For any trekking adventures in Nepal, it is always recommendable to do enough homework before your trek commences. It includes a clear knowledge of what to expect, a practical packing list and obviously a good grasp of the trail & its features, something this article is aiming to provide you with.
Below you’ll find the links to twelve maps of ten trekking regions in Nepal, which covers the entire route of the Nepali section of the Great Himalayan Trail. These online maps are the result of our collaboration with the Himalayan Map House and cannot be downloaded. Paper maps are widely available in book stores in Nepal. They can also be easily purchased online from Amazon.
For now, I hope you’ll find these as a great source of reference. These maps are arranged in the order from East to West of Nepal.
GHT Kanchenjunga Trek Map
Kanchenjunga region is home to the 3rd highest mountain in the world Mt Kanchenjunga. This is one of the few trekking regions in Nepal where you must trek with a guide and it requires a minimum of two trekkers. Trekking duration ranges from 14 to 22 days with basic teahouse accommodation & facility compared to other regions in Nepal.
This map covers the entire route of Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek, which includes both North and South Base Camp. It shows the connection with Makalu region via Lumba Sumba Pass.
GHT Makalu Trek Map
This region hosts Makalu the 5th highest mountain in the world and connects with Everest region via Sherpani Col Pass. A regular trek to Makalu Base Camp would range between 16 and 20 days. Independent trekking is allowed here.
The map below covers the entire route of Makalu Base Camp Trek. You can see it connects with Kanchenjunga on the eastern side (Via Lumba Sumba Pass) and Everest on the western side (Via Sherpani Col).
GHT Everest (Solu Khumbu) Trek Map
The region is undoubtedly famous for Everest, Lhotse and Cho Oyu, 1st, 4th and 6th highest mountain in the world respectively. With independent trekking allowed and treks range from 7 to 18 days, Everset region is definitely the busiest in Nepal.
This map includes the entire trekking routes of Everest such as Everest Base Camp Trek, Gokyo Lake trek, Everest Three Passes Trek, Everest View Trek and Mera Peak. The region connects with Rolwaling via Tashi Lapcha Pass to the west.
GHT Rolwaling Trek Map
Rolwaling is home to Tso Rolpa Lake one of the biggest glacial lakes in Nepal. Treks in the region ranges from 12 to 20 days with certain parts being restricted areas so the rule of compulsory guide and minimum 2 trekkers is applied.
The map shows the entire trekking route of Tso Rolpa Lake and connects to Langtang & Helambu region to the west visa Tilman Pass.
GHT Langtang Helambu Trek Map
The region is famous for the holy Gosaikunda lake. Popular treks include Langtang Valley Trek, Gosaikunda Lake Trek, Helambu Trek, Panch Pokhari Trek. Trek durations last from 5 to 12 days and independent trekking is allowed. The regions connects to Manaslu and Ganesh Himal via Pang Sang Pass to the west.
GHT Manaslu Ganesh Himal Trek Map
The popularity of Manaslu Region is rising within recent years. There are two restricted areas which are Manaslu and Tsum where you need to obtain restricted permits and follow certain rules.
The map shows the routes of Manaslu Circuit Trek, Tsum Valley Trek and Ganesh Himal Trek. The region is connected to Annapurna, Nar Phu visa Larkey Pass to the west. Trekking in the region ranges from 13 to 22 days.
GHT Annapurna Nar Phu Trek Map
The region is home to Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, the world’s 7th and 10th highest mountain. Except for Nar Phu Valley where restricted area’s rules are applied, you can trek independently on other routes. It is between 15 to 20 days depending on the routes you choose.
You’ll find on the map routes of Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Khopra Trek. However, it doesn’t include Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, which you can find in this separate link.
The region borders with Dolpo & Mustang to the west vis Thorong La Pass.
GHT Mustang Trek Map
The Forbidden Kingdom of Upper Mustang is home to Lo Manthang, mysterious sky caves and numerous Buddhist monasteries. It is a restricted area so special permit is required and you must operate the trek through a local trekking agency.
Technically Upper Mustang belongs to Annapurna Region. This map details the route of Upper Mustang Trek. You can see on the map that it is connected to Nar Phu via Teri La Pass to the east and to Dolpo to the west via different routes.
GHT Dolpo & Mugu Trek Map
Highlights of the region include Shey Phoksundo Lake, Rara Lake. Dolpo is also known as the land of Bon Religion. It is a restricted area so independent trekking is not allowed, with the exception of Rara Lake. Trekking in Dolpo & Mugu region can range from 16 to 30 days.
The map covers the entire trekking in Dolpo & Mugu Lower Dolpo Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek, Rara Lake Trek. The map comes with double side print, which I named A and B.
GHT Far West Trek Map
This is the remotest region in Nepal, home to Hilsa which is the gateway to the holy Mt Kailash. Independent trekking is not allowed in the Far West. You need to have at least 2 trekkers, a guide accompanying and pay for special permits. Due to its remote nature and lack of facilities for trekker, all of the treks here are camping treks.
The map covers Limi Valley Trek, Nara La Pass Trek. It comes with double side print which I named A and B.
I just want to thank you so much for posting these maps. I haven’t been able to find such high fidelity uploads anywhere else and I love exploring these maps in preparation for future treks.
Thanks Liam! Glad you found these maps helpful, have a nice time trekking in Nepal.
Hi,
These maps are a great help to get a feel for the GHT.
However, I’m struggling to understand what the grid lines mean. They’re labelled from 1 horizontally and from A vertically and are 12km square. What does it mean? I have a paper map of the Everest region from a different publisher that has the same thing except for the size of the grid is different. I have spent hours on the internet trying to work it out.