Kathmandu, 15 Nov: The Great Himalaya Trail’ is not only Nepal’s pride but also one of the longest and most adventurous trekking routes in the world. While trekking this route, hikers must cross numerous high-altitude Himalayan passes (known as cols or passes in English). It is therefore considered one of the world’s highest trekking routes with the most high-altitude crossings.
Within the Nepal section alone, trekkers must cross two passes above 6,000 meters, 18 passes above 5,000 meters, and around 40 passes above 4,000 meters. Among these, five passes are highly technical and extremely challenging: Sherpani Col, West Sherpani Col, Amphu Lapcha Pass, Tashi Lapcha Pass, and Tilman Pass.
Though the full Great Himalaya Trail stretches from Afghanistan and Pakistan across Nepal, Bhutan, the southeastern part of China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, up to Namche Barwa on the border of India’s Assam state, no trekker is known to have completed this entire trans-Himalayan route in one continuous journey. Therefore, this article focuses only on the Nepal section of the trail.
Infrastructure on the Nepal section—such as foot trails, mule tracks, and route development—is still not fully developed, and only a small number of trekkers have completed the full GHT trek so far.
Lower and Higher Routes, Sections, and Trekking Options for Busy Trekkers
For the convenience and abilities of trekkers, the Great Himalaya Trail in Nepal is divided into Lower and Higher routes. Trekkers who cannot undertake the difficult higher routes can still experience the trail through the easier lower routes.
Similarly, for trekkers with limited time—or those who do not wish to complete the full route—there are 10 subdivided regional sections. This allows travelers from anywhere in the world to enjoy the rare and unique experience of trekking in the world’s highest mountain regions, even with a busy lifestyle.
Completing the entire Nepal section of the GHT requires a minimum of 150 days of continuous trekking. While some trekkers choose only the eastern section, others trek the central or western sections. Hence, the trail has been divided so that trekkers can select whichever section suits them best.
In today’s busy world, finding time for a long expedition is challenging. However, trekkers can still trek the GHT by completing it section by section—every 6 months, yearly, or even once every two years. For this reason, trekking companies need to create appropriate trekking packages, and the Nepal government should support and promote such initiatives to attract more foreign trekkers.
Future Possibilities: Developing a 4,500 km Trans-Himalayan Trail
As mentioned earlier, trekking the Nepal section alone takes at least 150 days. But if someone were to start from western Afghanistan, pass through Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and end at Namche Barwa on the India–Assam border, they would have to cover 4,500 kilometers, requiring 185–190 days.
If concerned authorities and organizations could coordinate in the future, the Great Himalaya Trail could truly become the world’s longest operational trekking route, the world’s highest alpine trail, and the trail with the most high-altitude pass crossings. Developing the entire trans-Himalayan trail would greatly enhance the region’s adventure tourism potential.
However, practical questions remain: in today’s fast-paced world, who can dedicate six to seven months at once? Especially since trekking the Higher Route of the GHT requires traveling only during April to September, as winters bring extreme cold and heavy snowfall, making the route impassable.
Still, the dream remains alive. With proper international collaboration—among Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, China, and India—along with innovative trekking packages from tourism companies, the Great Himalaya Trail could become one of the world’s most iconic adventure routes. Nepal, too, should bring forward packages, programs, and support to promote the GHT and increase the number of trekking visitors.
