Nepal

Expert view: essential Nepal Activity Holidays

Asia Base Camp Manager Valerie Parkinson has been leading treks in the Himalaya for more 30 years, and has spent over 50% of her life surrounded by the most magnificent mountains on earth. She’s a little bit of a legend in the Exodus world, having led treks in Kashmir and Ladakh, as well as Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and Tibet, accumulating vast knowledge. In 2008 she became the first British woman to climb Manalsu without supplementary oxygen and in 2009 she reached 8,761m, the South Summit of Everest. Here she selects her top Himalaya adventures.

1. Trekking Everest and the surrounding mountains: Most activities here revolve around the mountains, with Mount Everest taking the spotlight. The Everest trail takes you through the Sherpa heartland with awe-inspiring views. “Straddling a ridge with breathtaking views of Everest, Thyangboche Monastery is the holiest place in the Sherpa Highlands. En route to Everest, Hillary and Tenzing paused for a blessing. We stay in the teahouse next door, so close you can hear monks chanting,” says Valerie. Trekkers up for the ultimate challenge aim for Everest Base Camp located on the rugged Kumbhu Glacier, the foot of the world’s tallest peak.

2. Cycling holidays in Nepal: Cycling from Lhasa, in Tibet, to the Nepalese capital of Kathmandu is an epic journey that takes adventure cycling to new levels. This overland route takes in high altitude desert, awesome mountain passes and the north face of Everest. “The highlight of this challenging ride is undoubtedly Khardung La. At 5,602m it’s the highest drivable road in the world. Get to the top and be rewarded by close-up views of the Karakorums, and an exhilarating 40km ride down,” she says.

3. The Annapurna Circuit – in luxury: What Everest has in size, the Annapurna range more than makes up in sheer diversity. It takes in virtually every range of scenery Nepal has to offer, ranging from the sub-tropical to alpine forests, from semi-desert to mountain passes. It is also home to many tribal villages, both Buddhist and Hindu. Whilst trekking in Nepal you’ll get to meet the hospitable people of these remote villages. And there’s good news for those who like a little luxury, says Valerie: “Not all Himalayan trekking holidays require roughing it. Our low-altitude route through villages and farmland to the Annapurna foothills includes two nights at Himalaya Lodge. Where the snow-capped Annapurna peaks feel close enough to touch and there are fluffy duvets…”

4. Wildlife holidays in Nepal: Nepal isn’t just about mountaineering. Lush valleys give way to incredible gorges and rivers, a stunning backdrop to its amazing flora and fauna. Wildlife holidays don’t come much better; elusive snow leopards inhabit the mountains and Chitwan National Park is home to elephants and rhino. Walking, cycling, river rafting and elephant bath time are perfect activities for an unforgettable adventure holiday. “Follow in the footsteps of the BBC's Planet Earth and track snow leopards with guides – with an 80% success rate – in Hemis National Park. You’ll also see Tibetan ibex, blue sheep, red foxes and wolves on your journey, and visit a monastic festival.”

Click here to read Nepal travel insights from Valerie and the rest of our travel experts.