Nepal is a trekking and helicopter tour destination because of its Himalayan landscape and varied terrain. Below are some of the most popular trekking and heli-tour packages in Nepal:
Trekking Packages in Nepal:
- Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC Trek)
- 12-14 days
- Moderate to challenging
- Everest Base Camp with Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse and other peaks. Trek through Sherpa villages, Tengboche Monastery, and experience the culture and tradition of Everest region.
- 12-18 days
- Moderate
- One of the most popular treks in Nepal, Annapurna Circuit offers varied landscape from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. You’ll pass through traditional villages, cross Thorong La Pass (5416 meters) and see Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machapuchare.
- 7-10 days
- Moderate
- A short trek with great view of Langtang Range, glaciers and Tamang culture. The trek passes through Langtang National Park, home to red panda and Himalayan tahr.
- 14-16 days
- Moderate to challenging
- Known for its beauty and less crowded trails, Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you around the base of Mt. Manaslu, the 8th highest peak in the world. You’ll trek through remote villages, cross Larkya La Pass (5160 meters) and see Annapurna and Manaslu range.
- 5-7 days
- Easy to moderate
- For those with limited time, this trek offers sunrise view from Poon Hill where you can see Annapurna, Machapuchare and Dhaulagiri. The trek passes through forest and villages.
- Upper Mustang Trek
- 12-14 days
- Moderate
- The last forbidden kingdom of Nepal, Upper Mustang offers a landscape of barren hills, caves and Tibetan style villages. The trek is a cultural experience with visits to monasteries and walled city of Lo Manthang.
Helicopter Tour Packages to Nepal:
– Duration: 3-4 hours
– Highlights: Experience the majestic Himalayas on an Everest helicopter tour, where you’ll soar between iconic peaks like Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Passengers typically land at Kala Patthar (5,545 meters) for breathtaking views of Everest and its neighboring summits. This option is perfect for those who wish to see Everest from the sky rather than trekking.
– Duration: 3-4 hours
– Highlights: The Annapurna Helicopter Tour offers stunning aerial views of the Annapurna range, including Annapurna I, Machapuchare, and Dhaulagiri. The tour usually includes a landing at Annapurna Base Camp or other scenic spots like Ghorepani.
– Duration: 3-4 hours
– Highlights: The Langtang Helicopter Tour showcases the beautiful landscapes of the Langtang range, featuring peaks such as Langtang Lirung and Ganesh Himal. This trip often includes a landing in Langtang Valley or at Kyanjin Gompa, allowing you to appreciate the region’s beauty from above.
- Muktinath Helicopter Tour
– Duration: 2-3 hours
– Highlights: The Muktinath Helicopter Tour is a popular short journey that takes you to the sacred Muktinath Temple in Mustang, a significant pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The tour offers stunning views of the Kali Gandaki River Valley along with the nearby Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
– Duration: 3-4 hours
– Highlights: A heli-tour to Gosaikunda, a sacred alpine lake in Langtang National Park, provides spectacular views of the Langtang range, tranquil lakes, and beautiful surroundings. This tour is ideal for those seeking spiritual experiences and nature exploration without the lengthy trek.
- Helicopter Tour to Rara Lake
Duration: 3-4 hours
Highlights: This tour provides an opportunity to witness the magnificent Rara Lake in Northwestern Nepal, the largest lake in the country. The surrounding scenery features majestic mountains, lush forests, and a tranquil rural landscape.
- Helicopter Tour to Dolpo
Duration: 4-5 hours
Highlights: Dolpo, situated in the isolated Northwestern part of Nepal, is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and rich Tibetan Buddhist heritage. A helicopter tour here presents a rare chance to take in the stunning vistas and the enchanting Shey Phoksundo Lake.
The ideal times for trekking in Nepal are during the spring months of March to May and the autumn months of September to November, when the weather is typically clear and pleasant. Similarly, helicopter tours are best enjoyed in spring and autumn due to stable weather conditions and clear skies.
When planning your trek, keep in mind that most regions require permits, including the TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and national park entry permits. For restricted areas like Upper Mustang, a special permit is necessary.
Each trekking and helicopter tour option offers a unique opportunity to explore Nepal’s stunning and varied landscapes.