Best Treks in Nepal Every Adventurer Should Try
Nepal has some of the widest range of trek destinations in the world with views of some of the highest peaks and stunning landscapes. Along with it, treks in Nepal offer a chance to witness the cultural and natural diversity of the country.
Once in Nepal, you get a variety of treks that vary from short to long treks, easy to strenuous treks, and a few restricted area treks that confine the number of trekkers each year.
With such diversity, you are sure to find one trek or the other that suits your needs and preference. If you choose the best time for the trek, then you are sure to collect the best memories of your life.
To help you choose one best trek for you, listed below are 11 best treks in Nepal.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Max. Elevation: Kala Pathar- 5,555 m
Duration: 11-18 days
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Trek Type: Teahouse
Best Season: March-May and September-November
Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to the base camp of the world’s highest mountain- Mt. Everest. It is one of the most adventurous and exclusive trekking experience.
This is a moderately difficult trek which demands good physical strength and proper packing. If you want to trek more cozily, you can choose Luxury Trek to Everest Base Camp. On this trek, you will get to enjoy good food and take rest in the luxurious tea houses.
During this trek, you will walk along the footsteps of the world-famous mountaineers and Sherpa people. Along with this, you can enjoy spectacular views of the highest mountain ranges in the world including Mt. Everest.
This trek allows you to explore the culture and lifestyle of the legendary ‘Sherpa People‘. You can visit and stay at their beautiful villages, monasteries, and stupas.
Highlights
- Trek through beautiful High Passes and the roaring Dudh Koshi River.
- Visits to places like the renowned Namche bazaar, Imja Valley, and ancient Buddhist Monasteries.
- Enticing aerial views and adventurous mountain flight to and from Lukla- Kathmandu.
- Observe the typical Sherpa culture and lifestyle
- A chance to see different glaciers and hanging icicles
- Amazing view of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse along with other 7,000m mountain peaks.
- A gateway to peak climbing in the Everest region
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Duration: 14-21 days
Max Elevation: Thorong La Pass- 5,416 m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best Season: March-May and September-November
Accommodation Type: Teahouse
Annapurna Circuit Trek offers a rich cultural and natural diversity experience in Nepal. It takes you around the Annapurna Massif with the enticing mountain views. Hence, it is also known as Annapurna Round Trek. Annapurna Circuit Trek is often compared with Everest Base Camp Trek.
Highlights
- Amazing view of the Annapurna ranges, Mt. Macchapucchre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Langtang
- A chance to trek through a variety of landscapes from sub-tropical jungles to high alpine forests
- You will pass through quaint, traditional, ethnic, and hospitable villages including Kagbeni, Jomsom, Manang, and Muktinath
- A chance to see the world’s deepest gorge- Kali Gandaki Gorge
- You will pass lush green valleys to the barren desert-like terrains of Manang and Mustang
- A chance to see Rupse Waterfall and the natural hot spring in Tatopani
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Duration: 7-11 days
Max Elevation: Annapurna Base Camp- 4,320 m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: March-May and September-November
Accommodation Type: Teahouse
Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp takes you through hospitable villages and picturesque valleys. On this trek, you get spectacular mountain views, superb natural scenery, and rich cultural diversity.
Highlights
- A chance to stand face-to-face with the world’s most dangerous mountain to climb – Annapurna I (8,091 m)
- A short yet authentic and real trekking experience
- Two Base Camps in one Trek- Annapurna Base Camp and Machapuchare Base Camp
- Dramatic mountains views
- A chance to see the magnificent natural amphitheater formed by the Himalayan Giants.
- A chance to trek through the ever-changing landscape of terraced fields, lush green forests, and quaint villages.
Upper Mustang Trek
Duration: 10-16 days
Max Elevation: Dhakmar- 3,810 m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Best Season: March-May and September-November
Accommodation Type: Teahouse
Opened for trekking only in 1992, Upper Mustang Trek takes you to the once forbidden kingdom of Lo-Manthang.
On this trek, you explore a different side of Nepal beautified by the unique culture and traditions. You will find yourself trekking through the semi-arid desert landscape, marked with deep ravines, and rock shelves.
Highlights
- A chance to view centuries-old culture and landscape
- A chance to visit old Buddhist monasteries and ancient caves carved into sheer cliff walls
- A chance to trek through the rugged Trans- Himalayan region of Nepal
- Amazing views of Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Annapurna, and Mt. Dhaulagiri
- Lo Manthang- the capital of the kingdom of Lo
- Views of windswept Kali-Gandaki valley
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Duration: 11-22 days
Accommodation Type: Tea House
Best Season to Trek: March-May and September-November
Max Elevation: Larkya La pass- 5,106m
Trekking Difficulty: Challenging
Manaslu Circuit Trek is the off-the-beaten trail that takes you around Mt. Manaslu- the 8th highest mountain in the world.
