Nepal is home to some of the most spectacular trekking trails in the world. It is indeed a home to travelers and adventure seekers alike. The trekking routes here follow the classical saying, “Ask, and you shall receive!”
Yes, any traveler can wish or ask for the types and styles of treks they are looking for, and Nepal will provide them for you. From traditional routes to newly formed tracks, popular trails to off-the-beaten tracks, and challenging hikes to the beginner’s level, we have you covered in all aspects.
Furthermore, all these trekking trails take you to embark upon a new journey, free of chaos and noise. While trekking in Nepal, every traveler will reach the heart of the Himalayas while enjoying the local culture, tradition, and lifestyle.
Top Ten Best Treks To Try While In Nepal
These treks will take you through a close view of the Himalayas. It is indeed once in a lifetime experience that you get to soak in for a while in Nepal.
While we prepare the lists for some of the best treks you can start your adventure with, it is unfair to categorize every route. This is because all Nepal trekking trails have unique terrain, experience, and landscapes to provide.
Hence, the best treks for a traveler depend upon his trekking style, nature, budget, and preference. As we mention some of the trekking destinations in Nepal, find out which treks in Nepal are the best for you and meet your preferences.
Everest Three Passes Trek
When we talk about trekking in Nepal, we surely must take advantage of the trekking trails in the Everest region. The Everest Three Passes trek is the ultimate trail for adventure and thrill seekers who genuinely wish to explore the Everest region.
Well, this trek will also take you through the Everest Base Camp before reaching those three high passes:
• Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters / 18,159 feet)
• Cho La Pass (5420 meters / 17,782 feet)
• Renjo La Pass (5,340 meters / 17,520 feet)
It is one of the adventurous treks, and you can start this journey from Lukla, which is also the finishing point. All of your trip this trek lies within the Sagarmatha National Park, which also allows you to enjoy the wildlife.
Sagarmatha National Park (Source – Wikimedia Commons)
In addition, the Everest Three Passes trek is a 17-day journey that will walk you across some famous destinations of the region. Well, the first clear glances of Mount Everest will start from the Namche Bazaar.
Altogether, this trek will help you enjoy the majestic views of Everest (8,848 meters), Lhotse (8,516 meters), Ama Dablam (6,812 meters), and Makalu (8,516 meters). You will also see the highest glacier on Earth, the Khumbu Glacier, at 4,900 meters.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Famous for short trekking trails, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is perfect for all travelers, from beginners to adventure seekers. Lying in the Annapurna region, this trek will end in between 3 to 5 days, depending upon the speed.
This trek will take you through the lush green forest, mountainous areas, and immense rice fields. With each step on this trek, you will be surrounded by Machhapuchhare. With this trek, your journey starts in Nayapul in Pokhara.
During the trek, your accommodation is in the tea houses and lodges, and the maximum altitude you will experience is at Poon Hill.
Upper Mustang Trek
With around fifteen days of journey, the Upper Mustang Trek takes you through the forbidden valley in Nepal. Lying in the Annapurna circuit, this trekking trail hikes you along the arid river valley known for its unique desert-like terrain.
Besides its landscapes, Upper Mustang presents historical and religious monuments lying in the shadow of the Himalayas. This journey will depict several ancient caves, holy fossil rocks, arid land, and cliffs.
Moving on, the Upper Mustang trek starts from Jomsom through Kagbeni and the gateways of the Upper Mustang. Often this trekking destination is known as the hidden gem in Nepal.
Altogether, this trek will give stunning views of Mt. Annapurna (8,091 meters), Thorung Peak, Nilgiri (7,061 meters), Chulu West, Chulu East, Tukuche Peak, Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
One of the most challenging trekking routes in Nepal, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is all about altitudes over 5000 meters. This trek is suitable for experienced trekkers looking for adventure and thrill.
This 21 days adventure starts from Beni in Pokhara as you move towards the foot of the Dhaulagiri. It is a camping trek, and you will walk through rugged trails and dense forests.
Mount. Dhaulagiri (Source – Flickr)
The experienced travelers will also be able to scale Dhampus Peak (6,060 meters) after passing through the French Pass (5,360 meters). All in all, the trekkers will spend several nights above 5000 meters, and near the accomplishment of the trek, they will descend to Jomsom.
During this journey, you will get a close-up view of Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters) and several other 7000 meters-plus peaks. For this travel, you will need a TIMS card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
Nar Phu Valley Trek
Known for its wilderness and spectacular views, the Nar Phu Valley trek lies between the Annapurna and Manaslu regions. It is one of those unspoiled valleys in Nepal with ancient Buddhist culture.
It is a twelve-day trek that passes through glaciers, remote villages, narrow canyons, dense forests, unique rock formations, and high peaks. Also, it has a traditional starting point of the Annapurna circuit, the Besisahar.
Additionally, you will be able to get in touch with the Tibetan culture and lifestyle. The initial phase of the trek will get you through the remote valleys, while the ending degree will give you a chance to enjoy the green fertile lands.
