East Nepal Trek refers to trekking adventures in the eastern region of Nepal, an area known for its rich cultural diversity, lush landscapes, and stunning mountain views. Unlike the more popular trekking routes in the Annapurna or Everest regions, Eastern Nepal offers off-the-beaten-path experiences, with fewer crowds and more authentic encounters with nature and local communities.Immerse yourself in mountains, explore remote communities and cultures, and cross the highest passes in the Himalaya. Linking Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Everest and the Rolwaling, the East Nepal Trek is through an alpine wonderland. Combining regular trekking routes with some truly wild stuff, you need to be familiar with basic alpine climbing techniques, some strenuous hiking days and be sure to bring along a good sense of humour because the locals are a lot of fun.
Duration
50 days
Difficulty Level
Moderate to Challenging
Trip Start and End
Kathamandu to Kathamandu
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Trip Area
Eastern Region
Max Elevation
6190m
Per Day Walk
5-10 hours
Group Size
1-30 people
Accomodation
Tea Houses / Lodges
Scenic flight to Bhadrapur or Tumlingtar
Majestic views of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) and Makalu (8,481m) and Everest (8,848m)
Trekking through remote and less-explored trails
Diverse landscapes: lush forests, alpine meadows, and high mountain passes
Rich biodiversity in Kanchenjunga and Makalu-Barun National Parks.
Authentic cultural experience with Rai, Limbu, Sherpa, and other ethnic communities
Stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, and Chamlang (from certain routes)
Home to rare wildlife like Red Panda, Snow Leopard, and Himalayan Thar
The sight of the majestic Everest and its surrounding peaks offers a backdrop for romance like no other.
Engage with the Sherpa culture, gaining insights into their traditions and Buddhist practices, enriching your journey with spiritual depth.
Savor the taste of local dishes, each a delightful fusion of traditional ingredients and mountain freshness.
Every challenge overcome and every laughter shared becomes a precious memory, etching this trek into the story of your lives.
Standing together at Everest Base Camp, you’ll feel a sense of shared triumph that only such a formidable quest can provide.
A detailed description of the itinerary
The journey begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur or Suketar (Taplejung), followed by a jeep ride to the starting point of the trek. The trail winds through lush green forests, terraced fields, and remote villages like Mitlung, Chirwa, and Sekathum, where you'll experience authentic Limbu and Rai cultures. As you gain altitude, the landscape changes from subtropical forests to alpine terrain. You’ll pass through Ghunsa, a Sherpa settlement where you’ll take an acclimatization day before heading towards Lhonak and finally Kanchenjunga Base Camp at Pangpema (5,143m). The base camp offers breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Jannu, and surrounding peaks.
After soaking in the views at Kanchenjunga Base Camp, the trek heads west, crossing the Nango La Pass (4,800m). This is a remote, lesser-known route that leads into the Arun Valley. You’ll trek through wild forests, high ridges, and isolated villages with barely any other trekkers in sight. The trail then takes you through Lumbha Sambha, a culturally rich region with ancient monasteries, prayer flags, and yak pastures. After several days of trekking through untouched wilderness, you’ll descend to Hongon, a small, rarely visited village near the entrance to Makalu-Barun National Park.
From Hongon, the trek enters Makalu-Barun National Park, an area known for its biodiversity, rugged cliffs, and remote landscapes. The trails here are rough, and you’ll traverse dense forests, steep ridges, and deep valleys with occasional sightings of red pandas, Himalayan tahrs, and even snow leopards. As you gain altitude, you’ll reach Makalu Base Camp (4,870m), where you’ll stand face-to-face with Mount Makalu (8,481m), the 5th highest peak in the world. This region offers stunning glaciers, moraine fields, and clear blue glacial lakes, making it a truly rewarding part of the journey.
The next phase of the journey is one of the most difficult but spectacular sections of the trek. You’ll cross the Sherpani Col (6,135m) and West Col (6,135m), both requiring the use of ropes, crampons, and ice axes. These technical high passes offer jaw-dropping views of Everest, Lhotse, and the Baruntse glacier valleys. After crossing the cols, you’ll descend into the Khumbu region, eventually reaching Chhukung (4,730m), where you’ll get stunning views of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and the Nuptse wall.
Now in the Everest region, the trek follows the classic Everest Three Passes Route. You’ll cross the Cho La Pass (5,420m), which involves trekking over a glacier and steep rocky sections before reaching the famous Gokyo Lakes. From Gokyo, you’ll climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for a panoramic view of Everest, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. Next, you’ll cross Renjo La (5,360m), another high-altitude pass, before descending into Thame, a traditional Sherpa village that played a key role in mountaineering history.
Leaving the Everest region behind, the trail heads into the Rolwaling Valley, a remote and mystical place filled with glacial lakes, waterfalls, and high cliffs. The highlight of this section is Tashi Labsta Pass (5,755m), one of the most challenging high passes in Nepal. This pass is heavily glaciated, requiring ropes and ice-climbing skills. After crossing Tashi Labsta, the trail descends into the Rolwaling Valley, passing through beautiful villages like Beding and Na, before reaching Simi Gaun.
The trek gradually moves through lower Rolwaling, a region known for its traditional Sherpa culture and picturesque landscapes. You’ll walk through rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and charming villages before reaching The Last Resort, a famous adventure hub near the Bhote Kosi River. Here, you can relax, enjoy a hot shower, or even try bungee jumping to celebrate the end of the trek!
From The Last Resort, a scenic drive along the Bhote Kosi River brings you back to Kathmandu. You’ll have a rest day to explore the city, visit cultural sites, and celebrate completing one of the longest and most challenging treks in Nepal.
➤ Backpack (60–70L) – To carry your personal gear and essentials.
➤ Sleeping Bag (rated -20°C to -30°C) – For extreme cold at high altitudes.
➤ Insulated Down Jacket – To stay warm in freezing temperatures.
➤ Waterproof & Windproof Jacket and Pants – For protection against rain, snow, and wind.
➤ Trekking Boots (High Ankle, Waterproof) – Essential for rough and icy terrains.
➤ Headlamp with Extra Batteries – For early morning starts and high pass crossings.
➤ Trekking Poles (Adjustable) – To support knees on steep ascents and descents.
➤ Gloves (Inner and Outer, Waterproof & Warm) – For hand protection in extreme cold and snow.
A detailed description of Trip FAQs
The best time is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) for clear skies and stable weather.
It is a challenging trek with remote trails, high passes (above 5,000m), and requires good physical fitness and high-altitude experience.
Yes, you need Kanchenjunga, Makalu-Barun, and Sagarmatha National Park permits, and sometimes restricted area permits depending on the route.
Tea houses and lodges are available in most villages, but camping may be required in remote sections (like Nango La, Lumbha Sambha).
Yes, for restricted areas like Kanchenjunga, a registered guide is mandatory and highly recommended for safety in remote sections.
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