The Great
Himalayan Trail

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, you will be greeted by a representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Take time to relax after your journey, settle into your room, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling city.

In the evening, you’ll gather for a welcome dinner with your trek guide and team members, where you’ll receive a detailed briefing on the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) itinerary and essential tips for the long expedition ahead. You may also take a short walk around the vibrant Thamel area, known for its shops, restaurants, and historical temples.

After breakfast, embark on a cultural tour of Kathmandu’s most iconic landmarks, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You will visit the ancient Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), which offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding hills.

Next, proceed to Pashupatinath Temple, the most revered Hindu temple in Nepal, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. Here, you will witness rituals performed by Hindu devotees. The tour continues to Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world, where you can observe Tibetan Buddhist monks chanting prayers.

Finally, explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historical royal palace complex featuring intricate wooden carvings and ancient temples. Spend the afternoon preparing for your trek, ensuring all gear and permits are in place.

Early in the morning, you’ll take a scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, located in the lowland Terai region of southeastern Nepal. After landing, you’ll begin a beautiful drive towards Ilam, a region famous for its sprawling tea gardens, lush green hills, and mist-covered landscapes.

The journey will take you through picturesque villages and terraced farmlands. Upon arrival in Ilam, settle into your guesthouse and enjoy the cool mountain air. In the evening, stroll through the tea gardens and witness the local tea-picking process, or visit a nearby monastery for a peaceful moment of reflection.

Today is a full-day drive from Ilam to the town of Taplejung, the gateway to the Kanchenjunga region. The drive is long but rewarding as you pass through the diverse landscapes of eastern Nepal, transitioning from subtropical lowlands to cooler high-altitude areas.

The scenery gradually shifts from lush forests and terraced hills to more rugged mountain terrain. Taplejung, perched on the hillside, is a bustling market town where you can stock up on supplies for the upcoming trekking days. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into a cozy teahouse, relax, and prepare for the first day of trekking.

The adventure begins as you drive to Rani Pool, the starting point of your trek. From here, you’ll follow the rugged trails alongside the Tamor River, passing through small villages and dense subtropical forests.

As you trek, you’ll cross suspension bridges and witness the sheer beauty of the landscape, with waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs. The path can be steep and challenging in some sections, but the serene views and fresh mountain air will keep you motivated.

By the afternoon, you’ll arrive at the village of Sekhathum, nestled in a valley surrounded by steep hills. The day ends with a warm meal and rest at a local teahouse.

Today’s trek takes you deeper into the isolated valleys of eastern Nepal. The trail continues along the Ghunsa Khola, offering frequent views of the river below. You’ll cross suspension bridges and climb through thick bamboo and rhododendron forests.

As you ascend, the landscape changes dramatically, and the air becomes cooler and fresher. The trail is less populated, providing a sense of solitude and a strong connection with nature. You’ll pass through small settlements with terraced fields, where villagers tend to their crops.

After a steady climb, you’ll reach the remote village of Amjilosa, where a hearty meal and warm tea await.

Your journey continues with a moderate ascent through mixed forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron. The peaceful environment is interrupted only by the sounds of the flowing river and occasional bird calls.

As you climb higher, you’ll begin to notice the gradual transition from dense forests to alpine meadows. The trail winds through picturesque landscapes, including waterfalls, cliffs, and distant snow-capped peaks. You’ll pass by occasional yak pastures and small mountain hamlets.

After a few hours of steady trekking, you’ll reach the village of Gyabla, a small Tibetan settlement that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

Today, you will climb further into the mountains as you make your way to Ghunsa, a large Tibetan village nestled in a remote valley. The trek begins with a descent into the river valley before ascending through beautiful rhododendron and coniferous forests. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Tibetan villages, where prayer flags flutter in the wind, and the locals greet you with smiles. As you approach Ghunsa, the landscape becomes more open, with expansive views of snow-covered peaks in the distance. Ghunsa is a major stop along the Kanchenjunga trekking route, offering comfortable tea houses and stunning mountain vistas. Take the afternoon to rest and acclimatize.