Are you searching for trekking routes in Nepal that suit you best? Here is the top 5 list of trekking routes that include Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, Upper Mustang Trek, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, and Manaslu Circuit Trek.
Nepal has treks for everyone, from short and easy walks through stunning scenery to challenging expeditions that take weeks to complete. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a complete beginner, there’s a perfect trail out there waiting to be explored. This list will help you pick the trek that’s just right for you, combining breathtaking views with the perfect amount of challenge.
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1. Everest Base Camp
How long: About 12-14 days
How tough: Pretty hard
Why it's cool: Get super close to Mount Everest, meet Sherpa people, and check out the bustling town of Namche Bazaar.
Best for: Experienced hikers ready for a classic Himalayan trek.
We put this trek at the top of the top 5 trekking routes in Nepal because you can have a chance to witness the world’s tallest peak. This trek takes you up close and personal with the world’s tallest mountain, Mount Everest. You’ll also get to spend time in Namche Bazaar, a bustling town that’s a popular stop for trekkers. Along the way, you’ll meet the Sherpa people, who are renowned for their mountaineering skills and hospitality. So, Everest Base Camp trekking is one of the best trekking routes in Nepal.
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2. Annapurna Circuit Trekking Routes
How long: 15-20 days
How tough: Medium to hard
Why it's cool: Mountains, forests, villages – this trek's got it all! Plus, you cross the Thorong La Pass, which is super high up.
Best for: Adventurers who want a variety of landscapes and meeting locals.
This trek is a great choice for adventurers who are up for a challenge and want to see a variety of landscapes. You’ll hike through dramatic mountains, lush forests, and charming villages. One of the highlights is crossing the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest passes in the world. This will definitely give you some bragging rights! And throughout the trek, you’ll be surrounded by the stunning Annapurna mountain range.
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3. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
How long: 3-5 days
How tough: Easy to medium
Why it's cool: Amazing sunrise from Poon Hill, beautiful forests full of rhododendron flowers.
Best for: First-time hikers and families – it's short but super rewarding.
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This shorter trek is a great choice for first-time trekkers or those looking for a less demanding adventure. But don’t be fooled by the shorter duration – the rewards are mighty! You’ll be treated to a breathtaking sunrise view from Poon Hill, a viewpoint perched high in the mountains. Imagine watching the first rays of light hit the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas – it’s a memory that will stay with you forever. And the trek itself is a delight, with trails winding through beautiful forests filled with rhododendron flowers. These vibrant blooms, especially the red ones, are Nepal’s national flower and add a splash of color to the lush green landscape.
4. Langtang Valley Trek
How long: 7-10 days
How tough: Medium
Why it's cool: Fewer crowds, villages with Tibetan culture, and a cool monastery called Kyanjin Gompa.
Best for: Hikers who want a less crowded Himalayan adventure.
Compared to some of the other treks on this list, the Langtang Valley Trek offers a quieter, less crowded experience. Here, you’ll be surrounded by the dramatic landscapes of the Langtang Himal range, with snow-capped peaks reaching high into the sky. The Langtang Valley is also home to the Tamang people, whose villages have a distinct Tibetan influence. Their culture and way of life are fascinating to learn about. One of the highlights of the trek is visiting Kyanjin Gompa, a beautiful Buddhist monastery perched high in the mountains. The monastery offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a peaceful place to relax and reflect after a day of hiking.
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5. Upper Mustang Trek
How long: 14-16 days
How tough: Pretty tough.
Why is it cool: This trek takes you into a remote and wild part of Nepal. It's a great choice for experienced hikers looking for a serious challenge and a chance to get away from the crowds. One of the highlights is crossing the Larkya La Pass, which offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Best for: Enthusiasts seeking unique cultural experiences and off-the-beaten-path treks.
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Imagine traveling back in time and exploring a hidden world! The Upper Mustang trek takes you to a special region bordering Tibet, once called the Forbidden Kingdom. It’s a remote place with a unique culture unlike anything else you’ll find in Nepal. The scenery here is wild and beautiful – picture dry mountains and valleys shaped by the wind, totally different from the lush forests and snowy peaks you might expect in the Himalayas. You’ll also get to experience the Tibetan Buddhist way of life that thrives here.
