11 Best Low-Altitude Treks in Nepal

The Nepalese Himalayans are the ultimate destination for any mountain lover. With the rugged trails to Everest, Annapurna, and beyond, the country offers some of the Himalayas’ most accessible and incredible treks. Thousands of trekkers come in troops to experience the ‘journey of a lifetime in this Trekker’s Paradise. That is because nowhere in the world can you trek for days on end in the incredible mountain vicinity, safe in the knowledge that a warm meal, bed, and shower is awaiting you at your designated hotel.

If that entices you, here is our pick of the 11 best low-altitude treks in the Himalayans.

1. Annapurna Poon Hill Trek

Poon Hill is a natural amphitheater-like close-up viewpoint from which you can have close-up views of more than 20 peaks from the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri massifs. Sounds like a dream, right? Annapurna Poon Hill trek, also known as the Annapurna Panorama trek, is the most popular and relatively easier trekking trip in western Nepal.

The trek duration can last anywhere between 4 to 7 days, depending on your time constraint. It begins with an hour-long drive from Pokhara to Nayapul, from where we will trek through the dirt trail that will take us to Ghorepani, a picturesque village. Poon Hill is a three-hour hike from Ghorepani, which is generally undertaken at crack of dawn to watch the sunrise. Since you will trek through several Gurung and Magar settlements, the trek offers great and unique cultural exposure too.

2. Everest View Trek

The short Everest View Trek offers you 360-degree views of the awe-inspiring peaks, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, within Everest National Park. Everest View Trek means Everest View This Everest View Hotel Opened in 1971, Hotel Everest View is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records (2004) as the highest hotel in the world at 13,000 feet. Having been featured in several guide books and receiving media coverage, the resort has become a destination in its own right.

Hotel Everest View Hotel i.e. Trek symbolizes the adventurous spirit of the Himalayas. It is a perfect location from which to explore the nearby villages and enjoy the beautiful landscape of evergreen fir trees, shrubs, and rhododendron forests.

3. Balthali Village Trek

For those with a short vacation of just a few days, the Bal Thali Village Trek will give you a taste of trekking in Nepal. The trailhead of this trek can easily be reached within an hour’s drive from the center of Kathmandu. You will have the option of staying in very nice accommodations on this trek, or you can opt for more standard teahouses.

4. Tengboche Monastery Trek

Fear not if you don’t have the time, energy, or enthusiasm to hike up to base camp to see the best views of Mt. Everest. Tengboche Monastery Trekking will give you all the privileges for less time and money. It is one of the most popular treks in the entire Khumbu region, courtesy of its perfect natural surroundings and cultural beauty.

This 5 to 10-day trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The rugged trail will take you through dense forests, suspension bridges crumbling to Dudhkoshi, and several traditional Sherpa villages. It passes historical destinations like Namche Bazaar and Khumjung. But the main attraction of the trek is the panoramic view of the peaks including Everest, Cho Oyu, Amadablam, Island Peak, and Nuptse.

5. Langtang Valley Trek

Also known as the ‘Himalayan’s best-kept secret’, Langtang Valley Trek is just 19 miles north of Kathmandu Valley, but it seems like they’re a world apart. It is also the closest Himalayan region to the capital. Although lesser-known and lesser-trekked, the region quickly sprung quickly out of the devastating debris that the 2015 earthquake was.

Spanning from 8 to 10 days, the trek commences from Syabrubesi in Rasuwa and climbs towards the villages of Chilime and Tato Pani. The route passes through green pasturelands, yak farms, and cheese factories that add even more elements to the trek. However, the highlight is the epic view of surrounding peaks like Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Massif, and Langtang Ri.

6. Lower Mustang Trek

Also known as the ‘Land beyond the Himalayans’, Mustang is the most popular trekking destination in Nepal. The region was a forbidden kingdom up until the 1990s and even had an officially recognized king. Thus, in addition to the spectacular natural setting, the region boasts of great historical and religious significance.

Spanning between 5 to 10 days, Annapurna Jomsom Trek commences from either Jomsom and ends at Nayapul, Pokhara with a, visit Muktinath, Kagbenthe I, and Poonhill. Since the region falls under the rain shadow area, it receives late to no rainfall, making it even trekkable in monsoon. Also, due to a moderately lower altitude, it is trekkable in early winter. Throughout the trek, you can have jaw-dropping views of peaks including Nilgiri, Annapurna Massif, and Dhaulagiri Massif.

7. Dolkha Kalinchowk Trek

It is a fairly new trek and the shortest on our list. Dolkha Kalinchok trek incorporates the revered Hindu shrine of Kalinchok Bhagwati in the eastern hills of Dolkha. If you don’t have the time to head to the extreme corners for the trek, it is a perfect choice for you – short, enjoyable, and adventurous.

The trailhead of the Kalinchok trek, Charikot, can be reached in less than a half-day from the Nepalese capital. It goes through a high ridgeline which offers pretty amazing views of the Annapurna range. After trekking through two small villages, you’ll reach Kuri before ascending the hilltop of the Kalinchok shrine. From here, albeit far, you can relish the views of Mt. Jugal, Gauri Shankar, and so on.

8. Pikey Peak Trek

Lower Khumbu region Pikey Peak Trek offers a unique experience of Sherpa culture and lifestyle as well as beautiful views of sunset and sunrise at the highest peaks in the region. We will have an opportunity to see the world’s most iconic Himalayan range comprising mountains like Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8414m), and many other snow-capped mountains. Being a newly introduced trekking route, it offers trekkers an off-beat trail trekking experience.

9. Helambu Trek

Although Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is surrounded by green high mountains, it is impossible to trek alone due to the lack of facilities. However, this 5-6 day Helambu trek around the valley is excellent for those who want to leave the crowded Kathmandu Valley and experience peace, nature and culture. This Helambu trek is an alternative trek to our Kathmandu Valley trek.
Check out more Helambu trek

10. Kathmandu Valley Trek

A trek around the Kathmandu Valley takes you to Shivpuri Hill (2729 m), from where the Himalayan peaks can be seen. Buddha Himal, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himalayan Range, Manaslu, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Shisha Pangma, Gaurishankar Himalayan Range and on a clear day Everest can also be seen. This 5-6 days Kathmandu Valley trek is a combination of deep green nature. Traditional culture. There is no limit to this Kathmandu Valley trek, you will also get the opportunity to experience bird watching.
Best View of Nagarkot on 5-6 days Kathmandu Valley Trek check more

11. Dhampus Sarangkot Trek

Dhampus – Sarangkot trekking route, which offers trekkers a great panoramic view of the Annapurna Himalayan mountain range, including the mighty Annapurna I (8,091 m), Machhapuchhre / Fistel (6,993 m), Annapurna II (7,930 m), Dhaulagiri. (8,167 m), Lamjung Himal (6,983 m), Annapurna Dakshin (7,219 m) and many other sparkling white mountains. The beautiful village of Dhampus Sarangkot is home to most of the Gurung community and is also the gateway to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek and the Mardi Himal Trek. This short trek offers a panoramic view of the sunrise from Dhampus-Sarangkot which is one of the top places to witness the sunrise in Nepal.
Check out our Dhampus Sarangkot Trek