Top 12 Best Treks In Nepal | Trekking in the Himalayas: how to do it | Travel
Going trekking in Nepal?
Let’s help you with a snapshot overview of what’s likely the twelve best treks in Nepal. At least, they are currently the most popular treks in Nepal, based on number of trekkers.
Every year Nepal attracts +200,000 trekkers. That also means that every year +200,000 people are faced with the hard choice of selecting which trekking destination to explore in Nepal. Let’s face it - this is not an easy choice.
How odd it may sound the decision of choosing your favorite trek might actually be easier made in your home country (likely with proper internet connection also…) than in the bustling trekking and tourist area, Thamel, where hundreds of trekking agencies inevitably will offer you different opinions as to which trek is the best trek in Nepal.
Worst case, some opinions offered by local trekking agencies might be more profit driven than anything else. Best case, you’ll receive good but likely different pieces of advice from various prudent trekking companies in Kathmandu. Because which trek is actually the best in Nepal?
While some may believe there’s an ultimate answer to that question it does literally come down to your own personal trekking preferences. Let us exemplify with a few relevant aspects of trekking which you need to consider, before being able to zoom in on THE best trek in Nepal, for you personally:
- What level of trekking difficulty are you seeking?
- How many days do you have available for trekking in Nepal?
- Looking for a remote trekking destination, or, will a touristy one be okay as well?
- Are you a budget traveler or is price less relevant for you?
- During which season(s) are you trekking in Nepal? (some treks are not recommended during the monsoon and winter season)
- Looking for remote and hard camping treks (also sometimes named ‘adventure treks’) or the simpler guesthouse treks?
- Are you alone, or with someone? Some treks in Nepal have Restricted Permits and hence requires a minimum of two people, and the company of a Nepali guide or porter.
Below we’re listing the currently 12 most popular trekking destinations in Nepal taking into account the above mentioned trekking parameters, a 3-liner sales pitch, high and low-lights, and finally its Trek Facts.
Hopefully this best treks in Nepal crash-course will assist you further with selecting your favorite trekking destination.
1. EVEREST BASE CAMP TREK – 12 DAYS, 25,000 TREKKERS/YEAR
Great trekking terrain! You’ll stand face-to-face with the world’s highest mountain – Mountain Everest (8,850 m), and see multiple other majestic peaks. You’ll also meet the Sherpa people, renowned for the climbing skills. In short, fantastic trekking experience.
Highlights
- Stand face-to-face with Mt. Everest and experience Everest Base Camp itself
- Kala Patthar at 5,600 meters, a vantage point providing fantastic views of majestic peaks such as Nuptse, Lhotse, and Mount Everest
- Great trekking trail and excellent mountain landscapes
Lowlight
- You'll trek up and down on more or less the same trail.
Trek Facts
- Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 - Medium difficulty
- Remoteness: Not Remote (due to the number of trekkers)
- Pricing: Medium (#USD spent/day)
- Best Season: March-May and October-November
- Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
- Restricted Permits: No.
- Max elevation: 5,600 m, Kala Patthar
- Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.
Good trekking terrain. Great Himalayan scenery. Comfortable trek with lots of tea-houses. In recent years road building has taken place along some parts of the trek, unfortunately decreasing the overall trekking experience.
Highlights
- Crossing the world's widest pass - the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meter
- Diverse trekking terrain as a result of high difference in altitudes - varying from 760 m to 5,416 m
- Developed trek giving a high degree of comfort
Lowlight
- Road building next to the trail at some parts of the trek.
Trek Facts
- Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 - Medium Difficulty
- Remoteness: Not Remote (due to the number of trekkers)
- Pricing: Cheap (#USD spent/day)
- Best Season: March-May and October-November
- Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
- Restricted Permits: No.
- Max elevation: 5,416 m, Thorong La Pass
- Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.
*Note: The +100,000 trekkers per year is for the entire Annapurna Region, including both the Annapurna Circuit trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, and Poonhill trek combined. It has not been possible to divide it per trek, as Nepal's Tourism Board does not have the exact number per trek, as the trekker TIMS cards are issued for the whole Annapurna Region.
Annapurna Base Camp (4,320 m) will allow you to stand face-to-face with the world’s most dangerous mountain to Climb (not trek…) - Annapurna I (8,091 m). Only having 10 days for trekking this trek is without doubt a great option.
