When you start planning an adventure, you’ll want to make sure you see and do as much as possible while you’re away.
If Nepal is one of the destinations on your itinerary, you really need to consider booking a hiking tour to visit the Annapurna and Everest regions – these are two of the most incredible treks you can do in the world.
Although many people who jet off to Nepal for a walking holiday choose one or the other of these locations to explore, there is a way to see both, if you are up for the challenge and have the fitness level.
Typically, this kind of trip of Nepal’s mountains will last around three weeks and mean you get to spend about seven days hiking in the Annapurna region before heading to the other side of the country for more walking and spectacular views of Everest.
Doing this type of adventure independently is almost impossible, you’ll need to arrange tours with a local or international travel operators. We recommend G Adventures who offer multiple Nepal hiking trips with monthly departures.
Here’s a brief breakdown of where you’ll go and what you’ll see on each half of your getaway.
Hiking in the Annapurnas
The Annapurnas are one of the top rated hiking destinations in the word.
You’ll stride out on a circuit of the Modi Khola Valley, which will lead you through various small villages and past a host of impressive peaks, including Machhapuchhare and Annapurna South.
As you’d expect when you’re trekking in the mountains, there will be a fair bit of up and downhill walking – you will begin with an uphill section through vast rhododendron forests, before the path levels out a little as you near your first night’s stop, Pothana.
On the second day of the trek, you’ll be heading for Ghandruk, which provides an excellent vantage point from where to see Machhapuchhare, as well as some of the other peaks in the Annapurna range. Machhapuchhare is particularly spectacular, though, and climbing it is forbidden due to its sacred status within the Hindu religion.
The next two days of your trip will mostly involve uphill walking, as you head towards Ghorepani. This is where you’ll stay overnight before climbing Poon Hill to watch the sunrise. You therefore set off for the summit of Poon Hill in the dark – so don’t forget to pack a torch – and the going is tough.
However, it’s more than worth it when you watch the first rays of light filter over the horizon, turning the imposing mountain peaks a glorious golden-orange colour as it rises. After your exertions to reach the viewing point, you can look forward to predominantly downhill walking until you get back to Pokhara.
Trekking in the Everest Region
After having a few days to recover from your hiking in the Annapurna region, jet off to the east of Nepal for the chance to see the world’s highest peak in all its glory. Everest is a breathtaking sight – little wonder given that its summit stands at 8,848 m.
You’ll predominantly be walking in the Sagarmatha National Park, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its stunning scenery, rare wildlife and the presence of the Sherpa culture.
The Sherpa people have inhabited the mountains for centuries and you’ll have a chance to learn about their history and way of life if you visit the Museum of Sherpa Life in Namche Bazaar during your rest day.
From Namche, you’ll set out on a route that promises amazing views of a series of peaks, including Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Kantaiga, as well as Everest itself. Your ultimate goal will be the Ama Dablam Base Camp, from where you can see another 8,000 m+ peak – Cho Oyo. This also gives you an excellent view of much of the mountaineering route up Ama Dablam, which towers high above the base camp.
You’ll then leave these amazing mountains behind you as you return to Lukla and board a flight to take you back to Kathmandu. You could go sightseeing in Kathmandu or just head back home satisfied after taking in two of the most amazing hikes on the planet!
Book Your Adventure to Nepal
Nepal is one of the best backpacker destinations with friendly people, tasty food and some of the most dramatic scenery and mountain ranges on the planet. We hope our guide has shown you how you can see two of Nepal’s most famous mountains on one holiday. Now go plan your trip!
