Have you ever wondered what it felt like to trek in Nepal thirty-five years ago? No phones, no hot showers, hardly any other trekkers… just you, the mountains, and endless adventure. That was the 1990s. Today in 2025, the same trails exist, but everything around them has changed. And honestly, both versions are amazing. This is the story of trekking then and now.

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Trekking Then and Now: Life in the 1990s

In 1990, trekking was hard but pure. You stood in long lines in Kathmandu to get paper permits. Flights to Lukla were scary and often cancelled. Teahouses were simple family homes. You slept on the floor, ate dal bhat twice a day, and felt lucky if you got a thin blanket. There was no mobile network, no internet, no helicopter rescue in hours. If something went wrong, you walked for days to get help. But the trails were quiet, villages felt untouched, and every view belonged only to you and your group.

Trekking Then and Now: Life in 2025

Today everything is easier and safer. You get permits online in minutes. Lukla has hundreds of flights every week. Many teahouses have private rooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, and even pizza on the menu. You can charge your phone with solar power and call your family from 5,000 meters. If you get sick, a helicopter can reach you in less than an hour. The mountains are the same, the smiles of local people are the same, but comfort and safety are completely different.

1990 vs 2025 – Quick Comparison Table

What changed?19902025
Number of trekkers (Everest)6,000–8,000 per yearOver 55,000 per year
TeahousesSleep on dining room floorPrivate room + hot shower possible
Mobile & InternetZero4G until Gorak Shep, Starlink in lodges
RescueWalk 3–7 days to roadHelicopter in 30–90 minutes
Porter welfareNo insurance, low payInsurance, good salary, free gear
BookingBargain in Thamel streetsBook online, read real reviews

(Data: Nepal Tourism Board)

Everest Base Camp Then and Now

1990: After Namche you met almost nobody for days. Bridges were old logs that moved when you walked. 2025: Steel suspension bridges, cafés selling mocha, yet the second you look at the Khumbu Icefall everything else disappears. Want to experience it? Check our Everest Base Camp Trek.

Annapurna Region Then and Now

The classic Annapurna Circuit used to take 23 days. Roads shortened some parts, but new side trails (Mardi Himal, Khopra Ridge, Nar Phu) brought the adventure back. Annapurna Base Camp is still one of the most beautiful amphitheaters on Earth. See our Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek packages.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Trails – Still Wild?

Yes! Places like Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Upper Dolpo, and Makalu feel exactly like Nepal in the 1990s. Very few trekkers, basic teahouses, pure wilderness. If you want the old-school feeling, these are perfect.

How Trekking Became More Responsible

  • Pay porters fair wages and give them insurance
  • Provide jackets, boots, and sunglasses to porters for free
  • Ban single-use plastic on our treks
  • Support local schools and women groups

Nepal learned a lot in the last 30 years. Good agencies (like us) now:

Why 2025 is the Perfect Year to Visit

You get the best of both worlds: the real adventure of the old days + the comfort and safety of today. Crowds are smaller than before the pandemic, trails are clean, and Nepali people are happier than ever to welcome you.

Trekking then and now has never been better than right now.

Ready to Trek with Us?

Drop us a message today for a free itinerary and price. Let 2025 be the year you fall in love with the Himalayas.Whether you want a simple teahouse trek or a luxury trip with the best lodges, Mount Elegance Treks will make it perfect for you.

Contact us

Website: https://mountelegancetreks.com/

See you on the trails!