Nepal is a beautiful country in the southern lap of the Himalayas. With its area of 147,516 sq. Km, Nepal is officially a federal democratic country. Famous for its natural alluring beauty, Nepal is home to several Himalayas in the world including the world’s highest Everest. Therefore, there are several challenging treks in Nepal. Standing tall at 8848.86m, Everest is the pride of the nation. Besides there are other several peaks in Nepal that are 8000 m above and lie in the top 10 of the world’s highest. Nepal is a country blessed with natural resources as well as the Himalayas.

Yearly, thousands of visitors make their way to the Himalayas of Nepal. The Himalayas of Nepal is the main sources of adventure where one can carry out different adventurous activities such as climbing, expedition, and trekking. There are treks from the easiest level to the hardest one. The easiest one can be done by everyone with a few physical exercises and effort. However, some treks are extremely challenging and you have to have a lot of physical stamina and experience to complete the trek. Of course, the cold weather and high altitude make the trek challenging. But several other factors need to be considered while trekking to the Himalayas.

Challenging Treks in Nepal

Trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal is not an easy adventure. Unlike the regular trek or hike, this one is most challenging. The length of the trek itself is one of the challenging factors. The trek to the Nepalese Himalayas takes a minimum of 10 days. So walking for ten-day on a rugged narrow trail is not an easy job. One will get tired, feel tired but giving up was never an option. The trek is not like walking over the beaches and having a cold coffee. Some places on this trail are so extreme that you have to think twice about whether to continue up or not. However, the reward after the hard work is astonishing. The view after the hard work is memorable.

Up in the Himalayas, as we all know, the level of oxygen decreases with the rise in altitude. So, altitude is one of the major problems when trekking to a high altitude trek in Nepal. As altitude sickness can start anywhere above 2500m altitudes. And the trek to the Himalayas of Nepal is above 5000 m on average. Where there is a high chance of altitude sickness. The trekkers may have several mild symptoms as well as extreme symptoms. The symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, and fainting. So try to keep the trek simple and convenient, don’t rush for the trek, do it slowly, and stay hydrated. Take your time.

There are many routes in Nepal suitable for a range of fitness and experience levels. However, some o treks come under challenging treks. The cold weather, high altitude, extremely rough and bumpy roads with no access to transportation, narrow ascents, and descents, or a combination of these makes the trek challenging.

Here is the list of the top five challenging treks in Nepal
Everest Three High Passes Trek
Kanchenjunga Trek
Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Ganja La Pass Trekking

Everest Three High Passes Trek

Duration of Trek: 18 to 21 days
Maximum Height: (5,545 M) 18,192 ft
Starting Point: Lukla
Everest 3 High Passes Trek Price: starts from 1,450 USD
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Trek Style: Tea House, Lodge, and Hotel.
Best Seasons: March, April, May, September, October, November.

Trekking in the Everest season is endearingly popular in Nepal. Everest, the world’s highest peak, catches the attention of every mountaineer seeking something thrilling yet life-changing adventure. Everest has been one of the most challenging treks and lifelong dreams of many since the view and the journey is filled with Adventure.

The Everest Three Passes Trek is the ultimate experience of Everest. This route takes in all the highlights in terms of both mountain views and local Sherpa culture. This trek is one of the most challenging teahouse treks in Nepal. In this high pass trek, we go off-the-beaten-track through remote valleys and over high passes with superlative scenery that comes along the way.

Trip highlights

• Explore five superb passes all over 5,000 meters: the passes of Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La, and the summits of Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar
• Trek to the unspoiled valleys of the Khumbu approaching the Renjo La and Chukhung
• Stunning view of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cholatse, the Himalayan giants, in their full glory.
• Explore the tradition of the culture of the locals

For the first few days, we will follow the main Everest trail. However, it is not long before we leave the route and head towards the Renjo La pass, 5,390m/17,684ft, via the tranquil beauty of the Bhote Koshi Valley. After crossing the pass, we trek beside the Gokyo Lakes and cross the snow-covered Cho La, 5,400m/17,700ft; the second highest pass. From here, one can have a magnificent close-up view of Everest. Likewise, the trekkers can enjoy stunning close-up views from the small peak of Kala Pattar. The final pass, Kongma La, is much more challenging. On the other hand, crossing the Kongma La at 5,540m/18,176ft provides the scenery that rewards our efforts with a breathtaking panorama of many of the highest peaks in the Himalayas.

