The country's mountainous, hilly, and Terai regions offer some of the most spectacular trekking in the world. In fact, the adventurous traveler will have difficulty in selecting from the numerous trekking packages at his disposal. However, much depends on what the traveler has come to see and experience. Treks vary from high-altitude routes to simple ones within the Kathmandu Valley. These treks will give you a chance to mix with the local people and get an insight into their livelihood and culture.

The most popular trekking destination in Nepal is the Annapurna Region. Alpine meadows, bamboo forests, and a variety of trees make a day's experience remarkable. Wildlife includes the barking deer, bear, tahr, ghoral, danphe, musk deer, and blue sheep. Three favorite treks, each a minimum of about one week (one-way), include the Manang region along the east side of the Annapurna range, the walk up the Kali Gandaki gorge to Jomsom, and the Annapurna circuit which combines the first two areas by crossing a high-altitude pass, Thorang La (5,360 meters), and takes at least three weeks to complete.

The Solokhumbu, known commonly as the Everest region, is also known as the home of the Sherpa people and the mysterious Yeti. The complete trek starts at Jiri in the Solu region, and reaches Mt. Everest base camp at an elevation of 5,450 meters. The round trip takes at least three weeks. The many ascents and descents have given this trek a rating of "strenuous". Along the way to the base camp, the combined ascents total more than 10,000 meters.

Many trekkers cut out the one-week walk through the lovely Solu region by flying to Lukla airstrip, a day or two's walk from Namche Bazaar. However, flights in the fall and spring can be crowded and often delayed by bad weather. Above Namche Bazaar there are four major valleys to explore. Walking here is less arduous than the ups and downs of the route in the Annapurna Region but it is at a higher altitude.

The Langtang-Helambu-Gosaikund region is easily accessible from Kathmandu. Each area in itself is a good choice for those with limited time. In one week to ten days, one can visit anyone of these areas. A three-week trip could cover all three but would involve crossing high mountain passes. The Himalayan views overall are not quite as spectacular as in the Annapurna or Khumbu areas, but they remain unforgettably beautiful. In addition, the trails are less crowded and the people are friendly.

In all three of these regions, food and lodging are available along the entire way, except at a few passes. Check details of your particular route before leaving Kathmandu.