In this article, we are going to discuss the Best Trekking Routes in Nepal.
Trekking is for those adventure lovers who have a strong urge to explore the unexplored and create lifetime memories. Along with the serenity and quietness, you get to vouch for the unspoiled beauty rich in ethnology. And every mighty trip has its own amazing moments that live in those brave hearts and minds forever.
Talking about Nepal, it is not only the home for high mountain ranges but for cultural and geographical diversity too. Within these differences, the singularity predominates which has created peaceful circumstances for experiencing those beauties.
Here in Nepal, the trekking routes are full of beauty, uniqueness, authenticity, and difficulty(up to some extent). Some routes have remote terrain, some through glacier crevasse, and some within high cross paths. In Nepal, in almost every trek you will notice one ancient settlement with exclusive civilization, daily lifestyle, and custom. Thus, trekking in Nepal is not just an adventure, it’s also hunting down remote culture beyond imagination.
The trekking options in Nepal are plentiful and cater to all comfort levels. On the basis of ease and duration, here are the best trekking routes in Nepal.
1. Easy Treks (2-4 days)
Dhampus Village Trek
Dhampus is a small Gurung village with amazing views of Annapurna and other peaks all around. Starting from Pokhara, this trek completes within 2 nights and 3 days. There are vehicles which will bring you to the trail followed by a short 2-3 hours trek to Dhampus. It is an easy trek with a maximum altitude of 1700 m only. Local village with reserved culture with a clear view of mountain ranges. It is regarded as an easy trek that can be done in Nepal. It is popular as one of the Best Trekking Routes in Nepal.
Royal Trek (Chisapani Trek)
Named after Prince Charles, it is perfect for trekkers of all ages and fitness. The route is a short, four-day loop with a maximum altitude of 1,730m (Kalikasthan) and only 4-5 hours of walk a day. Still, it gives a mind-blowing view of the mountain ranges of Annapurna, Langtang, and Fishtail. With more than a taste of local culture, this trek presents a true picturesque of uniqueness.
Nagarkot Dhulikhel Trek
This is a short comfortable trek with full wonders of nature and awning scenic view of Kathmandu valley. The maximum height is 2170m at Nagarkot. Here are Nepal’s best sunrise and sunset views. Along with the great mountain views around Kathmandu valley, you will also experience varied flora & fauna. This trek completes within 2 nights and 3 days.
Or if you want to know the about the best trekking zones than you can read them from here.
2. Moderate Treks (5-12+ days)
(For those who are running short of time but desire to get the best experience of the Himalayas.) Best Trekking Routes in Nepal that are moderate in difficulty.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Poon Hill is the most popular short trek with moderate ease. It lies in the beautiful part of the Annapurna region which offers spectacular views of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, fishtail (Mt. Machhapuchhre), and much more. The uneven landscapes, wild varieties of flora & fauna, ancient monasteries, numerous waterfalls, and nonetheless courteous Gurung villages. What more can you ask for?
With the exposure of pure nature and culture, in this trek, you can explore more than expected.
Highlights
360 panoramic views of Annapurna/Manaslu/Dhaulagiri and other mountains from the Poonhill.
Spectacular sunrise and sunset view from the top of Poonhill.
Vibrant and colorful rhododendron forest as well as a variety of birds and wildlife like musk deer.
Witness the lifestyle and culture of local Gurung and Magar residents.
Beautiful Madi river which comes from the Annapurna glacier and many waterfalls.
Max Elevation – Poon Hill (3210m)
Trekking Difficulty – Easy to Moderate
Remoteness – Not remote
Days – 5
Pricing – Cheap
Accommodation Type – Teahouse
Restricted Permits – No
Required Permits – ACAP, TIMS card
Mardi Himal Trek
Another Best Trekking Routes in Nepal is Mardi Himal Trail. This is one of the off-track treks of the Annapurna region. This trek can be started from several places like Kande, Dhampus Phedi, Siding, or even after ABC trek. The paths are filled with lush green and blooming rhododendron forests. The trail traverse through the snow-capped ridge will show Mt. Annapurna, Mardi Himal, Fishtail, etc.
Highlights
- Solitary trails with flourishing forests, villages, terraced farms, hills and dazzling rivers.
- Extraordinary panoramic views of Annapurna, Fishtail, and Hiunchuli mountain ranges.
Max Elevation – Upper Viewpoint (4450 m)
Trekking Difficulty – Moderate
Remoteness – Remote
Days – 8/10
Pricing – Medium
Accommodation Type – Basic Teahouse
Restricted Permits – No
Required Permits – ACAP, TIMS card
Langtang Valley Trek
Another moderate trek and the Best Trekking Routes in Nepal is Langtang Vallet Trek. After the recent earthquake, many hesitate to visit Langtang Valley as this region was harshly affected. But now more than 95% of the renovation and reconstruction of the mani wall, chorten, the monastery has been completed. Thus, it is ready to welcome you all with its awing landscapes, and close mount views. If you wish you can cross Gosainkunda while returning and explore the frozen holy lake.