The Everest three passes trek is the ultimate high altitude trekking route in Everest. It is the world’s most spectacular mountain terrain. This trek can turn out to be tough but the scenery provides more than ample rewards. This is one of the finest mountain journeys you should give a try for truly new mountain experiences.

Kanchenjunga Trek

Duration of Trek: 18 to 26 days
Maximum Height: (5,388 M) 17,673 ft
Starting Point: Kathmandu – Lukla.
Kanchenjunga Trek Price: starts from 2,000 USD
Level of Difficulty: Challenging
Trek Style: Tea House, Camping, Lodge, Homestay.
Best Seasons: March, April, May, September, October, November.

Mt. Kanchenjunga at an altitude of 8686m, is the 3rd highest mountain in the world and one of the challenging treks. It is located near the border with Sikkim (India) in eastern Nepal. Kanchenjunga is rarely visited compared to other treks like Everest and Annapurna. However, this trek has everything that a classic trekker wants in his/ her trek. Despite being one of the challenging treks to the Nepalese Himalayas, one can list Kanchanjeunga in their exploration list. The trekking to Kanchenjunga is a remarkable journey into the Himalayas of Nepal. For the enthusiastic trekkers trekking in this region is the best adventurous experience. Likewise, the magnificent and noticeable peaks, floating like ships on a distant sea, possibly become a memory for a lifetime.

Trip Highlights

• Enjoy breathtaking views en route to the Base Camp as well as a circuit of the Kanchenjunga trek.
• The close-up view of the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga at an altitude of 8,586 m
• Trek from subtropical valleys passing through the colorful rhododendron forest and high alpine meadows
• Get a glimpse of the culture, tradition, and way of life of ethnic groups such as the Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Gurung communities.
• Explore several rare and endangered wildlife species such as the red panda, blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, snow leopard, and many more.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an all-time favorite trek for trekkers who are into extreme adventures. However, This trek has lost its charm for almost a decade. The trekkers need a Special restricted trekking permit and must hire a local guide and porter. Similarly, there are several options for the Kanchenjunga trek you can either choose to do the Kanchenjunga south trek, the Kanchenjunga north trek. On the other hand, the Kanchenjunga circuit trek covers both the north and south base camps. Nowadays, the trek can also be done as a tea-house trek with small lodges and a few varieties of food. Furthermore, the hospitality of the people there and the respect towards the visitors make the trek much more entertaining and refreshing.

The trek starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Biratnagar or Kathmandu to Bhadrapur. From here, drive to Taplejung which takes more or less 10 hours. Enjoy the natural views and scenarios that come along the way. On the other hand, you can even take a direct flight to Suketar from Kathmandu. Either way, you get to enjoy the journey. Then, pass through several villages in chirwa, Sakathum, Gyabla, Gunsa, Khambachen, Lhonak, Pangpema and finally reach the Northern Base Camp Kanchenjunga Glacier. The trek may be a little more challenging but with proper training and preparation, this trek becomes doable.

Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass

Duration of Trek: 18 to 28 days
Maximum Height: (5,755 M) – 18,882 ft
Starting Point: Dolakha, Bedding.
Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha PassTrek Price: starts from 3100 USD
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Trek Style: Camping, Tea House, Lodges, and Hotel.
Best Seasons: March, April, May, September, October, November.

Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha pass is a striking journey to the beauty of both the Rolwaling valley and the Khumbu region of Nepal. This thrilling yet exciting journey leads you to a remote area and lets you acknowledge the stunning views of the Himalayas with the challenges of crossing the high-mountain pass of Tashi Lapcha (5755m). This trek is an amazing blend of the quiet and peaceful paths of the remote Rolwaling region with the swarming trails of the Khumbu region. Rolwaling Tashi Lapcha Pass is one of the hidden gems to the Himalayas of Nepal. Despite being a trek with fewer visitors this trek has everything that is required for a perfect adventure. Likewise, this trek involves steep climbing, and rock climbing and thus is one of the challenging treks to the Himalayas.

