How fit do I need to be?

Fit, and ideally with a multi-day trek above 4,000 m already behind you. Days are often six to eight hours, some passes are long and steep, and nights in camp can drop well below freezing. If you are not sure a route suits you, ask us before you book.

What do the grades mean?

We grade every trek from 1 to 5: 1 Easy, 2 Moderate, 3 Strenuous, 4 Very Strenuous, 5 Extreme. Everything in this collection is 3 or above. The grade reflects the length of the days, the height of the passes and how remote the route is, not technical climbing.

Do I need climbing experience?

Most of these routes are treks, not climbs. A few high crossings, such as Sherpani Col between Makalu and Everest, the Tashi Lapcha and the Saribung Pass, need crampons and a rope on some sections. The section notes on this page say which ones.

Will I stay in teahouses or tents?

Mostly tents. Our crew carries and pitches the camp, cooks, and looks after the kitchen. Where a village has a lodge we sometimes use it, on Kanchenjunga and Makalu more than in Dolpo.

When is the best time to go?

Spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November) are best for most routes. Dolpo sits in the rain shadow and can also be trekked in summer. The highest passes are usually closed by snow in winter.

High pass treks

Great Himalaya Trail & High Pass Treks

Nepal's wildest walking, one section at a time.

See the treks

Set itineraryOn requestExplore the map

About the trail

What is the Great Himalaya Trail?

A network of trekking routes along the whole length of the Nepal Himalaya, from Kanchenjunga in the east to Humla in the far west. The high route crosses many passes over 5,000 m and takes around five months end to end.

Very few people walk it in one go. Most do it one section at a time: a remote valley, a glaciated col, three to five weeks in camp. These are the sections we run, each with its own trek below.

A step up from Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit. It suits you if you have:

A multi-day trek above 4,000 m already behind you
No problem sleeping in a tent in the cold
Three to five weeks free

RegionNepal, east to west
Length19 to 35 days
Highest passes5,100 to 6,100 m
GradeStrenuous to very strenuous
NightsMostly camping
SeasonsApr to May, Oct to Nov

The treks

9 sections with set itineraries, from east to west. Every one also runs privately for two or more on dates you choose.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

North and south base camps of the third highest mountain on earth, in the far east of Nepal.

Duration: 22 days
Highest point: 5,143 m
Grade: Very Strenuous · 4 of 5
Best months: Apr–May, Oct–Nov
Passes: Sele La, Mirgin La, Pangpema
Nights: Camping and lodges

Day-by-day itinerary (22 days)

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu1,400 m · Hotel
Day 2Kathmandu – Permits, Briefing & Preparation1,400 m · Hotel
Day 3Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur and Drive to Taplejung1,820 m · Guest House
Day 4Drive to Sekathum from Taplejung1,650 m · Tea House
Day 5Sekathum – Rest & Acclimatisation Day1,650 m · Tea House
Day 6Trek from Sekathum to Amjilosa2,510 m · Tea House
Day 7Trek from Amjilosa to Gyabla2,730 m · Tea House
Day 8Trek from Gyabla to Ghunsa3,417 m · Tea House
Day 9Acclimatization Day to Ghunsa3,417 m · Tea House
Day 10Trek from Ghunsa to Khambachen4,050 m · Tea House
Day 11Trek to Lhonak from Khambachen4,780 m · Tea House
Day 12Trek to Pangpema Base Camp from Lhonak and return to Lhonak5,143 m · Tea House
Day 13Trek to Ghunsa from Lhonak3,417 m · Tea House
Day 14Trek to Selele High Camp from Ghunsa4,200 m · Tea House
Day 15Trek to Tseram from Selele Base Camp3,870 m · Tea House
Day 16Trek to Ramche from Tseram4,580 m · Tea House
Day 17Trek to Okthang Base Camp from Ramche and back to Tseram4,730 m · Tea House
Day 18Trek to Torangdin (Tortong) from Tseram2,995 m · Tea House
Day 19Trek to Yasang from Torangdin2,144 m · Tea House
Day 20Trek to Hellok from Yasang and take a jeep to Taplejung1,820 m · Guest House
Day 21Drive to Bhadrapur from Taplejung and fly back to Kathmandu1,400 m · Hotel
Day 22International Departure1,400 m

from $1,995

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Kanchenjunga to Makalu Trek

The eastern end of the high route, linking two 8,000 m base camps through Olangchung Gola and the Lumba Sumba pass.

