The Great Himalaya Trail
An adventurous trek the length of the Nepalese Himalaya
The Great Himalaya trail spans the entire length of the Nepalese Himalaya, covering 1700km from Kanchenchunga in the East all the way to Humla and just beyond in the West. The Great Himalaya Trail follows a network of already established treks and trails which when combined together have formed one of the highest walking routes in the world. The trail follows in the shadows of the world’s highest peaks, navigating its way over high mountain passes, vast high plateaus, lush valleys, and awe inspiring landscapes while also visiting some very remote mountain communities. The trail can be divided into 10 separate regions of Nepal and can be done with a choice of taking a higher or lower route, with each section offering a completely different cultural experience, landscape and terrain. The main route travels at an altitude of 3000-6000m, while the lower cultural route brings trekkers in touch with the “real Nepal”, authentic agricultural villages surrounded by green terraced hills. This is one of the world’s greatest destinations for pure adventure, exploration and authentic cultural experiences.
Welcome to Nepal, let the adventure begin!
Highlights
- An adventure of a lifetime with an exploratory feel
- Trekking aside the beaten tracks of commercial tourism
- Pristine untouched nature, changing landscapes
- New and exciting destinations
- Trekking where only a few have ventured before
- Passing 8 of the 14 highest 8000m peaks in the world
- The opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures and traditions of the Himalaya
- An authentic insight to peoples lives in the mountains
- Immersing in the peacefulness of nature and the grandeur of the mountains
The Sections
Nepal’s Great Himalaya Trail comprises of 10 sections: each a destination within itself and its own unique blend of spectacular scenery and local culture. The whole trip takes 150 days but can be split into 2-3 week trips. In addition, there are many side-treks, some short, some long, some teahouse-style and some camping treks. It is a link up of many existing trails and some new ones. Some sections can even be cycled including the Annapurna Circuit.
We can provide you a guide, porters, permits and logistical support for the whole Great Himalayan Trail on either the upper or lower route. Sometimes you will sleep in locals living rooms and sometimes under the stars. You need to be very flexible with this sort of trip and have an open mind. You will also need to be an experienced hill walker and very fit. Depending on the route you take you may need a tent. You can either go lightweight and carry it yourself or we can arrange all camping and cooking equipment along with a camp cook and all the staff to go with it. If this is something you’d like to do then call Richard on +44 (0) 1904 500094 or email richard@lostearthadventures.co.uk
Alternatively see the sections that Lost Earth Adventures offer as set departures on our Nepal trips and treks page.
Who Developed The Great Himalaya Trail?
People live all across Nepal, some many days walk from roads and towns. The paths act as trade routes where goods are transported via animals or by porters. Some of these trade routes even cross the borders with India and Tibet. There are thousands of villages covering the Himalayas and in these remote regions the cultures have been untouched for thousands of years.
There have been half a dozen or so people that have walked the length of the Himalaya over the past few decades. A pair have even run it! However it was early 2009 that truly gave birth to a Great Himalaya Trail. Thanks to a man called Robin Boustead who was the first to document his route meticulously. He walked the trail in stages with support from his wife and friends and wanted to create a trail that many people could repeat.
The Great Himalaya Trail is now being promoted to attract more visitors to Nepal, benefitting the tourism industry and its associated support sectors, channeling tourists and investment to under-developed districts. This creates a wide range of jobs in impoverished local communities. Tourism is a vitally important economic sector for Nepal being its 3rd largest source of foreign exchange revenue. Tourism can yield high levels of employment and income for the poor and in rural areas, where few alternative development opportunities exist.
Visiting the less popular and developed areas also gives you a more rewarding experience!
Itinerary and Route
The Great Himalaya Trail is made up of a network of many footpaths old and new. The two suggested routes below are possible but they do not have to be followed precisely. The thicker line on the top half is the higher route that Robin Boustead developed and the green dotted line below is the lower route. The higher route is more demanding and offers more dramatic scenery whereas the lower route takes you much further beyond the beaten path and offers more of a cultural experience.
Photos
Click on the arrows below to take a photographic journey through The Great Himalaya Trail.
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What Lost Earth Adventures are doing
When you trek in any of the regions of the Great Himalaya Trail you are required to buy trekking permits. The money is a great help in developing the communities. Your fees get spent primarily on education, renewable energy, trail maintenance, medical posts, sanitation, water supply and teaching responsible tourism practices.
Videos
Trekking the Manaslu Section of the Great Himalaya Trail
Trekking the Langtang and Helambu Section of the Great Himalaya Trail
Groups: Private Treks and Group Tours
Charities, Schools, Military, Private Groups and Tailor Made Trips for Individuals
All our tours can be run privately for you and your group, from solo travellers to groups of over 50. We specialise in organising bespoke tours for groups of friends, charity challenges, school groups, mountaineering clubs, families, and countless others.
Charities
We love working with charity challengers! We have our own charity (Share the Load Foundation) and are inspired by your determination to fundraise for worthy causes. That’s why we will do everything we can to help you achieve your goals during a charity challenge. We provide support from start to finish, including fundraising tips, training plans and the very best in-country support.
Continue reading about charity challenges
Schools
We believe that the best way for students to develop into global citizens ready to go and conquer the world is to get them out into it as soon as possible. We meticulously plan our itineraries to increase students’ independence and self-belief and develop a sense of social responsibility. UK safety standards and documentation for all activities and a 24 hour UK based operations centre ensure students’ safety and well-being on their Asian Lost Earth Adventure.
Continue reading about school trips to Asia
Military Groups
We are an Approved Military Contractor and provide many courses, expeditions and adventure training for groups of serving personnel and Cadets.
Read more about our military programmes or explore our activities and training for cadets
Tailor-made trips
We understand honeymooners need a bit of champagne sparkle, some celebrations warrant the inclusion of heli-trekking and spa treatments, and that the very active relax with white-water rafting after summiting 6,000m peaks. Decades of research and our extensive in-country network mean anything is possible. Get in touch and we’ll start preparing your perfect adventure.
Continue reading about Tailor Made trips
Information for group leaders & group discounts
Depending on your trip and number of participants, we can offer groups of 10 or more a complimentary place or a discount for all adventurers. Schools trips can benefit from free places for teachers, whilst we can discount rates for charity challenges. Contact us with your details and requirements and we will get a quote to you within one working day.
We also appreciate the effort it takes to coordinate a group of people so in exchange for your efforts, we will give group organisers of 10+ people a £150 Cotswold gift voucher; perfect for kitting yourself out ahead of your big adventure!
All group members receive a complimentary kit bag, t-shirt and a voucher code for 15% off at Cotswold Outdoor.
For Your Information
Health and safety and financial protection
At Lost Earth Adventures, health and safety is our top priority. All our trips are run to UK and international safety standards, and are proud to surpass these standards in many areas. We are a fully bonded tour operator, ensuring your financial protection.
Full details of our policies and protections are available here.