The Great Himalaya Trail (GHT), the legendary 4,500km network spanning the “Roof of the World,” is undergoing its most significant transformation since its inception.
Today, the GHT team announced “NextGen GHT,” an initiative to modernise, digitise, and expand the trail system to make it more sustainable for local communities and more accessible for the next generation of global explorers.
“One thing is constant in the Himalaya, and that is change,” says Robin Boustead, GHT founder. “With NextGen GHT, we aren’t just updating a map; we are building a collaborative ecosystem that supports both the hiker and the high-mountain communities who call these trails home.”
Originally conceived as a way to spread the benefits of tourism to the most remote corners of the Himalaya, the GHT is now evolving to meet the needs of modern hikers while protecting the landscapes it traverses.
Key NextGen GHT Updates Include:
Four New Specialist Routes in Nepal: Recognising that there is no single way to experience the Himalaya, the GHT is launching four distinct 1,700km routes tailored to different disciplines:
- The Alpine Route: A brand-new, high-altitude mountaineering line for those seeking extreme adventure, avoiding traditional tourist paths and pushing into unvisited terrain.
- The Trekking Thru-Hike: An updated version of the classic "high route," rerouted to avoid new road construction and industrial projects.
- The GHT Run: A specialised route for mountain runners, designed to avoid technical passes while maintaining the trail's remote spirit.
- The GHT MTB: A mountain bike-specific route focusing on rideable terrain and minimising reliance on roads.
Digital Trail Integration: To improve safety and navigation, the GHT is digitising its entire database of over 4,000km of trails. This data will be integrated into mobile navigation apps, allowing hikers to access offline maps, real-time trail alerts, and permit requirements.
A Physical Safety Net: Check-In Points: A new network of community-run Check-In Points is being established along the trail. These partner teahouses will serve as safety hubs where hikers can register their progress, access reliable resupplies, and receive support from locals trained in the specific needs of long-distance trekkers.
Online Trail Community: To foster connection between past and future hikers, a new dedicated online platform is being launched to facilitate information sharing, partner-finding, and real-time field updates.
Supporting the Vision
To fund the digitisation of the trail database, the training of the first 100 Check-In Point managers, and the launch of the new community platforms, the GHT will launch a crowdfunding campaign on the 24th February, 2026. Supporters can contribute to this vision and receive exclusive rewards, including early access to the new digital maps and GHT gear.
About the Great Himalaya Trail
The Great Himalaya Trail is a network of trails forming one of the longest and highest walking paths in the world. Stretching from Pakistan to Bhutan, the GHT promotes sustainable tourism in remote mountain regions, ensuring that the benefits of exploration reach those who live at the top of the world.
For more information on the NextGen GHT or to support the project, click here.