Trekking in Nepal has become increasingly popular over the last few years. However, it can be difficult to know which trek is best for you and your unique interests.
That’s why we created this list of 17 best treks in Nepal that covers the most scenic treks in Nepal which do not require mountaineering skills. These treks range from easy walks to strenuous hikes. So no matter what your level is, there’s a trek for you!
We spent several years trekking in Nepal. And, when building this list. It is hard for us to say which one is the best. Trekking comes with different levels of difficulty, duration, popularity, and highlights.
Keep reading to find out which treks in Nepal are the best match with your interests.
Our top picks
- Best overall: Manaslu Trek
- Best for beginner: Poon Hill Trek
- Best for summer: Upper Mustang Trek
- Best to see Everest: Everest Three Passes Trek
- Best off the beaten track: Kangchenjunga Circuit Trek
17 Best Treks In Nepal
Annapurna Circuit Trek
The trek circles the Annapurna massif with breathless Thorung La pass has long been one of Nepal’s classics. Variety! Lots of variety in both culture and landscape. Scenery changes from lush forest to glacier valley and Mustang’s mountain desert.
The road goes along the cliffside trails, past the terraced fields, through lush forest and high-altitude mountain landscape. After crossing Thorung La pass (5,416m), the semi-arid land of Mustang appears in front of you. You will get to see Annapurna from all angles.
Despite road construction going on, the allure of Annapurna and alternative trails keep its position among the world’s greatest treks.
Site trip: Tilicho Lake, Ice Lake & Milarepa’s cave from Manang. Lubra village from Muktinath.
Fast facts
- Duration: 12-18 days
- Max Elevation: 5,416m at Thorong La
- Difficulty: Hard
- Start/Finish: Chame or Besi Sahar/Jomsom or Nayapul
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 5
How to get there: 8-hours drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead at Besisahar. But most trekkers continue a jeep ride to Chame.
Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp Trek is probably one of the most popular Himalayan treks of all time. And checking off Everest Base Camp has been on the bucket list of many people for several reasons. The trek goes high. At 5,000+ meters still, the 8,000+ peaks towering above you. You’ll not only see the highest mountain in the world – Mount Everest but also other impressive peaks such as Cho Oyu (8,201m), Lhotse (8,561m), all are high above the clouds. Photos can hardly describe how stunning the Himalayas are.
Starting from Lukla, the trail climbs through villages of the famous Sherpa to the foot of Mount Everest. From here notable mountaineers start their ascents toward the highest peak on earth.
Don’t miss the 2 hours hike to the Kala Pathar viewpoint. You get not only views of Mt Everest, but other impressive peaks Lhotse, Nuptse all are higher than clouds.
Side-trip: Ama Dablam base camp, Chukkung
Fast facts
- Duration: 12-16 days
- Max Elevation: 5,643m at Kala Patthar
- Difficulty: Hard
- Start/Finish: Lukla
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 4
How to get there: Take a 45 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
Manaslu Trek
Manasalu Trek is a rising star among Nepal’s best treks. A lot of hikers choose this trek as an alternative for Annapurna or Everest Base Camp because it gives a more local feel while it still has everything that a Himalayan trek offers.
The trek starts at low elevation, circles the Manaslu – 8th highest mountain in the world to the highest altitude at 5,135m pass of Larkya La. Trails are steep, with some parts hanging on the cliffside. Lot of the time you walk through dense forest. The higher up you go, the more local people you meet. Most of the big villages located in the upper part of the trail are Tibetan-influenced.
Note: Not for solo travelers, the trek demands a minimum of 2 people through an agency.
Side-trip: Add Tsum Valley to the itinerary, you will have the most epic treks in Nepal.
Fast facts
- Duration: 12-18 days
- Max Elevation: 5,135m at Larkya La
- Difficulty: Hard
- Start/Finish: Arughat or Soti Khola/Dharapani or Besi Sahar
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 3
How to get there: 8 hours drive from Kathmandu to the starting point of Soti Khola.
