Top 10 Popular Treks in Nepal
Introduction
Nepal, a tiny Himalayan country, is a paradise for trekkers. With its breathtaking landscapes, majestic mountains, and diverse cultures, Nepal offers an unforgettable experience for everyone. The country is home to the highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest and Annapurna, which attract thousands of trekking enthusiasts every year. Here are the top 10 popular treks in Nepal that are a must on your adventure list.
Highlights of Top 10 popular treks in Nepal
Trek | Duration | Starting Point | Ending Point | Highest Point | Highlights |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Everest Base Camp | 12 Days | Kathmandu | Kathmandu | Kala Patthar (5,545m) | Sherpa culture, Tengboche Monastery, Kala Patthar viewpoint, Everest Base Camp |
Annapurna Base Camp | 10 Days | Kathmandu | Kathmandu | Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) | Annapurna massif views, Gurung culture, Machapuchare Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp |
Langtang Valley | 08 Days | Kathmandu | Kathmandu | Tserko Ri (5,000m) | Tamang culture, Langtang Village, Kyanjin Gompa, Tserko Ri hike |
Annapurna Circuit | 13 Days | Kathmandu | Kathmandu | Thorong La Pass (5,416m) | Manang village, Thorong La Pass, Muktinath Temple, Diverse landscapes |
Everest Three Passes | 17 Days | Kathmandu | Kathmandu | Kongma La (5,535m) | Three high passes, Everest Base Camp, Sherpa culture, Gokyo Lakes |
Langtang Tamang Heritage | 08 Days | Kathmandu | Kathmandu | Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) | Tamang culture, Local crafts, Hot springs, Mountain views |
Manaslu | 12 Days | Kathmandu | Kathmandu | Larkya La Pass (5,160m) | Remote trails, Manaslu views, Larkya La Pass, Tibetan Buddhist culture |
Annapurna Base Camp with Poonhill | 11 Days | Kathmandu | Kathmandu | Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m) | Poon Hill sunrise, Annapurna Base Camp, Gurung culture, Rhododendron forests |
Jiri to Everest Base Camp | 17 Days | Kathmandu | Kathmandu | Kala Patthar (5,545m) | Historical trail, Sherpa culture, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar viewpoint |
Jomsom Muktinath | 09 Days | Kathmandu | Kathmandu | Muktinath (3,710m) | Muktinath Temple, Jomsom’s arid landscapes, Marpha apple orchards, Poon Hill sunrise |
Everest Base Camp Trek – 12 Days
The Everest Base Camp Trek is undoubtedly the most famous trek in Nepal. This 12-day journey takes you through the heart of the Sherpa homeland, offering breathtaking views of the world’s highest peaks. The itinerary includes Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, Kala Patthar, and the ultimate destination, Everest Base Camp. Experiencing the grandeur of Everest up close is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The outline itinerary for this trek is as follows:
- Start from Kathmandu to Lukla by flight
- Trek from Lukla to Phakding
- Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
- Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
- Tengboche to Dingboche
- Acclimatization day at Dingboche
- Dingboche to Lobuche
- Lobuche to Gorakshep to Everest Base Camp and return to Gorakshep
- Gorakshep to Kala Patthar to Pheriche
- Pheriche to Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Fly back to Kathmandu
Annapurna Base Camp Trek – 10 Days
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a 10-day journey through lush valleys, terraced fields, charming Gurung villages, and forests filled with exotic wildlife. The trek culminates at the Annapurna Base Camp, surrounded by the spectacular Annapurna range. Along the way, trekkers enjoy beautiful views of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, and Hiunchuli. The outline itinerary for this trek is as follows:
- Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Pokhara to Nayapul by drive, then trek to Ghandruk
- Ghandruk to Chhomrong
- Chhomrong to Bamboo
- Bamboo to Deurali
- Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
- Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
- Jhinu Danda to Nayapul, then drive to Pokhara
- Drive back to Kathmandu
Langtang Valley Trek – 08 Days
The Langtang Valley Trek, often referred to as ‘the valley of glaciers’, takes you through diverse terrain and cultural practices. This 8-day trek is less crowded but equally stunning, offering views of magnificent snow-capped mountains and an opportunity to explore the unique Tamang culture. Major attractions include Langtang Village, Kyanjin Gompa, and Tserko Ri. The outline itinerary for this trek is as follows:
- Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
- Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel
- Lama Hotel to Langtang village
- Langtang village to Kyanjin Gompa
- Acclimatization day at Kyanjin Gompa, hike to Tserko Ri
- Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel
- Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi
- Drive back to Kathmandu
Annapurna Circuit Trek – 13 Days
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a 13-day adventure around the stunning Annapurna massif. This trek is famous for the diverse landscapes it traverses – from subtropical jungle to high-altitude plateau, from rice paddies to snowy passes. The Thorong La pass, the highest point of the trek, offers jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna range. The outline itinerary for this trek is as follows:
- Drive from Kathmandu to Bhulbhule
- Trek from Bhulbhule to Jagat
- Jagat to Dharapani
- Dharapani to Chame
- Chame to Pisang
- Pisang to Manang
- Acclimatization day in Manang
- Manang to Yak Kharka
- Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
- Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass
- Muktinath to Jomsom
- Jomsom to Pokhara by flight
- Drive back to Kathmandu
Everest Three Passes Trek – 17 Days
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging 17-day journey that takes you over three high passes – Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. This trek is for seasoned trekkers who are up for an adventurous journey with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam. The trail also passes through remote valleys, Sherpa villages, and Buddhist monasteries. . The outline itinerary for this trek is as follows:
- Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then trek to Phakding
- Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
- Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
- Tengboche to Dingboche
- Acclimatization day at Dingboche
- Dingboche to Chhukung
- Acclimatization day at Chhukung, hike to Chhukung Ri
- Cross Kongma La pass, trek to Lobuche
- Lobuche to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp
- Hike to Kala Patthar, return to Lobuche
- Cross Cho La pass, trek to Gokyo
- Rest day at Gokyo, explore Gokyo Ri and Gokyo Lakes
- Cross Renjo La pass, trek to Lungden
- Lungden to Namche Bazaar
- Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Fly back to Kathmandu
Langtang Tamang Heritage Trek – 08 Days
The Langtang Tamang Heritage Trek is an 8-day journey into the heart of the Tamang community. It offers a unique cultural experience combined with beautiful landscapes. Highlights of this trek include the ancient monasteries, hot springs, and a chance to observe traditional crafts like weaving and wood carving. This trek is a perfect blend of nature and culture. The outline itinerary for this trek is as follows:
- Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
- Trek from Syabrubesi to Gatlang
- Gatlang to Tatopani
- Tatopani to Thuman
- Thuman to Briddim
- Briddim to Lamahotel
- Lamahotel to Syabrubesi
- Drive back to Kathmandu
Manaslu Trek – 12 Days
The Manaslu Trek is a 12-day journey around the eighth highest mountain in the world, Manaslu. The trail follows the ancient salt-trading route along the Budhi Gandaki river and passes through diverse landscapes, from low farmland to alpine forests and high pastures. The Larkya La Pass, the highest point of the trek, offers spectacular views of Manaslu. The outline itinerary for this trek is as follows
- Drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola
- Trek from Soti Khola to Maccha Khola
- Maccha Khola to Jagat
- Jagat to Deng
- Deng to Namrung
- Namrung to Lho
- Lho to Sama Gaon
- Sama Gaon to Samdo
- Samdo to Dharmasala
- Cross Larkya La pass, trek to Bimthang
- Bimthang to Dharapani
- Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu
Annapurna Base Camp with Poonhill Trek – 11 Days
The Annapurna Base Camp with Poonhill Trek is a 11-day journey that combines two of the most popular treks in Nepal. This trek offers stunning sunrise views from Poonhill and breathtaking panoramic views from the Annapurna Base Camp. Along the way, trekkers get an insight into the local Gurung and Magar cultures. The outline itinerary for this trek is as follows
- Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga
- Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani
- Early morning hike to Poon Hill, trek to Tadapani
- Tadapani to Chhomrong
- Chhomrong to Deurali
- Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp
- Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
- Bamboo to Jhinu Danda
- Jhinu Danda to Nayapul, then drive to Pokhara
- Drive back to Kathmandu
Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek – 17 Days
The Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek is a 17-day journey that follows the footsteps of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. This trek offers a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and Sherpa culture of the Solu-Khumbu region. With fewer crowds than other Everest treks, this is a perfect choice for those seeking solitude. The outline itinerary for this trek is as follows
- Drive from Kathmandu to Jiri
- Trek from Jiri to Deurali
- Deurali to Sete
- Sete to Junbesi
- Junbesi to Nunthala
- Nunthala to Bupsa
- Bupsa to Surke
- Surke to Phakding
- Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
- Tengboche to Dingboche
- Dingboche to Lobuche
- Lobuche to Gorak Shep, visit Everest Base Camp
- Hike to Kala Patthar, return to Pheriche
- Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
- Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Fly back to Kathmandu
Jomsom Muktinath Trek – 09 Days
The Jomsom Muktinath Trek is a 9-day journey in the rain shadow of the mighty Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This trek offers diverse landscapes, from the windy Tibetan plateau of Mustang to the lush apple orchards of Marpha. The highlight of this trek is Muktinath, a sacred site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The outline itinerary for this trek is as follows
Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom
- Trek from Jomsom to Kagbeni
- Kagbeni to Muktinath
- Muktinath to Marpha
- Marpha to Kalopani
- Kalopani to Tatopani
- Tatopani to Ghorepani
- Early morning hike to Poon Hill, trek to Nayapul, then drive to Pokhara
- Drive back to Kathmandu
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking adventure, solitude, or a cultural immersion, Nepal’s trekking trails offer it all. Each trek is a journey of discovery – of awe-inspiring landscapes, rich cultures, and of yourself. These top 10 treks in Nepal are just the beginning – the country’s rugged beauty offers countless trails waiting to be explored. Pack your bags, lace up your boots, and set off on a trekking adventure that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Top 10 frequently asked questions related to trekking in Nepal:
Do I need a guide for trekking in Nepal?
While it is possible to trek independently in many regions, hiring a guide can improve your understanding of the local culture and environment. Guides can also help in case of emergencies. For certain treks like Manaslu, a guide is mandatory.
What is the best time to trek in Nepal?
The best time to trek in Nepal is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer clear skies and moderate temperatures.
What should I pack for a trek in Nepal?
Packing depends on the trek and season, but generally includes clothing for a range of temperatures, a good pair of trekking boots, a water purifier, sunscreen, a hat, and personal items. Don’t forget to pack essential trekking gear like a map, compass, and first-aid kit.
Do I need to be very fit to trek in Nepal?
The level of fitness required depends on the trek. Some treks are suitable for beginners, while others require a high level of fitness. It’s advisable to engage in regular exercise and possibly altitude training before your trek.
Do I need a permit for trekking in Nepal?
Yes, you generally need a permit for trekking in Nepal. The type of permit depends on the region you plan to trek in. Most permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
What are the symptoms of altitude sickness?
Symptoms of altitude sickness may include headache, dizziness, nausea, difficulty sleeping, and loss of appetite. If you experience these symptoms, it’s crucial to descend to a lower altitude.
How can I prevent altitude sickness?
The key to preventing altitude sickness is to ascend slowly, allowing your body to acclimatize to the higher altitudes. Stay hydrated, eat plenty of carbohydrates, and avoid alcohol.
What food will be available on the trek?
On most treks, the teahouses offer a variety of foods such as rice, vegetables, noodles, potatoes, and soup. Some may also offer simple western food such as pizza and pasta.
Is drinking water safe on the trails?
It is not safe to drink untreated water from streams and taps. It’s advisable to use water purification tablets, a water filter, or to buy bottled water during your trek.
Do I need travel insurance for trekking in Nepal?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to get travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation and repatriation. Verify that the insurance covers trekking activities and the maximum altitude that you plan to reach.