Nepal is a choice for many travelers from worldwide who likes Himalayas, culture, monasteries, history, Sherpa, yaks and snowy peaks. The Himalayas of Nepal are the ultimate goal for the travelers around the world. Along with the high Himalayas, Nepal also has popular World Heritage Sites, National parks, and so on. Amongst the different activities which can be done in Nepal, trekking is one of the major activity loved by many travelers.
There are different regions and treks which are very popular for trekking in Nepal. Below mentioned are the most popular destination for trekking in Nepal:
1. Everest Base Camp (EBC):
Max Elevation | 5,500 m, Gokyo Ri / 5364 m, EBC |
Days 1 | 2 – 15 / 12 (EBC only) - 15 (EBC + Gokyo) |
Trekking Difficulty | Moderate |
Best Season | March to May and October to November. |
Accommodation Type | Lodges |
Restricted Area Permits | None |
Required Permits | Khumbu tax and Sagarmatha National Park Permit |
Everest Base Camp Trek is the most admired, bucket list travel destination for those people who want to trek in Nepal. Trekking in Everest region is full of enjoyment and adventure where we get to see the highest mountain of the world, Mount Everest (8848 m). We can see the panoramic view of mountains over 6,000 meter like: Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt, Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Nuptse and so on. The breathtaking views of the Himalayas along with the trek to the elevation of 5500 m makes this trek exciting and adventurous. Along with the views we can also see the culture, settlement of Sherpa people in Everest. The best time to trek in EBC is on spring (March – May), autumn (September – November). Usually trekking in late winter, i.e. February is quite cold and can be challenging as well. It usually takes around 12 – 15 days to complete the EBC trek and difficulty is of moderate level.
2. Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)
Max Elevation | 4310 m, Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) |
Days | 8 - 12 |
Trekking Difficulty | Moderate |
Best Season | March to May and October to November. |
Accommodation Type | Lodges |
Restricted Area Permits | None |
Required Permits | TIMS + ACAP |
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is also the popular trek destination for travelers around the world. This is an 8 – 12 days trek where we can explore the Himalayas, Gurung people settlement, terrace farming, beautiful green forest and so on. During the trek we can see the beautiful Gurung villages like Ghandruk, Chhomrong, and meet warm hearted people. We can also see the panoramic views of Annarpurna range along the way. We can see the amazing and mind blowing views of Himalaya’s right in front of our eyes from Machhapuchre Base Camp to Annapurna Base Camp. Also, the sunrise view on the Himalayas seen from Annapurna Base Camp is very priceless.
The best time to trek ABC is on spring (March – May), autumn (September – November) and late winter (mid Januaray – February). The trek is of moderate level difficulty and we reach to the maximum elevation of 4130 m.
3. Annapurna Circuit Trek
Max Elevation | 5416 m, Thorang La Pass |
Days | 12 - 14 |
Trekking Difficulty | Moderate |
Best Season | March to May and October to November. |
Accommodation Type | Lodges |
Restricted Area Permits | None |
Required Permits | TIMS + ACAP |
Annapurna circuit trek is beautiful trekking destination with the amazing views of Himalayas, monasteries, lakes, pass and so on. Usually this trek is 12 – 14 days long and we get to trek in the three different districts: Lamjung, Manang and Mustang. The trek is of moderate difficulty and can be done by the normal travelers as well. The highest elevation during this trek is in Thorang La pass which is about 5416 metre, one of the highest pass of Nepal. The trek offers the amazing views of Himalayas, monastering in Pisang, Manang and Muktinath. We can also visit the beautiful lake situated in the highest altitude, Tilicho (4919 m) during this trek.
The best time to trek ABC is on autumn (September – November) then on spring (March – May). In spring there are chances of seeing snow on the way to trek. Overall this trek will be a once in lifetime opportunity which travelers would cherish for the lifelong.
4. Langtang Valley Trek
Max Elevation | 5000 m, Tserko Ri |
Days | 8 |
Trekking Difficulty | Moderate |
Best Season | March to May and October to November. |
Accommodation Type | Lodges |
Restricted Area Permits | None |
Required Permits | TIMS + Langtang National Park Permit |
Langtang valley trek is the nearest trek from Kathmandu which runs through the bamboo forest, so many waterfalls, and rhododendron during spring season and breathtaking views of snow – capped mountains. This is one of the shortest trek which can be completed in 8 days and we can also choose to continue the trek to Gosaikunda, holy lake if we have extra days’ vacation. The best thing about this trek is we can do this trek in all season i.e. autumn (September – November) spring (March – May) and winter (December – February).