Offering the diversity in nature and culture, this trek is far quieter and more remote than other treks in Nepal. The trail remains spectacular in Autumn (late September, October, November) and Spring (March, April, May) with the crisp mountain views.
Highlights
- A chance to trek through 5 climatic zones
- Chance to cross one of the most dramatic passes in the Himalayas- Larkya La pass
- Trek through deep lush valleys at lower elevations to the barren and rocky landscapes
- Amazing views of 8,000m peaks
- A chance to see glaciers, mountain passes, walled Tibetan towns, and village
- Pass through many suspension bridges and temporary wooden planks bridges
- Trek through the less crowded, remote, and secluded trails
- Chance to visit Manaslu Base Camp
- Pass through and visit traditional Gurung and Tibetan-influenced villages
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Duration: 12-26 days
Max Elevation: Lapsang Pass- 5,160 m
Trekking Difficulty: Difficult
Best Season: March-May and September-November
Accommodation Type: Camping
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek leads to the world’s second-highest peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga. On this trek, along with views of the unspoiled natural beauty of Eastern Nepal, you also trek deep into the secluded regions of Nepal.
This is a camping trek in remote Eastern Nepal. So, you will spend nights in a tent while enjoying the stars and the glistening chain of mountains in the Kanchenjunga region.
Highlights
- A chance to witness the unspoiled local culture and wonderful nature of Eastern Nepal
- Trek through tropical lowlands and the picturesque view of northern hill settlements
- Explore Kanchanjunga Conservation Area
- Trek through Ghunsa, Lonak, and Pang Pema Base Camp
- A walk through the foothills of Mt. Kanchenjunga
- A chance to view Yalung glacier at 5,143 m
- Kanchenjunga North/South Base Camp
- Camping adventure trek
- The crossing of the Lapsang La Pass at 5,160 m
- Splendid views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Makalu
Langtang Valley Trek
Duration: 7-21 days
Max Elevation: Tserko Ri- 4,984m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: March-May and September-November
Accommodation Type: Teahouse
Easily accessible, Langtang Valley Trek takes you through wild and rural Himalayan highlands close to Kathmandu.
The trek also offers a rich diversity in vegetation and culture that has a close influence of Tibet. This is one of the best treks in Nepal which lies nearby Kathmandu Valley. But depending on your conveniences you can customize the trekking days to make it longer as well.
Highlights
- A chance to visit old Buddhist monasteries like Kyanjin Gompa and Langtang Gompa
- Amazing sunrise and sunset views for Kyanjin Ri
- Visit Langtang National Park
- A chance to visit alpine lakes like Gosaikunda, Vairab Kunda, Surya Kunda, and Saraswati Kunda
- Great views of Langtang Ri, the Annapurna ranges, Langtang Himal, Mt. Makalu, Gajala Peak
- A chance to spot wild animals such as Leopards, panda, Ghoral, Tharal, monkeys, Musk deer, etc
- Walkthrough pine forests, stony streams, boulders, grassy meadows, and wide pastures.
Upper Dolpo Trek
Duration: 21-27 days
Max Elevation: Kang La Pass- 5,250 m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: March-May and October-November
Accommodation Type: Camping
Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal takes you through the less trekked paths of Upper Dolpo which is a trans-Himalayan region. It is a challenging trek with equally rewarding experiences. You get to learn and explore the unique trans-Himalayan culture and practices in the region.
Highlights
- Trek through Tibetan style villages and stunning barren landscapes
- A chance to witness a centuries-old culture untouched by the modern world
- A chance to cross three high passes Nagdalo La (5350m), Shey La (5000m) and Jeng La (5110m) in one trek
- Stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Tibetan Peaks
- Arid landscapes and gorges
- A chance to visit an 800-year-old, secluded monastery- Shey Gompa
- A chance to explore the largest National Park of Nepal- Phoksundo National Park
- A chance to view Shey Phoksundo Lake- the deepest lake in Nepal
- A chance to encounter nomadic yak herders
- A chance to witness the Yarsagumba Hunt
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
Duration: 4-7 days
Max Elevation: Poon Hill, 3210 meters
Trekking Difficulty: Easy
Best Season: March-May and October-November
Accommodation Type: Teahouse
It is one of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. This is a short and easy trek which is a suitable option for all types of trekkers. The trek commences from Nayapul after a short drive from Pokhara to catch the spectacular sunrise and sunset views on the backdrop of the chain of Himalayas.
