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Solo Trekking in Nepal – The Ultimate Guide

Trekking in Nepal is something different thing that you can’t experience in any other part of the world. You will explore the lush green landscape, flora and fauna, panoramic mountain view and many more. Besides the wonder of nature, Nepal also offers cultural diversity, festivals, tradition, welcoming and humble people. 

If you are planning to go for solo trekking in Nepal then it’s a fantastic idea. You will get the chance to experience the most thrilling and adventurous moments of your life in Nepal. Solo trek in Nepal is safe and exciting. You can walk with freedom and explore the natural beauty of Nepal from various aspects. You can create your own itinerary and experience the typical culture, lifestyle, and traditions of Nepal.       

There are many questions that come to the solo trekkers that How will I trek? Will I be able to trek alone? What if I get into trouble? Is it even safe? And so on. So, keep these questions aside and pack your bags for independent trekking. After all, seeing the world on your own without worrying about a group has its own perks. Therefore, Nepal is the best option to start your solo journey.  

Best Solo Treks in Nepal

Nepal offers treks that last from a week to a month. Especially, for solo trekkers, we recommend trying the shorter treks of Nepal. After when you get comfortable you can choose for the longer treks. So, here we have listed out some of the best treks in Nepal for the solo trekkers. 

Langtang Valley Trek

langtang valley trekking

Langtang Valley is situated in the north of Kathmandu. The valley is among Nepal’s top trekking destinations where every year it attracts many tourists from around the world. The trail ascends the Langtang valley from 1470m at Syabrubesi to 3870m at Kyanjin Gompa.  

The valley is blessed with beautiful geographical features with amazing Tibetan lifestyle and culture. It is the perfect package for the outstanding short trek that packs a diverse punch into a small amount of time. 

The trails offer a beautiful view on the way like; wild Langtang river, lush forest, high alpine pastures, bamboo grooves, glaciers, and snow-covered peaks. 

Langtang Valley trek is simple and safe. It is even possible without hiring a guide or porter. The trek is not so expensive and you can easily get the tea houses on your trail to accommodate yourself comfortably. The best season to trek to Langtang is during autumn and spring.  

Outline Itinerary

Day Description Altitude from (Meter) Altitude to (Meter) Trekking Duration
1 Drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Besi 1,400 1,550 7-8 hours
2 Trek from Syabru Besi to Lama Hotel  1,550 2,380 6-7 hours
3 Trek from Lama Hotel to Mundu via Langtang Valley 2,380 3,430 6-7 hours
4 Trek from Mundu to Kyanjin Gompa 3,430 3,870 3 hours
5 Excursion to Tserko Ri (5,000 meters) 3,870 3,870 5-6 hours
6 Trek from Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel 3,870 2,380 6-7 hours
7 Trek from Lama Hotel to Syabru Besi 2,380 1,550 6-7 hours
8 Drive from Syabru Besi to Kathmandu 1,550 1,400 7-8 hours

Langtang Valley Trek Alone Cost

Langtang Valley Trek alone includes all the costs that are spent while trekking such as permits, flight tickets, accommodation, food and water and so on. Here we have listed out the common expenses on which the money is spent: 

Cost of Transportation: USD 10 – USD 15 (Tourist buses)

Permits:  USD 30 (Langtang National Park Entry Permit)

TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System): USD 20 

Accommodation: USD 2 – 5 (per night for a simple room) 

Food: USD 2-3 (per plate for a whole meal)

Everest Base Camp Trek

everest base camp

Everest Base camp trek is a lifetime adventure for those who dream to soar higher than the clouds. Stretch yourself in the lap of Himalaya and saturate your spirit in natural beauty and endurance yourself beyond your thoughts. 

The 14-days Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to explore and visit the important places such as; Lukla, Manche Bazaar, Dingboche, Tengboche, Everest Base Camp, and Kala Patthar. 

The region is the most vibrant and busiest at this season of the year, with many of the routes covered by flowering rhododendrons. Trekking to Everest Base Camp not only offers breathtaking views of the mountains but also provides the Sherpa culture, monastery and many more.

