A practical guide to hiking the Himalayas
It's possible to experience the majesty of the Himalayas without breaking a sweat: Uttarakhand's Kumaon Hills offer routes for beginners, bringing rare birdlife, high-altitude views and remote villages into reach.
When should I go?
The peak hiking seasons in Nepal and Bhutan are February to March and October to November, with clear skies and moderate temperatures. In the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand, March to April and September to October offer the best weather without excessive heat. In most areas, views vanish during the rainy monsoon season (June to September). Trekking in deep winter (December to February) can be a bitterly cold experience, best left to accustomed hikers.
What clothes should I bring?
Temperatures drop quickly as you gain altitude, but you’ll work up a sweat while hiking, so bring layers that you can take off and put on again, as needed. Thermal underwear, lightweight trousers, fleece tops and a down jacket for cold nights are core pieces of kit.
What should I wear on my feet?
Some people trek in walking or trail-running shoes, but hiking boots will give your ankles more support. Use quick-drying socks and dry out your boots if they get wet to reduce the chance of blisters. Break in any new footwear before you hit the trails, too, and use hiking poles to reduce the impact on your knees.
Do I have to carry all my own gear?
Many trekkers do, but it’s easy to hire porters or yaks and packhorses at trailheads to carry your bags. Porter-guides (who guide trekkers and also help carry bags) charge from US$20 (£15) per day, and usually speak some English. On an organised trek, you may be able to hike with just your camera and water bottle or a light day pack.
Do I need a sleeping bag? Himalayan teahouses provide thin mattresses and blankets, but rooms are rarely heated, and a quality sleeping bag will help ensure a cosy night’s sleep. A ‘four season’ rating is best for high-altitude routes.
Should I buy bottled water on the trails?
The Himalayas are strewn with empty plastic bottles, left behind by irresponsible trekkers. Instead, bring a water bottle and purification tablets, or a portable water filter, to purify water as you go from the rivers that snake between high passes. Is altitude sickness a problem? And if so, how can I counteract the effects? Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a risk on any route that climbs above 2,500m. To combat it, limit your rate of ascent, taking regular rest days to acclimatise. Diamox (Acetazolamide) tablets can also reduce mild symptoms such as headaches, but if you experience severe symptoms, including nausea, dizziness or confusion, descend immediately — AMS can be fatal.
Will I need to get a trekking permit to hike in the Himalayas?
To visit Bhutan, you’ll need to arrange an organised tour through a licensed travel company; the overall price will include visa fees, obligatory daily tourist fees, and most of your costs, including for treks. In Nepal, you’ll need to arrange a guide through a local trekking agency and pay for a Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal card (taan.org.np). There are fees to enter conservation areas, including Sagarmatha National Park on the Everest Base Camp trail, and permits are needed to trek through border regions such as Mustang and Dolpo.
To subscribe to National Geographic Traveller (UK) magazine click here. (Available in select countries only).
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- We finally know how cockroaches conquered the worldWe finally know how cockroaches conquered the world
- Move over, honeybees—America's 4,000 native bees need a day in the sunMove over, honeybees—America's 4,000 native bees need a day in the sun
- Surveillance Safari: Crowdsourcing an anti-poaching movement in South Africa
- Paid Content
Surveillance Safari: Crowdsourcing an anti-poaching movement in South Africa - Fireflies are nature’s light show at this West Virginia state parkFireflies are nature’s light show at this West Virginia state park
- These are the weird reasons octopuses change shape and colorThese are the weird reasons octopuses change shape and color
- Why young scientists want you to care about 'scary' speciesWhy young scientists want you to care about 'scary' species
Environment
- Wildlife wonders: connecting a new generation with South Africa’s iconic species
- Paid Content
Wildlife wonders: connecting a new generation with South Africa’s iconic species - These images will help you see coral reefs in a whole new wayThese images will help you see coral reefs in a whole new way
- What rising temperatures in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlifeWhat rising temperatures in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlife
- He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?
- The northernmost flower living at the top of the worldThe northernmost flower living at the top of the world
History & Culture
- Should couples normalize sleeping in separate beds?Should couples normalize sleeping in separate beds?
- They were rock stars of paleontology—and their feud was legendaryThey were rock stars of paleontology—and their feud was legendary
- Scientists find evidence of ancient waterway beside Egypt’s pyramidsScientists find evidence of ancient waterway beside Egypt’s pyramids
Science
- Can a spoonful of honey keep seasonal allergies at bay?Can a spoonful of honey keep seasonal allergies at bay?
- Scientists just dug up a new dinosaur—with tinier arms than a T.RexScientists just dug up a new dinosaur—with tinier arms than a T.Rex
- Why pickleball is so good for your body and your mindWhy pickleball is so good for your body and your mind
- Extreme heat can be deadly – here’s how to know if you’re at riskExtreme heat can be deadly – here’s how to know if you’re at risk
- Why dopamine drives you to do hard things—even without a rewardWhy dopamine drives you to do hard things—even without a reward
Travel
- The ‘Yosemite of South America’ is an adventure playgroundThe ‘Yosemite of South America’ is an adventure playground
- These farmers make it possible for hikers to access Alpine trailsThese farmers make it possible for hikers to access Alpine trails
- A guide to Philadelphia, the US city stepping out of NYC's shadowA guide to Philadelphia, the US city stepping out of NYC's shadow
- How to make perfect pierogi, Poland's famous dumplingsHow to make perfect pierogi, Poland's famous dumplings