Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) Overview – 120-Day Trek Across
Nepal's Wildest Landscapes
The Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) is one of the most ambitious and
scenic long-distance treks in the world, spanning Nepal from east to west.
This 120-day journey is divided into two major phases: the Lower GHT
(Cultural Route) and the Upper GHT (High Route).
Phase 1 begins in the lush Kanchenjunga region, gradually
traversing through Makalu, Everest, Langtang, and Manaslu regions. Trekkers
experience an immersive blend of cultural richness, Buddhist heritage, and
breathtaking alpine scenery while crossing high-altitude passes like
Sherpani Col and Cho La. The route includes iconic destinations such as
Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gosaikunda Lake, and Larkya La Pass,
offering a spiritual and scenic journey through Nepal’s eastern to central
Himalayas.
Phase 2, the high route, takes adventurers through the rugged
terrains of the Annapurna Circuit, into the mystical desert of Mustang, the
remote valleys of Dolpo and Rara, and finally into the far-western
wilderness of the Humla region. This phase ends with a peaceful stretch from
Lamayuru to Leh in Ladakh, providing a soulful conclusion to this epic
trail.
From dense forests and sacred lakes to snowy passes and ancient
villages, the GHT is an unforgettable trek through Nepal’s most untouched
and diverse mountain landscapes.
Route Breakdown of the Great Himalayan Trail
The trek is divided into two
sections:
- Upper GHT (High Route) –
Technical, remote, and crosses many high passes
- Lower GHT (Cultural Route)
– Easier, follows lower hill villages
Great
Himalayan Trail (GHT) –
120–160 Days Trekking Itinerary (Nepal)
The Great Himalayan Trail (GHT) is one of the longest and most
challenging treks in the world. It spans across Nepal, covering multiple
trekking regions. The trail is divided into two sections: the Upper GHT
(high-altitude, technical, and remote) and the Lower GHT (cultural,
lower-altitude villages). The entire trek is usually completed over 120–160
days (4–6 months). Below is a rough itinerary for the Upper GHT combined
with the Lower GHT sections.
Tour Plan
Phase 1: Lower GHT (Cultural Route)
- Day 1: Arrive in Taplejung (Start of
GHT)
- Day 2–3: Trek through Olangchung Gola
(beautiful village)
- Day 4–5: Acclimatization in Chhekampar
- Day 6–7: Reach Kanchenjunga Base Camp
(5,143m)
- Day 8–10: Explore the Kanchenjunga
range and descent
- Day 11–13: Trek to Makalu Base Camp
(4,800m)
- Day 14: Sherpani Col (6,180m)
- Day 15–20: Descend to Khongma Danda and
cross various high-altitude passes.
- ○ Trek Highlights: Remote trails and
majestic views of Makalu
- Day 21–23: Trek to Everest Base Camp
- Day 24: Kala Patthar (5,545m)
- Day 25–28: Cross Cho La Pass (5,420m)
- Day 29–33: Stay in Gorak Shep
- Day 34–40: Cross Renjo La Pass and
continue to Lobuche, Pheriche, and Dingboche
- ○ Trek Highlights: Everest's view and
high-altitude passes
- Day 41–45: Trek from Langtang to
Gosaikunda Lake
- Day 46–50: Cross Larkya La Pass
(5,160m) from Manaslu Circuit
- ○ Trek Highlights: Unique Buddhist
villages, stunning monasteries
Phase 2: Upper GHT (High Route)
- Day 51–60: Trek through Annapurna
Circuit and reach Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
- Day 61–70: Continue towards Mustang
and Lo Manthang, the capital of Mustang
- ○ Trek Highlights: Ancient Tibetan
culture, Mustang desert
- Day 71–80: Trek to Rara Lake
(2,990m)
- Day 81–90: Reach Dolpo and explore
Shey Phoksundo National Park
- ○ Trek Highlights: Stunning landscapes
and rare Tibetan wildlife
- Day 91–100: Trek from Simikot to
Yari Village
- Day 101–110: Explore Karnali River
valley and Limi Valley
- ○ Trek Highlights: Remote mountain
villages and untouched wilderness
- Day 111–115: Final trek from
Lamayuru Monastery to Leh
- Day 116–120: Explore Leh and
surrounding areas before heading home