Highlights
- Lacks super peaks but the trails are the full of alpine forests oaks and rhododendrons, soft moss & larch trees. They run from the east to west of Tibetan border.
- Visit the beautiful places like Laurebina pass, Gosaikunda lake, Kengen Gompa.
Max Elevation – Tserko Peak (4984 m)
Trekking Difficulty – Moderate
Remoteness – Mediocre
Days – 10/12
Pricing – Cheap
Accommodation Type – Teahouse
Restricted Permits – No
Required Permits – TIMS card
Annapurna Base Camp
Unique and amazing trek to Annapurna Base Camp is another destination for the moderate trek which can be done throughout the year. Due to a subtropical climatic territory, you can see distinct vegetation and brute creation.
Highlights
- An authentic and real trekking experience with admirable trail and landscapes.
- Great panoramic view of Annapurna ranges and many lakes & glaciers.
Max Elevation – Annapurna Base Camp (4090 m)
Trekking Difficulty – Moderate
Remoteness – Not remote
Days – 8/10+ days
Pricing – Bit expensive
Accommodation Type – Teahouse/Camping
Restricted Permits – No
Required Permits – ACAP, TIMS card
3. Strenuous Trek (12+ days)
Everest Base Camp Trek
It is the most famous trek all over the world. This trek is simply the ultimate dream of every trekker. Following the footstep of Tenzing & Hillary, walking through diverse sherpaland, hide and seek with the world famous mountain ranges, struggling through the shiny snow are its major highlights.
Highlights
- A world top adventure destination where you can face-to-face with Mt. Everest.
- Kala Patthar at 5,600m, a vantage point with the majestic view of high peaks and never seen landscapes.
Max Elevation – Kala Patthar (5600m)
Trekking Difficulty – Hard
Remoteness – Not remote
Days – 12/14+ days
Pricing – Expensive
Accommodation Type – Teahouse
Restricted Permits – No
Required Permits – TIMS card
Gokyo Everest Base Camp Trek
Gokyo lake is the body of clear and turquoise-blue water reflecting the sky itself. The trek of Gokyo takes you to through Sherpa heartland, stopping at the renowned tourist hubs; Namche Bazar and Dole before the ascent of Gokyo Ri. this ultimate destination will give crystal clear and close views of Everest’s awesome bulk.
Highlights
- Comparatively less crowd with a chance to discover three pass treks of Everest region; the Renjo, Chola, and Kongma La pass. This part is the challenging section of this trip.
- At the higher elevation of 5000m, you get to cross famous valleys including Thame, Gokyo, and Khumbu.
Max Elevation – Gokyo Ri (5357m)
Trekking Difficulty – Hard
Remoteness – Remote
Days – 12
Pricing – Expensive
Accommodation Type – Teahouse
Restricted Permits – No
Required Permits – TIMS card
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Once it is used to be the most trekked trek in Nepal. In spite of the road construction, it is still one of the beautiful treks of Nepal. Starting from Besisahar (760m), the trek goes through the tropical gorge with alpine forests. With altitude & distances, the scenes & climate varies too. Along with this trek, many side trips to ice lake, Tilicho lake, Bagra monastery, Manang village, Titi lake, Dhaulagiri ice fall, etc is possible.
Highlights
- Visit Manang, Tilicho lake, caves & monasteries, and over 5400m crossing the world’s widest pass Thorung La.
- Diverse trekking terrain with altitude varying from 760m to 5,400m.
Max Elevation – Thorong La Pass (5416 m)
Trekking Difficulty – Hard
Remoteness – Convenient
Days – 14
Pricing – Medium
Accommodation Type – Teahouse
Restricted Permits – No
Required Permits – TIMS card, ACAP
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Less visited and less crowded, Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is the best offbeat track in Nepal. Here the facilities are less commercialized, so this trek has its own significance. There is an option for both teahouse and camping. There are many obstacles that may come along with beautiful scenery and flora-fauna. Be well prepared for this adventure. It is also one of the Best Trekking Routes in Nepal.
Highlights
- Close view of the lifestyle of local inhabitants like Rai and Limbu of Tibetan descent.
- Get the opportunity to look at the rare species of musk deer, red panda, and blue sheep.
- Witness the world’s third highest peak, Kanchenjunga and other peaks around Sikkim & Tibet.
Max Elevation – Lapsang La Pass (5160 m)
Trekking Difficulty – Difficult
Remoteness – Very remote
Days – 20
Pricing – Very Expensive
Accommodation Type – Camping
Restricted Permits – Yes
Required Permits – KCA, RAP
4. Rarer Treks
Manaslu Circuit Trek
One of the northern territories, Manaslu Circuit trek is a long and challenging journey higher than Annapurna. With the dominance of Tibetan culture, it offers brilliant teahouse trek filled with ethnicity.
