8 best trekking at Nepal- Places you must visit

Travel freaks from around the world dream of hiking in the shadows of the magnificent Himalayas range and wandering through the verdant hills. This land of the Himalayas has many stunning mountain peaks, i.e. eight of the world’s highest. Along with the blessing of nature, the hidden valleys of Nepal have also been bestowed with the beauty of a unique culture. The classic Sherpa and Tamang villages help you understand life like never before. Obviously, there’s a rich bio-diversity within Nepal’s tropical and temperate forests. This is why Nepal is among the top destinations for trekkers all around the world. This article is about the best places to trek in Nepal.

However, the central question here is, “Can you trek in Nepal without a guide?” The answer is yes.

Despite being small, Nepal has numerous great trekking destinations. Picking one among these best treks in Nepal determines what kind of fun you experience on the journey. Each of the best places to visit in Nepal has its own specific perks. And here are the best places to trek in Nepal.

Manaslu Circuit trek

Lying in the central north of Nepal, right next to the famous Annapurna circuit trek trail, Manaslu is the world’s eighth tallest mountain. This trekking route was opened for foreigners only in the 1990s and has remained intact despite foreign impact. Manaslu is the world’s best mountain, with many natural and cultural wonders hidden from the world.

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a diverse and remote land enriched by very different topography. Between 600m to 5,135 m, there are unlimited natural wonders you can explore. Also, you get the thrill of mountain climbs while exploring the Manaslu base camp. Further, crossing Larkye Pass gives you the highest form of adventure while trekking at Nepal. 

Cons: Since there are only a few tea houses along the route, you might have to pre-book the accommodation in advance. 

Trek Facts about Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Maximum Elevation: 5,115 m, Larke Pass
• Starting/ Ending point: Barpak 
• Internet: Available in most places
• Accommodation: Tea house 
• Duration: 13 to 20 days
• Distance: 177 km (110 miles)
• Permits: Special Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Project, and Annapurna Conservation Area Project
• Trekking difficulty: Moderate to hard
• Price range: Moderate

Everest base camp trek

The majestic Mt. Everest, the world’s tallest peak, needs no introduction. And without a second opinion, it’s Nepal’s most popular and best place to trek in Nepal. Imagine standing between five of the world’s highest mountains in an area full of thick snow. We shall even hike beyond Everest base camp and climb to Kalapatthar for an even better panorama of the mountains. 

Everest lies in the northeast region of Nepal, in the Solukumbu district. Hiking in Nepal in the Khumbu region encompasses the rich flora and fauna within the Sagarmatha National Park. We must mention the famous Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, which give you a deep insight into Nepalese culture.

Cons: However, the Everest base camp trek route is quite more expensive for hiking in Nepal. That’s because you are likely to start the journey by taking a domestic flight to Lukla, and the cost of food and accommodation is even higher. Otherwise, it’s obviously Nepal’s best trek. 

Facts of Everest base camp trek

• Maximum Elevation: Kalapatthar (5550 M)
• Starting point/ Ending point: Lukla Airport 
• Internet: Available 
• Accommodation: Tea houses and Luxury hotels
• Duration: 12 to 15 days
• Distance: Lukla to Everest base camp is 38.5 miles (62 kilometres)
• Permits: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
• Best Season: September- November, March-May
• Trekking difficulty: Moderate
• Price: Moderate to high 

Annapurna Circuit trek

The Annapurna circuit has been famous in Nepal for many years and always ranks as the best trekking in Nepal. Along with the awesome mountain view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, this trail is known for its incredibly diverse landscape. You shall start the journey from Besisahar, full of terrace farms and a lush, subtropical green forest. Crossing many rivers and waterfalls along the way, we move towards the rocky landscape of Manang and Mustang. As we move to the higher elevations, the alpine grassland and its colourful rocks make you feel out of the world. 

Further, you shall cross via the Annapurna Conservation Area, thus witnessing one of the richest biodiversity. And since the trek ends in Jomsom, we also get to visit Muktinath and drive to Pokhara. Pokhara is a paradise for travel freaks, with many awesome places to visit. It is also a great ending point for trekking in Nepal. 

Cons: Circling the entire Annapurna range is quite daunting, and crossing the high passes can be challenging for newbie hikers. The Annapurna Circuit is quite long and can extend up to 25 days. However, people now cover almost half the route in Jeep. 

