The Mountains are Calling

Wellness can take many forms, and one of those is seeking experiences at their purest source. There is no greater example of this than trekking through Nepal’s lofty, snow-covered peaks: it’s transformative. With clear time and space to contemplate life back home, you wouldn’t be alone in making life-changing decisions whilst hiking at the top of the world. You earn this clarity and you absolutely earn the views. Read on to discover which route exerts the strongest pull on your mountain wanderlust…

Choose your path…

The headline act of this journey is, without doubt, the chance to get a taste of true Himalayan trekking away from the most crowded routes. It’s not for the faint-hearted, and shouldn’t be undertaken lightly, but the rewards can be genuinely life changing.

The path you take is up to you, and our Nepal specialists can curate routes to suit many different preferences and fitness levels. Trek through the less-trodden foothills of the Modi Valley, make your intrepid way between simple high-altitude teahouses in the Langtang Valley, follow a circular route through farmland and rhododendron forests on the Annapurna Ghorepani Poon Hill trail, make strong community connections walking through the Kali Gandaki Valley, or simply head out on day hikes to dip your toes in the mountain trekking water.

Modi Valley & Mountain Lodges

There are few, if any, genuinely unspoiled, established foothill trekking routes in Nepal, but the Modi Valley comes pretty close. The footfall is relatively low compared to neighbouring valleys, ensuring plenty of opportunity on this four-day trek to get lost in your thoughts and those soul-stirring panoramas. The lodges, run by our specialist partners Mountain Lodges of Nepal (formerly Ker & Downey), are extremely welcoming, each having just a small number of rooms with solar-heated en suite facilities, excellent all-inclusive dining, and sundowner drinks - perfect after a day on the trail.

Start at an altitude of around 1,000 metres, and set out into the Modi Valley and the lower foothills of the Annapurna massif through terraced rice fields, villages and forests, with the majestic mountains as a constant backdrop. The going can be varied, but the views more than make up for your exertions, and your guide will adapt the days to suit your preferred pace.

Langtang Valley idyll

Set out by jeep, along the bumpy, vertiginous roads to Syabru Besi on the western edge of Langtang National Park for 8 days of unbeatable, and more challenging, trekking. The landscape you climb through on this route defies description; a superlative cascade of sparkling waterfalls, hidden hot springs, dense pine woods and rhododendron thickets, where rhesus macaques and red pandas move through the canopy overhead. Keep a lookout for wild, oversized beehives perched high on the cliffs, and terraced farms and quiet streams leading to peaceful mountain villages.

As the trail becomes steeper, tantalizing glimpses of snow-capped peaks begin to appear and the valley opens up into a classical U-shaped glacial. The views are nothing short of astonishing. Follow the trail for 4-7 hours each day, reaching a maximum altitude of 4700m and overnighting at traditional teahouses, guesthouses and small, locally-run hotels.

Annapurna Ghorepani Poonhill trek

Follow a circular route along the mountain footpaths of the Annapurna Ghorepani Poon Hill trail, weaving through terraced farmland, rhododendron forest and hillside villages, with the snow-capped Himalayan peaks as a constant backdrop. Spend your evenings in simple village tea houses, with your local guide with you to help bring each stage of the journey to life.

The number of days you spend on the route, and the distance covered each day, will vary, but you can expect a steady daily pace, dramatic scenery, and a warm welcome from local communities as you make your way towards Poon Hill, one of the region’s most iconic viewpoints. Tackle a series of stone staircases heading towards Ulleri, a traditional village set high above the valley. Climb higher into cooler air, past more local hill villages, towards Ghorepani, where the peaks of Annapurna South and Dhaulagiri dominate the skyline, before making the last push to Poon Hill, where the Annapurna range is revealed in shifting colour and clarity at sunrise.

Foothills community trekking

In the lower reaches of the Kali Gandaki Valley, embark upon a rewarding five-day trek through the rural heart of the Annapurna foothills, stopping at simple but comfortable community-run lodges and homestays which are part of the sector-leading Community Homestay Network. The route is quieter than many of Nepal’s better-known trails, allowing you time and space to immerse yourself in the scenery and life of the hills.