Outline Itinerary 

Day Description Altitude from (Meter) Altitude to (Meter) Trekking Duration
1 Flight to Lukla -Trek to Phakding 1,400 2,652 3-4 hours
2 Trek to Namche Bazaar from Phakding 2,652 3,440 5-6 hours
3 Acclimatization Day trip to Namche Bazaar 3,440 3,440
4 Trek to Tengboche from Namche Bazaar 3,440 3,956 5-6 hours
5 Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche 3,956 4,380 4-5 hours
6 Acclimatization Day trip to Dingboche  4,380 4,380 – 
7 Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche via Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters) 4,380 4,938 10 hours
8 Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep and trek to EBC – back to Gorak Shep   4,938 5,160 7-8 hours
9 Hike to Kala Patthar (5,643 meters) and Back to Lobuche 5,160 4,938 6-7 hours
10 Trek from Lobuche to Dzongla 4,938 4,830 3 hours
11 Trek from Dzongla to Gokyo Valley via Cho La Pass (5,420 meters) 4,830 4,800 8-9 hours
12 Acclimatization Day at Gokyo Valley 4,800 4,800
13 Trek from Gokyo Valley to Marlung via Renjo La Pass (5,464 meters) 4,800 4,210 7-8 hours
14 Trek from Marlung to Namche Bazaar 4,210 3,440 5-6 hours
15 Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla 3,440 2,800 7-8 hours
16 Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu 2,800 1,400 40 mins

Everest Base Camp Trek Solo Cost 

Everest Base Camp trek alone includes all the costs that are spent while trekking such as permits, flight tickets, accommodation, food and water and so on. Here we have listed out the common expenses on which the money is spent: 

Cost of flight: USD 180 per way (around 360 USD for two ways)

Permits:  USD 30 (Entry Permit) 

TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System): USD 20 

Local Government Permit: USD 20 

Accommodation: USD 25 – 30 (per night for a simple room) 

Food: USD 27- USD 50 (per plate for a whole meal)

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

annapurna base camp

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of the most famous, short, quite easy treks than other high altitude treks in Nepal. ABC trek incorporates diverse topography, culture, natural vegetation. Along with that, it also offers a spectacular close up view of Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre,  Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli. 

Spring season is the best time to climb the ABC. The trails go alongside lush rhododendron forests and the deepest gorge Kali Gandaki and the stunning view of high altitude landscapes. Besides, the natural wonder the trek also offers to experience the Gurung tradition, the local lifestyle, and their culture.   

In 10 days of trekking to ABC, you will get to experience and see the culture, lifestyle, traditions of the local people, explore wildlife and vegetation at its best. Mainly, ABC trek is safe and more adventurous for the solo trekkers. The solo trekkers will find many things to explore in this trek. 

Outline Itinerary 

Day Description Altitude from (Meters) Altitude to (Meters) Trekking Duration
1 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 1,400 800 6-7 hours
2 Drive to Nayapul (1,070 meters) and Trek to Ghandruk 800 1,940 5-6 hours
3 Trek from Ghanruk to Chomrong 1,940 2,170 6-7 hours
4 Trek from Chomrong to Bamboo 2,170 2,310 4-5 hours
5 Trek from Bamboo to Deurali 2,310 3,230 3-4 hours
6 Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp 3,230 4,130 5-6 hours
7 Trek from Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo 4,130 2,310 7-8 hours
8 Trek from Bamboo to Jhinu Danda 2,310 1,760 5 hours
9 Trek to Nayapul (1,070 meters) and Drive to Pokhara 1,760 900 6-7 hours
10 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu 900 1,400 6-7 hours

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Alone Cost 

A solo trek to Annapurna Base Camp Trek includes all the costs that are spent while trekking such as permits, flight tickets, accommodation, food and water and so on. Here we have listed out the common expenses on which the money is spent: 

Cost of Transportation: USD 7 – USD 10 (Tourist buses)

Permits:  USD 30 (Annapurna Conservation Area Entry Permit)

TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System): USD 20 

Accommodation: USD 3 – 5 (per night for a simple room) 

Food: USD 3-5 (per plate for a whole meal)

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

poon hill

Ghorepani is a short trekking trail that offers trekkers to have the beautiful Mountains view. Trekkers can catch the best view above 8000m which includes Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Macchapuchhure, Nilgiri and many others. It is the best way to get the Himalayan panorama view in a very short period of time. 

This one week trek is a perfect trek for the solo trekkers. This trek also provides traditional villages, rhododendron forests, icy waterfalls, patchwork valleys and beautiful mountain views on the way makes the hiking more interesting and memorable for the trekkers. 

Ghorepani Poonhill treks give the trekkers an opportunity to explore the ethnic culture and lifestyle of the Gurung community. The unique culture and sound hospitality of the Gurung community live in the Ghorepani poon hill region. 

The climatic states of Ghorepani Poonhill are lovely throughout the entire year. While, in the several months of winter, the temperature of Ghorepani goes into zero. Likewise, trekkers need to watch the climate conjecture during the monsoon season. However, they can pack the waterproof pants and coats to prevent the heavy rainfall or storm.   

