Have you dreamed about trekking in the Himalaya, but not been sure how to start planning to make the experience a reality?
Here we present the seven best treks in Nepal. These are can't-miss opportunities to explore the world's biggest mountain range.
Nepal has always been known for trekking. Thousands of people visit Nepal every year to experience the adventure it has to offer.
The drive to conquer the mountains brings them here. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the serenity of the mountains embraces you in peace.
The beauty and the wilderness of the Himalaya is something travelers are attached to, and no matter how hard the climb may seem, the result is always worthwhile.
Each step along the way is rewarding. The astounding views and the memories you create along the way are bound to make your trek an experience to remember.
Nepal may be a small country, but it offers great topographical and geographical beauty. The diverse trekking trails range from 59 meters to 8848 meters above sea level.
The country is home to beautiful summits, including fourteen of the highest mountains in the world.
If you've never been to the region, it's common to feel overwhelmed or confused by the options available.
The Everest and Annapurna regions get most of the attention. However there are plenty of other trekking opportunities to consider.
Check out what we consider the seven best treks in Nepal, and choose the one that's best for your next adventure.
Table of Contents
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
The mighty Mt. Everest is the dream of every adventurer. The classic Everest base camp trek is an aspiration of many trekkers.
Taking on this strenuous treks, you'll be rewarded with the beauty of majestic Everest up close.
The Everest Base Camp Trek is tough, but worth the 11 days of hard work to see it.
Walking for more than five to eight hours every day through the rocky trails, winding paths, steep slopes, and inconsistent weather, this tough journey features the most beautiful views.
You can see the panoramic view of Everest, glaciers of Khumbu, Ngozumpa, and Cho-La pass to name a few.
Also, the cultural and ethnic aspect of the trek can be experienced by visiting the Tenzing Hillary Museum, Tengboche Monastery, and Namche Bazaar.
This famous trek starts and ends from Lukla itself. And you can see more than 100 people trekking towards it daily.
2. Annapurna Circuit Trek
Another trek with the mixture of cultural and natural beauty is the Annapurna Circuit trek, which starts and ends in Pokhara.
It is one of the top seven best treks in Nepal because you’ll see the historically beautiful Muktinath Temple and experience the lifestyle of the Thakali people.
One of the highest mountain passes in the world is the Thorong La pass. When the weather is clear, it offers expansive views of the Annapurna range.
Likewise, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, which is the world’s deepest gorge, is bound to astound you.
So keep your hearts open to wild adventures. You'll also be delighted by the tastiest apples in Marpha village.
3. Langtang Valley Trek with Gosainkunda
The 16 days Langtang-Gosainkunda trek is a strenuous, but worthwhile trek. The journey is tough, but the tranquility of Gosainkunda Lake will make it worthwhile.
The mountains filled with snow, the glaciers, traditional monasteries, temples, and Chortens will accompany you throughout the journey. The valley is famous for Tibetan Buddhist culture, which you will also get to experience.
Gosainkunda Lake, a sacred lake, is a famous destination for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimages. There is a belief that this lake rids you of your sins, so a lot of people visit this lake based on their religious beliefs.
For offering the complete package of culture, nature, wilderness, and diversity, the Langtang-Gosainkunda trek makes our list of the best treks in Nepal.
4. Manaslu Circuit Trek
On this list of the seven best treks in Nepal is the Manaslu Circuit trek because of its favorability with trekkers.
The beautiful Manaslu ranges, lush forests, and enchanting rivers will accompany you throughout the trail.
During peak seasons, you might be able to catch varieties of indigenous flora.
Similarly, its wildlife is another prominent factor as you might encounter animals like mountain goats and Pika and even blue sheep in some areas.
The highest point is Larka La Pass at 5,167 meters. The tea houses you will be staying at are cozy and will provide the best hospitality.
The locals are Nepali and Tibetans, so you will gain insights into the everyday lifestyle of both ethnicities.
No matter how tough this 14-day trek seems, the mighty scenery of the Manaslu, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna ranges will make it amazing.
5. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek highlights a blend of the cultural and natural beauty of the Annapurna region.
Trekking for 14 days leads you to the fantastic panoramic view of the Annapurna summits accompanied by the forests of magnificent rhododendron trees and bamboo.
With nature’s beauty as a backdrop, you will get to experience the ethnic lifestyle of the Gurung and Magar people residing in Ghandruk.
The locals have preserved their authentic religion, which you can see in their farming and everyday life of the villagers.
This trek will not only serve you with the amazing peaks of the Annapurna range but the beauty of Mt Machhapuchhre as well.
6. Mardi Himal Trek
One of the shorter treks, the Mardi Himal trek is perfect for travelers who are just getting into mountain trekking.
This 11-day trek is pretty new, so there won’t be crowds of people. The Mardi Himal trek provides epic views of the Annapurna range, Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli.
This trek, which only takes about five to seven days, is best for people with time constraints who still want to experience the wilderness the mountains have to offer.
Along the way, you will be greeted by the rhododendrons and the natural beauty of this region.
So, this short yet thrilling trek is one of our seven best treks because of its versatility within such short time frames.
7. Upper Mustang Trek
The final trek on our list of seven best treks in Nepal is the one and only Upper Mustang trek.
Also known as the hidden kingdom of Nepal, this region is isolated from the world. Keeping their culture preserved, the lifestyle of the locals still portrays authenticity.
You will see the everyday life of the locals and spend time in a culturally rich environment. This 15-day trek starts from Kagbeni and returns to the same place.
Following the Kali Gandaki River and moving over the dividers, you will see the homes of individuals in Mustang.
In spite of the fact that it is a bumpy area, it is all the more near a desert as there is little development. Likewise, it will, in general, get windier and dustier now and again.
The beautiful, distinct style of the houses and the kindest of people will keep your heart warm.
Regardless of whether you tour the town or bicycle around the dusty slopes, your time here will be extraordinary.
We accept that time invested venturing is time saved. With each progression, you learn, comprehend, and appreciate a considerable amount about yourself and the nature around you.
Each new obstacle you experience is another lesson learned. What's more, every spot you overcome, you take a section of it with you.
In this way, decide, gather your bags and prepare for new experiences. These treks are just a step away for your wandering soul.
Pick one or choose to visit them all. We are prepared to help you with everything you want to do.
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This story was brought to you in partnership with the Nepal Hiking Team and Escape Himalaya.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.