is the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek?

The Dhaulagiri Circuit is highly challenging due to remote locations, camping requirements, notorious high passes like French Pass (5,360 meters), and rough weather conditions, making it appropriate only for experienced trekkers.

7.  What are some preparation tips for challenging treks?

Prepare yourself mentally and physically. Acclimatization and physical and cardio strength training are a must. Do some research about the route and weather. Make a backpack of your necessary supplies and better-quality gear.

8.  Do you need a special permit for any of these treks?

Yes, trekking permits are obligatory for all kinds of trekkers in Nepal. Government bodies such as the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), Trekking Agencies of the Association of Nepal (TAAN), the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), and the Department of Immigration Office (DOI) provide the permits depending on the trekking destinations.

Due to restricted access, treks like Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga, and Upper Dolpa require special permits. These permits are more costly than standard trekking permits and often involve conservation fees.