11 Best Hiking Treks To Experience in Nepal

Nepal is the perfect place for trekking, hiking, and mountaineering. It offers a spectacular scenery of the world’s tallest peak. Likewise, one can get familiar with the diverse culture and tradition of Nepalese society along with their lifestyle.

There are many trekking options in Nepal that can revive your soul and make you fresh and new. You may be wondering which among these handful options suit you the best?

Well, that depends!

You can choose your trek depending on your travel schedule. Besides, the trekking routes and budget also plays an important role to fit a perfect trek for you.

For your help,  here is a list of 11 Best Treks in Nepal.

1. Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek

Maximum Elevation: 5,643 m

Average Duration: 12-14 days

Best Time: (March-May and October-November)

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Trek Permits: TIMS, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

Trek Highlights: Namche Bazar, Sherpa Village, Kala Patthar, Khumbu Glacier, Tengboche Monastery

The Everest Trek is one of the most desired treks in Nepal. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you should definitely take this trip. Though the trek can get a bit difficult sometimes, you will forget all these when you get the chance to explore beautiful natural sceneries.

EBC Trek begins with a thrilling flight to Lukla Airport. Thereon, you can trek through the beautiful landscapes until you reach Phakding village. From there, you will head to the Namche Bazar, homes to ethnic Sherpa communities.

On the way, you get to pass through the trail of Dudh Koshi River. The path then leads to the Sagarmatha National Park– a Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the trek, you can catch the mouthwatering view of Mount Everest. Finally, the dazzling view awaits you in the maximum elevation of the trek- Kala Patthar (5,643 m).

With the best and well-equipped backpack and fault-proof planning, you can definitely complete this trek with minimum challenges.

2. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Maximum Elevation: 5,416 m

Average Duration: 14 days

Best Time: (March-May and October-November)

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Trek Permits: ACAP, TIMS

Trek Highlights: Thorong La Pass, Kali Gandaki Gorge, Muktinath Temple, Jomsom, Rupse Waterfall

Annapurna Circuit Trek is another famous trek in Nepal. The trek starts from Besisahar and leads you to the deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge. En route, you can catch the glimpse of Annapurna I rise to 8,091 m to the east. You will enjoy the trek more once you reach the highest point of the trek- Thorong La Pass, located at 5,416 m above sea level.

The trek also rewards you with amazing views of Macchapucchre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Langtang Himal. Not to forget, the route promises a majestic view of the Annapurna range in every corner. Likewise, this wonderful trek also feeds you with the lush pastures and soul-reviving Alpine forests.

Annapurna Circuit Trek also provides you the chance to get accustomed to the tradition and lifestyle of Gurung and Magar communities. It is always fun to explore the beautiful place and get to know more about the social aspects of the destination.      

3. Langtang Valley Trek

Maximum Elevation: 4,984 m

Average Duration: 10 days

Best Time: (March-May and October-November)

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Trek Permits: TIMS and Langtang National Park Entry Permit

Trek Highlights: Kyanjin Gompa and Langtang Gompa, Sunrise view from Tserko Ri, Langtang National Park

Relatively a lower-altitude trek, the trip to Langtang Valley is not so far from the capital city of Kathmandu. The route starts from Syabru Besi and lands you in the highest point of the trek- Tserko Ri (4,984 m). It is where you can feast your eyes with the astonishing sunrise view.

The major highlight of the Langtang Valley Trek is the opportunity to enjoy splendid views of Annapurnas and Makalu. Apart from great mountain views, the trek also grants exposure to the unique Tamang culture and lifestyle. You will also get the chance to stroll Helambu Village, the home of the Hyolmo people.

4. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Maximum Elevation: 3,210 m

Average Duration: 5 days

Best Time: (March-May and October-November)

Trek Difficulty: Easy

Trek Permits: ACAP, TIMS

Trek Highlights: Annapurna sunrise views, Rhododendron and Oaks forests

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the best short treks in Nepal. It takes an average of 5 days to complete this amazing trip which starts from Nayapul. The journey then leads through the dense Rhododendron and Oaks forests. After reaching the highest point of the trek- Poon Hill (3,210 m), you can enjoy the breathtaking sunrise view. On the way, you will get the chance to walk through the typical villages of Gurung and Magar communities.

