Trekking in Nepal is one of the most popular outdoor activities and is a must-do for adventure-seekers and nature enthusiasts. The country is home to some of the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, and offers a diverse range of trekking options to suit all interests and abilities. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time hiker, Nepal has something to offer. From the classic treks like Annapurna Circuit, Langtang, and Everest Base Camp, to the more remote and less-traveled treks like Tsum Valley and Manaslu Circuit, you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the beautiful scenery and rich cultural heritage of the region. With its friendly locals, well-established trekking routes, and breathtaking scenery, Nepal is truly a trekker’s paradise.
Here are some of the most popular and best treks in Nepal that you can consider for 2023:
- Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek
- Jomsom Muktinath Trek
- Tsum Valley Trek
- Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Langtang Valley Trek
- Langtang Tamang Heritage Trek
- Gosaikunda Lake Trek
- Helambu Trek
- Everest Base Camp Trek
- Namche Bazaar Trek
- Gokyo Lakes Trek
- Everest Three Passes Trek
- Pikey Peak Trek
All of these treks offer stunning mountain views, cultural experiences, and opportunities to explore remote and pristine areas. It’s best to choose a trek that suits your fitness level and desired level of adventure. It’s also important to consider the time of year, as the best time to trek in Nepal varies depending on the region.
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal and is renowned for its stunning views of the Annapurna range, lush forests, and charming villages. The trek starts from Besisahar and follows the Marsyangdi River until it reaches Thorong La Pass at an elevation of 5,416 meters. Along the way, you will pass through lush forests, quaint villages, and terraced fields. Some of the highlights of the trek include the hot springs at Tatopani, the temple town of Muktinath, and the panoramic views from Thorong La Pass. The trek takes approximately 14 to 21 days to complete and can be completed by trekkers of all levels of experience.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a popular trek in Nepal that takes you to the base of the stunning Annapurna mountain range. The trek starts from Nayapul and takes you through lush forests, charming villages, and terraced fields before reaching the base camp at an elevation of 4,130 meters. Along the way, you will pass through picturesque villages such as Ghandruk, Chomrong, and Deurali and enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre peaks. The trek typically takes 7 to 14 days to complete and is a great option for trekkers who want a moderate trekking experience in Nepal. The Annapurna Base Camp Trek offers a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, experience the beauty of the Annapurna range, and test your physical abilities.
The Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek is a short and popular trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you through stunning rhododendron forests, charming villages, and terraced fields to the top of Poon Hill, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trek starts from Nayapul and takes you through the villages of Tikhedhunga, Ulleri, Banthanti, and Ghorepani before reaching Poon Hill. The trek is considered to be relatively easy and is a great option for trekkers who want a taste of trekking in Nepal without committing to a longer trek. The trek can be completed in just 5 to 7 days and is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, experience the beauty of the Annapurna region, and challenge yourself physically.
The Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a popular trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It takes you through scenic landscapes, charming villages, and remote temples to the sacred town of Muktinath, where you can visit the revered Muktinath Temple. The trek starts from Pokhara and takes you through the villages of Galeshwor, Marpha, Jomsom, and Kagbeni before reaching Muktinath. Along the way, you will pass through pristine forests, terraced fields, and snow-capped peaks, and experience the unique culture and way of life of the local people. The trek is considered to be moderate in difficulty and typically takes 6 to 8 days to complete. The Jomsom Muktinath Trek offers a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture, experience the beauty of the Annapurna region, and challenge yourself physically.
The Tsum Valley Trek is a lesser-known trek in the Gorkha district of Nepal. It takes you through remote and pristine valleys, charming villages, and ancient monasteries to the serene Tsum Valley. The trek starts from Arughat and takes you through the villages of Machhakhola, Jagat, Chumling, Chhokangparo, and Rachen Gompa before reaching the Tsum Valley. The trek is considered to be moderate in difficulty and takes approximately 12 to 16 days to complete. Along the way, you will pass through beautiful forests, terraced fields, and snow-capped peaks, and experience the unique culture and way of life of the local people. The Tsum Valley Trek is a great option for trekkers who want to explore a less-crowded region of Nepal and immerse themselves in the local culture, experience the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, and challenge themselves physically.
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a trekking route located in the Nepal Himalayas, encircling Mount Manaslu (the eighth highest mountain in the world). The trek offers stunning views of snow-capped peaks, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, including traditional villages and monasteries. The trek usually takes 12 to 21 days to complete, and is considered a challenging journey due to its remote location and high altitude passes, including the Larkya La Pass (5,160m). However, it is also considered a less crowded alternative to the Annapurna Circuit Trek. The best time to do the Manaslu Circuit Trek is from September to November and March to May.
Langtang Valley Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal, located in the Langtang National Park. It offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and adventure. The trek takes you through lush forests, past waterfalls and rivers, and over high mountain passes, with the highlight being the Langtang valley itself and its glaciers. The trek usually takes 7 to 14 days to complete and can be completed year-round, although the best time to go is from March to June and September to November. The trek can be challenging, but is accessible to trekkers of all levels and offers a unique insight into the local Tamang culture.
