The Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu and restricted are the five most popular trekking areas of Nepal, but there are several other regions that hold some of the best treks in Nepal.

All regions are best visited in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), though winter treks from December to February are possible on a few routes in these regions.

Summer / monsoon from June to August trekking in some of these regions is not recommended, as the trails can get really wet and slippery and Himalayan views clouded.

Everest Region

The Everest region, home to the tallest mountain in the world, can be reached by a 35-minute flight from Kathmandu/Manthali to Lukla or by hiking from Bhandar (approx. 7 hours jeep ride from Kathmandu).

This is the most developed trekking area in Nepal, with stone-cut trails and a wide selection of basic and comfortable guest houses. Most travelers begin their treks in Lukla but consider treking from Bhandar on foot for a more cultural experience if you have time. Also, there is a good option of shorter treks.

Trek Facts

• Trek Access: Flight or jeep
• Trek Duration: 7 to 21 days
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Accommodation: Lodges
• Best Time: Mar to May & Sep to Nov

Everest View Trek (7 – 9 Days)

Everest View Trek is one of the short and best treks in Everest area. It is the easiest way to experience nature gifts in the Khumbu Valley providing amazing views of the Himalayas along with friendly Sherpa people. A breathtaking adventure combined with natural wonders, Himalayan peaks and monasteries which are hundreds of years old.

Everest Base Camp Trek (14 – 16 Days)

The famous Everest trek takes you on a there-and-return trip to Everest Base Camp, ground level for all Everest expeditions from the south. You will pass via the heart of Sherpa kingdom and take a day hike up to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for sunset views of Everest and Nuptse.

Gokyo Lake Trek (10 – 12 Days)

A perfect alternative to the famous (highly crowded) Everest Base Camp trek, this route takes you up another valley to Gokyo ‘s picturesque lakes with its own panoramic viewpoint in Gokyo RI (5.357 m).

Three Passes Trek (16 – 21 Days)

For those who have the time (ready for a challenge), this route includes all of the Everest region’s highlights in a single trek that will take you over three 5,000m+ passes. The Everest Three Passes trek is the ideal Everest experience.

Annapurna Region

It’s also a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu, or 7-8 hours by road to Pokhara, lakeside city, the gateway to the Annapurnas.

This region has a number of great treks offered its easy access and flexibility in trek routes varying from easy to demanding. The lower valleys near Pokhara have a network of trails that can be combined for short treks of 3-10 days, in many ways.

Trek Facts

• Trek Access: Flight or jeep
• Trek Duration: 3 to 16 Days
• Trek Difficulty: Easy to Demanding
• Accommodation: Lodges
• Best Time: Mar – May & Sep – Nov

Poon Hill Trek (3 – 7 Days)

The most famous short trek is a circuit that takes you to Poon Hill (3210m), a classic viewpoint spectacular views the southern Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range.

Khopra Danda Trek (6 – 8 Days)

This trek, an extended circuit that also includes the Poon Hill, provides a higher ridge and a better overview of the Lower Annapurna region.

Nar Phu Valley Trek (9 – 12 days)

A remote valley which connects with the Annapurna Circuit is a great way to get off the beaten trail in one of the busiest trekking regions in Nepal. The valley is inhabited by Buddhists and is close to Upper Mustang in culture and geography.

Mardi Himal Trek (5 – 7 Days)

Fast gaining popularity, this trail takes you along the ridge line toward to the base of Mardi Himal and is a fantastic way to get off the beaten trail.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek (8 – 12 Days)

The route follows a valley to the amphitheater of the Annapurnas, one of the famous Nepal’s treks, on which you will turn once you get to Base Camp of Annapurna.

Annapurna Circuit Trek (10 – 16 Days)

The duration of this trek is shortened due to road construction, which drives deep into the unspoiled sections of the upper regions, each year, as one of the most popular treks in Nepal. A shorter version of this trek, still is a great option.

Mustang Region

Trek Facts

• Trek Access: Flights, Jeep & Bus
• Trek duration: 3 to 16 Days
• Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Accommodation: Lodages
• Best Time: Year-round

Upper Mustang is a remote area near the Tibetan border, offering a unique and dry high-altitude landscape. Treks to Mustang require a restricted permit, guesthouse or camping may both be used.

The region also lies within the Himalayan rain shadow and is an ideal option during the monsoon (June to August) time. Mustang is separated in to the Lower and Upper Mustang; the Lower region isn’t restricted. Jomsom, the entry point to Mustang, can be reached via road from Pokhara (a bumpy 8 to 10 hours) or by flight (25-min).

Lower Mustang Trek (5 – 7 Days)

This is the ideal option for those who have short time with a limited budget or who look for a short trip during the rainy monsoon season just outside of the restricted region but with a similar landscape the Upper Mustang.

Upper Mustang Trek (12 – 16 Days)

This trek takes you one side of the valley of Mustang and returns on the other side via alternative route. You will visit the region’s capital, Lo Manthang and discover the unique Nepal side where few travellers go.

