Trekking is an important part of the tourism industry in Nepal. Trekkers use the extensive network of trails used by local people in a country where until very recently there were few roads. The most popular areas have attracted an infrastructure to service the trekking industry, including accommodation (lodges) and restaurants.
Trekking areas edit
Annapurna region edit
The most popular trekking area is the Annapurna region north of Pokhara. The region owes its popularity to the diverse scenery of the area, the abundance of lodges and the long-established road links to Pokhara, which mean that trekkers do not need to rely on unpredictable air services.
The principal trekking routes are
- The Jomsom trek, through the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Jomsom and on to Muktinath. Because there is air service to Jomsom, this is often done as a one-way trek. The route is increasingly disturbed by a road-building project.
- The Annapurna Sanctuary, a trek to Annapurna base camp
- The Annapurna Circuit, which circles the Annapurna Himal itself, going up the Manang valley and over the Thorung La pass to Muktinath, returning by the route of the Jomsom trek
Pokhara is also a starting place for other short treks of one to four days, such as routes to Ghorepani or Ghandruk.