Facts about the Annapurna Circuit trek

• Maximum Elevation: 5,416 m at Thorong La Pass
• Starting point: Besisahar or Jagat
• Ending Point: Nayapul, Pokhara  
• Internet: Available 
• Accommodation: Basic tea house 
• Duration: 15 to 22 days
• Distance: 131 km
• Permits: Annapurna conservation area permit and TIMS card 
• Trekking difficulty: Moderate to hard
• Price: Moderate 

Annapurna base camp trek 

Want all the thrill of Everest base camp at a cheaper rate and shorter time? Then, you can choose the Annapurna base camp trek in Nepal. This tour takes you to the gorgeous Annapurna region of Nepal, where you can explore the rich Himalayan culture and biodiversity. The lifestyle and hospitality of the Magar and Gurung people in the area can be a good lesson for you. This is also known as Nepal treks for beginners and best places to trek in Nepal. ABC trek is best 10 day treks in Nepal.

Annapurna base camp is one of best Nepal treks for beginners  , which is coincidental and the busiest trek route. Almost 50,000 trekkers make it to the base camp of Annapurna each year. Since the altitude of Annapurna base camp is quite low, there is a lower risk of altitude sickness and unstable weather. Moreover, you also get to explore the beauty of Pokhara while trekking in Nepal. Himalayan Masters also have helicopter tour to Annapurna Base Camp.

The cons: Annapurna base camp is quite busy and noisy during peak season. Also, there are no monasteries or big villages for additional cultural insight.

Facts about the Annapurna base camp trek

• Maximum Elevation: 4,130m at Annapurna Base Camp
• Starting/ Ending point: Nayapul, Pokhara  
• Internet: Available 
• Accommodation: Good tea house 
• Duration: 9 to 12 days
• Distance: 67 kms around the trek 
• Permits: Annapurna conservation area permit and TIMS card 
• Trekking difficulty: Easy to Moderate 
• Price range: Low 

Langtang valley trek

Langtang Valley trek is not just about the mountains. This is, in fact, a culturally rich experience in the remote villages of Nepal, giving a wholesome thrill of trekking in Nepal. The hidden monastery, colourful prayer flags, and relaxing mantra chants give a deep understanding of Buddhist culture. This easy and best places to trek in Nepal in the north of the capital is the closest trekking trail to Kathmandu. With the richness of flora and fauna within the Langtang National Park, this easy trek to the mountains gives you a wholesome experience. The entire forest is filled with Musk Deer, Red Pandas, Himalayan Thar, and other colourful birds. This is the best 10 day treks in Nepal.

The ultimate destinations for this trek are Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa. We shall also hike to Tserko Ri for the breathtaking panorama of the frozen glacier and snowy mountains. 

Cons: Since you wouldn’t actually trek to the base camp, the proximity to the Himalayas is not felt as you might experience in other treks. That’s why it’s a less popular remote trail. 

Facts about Langtang Valley Trek

• Maximum Elevation: 4,984m, Tserko Ri
• Starting/ Ending point: Syabrubesi
• Internet: Available 
• Accommodation: Tea house 
• Duration: 7 to 12 days
• Distance: 26.24km from Syabrubesi to Tserko Ri
• Permits: Langtang National Park permit and local area permit (TIMS card not needed)
• Trekking difficulty: Easy to Moderate 
• Price range: Low 

Check for new emerging hiking routes for Nepal in 2023.

Gokyo lake trek

Wanna witness Mount Everest at a close distance while avoiding the chaos and noise of the classic Everest base camp route while trekking at Nepal? Then, this Gokyo Lake trek is an ideal tour for you. 

Gokyo’s sparkling blue and green glacier lakes make one of best places to trek in Nepal views. This freshwater lake above 5,000 meters makes picture-perfect views. There are five emerald lakes, each lying at the corners of the valley. The trekkers to Gokyo also get to witness the astonishing panorama and the sunrise view from Gokyo Ri, Cho La Pass, and Everest base camp. Also, exploring the Gokyo Valley and the Sherpa settlement at such an altitude is already a blessing. Moreover, you get to avoid the typical route’s noise and explore the Everest base camp on a slightly different path.

Cons: A rather challenging climb to Gokyo Ri, Chola Pass and Renjo La Pass. And if you skip the Renjo La pass, you have to use the same trail up and down.