Duration: 35 days
Highest point: 5,159 m
Grade: Very Strenuous · 4 of 5
Best months: Apr–May, Oct–Nov
Passes: Nango La, Lumba Sumba
Nights: Camping and lodges

Day-by-day itinerary (35 days)

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu1,400 m · Hotel
Day 2Trip briefing, permits and gear check1,400 m · Hotel
Day 3Fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung1,820 m · Hotel
Day 4Drive to Sinwa and trek to Chirwa1,270 m · Camp
Day 5Chirwa to Sekathum1,660 m · Camp
Day 6Sekathum to Amjilosa2,308 m · Camp
Day 7Amjilosa to Gyabla2,730 m · Lodge
Day 8Gyabla to Ghunsa3,595 m · Lodge
Day 9Rest and acclimatisation day at Ghunsa3,595 m · Lodge
Day 10Ghunsa to Khambachen4,050 m · Camp
Day 11Khambachen to Lhonak4,780 m · Camp
Day 12Rest day at Lhonak4,780 m · Camp
Day 13Lhonak to Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pangpema) and back5,143 m · Camp
Day 14Lhonak to Khambachen4,050 m · Camp
Day 15Khambachen to Ghunsa3,595 m · Lodge
Day 16Ghunsa to Sele Le (Nango La base)4,200 m · Camp
Day 17Cross Nango La and descend towards Olangchung Gola side4,776 m · Camp
Day 18Walk to Olangchung Gola3,191 m · Lodge
Day 19Rest day at Olangchung Gola3,191 m · Lodge
Day 20Olangchung Gola to Lumba Sumba base camp4,100 m · Camp
Day 21Cross Lumba Sumba Pass and camp on the far side5,159 m · Camp
Day 22Camp to Thudam3,500 m · Camp
Day 23Rest day at Thudam3,500 m · Camp
Day 24Thudam to Chyamtang2,300 m · Camp
Day 25Chyamtang to Hatiya1,600 m · Camp
Day 26Hatiya to Hongon1,800 m · Camp
Day 27Hongon to Molun area high camp3,500 m · Camp
Day 28Cross the ridge into the Barun valley, camp near Yangri Kharka3,557 m · Camp
Day 29Yangri Kharka to Langmale Kharka4,410 m · Camp
Day 30Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (Shersong)4,870 m · Camp
Day 31Makalu Base Camp back to Yangri Kharka3,557 m · Camp
Day 32Yangri Kharka to Seduwa1,500 m · Lodge
Day 33Seduwa to Tashigaon2,100 m · Lodge
Day 34Tashigaon to Num, drive to Tumlingtar400 m · Hotel
Day 35Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu1,400 m · Hotel

from $6,000

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Makalu Base Camp Trek

Up the Barun valley to the foot of the fifth highest mountain. The start of the Sherpani Col crossing.

Duration: 19 days
Highest point: 4,870 m
Grade: Strenuous · 3 of 5
Best months: Apr–May, Oct–Nov
Passes: Shipton La, Keke La
Nights: Lodges and camping

Day-by-day itinerary (19 days)

Day 1Arrival to Kathmandu & Transfer to the Hotel (1,400m)
Day 2Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Num
Day 3Trek to Seduwa
Day 4Trek to Tashi Gaon
Day 5Acclimatization at Tashi Gaun (rest day): camping
Day 6Trek to Khongma
Day 7Trek from Khongma to Mumbuk: Camping
Day 8Trek from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka: Camping
Day 9Trek from Nehe Kharka to Shershon
Day 10Trek from Shershon to Makalu Base Camp
Day 11Trek to Yangle Kharka
Day 12Trek to Mumbuk
Day 13Trek to Khongma
Day 14Trek to Tashi Gaon
Day 15Trek to Num
Day 16Drive to Tumlingtar
Day 17Back to Kathmandu
Day 18Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
Day 19International Departure or join other trip

from $1,650

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Makalu to Everest via Sherpani Col

The hardest link on the high route. Glacier travel between Makalu and the Khumbu, with crampons and a rope on the cols.

