Top 11 Treks in Nepal | Popular to Off the Beaten Trails
When you think of Nepal, you think of the Himalayas and the trails that lead up to them. Trekking is the best way to get the best views of the high Himalayas of Nepal. Nepal is the only destination that offers so many options for trekking, each trail as exciting as the next. Trekking in Nepal includes stunning snow-capped mountains, lush green forested hills, many beautiful rivers and waterfalls, quaint villages, and diverse culture and cuisine. No matter where you choose to visit Nepal, the natural and cultural abundance is sure to provide you with memories of a lifetime. To make it easier for you to choose, here is a list of the top 11 treks in Nepal.
Best Trekking Areas
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
The most popular trek in Nepal, Everest Base Camp covers a maximum of 14 to 17 days but offers spectacular views along with the extraordinary culture of the Sherpa community while trekking at the foot of the mighty Everest (8848 meters). The trail climbs above 5000 meters, but the trek is not as strenuous as one might imagine and promises a fulfilling journey, without requiring prior trekking experience. Adding to the exhilarating trek, the Himalayan flight to Lukla is also one of the highlights due to its strategically located airstrip. Walking along the path of traditional Sherpa villages and panoramic views of several mountains, anyone can immediately feel the crisp air of untouched nature filling their mind and lungs with a magical aura of relaxation and bliss. From Everest Base Camp, one can experience the grandeur of Everest (8848 meters) up close with views of several other snow-capped mountains. While trekking and even when you finally return to Lukla, you can feel your body burning with the power to overcome any obstacle, while the heavenly views throughout the trek make you feel light and airy. March to May and September to November are considered the best times for this trek. With the support of experienced crew and guides and ample rest days, the trek will not leave you feeling too tired but rather revitalized with all the magnificent views you have seen. Check out our Everest Base Camp trek
2. Annapurna Base Camp/Sanctuary Trek
While the Everest Base Camp trek may not be for everyone, the Annapurna Base Camp trek may be for those who like to relax with some fueled exercise. Starting from Pokhara, where the most breathtaking ranges can be seen, the trek reaches an altitude of 4130 meters. While the altitude may seem daunting, passing through small villages along the way will definitely lighten you up after a long hike. The sky-touching ranges of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre and Dhaulagiri can be seen from the bubbling villages of the Gurung tribe, giving you a glimpse of the rural yet enchanting environment of the Gurungs. Along the way, there is a natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda where travelers can relax their muscles and de-stress. The Annapurna Base Camp trek can be done between March and May as the forests are covered in colorful redbud flowers, but it can also be done from September to mid-December as the weather is clear and the views are breathtaking. View our Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
3. Annapurna Circuit Trek
Get ready for the classic Annapurna Circuit trek, in which you’ll cover a 128-mile horseshoe-shaped route that encircles the mighty Annapurna mountain range. The highest peak in the Annapurna range, Annapurna I – 8091 meters high – makes it the tenth highest mountain in the world. Open only to foreigners since the 1980s, you’ll have the opportunity to experience more than ten different cultures of ethnic locals and observe a variety of flora and topography, from the world’s deepest Kaligandaki Gorge to the world’s highest mountain, Thorong La, at (5416 meters). The Annapurna Circuit trek has become the Holy Grail for trekkers. Check out our Annapurna Circuit trek
4. Annapurna Poon Hill Trek
Due to its easy nature and short duration, the Annapurna Poon Hill trek is the most sought after trail for first-time trekkers or families with young children looking for a relaxing trek to enjoy the scenic world of the Himalayas. Range and Emerald Hills. March to May and September to November are the best times to experience the snow-capped peaks in their true glory, as the sunrise from Poon Hill shows the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains stretching all the way to Tibet, sparkling with bright rays. Adding to the grandeur of these ranges, the enchanting forests comprising rhododendrons and other rare flora can captivate any nature lover. Not limited to nature alone, the trek follows warm and inviting tea houses and Gurung villages with delicious food and perfect rest stops. View our Annapurna Poonhill Trek
5. Everest Three High Passes Trek
This trek through the wilderness of the Everest region is a harbinger of great things to come. Our comfortable lodge-based Everest Three High Passes Trek traverses the alpine circuit of the jagged Khumbu and crosses 3 mighty passes connecting the magnificent valleys of the Thame, Gokyo and Imja river; through a blitz of well-set trails that are both roughshod and kind to the limbs. Our journey begins in the famous Khumbu Valley, home of the Sherpas; traversing paths traversed by countless legends of unrivalled fame in days gone by before we arrive at the suitably vibrant Namche Bazaar. See our Everest Three High Passes Trek
- Langtang Valley Trek