Highlights
- An authentic and real trekking experience, considering the rather short trekking duration
- Great trail and landscape, the closer you get to Annapurna Base Camp
- In close proximity to the city Pokhara, also worthwhile exploring after the trek
Lowlight
- The trail has quite a few stairs
Trek Facts
- Trekking Difficulty: Level 2 - Moderate
- Remoteness: Not Remote
- Pricing: Cheap (#USD spent/day)
- Best Season: March-May and October-November
- Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
- Restricted Permits: No.
- Max elevation: 4,320 m, Annapurna Base Camp
- Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): No. Normally too much snow. Risk of avalanches.
Poonhill (3,210 m) offers great views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges. It’s a great trek for a sneak-peak into the trekking world. Highly recommended if only a few days available for trekking in Nepal.
Highlights
- Sunrise atop Poonhill with a fantastic panoramic view of the Himalayas
- Cultural trek, especially Ghandruk, an antique and culturally rich village
- In close proximity to the city Pokhara, also worthwhile exploring after the trek.
Lowlight
- The trail has quite a few stairs
Trek Facts
- Trekking Difficulty: Level1/2 - Easy to Moderate difficulty
- Remoteness: Not Remote
- Pricing: Cheap (#USD spent/day)
- Best Season: March-May and October-November
- Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
- Restricted Permits: No.
- Max elevation: 3,210 m, Poonhill
- Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.
The best trek in Nepal, if only having 7-8 days available. Situated in the North towards Tibet. Langtang is a good trek offering cultural insights such as monasteries, local villages, and an opportunity to select and hike you own preferred 4,984 m peak.
Highlights
- Reaching atop Tserko Peak at an altitude of 4,984 m
- A 100% authentic trekking experience, even if only going for 7 days!
- A culturally rich trek highly influenced by Tibetan traditions.
Lowlight
- The trail is almost the same - up and down.
Trek Facts
- Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 - Moderate difficulty
- Remoteness: Not Remote-Remote
- Pricing: Cheap (#USD spent/day)
- Best Season: March-May and October-November
- Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
- Restricted Permits: No.
- Max elevation: 4,984m, Tserko Ri
- Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.
View of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. The Manaslu Circuit trek circumvents Mt. Manaslu.
The Manaslu trek officially opened for trekking in the early 90s, a cutural trek par excellence, and without a doubt one of the best treks in Nepal. An appropriate name might be ‘Anaslu’ as this trek is likely to take over the popularity of the infamous Annapurna Circuit trek. Highly recommended.
Highlights
- The day of crossing the Larke Pass - a day of challenge and full adventure!
- The entire trail - diverse, remote, and secluded, enriched by very different topography as a result of varying altitudes - 600 m to 5,135 m. You'll walk in a circuit and hence the trail will keep on changing, until its end.
- The cosy village of Samagaun from where you'll also visit Manaslu Base Camp.
Lowlight
- The word has spread that Manaslu is indeed one of Nepal's best treks. Accommodation may be therefore be scarce, especially during high season - Oct and Mar-April.
Trek Facts
- Trekking Difficulty: Level 4 - Hard
- Remoteness: Remote
- Pricing: Medium (#USD spent/day)
- Best Season: March-May and October-November.
- Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
- Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or Porter.
- Max elevation: 5,115 m, Larke Pass
- Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): On and off, but mostly Yes. The obstacle is the day of crossing the Larke Pass at an altitude of 5,135 m.
Looking for an adventure of a lifetime? This is the ultimate Everest quest. It is a long and challenging trek with 4 passes to climb. ALL efforts are, however, rewarded by stunning peaks, pristine nature, and excellent trails.
Highlights
- Crossing each of the 3 passes is a challenge, and a great adventure. Kong Ma La represents the biggest challenge of the 3 passes.
- Fantastic trekking trail - remote, diverse and secluded. You'll be walking in a circuit so the trail will just keep on changing.
- Crossing Himalayas' widest glacier - the Ngozumba Glacier - an exciting trespassing.
Lowlight
- Good question. We're in doubt ourselves if there is one!
Trek Facts
- Trekking Difficulty: Level 4 - Hard
- Remoteness: Very Remote
- Pricing: Medium (#USD spent/day)
- Best Season: March-May and October-November.
- Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
- Restricted Permits: No.
- Max elevation: 5,540 m, Kong Ma La Pass
- Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): No. The 3 passes are not passable during Winter.
Situated just west of the Everest Base Camp trek the Gokyo trek is a great alternative if looking for fewer tourists and more remote nature. The five Emerald Lakes together with majestic mountain peaks is at the core of this trek.
Highlights
- The cozy and beautiful village of Gokyo. If possible, spend an extra day there!
