Trekking and Hiking in Nepal and Bhutan

Bhutan and Nepal are two destinations with an abundance of trekking and hiking opportunities. Both countries are surrounded by some of the tallest mountains in the world. While Nepal is home to the world's highest mountain, Bhutan has the world's largest forest cover. Nearly 70% of the land surface area is covered by forests which makes Bhutan the only carbon-negative country in the world.

Nepal has some of the world's most famous hiking and trekking trails. The Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and many more. The country is home to the Great Himalayan Trail, the highest and longest trekking trail in the world.

From easy day hikes and short Himalayan treks like the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek to challenging multi-pass treks like the Everest Three High Passes Trek and Manaslu Trek, Nepal offers a variety of trekking routes for all levels of fitness and age group.

Kathmandu and Pokhara, the two most-visited cities in Nepal lie surrounded by verdant hills and traditional Newar and Gurung villages which are ideal destinations for delightful day hikes and excursions. Walking past the paddy fields and villages you get to meet with the locals and interact with them. Village walks also give you an insight into rural lifestyle and culture.

The hills of Pulchowki, Nagarkot, Jamacho, Champa Devi, Shivapuri, and Dhulikhel in Kathmandu are favorite hiking spots of day hikers. The hike takes you past forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron and traditional villages dotted with tiled roofed mud houses and terraced fields. From the top, you can enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the mountains and the valley floor.

Pokhara has several options for easy and thrilling day hikes. The most popular ones are the ones leading to Sarangkot, Peace Stupa, Naudanda, Kalinchowk, and Begnas Lake. As Pokhara lies close to the Annapurna Range one can enjoy inspiring views of the Annapurna South, Machhapichhre(Fishtail Peak) and several other mountains during the hike. The Gurung and Brahmin villages surrounding the valley are also great destinations for village walks.

Most of Bhutan is covered by hills, forests, and mountains. Bhutan is a wonderful destination for nature lovers, hikers, and trekkers with a small population and a government inclined towards preserving the environment.

The trekking trails in Bhutan like the Druk Path Trek, Laya Gasa Trek, and Merak Sakteng Trek take you to ancient trails used by the locals to commute on foot or horseback before highways were built. These foot trails are still used by nomadic herdsmen when they migrate from one camp to another.

Challenging and moderate treks like the Snowman Trek and Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek take you past dramatic glaciers, mountain passes, and enchanting mountain lakes. One gets to enjoy old school type of trekking in Bhutan where you camp out in tents instead of staying at mountain lodges.

Day hikes options in Bhutan include the famous Tiger's Nest or Taktshang Monastery Day Hike, hike from Dochula to Langchutse Monastery, Gangtey Nature Trail, Kila Gompa Hike, Sonagasa Hike, Kamsum Namgyal Chorten Hike, etc.

A multi-country tour to Nepal and Bhutan offers you excellent options to trek to the Himalayan mountains or enjoy an easy hike to the hills. Bhutan and Nepal are the best destinations in Asia to experience Himalayan trekking and hiking as both these countries have reputed trekking agencies operating organized hiking and trekking adventures.

The government of both these countries has opened most of the trails for outsiders and you will get to enjoy a once in a lifetime walking experience in the Himalayas without any hassle. Find below a Nepal and Bhutan trekking and hiking holiday itinerary that suits your requirement.