Langtang Region

Trek Facts

• Trek Access: Jeep & Bus
• Trek Duration: 7 – 20 days
• Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Accommodation: Guesthouses
• Best Time: Mar – May & Sep – Nov

Easy access from Kathmandu, hikers who can’t commit to a long or remote trek should think the Langtang National Park, less than a day’s head north of Nepal. The Langtang Himalayas may not be as high as mountains in some other places (just 7000m!), but hiking in this area will take you right up to the foot of the mountain range and offer a more cultural experience.

Langtang Valley Trek (7 – 9 Days)

This amazing trek takes across the Himalayans, the breathtaking Langtang, with the ultimate combination of stunning sceneries and fascinating culture.

Langtang Gosaikunda Trek (12 – 16 Days)

A journey offering numerous beauties but requires easy effort to catch up with them, The Langtang Gosainkunda Trek is the great option. Located near the Tibetan border, there is a plenty to capture from the start to the end of the trek.

Tamang Heritage Trail (6 – 8 Days)

The opportunities for cultural trekking trails in the area are also good, with paths like the Tamang Heritage Trail or Helambu Trek.

Manaslu Region

Trek Facts

• Trek Access: Jeep & Bust
• Trek duration: 15-21 days
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate
• Accommodation: Guesthouses
• Best Time: Mar – May & Sep – Nov

The mountains of Manaslu area, between Kathmandu and Pokhara, are less visited than other regions given they’ve only fairly recently established guesthouses. The area offers truly magnificent mountain scenery without the large crowds of Annapurna and Everest.

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a favorite among repeat visitors to Nepal. While there’s not the same level of development as in many other areas of the Himalaya such as Annapurna or Everest, tourist facilities are increasingly being built.

It remains very untouched and looks rather wilderness and remote despite the trekking popularity.

Manaslu Circuit Trek (12 – 16 Days)

Manaslu Circuit is one of the most classic routes around the 8th highest mountain in Manaslu in the world, followed by the Larke La Pass crossing. This trek would appeal to those who are looking for a challenging hike in a remote Nepal Himalayan region.

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek (20 – 24 Days)

Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, the entire journey of the majestic mountain of Mount Manaslu (8,156m) – the eight highest mountains, crossing of the adventurous Larke La Pass and the cultural heritage of the Buddhism, is certainly one of the most hidden treasures of Nepal waiting for the discovery of the less discovered valley.

Remote Region

Trek Facts

• Trek Access: Flights, Jeep & Bus
• Trek Duration: 18 – 30 days
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Accommodation: Guesthouses & Camping
• Best Time: Year-round

Far West of Nepal is very remote and has few visitors, but offers beautiful national parks full of birds and wildlife. You have also beautiful lakes, including Rara and Phoksundo, at high altitudes. There is almost no tourist infrastructure in this area, so hiking teams need to be self – sufficient. This area can be extremely rewarding for repeat visitors to Nepal.

Other options include Dolpo, Shey Phoksundo National Park / Rara Lake, Dhorpatan Hunting reserve, and Api Nampa Conservation Area, while whitewater rafting and kayaking along the Karnali River and completing nearby Bardia National Park.

Most treks require a flight to Nepalgunj from Pokhara, and then another one, near a trailhead such as Simikot, Talcha or Jumla, on a small mountain airstrip.

Upper Dolpo Trek (20 – 24 Days)

This trek is located in the Himalayan rain shadow area and can be done all year round and in combination with Mustang, which makes it easy to return to Pokhara from Jomsom.

Phoksundo Lake Trek (8 – 15 Days)

Trekking in the Phoksundo Lake region is an exciting as well as an absolutely stunning journey. This route will take you through unexplored valley alternating with beautiful pine forests, over several passes and through remote mountain villages where time seems to have stood still.

Trek Facts

• Trek Access: Jeep, Flight & Bus
• Trek Duration 21 – 28 days
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Accommodation: Lodges & Camping
• Best Time: Mar and May – Sep & Nov

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek (20 – 25 Days)

Perhaps one of Nepal’s most rewarding treks, Mt. Kanchenjunga located at the eastern border of Nepal and is great for those adventurous enough and have the time.

Previously camping trek only, there are now more reasonable teahouse routes that take you past breathtaking Himalayan scenery, ancient forests, wildlife habitat and into the heart of traditional communities and cultures.

Trek Facts

• Trek Access: Car, Bus & Jeep
• Trek Duration: 20 – 25 days
• Trek Difficulty: Easy
• Accommodation: Guesthouses/Resorts
• Best Time: Year-round

Kathmandu Day Hike (1 – 3 Days)

Kathmandu Valley offers amazing short trek. Any of the journeys can even be completed in one day, and it is also possible to change the treks into overnight trips. Some of the most popular hiking trails around Kathmandu are Shivapuri, Sundarija, Godavari, Phulchowki, Kirtipur, Hadiban, Dakshinkali, Namou Buddha, Nagarjun, Nagarkot, Changunarayan to Namo Buddha.

The permit is required for Shivapuri and Nagarkot area only. At the end and beginning of these hikes transport is easily available. You may also hire private cars or taxis.

Final Say

There are several other trekking destinations in Nepal which are really beautiful, so including all is quite impossible. So, some of your favorite trekking destinations might have missed. Which of these treks have you done in Nepal? And which are in your bucket list?

Share us which these treks did you enjoyed the most and what were its best moments? To start planning a private adventure click here to get started.