Duration: 25 days
Highest point: 6,143 m
Grade: Extreme · 5 of 5
Best months: Apr–May, Oct
Passes: Sherpani Col, West Col, Amphu Laptsa
Nights: Camping

Day-by-day itinerary (25 days)

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu1,400 m · Hotel
Day 2Gear check and permit day in Kathmandu1,400 m · Hotel
Day 3Fly to Tumlingtar, drive to Num1,500 m · Lodge
Day 4Drive to Seduwa and trek to Tashigaon2,100 m · Camp
Day 5Tashigaon to Khongma Danda3,500 m · Camp
Day 6Khongma Danda to Dobato3,500 m · Camp
Day 7Over Shipton La to Yangle Kharka3,600 m · Camp
Day 8Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka4,100 m · Camp
Day 9Langmale Kharka to Makalu Base Camp4,800 m · Camp
Day 10Acclimatisation day at Makalu Base Camp5,200 m · Camp
Day 11Makalu Base Camp to Swiss Base Camp5,100 m · Camp
Day 12Swiss Base Camp to Sherpani Col high camp5,600 m · Camp
Day 13Cross Sherpani Col to Baruntse Base Camp6,135 m · Camp
Day 14Rest and spare day at Baruntse Base Camp5,400 m · Camp
Day 15Baruntse Base Camp to West Col camp5,900 m · Camp
Day 16Cross West Col to Panch Pokhari6,143 m · Camp
Day 17Spare day for weather at Panch Pokhari5,000 m · Camp
Day 18Panch Pokhari to Amphu Laptsa base5,200 m · Camp
Day 19Cross Amphu Laptsa to Chhukung5,845 m · Camp
Day 20Chhukung to Pangboche3,985 m · Lodge
Day 21Pangboche to Namche Bazaar3,440 m · Lodge
Day 22Namche Bazaar to Lukla2,860 m · Lodge
Day 23Fly Lukla to Kathmandu1,400 m · Hotel
Day 24Spare day in Kathmandu1,400 m · Hotel
Day 25Departure1,400 m · -

from $6,000

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Rolwaling and Tashi Lapcha Pass Trek

A quiet valley west of Everest, then a glaciated pass into the Khumbu. Some sections need a rope.

Duration: 19 days
Highest point: 5,755 m
Grade: Extreme · 5 of 5
Best months: Apr–May, Oct–Nov
Passes: Tashi Lapcha
Nights: Camping

Day-by-day itinerary (19 days)

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu1,400 m · Hotel
Day 2Gear check and permit paperwork in Kathmandu1,400 m · Hotel
Day 3Drive Kathmandu to Charikot1,950 m · Hotel
Day 4Drive to Simigaon and trek to Dongang2,100 m · Camp
Day 5Dongang to Beding3,690 m · Lodge
Day 6Beding to Na4,180 m · Lodge
Day 7Acclimatisation day at Na4,180 m · Lodge
Day 8Na to Tsho Rolpa and back4,580 m · Lodge
Day 9Na to Tashi Lapcha Phedi (Drolambau side)4,800 m · Camp
Day 10Drolambau glacier camp5,200 m · Camp
Day 11Tashi Lapcha high camp5,500 m · Camp
Day 12Cross Tashi Lapcha Pass to Khumbu side5,755 m · Camp
Day 13Descend to Ngole4,800 m · Camp
Day 14Ngole to Thengbo and Thame3,800 m · Lodge
Day 15Thame to Namche Bazaar3,440 m · Lodge
Day 16Namche Bazaar to Lukla2,860 m · Lodge
Day 17Fly Lukla to Kathmandu1,400 m · Hotel
Day 18Spare day for weather1,400 m · Hotel
Day 19Final departure1,400 m · -

from $6,000

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Saribung Pass Trek

From Nar Phu over a glaciated pass and down into Upper Mustang.

