GHT Yeti Trail
Great Himalayan Trail — Eastern Section, the moderate high route
GHT Yeti Trail overview
The Yeti Trail is our named route through the Eastern Section of the Great Himalayan Trail — a 35-day traverse linking Kanchenjunga, the Arun valley, and the Everest region without committing to the technical glacier passes of the GHT's hardest alpine variant. Starting at the Suketar airstrip near Taplejung, the route climbs into the Kanchenjunga massif, visits both the north (Pang Pema) and south (Oktang) base camps, then crosses Lumba Sumba La (5,159 m) into the wild, sparsely trekked Arun valley before joining the classic trails of the Makalu and Khumbu regions and finishing in Lukla. It is a full cross-section of eastern Nepal — Limbu and Rai lowland villages, Sherpa highland settlements, and three separate 8,000 m massifs — strung together on foot, condensed into a single continuous expedition for trekkers who want the scale of the GHT without its most extreme technical demands.
Country
Nepal
Duration
35 Days
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Max. altitude
5,159 m (Lumba Sumba La)
Best season
Mar–May / Sep–Nov
Difficulty level
Hard
Itinerary
Final briefing, permit checks, and equipment inspection in Kathmandu, followed by a flight to the Suketar airstrip near Taplejung, the trek's starting point.
Price includes
- Kathmandu–Suketar flight and Lukla–Kathmandu flight
- Experienced English-speaking GHT-licensed lead guide and assistant guide
- Full camping and porter crew for sections without teahouse coverage
- Tea house accommodation where available, camping elsewhere
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit, Makalu Barun National Park permit, and Sagarmatha National Park permit
- First aid kit, oxygen cylinder, 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