You can find variations of trekking trails in Nepal, including extreme and mild ones. You can discover 5 to 6-day treks to approximately 25 to 30-day treks in Nepal. You can enjoy the mild treks surrounded by beautiful nature through the picturesque trekking route filled with dense rhododendron forest, terraced rice fields, steep slopes, open pastures, and crossing spectacular suspension bridges with fluttering prayer flags. On the other hand, extreme treks take you through the high passes and mountain glaciers to the world’s highest mountain and deepest gorge. But whichever journey you choose, you can have a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience with the most renowned treks, such as Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and many others.
If you have decided to trek in Nepal, you can find many trekking options that fit your time and budget. But the most critical question remains: Where should you trek in Nepal? To answer this question, the Nepal Adventure Team has covered a rundown of each of Nepal's top 10 best treks, including the trek’s highlight and itinerary.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Trip Facts and Overview
Duration: 15 Days
Permit: Sagarmatha National Park Fee, TIMS Card, Local Taxes
Accommodation: Hotel and Tea/House Lodge
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 5550 m
Best Time: March to May, September to December
Highlights:
- Passing through the Khumbu region, spectacular Himalayas views, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, and others
- Walk through the pine forest, Sherpa village, Everest Base Camp, and climb to Kalapathar
- Lying at Trans-Himalayan Tenzing Hillary airport in Lukla
- Walking on the edge of the Dudh Koshi River, along with crossing suspension bridges
- Exploring Sherpa culture, ancient gompas, and monasteries
We don’t have to say which trek is the most engaging and preferred in Nepal. The Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC) is listed as number one among the best treks in Nepal and one of the world's best treks.
Not only does the trail take you to the highest mountain in the world, but the trail also leads you to the famous vantage point of Kalapathar (5,643 m) to have a close-up view of Mount Everest via the world-renowned Namche Bazaar. When talking Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital of Nepal, gateway to Mount Everest and Kalapathar, these are the best places on planet earth where you can find a trekkers hub and like-minded trekkers in one place. Namche Bazaar is a hidden world of a modern city with an Irish pub and the best coffee houses, whereas Kalapathar is the only place on earth from where you can stand face-to-face with Mount Everest. For many of us, it is not just a trek; it is more than a trek. Moving forward on the picturesque trekking trail and experiencing the unique and rich Sherpa culture and tradition is a pleasant walk. This trek is a lifetime opportunity where you will walk through the Sagarmatha National Park in the Everest region and witness the highest mountain in the world.
Your Everest Base Camp Trek route starts at Lukla at 2,840 meters (9,318 ft). The trekking trail offers many suspension bridges draped in fluttering prayer flags and dense pine forests dotted with rhododendron flowers. During the peak season, you may find the trekking trail filled with climbers, trekkers, guides, and porters, including local people, yaks, and Jhopke (crossbreed animals between yak and cow). We suggest that whenever you encounter such traffic, don't forget to give them some space, especially when encountering porters, as you can see them carrying tons of sound through the arduous climb. Please let them have the trekking trail first. The same goes for the yaks and Jhopke laden with goods; it is best to avoid them, or not, you may have to face a dangerous situation. Well, like every trekking trail in the Himalayan region, Everest Base Camp Trek also offers religious shrines such as Chortens, Gombas, and Mani walls, adorned with stunning views of Ama Dablam (6,812m), Makalu (8,481m), and Lhotse (8,516 m), will let you in awe of the fantastic Himalayan vistas.
Suppose you want to avoid the busier trails in the Everest Region. In that case, there are several trekking packages in the Everest region besides Everest Base Camp Trek, which presents an equally beautiful trekking trail in the Everest region. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trip Facts and Overview
Duration: 13 Days
Permit: ACAP Permit and TIMS Card
Accommodation: Hotel and Tea/House Lodge
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 4130 m
Best Time: March to May, September to December
Highlights:
- Walk past Annapurna Conservation Area through the subtropical forest path
- Discover nature and rich culture with a golden sunrise view
- See the magical views of the giant mountain peaks of Machapuchre, Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Himalchuli
- Picturesque trekking trail, along with monasteries, Gompas, and shrines.
