The Great Himalaya Trail is definitely a prime contender for the world’s best trekking route. At least, it is the longest and highest trekking route in the world. Spanning several hundred kilometres of amazing Himalayan terrain, this trail stretches over the full length of Nepal. The ‘Great Himalaya Trail’ is a theoretical long-distance network of trekking trails. Which have been proposed to span the entire Greater Himalaya Range from Namche Bawa in Tibet to Nanga Parbat in Pakistan. For those looking for the cutting edge of adventure travel.

Nepal’s Great Himalaya Trail presents the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s one of the longest and highest footpaths on earth. Likely the most dramatic, traversing the entirety of Nepal from east to west in the shadows of the world’s highest peaks. No technical climbing is required—there are numerous high passes above 5,000 meters. The 150-day plus journey is said to be far more difficult than climbing up any single mountain.

The Great Himalaya Trail passes from subtropical jungles to high altitude alpine ecosystems. Through villages of Buddhists, Hindus, Sherpas, Tibetan refugees, Lhomis, and Shamans, among many others.

Highlights of the Great Himalaya Trail

  • Trek the entire length of Nepal’s Great Himalaya Trail
  • Experience the diversity of cultures and landscapes of the Himalaya
  • See all of Nepal’s 8000m peaks including Everest, Makalu & Annapurna
  • Cross the high passes of Sherpani Col, Amphu Labsta and Tashi Labsta
  • Revel in the bustle of Kathmandu and visit Pashupatinath and the giant Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath
  • Enjoy a fully supported camping based trek including three hearty meals per day prepared by our cooks

Facts about Great Himalaya Trail

Starting and ending points: Kachenjunga on Nepal’s eastern border with India and Humla on its western border with Tibet
Total Walking Distance : 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles)
Number of Sections We Trek : 10
Shortest Trek Section: Langtang (18 days)
Longest Trek Section: Makalu to Everest (34 days)
Time Required: Approximately 150 days for the entire GHT, but most hikers opt for shorter sections
When to go: The best months for trekking are September to November and March to May
Difficulty Level : Challenging
Accommodations Facility: Basic mountain lodges (teahouses) and camping

History Of The Great Himalayan Trail

The formation of a trail along the Greater Himalaya Range was precluded by access restrictions to certain areas in Nepal. With time these access restrictions were eased or lifted in 2002. After years of research, documentation, and mapping. The concept of Great Himalaya Trail was walked for the first time in 2008 and 2009 by a team led by Robin Boustead. The first trip ran from February through August of 2011 and was completed successfully in 157 days.

How long is the Great Himalaya Trail

The Great Himalaya trail stretches over a distance of about 1,700 km. It passes through high altitude mountain landscapes, visiting some of the most remote villages on earth. Where life remains as it was centuries back. Trekking along the GHT high route crosses over high altitudes up to 6,146 m and the whole trek takes about 157 days.

Great Himalaya Trail High Route

As the name implies, the High Route is known for its higher elevations. Often, the trail crosses overpasses that are upwards of 18,000 feet. However, the grade of the trail is usually not so bad on the days without passes. There are several sections of trail where technical mountaineering skills are required. Guides are mandatory in Kanchenjunga, Manaslu, and Upper Dolpa.

Great Himalaya Trail Low Route

The Low Route connects villages of rural Nepal, and offers the opportunity to see a way of life that is far from that of the World. The term “low route” might lead you to think that it is in some way easier than its mountain counterpart, but that is untrue. Expect to gain or lose elevations of 3,000-5,000 feet on a daily basis. Many of the passes are over 13,000 feet, which is apparently “low” by Nepal standards.

Great Himalaya Trail Cost

The Nepal section of the Great Himalaya Trail was officially opened in 2011 and covers a staggering 1,700 kilometers – separated into ten sections. The full of Great Himalaya Trail takes 6 months and, if you were to use an local trek operator, would cost in the Himalaya region of US$ 27000 – 30,000.

