GHT Red Panda Trail
Great Himalayan Trail — Central Section, through red panda forest habitat
GHT Red Panda Trail overview
The Red Panda Trail covers the Central Section of the Great Himalayan Trail, named for the red panda populations that inhabit the temperate forests of Rolwaling and Gaurishankar, through which the route's early stages pass. Starting from Charikot, the trail climbs into the Rolwaling valley beneath Gauri Shankar, crosses into Langtang via remote connecting trails, continues through the Tamang villages of Gosaikunda and Helambu, and links into the Ganesh Himal foothills before joining the Manaslu Circuit's Larkya La (5,160 m) crossing, finishing at Besisahar on the edge of the Annapurna region. Over 32 days it strings together four of Nepal's central trekking regions — Rolwaling, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu — into a single continuous traverse, passing through some of the last significant red panda and snow leopard habitat corridors outside the designated national parks.
Country
Nepal
Duration
32 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
5,160 m (Larkya La)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Hard
Itinerary
Final briefing and equipment check in Kathmandu, followed by the drive east to Charikot, the trek's starting point.
Price includes
- Kathmandu–Charikot and Besisahar–Kathmandu ground transport
- Experienced English-speaking GHT-licensed lead guide and assistant guide
- Full camping and porter crew for the connecting sections without teahouse coverage
- Tea house accommodation where available, camping elsewhere
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area, Langtang National Park, and Manaslu Restricted Area / Conservation Area permits
- First aid kit and pulse oximeter carried by guide
- Emergency high-altitude rescue coordination
- Trek completion certificate
What's not included
- International airfare to/from Kathmandu
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu
- Travel and rescue insurance with high-altitude coverage (mandatory)
- Personal trekking and camping gear for extended high-altitude travel
- Alcoholic drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses
- Wi-Fi and communication costs (unavailable across most of the route)
- Tips for guide, crew, and porters (customary, significant 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
Starting from