Most Challenging Treks in Nepal

Home to towering cliffs, dramatic trails, scenic valleys, adorable culture, and more, Nepal is a dreamland for trekkers. The country has numerous trekking trails ranging from easy to challenging treks. Trekkers from newbies to highly experienced ones can come to the country for trekking. So the country is indeed a dream place for trekkers.

Here in this article, we talk about some of the Most Challenging Treks in Nepal. If you love taking challenging trails, this blog is for you.

Trekking in Nepal is full of beautiful experiences. You get to undergo amazing moments on a trek. Mountains are at their best, landscapes are surreal, nature is as raw as possible, sights are breathtaking, and people are super friendly on all the treks in Nepal.

However, you have to overcome the strenuous challenges of the trails at first.  There is a famous saying, "No Pain, No Gain". You have to go through many hardships on the most challenging treks in Nepal. It could be high elevation, testing weather, chilly temperature, strong wind, rough terrain, steep hills, roofless nights, and many more.

We are about to mention those hard treks down below that have those above-listed adversities. All of the treks are equally adventurous, demanding, and beautiful; thus they are here on the list to follow. Let’s talk about each of them.

Trip Facts: 
Duration: 24 days
Maximum Altitude: 5,140m, Kanchenjunga North Base Camp
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Type of Trek: Teahouse and Camping
Best Time: Oct-Nov and March-April

Kanchenjunga Trek is an exciting but difficult trail to the foothills of the world’s third-tallest peak. The region and the trail are the ultimate picks if you are looking for a strenuous trek to do in Nepal.

The trek takes you to the not-so-developed easternmost part of Nepal on a 24 days long journey. A lot of adventure and challenges will come by on the trek. That is why it is one of the most difficult treks in Nepal. You will climb the south base camp(4,750m) and north base camp(5,140m) of Mt Kanchenjunga by trekking through the rural villages, rough terrains, high pastures, and more. High altitudes, cold nights, long trekking days, and ruralness are the major obstacles during the Kanchenjunga Trek.

However, if you overcome them, the rewards are worth it. The impressive terrains and mountain views are always in sight. Also, you’ll walk through lush alpine vegetation, traditional villages, fresh rivers, and more. Yet, the best part of the trek is the breathtaking mountain vistas from the base camp of Mt Kanchenjunga and Yalung Glacier.

But, to experience all these things, you have to march on a tough journey. If you are an experienced trekker who has been trekking for some time now, this journey is for you.

​Trip Facts: 

Duration: 20 days
Maximum Altitude: 5,360m, French Pass
Difficulty Level: Moderate Difficult
Type of Trek: Teahouse and Camping
Best Time: Oct-Nov and March-April

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is yet another mention in this list of the most strenuous treks in Nepal. It is a path that leads to the vicinity of the world’s seventh tallest peak, Mt Dhaulagiri(8,167m). The route is as beautiful as it is difficult. You will have a lot of good things to see and experience and equal hardships to make.

On the 20 days of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you will trek through the Annapurna Region to reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp(4,750m), Hidden Valley, and French Pass(5,360m). Along the trek, you will trek over the glacier and snow areas to get a mountain expedition-like experience. Also, it is a camping trek which means you will camp in the mountain areas.

Likewise, the trek happens at an elevation above 5000m; altitude problems are probable. The trail is steep with rugged landscapes. The remoteness of the region is also a major challenge for trekkers on the trek.

However, like in every hard journey, the outcomes are beautiful. The same is in the case of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. You will be rewarded with the best mountain panorama from passes like Thapa Pass, French Pass. Also, you will witness the unparalleled beauty of the Hidden Valley. On this off-the-beaten trek, at the end of the trek, you will have hundreds of memories and thousands of experiences. But for that, you have to walk the difficult road.

Major Highlights of Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Trip Facts:
Duration: 20 days
Maximum Altitude: 5,545m, Kala Patthar
Difficulty Level: Moderate Difficult
Type of Trek: Teahouse
Best Time: Oct-Nov and March-April

If you are looking for a difficult trek in the Everest Region of Nepal, you do not have any better option than Everest High Passes Trek. The 20 Days Everest High Passes Trek is a tough journey to test and exceed your limits.

Everest High Passes Trek is majorly about crossing the three popular & high passes: Kong Ma La(5,535m), Cho La Pass(5,368m), and Renjo La(5,360m). So on this trek, you will walk through the Everest Region’s easy and hard roads to cross the three scenic mountain passes.

