Top 10 Best Treks in Nepal

Top 10 Best Treks in Nepal, Nepal is without any doubt, the prominent tour and best treks in Nepal and best trekking destination in the world. There are eight out of fourteen mountains above 8,000 meters high. The physically, it is divided into three divisions: Terai, Hilly and Mountain respectively.

The eight-thousanders are Mt. Everest (8,848m), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Mt. Makalu (8,481m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8,188m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) and Annapurna (8,091m).

Nepal is known as the country of Mt. Everest due to the presence of the world’s highest peak. All these eight-thousanders have made the respective regions the best treks in the world.

Although a small mountainous country, one can find all types of climatic variation in here. The geography covers from the tropical forests to alpine regions favourable for the flora and fauna accordingly.

The presence of the Great Himalayas has been a boon for the world’s best treks in Nepal. The top 8 mountains attract millions of tourists every year. Everyone who loves travelling around the high Himalayan regions choose Nepal for the lifelong trekking experience.

The Highest Natural and Manmade Sites of Nepal

One can find from the world’s highest placed glacial lake to the highest altitude human settlement area in Nepal. Tilicho Lake (4,919m) of magical Manang district is the highest lake in the world. Gorakshep (5,164m) is the highest placed village in the world, perhaps!

You can also find the largest glacier of the world, the Khumbu Glacier in the Everest region. It is one of the largest glaciers in the world. Likewise, one can see the world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge while doing Annapurna Circuit trek.

Apart from these, one of the world’s highest altitude conservation areas and hotels are also found in Nepal. Sagarmatha National Park located in Everest region is the highest protected area. It is also enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its Himalayan wildlife and vegetation.

Hotel Everest View (3,880m) is one of the world’s highest five star hotels established in 1971. The most amazing fact is that from every room of this hotel, you can have the 360-degree panoramic view of Mt. Everest.

The core objective of this blog is to give the brief introduction about the best treks in Nepal. We have selected the Top 10 Best Treks in Nepal so as to help you find the required updated information about such wonderful sites.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Who doesn’t want to reach the closest place of the world’s highest peak? Of course, everyone who wants to get the lifelong experience loves travelling around the Great Himalayas trails. The epic Everest Base Camp trek starts from Lukla, Tenzing Hillary Airport, One of the best treks in Nepal.

From Lukla, you walk along the rugged trails that go past the lush forests of Sagarmatha National Park. The oak, pine, fir and rhododendron forests are inhabited by different birds and animals.

The Sherpa settlement areas of the Khumbu region are equally worthy of visiting. The ancient monasteries, chortens and mani walls decorated by prayer flags and wheels are other attractions of this trek.

If you have very limited time; yet want to reach the Everest vicinity, Everest Helicopter tour is appropriate. Within 4 hours, you can visit the whole Everest region by enjoying the aerial view.

Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights

• Scenic flight to Lukla
• Namche Bazaar acclimatization for visiting Everest View Hotel and the Sherpa Museum
• Tengboche Monastery, the largest of Solukhumbu region
• Pangboche Monastery, the oldest of Everest region
• Flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park
• Sherpa lifestyle, culture and tradition
• Kala Patthar for the 360-degree view of the Everest Summit, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Ama Dablam, etc.

Lowlights:

• Not much variation in landscapes and routes
• No difference in lifestyle, culture and tradition

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is the Number one best treks in Nepal. It is visited by almost one third of the total travelers in Nepal. It come to the bucket list of every trekker in Nepal because of its beauty and trekking routes.

You begin this popular trek from Beshisahar after a drive from Kathmandu. While walking through the sub-tropical to alpine landscapes, you come to see the mesmerizing view of Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Massif.

You walk past the Manang Valley and the Kali Gandaki Valley by enjoying the Himalayan view and wonderful landscapes. You can extend it to Tililcho Lake trek to the world’s highest lake. The world’s deepest Kali Gandaki Gorge also lies in this trekking region.

The major cultures found here are of Thakali, Bhutias, Gurung  and Magar communities. You can see their unique lifestyle, local monasteries and chortens as well. You can also taste their food items served in the best hospitality.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights:

• Thakali food in Manang and Mustang Valley
• Thorung La Pass, a high Himalayan pass
• Muktinath Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site of Hindus and Buddhists
• Apple orchards of Kagbeni and Mustang region
• The sight of deserted landscapes of Upper Mustang
• The world’s deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Gorge
• Flora and fauna of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
• Ethnic villages of Thakali, Bhotias, Gurung and Magar
• Natural waterfalls like Rupse Waterfall and the hot spring pool of Tatopani

Lowlights:

• Crowded trekking trails as it is close to the Lake City Pokhara.
• Newly constructed motorway has demolished some parts of the trekking trails.

Annapurna Sunrise View Trek

Do you want to have the best sunrise view of the Great Himalayas without much hardship? If yes, Annapurna Sunrise View Trek is the ultimate option. It is one of the Top 10 Best Treks in Nepal located quite close from the Lake City Pokhara.

You start this trek after a drive to Nayapul, Pokhara and then walking towards Tikhedhunga. On the way, you walk past the well-defined tracks along the Magar and Gurung Villages of Annapurna region.

Ulleri Village is one of the largest Magar Villages of Nepal, which is famous for its 3,000 stone staircases. The well maintained trekking trails and clean surrounding are also its identity.

The sunrise view you can see from Poon Hill is said to be the best of its type in the world. Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Massif including Mt. Fishtail (6,993m) are seen at their best panorama from here.

