Nepal is a trekker’s paradise. Once here, you can have multiple trekking options where some are short and easy, while some are long and strenuous.
Blessed by mother nature, Nepal offers a wide range of diverse flora and fauna.
On top of that, the unique landscape of Nepal features a broad spectrum of ethnic groups. Most of all, it is the friendliness and pleasing nature of Nepalese people that make this country so unique.
Also, read our post on the best places to visit in Kathmandu, plus what you need to know for a Tibet Nepal tour and hiking in Nepal.
What Are the Best Treks in Nepal?
All these highlights make treks popular among the trekking enthusiasts in Nepal.
Whichever treks you plan, you will be accompanied by the best sceneries, enticing mountain views, and the best memories.
Some of the best treks in Nepal that entice most of the trekkers are:
Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek is the most famous trekking destination in Nepal. More than 40,000 people walk this trail every year.
Retracing the footsteps of early Everest expeditions, the trek takes you to the base of Mount Everest.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a high altitude trek. It starts from 2,845 m to a staggering 5,500 m. Throughout the trek, you’ll ascend more than 2,500 meters in elevation.
The EBC trek possesses a moderate level of difficulty. However, it is not a technical trek. Hence, it does not require any mountaineering experience.
All the same, you’ll still need a moderate level of fitness.
The trek stretches about 130 km, 65 km each way. With 5-6 hours of trekking and proper acclimatization, the trek can be done in 14-16 days.
However, if you are short on time, you can opt for the Everest Luxury Trek.
This variant takes you to some of the most beautiful hotels and lodges along the EBC trail. It can be done in 10 days without missing any major highlight of the classic EBC trek.
The classical EBC trek starts with an electrifying flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Thereon, the actual trekking begins. En route, you’ll traverse through beautiful farmland, high suspension bridges, dense forest, serene rivers, and glacial terrains.
It takes you to the Everest Base Camp via Namche Bazaar (3,400 m), Tengboche (3,800 m), Dingboche (4,410 m), and Lobuche (4,940 m) route. Kala Patthar, at 5,500 m, is the highest point in the trek.
Everest Base Camp offers some of the best scenery in Nepal. You’ll get the first glimpse of Everest from Namche Bazaar.
The route also features a majestic view of 4 of the six highest peaks in the world. Moreover, it also offers a beautiful landscape.
The walk-through Sagarmatha National Park can be quite exquisite. As you traverse the beautiful forest, you can encounter a wide range of wildlife.
However, the biggest highlight of the EBC trek is the panoramic view of Mt. Everest from Kala Patthar. Along with it, the ancient Tengboche Monastery is another major attraction.
Everest Base Camp Trek can be done all year round. But Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to April) are the two most popular times to trek.
During these times, the weather is pleasant, and the views are glorious.
As for accommodation, teahouses are your best option. They are basic but comfortable.
One thing you need to be wary about is altitude sickness. It can be fatal and can quickly end your trek. Reaching the Everest Base Camp is a magnificent feat. It is sure to be strenuous, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences for a lifetime.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most diverse trekking routes in Nepal. More than 28,500 people walked this trail in 2018.
With an annual increment rate of 22.47%, the popularity of this trek keeps on soaring.
This adventurous trek takes you within the mountain ranges of central Nepal. It starts at an elevation of 830 m and takes you up to 5,416 m.
This gives you a perfect opportunity to examine the changing landscape and climate in the region. You’ll also encounter different ethnic groups during the trek.
The length of the trek ranges from 160-230 km, depending on where you start your trek.
The full trek is done in 18-21 days, while a shorter version will take 10-14 days. For the difficulty, it is considered as a moderate trek.
Road construction in the region has affected the trekking experience. Nonetheless, it remains one of the best treks in Nepal.
This trek begins at Besisahar (830 m) in the Lamjung district. It crosses two different river valleys as it encircles the Annapurna Massif.
Some of the most famous mountains you see along the trail are Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak, and Paungda Danda.
The trail takes you through beautiful terraced rice farmland, rhododendrons forests, lush valleys, and alpine woodlands. Likewise, you’ll also trek through dry, barren terrains and traditional villages.
The main highlight of the trek is the Thorong La Pass. Situated at a staggering 5,416 m, it touches the edge of the Tibetan plateau.
Likewise, the world’s highest lake, Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), is another major highlight. Moreover, the trek also features the Kali Gandaki Gorge. By the way, do read about Vikos Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world (as listed in the Guinness book of records).
The Muktinath Temple is another attraction along the trail. It is one of the most important shrines of both Hindu and Buddhist.
The natural hot spring at Tatopani will relieve you of all the strain. Likewise, the sunrise and sunset view from Poon Hill is equally enticing.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a teahouse trek. The tea houses along the trail are basic and comfortable.
Likewise, Spring and Autumn are the best time to trek the Annapurna Circuit Trek.
