A guide to trekking in the Himalayas: Everest, K2 and the Annapurna
The Himalayas stretch for approximately 2400 kilometres between the Indian subcontinent and the Tibetan plateau. With such great magnitude and much to consider, including altitude sickness, visas, permits and trekking guides, it is hard to know where to begin when planning what could be the trek of a lifetime. Whether hiking in Pakistan's Karakoram or taking on iconic base camp treks to K2 and Everest, this guide provides all the resources you need to start planning your epic adventure in Asia.
Trekking in the Himalaya
£20.00
An inspirational guidebook to 20 treks along the 2400km Himalayan chain. Includes classics such as the treks to Everest and K2 base camps and the Annapurna Circuit. Also epic glacier treks, ultra-long expedition treks and sacred treks. This is a book to inspire and excite, guaranteed to entice any with an adventurous spirit and love of wild places.
More informationKarakoram
Whilst not generally considered part of the central Himalayas, the Karakoram is a mountain range in Northern Pakistan that, within a radius of 180 km, offers the highest concentration of high peaks anywhere in the world. With more than 100 summits above 7000m (and only two of them less than 8000m), this is a trekking heaven. Drained by the mighty Indus, which divides the Himalayas from the Karakoram, this is a harsh and unforgiving land, in which hardy mountain folk inhabit beautiful villages, their link with the rest of the country being the famous Karakoram Highway. Trekking in the mountains of Pakistan is like no other place in the world, but it does require a certain level of trekking experience, as all the routes described in the guidebook are strenuous. This includes a trek to the base camp of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world at 8611m (28,251 ft) above sea level.
Trekking in the Karakoram
Pakistan: K2, Snow Lake, Gondogoro La and Nanga Parbat
£24.95
Three of the most popular high-altitude treks in Pakistan's Karakoram, among some of the world's highest mountains: Snow Lake and the Biafo and Hispar Glaciers; the K2 Base Camp Trek; and Gondogoro La via Concordia. Also includes two shorter treks in the shadow of Nanga Parbat: Fairy Meadows and Rakhiot Base Camp Trek; and a trek to Diamir Face.
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Indian Himalayas, India
Our guidebook to the Indian Himalayas focuses on the Uttarakhand region, which is often referred to as the 'Abode of the Gods' because of its connection to stories, combining the beauty and cultural richness of the Himalayas. Uttarakhand is a place to experience the jungle with its rich biodiversity and protected national parks, as well as the mountains. It is home to some of the most iconic mountains in the Indian Himalayas: Nanda Devi (7816m), Shivling (6543m) and Kamet (7756m). The routes included in the guidebook are diverse in terms of difficulty, location, and landscape, allowing trekkers to explore the region's pilgrimage sites, forests, mountains, and local villages that have helped shape the landscape.
Trekking in the Indian Himalayas
8 treks in Uttarakhand – Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Shivling and Gaumukh, the source of the Ganges
£24.95
Guidebook to 8 treks in the Uttarakhand Himalaya, including the Nanda Devi Sanctuary, Shivling and the source of the Ganges. Ranging from 3 to 8 days, these guided trekking routes take in verdant valleys, alpine meadows, peaks, glaciers, holy sites and national parks, with the chance to see protected species such as snow leopard and musk deer.
More informationEverest
Mount Everest (8,849m), synonymous with epic adventure and heroism, is every bit as spectacular as might be imagined, and a trek to its base will fulfil many a lifetime ambition. The upper Khumbu Valley, with Everest Base Camp (EBC) and the peak of Kala Patthar (the best viewpoint to see the mountain), is the obvious magnet for most travellers planning a trek in the region. The guidebook describes the classic Everest Base Camp trek from Lukla via Namche Baazar as well as routes to Gokyo. But while it is an obvious attraction, Everest is by no means the only thing a trip to the region will be remembered for. From extraordinary landscapes and wildlife to a rich culture and diverse people – there is much in the region to offer the keen traveller.