8. Langtang Tamang Heritage Trek
The Langtang Tamang Heritage Trek is a trekking route located in the Langtang National Park, in the central region of Nepal. The trek takes you through the traditional villages of the Tamang people and offers stunning views of the Langtang Himalayan range, including Langtang Lirung (7,227m), the highest peak in the Langtang region. The trek provides an insight into the traditional culture and way of life of the Tamang people, and offers opportunities for cultural interaction and exploration. The trek usually takes 7 to 10 days to complete and is considered a moderate trek, suitable for trekkers of all levels. The best time to do the Langtang Tamang Heritage Trek is from September to November and March to May, when the weather is clear and the trails are in good condition.
Gosaikunda Lake Trek is a popular trekking route in Nepal, located in the Langtang National Park. The trek takes you through beautiful forests, terraced fields, and pastures, with the highlight being the sacred Gosaikunda Lake, believed by Hindus to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The trek usually takes 7 to 10 days to complete and offers panoramic views of the Langtang range, Annapurna, and Manaslu ranges. The trek can be completed year-round, although the best time to go is from March to June and September to November. The trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty, but can be challenging at high altitudes. It offers an opportunity to experience the unique culture of the Tamang and Sherpa people and to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the region.
10. Helambu Trek
The Helambu Trek is a trekking route located in the Nepal Himalayas, north of Kathmandu. It offers stunning views of the mountains, lush forests, and terraced fields, and provides an insight into the traditional culture and way of life of the Sherpa and Tamang communities. The trek usually takes 7 to 10 days to complete, and is considered a moderate trek, suitable for trekkers of all levels. The trek passes through several charming villages and offers opportunities for relaxation and cultural interaction. The best time to do the Helambu Trek is from September to November and March to May, when the weather is clear and the views are best. The trek is also popular as an alternative to the more crowded Langtang and Annapurna regions.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is a trekking route in Nepal, located in the Sagarmatha National Park, home to Mount Everest (the highest mountain in the world). The trek takes you to the base camp of the mountain, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan peaks, including Mount Everest. The trek usually takes 12 to 16 days to complete and is considered a challenging journey due to the high altitude and rugged terrain. However, it is also considered one of the most rewarding treks in the world, offering an opportunity to experience the rich culture of the Sherpa people, visit ancient monasteries, and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas. The best time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek is from September to November and March to May, when the weather is clear and the trails are in good condition.
The Namche Bazaar Trek is a trekking route located in the Nepal Himalayas, in the Sagarmatha National Park. The trek takes you to the bustling town of Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Everest region and the hub of the Khumbu region. The trek offers stunning views of the mountains, including Mount Everest, and provides an insight into the traditional culture and way of life of the Sherpa people. The trek usually takes 5 to 10 days to complete, depending on the starting point, and is considered a moderate trek, suitable for trekkers of all levels. The best time to do the Namche Bazaar Trek is from September to November and March to May, when the weather is clear and the trails are in good condition. The trek is also popular as a shorter alternative to the more challenging Everest Base Camp Trek.
13. Gokyo lake Trek
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a trekking route located in the Nepal Himalayas, in the Sagarmatha National Park. The trek takes you to the Gokyo Valley, a remote and pristine area known for its turquoise glacial lakes and stunning mountain views. The trek offers breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, including Mount Everest, and provides an insight into the traditional culture and way of life of the Sherpa people. The trek usually takes 7 to 14 days to complete and is considered a challenging journey due to the high altitude and rugged terrain. However, it is also considered one of the most rewarding treks in the region, offering an opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of the Himalayas and to visit remote and pristine areas. The best time to do the Gokyo Lakes Trek is from September to November and March to May, when the weather is clear and the trails are in good condition.
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging trekking route located in the Nepal Himalayas, in the Sagarmatha National Park. The trek takes you over three high altitude passes, offering stunning views of the mountains, including Mount Everest, and providing an insight into the traditional culture and way of life of the Sherpa people. The three passes are Kongma La Pass (5,535m), Cho La Pass (5,380m), and Renjo La Pass (5,340m), and the trek usually takes 15 to 20 days to complete. The trek is considered one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in the region, offering a true wilderness experience and an opportunity to visit remote and pristine areas. The best time to do the Everest Three Passes Trek is from September to November and March to May, when the weather is clear and the trails are in good condition. It is suitable for experienced trekkers with a good level of fitness.
15. Pikey Peak Trek
The Pikey Peak Trek is a trekking route located in the Solu-Khumbu region of Nepal. The trek takes you to the summit of Pikey Peak, which offers stunning views of the mountains, including the Mount Everest range, and provides an insight into the traditional culture and way of life of the Sherpa people. The trek usually takes 4 to 5 days to complete and is considered a moderate trek, suitable for trekkers of all levels. The trek passes through charming villages, lush forests, and terraced fields, and offers opportunities for relaxation and cultural interaction. The best time to do the Pikey Peak Trek is from September to November and March to May, when the weather is clear and the views are best. The trek is also popular as a shorter alternative to the more challenging Everest Base Camp Trek.