Trekking between 3–6 hours per day, climb steadily to a high-point or 3,300m, through terraced farmland and citrus groves, crossing suspension bridges and winding through pine and rhododendron forests. Pass through Magar villages, where you may learn more about community projects and traditional papermaking, and pause to enjoy stunning panoramic views from the ridge at Mohare Danda. The Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges stretch in every direction, with Machhapuchhre’s distinctive peak a constant companion.

Day hikes from Pokhara

You don’t have to pack a tent and disappear into the peaks for days to get a taste of Nepal’s trekking culture. If you’re looking for a more gentle introduction, then heading out on exhilarating day hikes from Pokhara, and returning to your hotel each night for a hot bath and cosy bed, could be the right option.

Take a 3-hour trek to Sarangkot Hill which offers, without doubt, the most incredible view of the Annapurnas (though this popular route can get busy), or head to Begnas Lake for a full day’s scenic hike to several small settlements overlooking the awe-inspiring mountains for a glimpse into Nepal's remote, traditional communities. Hike around the traditional village of Hemjakot for a different insight into life among the terraced rice fields, and occasional striking views of the Annapurna range, or opt for a trek to the scenic village of Pandeli in Sarangkot, visiting small Arabica coffee farms guided by non-profit Sharing Seeds along the way for a taste of Nepal’s emerging coffee culture.

In your own time

Experiencing the very best of trekking in Nepal, and ensuring we leave a light footprint, is paramount. Each of our suggested routes guides you away from Nepal’s busiest pathways, and you can opt for anything from a one-night trail taster to a full 4-5 night trek depending on your preference and budget, hiking for anything from 2-3 hours per day plus.

Each lodge, teahouse or Community Homestay you spend the night in will have its own distinctive character, but they all share a simple, pared back look and a homely, alpine ambiance. Expect welcoming fires, cosy nooks to curl up in, and mesmerising views of the mountainous landscape. The breakfasts are both delicious and hearty, ensuring you’re well fuelled for your next trekking stint.

Beyond the mountains…

This kind of personalised trekking offers the rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s most iconic landscapes, but alongside the other-worldliness of the trails, Nepal’s enthralling towns and communities enrich your experience of the country. Here are a couple of our favourite places to weave into a trekking-based itinerary:

Kathmandu brings all the bustle and rush you’d expect from a major capital. Merchants shout to make themselves heard above the sound of motorbike horns, and cars and cows share the streets where ancient temples sit alongside internet cafes. There’s still a strong backpacker and climbing scene too, drawn to the city’s history and diversity. Sister-city Patan blends relatively seamlessly into the capital; both gritty, dusty and chaotic, though Patan is a little more laid-back! Wander around Patan Durbar Square, which contains some well-preserved examples of Newari architecture, and enjoy getting a little lost amid the town’s labyrinth of narrow alleyways. 

Further west, Bandipur is a beautifully preserved Newari town perched on a hilltop that seems to be suspended in the clouds. Wonderful 18th-century buildings are languorously spread out, contrasting against the vastness of the mountain landscape beyond. Take time to unwind, practise a little meditation, and gaze at the white peaks of the massif in the distance. Explore Bandipur Bazaar, the former parade ground of Tundikhel, and the Bindabasini Temple with its intricately carved walls.

Though much of Pokhara town centre is still very much aimed at the backpacker scene, take a sidestep and you’ll find a region full of heart and soul. Lake Phewa, is a serene expanse of freshwater that produces spectacular reflections of the surrounding mountains. Sit back, relax, and soak up the tranquillity. Wander gently around the perimeter, venturing onto the water at your leisure, and you may just find your nirvana as the boatman gently sculls you across the mirror-flat waters…

‘In search of higher ground?’

Members of the Selective Asia team have trekked at many levels across Nepal, from high altitude climbing to lowland jungle-clad foothills and many remote trails in between. They all have their place. Some need plenty of advance commitment (there is no shortcut to being ‘mountain fit’!) and others need altitude acclimatisation, expert climbing guides, tented support or simply a longer duration. On the other hand, some require very little advance preparation, just a desire to spend time amid the inspiring scenery. We’ll pick up the logistics and arrange all guides and porters; you just need to arrive fit, ready and in possession of some good boots! Whatever your trekking preferences and needs, a privately supported experience is the best way to make it happen.