(Kanchenjunga Section)
Day 1: Kathmandu Bhadrapur/Birantnagar by flight, drive to Ilam
Day 2: Drive Ilam to Taplejung (1820 m)
Day 3: Taplejung (1820 m) to Mitlung (920 m) 4 hrs
Day 4: Mitlung (920 m) to Chiruwa (1270 m) 6 hrs
Day 5: Chiruwa (1270 m) to Sukethum (1575 m) 5 1/2 hrs
Day 6: Sukethum (1576 m) to Amjilosa (2308 m) 6 hrs
Day 7: Amjilosa (2308 m) to Gyabla (2730 m) 5 hrs (or to Phale 3140 m, extra 2 hrs)
Day 8: Gyabla (2730 m) to Ghunsa (3595 m) 4 1/2 hrs
Day 9: Ghunsa (3595 m) Restday
Day 10: Ghunsa (3595 m) to Khangpachen (4050 m) 6 hrs
Day 11: Khangpachen (4050 m) Rest day
Day 12: Khangpachen (4050 m) to Lhonak (4780 m) 5 hrs
Day 13: Lhonak (4780 m) Rest day
Day 14: Lhonak (4780 m) to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5143 m) 4 hrs
Day 15: Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5143 m) Restday
Day 16: Kanchenjunga Base Camp (5143 m) to Kangpachen (4050 m) 4 hrs
Day 17: Kangpachen (4050 m) to Ghunsa (3595 m) 3 hrs
Day 18: Ghunsa (3595 m) to Nango La Camp (4776 m) 5 1/2 hrs
Day 19: Nango La Camp (4776 m) to Yangma Khola (3430 m) 5 hrs
Day 20: Yangma Khola (3430 m) to Olangchun Gola (3191 m) 4 hrs
Day 21: Olangchun Gola (3191 m) to Pass Camp (4453 m) 7 hrs
Day 22: Pass Camp (4453 m) to Thudam (3556 m) crossing the Lumbha Sambha Pass (5159 m) 7 hrs

(Makalu Barun Section)
Day 23: Thudam (3556 m) Rest day
Day 24: Thudam (3556 m) to Kharka (2700 m) 7 hrs
Day 25: Kharka (2700 m) to Chyamtang (2187 m) 5 hrs
Day 26: Chyamtang (2187 m) to Hongon (2323 m) 5 hrs
Day 27: Hongon (2323 m) to Bakim Kharka (3020 m) 3 hrs
Day 28: Bakim Kharka (3020 m) to Molun Pokhari (3954 m) 4 hrs
Day 29: Molun Pokhari (3954 m) to Dhungge Kharka (3590 m) 5 hrs
Day 30: Dhungge Kharka (3590 m) to Cave Camp (3115 m) 3 1/2 hrs
Day 31: Cave Camp (3115 m) to Kalo Pokhari (4192 m) 5 hrs
Day 32: Kalo Pokhari (4192 m) to Kharka (4097 m) 5 hrs
Day 33: Kharka (4097 m) to Yangla Kharka (3557 m) 4 hrs
Day 34: Yangla Kharka (3557 m) to Langmale Kharka (4410 m) 4 hrs
Day 35: Langmale Kharka (4410 m) to Makalu Base Camp (4870 m) 4 hrs
Day 36: Makalu Base Camp (4870 m) Restday
Day 37: Makalu Base Camp (4870 m) to Swiss Base Camp (5150 m) 4 hrs
Day 38: Swiss Base Camp (5150 m) Restday
Day 39: Swiss Base Camp (5150 m) to Sherpani Col Base Camp (5688 m) 5 hrs