Alongside, you will also ascend Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp, the ultimate stops of the Everest Base Camp Trek. As so many things happen in the Everest Region, the Everest High Passes Trek is a complete itinerary to explore Everest Region.

However, you have to do something special and hard to complete the trek. You have to acclimate to the altitudes well and walk the high areas effortlessly. Similarly, the repeated steep sections, trying trails, and Iced glacier moraine walks should not bother you. The cold weather will test you as well. In total, you have to face all these challenges to complete this trek. What an experience it will be when you’ll complete one of the most challenging treks in Nepal.

Major Highlights of Everest High Passes Trek

Trip Facts:
Duration: 21 days
Maximum Altitude: 5,416m, Thorung La Pass
Difficulty Level: Moderate Difficult
Type of Trek: Teahouse
Best Time: Oct-Nov and March-April

Annapurna Circuit Trek has to be on this list of the most demanding treks in Nepal. By the way, it is one of the world’s most celebrated long circuit treks located in the panoramic Annapurna Region.

The 21 Days of Annapurna Circuit Trek are full of both challenges and offerings. It is a walk on the circuit that goes through the Annapurna Region. The journey starts from Besisahar, proceeds through Manang to reach Thorong La Pass, and ultimately ends back in Pokhara after running past Muktinath and Ghorepani Poonhill. It is a total trip to explore most of the Annapurna Region.

As you may know, Annapurna Region is known for its heavenly mountains like Mt Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Pumori. Likewise, the region offers a great experience of lush alpine forests, vast valleys, green trails, and ringing rivers. The culture and lifestyle of the locals of the region are also things not to miss. Therefore, this Annapurna Circuit Trek bestows all of the offerings.

Nevertheless, you have to complete a hard, long, and demanding path for that. You have to face challenges related to altitude sickness, rough trails, chilly weather, steep uphills, long trekking hours, and more. Only after passing these hurdles, you can complete the trek and experience the exquisite experiences of the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Major Highlights of Annapurna Circuit Trek

Trip Facts:
Duration: 17 days
Maximum Altitude: 5,160m, Larkya La Pass
Difficulty Level: Moderate Difficult
Type of Trek: Teahouse and Camping
Best Time: Oct-Nov and March-April

Last but not least, Manaslu Circuit Trek is an exciting adventure to walk on the circuit around Mt Manaslu, the eighth tallest mountain in the world. The journey is scenic, happening, adventurous, and challenging as well. Thus, this can be one of the most strenuous treks in Nepal for you.

Manaslu Circuit Trek, the ultimate off-the-beaten trek, occurs through the Manaslu Region. You will trek via an area that is both naturally and culturally beautiful. As you move further and higher, the region offers you its green meadows, wide valleys, freshwater rivers, lush woods, amazing terrains, and many more. Also, you’ll get chances to look into the lives and cultures of locals inspired by Tibetan culture.

Ultimately, you’ll climb Larkya La Pass(5,160m), the highest point of the trek. And from the top, you will look at breathtaking views of Mt Manaslu, Himchuli, Annapurna II, Kang Garu, and more. The trek is just phenomenal for mountain and landscape lovers.

Anyway, you have to take on the challenges of the trek to enjoy all of those things. As in every Nepal trek, you will have difficulties in dealing with the high altitudes, strange weather, cold temperature, rough terrains, dramatic trails, steep uphills, and rapid downhills. Larkya La Pass is also one of the most demanding passes in Nepal. Therefore, there are a lot of hard walks to do on Manaslu Circuit Trek. If you love taking such trails, this should be your upcoming walk.

Major Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek

The above-mentioned are the five finest and most challenging treks in Nepal. You are sure to get adventures and adversities on doing one of those treks. You get to test what you are made of by doing these treks. Also, the treks provide you with amazing things that will be worth every challenge you take. At the end of every trek, every hurdle you took on a trek will seem fruitful.

As said earlier, these hard treks are not easy ones at all. You have to be in a position to take all the adversities of a trek to complete it. Otherwise, the consequences can be any worse. Therefore, make sure you have enough experience, preparation, knowledge, and expertise to take on the most demanding treks in Nepal. We are always here to guide you on one of those journeys. Come fully prepared and we shall have an adventure.