Great Himalaya Trail

Information

Distance

1700.0 km

Duration

150–180 days

Max elevation

6,158 m

Country

Nepal (NP)

Difficulty

Extreme — 22+ passes above 5,000 m, total ascent over 90,000 m, remote sections without logistical services

Best Season

February–May and September–November; the recommended trekking direction is east to west, following the movement of the monsoon

Permits & Fees

Varies by section: TIMS (NPR 1,000–2,000), Restricted Area Permits for Dolpo/Mustang/Humla ($50–500/week), plus national park and conservation area fees for each region

Description

The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) is a roughly 1,700 km long-distance trekking route crossing Nepal from Kanchenjunga in the east to Humla near the Tibetan border in the west. The high alpine route crosses more than 22 passes above 5,000 m and reaches a maximum elevation of 6,158 m, while the cultural route winds through inhabited valleys and hundreds of traditional Nepali villages. Completing the full trail takes approximately 150–180 days, making the GHT one of the longest and most demanding trekking expeditions on Earth. The route passes through nearly every major national park and conservation area in Nepal, offering an unparalleled encounter with Himalayan biodiversity and culture.

Trail Highlights

The longest and highest cross-country trek in the world; passing through all of Nepal's ecological zones from tropical forest to arctic glacial plains; Kangchenjunga, Everest, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other giant peaks as a backdrop; hundreds of Nepali villages and temples untouched by mass tourism; an alternative cultural route for hikers seeking a more moderate experience