Great Himalayan Trail – GHT

Trip Introduction

We start our big crossing at Simikot. We cross the region of Humla to reach Lake Rara, a unique opportunity to explore western Nepal, very little traveled. We pass many Chhetri, Brahmans and Takhuri villages and finish this first stage in the little-known region of Lake Rara. This is not an altitude trek and therefore a good acclimatization for the following stages.

Then we leave Lake Rara for the Mugu Valley and Dolpo. After having crossed “the hidden country” with its monasteries and its timeless villages, we continue towards Jomsom and pass five passes over 5,000 meters.

After passing the Thorong pass on the Annapurna tour, we pass the Larkya-la at 5,150 meters on the Manaslu tour in a high mountain glacial atmosphere. Then we arrive at Lho and Sama, Tibetan villages as evidenced by prayer flags, monasteries and chortens. We then pass through many villages of different ethnicities. After skirting the Ganesh Himal and crossing the Pangsang pass at 3,830 m, we are back below the altitude of 4,000 meters.

We then cross the entire Rolwaling with the famous Tilman pass at 5,300 meters as the highlight and the magnificent lakes of Tin Pokhari and Panch Pokhari. The Tilman pass is a difficult pass that is rarely used. This trip is a reconnaissance trip that offers an alternative route via Gyanja la (5,100 meters), which can be taken if the conditions in Tilman seem too difficult.

To get from the Rolwaling valley to Khumbu by the high road, we have to take a difficult pass, the Tashi Lapsa at 5,730 meters, which requires technical knowledge and equipment such as crampons, ice ax and harness. In a high mountain atmosphere, we flirt with peaks at 6,000 meters and more! We arrive at Thame and find the Khumbu lodges.

We continue through the Everest region and its high passes. The Renjo-la, the Cho-la, but also the Kala Pattar at 5,545 meters and the Gokyo Peak 5,360 meters. A beautiful high altitude immersion to familiarize yourself with Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, Cho Oyu and of course Everest…

Then we set off on a mythical and difficult to organize expedition, sometimes close to mountaineering. We are committed to “the ascent of the 3 passes”: the Amphu Laptsa at 5,850 meters, the West Col at 6,143 meters and the Sherpani at 6,135 meters, which allows an arrival at the base camp of Makalu. We use fixed ropes and do rappelling descents. We evolve in a glacial and snowy landscape and flirt with the high peaks.

We continue with a unique hike, from Makalu base camp (8,463 m) to Lumbasumba, an adventure that takes us to a rare passage: Lumbasumba, the Arun valley and the Tibetan border.

We leave for the final stage. Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Tamang and Tibetan villages line the route. We progress in a beautiful high mountain atmosphere to the northern base camp of Kanchenjunga in Pangpema (5,140 m). Then, after having bypassed this entire mountain range in the east, we come to the end of an extraordinary adventure lasting nearly five months.

The Government of Nepal, along with funding by international development organizations, has promoted the proposed trail and its sections as a way of bringing tourism dollars to remote communities. Tourism is an industry where the consumers come to the producers and so it might be a useful tool in poverty alleviation. To make this work, the concept of the Great Himalaya Trail is being promoted by development organizations as “responsible tourism” and a commercial GHT trek has departed once a year since 2011 to support the remote communities of Nepal. Trekkers are being encouraged to be responsible tourists, but using local guides and porters, and local food and accommodation where possible.

Trip Highlight Hiking the Great Himalaya Trail

• Starting and ending points: Kanchenjunga on Nepal’s eastern border with India and Humla on its western border with Tibet
• Total distance: 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles)
• Number of Sections: 10
• Shortest Section: Langtang (18 days)
• Longest Section: Makalu to Everest (34 days)
• Time Required: Approximately 150 days for the entire GHT, but most hikers opt for shorter sections
• When to go: The best months for trekking are September to November and March to May
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accommodations: Basic mountain lodges (teahouses) and camping’s Great Himalayan Trails
• Starting and ending points: Kanchenjunga on Nepal’s eastern border with India and Humla on its western border with Tibet
• Total distance: 1,700 kilometers (1,056 miles)
• Number of Sections: 10
• Shortest Section: Langtang (18 days)
• Longest Section: Makalu to Everest (34 days)
• Time Required: Approximately 150 days for the entire GHT, but most hikers opt for shorter sections
• When to go: The best months for trekking are September to November and March to May
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accommodations: Basic Mountain lodges (teahouses) and camping 

Prepare

Walking the full trail requires excellent logistics and planning. It also requires anywhere between 57 and 160 days to complete depending on route and walking speed. Consequently, most people will walk sections of the trail over different seasons.