Spring starts from March to April and Autumn from September to November. The sky is clear, and the views are outstanding during these seasons.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu region is located in the west-central part of Nepal near the Nepal-Tibet border.
Opened for trekking only in 1991, the region remains unexplored and untouched. Yet, it remains one of the best all-around treks in Nepal.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek circles around Mt. Manaslu (8,156 m), the eighth highest peak in the world.
With Annapurna and Ganesh Himal on each side, this trek offers some of the best mountain scenery. En route, you’ll witness ten peaks above 6,500 m and a few over 7,000 m.
The trek starts under 800 m from sea level and reaches its maximum elevation of 5,125 m at the Larkya La.
It covers six different climatic zones and stretches over 177 km. The trek is usually done in 14-17 days. It is an excellent alternative to the crowded Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp Trek.
This trek takes you from relatively lowland to massive highlands. It starts from Arughat in the Dhading district.
Then, you head north along the Buri Gandaki river. As elevation increases, you’ll witness changes in topography, wildlife, and culture.
It takes you on a serene, peaceful path away from the noisy modern world.
The trail passes through many ridges, rich rhododendron forest, alpine woodland, high suspension bridges, and beautiful Buddhist villages.
The trail is well dotted with teahouses. With just over 2,000 trekkers trailing this route, it is comparatively cheaper than other teahouse treks.
The best time to trek the Manaslu Circuit in October and November. April and May also provide favorable conditions to trek this trail. Be advised; it is mandatory to trek with a partner.
Poon Hill Trek
The Poon Hill Trek is one of the most sought out accessible trekking destinations in Nepal. This trek provides an ideal introduction to trekking in the Himalayas.
The Poon Hill Trek is a low altitude trek. It stretches over 51 km with the maximum elevation at Poon Hill (3,210 m).
The trek can be completed in 4-5 days. Nonetheless, this short trek provides some of the best views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
The trek begins with one and half hour drive from Pokhara to Nayapul.
The trail leads through lush forest and scattered Magar villages. You’ll also be climbing a lot of stone steps along the path.
The main highlight of the trek is the stunning view from Poon Hill. Poon Hill is regarded as the best viewpoint in the entire Annapurna region.
You can witness more than 20 different mountains from there. Most of all, it is the sunrise and the sunset view from the hill that makes it so accessible.
The trail is well dotted with tea houses. The accommodation is basic but comfortable. Due to its lower elevation, winter trek is also possible.
October and November are the most exciting month to trek Poon Hill.
During this time, the climate is neither too hot nor too cold. Hence, you’ll have a pleasant trekking experience.
Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. The region lies north to Kathmandu and borders Tibet. With just 30 km away, it is the closet Himalayan Range from the capital.
The Langtang Valley is sandwiched between the Himalayas in the north and the Langtang Lirung range in the south.
The trek starts at an elevation of 1,610 m and reaches its peak at 5,050 m at Chorkari Ri. The full length of the trek is approximately 65 km. It is usually done in 8-10 days.
The trail takes you through steep, jungle-covered valleys at a lower altitude. As you ascend higher, it is mostly vast, barren alpine valleys.
The trek also provides you a chance to indulge in the Buddhist culture of Tamang and Sherpa people.
The main highlight of the Langtang Valley Trek is the Langtang Lirung Range.
The range features three peaks: Langtang I (6,672 m), Langtang Ghenge Liru (6,571 m), and the Langtang Lirung (7,234 m). Apart from this, you can get splendid views of Ganesh Himal and Mount Manaslu.
The trekking route goes through the Langtang National Park. The national park hosts 1,000 species of plants and over 150 species of birds and animals.
The Langtang National Park also features some rare animals. If you are lucky, you might even see Red Pandas.
The region is also famous for its unique Buddhist culture. The prayers flags and Chortens add exquisite color to the landscape. Likewise, the yak cheese of the area is well known all over the world.
Teahouses are the most common accommodation along the trail.
However, you also have the option to camp. Spring and Autumn are the best time to trek the Langtang Valley. The weather is lovely, and the views are stunning during these seasons.
Upper Mustang Trek
Hidden between the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna, Mustang is divided into two regions: the Lower and Upper Mustang. The Lower Mustang features vibrant villages and unique landscapes.
The Upper Mustang constitutes two-thirds of the Mustang territory. The region has its king and is known as the Kingdom of Lo. To this day, the king is acknowledged by the people of Mustang.
The Upper Mustang opened its door to outsiders only after 1990. Still, the region remains restricted, with only a limited number of trekkers accepted each year.
The Upper Mustang Trek starts from Jomsom. The trail follows the ancient salt caravan route to Tibet. With the maximum elevation of 3,800 m, there is no risk of altitude sickness.
The Upper Mustang Trek can be completed in 10-15 days.
This trek is similar to trekking in Tibet as the region is a part of the Tibetan plateau. The trail takes you to a desert-like landscape with very few vegetation. The lands are dry and rough, and it is windy throughout the year.
