The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) is one of the world’s longest and most challenging trekking networks, stretching across the entire length of Nepal from east to west. Covering approximately 1,700 kilometers, it connects some of the most iconic trekking regions, including Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Dolpo, Mustang, and Kanchenjunga. Unlike single-region treks, the GHT offers a truly immersive journey through diverse landscapes, ranging from lush subtropical valleys to high-altitude mountain passes above 6,000 meters. Along the way, trekkers encounter rich cultural diversity, from Tibetan-influenced villages to traditional Nepali communities, making it as much a cultural exploration as an adventure in nature. Known as the ultimate trekking experience in Nepal, the Great Himalaya Trail can be completed in sections or as a full traverse, offering flexibility for both casual trekkers and extreme adventurers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime Himalayan journey.

Routes of the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT)

The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) is not a single path but a vast network of interconnected trekking routes that span across Nepal from east to west. At Nepal Treks and Tour, we guide trekkers through both the High Route and the Low Route, each offering unique experiences, challenges, and cultural encounters.

The High Route – Adventure Across the High Himalayas

• Distance & Duration: Approx. 1,700 km | 150–170 days

• Altitude: Frequently above 3,000 m, with passes over 5,000 m

• Difficulty: Very challenging – requires high-altitude experience and stamina

The High Route is the crown jewel of the GHT, traversing dramatic mountain passes, glaciers, and remote valleys. It connects Nepal’s most famous trekking regions while also entering rarely visited areas.

Major Regions Along the High Route:

• Kanchenjunga Region: Eastern Nepal, home to the world’s third-highest peak.

• Makalu Region: Rugged trails, including the challenging Sherpani Col pass.

• Everest Region: Legendary routes to Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, and high passes.

• Rolwaling & Langtang: Off-the-beaten-path valleys and Tilman Pass.

• Manaslu Region: Remote villages and the Larkya La pass (5,106 m).

• Annapurna Region: Crossing Thorong La (5,416 m), one of the most iconic treks.

• Dolpo & Humla: Remote landscapes, ancient Tibetan culture, and wilderness.

• Far West Nepal: Isolated areas with pristine nature and few trekkers.

The High Route is perfect for seasoned adventurers who want to experience the raw beauty and challenge of Nepal’s Himalayas.

The Low Route – Cultural Heart of the Himalayas

• Distance & Duration: Approx. 1,500 km | 100–120 days

• Altitude: Stays mostly below 3,000 m

• Difficulty: Moderate – easier in altitude but longer in walking distance

The Low Route of the GHT passes through mid-hills, terraced farmlands, dense forests, and traditional villages. It offers deeper cultural immersion, allowing trekkers to live alongside Nepal’s diverse ethnic groups.

Major Regions Along the Low Route:

• Eastern Hills: Tea gardens and Rai-Limbu villages.

• Central Hills (Makalu–Everest–Langtang): Scenic valleys and rural settlements.

• Middle Nepal (Manaslu–Annapurna): Gurung and Magar culture with panoramic views.

• Western Hills (Dolpo–Humla): Less-developed regions with authentic lifestyles.

• Far West: Rarely visited areas rich in culture and biodiversity.

The Low Route is ideal for trekkers seeking a balance between cultural exploration and scenic beauty without the extreme challenges of high-altitude trekking.

Combining the Routes

• Trekkers often choose to combine sections of both the High Route and the Low Route, depending on their interests, fitness level, and time. At Nepal Treks and Tour, we customize itineraries so you can experience both the towering passes of the Himalayas and the rich traditions of Nepal’s mid-hills.

The Routes of the Great Himalaya Trail offer two incredible journeys: the High Route, which challenges trekkers with some of the toughest trails in the world, and the Low Route, which highlights the cultural and natural richness of Nepal’s mid-hills. Whether you choose the adventure of high mountain passes or the cultural depth of rural villages, Nepal Treks and Tour ensures your journey along the GHT is safe, memorable, and life-changing.

Highlights of the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT)

The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) is more than just the longest trekking network in Nepal — it is a journey that brings together breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and the raw adventure of the Himalayas. At Nepal Treks and Tour, we believe the GHT represents the essence of trekking in Nepal, offering trekkers the chance to explore both world-famous routes and untouched hidden valleys.

Here are the top highlights of the Great Himalaya Trail that make it the ultimate trekking experience.

Trekking Across All Major Himalayan Regions

The GHT connects the entire length of Nepal, passing through legendary regions such as Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Kanchenjunga, Mustang, Dolpo, and Humla. Few treks in the world cover such a diverse range of landscapes and cultures in a single journey.

Crossing High Mountain Passes

For adventure lovers, the High Route offers some of the most thrilling crossings, including:

• Sherpani Col (6,135 m) in Makalu

• Tilman Pass (5,320 m) in Langtang

• Larkya La (5,106 m) in Manaslu

• Thorong La (5,416 m) in Annapurna
  These passes deliver panoramic Himalayan views and a true sense of wilderness.

