+9779841782194 info@alpinejourneys.com
 

Trip Duration 140-180 Days starting from Humla and ending at Taplejung

Trip Grade Tough

Group Size

Max Height 6155m.

Best Season March - May, September - November

Highlights

  • Best Scenic Diversity: The Great Himalayan Trail offers some of the most stunning landscapes in the world from start to finish. As you journey along the trail, you’ll encounter lush subtropical forests, terraced farmlands, glacial valleys, high-altitude deserts, and majestic snow-capped peaks. Highlights include the vibrant rhododendron forests in the Annapurna region, the high-altitude and surreal Dolpo desert land, and the phenomenal views of the world’s highest mountains, like: Everest, Makalu, and Cho-oyu. This ever-changing scenery ensures that every step of the GHT is a visual spectacle, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. 
  • Deep Cultural Immersion in remote communities: The Great Himalayan Trail isn’t just about mountains, it is a living museum of the Himalayan cultures of Nepal. The trail passes through different ethnic communities, each with its own distinct culture, traditions, languages, and stories to explore. Some of the ethnic groups found along the trail are: Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Tharu, Limbu, Chepang, Rai, Thakali, and many others. Trekkers will visit the ancient monasteries, join in the local festivals, and enjoy the authentic hospitality in teahouses or in villages. This cultural immersion adds a meaningful layer to the trek, offering a deeper understanding of the diverse heritage of the Himalayan region.
  • Challenging High-Altitude Passes: For people seeking an adrenaline-pumping challenge, the GHT’s high-altitude passes are a major highlight. Depending on the route you take, there are 2 high passes above 6,000 meters, 23 passes above 5,000 meters, and over 35 passes that are above 4,000 meters. Some of them include Tashi Laptse (5,755m), Larke la (5,160m), Kang la (5,320m), Sherpini Col (6,135m), and West Col (6,143m). These passes act as thrilling sections along the route, offering a sense of accomplishment and a must-do for experienced trekkers looking to test their limits. 
  • A journey of Personal Transformation and Self-Discovery: Perhaps the most important highlight of the Great Himalayan Trail is its role in personal growth and self-discovery. With over 1750 kilometers and more than 100 days of trek, GHT becomes a life-changing adventure for trekkers. Each step taken through ever-changing landscapes, the simplicity of trail life, and meeting with people who thrive with minimal material possessions leads to reassessment of life priorities and values. Hence, the Great Himalayan Trail becomes more than a physical journey as it also pushes trekkers to their limits emotionally, helping to build resilience, perseverance, and a deeper understanding of oneself.

Overview

The Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) is a legendary trekking route that covers the entire Nepal Himalayan range from east to west. This includes iconic regions of Nepal, like Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest, Langtang, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Dolpo, and many others. For all adventurous souls, GHT offers a life-changing journey and experience through nature’s most dramatic landscapes, culture, ecosystems and personal achievement. With over 16 years of expertise, Alpine Journeys Treks and Expedition is your trusted partner for the Great Himalayan Trail. We are among the very few trekking companies in Nepal who have successfully organized the Great Himalayan Trail multiple times.

 

Route Information:

The Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) offers two trekking routes, the high route and the low route, each catering to different people with different trekking experiences and physical fitness levels.

High route (The High Great Himalayan Trail):

Elevation Range: 3,000-6,000 meters

Total Distance: Approximately 1,750 kilometers

Duration: 140-180 days (can be tackled in sections)

Best For: Experienced high-altitude trekkers seeking technical challenges

 

The High Route connects the highest feasible trekking trail through the Himalayas, crossing high mountain passes and offering close-up views of the world’s highest peaks, including all the over 8,000-meter mountains of Nepal, like: Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Manaslu, and Annapurna. This route covers approximately 1,750 kilometers (1086 miles) and is designed for people with previous trekking experience and with technical mountaineering skills.

 

Low route (The Great Himalayan Trail / Cultural Route):

Elevation Range: 500-3,900 meters

Total Distance: Approximately 1,500 kilometers

Duration: 95-110 days (sectional treks available)

Best For: Cultural enthusiasts and trekkers seeking less technical challenges

In contrast, the low route follows a more accessible and less challenging alternative route, aiming to offer deep cultural immersion of Nepal. This route is approximately 1,500 kilometers (1056 miles) and passes through traditional Nepali villages, terraced fields, and subtropical forests, providing an intimate connection with Nepal’s rural and simple lifestyle while still offering magnificent views of the Himalayas.

