Hiking & Trekking Tours from Kathmandu

What our customers ask about Hiking & Trekking Tours from Kathmandu

• What is the best time of year for hiking trips starting from Kathmandu?

  For the best hiking experience from Kathmandu, plan your trip between March and May (spring) or September and November (autumn). Spring fills the trails with blooming rhododendrons and gives you clear views of the mountains. Autumn weather is really stable and you can see for miles. One of our travelers told us "October and November offer the clearest skies and most stable conditions for photographing the mountains." Try to avoid the summer monsoon from June to August - you'll deal with rain and leeches. Winter hiking from December to February can be tough with freezing temperatures and snow up in the mountains.

• What's the typical travel time from Kathmandu to major trailheads?

  Getting to the trails takes different amounts of time depending on where you're headed. You can fly to Lukla in about 30-40 minutes if you're trekking in the Everest region. For Annapurna treks, it's a 6-7 hour drive to Pokhara. Heading to Langtang? That's a 7-8 hour bus ride to Syabrubesi. Many travelers stay at places like Kuti Resort in Pokhara or Hotel Thamel Park in Kathmandu the night before they start walking.

• What are the common starting points for hiking tours in Kathmandu?

  Most hiking tours start from one of three main spots in Kathmandu. There's the Thamel area, where you'll find lots of trekking hotels like Hotel Thamel Park. Some groups meet near Tribhuvan International Airport before catching domestic flights to trekking areas. Walking tours often start from Kathmandu Durbar Square. One of our travelers shared: "Our guide met us at our hotel in Thamel and provided a comprehensive briefing before we started our incredible journey through the Himalayas."

• How many days should I plan for a hiking trip starting from Kathmandu?

  Most people spend between 7 and 16 days on their hiking trips. The Everest Base Camp trek needs about 14 days, while you can do the Annapurna Circuit in 12 days. Looking for something shorter? The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek takes 9 days. As one of our travelers points out: "shorter treks like Mardi Himal offer stunning views in just 7 days, perfect for those with limited time." Remember to give yourself extra time to get used to the altitude and explore Kathmandu before and after your trek.

• What level of fitness is required for hiking trips from Kathmandu?

  You'll need different fitness levels depending on which trail you choose. Everest Base Camp is pretty demanding since you'll be going up to 5,545m. If you're new to trekking, the Annapurna Sanctuary trek might be a better fit. One of our travelers suggests: "The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is perfect for families and first-time trekkers, with well-defined trails and gradual elevation gain." Before you come, try to do some cardio training and practice walking up hills.

• What should I pack for a hiking trip starting from Kathmandu?

  Make sure you bring good hiking boots, clothes you can layer, a warm sleeping bag (good for -10°C/14°F), rain gear, and basic first aid stuff. One of our travelers recommends: "Pack light yet warm layers, as temperatures can vary dramatically from Kathmandu's 25°C (77°F) to below freezing at higher altitudes." Tour companies usually provide sleeping bags and warm jackets, but bring your own hiking poles, headlamp, and hiking boots.