If you want to get a glimpse of heaven, come to Nepal once, and explore the Himalayas. If not heaven, this will definitely be the next best thing.
Nepal is well renowned for some of the most astounding trekking routes in the world. Enthusiasts from all around the globe visit Nepal to observe the diverse terrains that the country offers.
Many people visit Nepal to try adventures like hiking, trekking, and mountaineering. Some people get confused between hiking vs trekking, but they are completely different. Hikes are short and easy walks. On the other hand, treks are long, challenging hikes for an extended period of days.
Hikes are generally done to visit nature and refresh one’s body from day to day hassles. At the same time, treks are done to explore and observe new places and new cultures. So, selecting between hiking vs trekking depends upon your preference. Factors like your health and physical level come into play when choosing between these two.
So, whether you’re an avid trekker looking for some raw adventure, or you’ve just begun, Nepal has it all. Here are 8 popular treks in Nepal Himalayas that you don’t want to miss.
1. Manaslu Circuit Trek
If you’re a true adventure-seeker looking for a raw, untouched experience of the Himalayas, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is the one for you. This trail takes you to one of the most rural parts of Nepal.
As you trek, you come across settlements of the Nubri community. These people have mixed cultures of Gurung and Tibetan lifestyles.
The trek entails beautiful rhododendron forests and panoramic Himalayan views that all add up to make a fantastic experience. The trail also takes you through the Manaslu Conservation Area, home to rare wild species like the snow leopard.
On your Manaslu Circuit Trek, you can choose either to stay at the cozy tea houses or camp underneath the sky. If you prefer camping, it’s an easy decision to carry a suitable sleeping bag. A sleeping bag with temperature ratings keeps your body warm in the chilly nights around the circuit.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of Manaslu, Machhapuchchhre, Annapurna range, and many other peaks
- Beautiful landscapes covered by rhododendron and pinewood forests
- The unique culture of the Nubri community
- Exploration of Manaslu Conservation Area
Quick Trek Information
Type: Challenging
Duration: 17-19 days
Maximum elevation: Thulo Larkye at 6,249 meters
Accommodation: Teahouse or Camping
Permits:
- TIMS
- MCAP
- ACAP
- Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
2. Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp trek is not just a trekking journey; it’s an achievement. Arriving at the same spot from where all the famous climbers and mountaineers began their Everest summit is something else.
A scenic flight to Lukla begins this epic journey. From there, you ascend to the beautiful city in the heart of the Himalayas- Namche Bazaar. The trek continues through a gorgeous trail leading to many Sherpa villages. Getting a chance to become a part of their culture and heritage is just an enjoyable experience.
The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek doesn’t end at the base camp. After a short trek from here, you reach Kala Patthar, the vantage point for stunning views of the Himalayas. You also get a chance to see some breathtaking sceneries of different glaciers, high passes, monasteries, and villages.
Highlights:
- Mesmerizing spectacles of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, and other peaks
- Immense Khumbu Glacier
- Sagarmatha National Park and rare wildlife
- Namche Bazaar and Tengboche village and monastery
Quick Trek Information
Type: Hard
Duration: 12-19 days
Maximum elevation: Kala Patthar at 5,643 meters
Accommodation: Teahouses and Lodges
Permits:
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit (replacing TIMS)
- Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
- Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (Additional for Jiri to EBC trek)
3. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
On the list of the classic treks in Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is everyone’s favorite. People from all around the world visit Nepal to take this incredible journey to the base camp of Mount Annapurna.
Also, why not???
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) offers so much to see during the trek, leaving everyone spellbound.
Breathtaking vistas of Annapurna range besides peaks like Machhapuchchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu make the trek worthwhile. Also, there are a lot of other magnificent places which you visit during this trek. It’s like a bonus, at every point you see something new and exciting.
The culture and tradition of the Gurung and Magar villages bring you close to the authentic Nepali lifestyle. Eating delicious local Nepalese food and enjoying every part of the journey makes ABC trek unique.
Highlights:
- Scintillating views of the Annapurna range besides other peaks like Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchchhre.
- Beautiful villages of Magar and Gurungs at Ghandruk
- Eye-catching sunrise views from Poonhill
- Natural hot springs at Jhinu Dada
Quick Trek Information
Type: Moderate to Hard
Duration: 13-15 days
Maximum elevation: Base Camp at 4,310 meters
Accommodation: Teahouses and Lodges
Permits:
- TIMS
- ACAP
4. Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang is a hidden gem of Nepal. Hidden behind the Himalayas, this beautiful region lies within the rain-shadow area of the country. So, you witness an arid dry and barren landscape. Talk about a unique experience!
One of the main talking points of this trek is its history. The place was previously referred to as the Forbidden Kingdom of Lo Manthang. The locals had a different king and lived isolated from the modern world.
So, if you visit the place even today, the preserved culture and tradition is sure to amaze you. Historical caves, monasteries, ethnic tribes, all make Upper Mustang a must-visit place.
Highlights:
- Unique and stunning barren landscapes
- The Forbidden Kingdom of Lo Manthang
- Trans-Himalayan cultures and lifestyle
- Historical caves and monuments
Quick Trek Information
Type: Moderate to Hard
Duration: 14-17 days
Maximum elevation: Dhamkar at 3,810 meters
Accommodation: Teahouses and Lodges
Permits:
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
- ACAP
- TIMS
5. Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular and most visited trekking destinations of Nepal. You walk through the changing terrains, from subtropical to the dry and barren landscapes of Manang and Mustang.