Experiencing Diverse Cultures

Along the GHT, trekkers interact with Nepal’s most diverse ethnic communities:

• Sherpas in the Everest region

• Tamang and Gurung in Langtang and Annapurna

• Thakali in Mustang

• Rai and Limbu in eastern hills

• Tibetan-influenced culture in Dolpo and Humla
  This cultural variety makes the trail not just a physical journey but also a deep cultural immersion.

Exploring Remote and Untouched Regions

While popular sections like Everest and Annapurna are well known, the GHT also leads into untouched areas such as Dolpo, Humla, and Far West Nepal, where very few trekkers venture. These regions offer authentic Himalayan life and landscapes that remain unchanged for centuries.

Unparalleled Scenic Diversity

The GHT covers every type of Himalayan landscape:

• Lush rhododendron forests

• Rolling green hills and terraced farms

• Glacial valleys and alpine meadows

• Towering snow-covered peaks

• High-altitude deserts of Mustang and Dolpo
  This scenic diversity ensures that every day of the trek feels completely new and exciting.

Flexibility of Routes

The GHT is not just one trail — it’s a network of interconnected routes. Trekkers can choose between:

• The High Route for alpine adventure and high passes

• The Low Route for cultural depth and easier altitudes

• Regional sections like Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, or Kanchenjunga Trek that are part of the greater trail

This flexibility makes the GHT adaptable for different trekking goals and timeframes.

A True Expedition Experience

• Unlike short treks, the GHT is a long-distance expedition requiring planning, stamina, and adventure spirit. It is one of the few treks in the world that feels like a continuous exploration — testing endurance while rewarding trekkers with unmatched natural and cultural experiences.

The Highlights of the Great Himalaya Trail capture why it is considered one of the most extraordinary trekking journeys in the world. From towering mountain passes to deep cultural encounters and landscapes that change daily, the GHT is the ultimate Himalayan adventure. At Nepal Treks and Tour, we design both full-length GHT expeditions and sectional treks, ensuring every traveler can experience the magic of this remarkable trail.

Best Time for the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT)

Choosing the best time for the Great Himalaya Trail is one of the most important decisions for trekkers. Since the GHT stretches across Nepal’s east–west Himalayan belt and covers both high-altitude passes and mid-hill cultural routes, weather and seasonal variations play a major role in the experience. At Nepal Treks and Tour, we recommend planning your GHT adventure during the most stable trekking seasons for safety, comfort, and the best scenery.

Spring Season (March – May)

• Why Trek Now?
  Spring is one of the most popular seasons for the GHT. The weather is moderate, skies are clear, and trails are decorated with blooming rhododendrons.

• Advantages:

  • Excellent mountain views

  • Stable weather conditions

  • Vibrant forests and greenery

  • Longer daylight hours

• Challenges:

  • Some higher passes may still have snow in early spring

Autumn Season (September – November)

• Why Trek Now?
  Autumn is widely considered the best trekking season in Nepal. After the monsoon rains, the skies are crystal-clear, making this period ideal for the long and challenging GHT journey.

• Advantages:

  • Perfect visibility of the Himalayas

  • Stable and dry weather

  • Best conditions for crossing high passes

  • Cultural festivals like Dashain and Tihar add extra charm

• Challenges:

  • Peak trekking season = busier trails in popular regions (Everest, Annapurna)

Winter Season (December – February)

• Why Trek Now?
  Winter brings cold temperatures and heavy snowfall in the high Himalayas, making the High Route extremely difficult. However, the Low Route remains accessible in many areas.

• Advantages:

  • Clear skies and beautiful snow-capped views

  • Quieter trails with fewer trekkers

• Challenges:

  • Harsh cold in high passes

  • Many lodges in remote areas close for the season

Summer/Monsoon Season (June – August)

• Why Trek Now?
  The monsoon brings heavy rain, slippery trails, and leeches in mid-hills. However, certain regions in the rain-shadow areas like Upper Mustang and Dolpo are excellent choices during this period.

• Advantages:

  • Best season for Dolpo and Mustang GHT sections

  • Lush green landscapes

• Challenges:

  • Rain, landslides, and difficult trails in most regions

  • Limited mountain views

Our Recommendation – Nepal Treks and Tour

• For the full GHT expedition, the ideal time is Spring (March–May) or Autumn (September–November) when weather is stable and high passes are accessible.

• For sectional treks like Mustang or Dolpo, the monsoon season (June–August) is actually the best.

• If you plan only the Low Route, winter can still be manageable with proper preparation.

The best time for the Great Himalaya Trail depends on whether you choose the High Route or the Low Route, and which regions you want to explore. Generally, spring and autumn are the most reliable for long-distance trekking across Nepal, while monsoon is perfect for Mustang and Dolpo. At Nepal Treks and Tour, we help you select the right time and section of the GHT to match your goals, ensuring a safe and unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

Difficulty of the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT)

The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) is considered one of the most challenging trekking routes in the world. Stretching over 1,700 km across Nepal, the GHT passes through remote villages, dense forests, alpine meadows, glaciers, and high mountain passes above 5,000 meters. At Nepal Treks and Tour, we emphasize that this trek is not just physically demanding but also mentally and logistically challenging. Understanding the difficulty of the GHT is crucial for anyone planning this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Length and Duration

• The High Route takes about 150–170 days to complete.

