The Great Himalayan Trail Trek is the most adventurous camping trek offering the stunning views of mountains, landscapes, flora, fauna, and culture unchanged by the modern world. GHT is a 1700Km long trekking tail passing east to west through the Himalayas. It takes 90 to 150 days to complete this trail. Along the trail you will see all the mountains scaling more than 8000m. The mountains seen include Everest 8848m, Lhotse 8516m, Kanchenjunga 8586m, Makalu 8485m, Cho Oyu 8150m, Manaslu 8156m, Dhaulagiri 8167m, Annapurna I 8051m and thousands of snow-capped peaks. Apart from the world’s highest mountains the trail also offers a rare privilege to discover the ancient Nepalese tradition and culture unchanged by the modern time. The trek is considered very difficult and is recommended for those who want to push up to the limits of physical endurance. The trails pass through the following national parks, Makalu, Sagarmatha, Gaurishankar, Langtang, Manaslu, and Annapurna giving the trekkers the most rewarding trekking trip on the planet.
The trail is accompanied by beautiful villages, farms, forests, streams, falls, glaciers, and magnificent landscapes. The highest altitude on the trails is at Sherpani Col 6150m. The trail is divided into nine sections they are Kanchenhjuna – Makalu, Everest – Rolwaling, Langtang – Helambu, Ganesh Himal – Manaslu, Annapurna -Mustang, Dolpa, Rara – Jumla – Mugu, Humla and the Far West. The eastern section of the GHT offers sights of the highest mountains while the western section offers timeless land of valleys, barren hills, and very less populated villages. There are high chances to spot the rare animals like Red Panda and Snow Leopard on the GHT trek. Great Himalayan trail trek Trekkers can observe a wide range of forests including conifers, broadleaf deciduous forest, rare alpine shrubs, and medicinal plants. The GHT trek can be considered as an exploratory trek. The trek gives a memory to cherish for a lifetime. If you are looking for the next beautiful and daring adventure holiday, then GHT is the trek to do.
Trek through the Himalayas on a 1700 Km trail from Kanchenjunga to Simikot
Ascend an altitude of 6150m at Sherpeni Col
A very rare trek that has been done by very few people
Immerse yourself in the rich Nepalese culture unchanged by the time.
See all the mountains scaling more than 8000m including Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu.
Discover the mystic environment of the Himalayas
High chances to see very rare wild animals like Red Panda and Clouded
Leopard
Trek with the expert local guides with more safety and comfort
Experience a full camping trek with 3 meals a day
You will be met by a representative of Mount Adventure Holidays and transferred to the hotel. The remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5 pm. Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important
cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square.
Early in the morning we take our flight to Bhadrapur from Kathmandu with the scenic view of the Eastern region. After 45 minutes of flight we reach the Bhardrapur airport then we will take a car/jeep from Bhadrapur for Illam/Taplejunga which will take Approx 8 hours of drive. We will stop in the beautiful tea garden of Illam also known as the garden of Nepal for our lunch. After our Lunch, we will decent upward from Illam for our overnight stay in Taplejung
Today we will head towards the Mitlung/Sinuwa by crossing the small river over the suspension bridge. Then our trail descends down to Tamor Riverwalk through villages and terraced fields. Some irregular villages give us an opportunity to meet local people. Upon arriving at Tamor River, we follow some narrow trails close to the river. Then a gradual uphill trail through the terraced fields and few houses take to the village of Hellok.
Today we will trek to Mamasik from Hellok our third day and we will decent upward slope with beautiful and friendly local people. Small tea breaks give us plenty of opportunities to encounter with local people and have a look over beautiful houses and local domestic animals. We will walk along the Simbuwa Khola in our way to Mamasik and we spend our overnight in Mamasik.
Today we march gradually ascending and following the Sibuwa river and cross the river again to our left side. A short steep uphill walk takes us to a bit high and keeps the distance with Sibuwa River. We walk through the rhododendron and bamboo bushes and thick forest to reach Tortong and we can enjoy with the wild animals like Red Panda, Wild Boar, Bear, Musk Deer, wild birds, and other different wild animals in our way and we will stay in Tortong for the overnight.
Today we will trek through the trail of the dense forest of beautiful bamboo and rhododendron which is accompanied by the river. After that we will walk along the Simbuwa Khola gradually uphill then after some time we will reach Cheram for the overnight stay.
