East Nepal is primarily categorized into two provinces—Koshi and Madhesh. Our particular focus for trekking packages is the mountainous region of Koshi, as Madhesh is all Terai.
The major districts Altitude Himalaya focuses on include Taplejung, Panchthar, Sankhuwasabha, and Solukhumbu. In this particular section, you’ll also find the Tsho Rolpa Trek, which is part of the Dolakha district (a part of central-east Nepal).
Even the tallest mountain in the world, Mt. Everest (8,848m), is a part of Eastern Nepal. However, for the Everest Base Camp and other treks, we have a separate category called Khumbu/Everest region, which you can check out.
That brings us to the base camps of the third and fifth-highest mountains in the world: Mt. Kanchenjunga (5,143m) and Mt. Makalu (4,870m), which become the highlights of this trek. Besides, you could even opt for Pathibhara Devi Temple, Timbu Pokhari, and a longer Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
The viewpoints you reach in Eastern Nepal provide panoramic views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, the Rolwaling range, and other towering peaks among the tallest in the world.
Moreover, you’ll get the opportunity to witness diverse flora and fauna. From tropical and subtropical forests to temperate and alpine meadows, every part of the East Nepal treks features unique terrains, varying distinctly from one destination to another.
And if you’re lucky, you might spot tigers, sheep, ghoral, musk deer, leopards, wild dogs, marmots, weasels, mouse hares, rhesus and langur monkeys, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bears, jackals, and more!
You’ll also get to immerse yourselves in the cultures of the Sherpa, Limbu, Tamang, and Rai communities. East Nepal is indeed one of the best places to celebrate local festivals, like Mani Rimdu, Dumji, Udhauli, and Tibetan New Year (Lhosar).
There’s so much to explore in the eastern part of Nepal that still remains hidden from the outside world. Through our guides at Altitude Himalaya, we hope to give you a very different perspective of Nepal. Let’s learn about them right here!
Eastern Nepal Treks Overview
East Nepal is a hidden gem of Nepal that many tourists miss out on. If you’re someone who prefers peaceful trails, little to no crowd at all, and wants to immerse yourself completely in nature, this region would be the best choice.
We’re pretty sure you might have never heard of the treks in the eastern part of Nepal. Let us guide you through some of the most breathtaking trekking destinations:
Trekking Destination |
Highest Altitude |
Protected Area |
Difficulty Level |
Major attractions |
Major caste |
Kanchenjunga Base Camp / Kanchenjunga Circuit |
5,143m |
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area |
Challenging |
Octang and Pang Pema, views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Ghunsa Village |
Rai and Limbu |
4,700m |
Gaurishankhar Conservation Area |
Moderate |
Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake, Dudh Kunda sacred lake, views of Rolwaling mountain range |
Sherpa, Gurung, Tamang, Magar |
|
3,794m |
Boundary of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area |
Easy |
Shakti Peeth temple of Pathibhara Mata, Kanchenjunga mountain range |
Brahmin, Chhetri, Limbu |
|
4,870m |
Makalu Barun National Park |
Shiva Dhara, views of Mt. Makalu, Everest, Baruntse, and Chamlang |
Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, Tamang |
||
Timbu or Timbung Pokhari |
4,335m |
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area |
Easy |
New tourist destination, beautiful view of the pond, view of Mt. Kanchenjunga |
Limbu |
Other treks you might want to explore: Mundum Trek, Arun Valley, Rolwaling Valley, Milke Danda, Lower Solukhumbu, etc.
Permits Required for East Nepal Treks
It’s not just the Annapurna region or Everest area that require permits. Every protected area in Nepal requires separate permits and entry fees that you need to pay. In fact, in the restricted areas, you need to get the respective permits too.
You don’t have to stress about the trekking permits as long as you’re connected with Altitude Himalaya. That’s our job to arrange, and we include them within our East Nepal packages itself.
But for information purposes, it’s best that you keep track of these permits. Here’s everything you should know:
Permits |
Treks |
Nepali Citizens |
SAARC National |
International Trekkers |
Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit |
Kanchenjunga Base Camp, Pathibhara Temple, Timbu Pokhari |
NPR 100 |
NPR 500 |
NPR 2000 |
Phantanglung Rural Municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Kanchenjunga Base Camp |
- |
For first 4 weeks: USD 20/week |
|
Mikwakhola Rural Municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Kanchenjunga Base Camp |
- |
||
Beyond 4 weeks: USD 25/week |
||||
Sirijunga Rural Municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Kanchenjunga Base Camp |
- |
||
TIMS Card |
Tsho Rolpa Dudhkunda, Pathibhara Temple, Makalu Base Camp, Timbu Pokhari |
- |
Group: NPR 300 |
Group: NPR 1000 |
Individual: NPR 600 |
Individual: NPR 2000 |
|||
Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit |
Tsho Rolpa Dudhkunda |
NPR 100 |
NPR 1000 |
NPR 3000 |
Gaurishankar Rural Municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Tsho Rolpa Dudhkunda |
- |
USD 20/week |
|
Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit |
Makalu Base Camp |
NPR 100 |
NPR 1500 |
NPR 3000 |
Bhotkhola Rural Municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Makalu Base Camp |
- |
For first 4 weeks: USD 20/week Beyond 4 weeks: USD 25/week |
|
Makalu Rural Municipality Restricted Area Permit |
Makalu Base Camp |
- |
These were just the popular treks in Eastern Nepal that have been included after careful consideration of our prior experiences with our guests. There are even more hidden gems within the eastern region of Nepal that you can choose from, and you can request us for a customized trekking experience
Best Time to Visit East Nepal
The best time to visit Nepal is during the Spring and Autumn seasons, and that’s the same case for eastern Nepal too. So, if you’re planning to choose our packages, consider the months of March to May and September to November.
Even though these are considered the on-season, the crowds here are nothing compared to the ones you’ll find in the popular trekking regions of Nepal. East Nepal is going to offer you the peaceful time you’re seeking, and it’s our job at Altitude Himalaya to make that possible.
Even the Terai and Hilly regions of East Nepal offer so much that many tourists never get a chance to explore. From joining the wildlife safari at Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve to trying the local tea at Ilam, we’re coming up with even more travel guides here at Altitude Himalaya.
Now that you’ve learned everything about the treks in East Nepal and why to choose Altitude Himalaya as your trekking partner, you can proceed to scroll through the different packages we offer. Carefully check the descriptions to find which trek suits your preferences. And even if you wish to customize your treks, know that we’re just a call or text away!