Duration: 25 days
Highest point: 6,042 m
Grade: Extreme · 5 of 5
Best months: May–Oct
Passes: Saribung La
Nights: Camping

Day-by-day itinerary (25 days)

Day 1Arrive in Kathmandu1,400 m · Hotel
Day 2Kathmandu: permits, gear check and briefing1,400 m · Hotel
Day 3Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara820 m · Hotel
Day 4Fly Pokhara to Jomsom, walk to Kagbeni2,810 m · Lodge
Day 5Kagbeni to Chele3,050 m · Lodge
Day 6Chele to Syangboche3,800 m · Lodge
Day 7Syangboche to Ghami3,520 m · Lodge
Day 8Ghami to Lo Manthang via Charang3,840 m · Lodge
Day 9Rest day in Lo Manthang3,840 m · Lodge
Day 10Lo Manthang to Yara3,650 m · Camp
Day 11Yara to Luri Gompa3,950 m · Camp
Day 12Luri Gompa to Ghuma Thanti4,500 m · Camp
Day 13Ghuma Thanti to Damodar Kunda4,900 m · Camp
Day 14Rest and acclimatisation at Damodar Kunda4,900 m · Camp
Day 15Damodar Kunda to Saribung base camp5,100 m · Camp
Day 16Spare day at base camp5,100 m · Camp
Day 17Base camp to Saribung high camp5,550 m · Camp
Day 18Cross Saribung La and descend to the Nar-Phu side6,042 m (Saribung La), camp about 5,200 m · Camp
Day 19Descend towards Phu4,300 m · Camp
Day 20Phu village4,080 m · Lodge
Day 21Phu to Nar4,110 m · Lodge
Day 22Nar to Koto2,600 m · Lodge
Day 23Drive Koto to Besisahar760 m · Hotel
Day 24Drive Besisahar to Kathmandu1,400 m · Hotel
Day 25Spare day / final departure1,400 m · Hotel

from $6,000

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Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Around the seventh highest mountain, across Hidden Valley and down to the Kali Gandaki.

Duration: 21 days
Highest point: 5,360 m
Grade: Strenuous · 3 of 5
Best months: Apr–May, Oct–Nov
Passes: French Pass, Dhampus Pass
Nights: Camping

Day-by-day itinerary (21 days)

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu airport and transfer to Hotel
Day 2Sightseeing of Kathmandu
Day 3Kathmandu to Beni by bus (6-7hrs.)
Day 4Beni to Babiyachaur
Day 5Trek to Dharapani (1400m/4670 ft)–
Day 6Trek to Muri
Day 7Trek to Baghara
Day 8Trek from Boghara to Doban
Day 9Trek to Italian Base Camp
Day 10Rest and Exploration Day
Day 11Trek to Glacier Camp
Day 12Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
Day 13Trek to Hidden Valley via French Col/Pass
Day 14Rest Day at the Hidden Valley
Day 15Trek to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass
Day 16Trek from Yak Kharka to Tukuche
Day 17Trek From Tuckuche to Kalopani
Day 18Trek from Kalopani to Tatopani (1180m).
Day 19Drive back to Pokhara
Day 20Drive or fly to Kathmandu
Day 21International Departure.

from $1,890

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Upper Dolpo to Upper Mustang Trek

Two of the most remote regions of Nepal joined on one long camping route, from Phoksundo Lake and Shey Gompa over the Ghami La to Lo Manthang.