The Everest Base Camp trek, counted as another of the best treks in Nepal and the world, is none other than the spectacular Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) in the popular Annapurna Region. Choosing Annapurna Base Camp Trek, also known as Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, means you can get to have a panoramic Himalayan vista of the tenth highest mountain in the world Annapurna (8091 m) which also includes the glorious views of Machapuchre (6,993m), Gangapurna (7,455m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and Himalchuli (7,893m). In addition, you will also get to see the numerous temples, gompas, monasteries, and shrines on your trekking trail.
Passing through the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will witness the pine forest, subtropical forest, terraced rice fields, charming villages, diverse landscapes, and culture. On your way, you can see the mountaintops shining golden because of the magical sunrise that crept out from behind Annapurna ranges from Poon Hill, an iconic vantage point. Apart from all the beautiful views, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek provides you with the perfect opportunity to get an insight into the rich culture and tradition of Nepali people with diverse ethnic backgrounds.
Suppose you are a nature and culture lover. In that case, you will surely love Annapurna Base Camp Trek, which starts with a beautiful lakeside city called Pokhara, a gateway to the Annapurna region. Pokhara is Nepal's second-best tourist city, where you can be a peaceful, calm, and quiet city covered with lush green forest. It is a suitable trek for all age groups as it doesn’t require going to oxygen-sapping altitudes or any physical pain.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Trip Facts and Overview
Duration: 19 Days
Permits: ACAP, MCAP, Restricted Area Permit, and TIMS Card
Accommodation: Hotel and Tea/House Lodge
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 5106 m
Best Time: March to May, September to December
Highlights:
- Best trekking trails: witness the highest peaks in Nepal
- Walking through the deepest Budi Gandaki gorge
- Experience the rich culture Tibetan culture of Tsum Valley
- On the trail, visit ancient old Gombas and monasteries such as Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa.
Extremely popular among trekking enthusiasts, Manaslu Circuit Trek is gaining its reputation as one of the most isolated and remote trekking trails in Nepal. Lies between Annapurna to the west and Ganesh Himal to the east, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a newly opened restricted trek destination in Nepal. If you are thinking of the Manaslu Circuit trek, you should carry special permits for this Trek.
When talking about the Manaslu Circuit Trek highlights, then we cannot forget the isolated trekking trail; you can have the entire trekking trail, along with mesmerizing views of the highest peak in the world such as Manaslu (8,156m), Cheo Himal (6,820m), Himlung Himal (7,140m), Kang Guru, and Annapurna II, the best trekking trail in Nepal. Walking through the Budhi Gandaki trail, passing through the highest point of the trek is Larkya La Pass(5167m); this trek is demanding yet rewarding, which not only lets you witness Manaslu-the eighth highest mountain in the world, which is above 8000 meters but it takes you to a land of monasteries and hamlets called Tsum Valley where you can explore the most stunning natural scenes around the majestic surroundings of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges in Tsum valley. In addition, the rich culture, religion, and art of local Gurung and Tibetan origin make this trek perfect for cultural immersion. With this unique experience, you can gain a more profound knowledge of the people and culture of an unfamiliar place. As the valley is rich in Tibetan culture and Buddhist religion, it unfolds the rich history through the ancient Gombas and monasteries such as Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek route begins with a scenic drive to Besisahar. Although it can be done all year round, the best times for this trek are March to May and September to November.