We can see the beautiful views of Himalayas during the winter along with the snow on the way. During the trek we can observe the Tamang culture which is highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhist. We can also see many Tibetan people along the way as well as visit the ancient monastery of Kyanjin Gompa. The highest elevation during the trek is around 5000 m (Tserko Ri). We can also see the beautiful range of mountains like: Langtang Lirung ( 7245 m), Langtang Ri (6370 m), Dorje Lakpa (6990 m) and so on. We can also see so many Himalayan yaks and animals along the way as well as we can visit the cheese factory in Kyanjin Gompa. For those who want to do one of the easy trek with minimal walking distance then this trek is a perfect fit!
5. Upper Mustang Trek / Tour
Max Elevation | 3840 m, Lo Manthang |
Days | 14 - 15 |
Trekking Difficulty | Moderate |
Best Season | March to November. |
Accommodation Type | Lodges / Hotels |
Restricted Area Permits | Upper Mustang Special Area Permit |
Required Permits | ACAP |
Upper Mustang is the restricted area trek which requires the Special Area Permit for foreigners to trek/ tour and minimum 2 persons are required to do this trek. Also in Nepal Mustang is only the district who have King of their own. This region is a beautiful trek destination where we can explore the Buddhist culture highly influenced from Tibetan. We can experience the amazing landscape during the trip which will awestruck us because the sigh we see is so surreal and unusual formations and the color we see cannot be captured in camera or described in world. Usually Mustang trek is 14 – 15 days long. As the road goes upto Upper Mustang and all parts of the Mustang, Mustang tour is getting widely popular and can be completed in 8 – 10 days in Jeep. The weather in Mustang is very windy in the afternoon after 12 p.m., and Upper Mustang is known as the desert of Nepal. Also we get to see so many ancient monasteries with a long history. We can also visit the religious Hindu temple in Muktinath. The heighest elevation during the trek / tour is of 3848 m. In overall if we want to do a different trek in Himalayas, explore Buddhist – Tibetan culture, 2000 years old history, amazing landscape, Himalayas then we can choose to do Upper Mustang trek.
The best season to trek in Mustang is on monsoon as it doesn’t rain there (June – September), autumn (September – mid November) and on spring (March – May). During the trek/ tour we can see the mesmerizing views of Annpurna, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri and others. This trek/ tour cannot be done without government license holder trekking guide.
6. Manaslu Circuit Trek
Max Elevation | 5167 m, Larkya Pass |
Days | 14 - 15 |
Trekking Difficulty | Challenging |
Best Season | March to May and October to November. |
Accomodation Types | Lodges / Tea houses |
Restricted Area Permits | Manaslu Special Area Permit |
Required Permits | ACAP + MCAP |
Manaslu is also one of the popular destination for trek in Nepal where numbers of travelers from around the world visit. During the trek we can explore around Manaslu conservation area and also enjoy the breathtaking views of Himalayas along with Mt. Manaslu, eight highest mountain of the world. The route to Manaslu circuit trek usually takes 14 – 15 days and can be extended to 22 days if anyone wants to Tsum Valley trek as well. This region is also restricted area and required special are permit and minimum 2 person to do the trek. This trek is quite challenging than other trek and reach up to the highest elevation of 5167 m (Larkya Pass), one of the highest pass of Nepal during trek. This is a teahouse trek and in some places during the trek we have to sleep on the lodges with minimum facility. Also we can explore the beautiful forests, rivers, Tibetan ethnic groups & Nepalese people, wildlife and the panoramic views of highest peaks like: Mt. Manaslu, Annapunrna II, Himlung and others during the trek.
The best season for trekking is on spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) for Manaslu. This trekking cannot be done without government license holder trekking guide. Thus this is also one of the top choice of trekkers who love adventures and want to explore the remote areas of Nepal.