Permits

• It’s safe to say that the trekking permit system in Nepal can be confusing. For the popular treks, usually only a single National Park permit plus a TIMS card is necessary.
• These are not restricted areas. These are protected areas.
• Baijang Kanda, Saipal, Dhuli US$90 for the first 7 days and thereafter US$15 per day
• Darchula Byas VDC US$90 for the first 7 days and thereafter US$15 per day
• Dolakha Gauri Shankar and Lamabagar US$10 per 7 days
• Upper Dolpo US$500 for the first 10 days and thereafter US$50 per day
• Lower Dolpo US$10 per 7 days
• Gorkha – Chhekampar and Chumchet VDC (Sirdibas, Lokpa, Chumling, Chhekampar, Nile, Chhule) From Sep to Nov US$35 for first 8 days / Dec to Aug US$25 for first 8 days
• Manaslu from Sep to Nov US$70 for the first 7 days and thereafter US$10 per day /Dec to Aug US$50 for the first 7 days and thereafter US$7 per day
• Humla (Simikot and Yari), Limi and Muchu VDC and area to Tibet via Tangekhola, Darma VDC US$50 for the first 7 days and thereafter US$7 per day
• Manang Nar, Phu and Northern area of Tilche village, Thochhe VDC from Sep to Nov US$90 per 7 days / Dec to Aug US$75 per 7 days
• Mugu, Dolpu, Pulu and Bhangri US$90 for the first 7 days and thereafter US$15 per day
• Upper Mustang US$500 for the first 10 days and thereafter US$50 per day
• Rasuwa Thuman and Timure US$10 per 7 days
• Makalu region (Kimathanka, Chepuwa, Hatiya and Pawakhola VDC) US$10 per 7 days for the first 4 weeks and thereafter US$20 per 7
• Solu Khumbu Everest region (all North-West areas from Thame to Nangpala of Namche VDC) US$10 per 7 days for the first 4 weeks and thereafter US$20 per 7 days
• Taplejung Kanchenjunga region (Olangchungola, Lelep, Papung and Yamphudin VDC) US$10 per 7 days 

Conservation Areas and National Parks

• Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) (NB: Double fee levied if permit issued from field checkpoints) – Foreign Nationals: NRs 2,000 / SAARC Nationals: NRs 200
• Kanchenjunga Conservation Area – Foreign Nationals: NRs 1,000 / SAARC Nationals: NRs 200
• Langtang National Park main trekking routes (Langtang Valley, Helambu, Gosainkunda Lake regions) – Foreign Nationals: NRs 3,000 / SAARC Nationals: NRs 100
• Makalu-Barun National Park – NRs 1,000
• Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) – Foreign Nationals: NRs 2,000 / SAARC Nationals: NRs 200
• Sagarmatha National Park – NRs 3,000 

Sections

The divisions of the sections are based roughly along lines of geography, with many areas being a ‘Himal’. Unlike many popular long distance trails where the route and points along it can be reached by vehicle, many sections require a trek in from road head or airport. Choosing a section trek depends on time available, the season and your ability (fitness, skills on ice and snow and ability at altitude).

Kanchenjunga

It’s a 12-day hike in to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. Then it is approximately 20 days to connect with Makalu Base Camp.

Makalu Barun

12 days hike in to Makalu Base Camp. 7 days to cross to Everest region and a further 3 or 4 to the airport at Lukla.

Everest Rolwaling

Flying in from Lukla, approx. 25 days to connect to Barabise or The Last Resort on the Kathmandu Lhasa Highway.

Helambu & Langtang

17 days from Barabise to Syabru Besi including the Tilman Pass.

Ganesh Manaslu

Approx. 18-20 days from Syabru, or Arughat (the traditional start for the Manaslu Trek). Approx. 25 days to combine with part of Annapurna circuit to Jomsom.

