The Himalayas: a travel guide to the world’s highest mountains
Ten of the world’s fourteen peaks above 8,000 metres, treks for ordinary walkers and a Norwegian world record. Everything we have written about the Himalayas, in one place.
The Himalayas stretch for around 2,400 kilometres through Pakistan, India, Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan. You do not need to be a climber to experience them. Most visitors go to Nepal, walk a trek of one to two weeks and stay in Kathmandu or Pokhara before and after.
The Himalayas and Karakoram
Photo: Kristin Harila
In short
If you want to see the Himalayas for yourself, Nepal is the easiest place to start. Poon Hill takes a few days, Annapurna Base Camp around a week and Everest Base Camp around two weeks. The best time to go is October and November, and March to May. Read our guide to trekking in Nepal before you book.
Where are the Himalayas?
The range curves from Pakistan in the west to Tibet and Bhutan in the east, with Nepal in the middle. It is home to Mount Everest at 8,849 metres and ten of the world’s fourteen peaks above 8,000 metres. The other four, including K2, are in the Karakoram, the neighbouring range to the north-west, and are often counted in when climbers talk about the Himalayas.
Trekking in Nepal
Most trekking happens in Nepal, where routes run from lodge to lodge and you only carry a daypack. In the national parks you must walk with a licensed guide, and altitude sickness is the biggest risk above 3,000 metres.
Our guide Travel to Nepal: trekking in the Himalayas for everyone covers the popular treks, how long they take, when to go and the hotels in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
The summit of Manaslu
Photo: Kristin Harila
K2: the world’s most dangerous mountain
K2 is 8,611 metres, just over 200 metres lower than Everest, but far more dangerous to climb. It was first summited in 1954 and not climbed in winter until 2021. You can still see it for yourself on the trek to K2 Base Camp through the Karakoram in Pakistan. Read more about K2 and the base camp trek.
Kristin Harila and the fourteen peaks
In the summer of 2023, Kristin Harila and Tenjen Lama Sherpa set a world record by climbing all fourteen peaks above 8,000 metres in 92 days. We have written three stories about her:
Frequently asked questions about the Himalayas
Where are the Himalayas?
The Himalayas are in South Asia and run through Pakistan, India, Nepal, Tibet (China) and Bhutan. Nepal has the most of the high peaks, including Mount Everest on the border with Tibet.
What is the highest mountain in the Himalayas?
Mount Everest, at 8,849 metres. It is also the highest mountain in the world.
When is the best time to visit the Himalayas?
October and November bring the clearest views and the most stable weather. March to May is second best, with rhododendrons in bloom. June to September is monsoon season, with rain, cloud and slippery trails.
Can you see the Himalayas without climbing?
Yes. From Poon Hill in Nepal you can see Annapurna and Dhaulagiri after a few days of easy walking, and on clear days the peaks are visible from Pokhara. Mountain flights from Kathmandu along Everest take around an hour.
How long is the flight to Nepal?
There are no direct flights from the UK or Scandinavia. With one change, typically in Doha, Dubai or Istanbul, the journey to Kathmandu takes around 13 to 16 hours.