A Himalayan trek is more than just walking through mountains. It’s an experience that slowly reshapes your daily routine and the way you see the world. It’s not just about reaching a destination; it’s about the rhythm of life you step into along the way.
Once you leave Kathmandu behind, everything begins to feel different. The noise fades, the air feels fresher, and time seems to slow down. Your days become simple and intentional, waking up early with the first light, walking through quiet trails, stopping for tea breaks, and resting as the sun sets behind the mountains.
There’s something deeply calming about this routine that’s hard to find in everyday life.
As you walk through villages, you’ll notice how people live with very little, yet seem completely content. Stone houses, prayer flags fluttering in the wind, and locals going about their daily chores create a peaceful atmosphere. Children playing in open fields, elders sitting outside enjoying the sun, and farmers working the land, it all feels real, grounded, and untouched by modern rush.
Tea houses become your home during the trek. These small, family-run lodges may be simple, but they carry a warmth that’s hard to describe. Rooms are basic, often with wooden beds and thick blankets, but after a long day of walking, they feel more than enough. Evenings are usually spent in a common dining area, gathered around a warm stove, sharing stories with fellow trekkers, and enjoying the quiet comfort of the mountains.
Food plays a big role in the experience. Meals are simple, fresh, and nourishing. A plate of rice, lentils, vegetables, and pickles becomes a staple, giving you the energy needed for long trekking days. There’s something special about eating a hot meal in the cold mountain air, knowing it’s been prepared with care using local ingredients. Even a cup of tea or hot soup feels comforting after hours on the trail.
One of the most beautiful aspects of trekking is the people you meet. Travelers from different parts of the world come together, forming quick friendships over shared experiences. Conversations flow easily, laughter comes naturally, and there’s a sense of connection that doesn’t need much explanation.
Of course, trekking also comes with its challenges. Cold mornings, basic facilities, and limited connectivity can feel unfamiliar at first. But over time, these small discomforts become part of the experience. You begin to appreciate the little things: the warmth of sunlight, the taste of a simple meal, the sound of the wind through the mountains.
By the end of the trek, you realize it was never just about the destination. It’s about the quiet moments, the people, the simplicity, and the way the mountains make you slow down and truly feel present.
At the end, you sense a deeper appreciation for a simpler and more meaningful way of living.
Festivals have played an important part in Nepali life and culture for centuries, and it seems like almost every day there is a celebration happening somewhere in the country. These can range from small-scale local festivals held by one of the country’s many tribes and ethnic groups, right up to nationwide Buddhist and Hindu celebrations, full of colour and music.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Nepal at the right time to experience these popular Nepalese festivals, it can add a truly unique experience to your vacation. 2026-2027 promises to be a big time for Nepali festivals once more!
Here is our list of the major festivals of Nepal coming up in 2026/27, as well as a little information about the most significant events in the calendar.
NOTE: Nepal follows the lunar calendar, meaning that the Western calendar dates for these festivals are slightly different each year.
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Lhosar (2026 – January 19)
Lhosar is widely celebrated by Nepalese ethnic groups who trace their heritage to Tibet – namely the Gurung, Tamang, and Sherpa people. Lhosar is the first day of the new year, and each community celebrates the festival in its own way. Traditional dress is worn by young and old, and festivities are held across the country in cities and more remote regions.
Basant Panchami (2026 – February 23)
Devotees worship the Hindu goddess Saraswati, goddess of knowledge and creator of arts, education, and music. Celebrated by both Hindus and Sikhs across Nepal and India, people often dress in yellow on this day, and kite-flying is also common. Basant Panchami also marks the end of winter and the beginning of the spring season in Nepal.
Maha Shivaratri (2026 – February 15)
‘Shivaratri’ literally means the ‘night of Lord Shiva’, and on this day, devout Hindus bathe early in the morning and then fast, before visiting Shiva temples for worship. The best place to witness the festival is at Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu, where thousands of Sadhus (Hindu holy men) gather to smoke marijuana and hashish, considered dear to Lord Shiva. People also drink Bhang, a drink made by mixing ground nuts, spices, herbs, and extracts of marijuana into milk.
Holi (2026 – March 2)
Perhaps the best-known festival on this list, Holi is a crazily colourful and playful event held over 2 days. It is celebrated in Kathmandu and the hill regions one day, and in the Terai region on the next day. People smear coloured powders on their friends, relatives, and family members, as well as taking part in giant water fights using coloured water and water balloons.
There are a few more vibrant and photogenic festivals in the world… but be careful to try and keep your camera and valuables dry!
Ghode Jatra is a particularly important Nepali festival in the Kathmandu Valley and is celebrated to ward off the demonic Gurumapa. It is said the soul of the demon still lives underground at Tundikhel. To prevent him from rising again, a horse race is organised on this day by the Nepal Army.
Nepali New Year and Bisket Jatra (2027 – April 14)
The New Year is always a lively time to be in Nepal, with mass celebrations taking place all over the country. A particularly lively place to spend the day is Bhaktapur, where the Bisket Jatra festival takes place. A huge chariot carrying the god Bhairab is pulled through the streets, ending with a chariot battle at Bhaktapur’s Khalna Tole.
Buddha Jayanti (2027– May 1)
The Lord Buddha’s birthday falls on the first full day of the first month of the Hindu lunar calendar, and is celebrated by Hindus and Buddhists alike. It is observed at Buddhist shrines and monasteries throughout Nepal, but a particularly grand ceremony is held at Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini. In Kathmandu, the Tibetan enclave of Boudhanath is a particularly good place to watch the festivities.
Rato Machchhendranath (2027 – April)
This is Nepal’s longest and largest festival, held in Patan (or Lalitpur). A giant chariot is built on Pulchowk Road over several weeks, before an effigy of the god Machchhendranath is placed inside. Three days later, the chariot begins its procession all throughout Patan and wider Lalitpur, towards Bungamati. Machchhendranath is the Newar god of rain, and the festival ushers in the monsoon.
Naag Panchami falls right in the middle of the monsoon. This Hindu festival worships the serpent god, Naag, and pictures of Naag are posted in doorways, as well as offerings of milk. It is believed that worshipping Naag protects against snake bites. This festival marks respect to serpents as water guardians, and to ensure regular rainfall in the Kathmandu Valley.
Janaipurnima (2027– August 28)
Janai Purnima is the Sacred Thread Festival, when Hindu men, especially the Brahmins and Chettris, perform their annual change of Janai. Everyone who celebrates this festival puts a sacred thread around their wrist. Gosaikunda, a sacred pond at high altitude, is the hub of this festival and sees a hive of colour and activity on this day.
Gai Jatra (2027 – August 29)
Gai Jatra (literally meaning the festival of cows) is a fusion of three traditions that came into being in three different periods of time. The first and the oldest tradition incorporates a cult and worship of the ancient god of death, Yamaraj. Despite the deathly theme, it is actually a time full of music, dancing, and laughter!
The festival marks the acceptance and celebration of death positively, as an inevitable part of life. Every family that has lost a member in the previous year is supposed to lead an intricately decorated cow through the city. In the absence of a cow, a boy dressed as a cow can take on the role.
The festival takes place all across the Kathmandu Valley.
Krishna Janmashtami (2027 – September 4)
Krishna Janmashtami is a celebration to mark the birth of Krishna. Considered the eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Krishna is the most important character in the Hindu epic, the Mahabharat. During this festival, Hindu devotees visit Krishna temples. In particular, thousands of devotees gather at the stone Krishna Mandir in Patan Durbar Square.
Teej (2027– September 14)
Teej is a festival celebrated exclusively by Nepali women, with festivities often stretching over 3 days around the month of August. Dressed in red saris and a red tika, the women sing and dance for the long lives of their husbands, and a long and firm relationship until death parts them. Teej is observed for marital happiness, the well-being of spouse and children, and the purification of own body and soul. Teej is the most famous festival among Nepali women.
Rishi Panchami (2027 –September 15)
Rishi Panchami is a festival that is celebrated immediately after Teej Puja. Hindu women attach a lot of importance to this festival because they believe that by observing the Rishi Panchmi fast and by paying homage to Rishis (Saints) on this day of the festival, they will be blessed and forgiven for all their sins.
Indra Jatra (2027 – September 25)
Indra Jatra is a colourful street festival held each year in Kathmandu, in honour of the Hindu god Indra. The celebrations consist of two events: Indra Jatra with its masked dances of deities and demons, and Kumari Jatra, which is a chariot procession for the living goddess Kumari.
Centred around Kathmandu Durbar Square, the celebrations last for eight days. This is also a time for family members who have died during the past year to be remembered.