Annapurna, Mustang

Annapurna Circuit trek is around 2 weeks to Jomsom, though roads are shortening the time needed. Mustang trek is usually 10 days (minimum permit length) from Jomsom. The exploratory high route to Mustang via Saribung, Nar and Phu (6,328m) can be done in a 30 day round trip from Kathmandu.

Dolpo

Its 17-20 days to reach Phoksundo Lake and Juphal from Jomsom. There is a longer, high route trek from Dolpo to Mugu.

Rara Jumla

From Phoksundo Lake, Rara Lake can be reached in about a week via Jumla.

Humla

From Rara, it’s around a week to Simikot and a further week to the border and return. Additionally, the fabulous Limi Valley trek can be completed in about two weeks from Simikot.

Far West

NB: these figures are a rough guide and will vary according to level of acclimatisation, route choices and weather. Additionally travel to and from Kathmandu has not been included and that typically requires a day for destinations close to Kathmandu, to two to three days when flights are involved. 

GHT DETAILS:

THE TWO BASE CAMPS OF KANGCHENJUNGA

We leave for a wild hike in an exceptional high mountain atmosphere. Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, Tamang and Tibetan villages line the route. We progress in a beautiful high mountain atmosphere to the northern base camp of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) in Pangpema (5,140 m), then after having bypassed the entire mountain range to the east, the southern base camp. An extraordinary adventure. See details and day by day in the technical sheet “The two base camps of Kanchenjunga”.

• Number of days: 30 days
• Accommodation: in a tent or in a lodge
• Difficulty: difficult

FROM MAKALU TO KANGCHENJUNGA VIA LUMBASUMBA (5,159 M)

We leave for a unique hike, from Makalu base camp (8,463 m) to Lumbasumba. We progress to the Makalu lookout which allows us to see Everest (8,848 m) and Lhotse (8,516 m). An extraordinary adventure that takes us on a rare and unique passage: Lumbasumba, the Arun valley and the Tibetan border. See details and day by day in the technical sheet “From Makalu to Kanchenjunga via Lumbasumba (5,159 m)”.

• Number of days: 34 days
• Accommodation: in tent
• Difficulty: difficult

EVEREST AT THE MAKALU VIA AMPHU LAPSA (5,800 M) AND THE SHERPANI COL (6,180 M)

We set off on a mythical and difficult to organize expedition, which brings us closer to mountaineering than trekking. We are committed to “the ascent of the 3 passes”: the Amphu Lapsa (5,850 m), the West Col (6,143 m), used for the first time by Shipton in 1951, and the Sherpani at 6,135 m ( easier than the East pass), which allows an arrival at the base camp of Makalu. Sometimes we have to use fixed ropes, rappelling. We evolve in a glacial and snowy landscape and flirt with the high peaks. See details and day by day in the technical sheet “From Everest to Makalu via Amphu Lapsa (5,800 m) and Sherpani Col (6,180 m)”.

• Number of days: 27 days
• Accommodation: in tent
• Difficulty: difficult to very difficult

THE EVEREST REGION VIA RENJO (5,360 M) AND CHO LA (5,420 M)

In the heart of Sherpa country are the highest peaks in the world. On this route, we will first meet this endearing population, its villages and monasteries, then gain altitude and cross two passes at an altitude of more than 5,000 meters, the Renjo La, the Cho La, and also climb Kala Pattar (5,545 m) and Gokyo Peak (5,360 m). A great immersion in high altitude to familiarize yourself with Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, Pumori, Cho Oyu and of course, Everest. A very beautiful route where we never take our eyes off the high Himalayan peaks. We sleep in a lodge in the villages we pass through. See details and day by day in the fact sheet “The Everest region via Renjo (5,360 m) and Cho La (5,420 m)”.

• Number of days: 20 days
• Accommodation: in lodge
• Difficulty: difficult

FROM ROLWALING TO KHUMBU VIA THE TASHI LAPSA (5,730 M)

To get from the Rolwaling valley to Khumbu by the high road, we have to take a difficult pass that requires technical knowledge and equipment such as crampons, ice ax and harness, the Tashi Lapsa. In a high mountain atmosphere, we flirt with the peaks at 6,000 m and more! We arrive at Thame and find the Khumbu lodges. See details and day by day in the technical sheet “From Rolwaling to Khumbu via Tashi Lapsa (5,730 m)”.

