This list has been updated in September 2023 to cover the most recent conditions. Most treks listed here take about 2 weeks to complete. All of these treks offer incredible views and a close-up view of cultures and nature of the Himalayas. The summary, below, will help you figure out which trek is ideal for you.

For adventure, spiritual meditation and cultural experiences, Nepal is an ideal place. When you are in Nepal, there are plenty of choices for you to choose from: hiking, mountaineering, camping, rafting, and wildlife safari and more or simply a luxury trip. If you want to participate in ethnic and cultural celebrations, this country’s diverse terrain will offer you the best experiences!

Nepal has become the world’s most popular hiking destination in recent years. You can enjoy gentle walks to the mesmerizing treks, just in the same country.

1. Gokyo Lake Trek

Overview

• Maximum Altitude: 5357m, Gokyo Ri
• Duration: 12 – 14 days
• Best Season: March – May & October – November
• Trek Grade: Moderate to difficult
• Accommodation Type: Guesthouse
• Trek Permits: Yes (Sagarmatha National Park)

Gokyo Lake trek is a beautiful valley of iced lakes and glaciers. The journey passes through rhododendron and oaks forests, with a rich diverse of flora and fauna. The waterfalls, which are mostly frozen is interesting. The valley preserves numerous high-altitude wetlands and freshwater lakes ecosystems. The Valley is a home for solitary Sherpas with ancient monasteries and its rich cultures.

Gokyo Ri is the little less known and slightly farther away viewpoint of Everest comparison to its more popular Kala Patthar. The views of Everest are amazing too and some trekker considers it even better than Kala Patthar because more of the surrounding Himalayas can be observed.

2. Everest Base Camp Trek

Overview

• Maximum Altitude: 5600 meters, Kala Patthar
• Duration: 14 – 16days
• Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult
• Accommodation Type: Guesthouse
• Best Season: March – May & October – November
• Trek Restrictions: No
• Trek Permits: TIMS, Sagarmatha National Park

The Everest Base Camp trek is one of the wonderful and most hiked trails in Nepal. Many tourists visit Nepal to trek in the Everest region to experience the enticing Himalayan Mountain views. The trek begins at Lukla, a flight from Ramechhap which will take around 5 hours’ drive from Kathmandu.

Alongside with warm Sherpa culture and ancient monasteries. Unique glaciers, hanging icicles and the stunning landscapes en route add adventure to your journeys.

It is also possible to this journey by helicopter. Everest Helicopter tour is perfect for anyone who don’t want to trek but still want to see Mount Everest.

3. Nar Phu Valley Trek

Overview

• Maximum Altitude: 5416 meters
• Duration: 9 – 12 days
• Best Season: March – May & October – November
• Trek Grade: Moderate to Difficult
• Accommodation Type: Guesthouse
• Trek Permits: Yes
• Trek Restrictions: RAP, ACAP

Nar Phu Valley is a rugged and wild trek in the north of Annapurna area. Following the famous Annapurna Circuit route, the trek begins from Kyoto on the off-the-beaten-path to the Nar Phu Valley.

The valley preserves ancient villages and grazing valleys at high altitudes. When you interact with the locals of the village, you encounter Tibetan cultures and traditions.

4. Mardi Himal Trek

Overview

• Maximum Altitude: 4,250 meters
• Duration: 5 – 7 Days
• Best Season: March – May & September – December
• Trek Grade: Easy
• Accommodation Type: Guesthouse
• Trek Permits: ACAP, TIMS
• Trek Restrictions: No

It is a short and pleasant hike in the Annapurna region. On the trek, you walk through wonderful glacial villages and breathtaking landscapes. You will walk through the Rhododendron blossoms during spring.

Mardi Himal used to be the less-known trek in the Annapurna region. On this trail, there are still fewer trekkers than on Poon Hill, Annapurna Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit. Also, they have cozy homes ready for your service if you want to spend time with the locals.

5. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Overview

• Maximum Altitude: 5416 meters, Thorong La Pass
• Duration: 12 to 18 days
• Trek Garde: Moderate to Difficult
• Accommodation Type: Guesthouse
• Best Season: March – May & October – November
• Trek Restrictions: No
• Trek Permits: TIMS, ACAP

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a wonderful trek in the mountains of the entire Annapurna range. The trek takes you to the Alpine forests from the lush pastures.

To finish in the barren desert-like terrains of Mustang and Manang. And the advantage is that each corner of the route offers a majestic view of the Annapurna range. This trek offers a diverse trek route that gives you the opportunity to collect as many memories as you like.