Nonetheless, the Upper Mustang Trek is one of the best treks in Nepal. With centuries-old practices and norms still prevalent, this trek feels like a back in time adventure.
The region features many hidden caves, ancient Gompas, chortens, and rustic houses. Beautiful barley fields and colorful prayer flags add vibrant color to the barren landscape.
The highlight of this trek is Lo Manthang, the capital city of the region. The capital is fenced by a 6-meter wall.
As you enter through the town gate, it feels like stepping into a different world. The capital features a royal palace and the monasteries dating back to the 15th century.
There are many guesthouses along the trail which provide necessary accommodation facilities.
The region lies in the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Hence, trekking in monsoon is also possible.
Kanchenjunga Trek
Kanchenjunga Trek is one of the most popular treks in the off-the-beaten-trekking trails in Nepal.
Thousands of trekkers walk this trail as it takes you to the base of the third highest peak in the world.
Kanchenjunga trek is a high altitude trek. The actual treks start at an elevation of 2,265 m and reach a maximum height of 5,143 m at the base camp.
The trek is completed in around 25 days, with 6-7 hours of trek each day.
Kanchenjunga provides some of the most breathtaking scenery and wild landscape. As you ascend higher, you’ll notice gradual changes in landscape and vegetation.
The trail takes you through rocky terrain, alpine woodlands, and bamboo jungle. You’ll walk past swift rivers, glaciers, and beautiful waterfalls.
You’ll also visit several remote villages of different ethnic groups. The lower region is inhabited by Limbu people, whereas Gurung, Rai, and Sherpa people live higher up.
As you walk through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, you might also encounter snow leopard, musk deer, and red panda.
The route is less crowded compared to Annapurna and Everest Base Camp trek. Hence, you can have a more natural trek. As for accommodation, you’ll mostly stay in teahouses.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek is another popular trekking destination in the Annapurna region. Comparatively shorter than Annapurna Circuit trek, this trek can be done in 10-15 days.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you to the base of Annapurna South and its neighboring peaks. It starts at an elevation of 830 m and reaches a maximum height of 4,130 m at the base camp.
The full length of the trek is approximately 96 km long.
With just 4-6 hours of trekking each day, the ABC trek is of moderate difficulty. The ABC trek starts with a short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul.
Thereon, you’ll start your trek.
The trail takes you through rhododendrons forest, lush paddy fields, beautiful Gurung villages, and mesmerizing landscape.
It also features some of the best mountain scenery that includes Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli.
The ABC trail is one of the most natural and authentic treks in the region.
The accommodation along the trail are mostly teahouses. You can also find some luxury lodges and hotels.
The ABC trek can be done all year round.
But Spring and Autumn are the two best seasons to trek this trail. The sky during these times is blue and clear. You’ll get splendid mountain views.
Upper Dolpo Trek
Upper Dolpo resides in the mid-western part of Nepal. Hidden behind the Dhaulagiri Range, it remains one of the most remote parts of Nepal.
Yet, the Upper Dolpo trek is one of the best treks in Nepal.
The region borders Tibet in the north. Hence, the culture and lifestyle resemble very much to its northern neighbor. The inhabitants are mostly Tibetan descendants in the Upper Dolpo.
Whereas the lower region comprises of Hindu communities.
The Upper Dolpo Trek starts at an elevation of 2,850 m at Juphal, while the maximum height you reach on this trek is 5,190 m at Numala.
The trek involves 4-6 hours of trekking each day and is done in around 27 days.
The trek takes you through alpine forest, barren landscape, and beautiful valley. The trail then follows a narrow ravine to higher ridges and primitive settlements.
Along the way, you can also witness some of the oldest monasteries in Nepal.
This trek features some of the most mesmerizing lakes and landscapes in Nepal. The sight of Phoksundo lake lying quietly at the bottom of the Phoksundo valley is breathtaking.
It also happens to be the deepest lake in Nepal.
Likewise, the Shey Phoksundo National Park is one of the highest animal concentration parks in the world. It is home to some of the most exquisite wildlife and plants.
If you are lucky, you might see some endangered species such as snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer, blue sheep, ghoral, etc.
With tourism infrastructure almost non-existent in the region, you’ll need to carry your supplies. This makes the Upper Dolpo trek even more adventurous.
Along the trail, you’ll stay in tents and camp.
On this trek, you will ascend to high altitudes in the chilly and frosty nights. Hence, you’ll need a proper sleeping bag.
You’ll need to take extra note on its size as packing and carrying it can determine the outcome of your trip.
Final Words on Best Treks in Nepal
Trekking in Nepal is a unique experience.
You are sure to leave with a lifetime of memories after trekking in Nepal.
Our “9 Best Treks in Nepal” post takes you to some of the most beautiful trekking destinations in Nepal. It takes you to some of the most exquisite landscapes and welcoming people.
From a beautiful easy trek to some of the most demanding trek, this post covers all.
Regardless of which trek you choose from, you’ll have a heavenly experience.