During the journey, you can make your trek comfortable while spending nights in comfortable hotels or even choosing tea houses and lodges. Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak are some of the majestic peaks you can witness on this journey.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit trek is one of the most popular trails in the world that runs across the entire Annapurna massifs. This fourteen-day trek covers high mountain passes, fantastic viewpoints, hot springs, and farming villages.
Initially, the journey starts from Bhulbhule and takes you through several climatic zones. This journey includes famous destinations: the Thorung La Pass (5,416 meters), the world’s deepest gorge (Kaligandaki Gorge), Muktinath temple, Poon Hill, and Tatopani.
Likewise, it also covers the majestic views of the Himalayas, such as Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 meters), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555 meters), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525 meters), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 meters), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041 meters), Mt. Machhapuchhare (6,998 meters), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441 meters), and so on.
Altogether, you can also have a relaxing day on the trip while in Tatopani as you soak in the natural hot springs there.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
Lying near the Everest Base Camp, the Gokyo Lakes trek is a sixteen days journey. Indeed, the main attraction of this trekking trail is the pristine blue and green waters of the Gokyo Lakes at around 5,000 meters.
View of Gokyo lakes (Source – Wikimedia Commons)
This trek takes you through the western side valley of Everest with majestic views of several high mountains and glaciers. Some of the significant points during this trek are the Gokyo Ri (5,400 meters), Ngozumpa glacier (the largest glacier in the Himalayas), and stunning views of Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
This trek starts in Lukla, and most of your travel will be accommodated with tea houses and lodges. Additionally, you will require the TIMS and Sagarmatha National Park permit during the trek.
Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang Valley trek is one of the unspoiled and untouched trekking trails of Nepal> this trekking trail lies just a seven-hour drive from the capital city, Kathmandu, as the route starts from Syabrubesi.
Often, you can call this the trek to the Valley of the Glaciers as it takes you through some high toward the peaks and glaciers. In addition to it, the Langtang valley trek includes trails across pine forests, beautiful meadows, and rocky hills.
As one of the most accessible trekking routes, this trek is also rich in cultural biodiversity and local lifestyle. During the tour, you will pass through the Langtang National Park, allowing you to see animals such as Himalayan pheasants, Himalayan deer, Himalayan bears, monkeys, red pandas, and so on.
Altogether, some of the mountain peaks you can see from this trek are Dorje Lakpa (6,990 meters / 22,933 feet), Langtang Ri (6,370 meters / 20,898 feet), and Langtang Lirung (7,245 meters / 23,769 feet).
Mardi Himal Trek
One of the best ways to venture to Pokhara is through the Mardi Himal trek, which is also one of the most popular treks in the world. This trekking trail is also called the hidden gem in the Annapurna region and lies between the base of the Mardi Himal and Mount Machapuchhre.
Well, yes, the Mardi Himal trek is suitable for all sorts of trekkers and travelers. During this six days journey, you will pass through authentic villages, enchanted rhododendron forests, and mountain landscapes.
In addition to it, this trek can start from different points, such as Kande / Ghandruk / Landruk. Moving on, you will also trek through beautiful valleys such as Pitamber Deurali and Badal danda ridges.
Some of the mountain ranges that you can see during the treks are Annapurna South (7219 meters), Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Annapurna III (7,555 matters), Machhapuchhre (6993 meters), Him Chuli (6,441 meters), Mardi Himal (5,553 meters), Dhaulagiri Himal (8167 meters), and so on.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Known as an off-the-beaten trekking trail, the Manaslu Circuit trek takes you around Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest mountain at 8,163 meters (26,781 feet). It is a fifteen days journey on this track.
Well, your journey starts at Soti Khola, and the initial phase of the journey walks through a deep river gorge, Budhi Gandaki. Slowly, the trek elevates to the subtropical forests and finally takes you through the Himalayan foothills.
Manaslu Circuit Pass (Source – Wikimedia Commons)
This is one of the most challenging trekking routes, and you will require a trekking permit. In addition, you will need to have a group of two trekkers, at least with a local guide.
Altogether, the highest elevation on this trek is at Larky La Pass (5167 meters). You will get stunning views of Manaslu, Himlung, and Annapurna II. Also, if you are lucky, you may get a chance to see animals such as Agali, Pika, Himalayan Marmots, Snow Leopards, and many more.
In A Nutshell
Though the trekking trails, as mentioned above, are one of the best adventures, there are still many others you may like to try. Also, we hope this list gives you a brief description of how trekking in Nepal usually is.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the level of difficulty in the Dhaulagiri Circuit trek?
One of the most challenging treks in Nepal, the Dhaulagiri Circuit, is suitable for hikers with previous experience walking at altitudes above 5,000 m. Basic mountaineering abilities, such as familiarity with ice axes and crampons, are necessary for the optional ascent of Dhampus Peak (6,060 m).
When is the best time for Langtang Valley trek?
The best time to trek is the dry season from October to May. The worst time is the monsoon season period from June to September.