Upper Mustang
The Upper Mustang Trek stands out with its desert-like canyon, barren brown and yellow eroded hills, and cliffs set against snowy peaks like a 3D painting. This unique landscape is not like any other treks in Nepal.
Open to the outside world 30 years ago, and today $500 permit fee draws budget travelers away. Century-old Tibetan tradition and culture survive a decade of isolation.
The trek follows an ancient salt caravan trail along the Kali Gandaki to the ancient Tibetan kingdom of Lo Manthang. Bypass plenty of Mustang villages with white-wash houses, chortens, monasteries, medieval fortresses, and cliffside caves.
The region lies north of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himal. Hence, receive lesser rain. Walking in a treeless area can be unpleasant. The strong wind and dramatic landscape of the mustang blew my mind! And maybe yours.
Side-trip: Lot of sky caves, Luri Gompa
Fast facts
- Duration: 10-12 days
- Max Elevation: 4,325m at Chogo La pass
- Difficulty: Medium-Hard
- Start/Finish: Jomsom
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 2
How to get there: Take connection flights from Kathmandu to Pokhara then continue to Jomsom airstrip.
Everest Three Passes Trek
The Everest Three Passes Trek is simply the most scenic trek in Nepal. It covers most of the notable sights of Everest: mountain views, glacier lakes, and three 5,000+ meters of hair-raising passes. This ultimate Himalayan trip is the adventure of a lifetime. You need to get fit and give enough time to acclimatize.
Most hikers approach the route clockwise, ascending the highest one first Kongma La, then Cho La and Renjo La.
Besides the famous Kala Pathar viewpoint, there are epic mountain views from the top of Gokyo Ri and Chukkung Ri.
Side-trip: Ascent Island Peak
Fast facts
- Duration: 17-20 days
- Max Elevation: 5,535m at Kongma La pass
- Difficulty: Hard
- Start/Finish: Lukla
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 2
How to get there: Airlifting into the airport of Lukla
Annapurna Sanctuary
The comfortable teahouse trek of Annapurna Base Camp is the shortest way to get right into the heart of the mountain where the 360-degree view of the Annapurna Range reveals. Facing the towering wall of the south face of Annapurna I, the tenth highest mountain in the world will leave you breathless.
Another unforgettable moment is standing under the moon, watching the Annapurna South and the sky full of stars in the base camp.
Aside from amazing mountain views, the trek offers landscape diversity: lush rhododendron, bamboo forests, iced valleys, and scenic Gurung villages. Please be aware of a lot of stone steps!
Fast facts
- Duration: 7-12 days
- Max Elevation: 4,130m at Annapurna Base Camp
- Difficulty: Medium
- Start/Finish: Nayapul or Phedi or Ghandruk/Nayapul
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 4
How to get there: From Kathmandu, fly or take a bus ride to Pokhara, then drive 2 hours
Upper Dolpo
This hidden gem trek brings you into the heart of Dolpo, a spectacular corner of the Himalayas. The trek covers part of the Snow Leopard trek, named after the title of Peter Matthiessen’s The Snow Leopard. He describes his pilgrimage to Shey Gompa and the legendary Crystal Mountain. A classic mountain journey: Phoksundo lake, mountain passes, high-altitude desert scenery, and colorful yak caravans. In this remote corner of the west, hide exotic Tibetan-style villages, where locals still practice Bon Buddhist.
Note: Same with Mustang, you need to pay a 500$ permit to Upper Dolpo with a minimum group of 2 people.
Fast facts
- Duration: 15-21 days
- Max Elevation: 5,290m at Numa La
- Difficulty: Hard
- Start/Finish: Dunai/Dunai or Jomsom
- Style: camping
- Popularity: 1
How to get there: Most people fly to Nepalgunj from either Kathmandu or Pokhara. From there, they will usually take a plane ride on another small airplane (or helicopter) over the mountains and arrive at Juphal – which isn’t possible unless you have access to some rich person’s private jet!