Duration: 32 days
Highest point: 5,705 m
Grade: Extreme · 5 of 5
Best months: May–Oct
Passes: Kang La, Sela La, Chharka La, Ghami La
Nights: Camping

Day-by-day itinerary (32 days)

Day 1Arrival in Kathmandu1,400 m · Himalayan Suite Hotel or similar
Day 2Permits, gear check and trip briefing in Kathmandu1,400 m · Himalayan Suite Hotel or similar
Day 3Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj150 m · Hotel in Nepalgunj
Day 4Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai2,140 m · Tented camp
Day 5Trek from Dunai to Chhepka2,720 m · Tented camp
Day 6Trek from Chhepka to Renje3,110 m · Tented camp
Day 7Trek to Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake3,650 m · Tented camp
Day 8Rest and acclimatization day at Phoksundo Lake3,650 m · Tented camp
Day 9Trek along the lake to Chunemba3,630 m · Tented camp
Day 10Trek from Chunemba to Snowfield camp4,500 m · Tented camp
Day 11Cross the Kang La to Shey Gompa5,350 m · Tented camp
Day 12Rest day at Shey Gompa4,343 m · Tented camp
Day 13Cross the Sela La to Namgung Gompa5,010 m · Tented camp
Day 14Trek from Namgung to Saldang3,770 m · Tented camp
Day 15Cross the Khoma La to Khoma4,565 m · Tented camp
Day 16Cross the Shimen La to Shimen4,375 m · Tented camp
Day 17Trek from Shimen to Tinje4,110 m · Tented camp
Day 18Trek from Tinje to Rapka4,535 m · Tented camp
Day 19Cross the Chharka La to Chharka Bhot5,000 m · Tented camp
Day 20Spare day at Chharka4,306 m · Tented camp
Day 21Trek from Chharka to Nakhkem Khola camp4,800 m · Tented camp
Day 22Trek to high camp below the Ghami La5,360 m · Tented camp
Day 23Cross the Ghami La into Upper Mustang5,705 m · Tented camp
Day 24Trek down to the camp above Ghami4,900 m · Tented camp
Day 25Trek down to Ghami village3,520 m · Local lodge
Day 26Trek from Ghami to Tsarang via Dhakmar and Ghar Gompa3,560 m · Local lodge
Day 27Trek from Tsarang to Lo Manthang3,810 m · Local lodge
Day 28Explore Lo Manthang and the Chhoser caves3,810 m · Local lodge
Day 29Drive from Lo Manthang to Jomsom2,720 m · Hotel in Jomsom
Day 30Drive from Jomsom to Pokhara820 m · Hotel in Pokhara
Day 31Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu1,400 m · Himalayan Suite Hotel or similar
Day 32Departure from Kathmandu1,400 m · -

from $6,000

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Upper Dolpo Trek

Phoksundo Lake, Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain, in the rain shadow north of Dhaulagiri.

Duration: 23 days
Highest point: 5,490 m
Grade: Strenuous · 3 of 5
Best months: May–Oct
Passes: Numa La, Baga La, Kang La
Nights: Camping

Day-by-day itinerary (23 days)

Day 1Arrival at Kathmandu Airport and Transfer to Hotel
Day 2Kathmandu Sight Seeing and Prepare for Trekking
Day 3Kathmandu to Nepalgunj By flight/Land. Overnight at hotel
Day 4Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpo) by flight and Trek to Dunai
Day 5Dunai to aankhe
Day 6Aankhe to Ringmo
Day 7Ringmo to Manda la
Day 8Acclimatization Day
Day 9Manda la to Kang la Pass 5240m to Shey Gomba 4280m
Day 10Shey Gomba to Saldang Pass 5010m to Namgung 4380m. Overnight at camp
Day 11Namgung to Yangze Gumba
Day 12Yangze Gumba to Musi gaun 4270m.
Day 13Musigaun to Lang la Pass 5002m.- Sime Gaun 3950m
Day 14Sime Gaun to Tinja 4150m
Day 15Tinja to Kheng 4550m
Day 16Kheng to Chharka Pass 5036m to Chharka 4365m
Day 17Chharka to Yak Kharka 4780m.
Day 18Yak Kharka to Sangda Pass 5490m to Sangda Phedi 5110m
Day 19Sangda Phedi to Sangda 3909m
Day 20Sangda to Jomsom 2670m.
Day 21Jomsom to Pokhara By Flight
Day 22Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus
Day 23Transfer to airport. Departure Farewell

from $2,290

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Where each section runs

Kanchenjunga Circuit

Bookable now, with fixed dates

North and south base camps of the third highest mountain on earth, in the far east of Nepal.

