Mapo Tapo: Nepal's Trekking and Mountaineering Regions

Discover Popular Routes, Iconic Peaks, Key Features, and What Makes Each Region Unique  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Welcome to The Next Line #52! The weekly newsletter where we share useful travel info on hiking, climbing and skiing in world class destinations, and other interesting stuff.

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🇳🇵Trekking and Mountaineering Regions of Nepal

If you’re always chasing #thenextline—off the beaten path and far from the crowds—Nepal’s trekking and mountaineering regions offer something truly unique. From iconic peaks like Everest and Annapurna to remote areas like Upper Mustang and Dolpo, Nepal is a paradise for adventurers who crave both challenge and solitude.

The main trekking and mountaineering regions of Nepal.

But each region has its own character, popularity, and features that make it stand out. Let’s break them down to help you choose where to go next! 👇🏼👀

 

#1 Popularity and Remoteness

In Nepal, popularity often means better amenities and infrastructure, while less popular regions offer a more rugged, remote experience with basic services. However, one thing that never changes is the kindness and hospitality of the Nepali people.

The table below compares these factors across Nepal's top trekking and mountaineering regions.

 

Region

Popularity

Remoteness

Accommodations

Everest (Khumbu) Region

High

Moderate

Well-developed, basic to luxury

Annapurna Region

High

Moderate

Well-developed, basic to luxury

Langtang Region

Moderate

Moderate

Basic to moderate

Manaslu Region

Moderate

High

Basic

Upper Mustang

Low

Very High

Basic

Dolpo Region (Lower & Upper Dolpo)

Very Low

Very High

Basic

Kanchenjunga Region

Low

High

Basic

Rara Lake Region

Very Low

Very High

Basic

 

Popularity refers to how busy you can expect your trek to be. For example, the Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek can see anywhere between 500 to 1,000 new trekkers daily during peak months.

Remoteness refers to how isolated and difficult to access a region is, with more remote areas offering fewer amenities, basic accommodations, and requiring more self-sufficiency from trekkers.

 
Traditional Tea House on the EBC trek.

Traditional Tea House on the EBC trek.

Well equipped Tea House on the ABC trek.

Well equipped Tea House on the ABC trek.

Expect traditional Nepalese Tea Houses on your trek. Some are more equipped than others, especially on EBC, ABC treks. The more remote you go, the more basic they become. However, you can still find some luxury accommodations in less remote areas.

Chefs at work in an EBC Tea House.

 

General rule: The more remote the area, the fewer amenities you'll find, with food prices rising and accommodations becoming more basic. In extremely remote regions, lodges may be scarce, and camping might be necessary. Plan ahead or hire a local guide for added safety.

 

#2 Main Treks and Climbs

Nepal offers a wide range of possibilities, from scenic treks to more accessible mountaineering climbs, and of course, some of the most challenging ascents in the world. It's important not to underestimate 'accessible mountaineering' or 'trekking peaks,' as these are still genuine mountaineering ascents at high altitude.

 

Region

Main treks

Iconic peaks (8000s: ⭐️)

Accessible mountaineering

Everest (Khumbu) Region

Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo Lakes Trek

Everest ⭐️, Lhotse ⭐️, Makalu ⭐️, Cho Oyu ⭐️, Nuptse, Ama Dablam

Island Peak, Lobuche East, Mera Peak

Annapurna Region

Annapurna Circuit Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna I ⭐️, II, III, IV, Machhapuchhre

Chulu West Peak, Chulu Far East Peak, Pisang Peak

Langtang Region

Langtang Valley Trek, Gosainkunda Lake Trek

Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri

Yala Peak, Focus on trekking

Manaslu Region

Manaslu Circuit Trek, Manaslu Base Camp Trek, Tsum Valley Trek

Manaslu ⭐️, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli

Larkya Peak

Upper Mustang

Upper Mustang Trek

Tukuche Peak, Nilgiri South

Focus on trekking

Dolpo Region (Lower & Upper Dolpo)

Lower Dolpo Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek

Dhaulagiri I ⭐️, Kanjirowa Himal

Norbu Kang, Focus on trekking

Kanchenjunga Region

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga ⭐️, Jongsong, Gimmigela Chuli

Bokta Peak

Rara Lake Region

Rara Lake Trek

Chuchemara Danda

Focus on trekking

 

If you're looking to trek beneath the world’s towering giants, head to the Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, or Kanchenjunga regions.

For accessible mountaineering ascents, the Everest and Annapurna regions still offer great options, with guided tours available online.

To explore Nepal's most remote and authentic landscapes, venture into the Langtang Valley, Upper Mustang, the Far West (Dolpo and Rara Lake regions), or the Far East (Kanchenjunga region).

 

Which Nepal's region do you want to deep dive in the next newsletter?

 

🏔️ Surfing the web

Some of our favorite content we found on the internet this week…

  • First ski descent from the top of Everest, without supplementary oxygen. Andrzej Bargiel is surely not new to this kind of achievement. First to ski K2, Gasherbrums I&II, Broad Peak, Manaslu, Shishapangma, and now…Everest. Check it here.

  • Ski season is getting closer and closer. Recent snowfalls in the Alps brought up to 50-60cm of fresh powder around 2000m in the Matterhorn, Monte Rosa, and Mont Blanc areas. Stay up to date with WePowder forecast (website, Instagram). Some September lines.

  • Will Bosi is trying hard on Silence 9c (Flatanger, Norway). He managed to link the full 2nd half of the crux. Will he be the first one to repeat the world’s first 9c freed by Adam Ondra in 2017?

 

👀 Job board

A job alert for outdoor lovers—because your dream company might just be hiring:

 

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