Nepal Strenuous Tours & Trip Packages

Nepal Strenuous Tours & Trips

527 Nepal trips. Tours from 116 tour companies. 2,140 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

87 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Strenuous
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 17 Days
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Outfitter Nepal
Local Expert
Verified by Travelstride as locally operated and in the top of their field for customer reviews, local knowledge, and safety.
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Kathmandu, Manaslu

Highlights

  • Manaslu Trekking is a restricted area trekking trail.
  • Sightseeing tours of historical UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu.
  • Scenic drive to Arughat and Beshisahar to Kathmandu.
  • Visit remote part of Nepal and many verities of Culture and nature.
  • Beautiful backdrop of Ganesh Himal mountain range & Mt. Manaslu.
Show more

Themes

High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"When I was up there in the mountains I thought so many times how lucky I was to be able to travel with such a great and committed company. Very grateful with everyone in the outfitter team."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Kathmandu, Pisa, Pokhara, Tibet

Highlights

  • 11-day trek following the classic Annapurna Circuit
  • Enjoy spectacular views from the Thorong La Pass
  • Great value with all meals on trek included

Themes

Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Good accomodation and an excellent guide. Sagres has lots of nice restaurants and 3 beaches."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Himalaya & Everest View Trek 3D/2N
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
By Bamba
preferred
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Cape Town, Johannesburg, Kathmandu, Knysna, Kruger National Park, Soweto, Stellenbosch

Highlights

  • Enjoy views of Everest on the horizon Admire breathtaking sunsets from hill-top villages Learn about traditional Kathmandu Valley lifestyles

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Generous cancellation

More
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Durbar Square, Kathmandu, Pokhara

Highlights

  • 9-day trek to the vast amphitheatre of the Annapurna Sanctuary
  • View soaring Himalayan peaks including the famous 'fishtail' - Machapuchare
  • All meals on trek included in tour price

Themes

Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"Good accomodation and an excellent guide. Sagres has lots of nice restaurants and 3 beaches."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Himalayas, Kathmandu, Pokhara, Tibet

Highlights

  • Ascend to the clouds and reach an altitude of 5416 metres as you cross the Thorung La Pass along the Annapurna Circuit. Testing your mind and body, this is one hell of an accomplishment.
  • Uncover a different side of the Himalayas, trekking past terraced rice fields, oak and rhododendron forests, there’s a diverse array of nature that awaits in the Annapurna region.
  • Learn about life in Nepalese mountain communities, get to know locals and meet other trekkers while you stay in teahouses in the small communities along the way.
  • Discover Nepal’s compact capital in Kathmandu. With a limited amount of time spent here to discover its bazaars and temples, why not extend your stay beforehand to get a real feel of Nepalese culture.
  • Spend time in the peaceful haven of Pokhara after your trek has finished. Relax with your small group on the banks of Phewa Lake and take in the mountainous surrounds that you have conquered!
Show more

Themes

Hiking & Walking, Trekking & Expeditions

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Discover Darjeeling and Bhutan
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Darjeeling, Durbar Square, Fes, Gangtok, Himalayas, Kathmandu, Paro, Punakha, Thimpu, Tibet, Tiger's Nest Monastery

Highlights

  • An epic journey that traverses countries, cultures and religions with stunning scenery
  • Discover the Indian foothills of the Himalaya and peaceful Darjeeling
  • Delve into Bhutan, a Buddhist nation where success is measured in Gross Domestic Happiness

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Good accomodation and an excellent guide. Sagres has lots of nice restaurants and 3 beaches."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More

Unlock Community Benefits

Travel better together

  • Save favorite trips and itineraries
  • Get insider insights
  • Receive personalized recommendations
  • ... and much more
Join community
Festivals of Bhutan
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They explore a place beyond the typical tourist traps and offer exciting activities that bring the “wow factor” intrepid travelers want.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Strenuous

Visits

Bhaktapur, Durbar Square, Fes, Gangtey, Himalayas, Kathmandu, Paro, Punakha, Taktsang Monastery, Thimpu, Tibet, Tiger's Nest Monastery

Highlights

  • Experience this fascinating Buddhist Kingdom
  • Explore unique monasteries, sweeping mountains and fertile valleys
  • Learn about the traditional lifestyles of the Bhutanese people