From Ramche, we walk further up the valley. We then follow a stream before climbing on the moraine top until confronted by Kanchenjunga’s southern face. We walk further ahead for a glimpse of the Jannu Himal. We continue our trek further towards the Oktang Monastery. From here, we climb further up and reach the Yalung Base Camp. The views from the base camp are extraordinary. Kumbakarna (Jannu), Nyukla Lachung, and other Himalayan peaks are close by. We descend and spend the night at Cheram.
We begin our trek after breakfast. We cross four passes today beginning with Sinelapche Bhanjyang. After crossing the pass we continue to Mirgin La pass. We continue trekking and reach the Sinon La pass which is not very far. From here, we ascend to Sele La pass. There are prayer flags strung across one of the steeper sections of the trail which is very near to the Sele La pass. We cross the pass. Overnight in Sele La.
We begin our trek after breakfast. We walk towards the north with Tangbgharma Danda nearby. We reach a chorten marked by prayer flags which marks the start of a steep trail. We descend through rhododendron, birch and pine forests before reaching Ghunsa. It is a beautiful village of houses with Day.
Ghunsa is a beautiful settlement of Sherpa people with their beautiful culture and lifestyle, so we will take a day off for the rest in Ghunsa and explore the beautiful Ghunsa. We will visit the Monastery, Juniper and incense factory with antique shops of handmade carpets. Ghunsa is the gateway of North and the South Base camp of Kanchenjunga.
We start the trek early morning From Ghunsa we descend the main trail alongside the Ghunsa Kola until we meet a junction in the trail, from here we ascend to a series of summer grazing pastures (Khaka) where we will camp for the night.
An early start this morning will give us the best opportunity for clear views during our crossing of the Nango La. Once over the pass we descend to a bowl-shaped valley. We stay on the northern side of the river and enter the thick forest to Yangma Kola and our camp for the night. Day 19 – A relatively short day to Olangchun Gola. Olangchung Gola is one of the most important centers for trade between Nepal and Tibet in this region. Most commonly exports to Tibet include grain, sugar, cigarettes and cotton thread which are exchanged for Tibetan salt, carpets and wool. Day 20 – Rest Day in Olangchun Gola.
The trek from today onwards will pass through complete wilderness. The trek passes through pine and rhododendron forests. After a walk of two and a half hours, we reach a place called Jadak (3630m) for lunch. Then we walk of another valley towards Lumba Samba three hours on rhododendron and mixed forests take us to our camping site at Upper Lang male.
The trek can be interesting today as snow leopards have been sighted numerous times from this trek. The trek runs along the small riverside lies dense rhododendron forest. After a walk of about three hours, we reach Tangchetar (4200m) for lunch.
This would be the most difficult yet most memorable day of this trek. Today the trek will pass through the Lumba Sumba Pass (5200m). It is better to start early as it will be difficult to cross the passing afternoon. After a walk of about four and a half hours from Pass Camp, we reach the Lumba Sumba Pass which offers panoramic Himalayan views of eastern Nepal including Kanchenjunga, Jannu Himal and Makalu ranges.
The trek is downhill from Yakkharka as we arrive at civilization after a tiring walk for three days. A walk of about 6 hours takes us to Thudam for the village. Thudam is a small isolated village with around 30 houses of Sherpa people.
Today the trek runs along the bank of Chujung Khola. The trail offers a panoramic view of peaks in the Makalu range. On the way, you will see a lot of small bushes and bamboo groves – the best habitat for the red panda. After walking through many ups and downs we reach to Kharka for the camp tonight.
The trail passes through dense rhododendron forest. As there are no villages on the way and also there are numerous side trails. After a walk of about three hours from Kharka, we reach a place called Chaurikharka for lunch. From Chaurikharka, we can clearly see Chyamtang, Arun River. After lunch, the trail heads downhill for about three hours until we reach Arun River. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Arun, the trek is uphill for about an hour until Chyamthang.
We are very much back in warmer climes today and the forest is alive with bird song as we traverse around above the north bank of the Arun River. We pass through several small villages of the Chepuwa district and these have a mix of Rai and Bhotia inhabitants. We also cross several tributary rivers on suspension bridges and in one or two places we get views of Makalu away to the north-west. At our lunch stop in the village of Gimber we have more spectacular views of the Makalu range. The afternoon’s walk is relatively short and easy along a good trail to the Bhotia village of Hongon (2100m).
