The thought of trekking in Nepal for female travelers seems scary at first.
But don’t sweat it!! As at the same time it can also be the most rewarding!!!
Trekking is a really just a walking with a view and it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors even without special skills or lots of expensive gear.
Nepal is great trekking destination for women, either you’re a solo traveler or with groups. So, you don’t have to think twice about traveling in Nepal.
You all may wonder if you will reach the top of your trekking destination or not? “Whether I will be able to complete it or not?”
Always remember to reach Everest Base Camp or climb the top of Mt. Everest, you don’t have to be an Ironman!
Trekking is available to anyone. You just have to be sensible and require sufficient training for it.
But female travel is such a buzz word in the trekking world. A female trekker needs to consider certain things that a male doesn’t. Besides, Nepal is one of the safest countries for female travelers. Personal attacks and sexual assaults against tourists are rare.
The Himalayas are safer, Nepalese people are so kind and genuine. But still, going with experienced groups is recommended. Once you get experienced. you can go on a solo trip.
Ladies, gear up! I am here with detailed info about what to pack and what kind of trekking routes are safe for female travelers.
If you’re embarking on your first long-distance walk and desperately want to explore the Himalayas. Then, here is the ultimate guide to trekking in Nepal for female travelers.
5 Best Trekking Destination for Female Travelers
Almost all trekking destination in Nepal can be done by female travelers.
Here are 5 of the best treks in Nepal every female traveler should try. Also, here is a bunch of travel tips and ground rules to help you out on your adventure.
Let’s take a look at them and see which one is the best for you, especially if you’re female and attempting a trek for the first time !!!!
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Trip Facts
Trip Duration: 8 days
Grade: Easy
Max Elevation: 3,210 m, Poon Hill
Best Season: Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov) and Spring (March-April-May)
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is one of the best trekking destinations for the female travelers in Nepal.
You’ll likely start and end the trek from and to the beautiful city of Pokhara. The trail takes via the dense rhododendron forests and scenic valleys that lead to Poon Hill. Apart from this, you also climb stone staircases that head from village to village.
Poon Hill is considered as the best vantage point in Annapurna region. From here you’ll get the best sunrise view over the Himalayan range, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail), and Mt. Nilgiri.
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the popular short trekking sites, the trail is usually full of trekkers. If you’re traveling alone, you don’t have to worry. As with the majestic hills and charming people on trial for a company, who feels lonely anyway!
On this trek, you’ll visit some of the charming traditional Nepalese villages such as Ghorepani and Ghandruk. This place is inhabited by Gurung community. So, this trek offers you to explore the tradition and culture of locals.
Not only natural beauty you’ll also get to enjoy the warm hospitality of locals. Nepalese people are so kind that you’re bound to find a company of all like-minded people.
Besides this, it is also popular since prices are low, permits are also easy to obtain and packing is simple.
If you’re looking for more demanding and challenging trek in the Annapurna region then go for Annapurna Circuit trek or Annapurna Base Camp trek.
Highlights
- Panoramic sunrise views over the beautiful Himalayan range
- A majestic picturesque of beautiful Himalayan ranges including Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, and Mt. Nilgiri
- Explore ethnic Gurung, Thakali, and Magar culture and traditions
- Explore the paradise of Pokhara
Everest Panorama Trekking
Trip Facts
Trip Duration: 12 days
Grade: Moderate
Max Elevation: 3,800 m
Best Season: Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov) and Spring (March-April-May)
Everest Panorama Trekking route is considered as the best scenic trekking route in Everest region.
The absolute highlight of this trek is Kala Patthar and Everest Base Camp.
The trekking routes mostly consist of charming villages which will be reached through dense forests.
This trekking route is also the most accessible in terms of accommodation and food as the trail is well established.
Every stop on this route will offer stunning views of the Himalayas.
On the trail, you’ll find English speakers and people are extremely helpful. Most of our female clients who had done treks in Everest region are positive and reassuring. In fact, they often describe their trekking experience as the most rewarding one!!
This is also one of the popular trekking regions of Nepal. There are thousands of trekkers every year, so going missing is the very rare case. In case if you’re lost or you forgot your route, the locals will definitely help you.
You’ll find home stays and guesthouse easily while you’re in Everest region. So, never hesitate to blend with fellow trekkers.
If you’ve enough time for your vacation and want to explore Everest region more than you can also do Everest Base Camp Trekking, Gokyo Valley Trekking, and Shivalaya to Everest Base Camp Trekking.
Highlights
- Explore traditional Sherpa village, Namche Bazaar
- Spectacular sceneries of the Himalayas including Mt. Everest, Amadablam, Thamserku and other neighboring peaks
- Visit Tengboche monastery, the largest monastery in Khumbu region
- Exploring the life of mountain people
- Learn about Tibetan Buddhism and practice
Langtang Valley Trekking
Trip Facts
Trip Duration: 11 days
Grade: Moderate
Max Elevation: 3,900 m, Kyanjin Gompa
Best Season: Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov) and Spring (March-April-May)
Langtang Valley trekking is another popular trekking region after Everest and Annapurna region. It is an easy trekking trial and an ideal trip for the female travelers.