Highlights
- Catch stunning mountain views of Annapurna ranges, Dhaulagiri, and Fishtail
- Explore typical Magar and Gurung villages
- Chance to stay at local homestays in Ghandruk village
- Get amazing mountain views from Poon Hill (3,200 m)
Mardi Himal Trek
Duration: 5-10 days
Max Elevation: Mardi Himal Base Camp, 4450 meters
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: March-May and October-November
Accommodation Type: Teahouse
Mardi Himal is a moderate level short trek in the Annapurna region. On this trek, you will be walking to the vicinity of Machhapuchhre Himal and Mardi Himal. This trek begins from Pothana, a gateway close to Pokhara. This is quite an off-the-beaten-path that will take you across typical hillside settlements, wild forests, and the scenic views.
Highlights
- Trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp
- Enticing views of Machhapuchhre, Mardi Himal, Himchuli, etc
- Solitary trails of Annapurna region
- Diverse landscapes full of unique flora and fauna
- New and off-the-beaten trekking trail in Annapurna region
- Spend quality time with Magar and Gurung people in several teahouses
Chisapani- Nagarkot Trek
Duration: 3-5 days
Max Elevation: Nagarkot, 2175 meters
Trekking Difficulty: Easy
Best Season: All year round
Accommodation Type: Teahouse
This is a short and most popular trek close to Kathmandu. This is a family and kid-friendly trek which commences from Sundarijal after an hours drive from Thamel.
On this trek, you will pass the perennial Bagmati river, many waterfalls, and rocky paths. This trek is the best option for the time-bound trekkers and for those who do not want to do day-long treks in the rugged trails.
Highlights
- Relax in the natural pools and waterfall in Sundarijal
- Walkthrough the pleasant hardwood forest trails
- Enthralling sunrise view from Chisapani
- Beautiful Chisapani lake in the pristine surrounding
- Spectacular mountain views from Nagarkot
Basic Information for Trekking in Nepal
Tea Houses
The tea houses in Nepal refers to basic lodges run by local families. The families also live in tea houses. These offer basic rooms on a twin sharing basis. Meals and drinks are also on offer in these.
You Can Trek in Nepal All Year Long
Most treks in Nepal are doable throughout the year with the right clothing and supplies. You can find the best trekking and climbing gears at Kathmandu. You can even rent them to cut off your trekking cost.
Be Prepared For The Changes
When you are trekking to high altitudes, weather changes are quite common. This may cause flight delays and cancellations. So, come prepared for such unpredictables. The peak trekking seasons have quite favorable and moderate weather conditions for treks.
Beware of Pickpockets
While traveling in a local bus in Kathmandu or to the trailhead of many treks, you will find the bus quiet crowded with a different type of people. So, you must hold your belongings properly throughout the journey to prevent your belongings from being stolen.
Trekking Permits
You can get your trekking permits in Kathmandu. It is easier and cheaper to get it here. You can shorten or lengthen the treks depending on your preference. Treks in Nepal are customizable.
Packing for Trek in Nepal
For all these treks, you need to pack your trekking essentials targeted for a high altitude trek. These can include the following:
- A good pair of Moisture-wicking pants and shirts
- Moisture-wicking underwear
- Trekking Poles and sturdy trekking boots
- Toiletries
- First Aid Kit
- Durable Backpack
- Durable Duffle Bag
- Socks (Easy to dry and breathable)
- Sleeping Bag with liner
- UV protection gear (sunglasses, cream, hat)
- Water bottle and purification tablets
Well, Nepal is photographers’ paradise with a wonderful landscape from soaring peaks to glacial lakes and lush valleys. No matter, where you turn, Nepal offers you the best chance to capture beautiful photos. So, trekking in Nepal offers a great chance to improve your outdoor photography skills too.
So, while trekking in Nepal you will definitely carry your camera to capture the best memories. But traveling with your expensive gears often becomes difficult in harsh weather, difficult terrains, and in the public transports. For such a situation, having the best weather-resistant camera bag is the best solution.
Nepal Treks Are For Everyone
Depending on your trek choice, budget, and physique, you can choose from any of these best treks in Nepal. To undertake these treks, you just need to be physically and mentally prepared with the proper packing depending on the time of your trek.
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