Trekking in Himalayas

Everest Three Pass Trek located at Khumbu region of Nepal offers the great experience of Himalaya scenery and takes to Renjo La Pass (5360m), Mt. Cho La Pass (5420m) and Kongmo La Pass (5535m) along Kala Patthar (5545m), Mt. Everest base camp (5364m), Gokyo lake, Gokyo Ri and Nangpa La valley.

Everest classic trek is the best way to reach the highest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest. It is also best known as Jiri to Everest base camp trekking. This 19 days begins in Kathmandu with visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites then drive 8-9 hours to reach Salleri and then walk to reach the base camp. This is the only trek routes which few trekkers has explored. Throughout your journey, you can enjoy their local culture, traditions, and local lifestyle.

Everest Base Camp Gokyo trek, the most challenging and exciting trek in the Everest Region. It follows the route via high pass called Chola Pass at 5420 meters into Mt. Everest Base Camp (5364m). Trekking to Gokyo – Chola Pass & Everest Base Camp begins with an amazing flight to Lukla. From Lukla, you will walk uphill slowly following the trail to the Dudh Kosi ( ‘River of Milk’), and all through forests of rhododendron, pine, and magnolia. After few hours of trekking, you will eventually reach Namche Bazaar (3,340 m) and spend one more day at Namche Bazaar which is the amusing capital of Sherpa’s for adjustment and alternative hike inside Namche. After spending some time there you will visit other Sherpa villages such as Phortse Tanga and Machhermo before heading for Gokyo Lakes.

After reaching Gokyo Lake you climb Gokyo Ri (5369m) and from the top of Gokyo Ri you will enjoy stunning peaks of different mountains such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Cho Oyo, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Thamserku, Mt Ama Dablam, Mt. Kangtega ,Mt. Cholatse, and many others. Crossing Chola Pass (5420m)you reach Dzonglaand continuously move towards Gorakshep and Kala Pattar (5545m.). From Kala Pattar, you enjoy an impressive up-close view of Mt. Everest. Then, next day morning you trek to Everest Base Camp. When you return from Everest Base Camp you follow the route through Pangboche and Namche Bazaar. While on trek you will enjoy the incredible mountain scenery until you reach Lukla airstrip. Next day morning you take a flight back to Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp Trekking is popular for every traveler and group alike. It gives a complete scenario of different flora and fauna, rural lifestyle of the Sherpa people, Buddhism, monasteries and spectacular mountain scenery.

Annapurna Circuit trek is the world’s most popular 150-mile long trek that encircles the entire Annapurna massif and awards with stunning views of Annapurna Himalayan range from Annapurna I (8,091m) the 10th highest mountain in the world, Machhapuchhre, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri ( 8,167m ) and Manaslu (8,163m) ), the world’s 7th highest mountain. The trail to Annapurna Circuit begins in an anti-clockwise direction. While trekking you pass through spectacular villages inhabited by different ethnic groups of people of the country and landscapes from lowland farming terrain to alpine meadows and Tibet-like country on the northern slopes of the Himalaya.

From Kathmandu we begin the trek to Bhulbhule (830m), the initial days of the trek involve hike through rice farms, forests, and villages in the lower section of the Annapurna Conservation Area. After reaching Manang (3500m) which offers the enjoyment of the mountain views. No place anywhere in Nepal looks similar to Mustangs’ landscape. It lies behind the Annapurna range in rain shadow area which blocks the rain and is desert-like landscape. From Manang, you will continue walking ascending slowly and on day 12 of the trek you cross the classic Thorung La pass at 5416m and set out for Muktinath, an important pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Crossing Thorang La pass is technically easy and you would have a wonderful experience.

After crossing Thorang La pass you make easy but long descend into the Kali Gandaki river valley, witnessing Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains towering on either side. Then, you will visit Muktinath temple. If you are religiously inclined, you can take a bath in 108 taps and 2 ponds in the temple premises to relieve yourself of all your sins as per the sayings of Hindu religion.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a picturesque walking journey that takes you to the foothills of the Annapurna South. It is also popularly called Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is highly recommended for those who love to explore the rich cultural diversities, typical Nepalese villages, enjoy the flora and fauna and immerse in the panoramic view of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri Himalayan range. Annapurna Base Camp trek falls under Annapurna Region being protected by Nepal Government- led Annapurna Conservation Area Project.