This beautiful trekking region has a lot to offer. During the trek, you’ll see the colorful chortens, Mani walls, and the Buddhist prayer flags.
The trip begins from Syabrubesi 125 km away from Kathmandu and pleasant walk from Langtang National Park via Tamang farmland and villages. Also, the trail goes via jungle scattered with huge waterfalls and patches of extremely floral smelling flowers.
Then you’ll reach the wonderful Langtang valley also known as the valley of glaciers. This valley is inhabited by Gurung communities. The Gurungs are well known Gurkha soldiers serving in several armies throughout the world.
Majestic Himalayan views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Yala peak, Naya Kanga, and Gang Khenpo are the main attraction of this trek.
This trek gives a lifetime experience of Nepal’s rural culture.
The lovely landscape and the warmth of the local people on the trail will really impress you.
The Langtang Valley Trekking can be done throughout the year. But it’s not wise to do in the monsoon season as the trail gets muddy and slippery.
In Langtang region, there are other beautiful treks that you may consider while traveling to Nepal are; Helambu Trekking, Tamang Heritage Trekking, and Langtang Gosainkunda Trekking
Highlights
- Hike to Kyanjin Ri at an altitude of 4,350 m and get a best 360-degree mountain views
- Walk through Langtang National Park located in the middle of the Himalayas where you can see some rare wild species
- Enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals and learn about their lifestyle and culture
- Visit peaceful ancient Buddhists monasteries
- Explore a Gosaikunda lake which carries a great holy significance to both Hindu and Buddhists
Royal Trekking
Trip Facts
Trip Duration: 9 days
Grade: Easy
Max Elevation: 1,730 m
Best Season: Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov) and Spring (March-April-May)
Royal trekking is another popular easy trek in Annapurna region. This trek is named as royal trek because this route was traversed by Prince Charles of England.
It’s a short trek start from Pokhara and takes you at an altitude of around 1,700 m. The trek ends at Begnas Lake, which is very calm and peaceful.
The walks itself is pleasant and follows parts of the Annapurna circuit. Views change from farms to terraced rice fields, waterfalls, gorge, and forests.
Along the way, you’ll have a good mountain view though sometimes mountains play hide and seek in clouds. It’s an amazing moment to observe that beauty!!
You’ll see Annapurna, Annapurna South, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre. The views are so impressive enough to justify a strenuous climb or hike.
This trekking route is great as well as a logical destination for female travelers. This trekking route is so isolated and far from the hustle and bustle of the cities. You’ll stay with a family and learn about their lifestyle which is both safe and you’ll get the cultural experience too.
Panchase Trekking, Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking, and Chepang Hill Trekking are other perfect short treks for female travelers. All these treks lie at the lower altitudes and offer a great panoramic view of Himalayan range.
Highlights
- Explore the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara
- Stunning views of Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Machapucchre, Lamjung Himal, and Dhaulagiri
- Wonderful view of the magnificent Fewa, Begnas, and Rupa Lake
- Walking through rhododendron forests and witness various species of flora and fauna
- The great countryside, terrace farming, and mountain landscapes
Jomsom Muktinath Trekking
Trip Facts
Trip Duration: 12 days
Grade: Easy
Max Elevation: 3,800 m, Muktinath Temple
Best Season: Any time of the year
Jomsom Muktinath Trekking route is unique in its own way. Also, the Tibetan culture of the locals of this regions makes this trek an experience, unlike any other trekking region in Nepal.
The trail goes along Kali Gandaki river. Jomsom is one of the interesting stops during this trek. It is also known as the gateway of Muktinath as well as Upper Mustang, the forbidden kingdom of Nepal.
Marpha is another wonderful village which is famous for apple and its products.
This trek is a perfect blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. The final destination of this trek is Muktinath temple. Muktinath is a pilgrimage center of Hindus as well as Buddhist.
Apart from the natural beauty, you’ll also get a chance to explore the local Tibetan culture and lifestyle
This trek leads you to some old traditional villages where you get a chance to interact with the friendly locals. Thus, this trek is a great opportunity to get deep insights into the life of Nepal’s mountain villages.
The best of this trek is it can be done any time of the year. This trekking route lies within the rain-shadow area so there is a minimum chance of rainfall. So, this trek is perfect, if you’re willing to travel Nepal during monsoon season.
Highlights
- Panoramic views of Mt. Annapurna I, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Tilicho, Mt. Thorongla, and Mt. Nilgiri
- Exploring the lifestyle of Thakali people, influenced by Tibetan culture
- Muktinath temple, the pilgrimage center of Hindus and Buddhists as well
- An amazing landscape like Tibetan plateau
- Taking a natural hot bath in hot spring at Tatopani
Useful Trekking Information
Accommodation
Generally, the accommodation in teahouses is of a basic standard. Normally, rooms are twin basis with rarely attached bathroom facilities.
In some places, hot showers are available for a small charge. It’s a good idea to carry wet wipes with yourself, especially it’s useful when you reach the high altitude where the water is usually very cold.