Langtang Valley Trek
Trip Facts and Overview
Duration: 11 Days
Permit: Langtang National Park Fee and TIMS Card
Accommodation: Hotel and Tea/House Lodge
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 4984 m
Best Time: March to May, September to December
Highlights:
- Walking through Langtang National Park
- Magnificent panoramic views of the famous Langtang Range
- Passing through Gompas and monasteries
- Explore the famous cheese factory at Kyanjin Gompa
Undoubtedly, Langtang Valley, also known as the ‘Valley of Glaciers, is one of the most enchanting places in Nepal. It is in the Langtang Trekking region in Rasuwa District, north of Kathmandu. Easily accessible from Kathmandu and a relatively easy trek, Langtang Valley Trek is recognized as another best trek in Nepal. This Trek is also considered by many as the third-best trek in Nepal, after Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
Langtang Valley Trek is a fantastic journey through the Langtang National Park of Nepal. If you are looking for diverse landscapes, old monasteries, high mountain passes, main walls, and Tibetan culture and religion where you can experience the local lifestyle, then this trek could be your best choice. On top of that, this trek also leads you to Kyanjin Gompa, where you can explore the famous Cheese factory. You will also get to see Tseriko Ri (5,450m) and Kyanjin Ri (4,773m), which have majestic views of the Panoramic Langtang Range on the trail of Langtang Valley Trek. Some of the highlights of this trek are the spectacular views, including Dorje Lakpa (6,990m), Langtang Ri (6,370m), and Langtang Lirung (7,245m).
With all these things to explore and discover, Langtang Valley is undoubtedly a must-visit trekking destination in Nepal. This trek begins with a scenic drive to Syabrubesi via a small town called Trishuli Bazaar and Dunche.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trip Facts and Overview
Duration: 19 Days
Permit: ACAP and TIMS Card
Accommodation: Hotel and Tea/House Lodge
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 5416 m
Best Time: March to May, September to December
Highlights:
- Let the Himalayan ranges of Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Machhapuchre, Mt. Hinchuli, and many other highest peaks in Nepal greet you
- Walkthrough the edge of the deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge
- Observe rich flora and fauna while crossing the highest pass at Thorang La Pass
- Embark on the sacred pilgrimage site of Mukti Nath
- Relaxing natural hot springs at Tatopani
After Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek is another most preferred trekking trail in the Annapurna Region that surrounds the entire Annapurna Massifs in Nepal. It is the most demanding trek in Nepal due to its 360-degree panoramic views of Himalayan ranges such as Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Annapurna I (8,091m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m), Mt. Annapurna II (7,937 m.), Mt. Annapurna III (7,555m), Mt. Annapurna IV (7,525m), Mt. Annapurna south (7,219m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,041m), Mt. Machhapuchare (6,998m), Mt. Hiunchuli (6,441m), and Mt. Lamjung Himal (6,986m). Apart from all the gorgeous Himalayan vistas, you will also see the Tibetan culture and traditions in Manag Valleys, an isolated valley with desert-like terrain.
Moreover, walking through the edge of the deepest Kali Gandaki George, Annapurna Circuit Trek will let you discover the first rays of the warm sun creeping out from behind the Annapurna Range in one of the well-famous beautiful Poon Hills. You will find it hard to explain the beauty of marvelous views of golden sunrise and being surrounded on every side by dozens of equally spectacular majestic Himalayas of Nepal. When talking about the beauty of the Annapurna Circuit Trek, we cannot forget the euphoric feelings of crossing the highest pass at Thorang La (5,416m), nor can we forget to visit the most sacred pilgrimage sites of Nepal, Mukti Nath. Annapurna Circuit Trek route also offers a natural hot spring in Nepal. After many days of exhausting trekking trails, the feeling of getting a hot shower at Tatopani (natural hot spring) will surely make you dance around.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best treks in the world. If you plan to do the Annapurna Circuit Trek, let me tell you that this trek starts with a scenic drive to Jagat. From there, you will have to take a local jeep to Besisahar. In the Annapurna region, numerous trekking trails and routes vary from time to time and budget. Therefore, we are presenting only the best of the most famous treks in this region.
Kanchenjunga Trekking
Trip Facts and Overview
Duration: 26 Days
Permit: KCAP, Restricted Area Permit, and TIMS Card
Accommodation: Hotel and Tea/House Lodge
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 5143 m
Best Time: March to May, September to December
Highlights:
- Walking through the isolated trekking trail
- Find the rare beauty of raw Himalayan
- Explore the remote eastern part of Nepal and get a closer insight into local people’s lifestyle
- The beautiful trekking path that leads to Kanchenjunga-the third highest mountain in the world
Kanchenjunga Trekking is unarguable when finding one of the best off-the-beaten-path treks. It is, without any doubt, the most remarkable trekking destination in Nepal. Kanchenjunga Trekking is unbeatable in terms of experiencing the beauty of an isolated place through a secluded journey into the remote terrain of the Eastern Region.