Explore ancient monasteries perched on cliffsides and see colorful prayer flags snapping in the wind. Meet the local people in their traditional villages and learn about their customs. It’s a chance to discover a simpler and more peaceful way of life.
FAQs for trekking routes in Nepal
Which trek is 10 days in Nepal?
Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang Valley, or Gosaikunda Lake treks are the 10-day trek in Nepal.
Which is the most scenic trek in Nepal?
Everest Base Camp (for the iconic Mount Everest), Annapurna Circuit (for its diverse landscapes), and Gokyo Lakes Trek (those turquoise lakes are stunning) are the most scenic trek in Nepal.
What is the longest trek in Nepal?
The Great Himalayan Trail is the longest, stretching across Nepal. It takes months to complete.
Which is the shortest trek in Nepal?
Ghorepani Poon Hill is the most common short trek option.
What is the easiest trek in Nepal?
Ghorepani Poon Hill is generally considered the easiest due to the well-maintained trails and shorter duration.
Is solo trekking banned in Nepal?
Technically it’s not banned, but since 2018 there have been restrictions. You’ll often need to hire a guide or porter. Independent trekking in certain regions might be flatly prohibited.
Which trek is best for beginners in Nepal?
- Ghorepani Poon Hill (short, good trails, beautiful scenery)
- Mardi Himal (views, quieter alternative to ABC)
- Pikey Peak (panoramic views, Sherpa culture)
How to choose a trek in Nepal?
You can choose our trekking routes in Nepal with the following considerations:
- Fitness level: Be honest about your ability!
- Interests: What do you want to see (big mountains, villages, lakes)?
- Time: How many days do you have?
- Budget: Costs can vary between treks
Is trekking costly?
It can be! Costs depend on:
- Guide/porter: Do you need/want one?
- Food: Simple local food or fancier meals?
- Accommodation: Basic teahouses or lodges?
- Permits: These are required and have set fees
What is the best age to start trekking?
There’s no single answer about the best age to start trekking. It depends on fitness, the specific trek, and for children, their maturity.
Why is trekking hard?
Trekking is not hard if you enjoy the trek. But it doesn’t seem easy due to:
- Altitude: Affects breathing
- Terrain: Trails can be uneven, with climbs and descents
- Duration: Long days of hiking take stamina
- Carrying weight: Even with a porter, you’ll have a daypack
Is trekking hard?
It depends on the trek and your fitness. Some are easy, and some are very challenging!
What is the age limit for the Annapurna trek?
There’s no official limit, but fitness and responsibility are key, especially for younger/older trekkers.
How many people died on Annapurna?
According to Wikipedia, 72 had died in the attempt to climb the Annapurna peak as of 2022 AD. Stats are hard to find, but Annapurna is known as one of the world’s most dangerous mountains due to avalanches.
Can a beginner climb Annapurna?
Absolutely not. Annapurna Base Camp trek is possible, but climbing to the summit requires serious mountaineering skills.
What rank is Annapurna?
Among the world’s 8000-meter peaks, it’s 10th highest.
How safe is trekking in Nepal?
Trekking routes in Nepal are generally safe but
- Altitude sickness is a risk
- Weather can change quickly
- Injuries can happen on trails
- Choose reputable guides/agencies for safety
What is the total cost of the Annapurna trek?
The total cost varies greatly based on your choices, but plan on at least several hundred USD, and easily over a thousand.
Why is Nepal famous for trekking?
Nepal is famous for its beautiful trekking routes.
- Himalayas: Home to some of the world’s highest peaks
- Diverse scenery: From jungles to alpine regions
- Culture: Unique villages and ways of life
What is the most difficult trek in Nepal?
The most difficult trekking routes in Nepal are:
- Dhaulagiri Circuit: Remote, challenging terrain
- High passes like Kang La Pass and Thorong La Pass
- The Great Himalaya Trail for its length
Which trail is famous in Nepal?
Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit are very popular trekking routes in Nepal.
Which city is best for trekking?
Pokhara is the trekking hub of Nepal and Himalaya Safety Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd is Nepal’s responsible, reliable, credible, and best Trekking / Travel Company.