Dashain (2027 – October)
Dashain is the most important Nepalese festival, and stretches over 2 weeks with various stages and events. It is a celebration of good prevailing over evil, and most families offer male goats, ducks, chickens, eggs, and coconuts to the goddess Durga.
Many Nepali people return to their home villages at this time to spend the fifteen-day festival with their families. Large swings are set up for children, and from the tenth day, family members receive Tika (rice, red vermillion, and yoghurt) on their foreheads from their elders.
Tihar (2027 – November 7-11)
Tihar is Nepal’s second most important festival, after Dashain. In each of the three days, a different deity is worshipped: on the first day, the crow, the messenger of Yama and the bringer of death; on the second, dogs, which are believed to be Yama’s custodian; and on the third, the goddess Lakshmi is worshipped, the bringer of wealth. Lakshmi is worshipped by lighting houses with oil lamps, candles, and colourful lights.
Chhath (2027 – November 15)
Chhath is the most important festival observed in the Terai region and falls on the seventh day after Tihar. Devotees fast and make offerings to the sun by gathering at river banks. The festival is dedicated to the Hindu solar deity, Surya, and the goddess Shashthi.
The Terai region is the best place to observe this festival, or the Rani Pokhari tank in central Kathmandu.
Want to experience Nepal’s unique culture and spectacular landscapes for yourself?
Buddhist sites, destinations, festivals and history
Nepal may be a majority Hindu country, but did you know that Lord Buddha himself was born here? Hindu and Buddhist communities have lived peacefully side by side for many years in Nepal, and the country is filled with beautiful stupas and some of the most important sites in Buddhism. Whilst neighbouring Bhutan and Tibet offer colourful Buddhist travel experiences, Nepal takes you back to where it all began.
The birthplace of Buddha
Lumbini is a village in the Terai plains in what is now southern Nepal, and was the birthplace of Gautama Buddha (or Siddhartha Gautama) back in 624 BC. As a young man, he left his wealthy family behind and spent his time wandering, begging, meditating and eventually attaining spiritual enlightenment, or nirvana. He went on to teach and lay the foundation for what is now the Buddhist religion – followed by some 400 million people worldwide to this day.
He became known as the Lord Buddha, and his birthplace in Lumbini became one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world, with well over a million visitors every year. The village itself is a complex of shrines, monasteries artwork dedicated to Buddha, and visitors can see the Lumbini garden where Maya Devi gave birth to the boy that would become Lord Buddha.
The Maya Devi temple in Lumbini – named after Lord Buddha’s mother
Interestingly, Hindus also revere Lord Buddha, regarding him as the 9th reincarnation or Lord Vishnu – a god in their own religion.
It’s a fascinating, peaceful and deeply spiritual place, whether you follow Buddhism or not. Pilgrims walk next to the origins of their religion, whilst Buddhist monks debate and meditate in the shade of the trees and fluttering prayer flags.
Prayer flags in Lumbini – birthplace of Gautama Buddha
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa at night
In the western part of Kathmandu, Boudhanath Stupa is one of Nepal’s most famous Buddhist sites. Situated on an ancient trade route from Tibet, several Tibetan gompas (monasteries) were built around the giant white dome and golden spire.
Swayambhunath
Monkeys at Swayambhunath in Kathmandu
Another important Kathmandu stupa, Swayambhunath is known to many tourists as the Monkey Temple thanks to the hundreds of monkeys that hang around here. More than just a stupa, it’s surrounded by a complex of shrines and temple and sits on top of a hill in the east of the city, providing an excellent view of Kathmandu.
Seto Gumba
The view from Seto Gumba
Also known at White Gumba and Druk Amitabh Monastery, this peaceful Tibetan Buddhist monastery isn’t far from Swayambhunath in east Kathmandu. It was damaged quite badly in 2015 earthquake, but has been restored and is open to the public once again.
Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche monastery skyline
Situated in the beautiful Sagarmatha National Park some 3,870m above sea level, this is perhaps the Khumbu (Everest) region’s most famous Buddhist sites. It’s a place of huge importance to the Sherpa community, and a popular stop on the Everest Base Camp Trek.
World Peace Pagoda
The Peace Pagoda on Lake Phewa
Also known as Shanti Stupa, this more recent Buddhist site was built to promote world peace in the aftermath of World War II. It’s also easily accessible from Pokhara, and provides a wonderful view of the city and the beautiful Phewa Lake.
Mahaboudha Temple
One of the most striking and beautifully crafted Buddhist temples in Nepal is Mahaboudha, located to the south of Patan Durbar Square. Built in 1585, it is made up from 9,000 bricks, each holding an image of Buddha. It’s affectionately known as “the temple of a thousand Buddhas”.
Halesi-Maratika Caves
A natural cave in the Khotang district of eastern Nepal, this site holds importance for Buddhists and Hindus alike. For Buddhists, it is the legendary place where Guru Padmasambhava and Dakini Mandarava achieved immortality, whilst Hindus regard it as a sacred place associated with Lord Shiva.
Shey Gompa
At 4,200m above sea level in the mountainous Dolpa district, Shey Gompa is one of Nepal’s most remote and peaceful Buddhist sites, requiring days of trekking through dramatic landscapes and traversing the 5,151m Kanga La pass to reach it. It’s been around since the 11th century and is an important place of spirituality.
Buddhist festivals in Nepal
Nepal is a land of colourful festivals, both Hindu and Buddhist. Some of the most important Buddhist festivals celebrated include;
Lhosar
This marks the start of the new year and usually falls in February or March, primarily over 3 days but with celebrations stretching over 15 days in total. Expect to see plenty of dancing, feasting and elaborate outfits, wherever you are in Nepal.
Buddha Jayanti
A day to celebrate the birth of Lord Buddha, usually falling in April or May. Buddhist sites are adorned with prayer flays and thousands of pilgrims travel to Lumbini to pay their respects.
Mani Rimdhu
This festival usually falls in November or December, and is celebrated by Sherpas in the Khumbu region around Mount Everest. Monks perform dances to mark the victory of Buddhism over the indigenous Bon religion that used to dominate here.
Tiji festval
Usually falling over 3 days in May, Tiji is celebrated by the Lhoba people in the Upper Mustang region of Nepal. It’s a colourful, lively festival which celebrates the story of a son defeating his demon father and saving the people of Mustang from destruction.
Yartung
This festival marks the end of summer and lasts for 3 days in July in the town of Ranipauwa, Mustang. It comprises a royal day, a monks day and a day for ordinary people and tourists. The highlight for most is the thrilling horse racing competition that takes place around the town.
Buddhist travel and retreats in Nepal
Whether you’re a Buddhist yourself or just want to experience the culture, sites and communities associated with it, Nepal offers countless opportunities to get in touch with the origins and teachings of Buddhism.
It’s easy enough the visit major Buddhist sites such as Kathmandu’s Bhoundanath Stupa as part of a larger itinerary, and even the birthplace of Bhudda in Lumbini can easily be reached by air or road.
There are numerous spiritual and Buddhist retreats scattered through Nepal in stunning countryside locations, including silent retreats, yoga retreats and Buddhist meditation retreats. One of our favourites is the Kopan Monastery, where you can live alongside the monks to study Buddhism, learn meditation or simply escape from the modern world for a while.
Monks at Kopan Monastery
If you’re looking for a tour that’ll give you a good insight into Buddhist culture and history in the Nepal, we’d recommend this unique Pikey Peak Trek in the Everest region, with Royal Mountain Travel. It passes through a region full of remote monasteries and Buddhist history.
Himalayan landscapes on the Pikey Peak Trek
We work with expert local travel planners who’ll help tailor a trip just for you, and can take care of all your hotel, transport and tour bookings too. Just get in touch if you’d like to start creating your perfect Nepal adventure.
There are just 14 mountains above 8,000m on our planet, and 8 of them are on or within Nepal’s borders. Each of these giants has its own story, with legends dating back centuries. It’s no wonder that Nepal is the world’s mountaineering capital, drawing in explorers from across the globe.
We look at the top 10 highest mountains in Nepal, together with their statistics, dangers, and stories.
Highest Nepal Mountains
10. Annapurna 2
Nepal ranking: 10th
World ranking: 16th
Elevation: 7,937 m (26,040 ft)
Prominence (height compared to immediate landscape): 2,437 m (7,995 ft)
The northeast wall of Annapurna II (cr. Markus Beudert)
The 2nd-highest peak of the Annapurna Range is notable for the skull-like image on its northeast face, which seems fitting considering the danger it presents for climbers. Avalanches, rock slides, ice overhangs, and violent storms are commonplace, meaning expeditions here are comparatively rare.
