“The true distance the team and I have covered is written in the blizzards of the steep mountain passes we’ve been over. It is written in the sandstorms of the dried-up riverbeds, written in the paw prints we’ve seen of leopards, in the kindness of local people everywhere,
written in the pounding of our hearts during the toughest moments and in the laughter of my Nepali team, even when they were exhausted.”
– Rosie Swale Pope, MBE, Adventurer, Motivational Speaker (2003)
“There was no single moment of the expedition that stands out above others. Every day was jam-packed with intense experiences, each unique yet equally powerful. This is the ultimate trekking trail in the world. It raises the bar on anything I’ve ever done.”
– Sean Burch, USA (2010)
“Nepal’s mountains are minimally developed, but they offer a wealth of trade and pilgrimage routes. The GHT elegantly connects these existing paths without blazing a single new trail.”
– James Vlahos (2009), National Geographic Adventure Magazine
The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) in Nepal is an 885 km trekking route that spans the country from Humla in the west to Kanchenjunga, Ilam in the east. This route links popular trekking regions with remote, less-explored areas, creating one of the world’s longest and highest trails. It traverses breathtaking landscapes—from lush valleys to arid plateaus—while connecting the cultures of the Himalayas in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, India, and Pakistan.
In 2003, Tailored Treks and Expeditions organized the pioneering full-length trek along the GHT for Rosie Swale Pope from the UK, raising funds for health and community projects in Humla, Nepal. The expedition was led by Kumar Karki, and co-owner Jigme Lama served as Project Director. In 2010, the team also supported ultra-adventure athlete Sean Burch in setting a world record for the fastest crossing of Nepal on the GHT, completing the trek in 49 days. This record-breaking achievement highlighted the GHT as the ultimate challenge for high-altitude endurance and exploration.
Since 2003, the team at Tailored Treks and Expeditions has been deeply involved in the Great Himalaya Trail Development Program, from pioneering early expeditions to engaging in trail development work through 2017 and beyond. Jigme Lama also served as Project Manager for the Great Himalaya Trail Development Pilot Project (2008-2010), supported by UNWTO, UK AID, and SNV Nepal, and remains actively involved in ongoing development projects along the trail.
Tailored Treks and Expeditions is proud to be a part of these early GHT expeditions and trail development efforts, contributing to sustainable tourism and supporting the socio-economic development of communities along the route. With unparalleled experience and up-to-date insights on the trail, we are ready to help you design a trekking journey along the GHT that will be truly unforgettable.
Great Himalaya Trail Overview
The Nepal section of the GHT can be approached from various start/end points. Based on our experience of guiding major expeditions across Nepal and several side trails since 2003, we offer customized packages divided into sections, each unique in its attractions and challenges:
Great Himalaya Trail Facts:
– Length of Trail (Trekking Days Only): 60 – 93+
– Eastern Start Point: Pashupatinagar, Ilam
– Western End Point: Hilsa, Humla
– Highest Point: Tashi Lapcha Pass, 5,555 m, Mustang
– Grade:Sections 1-5: Easy-Moderate Strenuous, Sections 6-8: Strenuous
– Organization: Eastern part to Jomsom features tea houses; camping is needed in more remote areas.
Packages/Sections:
1. Pashupatinagar – Tumlingtar: 8 days
2. Tumlingtar – Phaplu via Arun Valley: 10 days
3. Phaplu – Chisapani: 14 days
4. Kakani – Humde: 18 days
5. Humde – Juphal, Dolpa: 17 days
6. Phoksundo/Juphal – Rara Talcha AP:14 days
7. Rara – Simikot: 10 days
8. Simikot – Hilsa (optional Mt. Kailash add-on): 6 + 8 days, plus 4 days for Mt. Kailash
Note: The trekking days above are approximations; additional days may be needed for transport to the starting point or return from the endpoint of each section.
For more detailed itineraries, route information, or to book your journey, please contact us. We’re here to help you organize the adventure of a lifetime on the Great Himalaya Trail.