 

Meet Mr. Andrey Paranich (The Great Himalayan Trail achiever, 2021)

 

General Program Itinerary

Day 1: KTM to Nepalgunj

Day 2: Nepalgunj to Simikot

Day 3: Drive to Hilsa

Day 4: Trek to Manepeme

Day 5: Trek to Halji

Day 6: Rest Day

Day 7: Trek to Gumbayek

Day 8: Trek to Tankchhe

Day 9: Trek to Talung Camp

Day 10: Trek to Dharamshala

Day 11: Trek to Hepka

Day 12: Trek to Simikot

Day 13: Bargaon

Day 14: Gatte River Camp

Day 15: Punkha khola via Margor Lekh Pass

Day 16: Melcham

Day 17: Rimi

Day 18: Bam

Day 19: Ra Ra

Day 20: Gamgadhi

Day 21: Lumsa

Day 22: Pulu

Day 23: Shilenchaur Kharka

Day 24: Thajuchaur

Day 25: Takla Khola via Chyargo La Pass

Day 26: Chyangdi Khola

Day 27: Phug Kharka via Yala La

Day 28: Phu via Ningma Gyanzen la pass

Day 29: Bhijher Gaun

Day 30: Nengla Bhanjiyang Camp Site

Day 31: Saldang

Day 32: Rest Day

Day 33: Sugugaon

Day 34: Rakyo

Day 35: Camp Site

Day 36: Murjung

Day 37: Dho Tarap

Day 38: Maran

Day 39: Chap Chu

Day 40: Chharka Bhot

Day 41: Norbulung

Day 42: Niwar Pass

Day 43: Sangda Phedi

Day 44: Bhima Lajung

Day 45: Kagbeni

Day 46: Chaile

Day 47: Visit Chungsi cave and continue to Syangmochen

Day 48: Charang

Day 49: Lhomathang

Day 50: Rest Day. Explore Lhomathang

Day 51: Visit Chuksar cave and back Lhomathang

Day 52: Drakmar

Day 53: Ghiling

Day 54: Chhusang

Day 55: Muktinath

Day 56: Thorung High Camp

Day 57: Manang

Day 58: Bhratang

Day 59: Dharapani

Day 60: Bhimthang

Day 61: Dharmashala

Day 62: Sama Gaun

Day 63: Rest Day

Day 64: Namrung

Day 65: Dyang

Day 66: Chumling

Day 67: Chhekang Paro

Day 68: Chhule

Day 69: Mu Gompa

Day 70: Richen Gompa

Day 71: Chumling

Day 72: Philim

Day 73: Tatopani – Hot Spring

Day 74: Nauben Kharka

Day 75: Sertung

Day 76: Somdang

Day 77: Gatlang

Day 78: Thulo Syabru

Day 79: Sing Gompa

Day 80: Gosaikunda Lake

Day 81: Tharepati

Day 82: Tarkeghyang

Day 83: Kakani

Day 84: Okhreni

Day 85: Pangtang

Day 86: Laligurans Kharka

Day 87: The last resort

Day 88: Karthali

Day 89: Bigu Gompa

Day 90: Chhilingkha

Day 91: Jagat

Day 92: Lama Bagar

Day 93: Lapchi Gompa

Day 94: Rest Day

Day 95: Lama Bagar

Day 96: Dokhang

Day 97: Na Gaun

Day 98: Kabug camp – Cho Rolpa Lake

Day 99: Tashi lapcha phedi camp

Day 100: Tashi lapcha pass via Pharcharmo Tsho

Day 101: Lungden

Day 102: Gokyo lake via Renzo la pass

Day 103: Rest Day

Day 104: Drangnak

Day 105: Dzongla via Cho la pass

Day 106: Gorekshep

Day 107: Morning explore Kalapathar and back to Lobuche

Day 108: Chhukung via Khongma la pass

Day 109: Amphu lapcha B.C.

Day 110: Cross Amphu lapcha pass and east site camp

Day 111: Baruntse B.C.

Day 112: West Col

Day 113: Sherpeni Col pass and east site camp

Day 114: Makalu B.C.