Likewise, at every corner of the trek, you are going to be awestruck by the beauty of the Himalayas. So, to capture it all for memory ahead you are going to take a camera along with you. But while Ghorepani trek, you may come across some dusty and bumpy trails. So, I would recommend carrying a hiking camera backpack to keep your camera kit safe, sound, and scratch free wherever the trail leads you!

Another specialty of this short and sweet trek is the opportunity to explore the beauty of the Annapurna Region in a limited time. Also, you can enjoy the quality facilities including comfortable accommodation, good food, and Wi-Fi throughout the entire trail.

5. Upper Mustang Trek

Maximum Elevation: 3,810 m

Average Duration: 14 days

Best Time: (March-May and October-November)

Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Trek Permits: ACAP, RAP

Trek Highlights: Lo Manthang, the Oldest monasteries in the world, Tibetan-influenced lifestyle

Trek to Upper Mustang is often considered as one of the unexplored treks in Nepal. The splendid journey begins from Jomsom and leads you through the dry and barren landscapes. En route, you can enjoy splendid views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other surrounding Himalayas.

On top of that, the trek offers immense opportunity to explore some oldest monasteries in the world. While there, you can also get insights into the Tibetan-influenced lifestyle of mountain people.

White painted houses and the organized prayer flags lead you to the capital of the Kingdom of Lo, Lo Manthang (3,810 m). It is also the highest point of the trek.

6. Manaslu Circuit Trek

Maximum Elevation: 5,125 m

Average Duration: 15 days

Best Time: (March-May and October-November)

Trek Difficulty: Hard

Trek Permits: TIMS, MCAP, RAP

Trek Highlights: Larkya La Pass, Tsum Valley, and Mu Gompa, Hindu and Tibetan-style Villages

Manaslu Circuit Trek is among the remote and rarely-explored treks in Nepal. The famous off-beat path trek offers panoramic views of the mountains along with the beautiful terrains. No wonder, the stunning view of Mount Manaslu (the 8th highest mountain in the world) makes you hungry for more.

The adventurous trek kick-starts from Soti Khola and takes you further with the mesmerizing views of snow-capped peaks like Shringi Himal, Gyagi Kung, Kang Koru, and Annapurna II. The trail leads you across the dense forests of rhododendron trees. Likewise, you will feel more of the nature walking as you passed the alpine woods.  

The less-crowded trek route takes you to the highest point Larkya La Pass at an altitude of 5,125 m above the sea level. Besides, you will also explore the beautiful Tibetan-influenced lifestyle and culture of the Gurung community.  

7. Upper Dolpo Trek

Maximum Elevation: 5,250 m

Average Duration: 22 days

Best Time: (March-May and October-November)

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Trek Permits: RAP

Trek Highlights: Dhaulagiri and Tibetan Peaks, Kan La and Saldang La, Shey Gompa, Shey Phoksundo Lake

The high-altitude trek of Upper Dolpo starts from Jhuphal and leads you through countless giant peaks. During this wonderful trek, you will catch stunning views of barren landscapes and beautiful Tibetan style villages.

A major highlight of this trek is the journey towards the deepest lake in Nepal, Phoksundo Lake that lies in the Shey Phoksundo National Park. It has its own historical and religious value as hundreds and thousands of pilgrims often visit this beautiful lake.

This trip is also important for you to explore the unique culture and aspects of the high land people living there. Mostly, throughout the journey, you will encounter with Tibetan-origin people who still preserve their primitive lifestyle. In addition, the trek also provides an opportunity to explore ancient Buddhist monasteries.

8. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Maximum Elevation: 4,130 m

Average Duration: 10 days

Best Time: (March-May and October-November)

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Trek Permits: TIMS, ACAP

Trek Highlights: Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Ranges, Poonhill, Hot Water Springs at Jhinu Danda

Alike EBC, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the famous and mostly-explored trek in Nepal. Also known as Annapurna Sanctuary, the trek presents with close-up views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The sightseeing includes mountain peaks like Mt. Annapurna I, Mt. Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, Mt. Nilgiri, Gangapurna, Lamjung, and Tilicho.

