While Nepal is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the world, most of our multi-day treks are loops, each starting at the base of the Himalayas, gradually working toward a high pass or base camp, then finishing with a descent down a different path, concluding nearby or at the original starting point of the hike. Because of our high elevations and weather seasons, these traditionally take place March-May and September-November. With the rising popularity of thru-hiking in the United States, Europe and New Zealand, we have been looking for a route that would allow visitors to witness the full geographical diversity of Nepal, including all that lies outside of the Himalayas.

So on the occasion of 25 years of serving outdoor adventurers, Earthbound Expeditions, an award winning trekking company, explored a new trek crossing all of Nepal, from the India border to China border.

Knowing how the diversity of Nepal unfolds when traveling South to North, I realized it would be very reasonable and exciting to touch the India border, turn towards the Himalayas, and in 15-25 days be at our other neighbor’s border, China. Moving this direction not only takes one through all the layers of Nepal’s geography, history, culture and spirituality, it does so all while watching our great Himal Mountains get nearer and larger each day of the trek. I also felt this could be best done when we need tourists most in Nepal, December to February.

Following the journals of our American friend from Northern California, Magic Mike, as he was completing over 12,000 kilometers of thru hikes in the USA the past few years, Mr. Rajan was inspired to design a trek similar to those in the USA which touch the borders of their neighboring counties, Mexico and Canada. While our own Great Himalayan Trail, moving East-West, is considered one of the toughest challenges in the outdoors, its high elevations and massive commitment of time and resources, make it unattainable for nearly all trekkers.

So after two years of research and mapping, and with Magic Mike’s encouragement, I discovered the best path would include stops along the way in Nepal’s treasured destinations like Tansen, Bandipur, Gorkha and Ruby Valley…this is when I knew I must make the first attempt myself along with Mike.

With two of Earthbound’s most dedicated team members, Kaji Sherpa and Chetan Rai, on January 4th we boarded a flight to Lumbini, touching the India border around 4pm, and on January 22nd at 10:40am, 440 kilometers later and with our footsteps continuously linked, we arrived at the Tibet, China border at 10:40am. This exciting adventure was not only covered in multiple media outlets, but was also organically supported by local residents who only heard of our trek as we stayed in the previous town a day or two before. Often greeting us like family as we walked into their hometown, ready for meal, rest and to hear what lies ahead.

Places included on 1st Nepal Thru hike route are :

At Nepal India border Khunuwa – Taulihawa –  Kudan, Kapilvastu ( Buddha’s Palace near Lumbini) Jagdishpur Taal , Butawal, Masayam Hatiya, Tansen, Palpa, Aryabhanjyang – Keladi Ghat – Ghiring – Rising – Damauli – Bandipur – Gorkha – Borlang, Taari Bensi – Katunje, Meghang – Bumtang,  Salme – Gonga – Singla pass, Pangsang pass, Somdang – Chilime – Syabrubensi, Rasuwagadhi, Nepal China border.  It covers total 9 districts – 3 Provinces of Nepal.

Nepal’s first through hike : India border to China border

In the USA and Europe, through hikes are very popular way of seeing the country. As Nepal is diverse country to explore,  the best way to see any country is walk through. In Nepal we have multiple trek routes and one trek route called Great Himalayan trails , east to west in high pass and Himalayan region. but there are not many trek route we can do in off season like Dec. to Feb. and from south to north to link the historical, cultural and pilgrimage route with great views and experience,  we always wanted something new to explore. So on the occasion of glorious 25 years of excellence Earthbound Expeditions an award winning trekking company explored a new trek route India border to China border.
Knowing how the diversity of Nepal unfolds when traveling South to North, I realized it would be very reasonable and exciting to touch the India border, turn towards the Himalayas, and in 15-25 days be at our other neighbor’s border, China. Moving this direction not only takes one through all the layers of Nepal’s geography, history, culture and spirituality, it does so all while watching our great Himal Mountains get nearer and larger each day of the trek. I also felt this could be best done when we need tourists most in Nepal, December to February.

Following the journals of our American friend from Northern California, Magic Mike, as he was completing over 12,000 kilometers of thru hikes the past few years, Mr. Rajan was inspired to design a trek similar to those in the USA which touch the borders of their neighboring counties, Mexico and Canada. While our own Great Himalayan Trail, moving East-West, is considered one of the toughest challenges in the outdoors, its high elevations and massive commitment of time and resources, make it unattainable for nearly all trekkers.

So after two years of mapping the trek, and with Magic Mike’s encouragement, I discovered the best path would include stops along the way in Nepal’s treasured destinations like Tansen, Bandipur, Gorkha and Ruby Valley…this is when I knew I must make the first attempt myself along with Mike.So with two of Earthbound’s most dedicated team members, Kaji Sherpa and Chetan Rai, on January 4th we boarded a flight to Lumbini, touching the India border around 4pm, and on January 22nd at 10:40am, 440 kilometers later and with our footsteps continuously linked, we arrived at the Tibet, China border at 10:40am. This historic movement,  news was covered by many news papers and website portals.

India border to China border

First thru hike of Nepal’s Historical / Cultural and Pilgrimage route walk – 17 days, total 440 KM, 634635 steps, 139 hours of walk, 9 districts – 3 Provinces
border to border Khunuwa – Taulihawa to Rasuwagadhi , Kiyrong Tibet / China. – प्रथम थ्रु हाइक, ईन्डिया बोर्डर देखी चाइना बोर्डर सम्म ….

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Testimonials

• • • Nepal Thru Hike

I feel fortunate to have thru-hiked across Nepal…Border to Border, from India to Tibet, China with Rajan and his team. I can’t begin to thank them enough for the endless amount of advance route planning taken to ensure each day of our hike took us to unreached corners of Nepal, all while making our way, step by step, towards the Himalayas. Considering much of our route included trails I couldn’t locate on any GPS app, we were still able to reach a nice rhythm each day, making the necessary distances while still having time to chat with locals and learn the history of each area. I was grateful as well that we were also able to enjoy relaxing and interesting town days in places like Tansen, Bandipur and Gorkha, each worthy of being a standalone destination.

If you’re a past thru-hiker, looking to “pound miles” and get Nepal checked off the list, this may not be the hike for you. But if you’re considering returning to Nepal after hiking any of the classic treks, and falling in love with the people, culture diversity, scenery and teahouse “paced” trekking, this is a great hike to consider. Bonus too, it ideally should be done during the off season from December to February, a time when you’ll have the trails to yourself.

Magic Mike profile :

Thru Hiker – Pacific Crest Trail, Appalachian Trail, Continental Divide Trail, John Muir Trail, Tahoe Rim Trail, Ozark Highlands Trail, Everest Basecamp, Kanchenjunga Basecamp(s), Annapurna Circuit, Langtang Valley, Tamang Heritage Trek, Pikey Peak, Dudh Kunda, Upper Mustang trek

Mike O , USA, Jan 2024