7. Kanchenjunga Trek
Max Elevation | 5340 m, Oktang Base Camp |
Days | 24 - 26 |
Trekking Difficulty | Hard |
Best Season | October to November and March to May |
Accommodation Type | Lodges / Tea houses |
Restricted Area Permits | Kanchenjunga Special Area Permit |
Required Permits | Kanchenjunga National Park Permit |
Kanchenjunga trek is one of the best trekking destination in Nepal where we can see the beautiful range of Himalayas, culture, remote areas, village settlement and so many more. We need special area permit to complete this trek. This trek is once in a lifetime opportunity where we can see the second highest mountain of the world and is less crowded trek than other reasons as it takes longer days to complete this trek. Usually it takes 24 – 26 days to complete the Kanchenjunga trek. We reach to the highest elevation of 5340 m (Oktang Base Camp) during this trek. This trek is challenging level as we have to walk for longer days as well as complete the different pass like: Sinion La pass, Mirgin La pass, Sinelapcha La pass. During the trek we can enjoy the mesmerizing views of mountains like: Kanchenjunga range, Yalung Kang, Kangbachen, Kabru, Doma, Pathibhara, Jongsang and so on.
The best season for this trek is spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November). Those people who can walk for longer period of days around 8 hours a day and want to explore the wildlife, Himalayas as well as remote areas with less crowd, then they can opt to do the Kanchenjunga trek.
8. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Max Elevation | 5360 m, French pass |
Days | 18 - 20 |
Trekking Difficulty | Hard |
Best Season | October to November and March to May |
Accommodation Type | Lodges / Camping |
Restricted Area Permits | None |
Required Permits | ACAP + TIMS |
Dhaulagiri is one of the challenging and most adventurous trekking which one must explore during their lifetime. During the trek accommodation will be on lodges as well as camping. We have to be physically fit as well to do this trek as on some point the trek is quite difficult. But the experience during the trek will be one of the most amazing experience which we cannot gain on other trek. We reach to the highest elevation of 5360 m (French pass) during the trek. We can see the beautiful views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, 7th highest peak of the world during the trek. Also explore the Gurung culture, Kali Gandaki gorge, and so on. We can see the amazing view on the way to Italian Base Camp, Dhaulagiri Base camp, French Pass and Hidden Valley. This trek was initially discovered by French team in 1950s.
The best season for this trek is autumn (September – November) and spring (March – May). The trek will be around 18 - 20 days long along with camping. This is one of the less crowded trekking region. We have to complete two passes French pass (5360 m) and Dhampus Pass (5200 m) during this trek. This trek is overall adventurous, less crowded as well as challenging.
9. Ghorepani – Poon hill Trek
Max Elevation | 3210 m, Poon hill |
Days | 07 |
Trekking Difficulty | Easy |
Best Season | March to May, October to November and December - Feb |
Accommodation Type | Lodges |
Restricted Area Permits | None |
Required Permits | ACAP + TIMS |
Ghorepani – Poonhill Trek is one of the short trek destination in Annapurna Region of Nepal. This is one of the easiest trekking trial where we can explore the flora, fauna, village lifestyle and Gurung people (one of the ethnic group of Nepal). During the trek we can explore beautiful range of Himalayas from Poon hill (3210), viewpoint. We can see the panoramic views of Annapurna range from Poon Hill. This is one of the easiest trek which can be done with family, friends and looks beautiful in all seasons.
The best season to do this trek is spring (March – May), autumn (September – November) and winter (December – February). We can enjoy the mesmerizing views of Himalayas along with snow during this trek. This trek can be completed in 7 days or can be done by extending the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek.
10. Upper Dolpo Trek
Max Elevation | 5250 m, Kang La pass |
Days | 25 -35 |
Trekking Difficulty | Challenging |
Best Season | March to November |
Accommodation Type | Lodge + Camping |
Restricted Area Permits | Upper & Lower Dolpo Special Area Permit |
Required Permits None | None |
Dolpo trek is one of the most beautiful and unexplored trekking destination which is similar to the Upper Mustang trek. This trek is the hidden gem of Nepal which has amazing barren landscapes, snow capped mountains, culture and Tibetan style villages. We have to complete three highest passes during this trek: Shey La (5000 m), Jeng La (5110 m) and Nagdalo La (5350 m).