A short but challenging day with some steep ridge climbs and a minor pass crossing (2710m).
In the beginning, climb to Chhurpi pass and bit gentle up and down arrived another hill, and starts to climb down to Dhugge Kharka via Tip Pokhari. Still, we will walk through a bamboo forest to gentle down an hour and gentle climb up to and bit down to Saldin Kharka.
Today is all the way climb up to Molun Pokhari, at the beginning walk throw jungle and later we arrived alpine zone. Molun Pokhari is a beautiful place that is very close to the China border with a panoramic landscape view.
In the beginning, climb to Chhurpi pass and bit gentle up and down arrived another hill, and starts to climb down to Dhugge Kharka via Tip Pokhari. Still, we will walk through the bamboo forest to gentle down an hour and gentle climb up to and bit down to Saldin Kharka. Saldin Kharka is the place local people bring their cow in the summertime.
Today is a bit hard day and a bit tricky. The trail, in the beginning, climb down, flowing the river and take a left and arrived Saldin Khola. After crossing SaldinKhola start climbing up to Nava Odar, till Nava Odar, we walk through the deep jungle after that start alpine area. There is a bit landslide rocky trail around Nava Odar. After Nava Odar starts the steep climb up to Batase Dada and bit strain to another campsite and start another pass. After this pass, the trail is up and down to Kalo Pokhari
Today we will pass two passes; at beginning gently climb up till Afthero dada and climb steeply down to landslide area. This is a difficult area and starts the climb to ThuloSuntali. Getting ThuloSuntali, we steep climb down to Barun River, which is the holy river in Hindu culture. Flowing north bank of Barun River arrived at our campsite with a view of Mt. Makalu.
We flow to the north bank of Barun River crossing Langmale and Todas. We will see Shiva Dhara holy cave and Amaphujung, too, on the way. From Langmale we have a view of Tutsi and Salding mountain range.
Today is the day we make it to the Base Camp. From Langmale Kharka we make our way up to Shershong and eventually to Makalu Base Camp. The trail is flat with icy glaciers and snow-clad mountains accompanying us. Mount Makalu comes into view as we approach Shershong. As we make our way to the camp, we get to soak in the majestic Himalayan panorama surrounding us. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.
The Base Camp is a rocky barren place with the large Braun Glacier beyond it. From here we can see the magnificent south face of Makalu and the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. We can explore the surrounding lakes, glaciers and go for a short trek up where we may celebrate our accomplishment at the camp itself.
We descend down from the base camp and take our last glimpse of Makalu before turning the corner and heading back. On our way down, we pass through Shershong, Langmale Kharka, Merek and descend down the valley finally stopping at Yangri Kharka.
We will take a south bank of Barun River till Jyathhe Odar and start to climb up to Dobate. Throw the trail we can see mt. Makalu and other mountain and valley views. The path is a perfect stone step all the way. Yangri Kharka we descend through rock falls, green forests and valley, making our way towards Dobate. We follow the river banks of Barun as we descend down the trail.
We will do two passes today. At the beginning, climb up to Keke-la 4185m pass and down to Thulo Pokhari and again climb up to Sheptem-la 4261m and all the way down to Khongma via ridge and with panoramic Kanchenjunga mountain view, Chamlang, Tutsemt. Mt. Makalu. South of beautiful landscape views down. We start the trek with a steep climb from Dobate to Mumbuk (Nambuk) and through a forest of firs and rhododendrons. We then cross the Keke La, Tutu La (Shipton’s Pass) and Kauma La en route. Next, we descend to Khongma Danda again. Overnight in Khongma Danda.
Today is bit longer Days, at beginning steep down by stone step trail and walk through deep jungle to Tashi Gaun 1st village after Hunggon. The trail continues down to Seduwa crossing different communities one the way. You can see farming over here, including cardamom.
We leave Seduwa and trek through lush forests towards Num. after num we drive to Khatbari Along the Tumlingtar approx 5 hour .overnight stay Tumlingtar.
We fly back to Kathmandu after our long trek in the mountains. We can rest and relax throughout the day at our hotel or get in touch with our loved ones.
