Our Serious Recommendation: FarOut + Backup
The GHT is the highest and one of the toughest trail networks on the planet; it takes you through some of the most remote landscapes and communities in the Himalayas. It is a serious undertaking, and we take the protection of trekkers and local communities very seriously.
Because there is very little room for error in these remote sections, having a rock-solid, fully offline navigation setup is critical to your safety and success. Here is our recommended approach for navigating the GHT.
Primary Navigation: The FarOut App
For your primary on-trail navigation, we highly recommend using the FarOut guide. The FarOut app is one of the most trusted long distance hiking apps and has some invaluable features.
Here is why it is the standard for the thru-hiking community:
- Real-Time Updates: It allows hikers to leave comments on water sources, river crossings, tea houses etc. These comments are completely viewable offline. You only need a cell signal or Wi-Fi connection to refresh the app and sync the latest updates from other hikers.
- Offline Reliability: Works totally offline including basemaps, it also has tons of photos for each waypoint, works offline, and is fast, simple and reliable.
Get Early Access now 20% off for September, FarOut will also be donating all profits this year to flood victims.
Backup: GPX track + Waypoint File on Another App/Device or Paper Maps
We ALWAYS insist on a backup so we want to encourage everyone to also have a copy of the full GPX file in a 2nd app or device.
It is super important to know how to set up your preferred mapping app for offline use. Hikers occasionally make mistakes during setup and find themselves in the field without a connection and no maps. To prevent this, you must have two completely separate offline systems.
- Option A: Two separate navigation apps on your smartphone (e.g., FarOut as primary, Gaia GPS or CalTopo as secondary).
- Option B: A smartphone app (FarOut) plus a standalone GPS device (like a Garmin watch or handheld unit with maps preloaded).
- Option C: A compass with printed 2026 version of the GHT topographic maps that match FarOut app and are available in Nepal’s book and map shops (Kathmandu and Pokhara) on on our store.
⚠️Whichever setup you choose, test it at home in airplane mode to guarantee your base maps and route data are fully downloaded and functional offline.
We also still recommend the Guidebook, especially for the planning phase.
Understanding the Data: OSM vs. GHT Official GPX
If you are using apps like Gaia, Maps.me, or CalTopo, it is crucial to understand where their default trail data comes from. These apps utilize OpenStreetMap (OSM) data. OSM is essentially the “Wikipedia for maps”, an incredible, community-led open-source project that we love despite its flaws.
However, relying strictly on default OSM data in high-consequence environments like Nepal carries significant risks. While anyone can edit OSM, our official GHT data is meticulously compiled and ground-truthed by multiple hikers and locals over years of personal experience. In popular trekking zones, OSM is generally fine, but in rugged, remote regions in for example, Upper Dolpo Sankuwasabha or Humla, we absolutely recommend using our data to ensure accuracy.
Full Route & Section Options
Depending on your itinerary, both the FarOut guide and our official GPX files are available for the complete Nepal Trek route network or broken down into individual sections.
If you are only hiking a portion of the trail, you can select from the following options:
- Section A: Kanchenjunga – Makalu – Arun Valley
- Section B: Khumbu (Everest) – Arun to Last Resort
- Section C: Langtang – Helambu to Ruby Valley
- Section D: Manaslu + Annapurna + Mustang
- Section E: Dolpo – Gamgadhi
- Section F: Far West
How to Get Your GHT GPX Files (and Get a 50% Discount!)
First, to get access to these files you must complete the Self-Assessment Survey (if you already have skip to step 2):
➡️ https://www.greathimalayatrail.com/ght-self-assessment-survey/
We really want everyone to have a backup system. To help with this, we will give you 50% off** this download if you purchase the full FarOut guide for the GHT. (Note: if you have done this already, skip to step 3 below)
How to redeem and download:
- If you haven’t already, complete the Self Assessment Survey above to ensure the GHT is right for you.
- Purchase the GHT guide (full route or specific sections) within the FarOut app [Link coming soon for non-beta testers, beta testers check your email!]. (if you don’t wish to use FarOut skip to step 4… but we think you’ll like it!)
- Locate your exclusive discount code (Discount code is in the FarOut App after purchase or beta tester emails).
- Visit the GPX Store (password sent via email after the survey) to select your specific section packages or the full route. Make sure to check out using the same email as you use for FarOut or the code won’t work.
- Apply the code at checkout and load the files into your secondary app or GPS device.
**Note: Most of the FarOut sale price goes to FarOut, to support the app development and ensure reliability. So purchasing the GPX files here is also a great way to support the GHT directly. That said, we want to ensure everyone has a backup, so we offer this discount as well as other options (see bottom of page).
Here are the Steps Above in Buttons
Still confused?
What’s Included in the Track File Packages?
- Full track files for the main GHT Trek Route
- Over 30 side routes or alternates
- over 1,000 points of interest like camp spots, water sources, fords, teahouses and more.
- Photos of many waypoints (CalTopo only)
- GHT basemap georeferenced overlays (Caltopo Only)
- Boundaries of permit-required areas
- Historical and cultural notes from the GHT guidebook
- Formats: GPX, KML, GeoJson + Caltopo live link
Caltopo is a free webapp + phone app that can be used to view all of the above offline from your phone. It makes a great planning tool and backup to FarOut. The paid version also has daily sat photos which are usefull in tracking snow cover on passes.
Free Sample GPX Package and Georeferenced PDF on the Official GHT Online Community on Discord.
It’s a great place to post questions, share your knolege and find hiking buddies. To say thank you for joining, and also give you something to test, we have a free Far West GHT GPX package and Georeferenced PDF posted there now!
Accessibility & Need-Based Discounts
We want to ensure that everyone has access to this vital information for safety reasons. If the cost of the GPX files is a barrier, please email us to explain your circumstances, and we can offer a need-based discount at our discretion. All proceeds from the sale of these files go directly toward supporting and maintaining the Great Himalaya Trail, however there are other ways you can contribute (like being a GHT Scout, helping get the world out etc).
GHT Alpine
We don’t currently have the Alpine route for download on the website. 80% of the route follows the Trek Route so the same files above are still a great resource. For the technical passes, we recommend joining the Official Discord and getting beta from past hikers. We are working on a responsible way of increasing the available information. Make sure to sign up for the newsletter in the meantime.