Length: 22 days
Highest point: 5,143 m
Nights: Camping and lodges
Best months: Apr–May, Oct–Nov
Key passes: Sele La, Mirgin La, Pangpema
Permits: Restricted area permit, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

View trek and dates

Amber pins have a set itinerary
Light pins run privately on request

Practical info

Seasons

When each part of the trail is open. Spring and autumn are best for most routes; Dolpo and Mustang sit in the rain shadow and also work in summer.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Kanchenjunga and Makalu	Closed or not advised	Closed or not advised	Possible	Best	Best	Closed or not advised	Closed or not advised	Closed or not advised	Possible	Best	Best	Closed or not advised
High cols	Closed or not advised	Closed or not advised	Closed or not advised	Possible	Best	Closed or not advised	Closed or not advised	Closed or not advised	Closed or not advised	Best	Possible	Closed or not advised
Dhaulagiri Circuit	Closed or not advised	Closed or not advised	Possible	Best	Best	Closed or not advised	Closed or not advised	Closed or not advised	Possible	Best	Possible	Closed or not advised
Dolpo, Mustang and Humla	Closed or not advised	Closed or not advised	Closed or not advised	Possible	Best	Best	Best	Best	Best	Best	Possible	Closed or not advised

Best
Possible
Closed or not advised

Permits

Restricted areas need at least two trekkers, a licensed guide and booking through a registered agency. We arrange every permit before you arrive.

Upper Dolpo: Restricted area permit and Shey Phoksundo National Park
Upper Mustang: Restricted area permit and Annapurna Conservation Area
Kanchenjunga: Restricted area permit and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
Makalu: Makalu Barun National Park
Dhaulagiri: Annapurna Conservation Area and local permits

Fitness and kit

Six to eight hours of walking most days, with long climbs to the passes. Train with loaded hill walks for at least three months before you come.

Bring a four-season sleeping bag and warm layers for nights well below freezing. Sherpani Col, the Tashi Lapcha and the Saribung Pass need crampons and a rope on some sections.

Insurance

Your travel insurance must cover helicopter rescue and medical evacuation at the altitudes you will reach on your section. Check the altitude limit in your policy before you book, and carry the policy details on the trek.

Questions people ask

What is the Great Himalaya Trail?: It is a network of trekking routes along the length of the Nepal Himalaya, from Kanchenjunga in the east to Humla in the far west. The high route crosses many passes over 5,000 m. Very few people walk it in one go. Most do it one section at a time, which is how we run it.
How fit do I need to be?: Fit, and ideally with a multi-day trek above 4,000 m already behind you. Days are often six to eight hours, some passes are long and steep, and nights in camp can drop well below freezing. If you are not sure a route suits you, ask us before you book.
What do the grades mean?: We grade every trek from 1 to 5: 1 Easy, 2 Moderate, 3 Strenuous, 4 Very Strenuous, 5 Extreme. Everything in this collection is 3 or above. The grade reflects the length of the days, the height of the passes and how remote the route is, not technical climbing.
Do I need climbing experience?: Most of these routes are treks, not climbs. A few high crossings, such as Sherpani Col between Makalu and Everest, the Tashi Lapcha and the Saribung Pass, need crampons and a rope on some sections. The section notes on this page say which ones.
Will I stay in teahouses or tents?: Mostly tents. Our crew carries and pitches the camp, cooks, and looks after the kitchen. Where a village has a lodge we sometimes use it, on Kanchenjunga and Makalu more than in Dolpo.
What permits do these treks need?: Several of these areas are restricted. They need a special permit, a minimum of two trekkers, a licensed guide and booking through a registered agency. We arrange all of it before you arrive. If you are travelling alone, tell us when you enquire.
When is the best time to go?: Spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November) are best for most routes. Dolpo sits in the rain shadow and can also be trekked in summer. The highest passes are usually closed by snow in winter.