During this trek, you cross the high Budhi Gandaki valley and glacial pass Larkya-La (5160m). You will also witness the dramatic scenes of Mt. Manaslu, Himalchuli, and other high mountains.
Highlights
- Thrilling experience of trekking in restricted but truly challenging trails. Best and popular alternative of Annapurna Circuit trek.
- Witness world’s eighth highest, Mt. Manaslu.
- Less trodden and unspoiled culture. Lakye pass over 5400m is demanding but indeed rewarding.
- Cosy village of Sama Gaun, full of challenge and adventure.
Max Elevation – Larkya Pass (5115m)
Trekking Difficulty – hard
Remoteness – Remote
Days – 15 days
Pricing – Medium
Accommodation Type – Teahouses & Lodges
Restricted Permits – Yes
Required Permits – ACAP, MCAP, RAP
Rara Lake Trek
This falls under the less visited but extraordinarily beautiful trek of Nepal. But at the same time, many trekkers are increasing yearly due to its rare and remote magnificence. Rara trek lies in the far western part of Nepal where Khas (a culture tribe) people reside. This tribe has its own way of tradition and way of living. As Rara is a national park area, different types of flora and fauna are for sure.
Highlights
- Floral & faunal biodiversity around Rara National Park, including colorful residential and migratory birds.
- Thrilling experience of boating in the serene biggest lake of Nepal.
- Time-frozen culture and lifestyle of mid-hill people of the west.
Max Elevation – Rara Lake (3480 m)
Trekking Difficulty – Difficult
Remoteness – Remote
Days – 15
Pricing – Medium
Accommodation Type – Guesthouses & Lodges
Restricted Permits – No
Required Permits – Rara national Park Entry Permit
Upper Mustang
If you want to seek medieval Tibetan style village with ancient landscapes & sacred caves, Upper Mustang is your journey’s end. Lo-Manthang, the walled city, is known as the capital of Mustang. This place owes a king (and his religious kingdom) is the main attraction here. This trek has the advantage of monsoon time since it lies in the rain shadow of Mt. Annapurna & Mt Dhaulagiri.
Highlights
- Steep treeless & barren landscapes with absolute & dramatic cliff walls along with the most ancient monasteries & hidden caves.
- Opened in 1992, this trek reserves the culturally sensitive environment.
- Unique Tibetan culture and fascinating colorful topography. Yearly Tiji festival took place at Lo Manthang in May. It is the best time to see the colorful monks’ mask dance.
Max Elevation – Dhakmar (3810m)
Trekking Difficulty – Moderate to Hard
Remoteness – Very remote
Days – 14
Pricing – High
Accommodation Type – Teahouse
Restricted Permits – Yes
Required Permits – ACAP, RAP
Upper Dolpo (Dolpa) Trek
Upper Dolpo is a hidden gem filled with Tibetan villages, barren landscapes, mountain peaks, and fertile rice terraces. This trek includes multiple days in the remote but nature-gifted Dolpa above 4000m. It is a challenging trek through magical trails with unbelievable views. You will also experience a deeply spiritual and untouched Buddhist culture.
Highlights
- Isolated Shey Phoksundo lake and Shey gumbas & monasteries.
- Amazing view of Kanjirowa Himal Mountain with high Himalayan valleys, resembling the Tibetan plateau.
Max Elevation – Kang La Pass (5250m)
Trekking Difficulty – Hard
Remoteness – Very remote
Days – 22
Pricing – High
Accommodation Type – Camping
Restricted Permits – Yes
Required Permits – RAP
Makalu Base Camp Trek
This is also one of the offbeat track treks of Nepal. It is located between Everest and Kanchenjunga region like buffer zone. It includes the national park region of Makalu Barun. This region faces fewer visitors annually and the infrastructure like teahouse, the guesthouse is still basic.
Highlights
- Makalu, the fifth highest mountain, with the base camp has unspoiled trails and landscapes.
- Stunning mountain scenery including the elevated ridge of Shersong at 5250 meters.
Max Elevation – Makalu Base Camp (4870m)
Trekking Difficulty – Difficult
Remoteness – Very remote
Days – 20/21
Pricing – High
Accommodation Type – Teahouse
Restricted Permits – Yes
Required Permits – Makalu Base Camp Trek Permit, RAP
Conclusion
These are the exceptionally beautiful and best trekking routes in Nepal. People from all over the world has Nepal on their bucket list for them. You surely can’t stop feeling overwhelming feeling at stepping these world’s most stunning feat.
To experience a lot at once, some of above treks can be combined too. Thus, the itinerary can be made as per your choice with us.
Simply go through https://himalayasonfoot.com/contact-us/ to contact us.