The trip to the Annapurna Base Camp begins in Pokhara, also called the Lake City with a one-hour drive to Nayapul in a jeep. From Nayapul we walk for 30 minutes to reach Tikhedhunga (1540m.) past terraced fields of potatoes, mustard, corn, vegetables and small villages of stone-slated houses. At higher altitude, we gently hike through forests of bamboo and of flowering rhododendrons until we reach glaciated terrain above 4000m. While on trek you will enjoy outstanding Himalayan mountain views in the distance. From Chhomrong, you walk up the Modi Khola gorge which takes you into the heart of the sanctuary and some of the most dramatic mountain scenery on the planet.

Walking slowly and steadily you walk through Machhapuchare base camp and ultimately reach Base Camp of Annapurna South. The huge south face of Annapurna (8090 m.) provides an impressive backdrop, while the up-close views of towering peaks over 6000 m. inspires a joy and life experience for every trekker. With superb views of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South and Hiunchuli in the backdrop, the base camp is a great place to spend one or two days. The extraordinary variety of ecosystem is compressed into two weeks of Annapurna Base Camp walking.

The Annapurna south-facing slope of the base camp is covered with dense of the tropical jungle of rhododendron and bamboo. On the other hand, the alpine region above 3000 m in the north offers dry rain shadow area with a colder climate similar to the Tibetan plateau. We return to Phedi via Dhampus (1650m.) and catch our vehicle for Pokhara. This area is well developed with lodge facilities.

[Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek](https://www.gvtrek.com/ghorepani-poon-hill-trek.html), the world’s most popular organized teahouse trekking in the Annapurna Region. This trek offers to experience the beautiful sub-tropical valleys, dense forests of rhododendron and icy waterfalls. From every angle during the trek you will enjoy a tantalizing glimpse of Himalayan peaks from Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m.), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m.), Mt. Machapurhre (Fish Tail) (6993m), Mt. Tukuche (6920m), Mt. Nilgiri ( 6940m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6441m), Mt. Annapurna South (7219m), Mt. Lamjung Himal (6931m) to some other many smaller peaks during the trip. From Poon Hill (3210m). Also the view of the mesmerizing sunrise and Himalayan mountain range early in the morning. This entire trekking area is mainly dominated by the Gurungs and Magars both are ethnic people of Nepal. The main attraction of this trek is viewed by various species of birds, local culture and tradition, subtropical forest, Dense Rhododendron flower and many more.

Ghandruk village provides to insight the lifestyles of Gurung ethnic community of Nepal. Also to see the neat slate-roofed houses are clustered on the canyon wall amidst a complicated network of farming terraces, great views of the Himalayas that includes Macchapuchre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South. From Pokhara, 42 km drive and 5–6 hours in walking distance. Pothana is another popular village where you will encounter the same ethnic community as in the Ghandruk village. This village is situated on the ridge of the hill from where you can enjoy the spectacular view of Annapurna Himalayan range, Fishtail and green valley of Pokhara

The itinerary of Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek can be made shorter without visiting Ghandruk village. Those who have longer holiday can hike through Ghandruk and end the trip in Pokhara. Despite the choices of routes you can enjoy the best panoramic Mountain View, experience Gurung culture, and lifestyle and make a circuit. This is truly a rewarding trek to every lover of nature.

[Upper Mustang trekking](https://www.gvtrek.com/upper-mustang-trekking.html) is located in the north of Annapurna region, which begins from Kakbeni. We approach Lo-Manthang on the west side of the Kali Gandaki and descend on the less visited east side of this valley. The valleys aredry with amazing colorful rock formations of cave dwellings high in the cliffs. The first parties were there allowed into Upper Mustang in 1992 and there are still very few trekkers visiting Upper Mustang, as a result, it one of the few places left where one can see undisturbed Tibetan culture.

Mustang is a remote semi- independent Tibetan Kingdom with a walled capital Lo-Manthang. Upper Mustang was once part of Tibet and was used by the salt caravans crossing the Himalaya into Nepal. In 1960's Mustang fought against Chinese forces for Tibetan Khamba guerrillas fir. CIA supported these fighters and secretly trained some of them in the USA.

