The
Himalayas
The highest mountains on earth. Ancient trade routes, Buddhist monasteries, and air thin enough to remind you exactly where you are.
Where the Earth Touches the Sky
The Himalayas are the youngest and highest mountain range on earth — a 2,400 km arc of peaks formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, still rising at roughly 5 mm per year. Fourteen of the world's fifteen highest peaks are here. The trekking routes that thread through them are among the most culturally and physically demanding journeys available to non-technical hikers.
Nepal is the gateway. From Kathmandu, flights or road journeys deliver trekkers to trailheads that access four distinct trekking regions: the Khumbu (Everest), the Annapurna Conservation Area, the Langtang Valley, and the restricted kingdom of Upper Mustang. Each has its own character — the Khumbu is raw and high; Annapurna is diverse and long; Langtang is intimate and underrated; Mustang is unlike anywhere else on earth.
The defining challenge of Himalayan trekking is altitude. Above 3,500 m the body struggles to acclimatise to reduced oxygen. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can progress to life-threatening pulmonary or cerebral oedema within hours. The golden rule — climb high, sleep low, ascend slowly — is not a guideline. It is the difference between a successful trek and a helicopter evacuation.
- Highest Trekking Point
- Kala Patthar, 5,545 m
- Highest Pass (trekking)
- Thorong La, 5,416 m
- Permit Types
- TIMS + National Park + Restricted Area
- Teahouse Network
- Extensive on EBC & Annapurna routes
- Evacuation Cover
- Min. USD 100,000 helicopter rescue
- Gateway City
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- Flight to Lukla
- 35 min from Kathmandu (weather dependent)
Altitude is the defining variable. Above 3,500 m, ascend no more than 300–500 m of sleeping altitude per day. Include a rest day every 3–4 days. If symptoms of AMS appear — headache, nausea, dizziness, loss of coordination — descend immediately. No view is worth your life.
| Trail / Route | Distance | Elevation Gain | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| EBC Classic Route | 130 km return | 4,100 m | Challenging |
| Kala Patthar Summit | 4 km return from Gorak Shep | 345 m | Challenging |
| Gokyo Lakes Variant | 160 km return | 4,600 m | Expert |
| Three Passes Trek | 190 km loop | 8,200 m | Expert |
☀ Clear · ☂ Monsoon rain · ❄ Snow at elevation · Amber border = peak trekking season
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is the primary hazard above 3,500 m. Ascend no more than 300–500 m per day above this altitude. Acclimatisation days are not optional — they are medical necessity.
TIMS card and national park permits are required for all major treks. Upper Mustang requires a restricted-area permit (USD 500 / 10 days). Obtain all permits in Kathmandu before departure.
Helicopter rescue is the only evacuation option from most high-altitude zones. Comprehensive travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover (minimum USD 100,000) is non-negotiable.
Teahouse availability varies significantly by season and route. Book ahead for October and November on the EBC and Annapurna Circuit. Carry a sleeping bag rated to -10 °C regardless of teahouse availability.
Trek With a Guide
We run guided Everest Base Camp expeditions each October and April — permits, teahouse bookings, acclimatisation scheduling, and a certified high-altitude guide throughout. Groups of six to eight.