Trekking in Nepal – 10 Most Popular Treks
Nepal is a spectacular place to visit, especially if you’re looking to do some breathtaking treks! If you’re thinking about choosing Nepal for a trekking trip, you’ll be inundated with hundreds of possible treks and information about them. So where do you even begin? Trekking in Nepal can be overwhelming for beginners, so let’s take a look at the most popular ones!
Ghandruk Trek – 5 days
The Ghandruk Trek is a great place for inexperienced hikers to begin. This short 5-day trek is easy and best of all, can be done during any season! It’s one of the most famous shorter treks you can do while in Nepal, as it offers panoramic mountain views after exploring the Ghandruk village. It’s also a gateway trek to the Annapurna Base Camp hike as you walk past lush forests and take in the beautiful surrounding.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 5-7 days
If you only have a week in Nepal, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek will be your best bet! While accessible during the winter months, it’s best accessed between March-May or October-November each year. It’s a fairly cheap trek, which is great for those on a budget, requires no permits and also goes through the Ghandruk village, where you’ll catch a glimpse of beautiful rice paddies. You’ll have the chance to catch a sunrise when you reach the peak with views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains!
Langtang Trek – 7-8 days
Another reasonably short trek you can do in Nepal is the Langtang Trek. Similar to the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, it’s accessible year-round but best March-May or October-November. It’s situated in the north of Nepal towards Tibet and you’ll pass through many villages, staying in guesthouses or lodges. The only downside to this trek is that it’s essentially the same on the way up as it is walking back down.
Gokyo Lakes Trail – 12 days
If you’re after a more challenging trek, the Gokyo Lakes Trail is only recommended for experienced trekkers between March-May and October-November. You’ll need a permit for this one as you ascend 5,357m above sea level. It’s ideal for those who want to avoid a large number of tourists and take in the natural beauty around them. The majestic mountain peaks surround 5 emerald lakes in the Gokyo region that will take your breath away!
Mt. Everest Base Camp – 14 days
You can’t talk about Nepal without mentioning Everest. The Everest Base Camp Trek is without a doubt, one of the most popular treks in Nepal. You’ll get up close and personal with the world’s highest mountain but it will take some time to make it happen. You’ll need to obtain a trekking permit ahead of time and you can expect to see many others along the trail, due to its popularity. It’s also slightly more expensive than others and the route back is essentially the same as the ascent. It may be worth checking out other trails if you hope to escape the masses!
Manaslu Circuit Trek – 14 days
When it comes to trekking in Nepal, you might not beat this one! Only experienced hikers will trek the Manaslu Circuit. While this trek is popular, it’s lesser-known than others, making it a great trek for those who hope to avoid some of the other tourists. It offers views of Mt. Manaslu, which is the 8th highest mountain in the world, with diverse topography and epic suspension bridges. Since it’s a restricted trekking route, you’ll need to go with a guide and should avoid high season if you want more of the mountain to yourself!
Upper Mustang Trek – 14 days
Another two-week trek is the Upper Mustang Trek that will take you through a unique landscape that’s similar to Tibet. It’s a semi-arid desert with snowy peaks where you’ll find Buddhist monasteries, panoramic views of many mountain peaks, beautifully decorated homes and prayer flags. If you choose to embark on this trek, be warned that the wind can be relentless, making the journey that much more challenging.
Annapurna Circuit Trail – 15 days
The Annapurna Circuit is best used from March-October. It’s extremely popular among tourists due to the many activity options and beautiful lake you’ll pass by. It’s only recommended for experienced trekkers although it’s become a rather developed hike over the years. It’s fairly cheap to do and there’s a lot to experience. You’ll have the chance to pass through the world’s deepest gorge, see religious sites, making your way through forests and alpine.
Nar Phu Valley Trek – 18 days
The Nar Phy Valley Trek is quite remote and a great trek for experienced trekkers looking to camp along the way! The ancient villages are truly spectacular and off the beaten path. Experience medieval Tibetan culture as you make your way to the top, interacting with locals and taking in the mountain views!
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek – 21 days
Last but not least is the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek! In a mere 21 days, you’ll ascend the third highest mountain in the world where you’ll see the Sikkim and Tibet border, a diverse species of wildlife and Yalung Glacier! This is a restricted hike so you’ll need a proper guide to come along with you. You can also expect to camp most of the time and spend more than you would on the other hikes! The main drawback is that it can take 3-4 full days of transport to and from Kanchenjunga.
Ready to go Trekking in Nepal?
With the most popular treks at your fingertips, all you need to do now is decide where your journey will begin. Remember that trekking in Nepal is no joke so come prepared with the right equipment and enjoy the stunning views!