Witnessing the pristine views of the Annapurna range besides Machhapuchchhre, Manaslu, and Langtang peaks is like nothing else. The colorful rhododendron forests and lush greenery of the landscape add to the beauty.
The trek also takes you to the Hindu temple of Muktinath. This religious place is a famous trekking destination. As you continue, you get to Yak Kharka at 4,000 meters altitude, where the nights get pretty cold. Since you spend a night camping here, a sleeping bag with a suitable temperature rating is crucial.
You come across the ethnic Thakali and Gurung villages during your trek. You become a part of their amazing hospitality. The local cuisines are famous throughout Nepal, so you’re in for a treat.
Highlights:
- Crisp views of the Annapurna range, Manaslu, Machhapuchchhre and other peaks
- The Hindu temple of Muktinath
- Rare and diverse wildlife
- Natural Hot Springs at Tatopani to relax your tired muscles
- Experience the rich culture of Gurung and Thakali settlements in place such as Marpha, and Manang
Quick Trek Information
Type: Moderate to Challenging
Duration: 12-15 days
Maximum elevation: Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters
Accommodation: Teahouses and Lodges
Permits:
- ACAP
- TIMS
6. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
For a short and entertaining journey away from the busy urban life, go on a trek to Ghorepani Poonhill. You’ll find nature binding with the local cultures and traditions to give visitors a wonderful time in the rural village.
Ghandruk and Ghorepani are one of the major highlights along your trek. They are home to the local communities of Gurung and Magar, so you get a chance to experience their culture and traditions.
The lush, green landscapes and stunning waterfalls make the overall environment scenic. The final stop at Poonhill offers some of the best sunrise views. Also, while returning, you get a chance to spend some quality time at the hot springs in Jhinu Danda.
Highlights:
- Stunning vistas of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiunchuli besides other peaks
- Exotic wildlife and vegetation
- Gurung and Magar villages at Ghandruk and Ghorepani
- Beautiful waterfalls, suspension bridges, streams, and rivers
- Breathtaking sunrise from Poonhill
Quick Trek Information
Type: Easy
Duration: 4-6 days
Maximum elevation: Poonhill at 3,210 meters
Accommodation: Teahouses and Lodges
Permits:
- TIMS
- ACAP
7. Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley Trek is all about the refreshing trail full of natural beauty. So, if you want a quiet and peaceful journey through nature, Langtang Valley is the place to go.
The trail takes you through some enchanting rhododendron forests. These forests are home to many animals and birds, so you may even encounter the exotic wildlife during your trek. Also, you can add a visit to Gosaikunda lake, a lake with religious significance for the Hindu community.
The trek ends at Kyanjin village. The famous Kyanjin Gompa is in this village. You can extend your itinerary to visit Kyanjin Ri at 4,773 meters or Tserko Ri at 4,984 meters. These viewpoints offer the best views of the Langtang valley.
Highlights:
- Best views of mountains and sunrise from Tserko Ri
- Beautiful trails covered by rhododendron and bamboo forests
- Langtang National Park
- Religious Hindu lake Gosaikunda
Quick Trek Information
Type: Easy to moderate
Duration: 9-11 days
Maximum elevation: Tserko Ri at 4,984 meters
Accommodation: Teahouses and Lodges
Permits required:
- TIMS
- Langtang National Park Permit
8. Mardi Himal Trek
Another famous short trek of Nepal, Mardi Himal Trek takes you to a beautiful place within the Annapurna region.
The place is less crowded, yet offers some of the best Himalayan views. You get to see peaks like Mardi Himal, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Machhapuchhre, and Mt. Annapurna. The easy trek is perfect for people who want a re-energizing experience of trekking in the Himalayas.
You pass through some remote villages, dense jungles, and amazing landscapes during this trek. Overall, Mardi Himal trek is just an amazing experience.
Highlights:
- Panoramic views of mountains like Mardi, Annapurna, and other peaks
- A wide variety of flora and fauna
- Ethnic Gurung settlements
- Beautiful and peaceful trail
Quick Trek Information
Type: Easy to moderate
Duration: 5-7 days
Maximum elevation: Mardi Base Camp at 3,580 meters
Accommodation: Teahouses and Lodges
Permits required:
- TIMS
- ACAP
Conclusion
Nepal is an ideal place for trekking, hiking, and even mountaineering. Just opt for any of these 8 popular treks in Nepal Himalayas you will definitely fall in love with the country.
Nonetheless, you can also go for a refreshing hike around the hills of Kathmandu Valley. Hiking is the best one-day leisure activity to re-energize you for the days ahead. Alternatively, if you want the raw and strenuous adventure, opt for trekking.
So, where do you plan to trek in Nepal?
Tammy Litke is a Dallas blogger, blogging since 2008. She loves to watch movies, play video games, spend time in the kitchen, and travel. Between recipes and reviews you’ll find many helpful and some just plain funny posts on her blog. Welcome, pull up a chair and stay for a while!