Everest: A Trekker's Guide
Base Camp, Kala Patthar, Gokyo Ri. Trekking routes in Nepal and Tibet
£22.95
Guidebook to trekking in the Everest region of the Himalaya in Nepal, including Thame Valley, Lukla to Namche, Everest Base Camp from Namche and Gokyo (the Cho la and Phortse route), plus one route in Tibet (the Kharta Valley). Also describes the Three Passes trek (Dingboche to Namche via Kongma La, Cho La, Renjo La).
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Bhutan
Bhutan is a mountainous country with an extensive natural border formed by high mountains to the north, rising over 7000m and virtually impassable jungle to the south. It has the highest elevation of any country on the planet. Trekking in Bhutan is distinct from many other regions in Asia, as it is home to a diverse array of rich flora and fauna, with over 80% of the Bhutan Himalayas covered in forest or shrubs. You'll also find fewer villages in the high mountains when compared to places like Nepal, and you'll likely be climbing much higher each day than in other Himalayan countries, which brings with it the risk of altitude sickness. Bhutan is also more expensive as travellers must pay a substantial daily tax to the government. Most trekkers in Bhutan opt to take on the Jhomolhari Bonte La Circuit, a 85.5km circular trail with over 3,200 m (10,000ft) of altitude gain.
Trekking in Bhutan
22 multi-day treks including the Lunana 'Snowman' Trek, Jhomolhari, Druk Path and Dagala treks
£19.95
A guidebook to 22 multi-day treks in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, including the Jhomolhari, Druk Path and Dagala treks. The trails vary from 2 to 23 days long. The routes are mostly in western and central Bhutan, and range from easy to strenuous depending on the length, altitude and difficulty. Includes advice on cultural awareness.
More informationAnnapurna
Of all the great Himalayan peaks, the Annapurnas are unique. They are not defined by a single soaring summit, but comprise a vast massif, encompassing multiple peaks, spires and impossibly high ridges. The entire range spans approximately 60 km in length, featuring four major peaks and numerous subsidiary summits. The Annapurna Circuit and the Annapurna Sanctuary remain classics and are known as top trekking destinations. Often-overlooked regions, including Nar-Phu, one of the most astonishing areas in the Annapurna range, as well as the Mardi Himal Trek and the Machhapuchhre Trek, are also described within the guidebook. These are areas that should not be missed as trekking in these lesser-known trails takes you to a new level of adventure.
Annapurna
14 treks including the Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary
£18.95
A comprehensive trekking guidebook to the Annapurna region - the most popular trekking area in Nepal. Fourteen diverse treks are described including the classic Annapurna Circuit and the Annapurna Sanctuary as well as treks in the lesser known Machhapuchhre area, the foothills of Lamjung Himal and restricted areas - Mustang, Damodar and Nar-Phu.
More informationLadakh
Ladakh, at the northern tip of India, is a harsh, high-altitude region of mountain passes and remote monasteries. Like the Karakoram, Ladakh is located in the shadow of the Great Himalayas and is instead classed as part of the Trans-Himalayan range. Despite this, its magnificent landscape, hospitable and charming people, rich heritage and still limited number of tourists make it a desirable destination for every trekker. Like with many of the destinations described here, trekking in Ladakh is far from easy, as the altitude makes the physical demands of the treks that much harder and creature comforts are few.
Trekking in Ladakh
Eight adventurous trekking routes
£22.95
An essential guidebook to trekking in Ladakh. With detailed descriptions of eight treks in the Ladakh, Zanskar and the Markha Valley of north India, including details on combinations and alternative routes. Ladakh is a remote environment where trekking is extremely challenging, for adventurous trekkers only. Practical information is also included.
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Check before you travel
The Himalayas span multiple countries, with several areas subject to border disputes and varying political sensitivities. Travellers are strongly advised to consult their country’s foreign office or travel advisory service before planning a trip, to ensure they have the most up-to-date guidance for the region they intend to visit.
For UK travellers: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice
Some of the countries listed also require permits for trekking, including Nepal and the Indian Himalayas. Be sure to check that you have the required permits before trekking in any of these areas.
