Group Trek Vs Solo Trekking In Nepal – Which is Best?

Trekking in Nepal is one of the most loved activities by foreign tourists. Going through remote villages, green and snowy landscapes, narrow, bumpy paths, stone ladders, cool breeze, and the only sound of nature is therapy for people. Over 11% of tourists coming to Nepal will go either hiking or trekking according to 2021 A.D data. Let’s dive deep into group trek Vs solo trekking.

The meaning of Group Trekking Vs Solo Trekking? 

People coming from across the globe in Nepal choose to either go on a solo or group trekking because of their considerations about financial planning and personal preference. 

Solo trekking is trekking through the entire trail by yourself without a guide or a group. Solo trekking can be very fun for an introvert or person who loves solitude. In Nepal, about 46,000 out of 170,000 tourists went on solo trekking in 2019 A.D. For people who love to be by themselves, solo trekking is the best way to explore the magical trails of Nepal. 

Group trekking is choosing a guide, porter or a bunch of friends to trek along the entire route. Group trekking is a safer option to explore the perilous trails of Nepal, which are full of uncertainties. It can be sharing experiences, making a lot of laughing and emotional memories 

Pros and cons of Group Trekking Vs Solo Trekking

While both options are subjective on a surface level or in common, both have their pros and cons.

Pros of Solo Trekking:

• In solo trekking, you take care of your expenses by yourself, which benefits you by controlling your budget while looking for accommodation and food options. 
• It is a peaceful and liberating experience, allowing you to rejoice in your solitude. 
• Solo trekking is an excellent option for introverts. Just you, wild and sound of nature – pure therapy! 
• You are the king of your world; you have the liberty to stay at locations for as many days as you like and can also take extended tours. You get itinerary freedom in solo trekking.
• If you are a writer or photographer, you get creative and have a deeper flow in your work. For people requiring personal space and peace for their work, solo trekking can be a game changer.

Cons of solo trekking

• Solo trekking can turn out to be a riskier option because some trails are full of uncertainties, such as the risk of avalanches, landslides in off seasons, and accidents. If you get altitude sickness on your way or get into an accident, being solo in that case is awful. 
• You can make an impulsive decision to go on a solo trek, but on your way, loneliness can hit you out of the blue.
• If you are trekking abroad, the language barrier can be a real problem since there is no translator guide.
• In solo trekking, it is hard to manage your logistics, and you have no backup for that either. 

Pros of group trekking

• Someone always has your back if you need gear-related, emotional, and physical support. 
• Sharing a similar interest in trekking can lead you to find lifelong friends. 
• Your cost is shared for food, accommodation, and transport. 
• You will have someone to push you or help you in events like altitude sickness or accidents.
• You get route safety since your guide will avoid risky paths, manage emergencies and give you instructions on how to acclimatize. 
• Group trekking will create great memories of laughter, suffering, and exploring together. 

Cons of the group trekking

• No choice of exploring any side hikes or treks, unlike solo trekking 
• It can be a very chaotic experience because too many trekkers trek together. 
• There might be clashes in the group, which kills the vibe of the trek. 
• It can be expensive since you will have to allocate the budget for guides, porters, and emergency backups like insurance or evacuation, and everything is arranged early. 

Best routes for solo trekking in Nepal

When there are so many group treks that can be done such as Everest Base Camp Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek but there are few trails where solo trekking is permitted. Two most famous and affordable treks are;

Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang valley trek is a day’s ride from Kathmandu, this 7–9 day trek offers quiet beauty, yak pastures, and warm Tamang hospitality. With Kyanjin Gompa and Langtang Lirung ahead, it’s a peaceful path for solo souls seeking stillness and safe trails. 

Poon Hill Trek

Poon hill trek is perfect for first-time solo trekkers, this 4–5 day trail is safe, scenic, and sociable. Walk through Gurung villages and rhododendron forests, then catch a magical sunrise over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Easygoing and full of friendly faces.

Which is Best for Beginners, Group or Solo Trekking?

Both options go differently for everyone. In either option, there are successful cases and unsuccessful cases, too. Some areas are restricted for solo trekking in Nepal, where the guide is mandatory.

Choosing between solo trekking and group trekking depends on your preference. You might like being by yourself, love to hear nature, and budget planning by yourself for that solo trekking is the best option. For solo trekking, Langtang Valley Trek, Poon Hill Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek are some of the best solo treks in Nepal.

But if you don’t care about expenses, like to make memories, and want safety, support and backup, then group trekking is the best option. For group trekking in Nepal Everest Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit trek are some of best treks.

Despite its limitations, most people prefer group trekking because of common decisions among friends, safety and backup.