The Himalayas Calling
So you want to go to the Himalayas? Good choice! There are many treks in Nepal, but they are not all the same. A few are exceptionally swarmed, a few calm and covered up. Nowadays we talk about three uncommon treks—Annapurna Circuit trek, Nar Phu Valley trek, and Pikey peak trek.Each trek is different; each gives you a big memory. No need to be an expert trekker. If you have heart and strong shoes, you can do it.
Annapurna Circuit Trek—The Big One
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the best treks in the world. Many people say that. And yes, they are right. It goes around a big mountain called Annapurna. The trek is long, but every day a new view. You see jungle, river, village, snow mountain, yak, and smiling people.
Start from low, go high:
You begin trekking from places like Besisahar or Bhulbhule. It’s green and warm. Rice fields and monkeys are there. Gradually, gradually, you climb higher. Towns like Chame, Pisang, and Manang come on the way. Every place you sleep, people are nice and food is good.
High point – Thorong La Pass: This pass is very high—5,416 meters. It was a hard day. Many people wake at 4 AM to cross. The wind is solid and cold, gnawing your face, but when you stand your best, you feel proud. You did it. The downside is Muktinath, the holy temple. After that, the trek goes to Jomsom.
Culture and food: People in Annapurna are mixed.You meet Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi. Dal Bhat is the primary nourishment, but momo and noodles are moreover great. Tea houses provide hot soup, warm beds, and stories.Good time to go: October-November and March-April are best.
Good time to go: October-November and March-April are best. Not too cold, sky clear. December is also okay, but it can snow.
Why Annapurna Circuit? Because it changes every day. It is not a boring trek. Long, yes. Tiring, yes. But after you finish, you feel like a hero.
Nar Phu Valley Trek—The Hidden Kingdom
You want to go where fewer people go? Then the Nar Phu Valley Trek is for you. This place is very remote. Not many tourists, but many mountains. It is like a secret land between Annapurna and Mustang.
Entry is special:
To go to Nar Phu, you need a special permit. Because this area is restricted. That makes it more special. You start from Koto, near Chame. After that, there was no car road, only walking.
Nar and Phu village:
These villages are very old. Houses are made from stone, people dress in wool clothes, and they speak their own language. You feel like going back 100 years. Phu is higher than Nar. Both are cold but beautiful. The monastery here is peaceful. The sky is big and blue.
Landscape like Tibet:
Not a green forest here. It is dry land, with brown hills and white snow mountains. Yaks everywhere. The wind always blows. It feels like a wild, pure place.
Kang La Pass: Between Nar and Manang is Kang La Pass. This one is also high—5,306 meters. But not many people cross. From the top, you see the Annapurna massif. It takes a breath.
Why the Nar Phu Trek?
Because it is quiet. You listen to the wind, the chime of the yak, and now and then chanting from the cloister. If you need experience, absent from the swarm, at that point this trek is a treasure.
Best time to go:Same as other treks—spring and autumn. In winter, it is very cold. Snow block pass. In summer, leeches and rain.
Pikey Peak Trek—The Easy View Trek
Now we come to Pikey Peak Trek. Not many people know this trek, but Sir Edmund Hillary says it gives the best view of Everest. And it’s true.
From the beat of Pikey peak, you see Everest, Kanchenjunga, and numerous more.
Short and sweet:
This trek is not long. You can do it in 5 to 7 days.Perfect for beginners or for people with less time. But don’t think it’s boring. The view is wow.
Start from Dhap or Jiri: Most people take a jeep to Dhap. Then walking began. First forest, then village, then hill. Everywhere is rhododendron in spring. If you go in April, red and pink flowers dance on the mountain.
Simple village, warm people: You pass villages like Jhapre, Loding, and others. People here are Sherpa and Tamang. They live simple lives. They welcome you with tea and a smile.
Pikey Peak trek: You climb in the morning to Pikey Peak—4,065 meters. It is not as high as other treks but still gives a big reward. From the top, you see the whole Himalayan range. The sun rises from the mountain and makes the sky turn gold.
Why Pikey Peak Trek?
Because it is not hard but still gives a big view. Also, good if you want an Everest view without going to Everest Base Camp. Also, fewer people, more peace.
Best season:
March-April and October-November. In the blustery season, clouds cover mountains.In winter, it is too cold, but if you are brave, go for it.
Packing and Tips for Trek
No matter which trek you go on, some things are always the same. You need to be ready. Weather can change fast. The mountain is beautiful but also strong. So bring the right gear.
Must bring:
- Warm jacket
- Good boot
- Sleeping bag (for cold nights)
- Headlamp
- Water bottle
- Raincoat
- Sun hat
- Trekking pole
Also bring:
- Snickers and chocolate (for energy)
- Toilet paper (not always there)
- Camera (to keep memory)
- Passport copy and permit
Tips:
- Walk slowly; don’t rush.
- Drink water, stay hydrated
- Say “Namaste” to people
- Respect mountain and animal
- Take a rest day if needed.
How to Choose?
If you like big challenges, then go to Annapurna Circuit. You will walk many days and see many things. For people who want quiet and wild, Nar Phu is perfect. But I need a permit and a guide. If your time is short but you still want Himalayan magic, then go to Pikey Peak. It’s simple, safe, and stunning.
Also think about your fitness. Annapurna and Nar Phu go high. So there is a chance of altitude sickness. Pikey is low, safer. If you are with kids or older people, Pikey is better.
Trekking with a Guide or Solo?
Some treks are okay for solo. Annapurna Circuit is popular and has many tea houses. Pikey is also okay solo. But Nar Phu needs a guide, by law. Also, guides help you understand culture and keep you safe.
A guide is not just a map. He became a friend. Porters carry bags, making walking easy. You give them a job, and they give you experience.
Culture and People
Trekking is not only about mountains. It is also about people. In Annapurna, you meet many groups—Thakali, Gurung, and Brahmin. In Nar Phu, Tibetan style. In Pikey, Sherpa, and Tamang.
Everywhere people are kind. They offer tea and ask where you are from. Children wave hands. You learn how they live. You see their farms, temples, and schools. You get memories not only of snow but also of soul.
Final Thought
Nepal is full of trekking. But these three—Annapurna Circuit, Nar Phu Valley, and Pikey Peak—give distinctive flavors.
- Annapurna is classic. Long, but full of surprises.
- Nar Phu is secret. Wild, quiet, strong.
- Pikey is soft. Short, sweet, and shining.
You don’t have to be a master. Fair comes with an open heart. Mountains will educate you. You will come back with a story in your eyes and peace in your heart.
FAQs
- Do I require a permit for this trek?
Yes. All treks need permits. Nar Phu needs a special one. - Can I do these treks alone?
Annapurna and Pikey—yes. Nar Phu—no guide needed. - How cold is it?
At high places, it is very cold at night. Bring warm clothes. - Is food okay on a trek?
Yes, simple but fresh. Dal Bhat is power food. - Can a beginner do these treks?
Pikey—yes. Annapurna—maybe. Nar Phu—not for beginners.
Contact Details
Company address: Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd.
16 Khumbu, Nayabazaar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Mobile : +977-9843467921 (Rabin)
Email: info@everesttrekkingroutes.com
URL:– www.everesttrekkingroutes.com