Facts of Gokyo trek

• Maximum Elevation: Gokyo Ri 5,357 m
• Starting point/ Ending point: Lukla Airport 
• Internet: Mostly Available 
• Accommodation: Tea house
• Duration: 15 to 20 days
• Permits: Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
• Best Season: September- November, March-May
• Trekking difficulty: Moderate to hard
• Price: Moderate to high 

Poonhill Ghandruk trek

Poonhill Ghandruk Trek is the best places to trek in Nepal and best Nepal treks for beginners in the Annapurna region. The stunning view of the Himalayas and the beautiful Rhododendron forest make it even more attractive. Poonhill is popular for its magnificent sunrise and beautiful landscape, making it a great place for trekking in Nepal.

People with less trekking experience can make this trek with minimum risk. The risk of altitude sickness and cramps is close to nill, making this trek a perfect starting point for a high-altitude trek journey. Many people prefer to merge the Poonhill Ghandruk trek with the Annapurna Base Camp Trek for an adventurous twist.

Cons: The mountain appears far and distant while you might not see a clear view of the Himalayas when the weather is cloudy

Facts of Poonhill Ghandruk trek

• Maximum Elevation: Poonhill 3,210 m
• Starting point/ Ending point: Nayapul or Ulleri, Pokhara  
• Internet: Available 
• Accommodation: Good tea houses/lodges available
• Duration: 5 to 7 days 
• Permits: TIMS card and Annapurna Conservation area permit
• Best Season: September- November, March-May
• Trekking difficulty: Easy
• Price: Low

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Want to enjoy one of the remotest and most adventurous hikes in Nepal? Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is among Nepal’s remote treks, filled with many unknown challenges. Graded as strenuous trekking in Nepal, this trek is reserved for experienced trekkers in the mountains. 

The harder the trek, the better the view. This statement stands true while trekking in the restricted area of Kanchenjunga. To make things even more adventurous, we hike to both of the base camps, i.e., the north base camp and the south base camp. We shall enjoy the view of other mountain peaks, including Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse, not just Kanchenjunga. And since Kanchenjunga has been in the shadow of modernization for many years, the pure culture of Sherpa, Rai, and Limbu ethnic groups can be experienced here. 

Cons: This is a remote trekking region, and you might not find proper food and accommodation. Since some parts of Kanchenjunga base camp and Kanchenjunga circuit trek are still camping trekking destinations, it’s a very challenging journey to conquer. 

Facts of Kanchenjunga base camp trek

• Maximum Elevation: 5,140 at Kanchenjunga Base Camp
• Starting point/ Ending point: Mitlung via Taplejung
• Internet: Not Available 
• Accommodation: Tea houses/ camping 
• Duration: 22 to 28 days
• Permits: Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Entry Permit (KCAP) and a restricted Area Entry Permit for the trail in Tapethok and Yamphuding VDCs
• Best Season: September- November, March-May
• Trekking difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Price: High 

Makalu base camp trek

A remote wilderness trek in Nepal can be compared to no other adventure. Trekking to Makalu base camp, the fifth tallest mountain peak, has its own perks. The Makalu Himalaya range, lying next to Everest, lets you experience solitude and peace. However, this is a strenuous trek route, suggested for rather experienced trekkers.

The trek obviously gives you a panoramic view of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, and other nearby peaks. Also, you get to live the life of Rai and Sherpa in the East. Wandering into the Makalu Barun National Park, the spotting of rear wildlife is also equally fun, making it one of the best hikes in Nepal.

Cons: This is a very remote, challenging, and risky trekking trial that requires extensive preparation and some simple training before trekking in Nepal.

Facts of Makalu Base Camp Trek

• Maximum Elevation: 4,900m at Makalu Base Camp
• Starting point: Chichila
• Ending point: Num
•  Internet: Not Available 
• Accommodation: Tea houses/ camping 
• Duration: 24 to 26 days
• Permits: Makalu national park and conservation area permit; Makalu Rural Municipality Permit; Restricted Area Special Permit – Condition Apply
• Best Season: September- November, March-May
• Trekking difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
• Price: High 

Final words, 

These are the list of only a few best places to trek in Nepal. We will be writing about many newly emerging and popular trekking trails in the future. No matter where you plan to travel within Nepal, the Himalayan master organizes Nepal’s best treks. So, are you ready for this adventure with Himalayan masters?

Among these top 8 trekking places in Nepal, which one is your favorite? Book our form or leave a comment below to make the booking.