This is a challenging trek that leads you to the third-highest mountain in the world and the second-highest mountain in Nepal-Kanchenjunga which means the five tressures of snow that depict the five individual peaks of Kangchenjunga; it has seven major summits. On the trail, you will walk through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (2035 sq. km), where you can explore the variety of floras and faunas in the remote eastern part of Nepal. You can also get the chance to visit traditional villages, deep valleys, and terraced farmland, along with the strong Tibetan Buddhist culture in this area. Walking through the monasteries, stupas, and Gompas on your route, you will get lost in the beauty of remote eastern Nepal.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek starts at Taplejung. As I mentioned, this is a challenging trek that requires a good level of physical and mental fitness because it is also one of the longest trekking routes in Nepal. No wonder this trek will test your limits, but if you're ready to do it and willing to find this rare beauty in the raw Himalayas before the crowds do, it gets loaded with thousands of trekkers worldwide. Here is the best Kanchenjunga Trekking package for you: Click here for 26 days of Kanchenjunga Trekking in Nepal. This trek is going to give you a life-changing experience for sure.
Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek
Trip Facts and Overview
Duration: 10 Days
Permit: ACAP Permit and TIMS Card
Accommodation: Hotel and Tea/House Lodge
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 3210 m
Best Time: March to May, September to December
Highlights:
- Get lost in the most beautiful village of Nepal, enjoy the excellent hospitality of Gurung
- Capture the most beautiful golden sunrise views
- Walking to the beautiful trekking trail dotted with rhododendron flower
- Snow-capped mountain views of some of the highest mountains in Nepal
- Find a relaxing natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda
Another spectacular trekking trail in the Annapurna region would be the Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek. The widely famous Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek is one of the best treks in Nepal.
The major highlight of this trek is the best sunrise views over the majestic Annapurna, Dhaulagiri Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (6,993m) from the top of Poon Hill (3,210m). It is located above the village of Ghorepani, the charming Gurung village of Nepal. On your way, you will pass through the dense rhododendron forest, snow-capped mountain scenery, stone-paved hiking trails, and varieties of flora and fauna.
Your journey to the Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek begins with a scenic drive to Pokhara and your gateway to the Annapurna Region trek. During the trek, you will come across the large Gurung Ghandruk Village, where you can visit the impressive museum and natural hot springs at Jhinu Danda.
If you are looking for cultural immersion treks, then make sure that you include Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek on your list because this would be the best trek ever for you, where you can taste the flavor of both nature and culture.
Everest Gokyo Lake Trek
Trip Fact and Overview
Duration: 14 Days
Permit: Sagarmatha National Park Fee, TIMS Card, Local Taxes
Accommodation: Hotel and Tea/House Lodge
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 5550 m
Best Time: March to May, September to December
Highlights:
- Thrilling mountain flight experience at Lukla Airport
- Explore turquoise Gokyo Lake and Gokyo Ri
- Phenomenal mountain views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Nuptse, Amadablam, and Mt. Makalu
- Take a walk through the Sagarmatha National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Nepal
Everest Gokyo is part of the mesmerizing Gokyo Lake trek, which surrounds the Phenomenal Himalayas Gokyo Ri. It is also the best viewpoint besides Kalapatthar, where you can unlock beautiful views of impressive glaciers, turquoise lakes, and beautiful valleys.
Likewise, while walking through the Sagarmatha National Park, the stunning views of the mountains as the backdrop are hard to miss. You will encounter ancient monasteries, rich Sherpa culture, and settlements like Namche Bazaar. Since the Everest Gokyo Lake Trek falls in the Everest region, this trek begins with a domestic flight to Lukla Airport from Kathmandu Valley. You start trekking towards the famous Namze Bazaar, and that’s the point where your trail separates you from the busier trails of the Everest Base Camp trek. You must acclimate to Namze Bazaar before setting off for the Gokyo Valley and Gokyo Ri.