(Everest & Rolwaling Section; Everest Part)
Day 40: Sherpani Col BC (5688 m) to Baruntse Camp (6050 m) crossing the Sherpani Col (6146 m) 7 hrs
Day 41: Baruntse Camp (6050 m) to Honku Basin (5500 m) crossing the West Col (6143 m) 4 hr
Day 42: Honku Basin (5500 m) to Amphu Labsta Base Camp (5527 m) 5 hrs
Day 43: Amphu Labsta Base Camp (5527 m) Restday
Day 44: Amphu Labsta BC (5527 m) to Chhukung (4730 m) crossing Amphu Labsta La (5848 m) 9 hrs
Day 45: Chhukung (4730 m) to Dingboche (4410 m) 3 hrs
Day 46: Dingboche (4410 m) Restday
Day 47: Dingboche (4410 m) to Lobuche (4910 m) 3 1/2 hrs
Day 48: Lobuche (4910 m) to Gorak Shep (5140 m) with side trip to Kala Pattar (Everest Viewpoint) (5550 m) 6 hrs
Day 49: Gorak Shep (5140 m) to Everest BC (5364 m) and back to Lobuche (4910 m) 8 hrs
Day 50: Lobuche (4910 m) to Dzongla (4830 m) 5 hrs
Day 51: Dzongla (4830 m) to Dragnag (4700 m) crossing the Chola Pass (5420 m) 6 hrs
Day 52: Dragnag (4700 m) to Gokyo (4790 m) 6 hrs
Day 53: Gokyo (4790 m) Restday, climb Gokyo Ri (Everest and Cho Oyu Viewpoint) (5360 m)
Day 54: Gokyo (4790 m) to Lumde (4368 m) 7 hrs
Day 55: Lumde (4368 m) to Thame (3820 m) 3 hrs
Day 56: Thame (3820 m) to Pachemuche Tsho (4780 m) 6 1/2 hrs
Day 57: Pachemuche Tsho (4780 m) to Tashi Labsta Camp (5665 m) 6 hrs
Day 58: Tashi Labsta Camp (5665 m) Rest day
Day 59: Tashi Labsta Camp (5665 m) to Glacier Camp (4735 m) crossing Tashi Labsta La (5755 m) 8 hrs
Day 60: Glacier Camp (4735 m) to Kabug (4820 m) 5 hrs

(Rolwaling Part)
Day 61: Kabug (4820 m) to Beding (3740 m) 5 hrs
Day 62: Beding (3740 m) to Dokhang (2791 m) 5 hrs
Day 63: Dokhang (2791 m) to Simigaon (2036 m) 5 hrs
Day 64: Simigaon (2036 m) to Orangdanda (2029 m) 7 hrs
Day 65: Orangdanda (2029 m) to Loting (1768 m) 7 hrs
Day 66: Loting (1768 m) to Bigu Gompa (2516 m) 4 hrs
Day 67: Bigu Gompa (2516 m) to Sano Jyandan (3127 m) crossing the Tinsang La (3778 m) 6 hrs
Day 68: Sano Jyandan (3127 m) to The Last Resort (1170 m) 5 hrs

(Langtang & Helambu Section)
Day 69: The Last Resort (1170 m) Restday
Day 70: The Last Resort (1170 m) to Listi (2260 m) 5 hrs
Day 71: Listi (2260 m) to Shotang Kharka (3379 m) 7 hrs
Day 72: Shotang Kharka (3379 m) to Chogomogor Kharka (3925 m) 5 hrs
Day 73: Chogomogor Kharka (3925 m) to Kyansin (2520 m) 5 hrs
Day 74: Kyansin (2520 m) to Tembathang (2160 m) 5 hrs
Day 75: Tembathang (2160 m) to Chedupa Kharka (2513 m) 7 hrs
Day 76: Chedupa Kharka (2513 m) Restday
Day 77: Chedupa Kharka (2513 m) to Nemagchukpa kharka (3578 m) 4 hrs
Day 78: Nemagchukpa kharka (3578 m) to Panch Pokhari (4074 m) 5 hrs
Day 79: Panch Pokhari (4074 m) to Intermediary Camp (4273 m) 4 hrs
Day 80: Intermediary Camp (4273 m) to Tin Pokhari (4255 m) 4 hrs
Day81 Tin Pokhari (4255 m) to High South Camp (4867 m) 4 1/2 hrs
Day 82: High South Camp (4867 m) Rest day
Day 83: High South C (4867 m) to High North Camp (4720 m) crossing Tilman’s Pass (5308 m)7 hrs
Day 84: High North Camp (4720 m) to Kyangjin Gompa (3830 m) 7 hrs