• The Low Route requires 100–120 days.

• Long trekking days (6–8 hours daily) test endurance and stamina.

This extended duration makes the GHT far more difficult than shorter treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek.

High Altitude and Pass Crossings

• The High Route frequently crosses passes above 5,000 meters, such as Thorong La, Larkya La, Sherpani Col, and Tilman Pass.

• Risks of altitude sickness are high, requiring proper acclimatization.

• Thin air, extreme cold, and unpredictable weather add to the difficulty.

Remote and Isolated Trails

• Many sections of the GHT, especially in Dolpo, Humla, and Far West Nepal, are extremely remote.

• Limited access to rescue facilities, lodges, and medical support.

• Some areas require camping treks due to the absence of teahouses.

This remoteness increases both the physical and logistical challenges.

Technical Challenges

• Some sections involve glacier crossings, steep ascents, and rocky terrain.

• High passes like Sherpani Col and Amphu Lapcha require mountaineering skills and sometimes rope support.

• Trekkers must be confident in navigating difficult and exposed trails.

Weather and Climate Variations

• The GHT spans different regions, each with its own weather patterns.

• Trekkers face scorching mid-hill heat, heavy monsoon rains, and freezing alpine winds.

• Unpredictable conditions demand flexibility and preparedness.

Physical and Mental Endurance

• Continuous trekking for months can lead to fatigue and strain.

• Trekkers must maintain both physical strength and mental resilience.

• Flexibility, patience, and determination are as important as fitness.

Permits and Logistical Complexity

• The GHT passes through several restricted areas requiring special permits.

• Arranging supplies, porters, guides, and camping gear adds to the difficulty.

• Without professional support from agencies like Nepal Treks and Tour, self-managing the GHT is nearly impossible.

Difficulty Level Summary

• High Route GHT: Extremely Difficult, requires advanced trekking and mountaineering skills, high-altitude experience, and strong logistics.

• Low Route GHT: Moderate to Difficult, fewer altitude risks but still challenging due to long distances and remote sections.

The difficulty of the Great Himalaya Trail makes it one of the toughest treks on Earth, reserved for highly experienced trekkers and adventurers. However, with proper planning, professional guidance, and strong determination, the GHT offers a life-changing expedition through Nepal’s most stunning landscapes and diverse cultures. At Nepal Treks and Tour, we ensure trekkers are fully prepared — physically, mentally, and logistically — to take on this extraordinary challenge.

Permits for the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT)

The Great Himalaya Trail is not a single standardized trekking route but rather a network of trails stretching across the entire length of Nepal. Because of this, trekkers need multiple permits depending on the section of the GHT they are covering. These generally fall under TIMS cards, National Park/Conservation Area permits, and Restricted Area Permits.

TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card

• Who needs it: All trekkers except those trekking entirely within restricted areas.

• Types:

  • Independent Trekker: USD 20

  • Organized Trekker (through an agency such as Nepal Treks and Tour): USD 10

National Park & Conservation Area Permits

The GHT crosses several protected areas, and each requires a separate entry fee:

• Sagarmatha National Park (Everest region): NPR 3,000 (~USD 25)

• Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA): NPR 3,000 (~USD 25)

• Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA): NPR 3,000 (~USD 25)

• Langtang National Park: NPR 3,000 (~USD 25)

• Shey Phoksundo National Park (Dolpo): NPR 3,000 (~USD 25)

• Makalu Barun National Park: NPR 3,000 (~USD 25)

• Kanchanjunga Conservation Area: NPR 2,000 (~USD 17)

• Other smaller areas may also apply depending on your route.

Restricted Area Permits (RAP)

Many parts of the GHT fall under restricted areas, requiring special permits. These permits are only issued through registered trekking agency such as Nepal Treks and Tour. Costs vary depending on the region and duration:

• Manaslu Region (Jagat – Samagaun):

  • Sep–Nov: USD 100 per person/week + USD 15/day after 1 week

  • Dec–Aug: USD 75 per person/week + USD 10/day after 1 week

• Upper Mustang:

  • USD 500 per person for 10 days

  • USD 50 per day beyond 10 days

• Upper Dolpo:

  • USD 500 per person for 10 days

  • USD 50 per day beyond 10 days

• Lower Dolpo:

  • USD 20 per person/week

• Humla (Simikot – Hilsa):

  • USD 50 per person/week

• Tsum Valley (Manaslu region):

  • Sep–Nov: USD 40 per person/week

  • Dec–Aug: USD 30 per person/week

• Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camps:

  • USD 20 per person/week

Other Local Permits

• Some municipalities and local bodies along the GHT have recently introduced their own entry fees (e.g., Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee: NPR 2,000 ~ USD 18).

Summary

• You will need TIMS + National Park/Conservation Permits + Restricted Area Permits depending on the section.

• Restricted Area Permits require you to trek with a registered agency such as Nepal Treks and Tour.

• Total cost of permits can range from USD 200 – 1,500+ depending on how many regions you cover on the GHT.