Rolwaling valley is the hidden gorges, excavated in between picturesque and imposing mountains. This is an amazing opportunity to observe the different faces of the Himalayan lifestyle as it goes from a remote to a rather urban route of the Himalayas. It is an untouched and unexplored valley of Rolwaling lying beneath the Gaurishankar range is mystical. The fantastic combination of mountain views with alluring scenery, charming villages, and reposeful mountain passes makes this place lively. Likewise, the panoramic views of mountains like Mt. Gauri Shankar, Dorje Lakpa, Mount Everest, Tsho Rolpa Lake, etc add extra refreshment to the journey.

Trip Highlights

• Lifetime experience of moderate trekking and adventurous Himalayan pass Tashi Lapcha 5755m
• Explore the world’s popular Khumbu valley by using less beaten trails.
• Trekking through the peaceful trails
• The fantastic combination of mountain views with alluring scenery, charming villages, and reposeful mountain passes.

The Trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Gonggar via Dolakha. Then, we will pass through several villages like Simigaon, Bedding, and Na Gaon with an amazing view of Mount Gaurishankar (7134m). We will explore the Yalung Glacier in Na Goan and climb on the training peak of Ramdung Go (5930m). Then, the trek leads you uphill to Tsho Rolpa Lake (4540m), the largest glacial Lake in Nepal. Similarly, walking on glaciers, the trail reaches Tashi Lapcha Pass (5755m). The pass separates the Rolwaling region from the Khumbu region and the Gaurishankar Conservation Area from the Sagarmatha National Park. Then from here, the trail joins the trekking trails of the Khumbu region, the busiest trail.

Furthermore, one can enjoy the view of Everest (8848 m), Cho Oyu (8201m), and other mountain peaks of the Khumbu region. The trail descends to the bustling Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar via Thame and leads to Lukla, from where a flight back to Kathmandu is taken.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Duration of Trek: 17 to 21 days
Maximum Height: (5,360 M) – 17586 ft
Starting Point: Beni, Pokhara
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Price: starts from 2800 USD
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Trek Style: Camping, and Lodge.
Best Seasons: April, Mar, September, October, November

The trek to one of the 7th highest peaks above 8000 m is an amazing experience for all the trekkers around the world. With the wonderful opportunity to take a circuit trek around the Himalayas of Nepal, this trek falls under one of the challenging treks in Nepal. The word Dhaulagiri is the Nepali name for the mountain from the Sanskrit word. The word Dhaula means dazzling, white, beautiful and Giri means mountain. The massif Dhaulagiri expands 120km from the Kaligandaki River west to the Bheri. The circuit trek to the seventh highest mountain in the world is challenging yet exciting. Dhaulagiri borders Nepal and was 1st climbed on 13 May 1960 by a Swiss/Austrian/Nepali expedition. Dhaulagiri circuit trek lies in the Annapurna Region taking the trekkers to the base of the world’s seventh-highest peak, Mount Dhaulagiri (8167m).

This circuit trek passes through several snow-covered slopes, icy glaciers, and lateral moraine. The heartwarming view of the majestic Dhaulagiri massif, as well as other mountain peaks above 7000m, are the major attractions of this circuit trek. This trek is challenging as well as a real adventure for those who are seeking an expedition-like experience. In the foothills of the Himalayas, one can even enjoy the farming villages to high alpine pastures, uninhabited valleys. Furthermore, A close-up view of several peaks over 8,000 m, is something that trekkers will be blessed with in this trek. The trek is difficult for beginners as well as experienced ones. Therefore, before starting the circuit trek to Dhaulagiri, one must be very much conscious regarding their physical fitness and stamina.

