[jajko]

It also has one of most spectacular multi week hikes in the world, if not #1, the Annapurna circuit. I was lucky to take it in 2008 with almost nobody on the trail (just right after monsoons in second half of September), took 16 days, around 220km IIRC. No roads built back then although we saw few CAT bulldozers dropped in the impossible places in gorges, I guess part of construction.

From absolute tropical jungle, through all other climates to frozen high altitude icy desert and all the way back, top point is 5,400m high. Also at one point hinduism of lowlands switches to buddhism. Wild marihuana growing everywhere. Muktinath just after(before) the highest pass is an important sacred and pilgrimage place for 3 different religions.

There is one point in Kali Gandaki gorge where you look left and there is absolute tibetan-style desert with 0 plants, just rocks and dirt, going up to Manang region. You look right and its typical tropical jungle. And in between, in span of maybe 7-8km the whole gradient happens continuously on Annapurna western slopes. Another nice spot is IIRC Marpha where you are looking at almost 5000m pretty much vertical drop on cca top of Dhaulaghiri, its sister 8000m+ peak. Even after 2 weeks of constant exposition to himalayan giants I just stood there in awe.

A life changing experience for me due to various factors and also people met. It has a special place in my heart.

[devoutsalsa]

In 5 days I’m flying to Nepal to trek up to Everest Base Camp. I’d also love to do the Annapurna Circuit. Maybe next year :)

[jajko]

I've done that one too, cca 7 years ago. A bit harder variant - 3 passes trek, where EBC is a side hike. Amazing place and whole region too, can't get enough of that country. Other valleys are much more remote seeing only fraction of the main EBC route traffic.

If you are not part of organized group (I went solo), without prior booking it may be tricky to find accommodation in Gorak Shep, sort of bottleneck since everybody goes to EBC for morning views on the top of the world and its the closest place. I ended up convincing one of owners of guest house there to let me sleep with them in dining room, it was -10C outside and my sleeping bag would not be up to that, even in dining room it was just above freezing.

Wishing you good weather for nice views from Kala Patthar and on Ama Dablam!

[hilux]

That sounds ... amazing!

I've never heard it described in this way, and I'm actually tempted.

[jajko]

Life is too short to be left with regrets, and such adventures are easier done when younger for many reasons.

That being said, please manage your expectations, what was a wonderful profound experience for me may end up being a very different one for you. The best is to go there 1) physically prepared for long hikes with some backpack (not heavy but not just daily pack neither); 2) have your mind open to handle everything that comes your way as part of adventure, both good and bad.

Plus careful with hygiene, mostly using hands sanitizer before touching any food, eating just freshly cooked meals. Some folks I know ended up with subpar experience due to catching nasty stomach infection which made it too hard to enjoy it. Using consistently hand sanitizer before any meal may be common stuff now but in 2008 I raised some eyebrows. But 3 months of backpacking in India and this and no stomach issue with such approach, that's pretty rare.