Make an adventure starting from world's deepest gorge Kaligandaki region into world's highest region of Lo-Manthang valley that passes through an almost downhill and Panoramic view of Annapurna, Nilgiri Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and other peaks. Great Vision provides upper mustang itinerary and Mustang route.

Manaslu Circuit Trek, world’s eighth highest mountain Mt. Manaslu (8163m) in the west part of Nepal. It is an off- the -beaten area trek recommended for those who are interested in Nepal’s authentic village experiences and culture and also want to get away from the hurly-burly of city life. This classic trek is rewarded with its spectacular mountain views, topographically difficult terrain and typical culture and traditional lifestyle of Gurung ethnic group of people of Nepal and Tibetan inhabitants of the region The living Buddhist culture are virtually untouched because of the remote location. The trail that takes you up through the riverside the Budhi Gandaki is one of the most challenging routes in Nepal.

The trail crosses suspension bridges and up and down over ridges and onto shelves to bypass cliffs through fields of barley, following an ancient salt trading route that connects Tibet with Nepal since time immemorial. Climbing higher you will encounter clusters of homes before the mountain wall of the Himalaya and visit the number of monasteries, mani walls, and shortens along the route. Your trekking journey to Manaslu circuit begins with a 7-8 hour drive from Kathmandu to Arughat Bazaar, Gorkha. Then, the following day you hike through the lush rice terraces and thatched huts to the north along with sprawling Gurung villages perched on high, terraced hilltops. At Nupri village, people from Tibet origin inhabit and they speak their own dialect, partly Tibetan and partly Gurung, and live in a Tibetan lifestyle.

Spectacular mountain panoramas, dominated by Mount Manaslu itself, the scenic beauty, perennial sources of water from glaciers, waterfalls and exotic cultural values are majors highlights of the trek of the Manaslu region. The valley above Samdo adjoining the border of Tibet is beautiful. After crossing the snow-covered Larkya La pass (5160m) you will make your way to Bhimthang and Tilje through tropical areas, bursting with ferns, bamboo, pine trees and finally you reach Jagat. From Jagat, you will board a vehicle that transfers you to Kathmandu. Manaslu circuit trek can be done in lodge style.

As in past every trekkers are required to obtain a Trekker's Information Management System (TIMS) card to go to Everest Region Trekking. Now TIMS card is no longer valid for Everest Region Trekking. With the decentralization of federal Nepal, the government has implemented a new permit on Everest Region. New local entry permit (provided by local government) has been implemented which has completely replaced the old trek permit in Everest region. In this blog, I am going to provide you a complete updated information about the Everest Region Permit which includes the every trekking to Everest Region also called as Khumbu Region which too includes the treks to Everest Base Camp Trek.
**
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit.**

This is the new permit which was implemented replacing the old TIMS permit from 1st of October 2018. The Local government of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality of Khumbu directly collect NPR 2000 per person from each foreigners. You cannot obtain this permit in Kathmandu. If you are flying through Lukla Airport you can get this permit at Lukla and if you are trekking from Jiri or Salleri then you can get this permit in Monjo.

Sagarmatha National Park Permit

This is an existing permit for entering the Sagarmath National Park. You can get this permit either in Kathmandu at Nepal Tourism Board Office or in the Monjo at Park Entrance Gate. This permit costs NPR 3000 per person.

Additional Permit for Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek

If you are following the Everest Classic Trek or also called as Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek then you will need to obtain an additional permit for the Gaurishankar Conservation Area since this trail follows through the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. This permit costs NPR 3000 per person and can be obtained from the Office of Nepal Tourism Board.

Required documents

For the Entrance Permit of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality and Sangarmath National Park, you just need to provide your Passport copy and the entrance fee. You will need to fill up a short form and provide two recent Pasport Size photo for the Gaurishankar Conservation Area Project Entry Permit.

Note:
All the fees are payable in Nepali Currency. So we suggest you to exchange your currency into Nepali Currency at Kathmandu (you may get high exchange rates in Kathmandu). Our office will help you to obtain the required permits which can be obtained from the Office of Nepal Tourism Board. Hence, you don't need to go there.

