GHT Connecting Trail
The full Great Himalayan Trail — a single ~1,700 km traverse of Nepal, coast to coast
GHT Connecting Trail overview
The Connecting Trail is the complete, unabridged Great Himalayan Trail — a single continuous traverse of roughly 1,700 km linking the Eastern, Central, and Western Sections into one uninterrupted journey from Suketar near Taplejung in the far east to Simikot in Humla, on the doorstep of Mount Kailash. Rather than the technical glaciated passes of the alpine high route, the Connecting Trail follows the lower, teahouse- and homestay-supported corridor threading together every major trekking region in Nepal: Kanchenjunga, Makalu, the Khumbu, Rolwaling, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Annapurna, Mustang, Dolpo, and Humla. At roughly five months of continuous walking, it is one of the longest waymarked trekking routes on Earth, crossing more than a dozen ecological zones, a dozen ethnic and linguistic communities, and virtually every headline mountain range Nepal has to offer, without ever leaving the ground on foot. This is offered as a fully supported, staged expedition for the rare trekker with the time, fitness, and commitment to walk the length of the Himalaya in a single season.
Country
Nepal
Duration
152 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
5,360 m (highest teahouse-accessible pass on route)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Hard
Itinerary
Extended briefing, full equipment and medical check, and permit processing for the entire multi-region expedition, followed by the flight to Suketar to begin the Eastern Section.
Price includes
- Kathmandu–Suketar flight and Simikot–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu flights
- Full-expedition lead guide (GHT-experienced) with rotating regional assistant guides and climbing support where required
- Full camping and porter/mule crew for all sections without teahouse coverage
- Tea house and homestay accommodation where available, camping elsewhere
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner) for the full 152 days
- All regional permits: Kanchenjunga, Makalu Barun, Sagarmatha, Gaurishankar, Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna (ACAP), Upper Mustang Restricted Area, Upper Dolpo Restricted Area, and Humla region permits
- Comprehensive medical kit, oxygen cylinder, and pulse oximeter carried by the guide team
- Scheduled resupply points and rest days built into the itinerary at Lukla, Besisahar, Jomsom, and Dunai
- Emergency high-altitude helicopter rescue coordination
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee (multi-entry visa required given trip length)
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu at the start, end, and resupply points
- Travel and rescue insurance with extended high-altitude, multi-month coverage (mandatory)
- Personal trekking and camping gear for a 5-month, multi-climate expedition
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Wi-Fi and communication costs (unavailable across most of the route)
- Tips for the full guide, crew, and porter team (customary, substantial given trek length)
Packing tips
Packing right is half the battle on any Himalayan trek. Keep your main bag under 15 kg — your porter will thank you. Everything in your daypack should be accessible on the trail.
Clothing & Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layers (2–3 sets)
- Insulating mid-layer — fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and trousers
- Trekking trousers (convertible zip-off recommended)
- Warm hat, sun hat, and buff/neck gaiter
- Thermal gloves and waterproof over-gloves
- Woollen or synthetic trekking socks (5–7 pairs)
Footwear
- Sturdy, ankle-supporting trekking boots (broken in before the trip)
- Camp sandals or lightweight shoes for evenings at tea houses
- Waterproof gaiters for snow sections
Gear & Equipment
- 30–40 L daypack with rain cover
- Trekking poles (reduces knee stress on descents)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sleeping bag rated to −10°C (tea house blankets are provided but can be thin)
- Sunglasses with UV400 protection
- Reusable water bottle or hydration bladder (3 L capacity recommended)
- Water purification tablets or a portable filter
Health & Safety
- Personal first aid kit with blister plasters, antiseptic, and pain relief
- Altitude sickness medication (Diamox) — consult your doctor before
- High-SPF sunscreen and UV-protective lip balm
- Insect repellent (lower elevations)
- Hand sanitiser and wet wipes
Frequently asked questions
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