The adventure starts from Tikhedhunga and leads you towards Ghorepani and Poonhill. Besides the scenic beauty, you will get familiar with the cultural diversity of the Annapurna region. You will enjoy the walk through diverse landscape and terraced fields. Also, explore more of the Gurung villages and a wide variety of flora and fauna.

9. Gokyo Valley Trek

Maximum Elevation: 5,357 m

Average Duration: 12 days

Best Time: (March-May and October-November)

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Trek Permits: TIMS

Trek Highlights: Gokyo Ri- the best place for spectacular mountain viewing, 5 green lakes of Gokyo region, Ngozumpa- world’s biggest ice glacier.

The Gokyo Valley Trek offers an opportunity to explore the splendid valley full of iced lakes and glaciers. Often considered one of the most attractive regions in Khumbu, Gokyo Valley trail has a mixture of alluring forests and different suspension bridges.

The major attraction of this trek is a hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m), which is the highest point in the journey. It is also popular among the travel enthusiasts as the perfect spot for awe-inspiring views of famous peaks like Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, and Mt. Makalu.

Gokyo Valley Trek is also famous for the exploration of 5 green lakes of the Gokyo region. Another interesting thing is the waterfalls are mostly frozen in this place. Besides diverse flora and fauna, the destination also homes the solitary Tibetan-Buddhists-Sherpas community.

10. Rara Lake Trek

Maximum Elevation: 4,039 m

Average Duration: 17 days

Best Time: (March-May and September-November)

Trek Difficulty: Moderate

Trek Permits: RNPEP (Rara National Park Entry Permit)

Trek Highlights: Ancient village of Mircha famous for Buddhist Stupas, Culture, and lifestyle of Gurungs, Magars, and Tibetan origins

Rara Lake Trek is a must if you want to explore the western side of Nepal. It lies at an altitude of approximately 2,990 m above sea level. The trek starts from Jumla and consists of the highest viewpoint of Chuchemara Pass, located 4,039 m above sea level.

Your journey will take you past the ancient Mircha village before landing you in the Rara Lake (also termed as Queen of Lakes). While there, you can enjoy the company of locals carrying mixed ethnicities (Gurungs, Magars, and Tibetan origins).

The trip also takes you through the Rara National Park which is home to rare Red panda, Ghorals, Musk deer, and Leopards. En route, you can enjoy a glimpse of beautiful pine forests and other exotic flora.

11. Mardi Himal Trek

Maximum Elevation: 4,500 m

Average Duration: 7 days

Best Time: (March-May and September-December)

Trek Difficulty: Easy

Trek Permits: TIMS, ACAP

Trek Highlights: Views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Manaslu, and Mardi Himal, Mardi Himal Base Camp and High Camp

A short and refreshing trek to Mardi Himal begins from Phedi an hour drive from Pokhara. It is one of the off-the-beat trails in Nepal located in the surroundings of the Annapurna Region. The highest point of this trek is Mardi Himal Base Camp, located some 4,500 m above sea level.

Mardi Himal Trek is one of the sought-after short adventures in Nepal. Reason for this is its offerings of spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Manaslu, and Mardi Himal. Likewise, you will have a chance to pass through several traditional Gurung villages and get accustomed to the Buddhist religion.

Spring season will best suit for you to trek around Mardi Himal as the trail remains covered with blooming Rhododendrons.

Final Say,

Without any doubt, Nepal is a paradise for those who want to feel the real taste of nature. The country offers countless trekking options to make your adventure a memorable one.

But before you go please make sure you have the proper gear to keep you safe and comfortable along the trail.

From the right backpack to wearing suitable footwear and comfortable waterproof pants and jackets, you need to plan everything before you set off for the Himalayas. Because once you’re there it can be quite tough to find the good trekking gears. Thus, with the proper gears in your backpack, you’ll stay comfortable and happy on your trek!

Lastly, besides these 11 Best Treks in Nepal, you can find other possible options as well which suits best for your adventure schedule. So, gear up the Himalayas is waiting!