You can see spectacular views of Annapurna II, along with Annapurna I, Machhapuchhare, and several other famous peaks as part of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
9. Gyachung Kang
Nepal ranking: 9th
World ranking: 15th
Elevation: 7,952 m (26,089 ft)
Prominence (height compared to immediate landscape): 700 m (2,300 ft)
Gyachung Kang (cr. Miguel Amaral)
Coming in just shy of the 8,000m mark and without the dramatic prominence that makes peaks like Everest so awe-inspiring, Gyachung Kang is a relative unknown internationally. It’s still a fearsome challenge for mountaineers, though, forming part of the Mahalangur Himal region that is home to both Everest and Cho Oyu, and straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet.
8. Annapurna 1
Nepal ranking: 8th
World ranking: 10th
Elevation: 8,091 m (26,545 ft)
Prominence (height compared to immediate landscape): 2,984 m (9,790 ft)
Annapurna Peak (cr. Raimond Klavins)
With a climbing fatality rate of 32% up until 2012, Annapurna has become one of the most feared peaks in the world. In recent years, this has improved to around 20%, but it’s still not for the faint-hearted.
Maurice Herzog made Annapurna the first eight-thousander to be successfully scaled back in 1950, and since then, a further 364 people have made it to the summit. 72 people have died trying, making Annapurna one of the world’s most deadly mountains statistically. The routes up are highly prone to avalanches and unpredictable storms, and contain some of the steepest and most challenging climbing sections you’ll find anywhere on earth. Sitting in the Annapurna Range, to which it gives its name, most visitors choose to admire it from afar and enjoy the beautiful landscapes surrounding it.
You can get up close and personal with Annapurna by taking on the Annapurna Base Camp trek with Royal Mountain Travel.
7. Manaslu
Nepal ranking: 7th
World ranking: 8th
Elevation: 8,163 m (26,781 ft)
Prominence (height compared to immediate landscape): 3,092 m (10,144 ft)
Mount Manaslu (c/o Royal Mountain Travel)
Arguably one of the most beautiful mountains in Nepal, Manaslu’s jagged peak soars above the skyline in the Gorkha District of the northern Himalayas. It’s surrounded by one of Nepal’s most popular trekking regions, made up of sub-tropical foothills and arid high pastures around the Tibetan border – the Manaslu Circuit Trek in particular draws a steady stream of trekkers throughout the high season. For mountaineers, an enticing but dangerous challenge awaits, with a fatality rate of almost 18%.
6. Dhaulagiri
Nepal ranking: 6th
World ranking: 7th
Elevation: 8,167 m (26,795 ft)
Prominence (height compared to immediate landscape): 3,357 m (11,014 ft)
Distant view of Dhaulagiri (cr. K. Rahul)
Sitting 34km east of Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri is the highest mountain you’ll find contained entirely within Nepal, with most others sitting on the border with Tibet. Its name originates from Sanskrit, translating as “beautiful white mountain”, and until the 1800’s it was thought to be the world’s highest mountain. There have been some notable disasters on the mountain since it was first scaled in 1960, with 70 climbers losing their lives and a fatality rate of around 16.2%.
5. Cho Oyu
Nepal ranking: 5th
World ranking: 6th
Elevation: 8,188 m (26,864 ft)
Prominence (height compared to immediate landscape): 2,340 m (7,680 ft)
Cho Oyu (cr. Sami Abusamra)
Lying just 20km west of Mount Everest, Cho Oyu (meaning Turquoise Goddess in Tibetan) forms part of the Mahalangur Himalaya and lies close to Nangpa La pass – an ancient glaciated trading route used by Tibetans and Sherpas. This pass makes the mountain one of the most accessible eight-thousanders for climbers, and is often used as a starting point for people looking to get into high-altitude mountaineering. Its fatality rate of 1.4% is the lowest among the world’s 14 8,000m mountains.
4. Makalu
Nepal ranking: 4th
World ranking: 5th
Elevation: 8,463 m (27,766 ft)
Prominence (height compared to immediate landscape): 2,386 m (7,828 ft)
Mount Makalu (cr. Bisesh Gurung)
19km southeast of Everest, Makalu is a striking, isolated peak with a very classical four-sided pyramid shape. In years gone by (and occasionally in modern times), it was believed to be the stomping ground of the mythical Yeti. For climbers, it is one of the most technically difficult mountains to conquer out of all the eight-thousanders, with steep faces, razor-thin ridges, and a final ascent that requires rock and ice climbing. The fatality rate for the mountain is around 9%.
3. Lhotse
Nepal ranking: 3rd
World ranking: 4th
Elevation: 8,516 m (27,940 ft)
Prominence (height compared to immediate landscape): 610 m (2,000 ft)
Lhotse (cr. Alan Hopin)
Forming part of the Everest massif, Lhotse translates from Tibetan as ‘South Peak’ and is joined by a ridge (South Col) to the world’s highest mountain. Climbers often use the same approach for both mountains, and they are regarded as similarly difficult peaks to summit, at least on the common routes. Lhotse’s steep South Face is an exception, thought to be one of the hardest climbs in the world and tackled by only a handful of people. The mountain has 4 distinct peaks and a relatively low prominence due to the height of South Col.
You can see the might of Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Everest from the comfort of a helicopter tour throughout most of the year.
2. Kanchenjunga
Nepal ranking: 2nd
World ranking: 3rd
Elevation: 8,586 m (28,169 ft)
Prominence (height compared to immediate landscape): 3,922 m (12,867 ft)
Kanchenjunga (cr. Labun Hang Limboo)
In the far east of Nepal, Kanchenjunga lies on the border with India, and its transboundary landscape stretches into Bhutan and China. It was thought to be the world’s highest mountain until 1852, and consists of 5 peaks, with 4 over 8,000m. Its name translates as ‘The five treasures of high snow’ and local legend suggests that the mountain holds precious treasures, including gold and invincible armour.
Climbing-wise, it’s incredibly tough, with a fatality rate of around 20%, making it one of the world’s deadliest mountains.
For something a little less extreme, the Kanchenjunga Base Camps Trek takes you as close as you can get to the mountain without climbing.
1. Mount Everest
Nepal ranking: 1st
World ranking: 1st
Elevation : 8,848.86 m (29,031.7 ft)
Prominence (height compared to immediate landscape): 8,848.86 m (29,031.7 ft)*
*Prominence is calculated using the nearest higher peak for measurement. For Everest, there is nothing higher, of course.
View of Mount Everest (cr. Tashi Dai)
In 1852, Everest (or Sagarmatha in Tibetan) was officially recognised as the world’s highest mountain, and has fascinated adventurers ever since. Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary made the first ascent in 1953, and since then, there have been over 9,000 successful summit climbs (with around 300 fatalities). In recent years, the problem of overtourism on the mountain has entered the public eye, highlighted by a famous photo posted by Nirmal Purja in 2019, which shows a huge queue waiting to reach the peak.
The appeal of the mountain is obvious, both in terms of the achievement it offers and its sheer beauty and size.
You can experience the famous journey to the mountain as part of the Everest Base Camp Trek, operated by our partners at Royal Mountain Travel.
Is Everest really the highest mountain in the world?
There is some debate over the world’s highest mountain title, with Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador also staking a claim. The reason is the Equatorial Bulge – Earth is not a perfect sphere, and bulges around the equator where Chimborazo lies. This makes Chimborazo the furthest you can get from the centre of the earth and the closest land point to the moon (depending on the time of day, of course).
However, Everest is the highest point above sea level, some 2,500m higher than Chimborazo. This puts it comfortably on top of the list, geographically speaking. Everest also looks a lot bigger, if that matters…
Mount Chimborazo in Ecuador (cr. Joris Beugels)
There they are, the top 10 peaks in the land of mountains. If you’re keen to see some of these giants in real life, you can get in touch with the Travel Nepal team for advice, planning help, and direct bookings with our local partners.
Exploring the remote and enigmatic Manaslu Tsum Valley
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is one of Nepal’s most unique and authentic experiences, visiting a beautiful Himalayan region barely discovered by the outside world. It’s available as a 22-day fixed departure tour just a few times a year with Royal Mountain Travel.
Isolated, spectacular, and virtually untouched, the Manaslu Tsum Valley in Nepal’s northern Himalayas is one of the country’s most fascinating destinations. Until as recently as 2008, travel to this hidden region in the mountains remained restricted, and few outsiders had ever seen its wild landscapes or experienced its ancient culture and way of life.