Day 115: Rest Day

Day 116: Yangle kharka

Day 117: Yak Kharka

Day 118: Saldim khola

Day 119: Gai kharka

Day 120: Hongung

Day 121: Chyamthang

Day 122: Thudam

Day 123: Pass camp

Day 124: Olangchung gola

Day 125: Yangma Khola

Day 126: Ghunsa

Day 127: Rest Day

Day 128: Lhonak

Day 129: Pangpema North B.C. of Kanchanjunga

Day 130: Khambachen

Day 131: Ghunsa

Day 132: Selele la

Day 133: Tseiram via Selele pass

Day 134: Tortong

Day 135: Yamphudin

Day 136: Mamangkhe

Day 137: Kande Bhanjyang

Day 138: Suketar

Day 139: Drive Ilam

Day 140: Drive back Bhadrapur

Day 141: Fly back Kathmandu

 

You Should Know Before Travel Expand All Collapse All

Generally, completing the full GHT takes around 140-180 days, depending on your chosen route and pace of walking. 

No, the Great Himalayan trail is not recommended for the beginners. It is suitable for experienced trekkers due to its demanding terrain, high altitudes, and remote locations. While some sections are less intense, the full trail requires stamina, navigation skills, and a good experience with altitude trekking. If you’re a beginner, we recommend you starting with easier treks like Annapurna Base Camp or Langtang Valley Trek before attempting the GHT.

The ideal seasons are:

  • Spring (March to May): Stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures.
  • Autumn (September to November): Excellent visibility and comfortable conditions.  

Yes, a guide is highly recommended for this trek. In some sections of the route, a guide is mandatory due to permit regulations. The Great Himalayan Trail can make navigation challenging, and a guide ensures your safety, manages logistics, and provides local insights. Our experienced guides are trained to handle altitude, weather, and emergencies.

The permits required in GHT are:

  • National Park Permit (like: Sagarmatha National Park, Langtang National Park, etc.)
  • Conservation Area Permit (like: Annapurna Conservation Area, Manaslu Conservation Area, etc.)
  • Special Permits for Restricted Areas (like: Upper Mustang, Dolpo, Tsum Valley, etc) 

We handle all permit arrangements to ensure a smooth experience.

The cost of GHT depends on trek length, group size, and services (e.g., guides, porters, accommodation)

Please contact us via email, WhatsApp, Telegram, or WeChat for a tailored quote.

Accommodation on the Great Himalayan Trail will be different according to the region:

  • For popular areas (e.g., Everest, Annapurna), accommodation will be teahouses, comfortable lodging.
  • For remote areas (e.g., Dolpo, Humla), accommodation will be camping in tents.  

The Great Himalayan Trail requires excellent physical fitness. We suggest working on cardio by running or cycling, strength training, and practice hiking with a loaded backpack, and altitude training, if possible.

The major gear includes trekking boots, layered clothing (base, insulation, waterproof), a warm sleeping bag, trekking poles, backpacks, etc.

For the camping sections, we provide tents and cooking equipment. To make sure you’re fully equipped with all the necessary personal gear, check out our comprehensive guide about trekking essential gear for Nepal.

Yes, especially on the High Route, where passes exceed 5,000 meters. Our itineraries include acclimatization days, and our guides are trained to manage symptoms and medication as precautions. 

While some sections can be trekked solo, we strongly advise against it due to the trail’s remoteness and complexity. A guide not only ensures safety, navigation, but also overall enhances your experience with shared knowledge.

For the teahouse regions, foods will be local dishes like dal bhat (rice and lentils), noodles, soups, and some western options.

For Remote areas, our cooks will be preparing nutritious meals with fresh ingredients.  

The Great Himalayan Trail is unique for its massive scale, diversity, and remoteness. Unlike shorter and popular treks of Nepal, it offers a comprehensive journey through Nepal’s landscapes and deep cultures, from lush valleys to high passes. It’s an immersive, challenging adventure for those seeking something extraordinary.

Trip Duration 140-180 Days starting from Humla and ending at Taplejung

Trip Grade Tough

  • Group Size
  • Max Height 6155m.

Best Season March - May, September - November

All Inclusive Price From US$ US$ (Price varies by group size)
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