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal with a population of 1.5 million in the city area and 3 million in its urban area across the Kathmandu Valley, which includes the towns of Lalitpur, Kritipur, Bhaktapur, Madhyapur Thimi making the population of roughly around 5 million. Kathmandu tells the rich past of every Hindu god and goddess, the story about locality, festival, food, places and many more. Kathmandu is the largest metropolis in the Himalayan hill region. Here are some of the list you can visit when you are near Kathmandu or after Arrival in Nepal.

*1. The holy Pashupatinath Temple *

It is said that one day Lord Shiva and Parvati came across Kathmandu valley and rested near Bagmati river while on the journey. Lord Shiva was so impressed by nature and beauty of the forest so he and Parvati turned down themselves into deer and walked down to the forest. After a moment people begin searching for Lord Shiva and Parvati into the forest, after a while, they found him in the face of deer, but he refused to leave the forest. After many difficulties, he announced that since he lived near the bank of Bagmati after transforming himself into deer, now he wants to be known as a Pashupatinath means Lord of all animals. It is believed that anyone who visits Pashupatinath or seeing Lingam that appeared there wouldn't be reborn any form of an animal.

It is believed that wish-fulfilling cow called Kamadhenu took shelter near Chandravan Mountain. Every morning she used to pour her milk where Lingam was dug into the soil. After many years people saw pouring milk by Kamadhenu after filling suspicious they dig the soil and found the beautiful and Shining Lingam where they worshipped till now. The place where Lingam found is now divine and pure Pashupatinath temple.

*2. The Boudhanath Stupa *

The Boudhanath stupa is the holy places of Buddhist and Tibetian. It is one of the largest Stupa in the world and listed as UNESCO world heritage site in 1979. Previously Boudhanath called as Khāsti in Nepali Bhasa where Khas refer as 'drew' and ti refer as 'drop'. After the arrival of thousands Tibetian following the Chinese invasion in 1959, it became the most important center for Tibetian Buddhism.

In history, it is said that the King Bikramaditya (Lichavi dynasty) once stood where now the Narayanhiti Palace stands. He instructed his people to build Dhunge Dhara in the southern Part of Palace. After research, it found that there is no sign of water. The King consulted with the astrologer and they suggested that Human sacrifice should be made and must be male candidate having 32 virtues.

But only The king and his two sons are the candidates so the king decided to sacrifice himself and his one son to get the sign of water. According to Mythology, it is said that the king head flew near Sankhu Bajrayogini Temple. The prince with a regretful heart flew a hen from the top of Bajrayogini Temple and decided to build a Stupa where the hen landed. The hen landed where Boudhanath Stupa is currently standing.

*3. Kathmandu Durbar Square *

Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur Darbar Kshetra) is the old Royal Palace and it is listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. Basantpur Durbar Square is the home of Newar community. Several Building were collapsed during the earthquake that takes place on 22 April 2015. Kathmandu Durbar Square is surrounded by beautiful and spectacular architecture and it showcases the skills of Newar artist and craftsman over several centuries.

The Kathmandu Durbar Square, which was Nepalese residence until 19 century that took place important historical movements such as Nepalese Monarch. The palace is decorated with fined carved wooden windows and houses. Time and Again the renovation of Palace have been done after being damaged by natural effects. It is possible to visit rooms inside the Palace but only a few are opened for visitors.

4. The Living Goddess Kumari

The Goddess Taleju used to visit the King Prakash Malla in the form of a human to play dice and advice him. One night King lustfully looked at Goddess and enraged the goddess announced that she never ever come back to play with him again. Later, she predicted the fall of the dynasty. After listening to this the King beg for forgiveness which the goddess made the last concession. The concession is that the king was to select a virgin girl from Newar caste and declare her as the living goddess Kumari and worship her.

Mostly the selected Kumaris are from Shakya caste system who follows Buddhist. Kumaris must have 32 virtues, amazing unblemished body, neck as duck, voice as a bird, she must never show fear or cry. To test her courage she is locked down room where several heads of sacrificed animals are placed in a room. Whoever emerges from the fear is selected for the living goddess.

The living goddess is dressed up like a doll and lives in the Hanumandhoka Palace and The Taleju Temple at The Kathmandu Durbar Square. The entrance of the building is guarded by two large lion stones. If you are lucky you can see living goddess as she looks out from the window.