• Number of days: 21 days
• Accommodation: in tents and lodges
• Difficulty: difficult

FROM LANGTANG TO ROLWALING VIA THE TILMAN PASS (5,300 M)

A mythical route and extremely little traveled. We cross the entire Rolwaling with the famous Tillman pass (5,300 m) as the highlight, then the magnificent lakes of Tin Pokhari and Panch Pokhari. We join the Bhote Khosi river (the Tibetan river) and the “old” road to Lhasa. The Tillman pass is a difficult pass that is rarely used. This trip is a trip of recognition. An alternative route via the Gyanja la (5,100 m) can be taken if the conditions of the Tillman seem too difficult to us. See details and day by day in the technical sheet “From Langtang to Rolwaling via the Tillman Pass (5,300 m)”.

• Number of days: 22 days
• Accommodation: in tents and lodges
• Difficulty: difficult

GANESH HIMAL

We then pass through many villages of different ethnicities. A journey away from the crowds, between many villages and in a high mountain atmosphere. After going along the Ganesh Himal and crossing the Pangsang pass (3,830 m). Here we are again at a reasonable altitude, below the 4000m mark. See details and day by day in the “Ganesh Himal” technical sheet.

• Number of days: 14 days
• Accommodation: in tent
• Difficulty: moderate

FROM ANNAPURNAS TO MANASLU

After crossing the Thorong pass at 5,416 m on the Annapurna tour, we continue with the Manaslu region. The Manaslu massif is actually made up of three peaks: Manaslu proper (8,163 m), Himchuli (7,893 m) and Peak 29 (7,871 m), located between the Bhudi, Gandaki and Marshyangdi rivers. We pass the Larkya La at 5,150 m in a high mountain glacial atmosphere. We then arrive at Lho and Sama, Tibetan villages as evidenced by prayer flags, monasteries and chortens… Details and day by day in the technical sheet “From Annapurnas to Manaslu”.

• Number of days: 23 days
• Accommodation: in lodge
• Difficulty: difficult

DOLPO CARAVAN, FROM LAKE RARA TO JOMOSOM

An adventure that takes us from the little-known region of Lake Rara and the Mugu valley to Dolpo then the gates of Mustang. After having crossed “the hidden country”, its monasteries and villages out of time, we continue towards Jomsom by the high passes which make it possible to join the tour of Annapurnas by more than five passes at more than 5000 m. Details and day by day in the technical sheet “Dolpo, from Lake Rara to Jomsom”.

• Number of days: 33 days
• Accommodation: in tent
• Difficulty: difficult

FROM SIMIKOT TO LAKE RARA

First step of our Great Nepal crossing! We start in Simikot, cross the region of Humla to reach Lake Rara. A unique opportunity to explore western Nepal, very little traveled. We pass through many Chhetri, Brahmans and Takhuri villages. This is not an altitude trek, so good acclimatization for the following stages. See details and day by day in the technical sheet “From Simikot to Lake Rara”.

• Number of days: 15 days
• Accommodation: in tent
• Difficulty: moderate

Itinerary

• Day 1

  Arrive Kathmandu

• Day 2

  Free day in Kathmandu

• Day 3

  Fly Bhadrapur (2420m). Drive to Illam. Approx. 5hrs drive.

• Day 4

  Drive to Taplejung (1820m). Drive approx. 4-5hrs.

• Day 5

  To Mitlung (1542m) walk approx. 4hrs.

• Day 6

  To Chiruwa (1270m), walk approx. 6-7hrs.

• Day 7-8

  To Sukathum (1576m) walk approx. 6hrs & Amjilosa (2308m) walk approx. 6hrs.

• Day 9-11

  To Gyabla (2730m), walk approx. 6hrs, and to Ghunsa (3595m), walk approx. 6hrs.

• Day 12

  To Kangpachen (4050m), walk approx. 6-7hrs.