Situated in the Gorkha district (often referred to generally as Manaslu), a mountainous region north of Kathmandu, the valley lies on the Tibetan border and is home to around 4,000 people of Tibetan descent, known as the Tsumbas. Much like Tibet itself, years of relative isolation from the modern world have preserved Tsumba culture almost perfectly, making it a strikingly different experience for any foreigners (or even Nepalis) lucky enough to visit.
Here, the familiar Nepali greeting of “Namaste” is rarely heard. “Tashi delek” is the local phrase used to welcome people, and in fact, the entire dialect here is unique and virtually unchanged from centuries ago. The same can be said for almost everything here, with traditions, religion, art, and cuisine all carrying a distinctive Tsumba flavour. Spirituality is hugely important in this part of Nepal, where traditional Tibetan Buddhism runs deep in the community and prayer flags with messages of peace flutter in the wind. Visitors invariably speak of the warm, genuine hospitality of the Manaslu people as one of the highlights of their time here.
Green fields and terraces in Manaslu Tsum Valley
The valley is circled by several famous peaks, including Ganesh Himal and the unmistakable Mount Manaslu – the 8th highest in the world at 8,163 metres and one of mountaineering’s most formidable challenges. Down on the valley floor, you’ll find a dramatic and beautiful mix of green hills and terraces, barren tundra, gushing rivers, waterfalls, and deep forested gorges. It’s the kind of untouched landscape that most of us have only seen in films (usually the ones with dragons in them…).
A monastery with a mountain backdrop, Manaslu Region
Most travellers looking for an epic trek in Nepal choose one of the headline acts, such as Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, but alternative routes are becoming more popular, and the Gorkha District offers everything to satisfy adventurous trekkers who want something different and want to avoid the crowds of the main trails.
The classic Manaslu Circuit and now the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek pass through otherworldly landscapes and provide stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, along with challenging mountain passes and welcoming local communities to encounter along the way. The region also lies at a slightly lower altitude compared to other trekking regions, and can be reached from Kathmandu by road, making it an appealing option for practical reasons, too.
Tsum Valley forest trailMount Manaslu
The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is a 19-day route starting in the close-knit community of Barpak, gradually rebuilt after the 2015 earthquake and home to many ex-Gorkha soldiers. It’s a friendly place to spend your first night in the region. The first goal is to reach Mu Gompa – a remote Buddhist monastery surrounded by jaw-dropping mountain scenery at the highest point of the valley. It takes 7 days of trekking to reach the Gompa, winding through rhododendron and pine forests, crossing suspension bridges over deep ravines, and serving up views of Ganesh Himal and Buddha Himal along the way. You’ll also visit tiny traditional villages and sacred caves, including Piren Phu (pigeon cave) where Buddhist murals and scripts are carved into the rock face.
A ‘gompa’ on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
From Mu Gompa, you’ll retrace your steps south before heading west on the route that encircles the giant peaks of Manaslu, Nagadichuli, and Himalchuli. The trail crosses the Budhi Gandaki River multiple times and passes by the Larkya Glacier as it ascends to the highest point of the trek – the often snow-covered Larkya La Pass at 5165m. From here, you begin to descend as you head south, and the Annapurna Range gradually comes into view. After a few days, you’ll reach the lively trekking town of Chamje – the perfect spot to spend a final night in the mountains, recounting stories of your adventure.
Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trekManaslu Tsum Valley Trek – route map
Accommodation on the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Camping is possible here, of course, but the route of this trek allows you to spend every night in the relative warmth and comfort of a tea house or homestay. These vary from functional mountain lodges to community-run village accommodation, and generally provide a simple bed in a shared room, a warm home-cooked meal, and any other basic supplies you might need for your journey.
For us, where you sleep is one of the true highlights of the trek, giving you unforgettably remote nights in the mountains or the chance to spend some time with local people who have a completely different outlook and lifestyle to your own. It’s in these communities, with their proud traditions and peaceful way of life, where you’ll find connections and experiences that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Difficulty and altitude of Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is rated as moderately difficult, meaning it’s not for the faint-hearted but should be achievable if you have a decent level of fitness. Aside from a short section over the fringes of the glacier, you’ll largely be following a maintained path, so normal hiking boots will suffice (check our packing list for tips on what else to bring).
Although most of the region sits at a relatively low altitude by Himalayan standards, you will be ascending above 5000m at Larkya La Pass. At these heights, altitude sickness is a possibility, and you should take precautions and be aware of the symptoms (check our medical advice and altitude sickness page for advice). All guides here are experienced in dealing with altitude sickness, so be sure to let them know as soon as something doesn’t feel right.
A lone yak near Mount Manaslu
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek permits and how to get there
To reach the starting point at Barpak, you’ll need to travel north for a few hours from Kathmandu. Cheap public bus options are available, but can be slow, and some require you to change vehicles. If you book a tour such as the fixed departure one in this article, private transport is included for your group. The route can be winding and bumpy, but the views more than compensate for any lack of comfort.
Being in such an unexplored and previously restricted area of Nepal, the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek needs to be arranged professionally. Permits are mandatory for both the Manaslu region and the Tsum Valley.
Manaslu Conservation Area fees NRs3000 (approx. $25)
Manaslu Circuit Trek September – November USD 100 per person/week USD 15 per person/day (beyond 1 week) December – August USD 75 per person/week USD 10 per person/day (beyond 1 week)
Tsum Valley Trek September – November USD 40 per person/week USD 7 per person/day (beyond 1 week) December – August USD 30 per person/week USD 7 per person/day (beyond 1 week)
NOTE: Tour Operator Service Charge will be applicable in the above rates. For more information, check our Nepal permits page.
Booking the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
With a minimum of two people, you can book the Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek as a private tour. No solo or independent trekking is allowed, and you must be accompanied by a Special Trekking Guide. The infrastructure and phone signal here are very limited, so expert guidance is essential to keep trekkers safe.
Our partners at Royal Mountain Travel can arrange everything as a fully private tour, and also run a fixed departure group tour four times per year. This allows the cost per person to be reduced, and offers the opportunity to share your experience with like-minded adventurers.
2022 Departure dates
17th April 2022
18th September 2022
16th October 2022
13th November 2022
US$1690 per person, 22-day tour including transport, excursions, and 3 nights in Kathmandu.
For full details and a day-by-day breakdown, head to the Royal Mountain Travel tour page.
You can contact us for questions, or enquire directly with the Royal Mountain team.
Looking for the lowdown on the classic Manaslu Circuit? This article tells you everything.
Food is truly at the heart of Nepali life and culture. In this article, Aayusha Prasain, CEO of Community Homestay Network, explores the regional cuisine found around Nepal and discovers its origins, as well as the roles it plays in community life.
Food can be a vehicle for social change. It brings people together in a way that a very few other activities can.
Since my parents loved traveling, I had this great opportunity to travel around and try foods from different communities. Even back home, our kitchen was a melting pot of different cuisines around, food was extremely important, and at a very young age gave me a chance to understand different cultures and helped me reflect on my own. I truly feel food is a powerful way to explore local communities, how people live, who they are, and how they see themselves.
Preparing the fire at Barauli Community Homestay
Similar to the geographic and ethnic diversity, Nepalese food represents its unique culture, tradition, and lifestyle. The way people grow their produce and use it in their food shows their deep-rooted history, intercultural influences, and geographical diversity. Nepalese food is a melting pot of Khas, Himalayan, Trans-Himalaya, and Terai cuisine. Dal-Bhat-Tarkari, Momos, Thakali khana set, and Samay baji are some foods that represent Nepal in the international community. Not just the international community, but even in cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara, we have limited ideas about the range of Nepalese food.
Like many others, if I had not had the opportunity to travel, I would not have had the chance to broaden my perspective about Nepal, our culture, and food diversity. Traveling and living in different communities have made me realize that culture often refers to the characteristics that are formed through language, history, geography, and most importantly, food. I firmly believe that food mirrors local communities, their culture, and their tradition.
‘Wachipa’
One of the things I love the most while exploring new places is eating the local cuisine. Be it delicious Pork Curry in Dalla, Bardiya, or Wachipa in Phalelung, Panchthar, it always helped me understand and feel connected to the local communities. Often, we say that we know ourselves while exploring other cultures, as it gives us time to reflect and understand ourselves. Food is the perfect window for understanding different cultures and communities. With my direct engagement with communities through my work at Community Homestay Network, I feel fortunate to travel and enjoy the authentic dishes prepared by local communities. There is no better way to enjoy living locally and try local food than via a community homestay, where the host prepares each meal with the utmost love.