(Langtang Section)
Day 85: Kyangjin Gompa (3830 m) Restday
Day 86: Kyangjin Gompa (3830 m) to Ghoratabela (3030 m) 6 hrs
Day 87: Ghoratabela (3030 m) to Syabru Besi (1503 m) 5 hrs
Day 88: Syabru Besi (1503 m) to Gatlang (2230 m) 5 hr
Day 89: Gatlang (2230 m) to Somdang (3258 m) crossing the Khurpudada Pass (3710 m) 6 hrs
Day 90: Somdang (3258 m) to Tipling (1890 m) crossing the Pansan Pass (3830 m) 7 hrs
Day 91: Tipling (1890 m) to Lapa Khola (1285 m) 6 hrs

(Manaslu and Ganesh Himal Section)
Day 92: Lapa Khola (1285 m) to Nauban Kharka (2750 m) crossing the Mangro Bhanjyang (2936 m) 7 hrs
Day 93: Nauban Kharka (2750 m) to Kerauja (2074 m) 7 1/2 hrs
Day 94: Kerauja (2074 m) to Jagat (1340 m) 7 hrs
Day 95: Jagat (1340 m) to Deng (1860 m) 6 hrs
Day 96: Deng (1860 m) to Namrung (2630 m) 6 hrs
Day 97: Namrung (2630 m) to Sama (3520 m) 6 hrs
Day 98: Sama (3520 m) Restday
Day 99: Sama (3520 m) to Samdo (3875 m) 2 1/2 hrs
Day 100: Samdo (3875 m) Restday
Day 101: Samdo (3875 m) to Dharmasala (4460 m) 3 hrs
Day 102: Dharmasala (4460 m) to Bimtang (3590 m) crossing the Larkya La (5160 m) 7 hrs

(Annapurna & Mustang Section)
Day 103: Bimtang (3590 m) to Dharapani (1860 m) 7 hrs
Day 104: Dharapani (1860 m) to Chame (2670 m) 6 hrs
Day 105: Chame (2670 m) to Pisang (2675 m) 5 hrs
Day 106: Pisang (2675 m) to Manang (3540 m) 5 hrs
Day 107: Manang (3540 m) to Yak Kharka (4050 m) 5 hrs
Day 108: Yak Kharka (4050 m) to Thorong Phedi (4450 m) 4 hrs
Day 109: Thorong Phedi (4450 m) to Muktinath (3760 m) crossing the Thorung La (5415 m) 9 hrs
Day 110: Muktinath (3760 m) Restday
Day 111: Muktinath (3760 m) to Kagbeni (2810 m) 5 hrs
Day 112: Kagbeni (2810 m) to Yak Karkha (3478 m) 5 hrs
Day 113: Yak Karkha (3478 m) to Santa (3777 m) crossing the Bhima Lojun La (4460 m) 8 hrs
Day 114: Santa (3777 m) to Ghalden Ghuldun Khola Camp (4247 m) 6 hrs

