Best Treks in Nepal

Nepal beckons those eager to escape the noise and chaos of daily life. It’s the perfect place to embark on an adventure to the roof of the world, deep within the heart of the Himalayas. With renowned treks such as the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp Trek, it’s undeniably the premier trekking destination globally.

With a plethora of stunning trekking routes beyond the classic treks, we sought insights from our friend Dipendra of Simrik Nepal Treks. Drawing from our own experiences in Nepal and with his expertise, we have curated a list of must-try treks to inspire your journey into the mountains.

Safe Trekking in Nepal – A Word

Trekking in Nepal has its risks, particularly at high altitudes. Having moderate fitness, staying hydrated, pacing yourself, and descending promptly upon experiencing altitude sickness symptoms are crucial for a safe climb through the breathtaking mountain ranges.

1. Mount Everest Base Camp Trek

Renowned as one of the most iconic trekking routes, the Everest Base Camp Trek provides countless vistas of Mount Everest. This 16-day trek kicks off in Kathmandu with a scenic flight to Lukla, one of the highest airports in the world. Landing at Tenzing Hillary Airport embarks you on an epic hiking journey into Sagarmatha National Park.

Lukla Airport

Follow in the footsteps of explorers as you commence your trek to Everest Base Camp. The route includes visits to Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and several incredible viewpoints showcasing majestic peaks like Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Nuptse, with the highest of them all, Mount Everest, towering at 8848 meters.

This trek involves sustained elevation and is considered challenging, often exceeding 4000 meters throughout the journey. However, no tents are necessary as this teahouse trek provides simple lodgings along the way. For more information, please contact our friend Dipendra (Deep) at Simrik Nepal Treks.

• Trek Duration: 13 days
• Max Elevation: 5,140m
• Start: Lukla
• Trekking Difficulty: Challenging
• Accommodation Type: Teahouse
• Best Season to Trek: March – May & Sept – Dec

Kala Patthar – A Good Addition to EBC

Enhance your base camp experience with a quick two-hour trek to Kala Patthar. This viewpoint offers stunning visuals of Everest, which can be elusive from base camp itself. Though short, this trek guarantees incredible views of the majestic peak—a truly unforgettable experience amidst the spectacular scenery of the Nepalese Himalayas.

2. Three Passes Trek

For the ambitious traveler, the Three Passes Trek provides a strenuous challenge. This route traverses three high passes—Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass—culminating in an adventure through the Everest Region. While following the Everest Base Camp route, it detours to include exquisite sights of Gokyo Lakes.

• Trek Duration: 17 days
• Max Elevation: 5,555m
• Start: Lukla
• Trekking Difficulty: Challenging
• Accommodation Type: Teahouse Trek
• Best Season to Trek: Feb to May and Sep to Dec

3. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

A longtime favorite among backpackers, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek leads adventurers into the vibrant town of Pokhara, which is lined with guesthouses and restaurants. You can conveniently fly or take a bus from Kathmandu. The journey takes you through lush jungles that transition into rocky terrains studded with snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna Range.

The trek incorporates river crossings, moorlands, and breathtaking views, as well as encounters with remote villages and mule trains along the way. For pricing details, contact Simrik Nepal Treks.

• Trekking Difficulty – Moderate
• Trek Duration – 14 days
• Max Elevation 4210 Meters
• Start – Tikhedhunga
• Accommodation Type – Teahouse
• Best Season to Trek – March-May & Sept-Dec

4. Annapurna Circuit Trek

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is another classic Himalayan adventure, leading trekkers through lush waterfalls and pine forests toward rugged terrain. This trek encompasses the Annapurna Range, with peaks reaching over 6000 meters, such as Mt. Nilgiri and Tilicho Peak. Its allure lies in the diverse landscapes and interactions with local communities.

• Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
• Trek Duration: 12-21 Days
• Max Elevation: 5416 meters
• Start: Besisahar
• Accommodation Type: Teahouse
• Best Season to Trek: March – May & Sept – Dec

5. Poon Hill Trek

For those short on time, the Poon Hill Trek offers an enjoyable and compact trekking experience. Starting from Pokhara with a bus ride, the trek provides opportunities for breathtaking views of the Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri massif. This trek is often paired with the Annapurna Base Camp trek.

• Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
• Trek Duration: 3 days
• Max Elevation: 3210 meters
• Start: Besisahar
• Accommodation Type: Teahouse Trek
• Best Season to Trek: March – May & Sept – Dec

6. Manaslu Circuit Trek

The Manaslu Circuit Trek, along the Nepal-Tibet border, takes you through less crowded territories, reminiscent of the Annapurna Circuit before it peaked in popularity. The trek encapsulates cultural immersion, majestic mountain views, and the classic teahouse experience.

• Trekking Difficulty: Difficult
• Trek Duration: 16 days
• Max Elevation: 5220 Meters
• Start: Arughat Bazar
• Accommodation Type: Teahouse Trek (with limited lodges requiring camping)
• Best Season to Trek: May & Sept through December

7. Upper Mustang Trek

Known as the ‘Last Forbidden Kingdom,’ the Upper Mustang Trek provides a glimpse into ancient Buddhist culture. Since being opened to foreigners in 1991, it remains one of Nepal’s more secluded trekking routes, requiring a special permit.

Your adventure begins in Pokhara, followed by a journey to Jomsom, where you will traverse the ancient salt caravan route through Tibet-influenced villages, ultimately reaching Lo Manthang. Contact Simrik Nepal for more details.