Ruby Valley Trek
Trip Fact and Overview
Duration: 10 Days
Permit: Langtang National Park Fee and TIMS Card
Accommodation: Hotel and Tea/House Lodge
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 3850 m
Best Time: March to May, September to December
Highlights:
- Easily accessible unexplored trekking destinations in Nepal
- Close-up views of Ganesh, Langtang, and Manaslu Himal
- Walking through the dense pine forest, oak, and rhododendron forest
- Discover ruby mines in the mountains, ebullient waterfalls, and Georges
- Rich culture of Tamang, Magar, Brahmin, Chettri, and Gurung inhabitants
Ruby Valley Trek is one of the best trekking areas in the Ganesh Himal Region. Lying in between the beautiful Langtang National Park and the Manaslu Conservation area, Ruby Valley Trek has newly opened nothing less than a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience in Nepal that offers panoramic views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, and Manaslu Himal.
This beautiful region not only offers the hidden gem between the famous trekking area, but you can also explore the most stunning natural scenes, diverse terrain rice fields, green meadows, and rich cultures of Tamang and Gurung people. On your way, exploring the remote regions of Nepal, you can discover the rare beauty of the abandoned ruby mines. The beautiful Ruby Valley Trek starts with a 7-8-hour drive to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu Valley. From here, walking through the easy trail, you will encounter some charming villages such as Ghatlang, Somdang, and Chalis Gaon, along with the diverse culture and traditions of the Tamang, Gurung, Chhetri, and Magar communities.
Here is a list of famous treks in the Ganesh Himal Region for those who want to explore the popular trekking routes.
Upper Mustang Trek
Trip Fact and Overview
Duration: 17 Days
Permit: ACAP Permit, Restricted Area Permit, and TIMS Card
Accommodation: Hotel and Tea/House Lodge
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Elevation: 4353 m
Best Time: March to May, September to December
Highlights:
- Steeped in the history and culture of Upper Mustang
- Witness the rich culture, religious beliefs, and rituals of the Tibetan
- Visit the ancient King’s Palace of Lo
- Discover the 200 years old monasteries, Gompas, fluttering prayer flags, caves, and rock painting
- Enjoy the mountain views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and Nilgiri
Last but not least, the Last Forbidden Kingdom of Nepal, or Upper Mustang Trek, is a popular trek in Nepal. Located in the northern part of Nepal, this is one of the restricted treks in Nepal that requires a restricted area permit to travel. Upper Mustang, a hidden valley in Nepal, is a must-visit trekking destination.
We are keeping this beautiful trek on our list as the top cherry in deserts. With the beautiful trans-Himalayan Mountain area, desert-like landscapes, ancient caves, and cliffs, you can never get enough of the Upper Mustang Trek. If you are fond of culture and festival tours in Nepal, you must visit Lo Manthang and participate in the famous Tiji festival tours. Talking about Lo Manthang is a beautiful small town in the northwest of the area, where you can find 200 years old Chode Lhakang monasteries and the king’s palace. Not to mention, this place has live museums of ancient historical and religious monuments.
You can get the opportunity to get the panoramic mountain ranges of Dhaulagiri (8167m), Annapurna I (8091m), and Manaslu range (8,163m) while passing through the Annapurna conservation area on the Upper Mustang trekking trails. The length of the Upper Mustang Trekking route depends on your chosen path. Your treks start with a domestic flight to Jomsom from Pokhara Airport and go to Kagbeni, a gateway to Upper Mustang Trek. No wonder selecting this trek could be the best experience of your life.
Conclusion
“Heaven is a myth, but Nepal is real”. With many trekking trails in Nepal, selecting the top 10 best treks was not easy, but we have tried our best. So, if we have missed your favorite trekking destination, please comment below, and we would like to add your favorite trek to our next blog. After reading this blog, if you are interested in a trekker's paradise in Nepal, then without any hesitation, contact the Nepal Adventure Team.
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