Nepal stands as the foremost destination globally for trekking and is recognized as the nation where commercial trekking was first introduced in the early 1960s.

Two of the most renowned trekking areas are the Everest and Annapurna regions, where numerous trails can be explored, while other well-known treks are located in the Langtang and Kanchenjunga areas. The most demanding trek is the Great Himalayan Trails, an extensive network that spans Nepal from Humla and Darchula in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. The variety of trekking paths in Nepal is unparalleled anywhere else in the world. Indeed, the lowest elevation in Nepal is 59 meters above sea level in the Tarai region, whereas the highest point is Everest, standing at 8,848 meters above sea level, with these two locations being merely 200 kilometers apart in a straight line. Most visitors to Nepal arrive through the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. It is in Kathmandu that trekkers must obtain their permits and other necessary documentation, either through a trekking agent or from the relevant offices. These documents will be verified along the trekking route. For those with limited time, there are half-day hikes available from Kathmandu that offer stunning views of the Himalayas.

Trekking in Nepal today is markedly different from what it was in the 1960s. In all major trekking regions, lodges have been established within the National Parks and Conservation Areas, providing trekkers with accommodation, food, and opportunities to interact with fellow trekkers and locals along their journey. Most trails are well-maintained and, in many instances, are clearly sign-posted. The lodges are comfortably furnished and offer facilities for charging batteries, while larger villages frequently provide email services. The duration, difficulty, and timing of the treks can vary significantly, and once trekkers venture beyond the primary trekking areas, transportation becomes more challenging, often necessitating at least two domestic flights. Many treks in Nepal commence with a domestic flight to the starting point, and numerous treks lead to remote locations that lack road access. Reaching the higher mountain regions from local population and administrative centers typically requires several days of trekking. Nepal features six distinct and diverse vegetation zones, ranging from Tropical below 1,000 meters to Sub-tropical at 100 to 200 meters, Lower Temperate from 1,700 to 2,700 meters, Upper Temperate from 2,400 to 3,000 meters, Sub-alpine from 3,000 to 4,000 meters, and Alpine from 4,000 meters up to the snowline. Above the snowline lies a tundra-like wilderness characteristic of the Himalayas. The higher altitudes are inhabited by elusive species such as the Snow leopard, Himalayan Thar, Musk deer, and other rare animals.

While the well-known treks in Kanchenjunga, Everest, Manaslu, and Annapurna offer lodge accommodations, the less traveled treks in those regions, as well as in other areas to the west of Annapurna, typically necessitate camping-style trek support.

It is essential for travelers to understand that the primary source of income for the inhabitants of the hill regions is tourism, where they generally earn their livelihood as trekking porters or guides. Hiring a porter does not imply weakness; rather, it signifies an appreciation for Nepali culture, as you are providing a local family with financial support while simultaneously forming a friendship and trekking alongside someone knowledgeable about local customs, festivals, and various factors that can transform a good trek into an extraordinary lifelong experience. While it is feasible to trek independently or without a Nepali guide, one may find themselves unprepared in the event of a severe storm, complete lack of visibility, and plummeting temperatures at altitudes potentially reaching 5,000 meters. Ensure that you possess all necessary permits and maintain awareness of environmental and cultural considerations. Trekkers can discover trails throughout the year. The southern regions of Nepal experience higher rainfall. Nevertheless, certain paths along the Great Himalaya Trails are situated in the rain shadow, a dry zone on the leeward side of mountains, specifically Mustang to the north of Annapurna and Manaslu, Dolpo to the north of Dhaulagiri, and the far western part of Nepal to the north of Saipal Himal. After the monsoon season, the weather typically becomes clearer. Winter offers good trekking conditions but is colder with shorter daylight hours, while spring may be impacted by seasonal rain and snowstorms. Summer is brief and is swiftly succeeded by the monsoon season. Treks during the monsoon are generally conducted in the arid regions of Manang and Mustang. However, the rains do not fall incessantly, and they bring forth stunning blooms. This season is also an ideal opportunity to explore one of the areas in the rain shadow, which usually showcases a more desolate Tibetan-like landscape in contrast to the lush greenery found on the opposite side.