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek traverses through different climate zones: rural countryside, lush forests to remote hidden valleys. It takes in two high passes over 5,000m with magnificent vistas of the north face of Dhaulagiri I – the 7th highest peak in the world. The demanding French Pass, the sense of true wilderness, the scenic landscape with great diversity. Regards as many adventurous trekkers as all-time-favorite treks.
Fast facts
- Duration: 12-18 days
- Max Elevation: 5,360m at French Pass
- Difficulty: Hard
- Start/Finish: Beni/Marpha or Jomsom
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 1
How to get there: It takes about 2 hours drive from Pokhara to Beni or 8 hours if you are coming in via Kathmandu.
Kangchenjunga Trek
As Manaslu Trek increases its popularity, Kanchenjunga Trek becomes no #1 trekker’s choice for the best off the beaten trek in Nepal. No comfortable teahouse or like-minded trekkers, only unspoiled trails, and vista of the 3rd highest peak on earth the Kangchenjunga. The trek is only suitable for experienced hikers because of its challenges and remoteness. The trail is steep and narrow, more challenging than other treks.
Eastern Nepal is wetter, a good waterproof trekking boot is a must!
Tips: Don’t forget to try the hot beer known as Tongba made by the local Limbu.
Restrictions: Kangchenjunga Restricted-Area permit is 10$/per week, available for a group of 2 people going through a registered agency
Fast facts
- Duration: 22 days
- Max Elevation: 5,140m at Pang Pema
- Difficulty: Hard
- Start/Finish: Taplejung/Hapu Khola
- Style: basic teahouse
- Popularity: 2
How to get there: Fly from Kathmandu to Bhadrapur then drive to Taplejung
Makalu Base Camp Trek
If Kangchenjunga is too ambitious, the east of Nepal has another treasure – Makalu Base Camp Trek. Trail winds through unspoiled country leave a real sense of isolation and devotion to mountain life. You go through high-altitude valleys, with epic views of Mt Makalu (8463m) 5th highest peak in the world, and the eastern face of Mt Everest.
Fast facts
- Duration: 13-20 days
- Max Elevation: 4,800m at Makalu Base Camp
- Difficulty: Hard
- Start/Finish: Chichila/Num
- Style: rustic teahouse
- Popularity: 2
How to get there: Take a flight to Tumlingtar, then drive to Chichila
Rara lake
Rara Lake is the crown jewel of western Nepal. The lake is off the tourist map but a definitive destination for Nepalese. Located in the Jumla & Mugu district of far west Nepal. To get there, needing many connecting flights means delays occur often. But the scenery is like heaven on earth, and the calm blue lake with pristine forests is worth the journey. There are plenty of activities to do in Rara Lake.
Fast facts
- Duration: 7 days
- Max Elevation: 3,710m
- Difficulty: Medium
- Start/Finish: Jumla
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 2
How to get there: Flight to Jumla with transit via Nepalgunj
Nar Phu
Sit between the more popular Annapurna & Manaslu Circuit trek, Nar Phu is surprisingly unspoiled. The main attraction of this trek is the photogenic Tibetan stone-walled villages of Nar & Phu. The trek also takes in The Kang La pass, offering views of the Annapurna II far better than the Annapurna Circuit.
Side-trip: Low point of the trek is less diverse than the other, add a few more days to Tilicho Lake and Manang for richer experiences.
Fast facts
- Duration: 8 days
- Max Elevation: 5,320m
- Difficulty: Medium
- Start/Finish: Jumla
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 2
How to get there: Branch off the Annapurna trail at Koto. 10 hours drive from Kathmandu
Gokyo Lakes Trek
Want to see Everest without the crowds? Gokyo Lakes Trek is ideal for you. The trek goes as high as the Everest Base Camp Trek, offers similar dramatic mountain scenery but a quieter trail. The lakes sit at altitudes of around 5,000+ meters. The water is so clear it reflects the color of the sky. Some days it is emerald green, the other day it is blue.
While Everest has Kala Pathar, Gokyo has a Gokyo Ri viewpoint. Offers jaw-dropping views of Everest, Cho You, Lhotse, Makalu… and the Ngozumba glacier highway. Choose the option of crossing the Renjo La pass to avoid repeating the trail back. (Potential altitude sickness on this trek!)