• Day 13

  To Lhonak (4780m), walk approx. 6-7hrs.

• Day 14

  Kanchenjunga Base Camp (4050m), walk approx. 7hrs.

• Day 15-16

  Return trek to Ghunsa

• Day 17

  To Nango La Camp (4776m), walk approx. 5.5hrs.

• Day 18-20

  Cross Nango La (4776m) to Yangma Kola (3430m/ 5hrs) & Olangchungola  (3191m/ 8hrs).

• Day 21-23

  Commence Sanku link of the GHT from Olangchungola to Pass Camp (4453m)

• Day 24

  Cross Lumbha Samba La to Thudam (3556m), walk approx. 6hrs.

• Day 25-27

  To Chyamtang (2187m)

• Day 28

  To Hongon (2323m), walk approx. 6-7hrs.

• Day 29

  To Bakim Kharka/ High Camp (3020m), walk approx. 6hrs.

• Day 30-35

  To Molun Pokhari (3954m/5hrs), Dhunge Kharka (2980m/7hrs), Saldim Khola or Khola Kharka & Adventure Pass Camp (3900m/7hrs), Kalo Pokhari (4100m/6hrs), Grazing Kharka (3960m/7hrs)

• Day 36

  Trek to Yangla Kharka (3557m), walk approx. 5-6hrs

• Day 37-38

  Trek to Langmale Kharka (4400m / 5hrs) & rest/acclimatisation day

• Day 39-40

  To Makalu Base Camp (4870m), rest/acclimatisation day

• Day 41-42

  To Swiss Base Camp (5150m/5-6hrs)

• Day 43-44

  To Sherpani Col Base Camp (5700m/6-7hrs), cross Sherpani Col (6180m) to Baruntse High Camp (West Col @ 6100m), walk approx. 10-12hrs

• Day 45-47

  Cross West Col to Honku Basin & Amphu Labtsa Base (5400m)

• Day 48

  Cross Amphu Labtsa (5845m) to Chukung (4730m), approx. 10-12 hrs.

• Day 49-50

  Trek to Dingboche (4360m), Dzongla (4843m)

• Day 51

  Cross Cho La to Gokyo (4759m)

• Day 52

  At Gokyo, ascend Gokyo RI (5483m)

• Day 53

  Trek to Renjo La high camp, walk approx. 4hrs.

• Day 54

  Cross Renjo La to Taranga (4368m/6.5hrs)

• Day 55

  To Thame (3820m/3hrs).

• Day 56-58

  To Parchemuche Tsho (4780m/ 6.5hrs) & Cave Camp (5665m/ 5.5hrs).

• Day 59

  Cross Tashi Labtsa (5760m) to Trakarding Glacier (4735m), walk approx. 7.5hrs.

• Day 60-61

  To Kabug (4820m/ 4.5hrs) & Beding (3740m/ 5hrs).

• Day 62-63

  To Dokhang (2791m/ 5.5hrs) & Simigaon (2036m/ 5hrs).

• Day 64-66

  Trek down valley to Bigu Gompa (2516m).

• Day 67-68

  To Kathmandu (1330m)

• Day 69

  Resume GHT, Langtang link. Trek to Listi (2260m), walk approx. 4hrs.

• Day 70

  To Chagam (2705m/ 5hrs), Chogormogor Kharka (3924m/ 4hrs)

• Day 71-72

  To Shotang Kharka (2820m/ 6hrs), & Nyasim Khola Camp (1460m/ 4.5hrs)

• Day 73

  To Kharka (3600m/ 5hrs)

• Day 74-75

  To Panch Pokhari (4074m/ 3-4hrs), & rest day.

• Day 76-77

  To Tin Pokhari (4255m/ 6hrs)

• Day 78-79

  Cross Tilman Pass (5308m/ 6hrs) to north high camp (4720m/ 7hrs).

• Day 80

  To Kyangjin Gompa (3830m), approx. 7hrs.

• Day 81-82

  To Lama Hotel (3030m/7 hrs) & Syabru Besi (1503m/ 6 hrs).

• Day 83

  Ganesh Link. To Gatlang (2238m), walk approx. 4.5hrs.

• Day 84-85

  To Somdang (3258m/ 6hrs) & Tipling (1890m/ 7hrs).