Most of the tea house has a communal room which is used for dining purpose. Here all people gather after they arrive from their day’s trek. Inside this room, there might be a stove that is kept to keep a room warm. But unfortunately, bedrooms are not heated. So it’s better to bring a sleeping bag for the cold freezing night at the high altitudes.
Food and drink
Good news you don’t need to pack your food on your daypack !!
On the popular trekking trail, there are a lot of tea houses. Even though all the teahouse has quite similar and simple food menu, meals are generally fulfilling.
Almost all tea house served traditional Nepalese food Dal Bhat which is a great source of energy for a whole day trek. Besides this, you can also get Chinese, Indian, Continental and even Italian dishes on the tea houses.
During the trek, you can buy boiled water but I suggest you bring water purification tablets. It is both safe and economical. Although you can buy mineral water, it is a major source of pollution in the mountains. So, it’s better you bring water purification tablets with yourself.
Transportation
Trekking is just exploring the place and enjoying the scenery on foot. Basically, the means of transport is by foot. In Nepal, most of the trekking regions lie in remote areas. So, in some cases, you might need to travel on horses, with mules or donkeys sometimes carrying baggage. On most of the trekking routes, your baggage will be carried by the porters.
Other Facilities
- While trekking in Nepal, it’s important to be in touch with your friends and family. Of course, one of the best ways to get connected is an internet. Most of the teahouse on the trail provide internet services. But I can’t promise sometimes it might not work. So, in this type of situation, you can use prepaid cards. You can get these cards at around $3-5 for 100 MB.
- In the Himalayan region, the electricity can be one major problem. Thus, some teahouses might take you a small fee for charging your electronic devices. There will be a few plug points usually located in the communal area. They will charge you around $3-5 per hour.
Essential Packing List for Female Travelers
For all female travelers packing for the trek can be quite challenging. Especially when you’re traveling for trekking you need to pack for more than a weeks. Also, you need to keep a different layer of clothes with varying weather.
Please keep in mind that you need to limit your luggage to about 7 kg. You might find these items useful especially if you’re female travelers:
Clothing
- Rain jacket or Poncho
- Trekking pants
- T-shirts (shorts and long sleeve)
- Waterproof jackets and pants
- Shorts
- Sport Bras
- Underwear
- Warm fleece
- Lightweight windproof fleece
Footwear
- Hiking boots
- Camp Sandal
- Hiking socks (Thick and Thin)
- Gaiters (optional)
Headwear
- Sun hat
- Woolen hat
- Neckband
- Scarf
Handwear
- Lightweight gloves
- Windproof gloves
- Waterproof gloves
Other Trekking Gears
- Sleeping bag
- Rucksack bag
- Duffel bag
- Daypack
- Sleeping bag liner
Other Essential
- Water Bottle
- Headlamp
- Water Purification Tablets
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Moisturizing skin cream and lip balm
- Trekking Poles (optional)
Toiletries
- Toilet paper
- Feminine product (Bring tampons or a cup so you’re prepared in case you get a period)
- Medicines
- Hand Sanitizer
- Quick dry hand towel
- Travel shampoo/ conditioner/ soap
- Toothbrush / toothpaste
- Wet wipes
Tips for Trekking in Nepal for Female Travelers
- Plan your trekking route in advance. Before going a trek, you need a general idea of what’s around you, where to go and what landmarks to look for along the way. Know about your terrain and how long it might take to complete the trek.
- Either you’re trekking in group or solo you always need to stay alert. Always greet fellow trekkers. This acknowledges that you’ve seen them and lets them know you’re there.
- Know about Altitude Mountain Sickness. The biggest fear while trekking in Nepal is altitude sickness and natural disasters. Thus, extensive research about the seasons, weather, routes and high altitude sickness is absolutely necessary !!!
- Guides are Essential. Swimming for the first time alone is very dangerous your life can be at risk!! Likewise trekking alone in the mysterious. The Himalayas can be dangerous no matter you’re a male or a female. If you’re trekking alone, then locals might be surprised too. Guides and porters are familiar with trekking routes even with the locals.
- Tipping is not essential in Nepal, but as in most place, widely appreciated. If you’re satisfied with the service then feel free to give a tip (if not, don’t feel obliged).
- Be updated with the weather conditions of Himalayas. Regardless what time of the year you travel, be prepared for unseasonal warmth, freezing cold, rain, and snow especially at the high altitude.
Final Thoughts
The achievement of trekking in Nepal is certainly not defined by gender. The achievement comes from leaving everything you know to explore unfamiliar territory.
But once you’ve explored these mentioned trekking regions in Nepal, you’ll realize how incredibly easy it was.
Travelling in Nepal shouldn’t be any more dangerous than heading to the shops in your hometown. If you’re well informed, confident, and savvy, there will be nothing to stop falling in love with this beautiful country.
Lastly, I want to add something that our female trekking guide make wonderful companies, especially for solo female travelers.
At the end of this article, I hope this ultimate guide to trekking in Nepal for female travelers will help to choose the best of the best trekking destination.
Come and join us! Discover Nepal and Discover Yourself!