I found out that, traditionally, a lot of the food that I ate during my travels used to be prepared during the festivities; now the locals prepare it to welcome travelers to their community. With each meal that I enjoyed in local communities, I got closer to understanding their history and the cultural importance attached to it. Although it was not Maghi, the biggest festival of the Tharu people, it did not hold the hosts at Bardia Community Homestay to prepare the delicious pork curry. Hands down, that is one of the best pork curries I’ve had in my life. I am not a food expert, but I could not stop myself from having a second serving when it was served with rice for lunch.
Similar to French Escargot, Ghonghi is another popular dish among the Tharu Communities; knowing it is their specialty, I wanted to try some of it. As it is not very popular in Kathmandu, I did not want to miss the authentic taste while I was in Bardiya. The little Tharu Escargots were good beyond my expectations (it might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but worth a try). The way it is prepared might vary within the Tharu community itself. Trying it out made me happy and helped me understand how geography and soil play a huge part in defining food habits and lifestyles. As the Tharu community resides near marshlands, rivers, and flooded plains, their cuisines are defined by various types of freshwater fish, crabs, and snails, among others.
‘Ghoghi’
Along with Bardiya, I had the opportunity to visit another Tharu community in central Nepal and live in Barauli Community Homestay, where I enjoyed fish and duck curry, which was locally sourced and prepared most authentically. I can not emphasize enough how different, in a good way, it feels to enjoy the food that is locally prepared.
An authentic Tharu kitchen at Barauli Community Homestay
While exploring the eastern part of Nepal, Dobato, Ilam, is one of the most off-beaten paths I have ever been. In collaboration with ICIMOD, the Red Panda Network had initiated a community homestay program to support eco-tourism in this area. Although a small community of 11 secluded households in the middle of the hills, it is rich in flora and fauna, culture, and tradition. The homestay I lived in was owned and run by an old Sherpa couple. The rich flavors of Thenthuk, the noodle soup, were incomparable to any I had to date. I had had Thenkthuk many times before in Kathmandu. Apart from the organic produce and chilly weather, the love and warmth Syanghe Buwa (hausarbeit schreiben lassen) put in while preparing must have made it even more special.
‘Thenthuk’
As Nepalese culture and food are gaining more global exposure, recently, I was watching the UK’s BBC MasterChef: The Professionals Rematch as one of the contestants, Santosh Shah, was from Nepal. Known for his innovative ways to present Nepalese food, I thoroughly enjoyed watching him on the show. Santosh Shah was later declared the winner. During one of the episodes, he prepared the dish with burnt chicken feathers, and I really loved the amount of research he had put into making his dishes authentic and representing Nepal beyond the foods that are already famous.
‘Tongba’
I was even happier when I had the chance to try the authentic Wachipa (the food Santosh was inspired by) in Phalelung, Panchthar, the eastern part of Nepal. I was there for a work visit and had an opportunity to explore the local areas and the most beautiful rangelands for yaks.
However, Wachipa and Tongba stole my heart. Wachipa is a dish originating from the Nepalese Kirat Rai people. The traditional side-dish, a combination of rice, minced chicken, and a powder that’s made from burnt chicken feathers, made a perfect combination for Tongba, a fermented millet drink. Some might not like Wachipa as it has a mild bitterness, but I loved the taste and the robust flavor that comes with it.
Traveling to the east always makes me feel like I am home. Both of my parents were born and raised in eastern Nepal; it feels good to understand that part of Nepal more through my travel there. As I was served a simple Dat-Bhat-Tarkari with a pickle in one of the homestays in Mai Pokhari Community Homestay, Ilam, I reflected on how food and culture can travel between communities and ethnicities. The pickle I ate that day is called Chop Achar, a simple achar made of oily seeds. Even though I belong to the Brahmin community, this achar (one of the traditional foods of Rai and Limbus) is one of the staples at my home, and my friends love it as it is unique to the flavors that Kathmandu or other parts of Nepal offer. I felt happy to reconnect with the roots and understand why it was a staple in my household.
As my mother was born and raised in Taplejung, a place where most people live there are Limbu, the way my mother prepares food is influenced and inspired by them. Due to the cold and mountainous terrain, it must have been difficult for people living there to prepare a fresh pickle every day. Hence, chop achar was made and might have become popular in the eastern Himalayan region, as it could be stored for up to a few months.
Whether traveling around Nepal or a person trying to make Bara, a Newari lentil pancake that holds significant importance in Newari Culture, at home in Kathmandu, I believe food can help you expand your horizon on understanding other cultures and roots while appreciating your own. Had I not had the chance to travel and make friends with people from different communities, I would have missed learning so much about Nepal and, most importantly, missed the opportunity to understand Nepal’s rich culture and flavors.
Ayusha Prasain is CEO of Community Homestay Network, a pioneering Nepali company who bring tourism to remote communities throughout Nepal. To find out more about the work they do and the unique experiences they offer to tourists, visit their site or contact our team for advice.
Micro-adventures, 1-day hikes, and unique day trips in Nepal
Nepal may be known as the land of epic treks and adventures, but you’re always likely to find yourself with the odd spare day, however precisely you like to plan your holidays.
Sure, you can spend the day strolling around Kathmandu or Pokhara with a map, stopping to refuel with a momo now and again, or you can choose something that shows you a different side of Nepal and its culture.
Here’s a rundown of 10 of our favourite unique day trips in Nepal, from Kathmandu to Pokhara and beyond.
All tours listed are operated by our partners at Royal Mountain Travel – one of Nepal’s leading locally-based tour operators. Read more about who they are and the good they do for Nepal’s communities and environment here.
Experiences starting from Kathmandu
1. Cooking in Kathmandu
Nepal’s culture is largely built around food, and sitting down for a meal with a local family is a great way to get to know the people. This is an experience where you’ll also get involved in the preparation and cooking, so you can understand the flavours and techniques involved, and maybe take a couple of traditional recipes back home with you…
Your host family will pick you up from wherever you’re staying in Kathmandu and take you to the local market, where you’ll buy groceries and spices for lunch. You’ll learn about the ingredients and the different spices that make the food taste so unique.
Dal Bhat is the national dish of Nepal, and the one you’re likely to be making. It’s a little different wherever you go, but the fundamentals are the same – steamed rice, a lentil dal, and whatever pickles, breads, and side dishes the family wants to add. You’ll be helping prepare and cook the various ingredients before taking your seat at the table for a delicious family dinner.
* Available to book most days as a group tour via Viator (est. $45pp), or contact Royal Mountain Travel for a private experience (est. $55pp for 2 people).
2. Temples and Stupas of Kathmandu Valley
Nepal’s history, culture, and architecture have been shaped over centuries by religion, and by ancient kings devoted to Gods and Goddesses. On a private day tour, you can see a lot of sites in not a lot of time, plus you’ll have a local guide to explain the stories behind the places, and a comfortable ride to and from your hotel.
You’ll visit some of the holiest sites in the Kathmandu Valley, giving you the chance to take in magnificent temples and stupas, and to gain an insight into Nepal’s past. The main highlights are Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Patan Durbar Square, but you’ll also visit some super-local and lesser-known sites along the way.
* Available to book most days as a group tour via Viator (est. $35pp), or contact Royal Mountain Travel for a private experience (est. $85pp for 2 people).
3. Kathmandu Valley Community Day Hike
Take a day away from the city to explore the diverse landscapes and traditional communities of the Kathmandu Valley. Over this 10km route, you’ll traverse the hills which have always shielded Kathmandu and the ancient capitals of Nepal, looking down on civilisation on one side whilst enjoying magnificent views of the Himalayas on the other.
Along the way, you’ll pass through indigenous communities like the Tamang, who have lived around the valley for centuries and maintain many of their traditions and way of life. The hike ends in Panauti – a beautiful old Newari town – where you’ll enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at a Community Homestay, and can get to know these innovative families a little better.
* Available to book most days as a group tour via Viator (est. $65pp), or contact Royal Mountain Travel for a private experience (est. $79pp for 2 people).
4. Panoramic Panauti – Cycling Tour
Started by 3 young guides from the community, the Panauti Bike Station offers cycling tours to show you the ancient towns and beautiful scenery in this peaceful part of the Kathmandu Valley.
After driving out of Kathmandu, you’ll ride from the historic town of Panauti and into the lush countryside, where you’ll see sweeping green valleys and rivers, as well as views of the distant Himalayan mountains. You’ll visit the picturesque old villages of Sunthan and Khopasi, passing through orange and silk farms along the way, as well as visiting the nearby hydropower station and enjoying some freshly-made Masala tea.