• Day 86-88

  To Lapa Khola (1258m/ 5.5hrs), Nauban Kharka (2750m/ 7hrs), & Kerauja (2074m/ 7.5hrs).

• Day 89-90

  To Khorla Besi & Jagat (1340m), walk approx. 6.5hrs.

• Day 91

  To Philim (1570m), walk approx. 4hrs.

• Day 92

  To Deng (1860m), walk approx. 5-6hrs.

• Day 93

  To Namrung (2630m), walk approx. 7-8hrs.

• Day 94

  To Shyala (3520m), walk approx. 6hrs.

• Day 95-96

  To Samdo (3875m), walk approx. 5hrs & rest day.

• Day 97

  To Larkya Base Camp (4460m), walk approx. 4hrs.

• Day 98

  Cross Larkya La (5140m) to Bhimtang (3590m) 8-10hrs.

• Day 99

  To Dharapani (1865m), walk approx. 7hrs.

• Day 100

  To Koto (2675m), walk approx. 6hrs.

• Day 101-102

  To Pisang (2675m/ 7hrs) & Manang (3540m/ 4hrs).

• Day 103

  To Yak Kharka (4050m), walk approx. 6hrs.

• Day 104

  To Thorong High Camp (4700m), walk approx. 6hrs.

• Day 105-106

  Cross Thorong La (5380m) to Muktinath, walk approx. 9hrs, & Rest Day.

• Day 107

  To Goat Kharka via Kagbeni (2810m), walk approx. 6hrs.

• Day 108

  To Santa (3778m), walk approx. 7hrs.

• Day 109

  To Ghalden Ghuldun Khola (4247m), walk approx. 6hrs.

• Day 110-113

  To Lalinawar Khola (4800m/ 4hrs). Cross Jungben La (5550m) & Niwas La (5120m) to Nulungsunda Kharka (4987m/ 7hrs) & Chharka Bhot (4302m/ 6hrs). Rest day.

• Day 114-116

  To Chap Chu (4320m/ 7hrs), Maran (4350m/ 8hrs), and Nungmala Base Camp (4440m/ 6hrs).

• Day 117-120

  To Bagala Base Camp (4400m/ 6hrs), Temche (3900m/ 7hrs), Ringmo (3641m/ 4hrs) & Rest day.

• Day 121

  To Kharka (4300m), walk approx. 5.5hrs.

• Day 122-124

  To Kagmara High camp (5070m/ 4-5hrs), Kagmara Pass (Other side of Base Camp (4200m/ 6-7hrs) & Hurikot (3010m/ 8hrs).

• Day 125-126

  To Nauli Ghot (3400m/ 8hrs) & Kudigaon (3300m/ 8hrs).

• Day 127-130

  To Jumla, walk approx. 7hrs; Rest Day; to Khaligaon, walk approx. 8hrs & Dab (Bulbule), walk approx. 8 hrs.

• Day 131

  To Rara Lake (3010m/ 8hrs), Rest day.

• Day 132

  Karnali Riverside Camp, walk approx. 4hrs.

• Day 133

  To Bam (2700m), walk approx. 5-6hrs.

• Day 134

  To Jogimara (3005m), walk approx. 6hrs.

• Day 135

  To Piplan (1700m), walk approx. 7hrs.

• Day 136

  To Apsia Lekh (3200m), walk approx. 7-8hrs.

• Day 137

  To Punkha Khola, walk approx. 6hrs.

• Day 138

  To River Camp, walk approx. 5.5hrs.

• Day 139

  To Simikot (2900m), walk approx. 6.5hrs.

• Day 140

  To Kermu (2300m), walk approx. 6hrs

• Day 141

  To Shinjungma, walk approx. 6-7 hrs

• Day 142-143

  To Talung (4380m) and to Jang (3990m), walk approx. 6-7hrs both days.

• Day 144-146

  Return to Hilsa (2300m).

• Day 147

  Drive to Kermu (2300m)

• Day 148

  Trek to Simikot

• Day 149

  To Nepalgunj & Kathmandu by air (1330m).

• Day 150

  Trip concludes Kathmandu

Cost Includes & Excludes