This is a great introduction for trekking rookies visiting Nepal for some of the most stunning views of the Himalayas. The closest mountain destination to the medieval Kathmandu Valley is Langtang Valley. Ironically, despite being so close to Kathmandu, this region is as much a blockbuster for the wild as the Tibetan Highlands, its heavenly rural landscapes setting the imaginations in overdrive. The valley runs parallel to the Tibetan border, from west to east; yet, north of Kathmandu, we find the famous trekking trails, which are not as crowded as the Khumbu or Annapurna region. Langtang Valley offers trekkers a captivating countryside that includes lush forests, austere highland landscapes and stunning views of the Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal mountains that will leave you dizzy and light-headed. Check out our Langtang Valley Trek
- Manaslu Circuit Trek
The world’s eighth highest mountain, standing proudly at 8163 meters, is the main attraction of the Manaslu Circuit trek, but it’s not the only one. Starting from Machakhola and reaching Larkya Lama at an altitude of over 5000 meters, this trek offers a great trekking experience due to its varied natural terrain. It is one of those trails that includes all kinds of plains and mountains along the way, which can make it fall into the difficult category of trekking. Although experience is required for this trek, it is important to choose the best time to start, as harsh weather can affect the journey quickly and drastically. The best way to avoid such mishaps is to stay in tea houses and lodges during the spring season of March to May and the end of September to November. They say that any difficult journey leads to the right destination. In fact, once you finish the tough bits of the trek, the breath-taking views will captivate you as your mind clears of any impurities and you embrace a higher level of spiritual clarity, simply from the view of majestic Manaslu, aptly known as the “Mountain of the Soul.” Check out our Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Upper Mustang Trek
If you are looking for a more dedicated trail that will leave you on a journey of discovery, the Upper Mustang Trek, also known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, is for you. Being a rain shadow region, Upper Mustang is not affected by the heavy rainfall experienced in other parts of the country, making it suitable for trekking all year round except during the winters. Starting from Pokhara, this trek reaches the tranquil and untouched region of Lo Manthang, home to ancient Tibetan culture that has remained untouched by the passage of time to this day. At an altitude of around 3800 meters, Lo Manthang is one of the few places where several ancient monasteries are spread across a quiet desert-like terrain. It is through this intimate perspective that you can witness preserved culture in action, and if you are lucky, a traditional festival in favorable seasons. The trek is moderate, so fitness is required as is a sense of solitude of mind to appreciate and capture the silent interaction of man and nature. Check out our Upper Mustang Trek
- Gokyo Lakes/Gokyo Ri Trek
The Gokyo Lakes/Gokyo Ri Trek has similar elements to the Everest Base Camp Trek but is able to guarantee a different experience due to its less busy seasonal terrain. Located at the foot of the world’s sixth highest mountain, Cho Oyu (8188m), the Gokyo Lakes Trek is special because it features the enchanting Gokyo Lakes, a group of extremely beautiful freshwater lakes. The trek follows the path of several villages starting from Lukla, from where it reaches a trek of up to 5357m to Gokyo Ri (optional). The moderate trek requires hopping from one lodge to another, the third takes some time to reach the quaint village of Gokyo, nestled peacefully beside Gokyo Lake. The mesmerizing view of the sunset over the panoramic view of the white-tipped mountains visible from the Gokyo Ri viewpoint is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Check out our Gokyo Lakes Trek
- Rolwaling Valley Trek with Daldung La Pass
Last but not least on list of top 10 treks in Nepal is the Rolwaling Valley Trek with Daldung La Pass. It is a place that will blow your mind. This taxing trail sees very few footprints and winds through the remote, virgin terrain of Rolwaling. The mountain views and village landscapes, combined with cultural delights and rural lifestyle, are integrated into common discoveries that are unforgettable for any time. The Rolwaling Valley trek is a natural gem located between the enchanting Langtang region of Kathmandu and the Everest region to the east. Several airy suspension bridges help to cross the valleys. The best peak views can be had from the high alpine section of Daldung La Pass (3900 meters), and then the trail steadily increases. Check out our Rolwaling Valley Trek
- Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek
Numbur Cheese Circuit is a trek in Ramechhap district of Nepal. The starting point of the trek is Shivalaya, also the starting point of the Everest Base Camp trek for those not flying into Lukla. Trekking this route offers visitors great views of major mountain peaks including Annapurna South, Langtang, Gaurishankar and Numburchuili. Walk through deep ravines, glaciers, terraced paddy fields, subtropical forests and Sherpa villages to the Lhiku river glacier, overlooked by the towering peaks of Pathibara and Numburchuili. Visit Nepal’s first cheese factory established in 1957 and the famous Thodung Monastery en route. Similarly in April and May rhododendrons bloom in profusion, you may also see eagles, musk deer, and Himalayan tahr, a species of goat antelope. If you are lucky you can catch a glimpse of the elusive snow leopard, and during the wet season the mountain meadows are very green and lush with flowers and grasses. However trekking at this time is difficult in the wet and clouds will obscure any views. See our Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek
While these are the top 11 treks in Nepal, it is important to explore other options rather than limiting yourself to these to have the best experiences in the Himalayan country.