(Dolpa Section)
Day 115: Ghalden Ghuldun Khola Camp (4247 m) Restday
Day 116: Ghalden Ghuldun Khola Camp (4247 m) to Nulungsumda Kharka (4987 m) crossing the Jungben La (5550m) & Niwas La (5120m) 8 hrs
Day 117: Nulungsumda Kharka (4987 m) Restday
Day 118: Nulungsumda Kharka (4987 m) to Chharka Bhot (4302 m) 8 hrs
Day 119: Chharka Bhot (4302 m) Restday
Day 120: Chharka Bhot (4302 m) to Chap Chu (4320 m) 4 hrs
Day 121: Chap Chu (4320 m) to Dho Tarap (3944 m) crossing the Chan La (5378 m) 8 hrs
Day 122: Dho Tarap (3944 m) to Numa La Base Camp (4440 m) 2 1/2 hrs
Day 123: Numa La Base Camp (4440 m) to Danigar (4512 m) crossing the Numa La (5309 m) 7 hrs
Day 124: Danigar (4512 m) to Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3641 m) crossing the Baga La (5169 m) 9 hrs
Day 125: Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3641 m) Restday
Day 126: Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3641 m) to Phoksundo Khola Camp (3630 m) 5 hrs
Day 127: Phoksundo Khola Camp (3630 m) to campsite (3750 m) 3 hrs
Day 128: Campsite (3750 m) to Pass Camp (4717 m) 5 hrs
Day 129: Pass Camp (4717 m) to Shey Gompa (4343 m) crossing the Nagdala La (5350 m) 6 hrs
Day 130: Shey Gompa (4343 m) Restday
Day 131: Shey Gompa (4343 m) to Bhijer (3850 m) 7 hrs
Day 132: Bhijer (3850 m) to Pho (4087 m) crossing the Yambur La (4813 m) 8 1/2 hrs
Day 133: Pho (4087 m) to Pung Kharka (4650 m) crossing Nyingma Gyanzen La (5563 m) 9 hrs
Day 134: Pung Kharka (4650 m) to Chyandi Khola (4830 m) crossing the Yala La (5414 m) 6 hrs
Day 135: Chyandi Khola (4830 m) to Takla Khola (3785 m) 7 hrs
Day 136: Takla Khola (3785 m) to Thajuchaur (4050 m) 7 hrs
Day 137: Thajuchaur (4050 m) to Shilenchaura Kharka (2945 m) 6 hrs
Day 138: Shilenchaura Kharka (2945 m) to Tiyar (2418 m) 3 hrs
Day 139: Tiyar (2418 m) to Mangri (1950 m) 4 hrs
Day 140: Mangri (1950 m) to Gamgadhi (2095 m) 4 hrs
Day 141: Gamgadhi (2095 m) to Rara Lake (2980 m) 4 hrs

(Rara & Jumla Section)
Day 142: Rara Lake (2980 m) Restday
Day 143: Rara Lake (2980 m) to Gamgadhi (2095 m) 4 hrs
Day 144: Gamgadhi (2095 m) to Bam (2700 m) 5 hrs
Day 145: Bam (2700 m) to Jogimara (3005 m) 7 hrs
Day 146: Jogimara (3005 m) to Piplan (1700 m) 5 hrs
Day 147: Piplan (1700 m) to Apsia Lek (3195 m) 6 hrs
Day 148: Apsia Lek (3195 m) to Punkha Khola (3010 m) 4 hrs
Day 149: Punkha Khola (3010 m) to River Camp (2100 m) 6 hrs
Day 150: River Camp (2100 m) to Simikot (2985 m) 7 hrs

(Humla Section)
Day 151: Simikot (2985 m) to Dharapuri (2300 m) 4 hrs
Day 152: Dharapuri (2300 m) to Kermi (2670 m) 3 hrs
Day 153: Kermi (2670 m) to Yalbang (3020 m) 5 hrs
Day 154: Yalbang (3020 m) to Thumkot (3380 m) 5 hrs
Day 155: Thumkot (3380 m) to Yari (3700 m) 5 hrs
Day 156: Yari (3700 m) to Hilsa (3720 m) crossing the Nara La (4620 m) 6 hrs

Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Tented accommodation during the trek
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
Welcome and farewell dinners
Seasonal fruits during the trek are provided
Very high quality camping equipments
All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
Domestic flights tickets for entire trip
Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
Down jacket and sleeping bag
Adventure Connexion’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
Payble Satlite phone access
All government and local taxes

Lunch and Dinner whilst in Kathmandu.
All kind drinks (Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks).
All monasteries donation.
Personal Equipment.
Personal travel and medical insurance.
Any kind of personal expense.
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
Tips for trekking staff, driver (Tipping is expected).

Great Himalaya Trail

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