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking

What travelers are saying

"Good accomodation and an excellent guide. Sagres has lots of nice restaurants and 3 beaches."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More
Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
4.6/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a huge range of trip styles and themes, they cater to basically every type of traveler out there- even those with super specific interests.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Kathmandu, Pokhara

Highlights

  • Stay overnight at Annapurna Base Camp surrounded by mountains
  • Explore the Annapurna Sanctuary, a huge amphitheatre formed by glistening peaks
  • Enjoy sunrise views of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhare and the Annapurnas from Poon Hill
  • Trek through magnificent forests, terraced fields and pretty villages
  • Spend time in historic Kathmandu and lakeside Pokhara

Themes

Cultural, Hiking & Walking, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Discover Costa Rica is a great itinerary, covering varied habitats around the country and staying 2 nights each at 6 centres. Their birdwatching specials are led by local experts who really know their stuff."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

Generous cancellation

More
Travelstride Gift Card
One card, thousands of extraordinary trips
Gifts Card

Want a tailor-made trip instead?

Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:

  • You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
  • Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
Design custom trip
87 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Strenuous
...

1

2

3

4

5

...

Nepal Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
2,140  Reviews
See all Nepal tour reviews
Excellent
758
Great
124
Average
7
Disappointing
3
Terrible
2
A

Anonymous

Aug 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Annapurna Circuit

This trip was excellent-the first Himalayan experience, a highly thought-of trek through brilliant mountain and remote scenery in mostly ideal weather conditions ...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Annapurna Circuit 12 November - 2 December 2017

A very good tour with an excellent team which was only fair when it came to the transparency of the costs and to a few below standard accommodations, even in the l...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Amazing trekking experience.

Namaste! When we decided to book this trek we considered several things - costing, availability, timings and fitness level; and upon reflection, we chose the right...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Annapurna circuit

I have just returned from a very exciting three week trip to Annapurna circuit. Every day was different and full of adventure. With excellent guide in Gum, we all ...

A

Anonymous

Mar 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Annapurna Circuit

Fantastic trip. Great people, scenery, culture and views. Very well organised and was very well looked after by trip leader and whole exodus team. Visiting poon hil...

Write a Review

Nepal Tour Selection Trips

  • If you select a tour that includes trekking, make sure you’re in sufficient shape to walk the distance – or, as an alternative, choose one that offers horseback rides.
  • Some accommodations during treks are pretty basic, so if where you stay is as important as where you are, look for a tour that includes the comfort level you prefer.
  • Because of the tremendous differences in altitude, the climate in Nepal ranges from tropical in the south to temperate in the central hills and near-Arctic at high altitudes Plan and pack according to your tour itinerary.

Additional details

Where is Nepal?

Nepal is located in Asia, sharing its southern border with India and its northern border with Tibet. The country runs long east to west, and encompasses much of the Great Himalaya mountain range. Mount Everest, the tallest peak in the world, is on the border between Nepal and Tibet. The southern strip of Nepal is relatively flat, the central region is hilly, and the northern swath is dramatic Himalayan terrain.

Packing List for Nepal

Tours to Nepal vary in elevation, terrain, and environment, all of which greatly affect the requirements for your packing list. Will you be trekking above 10,000 feet, wandering through city streets, exploring vibrant jungles, or all of the above? Consider which parts of Nepal you plan to visit when creating your packing list.

If you plan to go hiking or backpacking in Nepal (known locally as “trekking”), you’ll need various layers of sturdy, reliable activewear to keep you warm and comfortable. Pack these if you already own these items; if not, you can buy them in Kathmandu for much less than what you’ll pay in America (plus, this a great way to support the local economy in Nepal, one of Asia’s poorest countries). Temperatures can and do drop below freezing in the mountains at night, even during the summer, so be sure you’ve got enough layers to keep you warm.

If your travels will only take you through the lower-elevation regions of the country, you can pack a bit lighter. 

