The best walks and hikes in Nepal

Roaming at altitude

It’s not hard to find high-altitude hikes in Nepal given that much of the country contains extremely mountainous terrain. The Himalayas are undoubtedly the most famous mountain chain in the world and with names like Annapurna and Everest knocking about, hiking here is understandably on many people’s dream trail list. 

While the gigantic mountains along the northern limits of the nation get a lot of press, you can easily explore walks in Nepal’s subtropical mountains to the south. On a latitude with Florida in the US, the hilly region is lush and green. Here though, you’ll trek past banana palms, vibrant forests, rice paddy terraces and small villages. Dhulikhel and Banepa both make beautiful bases for hiking in this phenomenal area. 

If it’s serious altitude you’re looking for, Langtang Regional Park to the north of the capital, Kathmandu, is where you’ll find some of the best hiking trails in Nepal. Langtang village was the victim of a devastating earthquake in 2015 but the area welcomes hikers with open arms and much rebuilding has taken place. Here you can spot wildflowers, waterfalls and snow-covered peaks. 

Choosing a time of year to explore

It doesn’t matter what time of year you’ve got earmarked for a hiking adventure, Nepal’s astounding trails can accommodate you. The country has a huge range of climates so there’s always a perfect temperature awaiting you somewhere. 

The subtropical foothills of the Himalayas are hot and humid in summer and mild to warm in winter but can get very cold at night. It’s always wise to pack for extremes of temperature. Nepal’s monsoon season is from June to September and it’s best to head to the driest areas of the country, like Mustang, in these months. 

Winter trekking tends to be dry and you’ll get unbelievable blue skies to go with the freezing temperatures. Little snow falls and you can hike up to the snow lines if you choose. For the most incredible hiking experience possible, spring and autumn are the seasons for adventure. 

Spring brings glorious carpets of wildflowers and blooming rhododendrons while autumn brings clear skies after the monsoon season washes away the mountain dust.

The animals of Nepal

From the southern jungles to the northern slopes of its colossal mountains, hikes in Nepal come with their fair share of animal accompaniment. Mountain goats, Himalayan blue sheep and yaks are all wonderful animals to spot on mountain treks. Rhinos, elephants, tigers and bears can be seen in the southern Terai plains.