Trip Highlights

• Supervision of the world’s deepest George, Kali Gandaki Gorge
• A close glimpse of Dhaulagiri with 360° view of the peaks above 8,000 m including Mt. Machhapuchhare, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Manaslu, and many more.
• Cracking glacial walk and route via high passes including French pass (5,365 m), Thapa pass (5,244 m)
• Opportunity to explore unique culture and traditions with the complicated lifestyle of individuals and communities
• Experience the completely camping or Home-stay trek

This wonderful circuit trek begins with the classic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Then, from Pokhara drive to Darbang from where the real journey begins. You will then walk through densely forested trails and several terraced hilly areas. Besides, walk past various Magar villages and get to know their culture and lifestyle. Similarly, the circuit trek lets you pass through three of the base camps including Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, and Japanese Base Camp. The view of the stunning icefall descending from the northeast col between Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Peak makes one’s heart flutter. After climbing up to the French pass, walk through the glacial moraines on a white icy track. It is the highest point of the trek at an altitude of 5360m.

Then, the trail reaches the Hidden Valley behind the Dhaulagiri massif. After crossing Dhampus Pass and Thapa Pass the trekkers reach Jomsom. Therefore, for those who seek adventure, this trek includes walking over creaking glaciers and crossing a high mountain pass.

Ganja La Pass Trekking

Duration of Trek: 14 to 17 days
Maximum Height: (5,033 M) 16,512 ft
Starting Point: Syabrubesi Langtang
Ganja La Pass Trek Price: 1,900 USD
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Trek Style: Tea House, Lodge, Camping Trek
Best Season: March, April, May, September, October, November.

The Langtang Valley takes in immense blooming rhododendron and green bamboo forests, majestic waterfalls, and the snow-capped Himalayas. Close to Kathmandu, this is one of the most diverse treks. Apart from the natural scenario, the trek offers an exceptional opportunity to explore Tibetan and Tamang villages. Besides, climbing small peaks and visiting glaciers comfortably at a low elevation is its other main attraction. The Langtang valley Ganja La Pass trek is one of the challenging yet exciting adventures with beautiful nature’s sight and Tibetan tribe cultures. The Langtang Valley comprises a diverse and interesting place to trek. Also, there are so many opportunities for side treks, circuit treks, high mountain pass traverses, and peak climbing all within the beautiful Langtang Valley.

Langtang Ganja La Pass trek is a standout amongst the most prevalent and testing trekking goals. Langtang Ganja La Pass Trek is located northwest of Kathmandu valley in the Langtang region. This trek offers trekkers the magnificent snow-secured high passes, great perspectives of mountains, and old religious communities. Similarly, another major attraction of this trek is the Langtang and Helambu valleys, and the natural life of the people living here. Taking you from the busy trails of the Langtang region to the quaint trails of Helambu via the frozen Ganja La Pass (5130m), this week allows you to be with pristine nature unspoiled by human urbanization.

Trip Highlights

• Scenic road drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
• Visit Langtang village and Kyangiin Monastery
• The striking view of the mountain ranges from Kyanjin Ri
• Stunning view from Ganja La Pass (5122m)
• Old and significant Buddhist monasteries, stupas, and monuments
• Exploration of diverse Flora and Fauna
• Wildlife such as red panda, snow leopard, musk deer, bear, langur, etc.

The trek starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. Then from Syabrubesi, the trail passes through several Tamang villages and reaches the famous Tamang village in the Langtang valley. The trail then moves on through the alpine vegetation to reach the ancient monastery of Kyanjin Gompa. This Gompa is the most sacred monastery for the Tamangs in the Langtang region. Then, slowly and steadily, the trail reaches the compelling Ganja La Pass (5130m). This is the highest altitude of the trek, which is frozen throughout the year. Because of the frozen temperature, it is considered challenging as it will be hard to pass through cold and frozen temperatures. The trail then passes through the Sherpa villages of Helambu and finishes at Melamchi Pul.

Therefore, The Tamang village, spectacular views of the Langtang range, the dense forest of rhododendron and pine, numerous Buddhist monasteries, local cheese factories, the diverse flora, and fauna make this trek much more exciting and stunning.

Therefore, the trek to the Himalayas is always challenging. But with some extra effort and hard work, the trek is not impossible. Instead, the trekkers will be rewarded with an astonishing view of nature and natural resources. The striking view of the peaks, the early sunrise, and the sunset is something that adds extra refreshments to the journey. Though the trail will be hard, rough, and bumpy the view is worth the hard work. Several factors make the trail challenging such as the landscapes, the weather and temperature, the extreme frozen paths, and the altitude. However, with some preparation, one can cope with these difficulties as well.