It’s your last day in Nepal! Grab some breakfast, and then take in some last-minute shopping in Kathmandu. We’ll make sure you arrive at Kathmandu International Airport with plenty of time before your flight home. At this time, we’ll say our goodbyes and bid you farewell, armed with warm memories and gorgeous photos to show your loved ones.
Included
- Airport/ hotel pick up and drop off by private vehicle
- Hotels in Kathmandu, inclusive of breakfast
- Meals during the trek
- Guesthouse, tea house, and camping during the trek
- Government licensed, experienced English speaking guide
- One porter per two people
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicine for all staff.
- All government taxes
- One trekking map per person
- Kanchenjunga And Makalu permit and conservation fee
- Surface transportation
- Sleeping bags and down jackets for the trek (should be refunded after the trek)
- First aid kit
- Domestic flight tickets KTM–BDR/Suketar and Tumlingtar to Kathmandu
Excludes
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Beverage bills, bar bills, telephone bills and Personal expenses.
- Nepal entry visa
- Tips for guide, porter, and driver
- Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
- Excess baggage charges (if you have more than 20 kg of luggage, a cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
Here's a few answers to most common Questions asked by the customers.
This trip is suitable for average people who are moderately fit, thus no previous experience is required. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on your journey. The best preparation for this trek is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per comfortable and able to enjoy the trek to the fullest. They are physically strong, sharp-witted, and have an incredibly positive attitude towards a life that we would consider extremely tough. There is something about a trek in the Himalaya that draws you back time and time again. For keen walkers, it is a paradise and even avowed non-walkers find that one foot just seems to follow the other, drawn by the appeal of what lies beyond.
Yes, our airport representative will be there to greet you at the airport. S/he will be displaying Mount Adventure Holidays signboard outside the airport terminal. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in our tourist vehicle.
YES, you can obtain the visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying USD 30 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying USD 50 and 125 respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos.)
Please bring a copy of your travel insurance, a copy of your passport, and 3 photos (passport size) with you for your trip to Nepal. You would need photos for permits.
We use standard rooms at three-star hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included. Along the trekking routes, tea houses/lodges generally provide basic clean facilities with a mattress and a quilt or blanket. We can also offer you Ace the Himalaya sleeping bags if needed (to be returned after the trip) but it is a good idea to always have your own sleeping equipment. The lodges in trekking routes usually provide single and double rooms, or occasionally a dormitory-style. At times when possible, dining will be around a bonfire. In tea houses, food will be prepared in the kitchen, which you should not enter without permission. The toilet in teahouses provides essential and basic facilities and is always outside the room.
Most of the tea houses do have western-style flushing toilets however in higher elevation you could find the squat toilets made of either a ceramic basin on the ground or few planks precariously positioned over a hole in the ground which is always outside of the room.
In most cases, you can use the toilet provided by the tea houses/lodges on the trail but normally in case of emergency, you just do toilet along the trail wherever you find privacy.
During the trek, we will try our best but normally the lodges have twin sharing and dormitory styled rooms instead of a single room. The lodges will provide a private room for one person when the room is free and additional cost is not required. In Kathmandu, USD 45 Per Room per Night would be added as a single supplement fee. The single supplements are always guaranteed in Kathmandu but not in the mountain especially during the peak time.
Most teahouses (lodges) in Annapurna trails cook a delicious range of mostly vegetarian fare. Pasta, tuna bakes, noodles, potatoes, eggs, daal Bhat (rice and lentils), bread, soup, fresh vegetables (variety depends on the season), and even some desserts like apple pies, pancakes, and some interesting attempts at custard. You will find a lot of garlic on the menu because it assists with acclimatization – eat some every day. In many villages, you may find some meat items on the menu. You can always get hot chocolate, tea, and hot lemon drinks, as well as soft drinks, and treats like chocolate and crisps. Each day dinner and breakfast will be at a lodge you’ll stay at while for the lunch you would be stopping by on the way where you can order your meals as per your choice. Guide will help you to stop by at the best possible places to eat.
YES, the food is very safe during the trekking and we recommend you to eat the vegetarian and local food. Please follow the suggestion of our guide on the trek.
No problem at all because mostly, the lodges serve the vegetarian meals. We always recommend our clients to eat vegetarian meals to avoid the food poisoning, eating heavy meals and non- vegetarian meals at a high altitude is not really safe for the stomach.