6. Langtang Valley Trek

Overview

• Maximum Altitude: 4,984 meters, Tserko Ri
• Duration: 8 Days
• Trek Grade: Moderate
• Accommodation Type: Guesthouse
• Best Season: March – May & October – November
• Trek Restrictions: No
• Trek Permits: TIMS, LNP

Langtang Valley Trek is not far from Kathmandu city, but it is one of the most popular treks. The trek begins at Syabrubesi, 7 hours’ drive from Kathmandu.

During this trek, you pass the snow-capped peaks of the Langtang high Valley, the rugged beauty of the Gosainkund Lake (if you combined) and its satellites and the rich cultural heritage of the Helambu Valley.

This easy access and traditional tea houses along the route make it absolutely attractive for those looking for a quieter alternative to the ever-popular Everest and Annapurna regions

7. Manaslu Circuit Trek

Overview

• Maximum Altitude: 5,160 meters, Larke La Pass
• Trek Duration: 12 – 16 days
• Best Season: March to May, September to December
• Trek Grade: Difficult
• Accommodation Type: Guesthouse
• Trek Permits: TIMS, MCAP, RAP
• Trek Restrictions: Yes

The trip circles around Mount Manaslu, which is 8th highest mountain in the world. On this trek, you’ll see epic scenery crossing several suspension bridges. Also, temporary wooden plank bridges at higher altitudes. With a side trip to Tsum valley, the trek can be extended to 21 days.

8. Upper Mustang Trek

Overview

• Maximum Altitude: 3,810 meters, Dhakmar
• Trek Duration: 10 – 14 days
• Best Season: March to December
• Trek Grade: Moderate
• Accommodation Type: Teahouse
• Trek Permits: ACAP, RAP
• Trek Restrictions: Yes

The Upper Mustang Trek offers unique experience in the rugged Trans Himalayas of Nepal. On this trek, you will have wonderful views of Nilgiri, Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri and many other Himalayas.

The trek starts from Jomsom to enter the rain-shadow region of Nepal’s treeless zone, Mustang. The hiking trail follows the old salt caravan route. The place is beautiful with white painted homes, extended barley fields, old gompas (monastery) chortens and Buddhist peace flags.

9. Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Overview

• Maximum Altitude: 5,200 meters, Pang Pema
• Duration: 21 – 28 Days
• Best Season: March – May & October – December
• Trek Grade: Difficult
• Accommodation Type: Lodge, Camping
• Trek Permits: ACAP, RAP
• Trek Restrictions: Yes

This Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is much less visited by trekkers and includes a wide variety of spectacular landscapes, from lush tropical jungle to rhododendron, chestnut and oak forests and up to the third highest peak in the world.

You will pass through the villages of the Sherpas, Rais, Limbus. The trek starts at Suketar, 4 hours’ drive from Illam.

10. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Overview

• Maximum Altitude: 3210 meters, Poon Hill
• Duration: 3 – 7 Days
• Best Season: All year round
• Trek Grade: Easy
• Accommodation Type: Guesthouse
• Trek Permits: Yes (TIMS, ACAP)

Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a famous Himalayan trek in the Annapurna region. The trek starts at Nayapul, 45-minutes’ drive from Pokhara, and take you to the typical villages of the settlements of Gurung and Magar. En route, you cross the blossoms of Rhododendron, especially in Spring. You will get the chance to see the Annapurna range in your face from Poon Hill and a beautiful sunrise view.

General Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trek in Nepal without a guide?

Yes, you can trek in Nepal without a guide restriction to some restricted area like Manalsu Circuit, Nar phu, Upper Mustang, Kanchenjunga, Upper Dolpo. The guide is compulsory for restriction regions to get the permit.

How much does it cost to trek in Nepal?

It depends with trek, the number of people and the type of service you prefer. We suggest allocating USD 35 person, in a day, if you are hiking without a guide. A 7-day trek (Langtang Valley Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek) starts at around USD 570 to 760 per person all-inclusive, if you are planning to trek with a company.

When is the best season to trek in Nepal?

It depends on the trek. Generally, the best time to trek in Nepal is from March to May and from September to mid-December. December, January and February are the best months for those who want to hike in quietness and don’t mind the cold on a popular trek. The rainy season is good for Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo treks (June to early September).

Is Nepal Safe to travel?

Nepal is pretty safe. Having said, you are traveling/hiking in the Himalayas. In the mountain things are unpredictable. We suggest no solo trekking for an inexperienced hiker unless you know what you are doing. Hire a guide at least If you are hiking solo.

Conclusion

This article is based on experiences, thorough research, people on the treks and provides the latest information.

Are you dreaming of walking in the Himalayas? Share your trek preferences with us and click here to get started. We promise to organize the best trek, as per your desires.