• Trek Duration: 11 Days
• Trekking Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Max Elevation: 4210 meters
• Start: Jomsom
• Accommodation Type: Trekking lodges (Teahouses)
• Best Season to Trek: March – December

8. Upper Dolpo Trek

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s hidden treasures, showcasing turquoise lakes and breathtaking landscapes within Shey-Phoksundo National Park. Meet nomadic cultures as you navigate through scenic routes that offer views of the profound valleys and high mountains.

• Trekking Difficulty: Difficult
• Trek Duration: 19 days
• Max Elevation: 5190 Meters
• Start: Lukla
• Accommodation Type: Mountain lodges and camping
• Best Season to Trek: May to September

9. Mera Peak Climb

Situated in the Everest Region, Mera Peak is the highest trekking peak in Nepal. While this climb requires minimal technical skills, it’s strenuous, reaching heights of 6476 meters. Familiarity with crampons and safety lines is necessary for this camping trek.

• Trek Duration: 19 days
• Trekking Difficulty: Difficult
• Max Elevation: 6,654 Meters
• Start: Lukla
• Accommodation Type: Teahouse and Camping
• Best Season to Trek: March – May & Sept – Dec

10. Island Peak Climb

The Island Peak Climb offers a challenge through the Mount Everest region. This trek, tailored for those with limited alpine experience, traverses significant passes as you ascend toward breathtaking views across the Everest landscape.

• Trek Duration: 19 days
• Max Elevation: 6,189 Meters
• Start: Lukla
• Trekking Difficulty: Difficult
• Accommodation Type: Teahouse Trek
• Best Season to Trek: March and May, also September to December.

11. Kanchenjunga Trek

Embark on an adventure to the third highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga. This trek involves traversing subtropical forests and captivating villages, all while being treated to majestic views of peaks like Pyramid Peak.

• Trek Duration: 27 Days
• Max Elevation: 5150 Meters
• Start: Suketar
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Accommodation Type: Camping and Teahouse
• Best Season to Trek: March – May & Sept – Dec

12. Makalu Base Camp Trek

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging treks, delivering an unparalleled journey deep into the mountains. This trek blends cultural exploration with hiking through rural villages, providing unique perspectives on the Himalayas.

• Trek Duration: 23 days
• Max Elevation: 5,220 m
• Start: Tumlingtar
• Trekking Difficulty: Difficult
• Accommodation Type: Teahouse Trek
• Best Season to Trek: March – May & Sept – Dec

13. Gaurishanker Himal Trek

For those seeking solitude away from busy trails, the Gaurishanker Himal Trek traverses through pristine landscapes featuring lakes and glaciers. This trek offers magnificent views of Gaurishankar and Melungtse and leads you to Lake Tso Rolpa, providing every hiker with a unique experience.

• Trek Duration: 22 days
• Max Elevation: 5755 Meters
• Start: Charikot (Driving)
• Trekking Difficulty: Very Difficult
• Accommodation Type: Teahouse Trek
• Best Season to Trek: March – May & Sept – Dec

14. Langtang Valley Trek

If you’re seeking proximity to Kathmandu, the Langtang Valley Trek is an excellent choice. This trek can be completed in as little as a week, taking you through bamboo forests and stunning vistas of snow-capped mountains while immersing you in Sherpa culture.

• Trek Duration: 4 – 14 days
• Max Elevation: 3,165m – 5050 meters
• Start: Syabrubesi
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Type: Teahouse Trek
• Best Time to Trek: March – May & Sept – Dec

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

For intense trekking, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek presents an extraordinary challenge with multiple days above 5000 meters. This trek invites you to explore remote landscapes and meet local cultures while circling the formidable Dhaulagiri summit.

• Trek Duration: 12 – 24 days
• Max Elevation: 5360 Meters
• Start: Pokhara to Beni
• Difficulty: Very Difficult
• Type: Teahouse Trek
• Best Time to Trek: March to May and September to December.

About Trekking in Nepal

Nepal, situated between India and China, boasts eight of the fourteen 8,000-meter peaks. Travelers will arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, the main hub for trekking operations, where one can stock up on supplies before hitting the trails.

The trekking infrastructure is robust, offering countless lodges along the routes. Engaging guides and porters is advisable not only for convenience but also for safety, especially at high altitudes.

Tips for Trekking

Altitude sickness poses a real threat during treks in Nepal, particularly above 3000 meters. Ensure you monitor symptoms, climb gradually, remain hydrated, and maintain nutrition by eating regularly.

Plan a few days in Kathmandu at the beginning and end of your trip to brace for potential delays that commonly occur in the Himalayas.

Respect the trail by yielding to yak trains and mules, as they are essential for transport in the area. Remain safely out of their path while refilling your water—taking advantage of filling stations and streams available on the routes.

Independent vs. Guided Organized Trek

The Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang regions permit independent trekking; well-marked paths ensure manageable navigation. However, many choose organized treks for the convenience of every aspect being prearranged, from accommodations to routes.

Utilizing local guides ensures that your funds directly benefit the community while also enriching your experience with unique local insights. Our adventures have always included hiring local guides, leading to lasting friendships and safe explorations.

For more information, consult Simrik Nepal, where you can find experienced guides such as Dipendra, who can assist you throughout your Himalayan journey.