Bottled water is easily available at the lodges and teahouses, which you can buy at the cost of USD 1 at lower elevations to USD 3 to higher elevation per liter.
If you are planning to drink normal water all the way during the trek, purifying water with any sort of purification tablets or drops is a must. You can bring your own purifier or can purchase it in Kathmandu
It depends on your spending habits. Generally, in Kathmandu and during the trek you can allocate USD 10 to USD 15 for lunch and a dinner. USD 10 to USD 15 per person a day will be enough to buy bottles of water, chocolates, pay for the hot shower, and a few drinks during the trekking.
Cancellation notice is required, a minimum of 20 days prior to trip departure. If the reason is valid the Trip shall then be termed as canceled and the cancellation charge of 30% of the trip amount would be deducted from the advance paid.
Our trekking season extends from mid- September to May. From early September, the monsoonal rains decrease. By the end of September to December, the weather is usually stable with mild to warm days, cold nights. February, March, April, May, June, October, November, December is the best time to do this trek.
One of the most unpredictable elements of the mountain is the weather. If you’re not properly prepared for the twists, turns, and volatility of the conditions that can occur in this breathtaking region, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable and unpleasant situation. Here are some weather basics to help ensure that you come to the Himalayas as well equipped and prepared to face anything. Generally speaking, the nights are much cooler than the daytime. Many first-time trekkers are surprised to learn about the incredible range that may occur in a given day. During the day, the thermometer could reach temps as high as 25 degrees C (77 Degrees F), only to dip down as low as -5 degrees C (23 Degrees F) in less than 24 hours. While there’s no way to know exactly what each day in the mountains will bring, the weather and temperature ranges tend to be somewhat predictable based on the month and season.
It totally depends on the level of your sickness. Once you are sick at a higher altitude you need to rest at a lower altitude and it at least needs 3 days to a week for the recovery. If you are on private or solo trips you can discuss and decide with a guide depending on your health status. If you were in-group then this option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with a guide and catch up the group later on.
Whilst on the trek, our porter will take care of your luggage. All you need to carry is your small day bag for your personal belongings like camera, water bottle, sun cream, etc.
The hotel in Kathmandu does provide free storage services. So you can leave all your items that are not required for the trekking at your hotel.
A holiday should never be about making it to the final point quickly. Along your trek, we can add days at your request with additional costs to cover guides, porters, accommodation, and food. Please consult with your guide and he will update our office in Kathmandu and we can make the arrangements accordingly.
If you are on a private or solo trip it would be possible as your itinerary is very flexible whereas if you were in-group then this option would be limited so please make sure you discuss with your group and guide and your guide will update us accordingly.
This is a difficult thing to gauge. We have seen everything from USD 20 to USD 1000 per person for guides and porters. Tipping is not required, but a small gesture of thanks to your guides and local porters. The level of the tip should reflect the level of satisfaction from and personal involvement with your guide. However, we recommend you spend a minimum of 10% of your total trip cost for tipping the entire local staff, the ratio of tipping guide and porter will be given to you at the pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu before starting the trek.
YES, all our trips are guaranteed to run. We never cancel the trip due to not having enough participants; we can arrange the trip for one person as well as a private trip at very minimal additional cost. Please inquire about this during the time of booking.
Day pack (25–35 liters)Pack cover
Sleeping bag comfortable to -10 to -20 Degree(dependent upon season, weather forecast.
Waterproof and comfortable hiking boots
Camp shoes (down booties or running shoes)
Headlight with extra batteries, Trekking poles
Trekking Clothing(3 pair t-shirt,2 pairs trousers or trekking pants,
Wicking, quick-dry boxers or briefs (3)
Wicking, quick-dry sports bra (for women)
Heavyweight long underwear bottoms
Mid-weight long underwear bottoms
Mid-weight long underwear top
Wool or synthetic T-shirts (2)
Mid-weight fleece or soft-shell jacket (2)
Convertible hiking pants
Fleece pants or insulated pants
waterproof/windproof jackets
Lightweight waterproof/breathable rain pants
Mid-weight fleece gloves or wool gloves, Liner gloves
Mid-weight fleece/wool winter hat, Sun hat
Mid-weight wool or synthetic socks (3 pairs)
Liner socks (optional),Sunglasses
Sun lotion 35 to 40, Water Bottle
Water filter, Slippers, Towels, Raincoat
Personal medicine kits