Depending on how fast you go, the tour should take 4 hours and is a relatively easy ride. You’ll be accompanied by a local guide and will be given a well-maintained mountain bike with a helmet.
The Panauti Bike Station provides opportunities and training for local youngsters and promotes sustainable tourism in the area. It’s a great way to see local life in this part of the valley, whilst helping an enterprise that really aims to do some good for its community.
30km east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot is a famous old hill town, best known for its views of 5 of the 10 highest mountains on the planet: Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Cho Oyu (8201m), Makalu (8463m), and Manaslu (8163m). You’d be incredibly lucky to see all five as the views are dependent on the weather, but the landscape is pretty jaw-dropping all the same.
You’ll travel partway by road, before trekking the final 14km through the hills and past a few Tamang and Newari villages, where you can see rural life unfolding. You’ll follow the route through a forest and terraced fields, stopping for lunch at a local community homestay.
You’ll also have distant views of Bhaktapur, and visit the Jalpa Devi Temple and Peace Buddha Park en route.
Once you’ve reached Nagarkot, you’ll have time to explore and could even choose to stay a night or two, if you have time.
This lovely little day-hike takes you north of the city and into the beautiful Shivapuri National Park, before finishing at the Tibetan Buddhist nunnery at Nagi Gompa.
After a short drive, you start walking from the village of Budanilkantha, home to a famous temple of Lord Vishnu. The route is moderate with a couple of pretty steep sections, and you’ll be walking through oak, rhododendron, and bamboo forest for much of the route.
There’ll be plenty of wildlife to spot along the way, and once you’re at the top, you’ll get a glimpse of life at the convent, as well as spectacular views of Kathmandu Valley and distant peaks such as Ganesh Himal, Langtang-Lirung, and Dorji Lhakpa.
Get away from the bustle of Kathmandu for the day, and take a peek back in time at two of Kathmandu Valley’s most beautiful old towns. The 6-hour private tour starts with a drive to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Bhaktapur. Once home to wealthy kings, this opulent Newari town has largely preserved its intricate temples and shrines, which surround vast, open squares in the old centre. During the Malla Dynasty, the Kings of Bhaktapur became obsessed with wrestling, and chunky carved wrestlers can be seen throughout the town.
You’ll continue to the tiny town of Panauti, surrounded by lush green hills and holy rivers. You’ll see impressive Hindu and Buddhist temples, before joining a local family for a delicious Newari lunch. The homestay you visit is part of an initiative started by the local women of Panauti, bringing direct benefits to their community and offering you an unforgettable and authentic experience.
* Available to book most days as a group tour via Viator (est. $35pp), or contact Royal Mountain Travel for a private experience (est. $85pp for 2 people).
Experiences starting from Pokhara and Bandipur
8. Australian Camp Hike
Easily accessible from Pokhara, the Australian Camp sits on the edge of the Annapurna Range, surrounded by rolling green hills and valleys. From here, you have an unobstructed view of the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Manaslu massifs, giving you a Himalayan experience without the long days of trekking.
It’s also a chance to get a glimpse of local life in the Annapurna foothills, as you pass through several small villages where you can stop for lunch and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.
Open year-round, it involves around 4-5 hours of walking and requires a moderate level of fitness.
Travel from Pokhara on a day-hike into the foothills of Macchapucchare (Fishtail Mountain). Your destination is the charming village of Hemjakot, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome and a delicious home-cooked lunch, as well as the chance to experience rural life in this part of the Himalayas.
It’s a relatively easy 2-hour hike, and you’ll ascend along stairways cut into the jungle and into the hills below one of Nepal’s most famous peaks. The village is surrounded by lush green valleys with a backdrop of distant mountains, giving it a peaceful, serene atmosphere. I found that write my essays tasks became a more interesting process for me after being inspired by these landscapes, as after such a journey, the words just seem to flow onto my paper.
The people of Hemjakot are of Tibetan descent and have farmed this land for hundreds of years, but they have truly embraced being part of the Community Homestay Network. It gives them the chance to meet and learn about people from all over the world, as well as supporting their income. It’s not uncommon for you to be met by various members of the community carrying Tikas and garlands, keen to show you their homes and their way of life. You can even help with some of their daily tasks if you’re feeling energetic!
Before you return to Pokhara, you’ll be treated to a hearty lunch, freshly cooked by your community host using ingredients from their farmland.
The final micro-adventure on our list starts from Bandipur – a small, historic Newari town on the edge of Bandipur Tiger Reserve and National Park. It’s a 5-hour round trip that gives you stunning scenery and a glimpse into rural Nepali life. You’ll hike through green hills and cliffs, past terraced fields and tiny villages where life goes on much as it has for centuries.
Your destination is the Magar village of Ramkot – the Magar people are descended from Mongol interlopers and are known to be hard-working, honest, and welcoming. You’ll have some time in the village and enjoy a picnic lunch with a mountain view before heading back to Bandipur.
Innovative tours and day trips are popping up all over Nepal, showing different sides of our country and giving you the chance to make those spare days of your holiday into something memorable.
If you need help or advice on planning your perfect Nepalese adventure, feel free to get in touch with our team or head straight over to our friends from Royal Mountain Travel.
The record-breaking mountaineers who influenced, inspired, and changed mountaineering in Nepal
For almost a century, Nepali Mountaineers have navigated the heights and extremes of the Himalayas, earning themselves a place amongst mountaineering royalty. Many members of the Nepali mountaineering community are Sherpas, a Nepalese ethnic group famous for their exceptional climbing skills, superior endurance in high altitudes, and fascinating culture. Over the years, Nepali Mountaineers have assisted thousands of foreign visitors to the summit of the Himalayan mountains, including the renowned peaks of the Annapurna range and the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. Their incredible knowledge, ability, and guidance have supported people in achieving epic life goals and helped raise money for extraordinary charities, in addition to tackling record-breaking expeditions and creating history. With their strong will and expertise, the Nepali mountaineering community has conquered every experience and weather condition imaginable, gaining respect worldwide and putting Nepal at the heart of the mountaineering map.
In this article, we’ll look at 10 of the most famous characters of Nepali mountaineering over the past century, from the early pioneers through to modern-day record-breakers.
1. Ang Tharkay Sherpa
Ang Tharkay (from the cover of his memoir titled ‘Sherpa’)
One of the earliest Sherpas to gain international recognition, Ang Tharkay was an active mountaineer for almost thirty years after his first expedition in 1931. Amongst many triumphs throughout his mountaineering career, the greatest was his role in the first successful attempt of an eight-thousander during the French Annapurna expedition in 1950, led by Maurice Herzog. It was this expedition and the subsequent best-selling book, ‘Annapurna’, that made Ang Tharkay famous. He gained hero status by turning down the opportunity to be one of the first to the summit of Annapurna along with the French team, instead taking the selfless act of stepping back and remaining hundreds of metres below the summit, allowing the rest of the team to receive the glory. Whilst descending, the French team could not go on due to extreme frostbite, and Ang Tharkay was amongst the Sherpas to carry the duo back down the mountain. As a result, Ang Tharkay was the very first Sherpa to receive a European honour after being awarded the Legion d’Honneur.
The original route of this famous expedition is being resurrected, and travellers will be able to retrace the team’s steps in 2022. You can read more about it in our article: Another Way To Annapurna – Narchyang And The Herzog Trail
2. Gaylay Sherpa
Gaylay Sherpa guiding a German expedition (from the film 1934 ‘Nanga Parbat’ by Frank Leberecht)
With the same honourability as Ang Tharkay, Gaylay Sherpa was an equally selfless Nepali mountaineer. His tragic story has brought respect to the Nepali mountaineering community and is one of the many reasons that Sherpas are regarded so highly around the world. During the disastrous 1934 Nanga Parbat expedition in which 10 climbers lost their lives, Gaylay Sherpa was one of the last three alive. After deciding to retreat due to treacherous weather conditions, the exhibition leader could not move, and Gaylay Sherpa opted to stay with him whilst the other climber went to seek help. Sadly, the pair did not make it back down the mountain, but the courage and loyalty that Gaylay Sherpa showed are traits that thrive in the Sherpa community.
3. Tenzing Norgay Sherpa
Tenzing Norgay Sherpa (photo courtesy of facebook.com/SherpaTenzingNorgay)
Tenzing Norgay is one of the world’s most famous mountaineers due to his role as the Sherpa of the first successful ascent of Everest in 1953. Alongside the renowned New Zealand mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing was part of the duo who were the very first to stand at the top of Everest. It was his 7th Everest expedition and the only time he reached the summit. Tenzing was a strong leader and an incredible guide. He was a firm favourite with foreigners who hired him as a Sherpa for the mountaineering expeditions in Nepal. Following his success, Tenzing was named as one of the most influential people of the 20th Century by Time Magazine, and India’s most prestigious adventure award was renamed in his honour.
