About the GHT
Immerse yourself in cultures little changed by the modern world and
be inspired by the greatest mountain scenery on the planet.
The Himalaya is amazing; a place where you can immerse yourself in authentic cultures and be inspired by the greatest mountain scenery on the planet. Since the early 1950s, visitors have explored the countless valleys and peaks of the pahar (mid-hills) and himal (high ranges) of Nepal, India and Bhutan.
In Nepal, recent democratic elections and relative political stability have led to a surge in visitors to Nepal, and the mountains again offer unhindered trails for anyone to explore.
Everest, Annapurna and Langtang
The most popular trekking regions of the entire Himalaya are, Everest, Annapurna and Langtang, which attract tens of thousands of trekkers every year. Facilities have never been better and easily rival those found in Europe or elsewhere. There are even some luxury lodges in the Everest and Annapurna should you want a touch of comfort! Trails are well maintained and safe, and the locals will welcome you with a genuine friendliness that will make your heart melt.
The other two-thirds of Nepal’s mountain terrain is normally considered ‘off-the-beaten-track’ and counts visitors in mere hundreds. From the lush rhododendron forests of the east to the dense woodlands in the west, the Nepal Himalaya is predominantly wilderness dotted with remote communities that have remained relatively untouched. In these regions, a small trekking group can make a real difference to lives that are barely subsistence.
Although the mountains are beyond compare, it is the people you meet along the trail that linger in your memory. You can’t help but admire their indefatigable boldness and energy, and independence, strength and resilience when times are bad. Their fun, openhearted, generous nature towards strangers who may never return will constantly amaze! It’s impossible to make a comparison, but surely the people of the high himal are the very best of mankind?
In 2002, the Nepali government reconciled all border disputes with its northern neighbour China thus de-militarising seven border areas. For the first-time in history tourists were allowed to explore them and they all offer unique trekking opportunities. They also tend to be next to the major trekking routes, so it’s possible to design itineraries combining old and new trails, thus making your journey a more ‘complete’ Nepali experience.
The GHT is Born
For many years, one of the great trekking ‘holy grails’ has been a route through the remotest peaks of the entire Himalaya, linking all the main trekking regions. The author is the first personto survey, plot and describe such a route: the Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) by Trailblazer Publications. The Nepal section of the GHT can take 90 to 150 days of walking, so it is conveniently broken into sections. All of which have easy access and lower route alternatives through the pahar.
The introduction of new trekking routes through remote communities will encourage micro-tourism businesses in places that are to remote for intensive infrastructure development. By creating value in regions that previously had little to offer for tourism, it is hoped that the relevant government departments will establish a comprehensive network of National Parks and Conservation Areas that form a continuous corridor for animal migration, which could reduce illegal hunting and help save many endangered species. The snow-covered crown of Asia may then become one of its greatest assets.
CHOOSE YOUR TREK STYLE
There are three main ‘styles’ of trekking, each of which has pros and cons. Your choice will depend on your destination, budget, time and personal preferences.
Get Planning…
We’ve tried to put everything you need to know to plan and trek your GHT adventure on this website, but maybe we’ve missed something? Or you have some more detail or have questions? If so, please feel free to Get in Touch.