- The 5 emerald green lakes of the Gokyo region.
- Gokyo Ri - a peak and vantage point providing the best panoramic view of the Himalayas! (compared with all other treks in Nepal)
Lowlight
- Unless also crossing the Renjo La Pass, it's almost the same trail up and down.
Trek Facts
- Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 - Medium difficulty
- Remoteness: Remote
- Pricing: Medium (#USD spent/day)
- Best Season: March-May and October-November
- Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
- Restricted Permits: No.
- Max elevation: 5,357 m, Gokyo Ri
- Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.
Mustang, a former Himalayan Kingdom, is considered a last bastion of Tibetan culture. An otherwise traditional camping trek which is now available via conveniently spaced guesthouses. A great option if looking for unique Tibetan culture together with beautiful landscapes. Recommended!
Highlights
- The Mustang area's capital city - Lo Manthang
- Treeless and barren landscapes
- A journey full of cultural inputs and Tibetan traditions
Lowlight
- Relentless afternoon winds can be a challenge.
Trek Facts
- Trekking Difficulty: Level 3,4 - Medium-Hard
- Remoteness: Very Remote
- Pricing: High (#USD spent/day)
- Best Season: March-May and October-November
- Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
- Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or Porter. The Restricted Permit for Upper Mustang costs USD 500 for up to 10 days and USD 50 for each day hereafter.
- Max elevation: 3,810 m, Dhakmar
- Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.
It’s a hidden gem filled with cultural impressions - Tibetan style villages, barren landscapes, mountain peaks, and fertile rice terraces. It’s expensive but also fantastic. The mystique and uniqueness of the Upper Dolpo region was manifested by Peter Matthiessen in ‘The Snow Leopard’ written in 1979.
Highlights
- The secluded Shey Phoksundo lake and the Shey Gomba monasteries
- High and secluded Himalayan valleys, resembling the Tibetan plateau
- Superb view of the Kanjirowa Himal mountain
Lowlight
- It's a very remote area and as a result you will spend up to 4 days travelling to and from the trek, having Kathmandu as a starting point.
Trek Facts
- Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 - Medium difficulty
- Remoteness: Very Remote
- Pricing: High (#USD spent/day)
- Best Season: March-May and October-November
- Accommodation type: Camping
- Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or Porter. The Restricted Permit for Upper Dolpo costs USD 500 for up to 10 days and USD 50 for each day hereafter.
Max elevation: 5,250 m, Kang La Pass - Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Not advisable. Too remote and too cold. Crossing the Kang La Pass is likely not possible.
Camping adventure trek of a life time. You’ll be visiting one of the most rural regions in Nepal, surrounded by absolute pristine nature. It’s a hard and long trek and should only be done by rather fit trekkers. Go there!
Highlights
- The day of crossing the Lapsang La Pass at an altitide of 5,160 m
- Great trekking trail, in a very secluded area of the Himalayas
- Splendid views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Makalu, the world's 3rd and 5th highest mountains in the world, respectively.
Lowlight
- Transportation to and from the Kanchenjunga trek may take up to 3-4 full days.
Trek Facts
- Trekking Difficulty: Level 4 out of 5 - Hard
- Remoteness: Very Remote
- Pricing: High (#USD spent/day)
- Best Season: March-May and October-November. Not recommended during winter
- Accommodation type: Camping
- Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or
- Porter. The Restricted Permit for Kanchejunga costs US$ 10 per person per week.
- Max elevation: 5,160 m, Lapsang Pass
- Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Not advisable. Too cold and too remote.
Mt. Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world, presents you with challenging trails and unspoiled nature. Do not expect to meet other trekkers but do expect 100% communion with nature. A trek for the fit and adventurous.
Highlights
- Unspoiled trails and landscapes during the entire trek.
- Stunning mountain scenery, inter alia the lofty vantage point Shersong ridge at 5,250 m
- 100% authentic trekking in terms of self-sufficiency and and self-equipped
Lowlight
- It's the same trail up and down.
Trek Facts
- Trekking Difficulty: Level 4 out of 5 - Hard
- Remoteness: Very Remote
- Pricing: High (#USD spent/day)
- Best Season: March-May and October-November. Not recommended during winter
- Accommodation type: Camping
- Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or Porter. The Restricted Permit for Makalu Base Camp costs US$ 10 per person for the first four weeks. After four weeks US$ 20 per person.
- Max elevation: 5,250 m, Shersong ridge
- Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Not advisable. Too cold and too remote.
The above article is based on thorough research, people on the treks, and contains the latest information.
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