Outline Itinerary

Day Itinerary Altitude from  (Meters) Altitude to (Meters) Trekking Duration

(Hours)

1 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 1,400 900
2 Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, then trek to TikheDhunga 900 1,570 6-7
3 Trek from TikheDhunga to Ghorepani 1,570 2,850 5-6
4 Hike to Poon Hill, then trek to Tadapani 2,850 2,700 4-5
5 Trek to Tadapani to Ghandruk 2,700 1,940 3-4
6 Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul (1,570m), then drive to Pokhara 1,940 900 5-6
7 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu  900 1,400

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Solo Cost 

A solo trek to Ghorepani Poonhill Trek includes all the costs that are spent while trekking such as permits, flight tickets, accommodation, food and water and so on. Here we have listed out the common expenses on which the money is spent: 

Cost of Transportation: USD 7 – USD 10 (Tourist buses)

Permits:  USD 20 (Annapurna Region)

TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System): USD 20 

Accommodation: USD 10 – USD 15 (per night for a simple room) 

Food: USD 3-5 (per plate for a whole meal)

Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek

Lower Mustang Trek is ideal for trekkers who are short on time but are willing to experience the stark beauty of the mystical land of Mustang. This is the best trek for solo travelers as well. This moderate walk takes you through the barren trails of the Himalayas that borders the Annapurna massif. Once part of an ancient trade route to Tibet, the lower region of Mustang is far more established compared to the upper section of the region in terms of accessibility, comfort, and affordability. 

Additionally, this trek offers a unique culture and landscapes with a marvelous view of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. It also rewards trekkers with the opportunity to visit the sacred Hindu and Buddist pilgrimage of Muktinath. Unlike Upper Mustang Trek, you do not require the restricted area permit to trek in this region.

Outline Itinerary

Day Description Altitude from (Meters) Altitude to (Meters) Trekking Duration
1 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara 1,400 900 6-7 hours
2 Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom 900 2,720 3 hours
3 Trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni  2,720 2,900 6-7 hours
4 Trek from Kagbeni to Jharkot and Visit Red Gompa 2,900 3,519 6 hours
5 Trek from Jharkot to Muktinath 3,519 3,710 5 hours
6 Trek from Muktinath to Jomsom via Lupra Valley (2,790 meters) 3,710 2,720 4 hours
7 Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara (900 meters) and then to Kathmandu 2,720 1,400 5 hours

Mustang Trek Alone Cost 

A solo trek to Mustang includes all the costs that are spent while trekking such as permits, flight tickets, accommodation, food and water and so on. Here we have listed out the common expenses on which the money is spent: 

Cost of Bus: USD 8 – USD 30 

Cost of Flights: USD 82 – USD 120 (one way per person) 

Permits:  USD 30 (Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit)

TIMS (Trekker’s Information Management System): USD 20 

Accommodation: USD 2 – USD 6 (per night for a twin sharing basis), USD 3- USD 6 per night per person (single room) 

Food: USD 3-5 (per plate for a whole meal)

Guidelines for Solo Trekking in Nepal 

Begin with the plan

Before stepping towards the trekking point it is important to make a blueprint of your trekking plan. Sketching an overall plan for trekking is the most crucial step in order to make your trek organized and successful. At first, you need to prepare yourself physically, mentally and economically. If you are thinking of going for solo trekking then you need to allocate your budget limit, book the accommodations, choose the itinerary. You must decide the number of days that you are going to spend. The number of days and seasons will decide how much it will cost for the solo trip.      

Cost and Budget Plan for Solo Trekkers

Traveling in Nepal is not going to make a hole in your wallet as it is not so expensive here. You can choose from a variety of accommodation that suits you best and is within the budget.

Be careful not to choose the cheapest facilities as that may lead to sleeping all night with cockroaches and rats. The facilities may be below par and you may have to suffer. You will of course not want that after a day-long trek.

You can take a porter with you if you have a heavy backpack. Spending around $10 can provide you the facility of carrying your things so you can enjoy the trek in the best possible way.

Taking a guide with you can cost around $25 per day. Remember to carry some Nepali Rupees to give tips to the porter and those who help you with accommodation because this little amount can lighten up their day.

Clothing and Equipment for Solo Trekking in Nepal

The packing of clothing and equipment will determine your trekking experience. Thus, pack according to the weather condition, duration of the stay and destination. Make sure to pack all the necessary clothing and important equipment that are required. As you are planning to go for a solo trek then avoid overpacking or underpacking. Therefore, anything extra will give you a burden to carry and this might ruin your whole trek.   

Permits for Solo Trekking in Nepal

It is compulsory to purchase the TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System) for those who wish to trek in Nepal. If you are doing a solo trek then you will get a green TIMS card. While, for group trekkers, they will get a blue TIMS card. The solo trekkers also need to purchase a conversation area permit if you choose to do the trek through the conservation area. You can easily buy these permits in Pokhara and Kathmandu. However, the price for solo trekkers will be quite costly.   