4. Gyalzen Norbu Sherpa
A photo of Gyalzen Norbu on top of Mount Manaslu is possibly one of the most iconic photos in Himalayan mountaineering history. This extraordinary Sherpa broke through barriers by being the first person to ascend not one but two of the 8000-metre peaks. In 1955, Gyalzen Norbu successfully led a French team of mountaineers to the peak of Makalu – the first successful ascent. Due to his success, the following year, he joined a Japanese team as lead Sherpa, and together they summited Manaslu and became the first to reach the top. Gyalzen Norbu was a passionate mountaineer and a fierce expedition leader, and played an important role in the history of mountaineering in Nepal.
5. Ang Rita Sherpa
Ang Rita Sherpa with his World Record certificates (photo from New Spotlight Online)
The world-famous Nepali mountaineer known as The Snow Leopard is a legendary record holder who inspires mountaineers to this day. Even now, many years after his death, he retains the Guinness World Record for both of his magnificent accomplishments. Ang Rita was the first and remains the only climber to have summited Everest 10 times without supplemental oxygen. In addition, he was the only mountaineer to ever make a successful ascent without oxygen during the Winter. Not only did the master climber ascend Everest during a treacherous Winter without oxygen, but he was also known to defy the laws of altitude, partaking in strenuous exercise to keep warm. Ang Rita was an extraordinary climber with no formal mountaineering training, yet was considered by his peers to be the most skilled Sherpa of his time.
6. Pasang Lhamu Sherpa
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa during an expedition, courtesy of exploreinspired.com
Inspiring a generation of Nepalese women, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa was the first Nepali female to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Before successfully reaching the peak, Pasang attempted to reach the top of Everest three times, showing the women of Nepal and the world that anything is possible with hard work and determination. As inspirational as Pasang Lhamu’s victory may be, the story also has a tragic end as she sadly died during the descent of the successful climb. Her achievement has been honoured and memorialised across both Nepal and the worldwide mountaineering community.
7. Babu Chiri Sherpa
Official Nepali stamp showing the image of Babu Chiri Sherpa
The king of mountaineering challenges, Babu Chiri, set the bar high for himself but almost always succeeded. A keen adventurer, Babu summited Everest 10 times but always wanted to tackle something a bit different and set himself unique challenges. His first was to ascend Everest twice in the same season, which he completed in 1995. Next, he carried a tent to the top of the world in 1999, spending 21 hours camped at the summit of Mount Everest without bottled oxygen. The following year, he wanted to climb in the quickest time possible, completing the ascent in under 17 hours. Although Babu Chiri died in 2001, to this day, he still holds the record for the most hours at the summit of Everest without supplemental oxygen, a record he has held for over two decades.
8. Apa Sherpa
Apa Sherpa with his world record certificate (photo from thedispatch.in)
Until his record was beaten in 2017 by the next man on our list, Apa Sherpa was the joint holder of the most ascents of Mount Everest, along with Phurba Tashi. The successful mountaineer tackled Everest a total of 21 times before retiring in 2011. Apa also led the first successful expedition to complete the Great Himalayan Trail, which is considered one of the world’s most difficult treks. Not only does Apa have an important place in Nepali mountaineering history, but he has also made waves within Nepalese communities and across the world. His final four Everest expeditions were The Eco Everest Expedition, in which the teams campaigned against climate change at the summit and brought down tonnes of trash, including parts of a crashed helicopter. In 2009, Apa founded the Apa Sherpa Foundation, a non-profit organisation supporting disadvantaged individuals in Nepal and dedicated to improving economic development and education.
Planning your own Everest adventure?
These days, seeing the world’s highest mountain is a little easier. Here are a few options from our partners at Royal Mountain Travel;
Kami Rita Sherpa celebrates his Everest world record
From the beginning of his mountain career as a teenage porter working on the Everest base camp route, Kami Rita has risen the ranks to become one of the most accomplished mountaineers in history. Coming from a family of Sherpa guides, mountaineering is in his blood – his father was amongst the first of professional Nepali mountaineers, and his brother also followed in his path. At the age of 24, he summited Mount Everest for the very first time, and that was just the very start. Over the last 28 years, Kami Rita has conquered Mount Everest a staggering 25 times, holding the record for the most ascents to the summit since 2018 and completing his 25th expedition in 2021. He also holds the record for the most 8000 metre summits with a total of 38, having also tackled K2, Lhotse, Manaslu, and Cho Oyu. Kami Rita has achieved extraordinary success throughout his mountaineering career and has no desire to retire any time soon, with plans to climb for as long as he is able to.
One of the most famous modern-day mountaineers is Nirmal ‘Nims’ Purja, star of the recent Netflix hit ’14 Peaks – Nothing is Impossible’. Born and raised in Nepal, Nims served with the renowned Gurkha regiment before serving with distinction in the UK Special Forces. He holds a firm place within the Nepali mountaineering community and the nation as a whole. Now a British citizen after his military service, Nims has gone on to hold multiple world records for mountaineering and received an MBE in 2018 for his accomplishments. In 2019, Nirmal set the speed record for climbing all 14 of the eight-thousanders at 6 months and 6 days, smashing the previous record by over 7 years. Most recently, Nirmal was part of the team of Nepali mountaineers who completed the first-ever winter ascent of K2.
Between these members of the Nepali mountaineering community, they have conquered, changed history, and set exceptional world records, influencing generations both past and present. The strength, stamina, and good heart of the Sherpas encourage budding mountaineers from across the Earth. The Nepali mountaineers are the backbone of the climbing industry, and with their combined experience and expertise, the worldwide mountaineers of today and tomorrow continue to be inspired.
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How a small village is playing its part in solving overtourism and the revival of the Maurice Herzog trail
Recognised in a recent UN report, the story of Narchyang and its role in the revival of the Maurice Herzog Trail is a lesson in how tourism can do better, and it’s given travellers the chance to retrace the footsteps of one of the most famous expeditions in mountaineering history.
We’ll start our story with Ajay Pun, an ambitious young Nepali from Narchyang – a picturesque village deep in the Annapurna Range. Upper Narchyang had been part of the route taken by the great French mountaineer, Maurice Herzog, as he became the first man to scale a mountain above 8,000m in 1950 when he conquered Annapurna I along with his French and Nepali team. His book ‘Annapurna’, which told the incredible, near-death story of the expedition, became a huge hit around the world and gave Narchyang a degree of fame for some time.
the cover of ‘Annapurna’ by Maurice Herzog
The legends of Herzog are still told in the village today, but whilst nearby routes to Annapurna began to attract a steady stream of travellers, Herzog’s original route was largely forgotten and Narchyang was rarely visited by tourists in the years since. The villagers continued to farm or work on nearby hydroelectric projects, and anyone seeking more opportunities or a better education would leave for Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Working the farmland around Narchyang (photo from 8thwonder)
Ajay moved to Kathmandu at 18 and began working in a restaurant, before moving into tourism with a white-water rafting company. A few years later, he started working as a travel consultant for Community Homestay Network – a social enterprise that supports and enables communities across Nepal to become hosts for trekkers and travellers. It was here that Ajay started to realise that he could do something special for his village, and for his region.
Just 2-hours on foot from Narchyang, the village of Tatopani had been gradually gaining popularity as a stopover on the Annapurna Circuit and a starting point for the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Whilst this was good for Tatopani in many ways, their infrastructure isn’t built to cope with the additional people, and it started to have some adverse effects.
In rural areas, if tourism becomes concentrated in one place, then it can change the whole area, creating pollution and waste, which causes major damage to the environment and wildlife. We’ve seen it many times before, all over the world. It also means that the human and social benefits of tourism aren’t shared by all the people of the region.
Villagers meeting in Narchyang (photo by 8th wonder)
Ajay could see the opportunity for Narchyang to ease the burden on Tatopani, and he knew the experience they could offer to Annapurna Circuit trekkers. The village itself, made up of three levels on the hillside, is in a stunning setting with mountain views, with nearby waterfalls and hot springs to explore, and Ajay was sure that the Magar hospitality they would offer to guests would be very popular too.
Houses in Narchyang village
At Community Homestay Network, he was with the people who could help make his dream a reality. He spent a year working for the company, learning how the homestay network operated and about the tourism industry as a whole, before leaving his job and returning to Narchyang to set about establishing a community homestay in the village.
