Trekking · Kathmandu
Trekking from Kathmandu
The main routes, permits and gear — everything you sort in Kathmandu before heading to the trailhead.
Kathmandu is Nepal's main trekking gateway. Agencies, permits and gear are all sorted in the city before you fly or drive to the trailhead, which is why most Himalayan treks begin and end here. Here's how to plan one.
The short answer
From Kathmandu you can reach three classic regions: Everest (fly to Lukla, then 12–14 days), Langtang (drive to Syabrubesi, then about a week — the closest big trek) and Annapurna, which is usually staged a short drive or flight away in Pokhara. Before you leave the city, arrange your permits, hire a guide and pick up or rent your gear in Thamel.
Tap any route below for seasons, difficulty, permits and how to get there.
How Kathmandu fits in
- Base yourself in the city first. Most trekkers spend a day or two here to organise everything — see the best hotels in Kathmandu for somewhere central to Thamel.
- Sort gear and permits in Thamel. Trekking shops, rental outlets and agency offices cluster in the same few streets, so you can do it all in an afternoon.
- Then head to the trailhead. Everest means an early flight to Lukla; Langtang is a drive north; Annapurna routes start from Pokhara.
Plan around the rest of your trip
If you have spare days in the city before or after the mountains, browse the top attractions in Kathmandu and easy day trips from Kathmandu for gentle hill walks and viewpoints.
Our top picks
Frequently asked questions
Can you go trekking from Kathmandu?+
Yes. Kathmandu is Nepal's main trekking gateway. You arrange agencies, permits and gear in the city, then fly or drive to a trailhead. Langtang starts with a drive from Kathmandu, Everest with a flight to Lukla, and Annapurna treks are usually staged from Pokhara.
What is the easiest trek from Kathmandu?+
The Langtang Valley trek is the most accessible major route — a drive to Syabrubesi followed by about seven days of walking, with no flight needed. Shorter foothill walks around Nagarkot and Chisapani are easier still and can be done in a day or two.
How many days do you need to trek from Kathmandu?+
Allow about a week for Langtang or Annapurna Base Camp, and roughly 12 to 14 days for Everest Base Camp including flights and acclimatisation. Add a buffer day or two for weather delays, which are common on the mountain flights.
Do I need a guide to trek in Nepal?+
Nepal now requires a licensed guide for most national-park and conservation-area treks, and restricted areas always need an agency. A guide also handles permits, teahouse bookings and route-finding, which makes the trip smoother for first-timers.