Trek with a Guide

It is completely up to you that you will plan your trek with or without the guide and porter. It is not compulsory to hire a guide or porter for the trek in the popular regions like Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp. But, there are some restricted regions in Nepal where trekkers are not allowed to trek without a guide. A guide will help you to make your trail more interesting and worth it. He will provide you the information about the mountain peaks, landscapes, flora, fauna, and wildlife on the trails. As the guide and porter are familiar with the place they can recommend the good tea house to stay or eat and the best vantage points.

Pros and Cons of Solo Trekking

The solo trek is the best way to explore any part of the country.  Independent trekking provides a sense of confidence to travel on your own over many aspects while traveling in a foreign land. 

There are both advantages and disadvantages of solo traveling or trekking. At first, a trekker needs to decide where to go and is the destination is for solo trekkers or not? Trekking alone may not be everyone’s cup of tea, it certainly for those who want to take risks and experience the adventure. 

The major advantage of traveling independently is that trekkers can set their own pace. It will be more flexible, peaceful and cost-effective in comparison with going trekking with a group. 

However, the solo trek will most likely be less comfortable than the organized trips. 

Similarly, trekkers might face many problems such as less support in case of injury, the risk from the wildlife, you might feel lonely or isolated. 

Thus, if you are planning for a solo trek in Nepal then it will be easier for you if you learn a few Nepali words and understand the local cultures as well. Down below we have mentioned some pros and cons of solo trekking.  

Pros:

  • You are free to decide where to stay and eat. This will be cost-effective as you are not bound to pay the fixed amount like in a group. You can decide on your own food AND accommodation. 
  • The solo trek will develop a sense of confidence and self-reliance on you. 
  • You can create your own itinerary and enjoy the self trek. 
  • It is more adventurous, challenging and thrilling to do a solo trek. 
  • Solo trekkers can set their own pace. It allows you to walk at your own pace without any interference. 

Cons:

  • The solo trek might be adventurous but sometimes it can turn out to be slightly risky and unsafe in the foreign land. 
  • At some point, you might have to deal with loneliness or isolation. Especially, during the long trek being solitary can make you feel alone.   
  • Takes a lot of time and energy
  • There are some restricted regions or areas in Nepal where solo trekkers are not allowed to trek alone. You need to hire a professional guide. 
  • As many trekking routes take you to go through from forest, conservation area. So, there might be a possible attack by wildlife animals. 
  • In some places, people don’t understand the English language. So, the language barrier could be another hurdle during your solo trek.  
  • You may also face other problems like if you get injured or fall sick. 

Some Useful Tips for Solo Trekking in Nepal 

  • If possible hire a guide and porter which is more helpful and for your safety
  • Even though you are healthy and fit but always aware of altitude sickness. Do not avoid any symptoms of altitude sickness
  • Don’t hesitate or feel uncomfortable to ask for something or for help. Mostly Nepalese people are very welcoming and helpful. 
  • Try to update your location regularly to avoid the chances of getting lost or in trouble. 
  • Keep some extra snacks, chocolates, and medicine. You might not get shops on the trek to buy.  
  • Try to reach your destination before it gets too dark for safety reasons.   

Mountain Expedition

Conclusion 

The main motive of doing the solo trek is to explore the beautiful natural environment and finding peace by losing oneself.  Solo trek in Nepal is open for everyone throughout the year. The solo trek in Nepal was started from the 1970s to the foreigners. 

If you are planning for solo trekking then you should be careful on the trails and with strangers. During the peak season, you won’t be alone in the popular trekking trails. Thus, choose a safe time for the solo treks. Therefore, with proper planning and taking care of all the necessary things will definitely make your solo trek enjoyable and memorable. Basically, the solo trek will give the chance to enjoy the trek like the way you want.  

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Basu Panday

Basu Panday started his journey in tourism and hospitality as a support staff 17 years ago. He has travelled all the Himalayan region as trekking staff and trekking guide, and have climbed 6000+ meters several trekking peaks in the Himalaya. He often leads trips in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan and India. He had travelled to many other countries such as Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy, Sweden, Romania, Lithuania, Greece, Denmark Spain, Australia and the USA for promotion of Nepal’s tourism.  After working as support staff, then tour and trek guide, he eventually fulfilled his desire to start his own company, Nepal Social Treks and Expedition, in 2006. Basu is friendly and he is the one who answers most of your trip questions. So if you have any inquiry about our trip, don't be shy. Write to us.
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