Meanwhile, plans to revive the trail used by Maurice Herzog’s famous expeditions were gathering pace. Basic trekking facilities were being installed, ready for the opening of the trail in early 2022. This would create even more demand for accommodation, with Narchyang being the starting point for the route to Annapurna North Base Camp.
One of Nepal’s most established tour operators, Royal Mountain Travel, also agreed to include Narchyang instead of Tatopani in their Annapurna Circuit Trek, offering something different for their travellers and reducing the environmental impact of one of their most popular packages. Things were starting to look positive for Narchyang.
With a promise of investment to increase capacity and to provide the knowledge and training they would need to host tourists, Ajay convinced five families to start up their own homestays. Each family would take turns in hosting guests so that the income was spread fairly, and the influx of travellers would create opportunities for the whole village.
Greeting a traveller in Narchyang (photo by Ajay Pun)
In autumn 2019, Ajay’s idea began to gain momentum, with over 50 travellers staying with host families over just 3 months. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with guests enjoying the laid-back atmosphere and the chance to get to know the people of the village and help out with daily chores or farm work. In Nanchang, travellers are treated more like family members than customers, and it’s this kind of unique, genuine experience that so many modern tourists are looking for.
Amidst this wave of optimism, Covid-19 reared its ugly head in early 2020, meaning Narchyang’s new venture had to be put on hold for a while, but with tourists now returning to Nepal and the Maurice Herzog trail opening up, the village’s hosts are ready to welcome travellers to their unique corner of the Himalayas once again.
Narchyang village (photo by Ajay Pun)
Narchying Community Homestay has been used as a case study in a recent UN report on mountain tourism, which cites the project as a solution to some of the big issues facing tourist destinations across the world, and points to a possible way forward to make the tourism industry a more sustainable place.
9 Notable and famous Nepali people from modern times
Every so often, a person comes along and commits their life to achieving something truly remarkable. From feats of extreme endurance to ground-breaking innovations and lives dedicated to the service of others, these famous Nepali people have earned their place in the heart of a nation and continue to inspire the generations that follow them.
1. Ani Choying Drolma
Photo source: @theyoghiniproject by Ralf Braum
Ani Choying Drolma, also known as Choying Dolma and Ani Choying, rose to fame through her unique voice and musical talent, and is credited with bringing Tibetan Buddhist chants and songs to mainstream audiences
Born in Nepal to Tibetan refugee parents, she escaped a difficult upbringing and found refuge in a Buddhist monastery where she would become a nun at the age of 13. Here, she discovered her passion and talent for music, as well as a deep desire to dedicate her life to helping others.
Drolma has gone on to create numerous humanitarian projects to help underprivileged people in Nepal, including care for the elderly, the education of young girls, and the provision of clean drinking water, as well as promoting renewable energy and caring for street dogs in the Kathmandu Valley.
In 2014 she was chosen to be the first National Ambassador for UNICEF Nepal.
At 18 years old, Nims achieved his childhood dream of joining the Gurkhas. It was the start of a distinguished 16-year career in the military, which included 10 years with the UK Special Forces (SBS) – one of the world’s elite military units.
Since then, he has gone on to become a truly remarkable mountaineer with numerous records to his name, and in 2019, he completed ‘Project Possible’ – a daunting mission to climb the world’s fourteen highest peaks in a little over 6 months. His adventure is the subject of a new Netflix documentary: 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible.
Perhaps his greatest achievements have been the lives he has saved in the mountains, where he has put his own safety and objectives aside to help others on many occasions.
In 2018, Nims was appointed as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II for his outstanding work in high-altitude mountaineering.
Dr. Ruit is the co-founder of the Himalayan Cataract Project and has made it his life’s mission to give people their eyesight back, regardless of whether they can afford to pay for the treatment.
Born in remote eastern Nepal, family tragedy led him to train as a doctor, eventually specialising in ophthalmology and studying in Australia. He became a highly skilled surgeon and, on his return to Nepal, he set about finding a way to perform high-level eye operations at low-level costs, and without the need for an established urban hospital.
For almost 20 years, Dr. Ruit had been working at his Tilgaga Eye Centre and giving the gift of sight to people from remote parts of Nepal and across the Himalayas, often working without charge.
It is estimated that he has restored sight for over 130,000 people across Asia and Africa to date.
Affectionately known as Dijju (elder sister) in Nepal, Anuradha Koirala is the founder of Maiti Nepal – a non-profit organisation dedicated to protecting women and fighting against sex trafficking.
Since 1993, her efforts have helped countless women escape from life-threatening situations and empowered many young girls to achieve a brighter future. Maiti Nepal has grown from a small private house in Kathmandu into an influential and internationally recognised enterprise.
She has received 38 national and international awards for her contribution to society, including the CNN Hero Award in 2010.
The plight of Nepal’s endangered snow leopards is well-known and difficult to solve, but one man has done more than most to protect these elusive creatures.
Tashi R Ghale has made his livelihood as a hotel owner and talented photographer, known for his subtle style and beautiful shots of Nepal’s landscapes, people, and wildlife. However, it is the work he has done to protect the snow leopards which gained him international acclaim. Hailing from Manang, high in the Himalayas and close to the leopards’ natural territory, Tashi has probably observed these elusive animals in the wild more than anybody else in the world, and has dedicated much of his life to their conservation. He is the co-founder of the Third Pole Conservancy NGO.
His tireless work in monitoring snow leopard numbers and behaviour has been vital in the effort to protect the species, whilst his photography and advocacy have raised global awareness of the problem facing Nepal’s snow leopards.
Tashi has received multiple accolades for his work, including the Disney Conservation Hero Award in 2018.
Regarded as one of the world’s best female ultrarunners, the story of Mira Rai is every bit as remarkable as her sporting achievements.
Born and raised in the remote Himalayan foothills of Bhojpar, Mira spent her childhood running to school and carrying supplies for her family, which inadvertently prepared her to take the ultrarunning world by storm, but the journey was far from simple. During the Nepalese Civil War, she was recruited by the Communist Party as a child soldier at the age of just 15. When the war ended a couple of years later, she returned to her village but struggled to adjust to life, eventually moving to Kathmandu in 2014.
A chance meeting with some soldiers whilst running landed her a place in a 50km ultramarathon, where she came in 1st place, beating an all-male field in the process. Since then, she has established herself as one of the world’s best ultrarunners, winning a number of elite races and inspiring a generation of Nepalis in the process.
In 2017, she was the winner of the 2017 National Geographic Adventurer of the Year.
One of Nepal’s most highly-regarded social workers, Basnet has made it her life’s work to help children living in prisons with their incarcerated parents.
In 2005, she founded the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) in Nepal to strengthen the rights and provide day-care for prison children, as well as the Butterfly Home residential house, where older children can live outside of the prison walls and under her care.
Over the years, the ECDC has helped with medical care, accommodation, nutritious food, and school enrolment, and offered a better chance in life to so many children.
In 2012, Basnet was awarded CNN Hero of the Year, and in 2016, she picked up the CNN SuperHero award.
Teacher, scientist, social entrepreneur, and founder of the Nepal Wireless Networking Project, Mahabir Pun has done much to improve the lives and opportunities of children living in remote villages across the Nepalese Himalayas.
After gaining a scholarship to study in the US for his exceptional ability in writing papers and achieving a master’s degree in education, Pun returned to his home village of Nangi with a mission, and soon established a new school for the community. The school would serve as a template for a more sustainable form of education in rural Nepal, with a focus on computer science and other income-generating skills.
His innovation and campaigning over the past 30 years have led to computer equipment being donated from all over the world, the establishment of an improvised wireless network connecting remote villages across the Himalayas, and a brighter future for thousands of children in Nepal.
Nowadays, the majority of Mahabir’s focus is on his role with the National Innovation Centre, where he works to support promising individuals and innovative businesses as they look to supercharge Nepal’s economic future. The NIC has also played a vital role in the country’s response to the COVID-19 emergency, supporting hospitals with PPE production and specialist equipment to fight the virus.
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa during an expedition, courtesy of exploreinspired.com
The first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest, Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, has been an inspiration for a generation of girls in Nepal and beyond, and has gone some way to shifting how women are viewed in society.
Born into a mountaineering family, she dedicated her adult life to scaling peaks across the Himalayas and in Europe at a time when women were not considered capable of such feats.
She finally reached the summit of Everest at her fourth attempt in 1993, but her team encountered poor weather as they descended the South Summit, and she tragically lost her life.
She became a household name in Nepal and will always be remembered as a hero who made young girls believe that anything is possible.
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