The Great Himalayan Trail is one of the longest high-altitude routes in the world. Its total length is 4500 kilometers. The path runs through India, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet. Of course, the highest and most interesting part of the route goes in Nepal
Idea and purpose:
– to pass the Nepalese part of the world’s longest tourist high-altitude route,
– to go the route solo, as far as possible, where there is no technical (Tashi Labsta pass), as well as legal restrictions (Manaslu region);
Route:
– traverse all over Nepal by maximum high roads,
– the length of the route is approximately 1500 km,
– high – about 100 000 m,
When:
March – June 2019
Tasks:
– to overcome a route of at least 1500 km in length, passing 15 pass-overs which excess 5000 m,
– take this little-known route solo*,
– inform you about successes and defeats in FB and on a special channel in Telegramm,
– to collect and provide information in Ukrainian and English, making it accessible to a wider range of readers,
– to support the local population, using their services and buying food,
* – as of today (2018) the route was overcome by 96 people, only 3-4 of them passed his solo. For comparison: the number of ascents to Everest (2018) exceeds 8300 people.
Introduction:
Not so many people have heard of this route, which is not surprising, since the authorities officially opened it only in October 2011. And in the end, it is extremely difficult to name this route as a trekking route in the classical sense. Although it goes through many popular areas such as Annapurna and Everest, most of the route does not have signposting, trails, crowds of tourists and their accompanying guides. This, in fact, was the main idea of the track: to combine the most popular well-known areas with little-studied poor areas, showing the enormous tourist potential of these forgotten by people and God’s territories. The 1700 km long pedestrian route goes through the foothills of the Himalayas and 16 districts of the country: from the city of Taplejung on the border with India to the areas of Darchula and Humla near the border with China. Throughout the route it is possible to see all Nepalese eight-thousanders: Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna.
There are two versions of the Great Himalayan trail: lower and upper.
The low route, also known as “cultural”, goes at an average height of 2000 m. The highest elevation is 4519 m. The track goes through forests and meadows near pastures and rice plantations, through a multitude of tiny and big villages, making tourist to get acquainted with the culture and everyday life of ordinary Nepalis. The track can be reached by stopping at night in the lodges, without stocking food and special equipment. On average, the track lasts for 100 days, and its length is 1500 km.
High route runs as close as possible to the Nepalese eight-thousandths and crosses many pasovers and rivers; goes through high plateaus and desert valleys. To overcome this route, you must carry a tent and climbing equipment, food and kitchen accessories, and be prepared for long and completely autonomous sections of the path. Extremely necessary condition is the considerable experience of expeditions and ascents as there will be more than 20 pass-overs of the 5000 m higher and 2 pass-overs above 6000 m. 5 of them are considered to be technical, for their passing rope, cats, ice-hubs and other equipment are needed. The time required for this option is 150 days. It is clear that this option attracted me the most and I plan going on it.