Here are the essentials for your tour to Nepal:

  • To respect the conservative cultural norms in Nepal, bring modest clothing that covers your shoulders, midriff, and upper legs. 
  • Comfortable shoes are a must for walking through cities and towns, and you’ll need sturdy hiking boots for trekking through the mountains
  • If you plan to use your phone or handheld device during your travels, bring a Type D adapter to plug your charger into the outlets in Nepal
  • Consider bringing a water treatment device (like a Lifestraw or SteriPen) to protect yourself from waterborne pathogens
  • Adequate sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, and hat) is critical, especially at high elevations
  • Rain is common, so bring a waterproof shell to keep you dry should you find yourself in a surprise storm

Everest Trekking Routes

Arguably the world’s most formidable mountain range, the Himalayas are Nepal’s main draw for international travelers. Most tours to Nepal include myriad ways to behold and experience this mighty mountain range. A trip to Everest Base Camp is a fantastic (albeit challenging) way to experience the beauty and awe of the Himalayas, but there are alternative routes that are just as stunning. While many more routes exist beyond these three, here are the most popular Nepal trekking routes.

Everest Base Camp

This classic Nepal trekking route starts with a flight into the town of Lukla, where a narrow airstrip is nestled into steep mountainsides. From 9,380-foot Lukla, the trek climbs in elevation through Sagarmatha National Park (the Nepali name for Mount Everest).

The trek includes stops at the villages of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Dughla, Labuche, and Gorak Shep before reaching Everest Base Camp, which sits at 17,600 feet. The round-trip trek takes about 12 days. There are many options for Nepal guided tours through this region.

Annapurna Circuit

One of Nepal’s most popular hiking routes, The Annapurna Circuit twists around the Annapurna Massif in the central part of Nepal’s Himalayas. The route begins in the town of Besishahar (a bus ride from Kathmandu), makes a 15-day loop through some of Nepal’s most majestic peaks and valleys, and ends in Nayapul (a bus ride from Pokhara). The highest point along the trek is 17,770-foot Thorong La Pass.

Manaslu Circuit

Closer to Kathmandu than the other popular trekking routes, the Manaslu Circuit boasts fewer crowds than Everest and Annapurna while still offering passage through Nepal’s breathtaking, high-elevation terrain. The trek takes about 13 days, reaching its highest elevation at 16,850-foot Larkya La, and showcases Manaslu Peak, the 8th tallest mountain in the world.

Weather in Nepal

As you can imagine, weather on Nepal’s 17,000-foot mountain passes varies greatly from weather in the country’s low-elevation jungles and river valleys. There are three distinct weather zones in Nepal:

  • The Terai zone, along Nepal’s southern border, is composed mainly of jungle and farmland. The weather is warm and humid for much of the year. This zone is subject to heavy rains and floods during monsoon season, as is Pahar.
  • Pahar, Nepal’s central zone, is composed of foothills and valleys. Temperatures are generally warm and pleasant year-round, although evenings may require extra layers for warmth.
  • The Himalayas make up the northern strip of the country, and temperatures consistently dips below freezing, especially at night. Winter storms can be catastrophic. The upside? Some of these areas get less rain than regions farther south, due to the “rain shadow” effect (created by walls of towering mountains that rain clouds can’t pass through).

Best Time to Visit Nepal

Visits to the southern and central parts of Nepal are best between November and February, when the area’s winter conditions offer clear skies and moderate temperatures. While you’ll want to stay away from the Himalayas during this time of year, winter is the perfect time of year to visit places like Pokhara, Kathmandu, and Chitwan National Park.

Spring, between March and June, is the best time for Nepal trekking tours. The winter snows have begun to melt, wildflowers are abundant, and longer daylight hours offer more time on the trail.

The monsoon season begins in July, which consists of daily rain showers, high temperatures, humidity, and flash floods. If you choose to visit during the summer, you may want to check out western Nepal’s “rain shadow” region. Places like Mustang, Dolpo, and Tsum Valley receive far less rainfall than the popular areas in the central and eastern parts of the country.

Autumn is an especially lovely time to visit Kathmandu. The rains have washed away much of the city’s smog, so the views are brilliant. During October and November, the city celebrates two its most important festivals—Dashain and Tihar—which fill the streets with parades, decorations, singing, and dancing.

Always Find the Best

On Travelstride you can find 527 trips to Nepal and more than 20,000 trips worldwide ranging from budget to luxury and private guided to group tours and everything in between. Only on Stride can you find and compare expert-planned trips from 1,000+ tour operators, cruise lines and local experts. Read traveler and professional reviews so you can confidently find your perfect trip.

Top Tour Companies on Travelstride:
All 1,600+ companies >
Sign in to reveal savings up to $700 per person!