Side-trip: The sacred lake
Fast facts
- Duration: 12 days
- Max Elevation: 5,360m at Gokyo Ri
- Difficulty: Hard
- Start/Finish: Lukla
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 3
How to get there: Fly into Lukla airport, follow the same trail with Everest Base Camp Trek till above Namche Bazaar.
Langtang Trek
No hair-raising mountain flight, close to the capital. Langtang Trek goes to high altitudes over 4,000 meters. It gives you the freedom that the mountains offer in just a short time. Not just only that, you help the locals in building their life after the devastating quake in 2015.
In high alpine meadows, you see the locals still gazing at their yaks around. There are a lot of hiking options to choose from when you arrive at Kyanjin Gompa, the highest village. For example, the hike to Tserko Ri viewpoint offers amazing mountain vistas.
Side trip: Add Gosainkunda Lake
Fast facts
- Duration: 6 days
- Max Elevation: 4,895m
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Start/Finish: Syabrubesi
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 4
How to get there: 6-8 hours drive from Kathmandu to Syabubesi.
Mardi Himal
Mardi Himal Trek is a great alternative for Annapurna Base Camp because the trail is quiet, the view is broader as most of the time you walk on the ridge trail. Views of stunning Machhapuchare are just a touching distance. Lwang Gurung village is a highlight for the inside of local life. And in spring, rhododendron forest blooms.
In terms of difficulty, it is easy and short which is a great option for all abilities. You can do the trek between 4-7 days.
Side-trip: Link with other treks like Annapurna Base Camp, Circuit, or Poon Hill.
- Fast facts
- Duration: 4-7 days
- Max Elevation: 4,500m
- Difficulty: Hard
- Start/Finish: Kande/Lumre
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 3
How to get there: Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight/bus, then drive 1 hour to the starting point at Kande.
Poon Hill
Poon Hill is a perfect start for beginners. No altitude sickness concern, less physical demanding, amazing panorama, a good option for traveling with children. The viewpoint looks over Annapurna & Dhaulagiri massif. The sunrise from the top is so spectacular, it makes an unforgettable moment in your life!
The trek passes through the traditional Gurung village, a good place to explore the local culture.
Fast facts
- Duration: 4 days
- Max Elevation: 3,210m
- Difficulty: Easy
- Start/Finish: Nayapul/Kimche
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 4
How to get there: The trek starts at Nayapul which is a 1,5 hours drive from Pokhara.
Khopra Ridge
Another great trek in the Annapurna with outstanding views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna mountain. Khopra Ridge trek gives you a chance to stay in local community lodges so it is sometimes named a sustainable trek. The landscape and culture are quite similar to Poon Hill but with less travel trail.
Fast facts
- Duration: 9 days
- Max Elevation: 3,660m
- Difficulty: Medium
- Start/Finish: Nayapul
- Style: teahouse
- Popularity: 3
How to get there: 1,5 hours drive from Pokhara
Q/A
Best time to trek in Nepal
The best time to go trekking in Nepal is in the fall, monsoon rain dissipates clear skies, great views, and pleasant weather. However the popular trail is crowded, and the teahouse is full.
Spring is the second-best time to hit the trail, days are longer and warmer, the night can be cold. Snow melting on high mountains, rhododendrons blooming on the hill. Afternoon rains in late spring and haze so the views are not clear.
Winter is cold. Especially at night, the temperature drops below 0 in high mountains. But the views are spectacular and the skies are extremely clear. High-altitude treks are not recommended because of thick snow.
Monsoon is best to avoid. The heavy rains cause landslide, flight delays. Good time for a trek in Himalayan shadow like Mustang, Dolpo.
What’s to do next?
We hope you will find this helpful if you are planning your own trekking adventure. And we would love to hear from you about any other favorite treks that we might have missed! If you’re looking for more information about how our company can help plan your trip, please contact us and one of our experts will be happy to talk with you about all the details involved.
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