As the trails are comparatively easy, it is suitable for children and senior citizens as well. In other words, it is one of the best treks in Nepal for family trekking package. The Gurung Museum of Ghandruk Village is the central cultural aspect of this trip.

The villages of this region are also known as the Villages of the Brave Gurkhas. Most of the male members of this region have been involved in the British and Indian Army since before the World War I. They fought bravely in the World Wars that they are recognized as the Brave Gurkhas all over the world.

Annapurna Sunrise View Trek Highlights:

• Easy and comfortable trails suitable for family trekking
• Gurung and Magar ethnic villages or the Villages of the Brave Gurkhas
• 3,000 stone staircases of Ulleri Village
• Well maintained trails and clean surrounding
• Breathtaking vistas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan Ranges
• Rhododendron forests inhabited by large variety of birds and animals
• Gurung Museum of Ghandruk
• Homestay facilities giving chance for cultural exchange

Lowlights:

• Crowded trekking trails as it is accessible for family including children and senior citizens.
• It is rather like a tour due to easy trails.
• It may be difficult to do in rainy season because the heavy rain may turn the road slippery.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit trek is the most popular off the beaten path trekking destination in Nepal. The avid trekkers visiting Nepal choose it after Everest Base Camp trek and Annapurna Circuit trek. It is one of the best treks in Nepal and it is emerging trekking destination as well.

Located between Ganesh Himal (7,422m) Range and Annapurna (8,091m) Massif, it is a restricted area of Nepal. In order to protect its cultural and natural diversity, the Government of Nepal had blocked it for international trekkers until 1990.

Although opened in 1991, it has been gaining its popularity because of its hidden valleys and cultural richness. The culture of this region is not much affected by the modern technology. The natural features are not much explored by the national and international travelers so this trek is listed as a best treks in Nepal.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Difficulty

Manaslu Circuit trek is famous for two valleys: Nubri and Tsum Valley. Nubri is influenced by modern culture and tradition as the people of this valley have gone out of the country. Tsum Valley trek takes you to the place highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition.

The ancient gompas (monasteries), chortens and mani walls are very common in this region. Such shrines are highly beautified by the colorful prayer flags and wheels. The people have been able to keep their customs and costumes still intact.

The flora and fauna of the Manaslu Conservation Area Project are the pulling factors of this region. Birendra Lake and Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) are the must-visit sites during Manaslu region trekking. Samagaun Gompa is the prime monastery of this region.

Starting from Aarughat, Gorkha, Manaslu Circuit trek takes around the Gurung and Bhotia villages. By crossing the Larkya La Pass (5,106m), you trek towards the Annapurna region trekking. Although less frequented by the travelers, this trek is a lifelong memory one can ever have.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Highlights:

• Flora and fauna of Manaslu Conservation Area Project
• Restricted area trekking so, less crowded trekking trails
• Experience of authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition
• Monasteries, chortens and mani walls decorated by prayer wheels and flags
• Bierendra Lake, Manaslu Base Camp and Samagaun Monastery
• Gurung and Bhotia ethnic villages
• Enter into Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Lowlights:

• As it is a restricted area trekking, you must be at least two in a group and supported by a licensed guide.
• Off the beaten path trekking, so, you may not find food and accommodation facilities as per your desire.

Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek is one of the best treks in Nepal and closest destinations from Kathmandu. It takes nearly 6 hours to reach Syabrubesi, the gateway to Langtang region trekking. From Syabrubesi, you formally begin the trek along the Langtang Valley.

While driving along the Pasang Lhamu Highway, you can have the mesmerizing vistas of Manaslu (8,163m) and Ganesh Himal Range. High altitude villages surrounded by the green forests make the journey more memorable.

You go along Langtang National Park, the first Himalayan conservation area of Nepal. And it is also the fourth protected region of Nepal to maintain the biodiversity. The national park is rich in flora and fauna attracting a large number of trekkers annually.

If you make Langtang Valley trek in spring, the entire region is covered by the colorful rhododendron flowers. You might encounter the animals like snow leopard, Himalayan thar, musk deer, etc. and birds like Himalayan Pheasant en route.

The highest place to spend the night during this trek is Kyanjin Gompa (3,817m). You feel the true sense of peace while spending a couple of nights here. You hike to Tserko Ri (4,984m) from where you can have the breathtaking vistas of the snowcapped peaks.

From here, you can see the overall view of the Langtang Valley plus the peaks of Langtang region and Tibetan side as well. Langtang Lirung (7,227m), Langtang Ri (7,205m), and Mt. Shishapangma (8,027m) and  other peaks can be seen from here.

You can see the cheese factory established and run by the Government of Nepal in Kyanjin Gompa. You can also visit a glacial lake, the Langtang Lirung Glacier and an icefall from this stopover. This trek can be extended to Langtang Gosainkunda trek, Langtang Helambu Valley trek and Langtang Ruby Valley trek as well.

Langtang Valley Trek Highlights:

• Scenic drive along the Pasang Lhamu Highway
• Flora and fauna of Langtang National Park
• Astounding view of Mt. Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri and Mt. Shishapangma
• Tamang Cultural Heritage Trail of Langtang Valley
• Tserko Ri for the sunrise view of the snowcapped peaks of Langtang region and Tibetan side
• Colorful forests during trekking this region in spring

Lowlights:

• You have to forget about the luxury as it may not be available in the higher land.
• You should carry lunch and bottled water as you may not find them on the way.

Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek is one of the most popular restricted area and best treks in Nepal. It lies in the upper part of Mustang district that shares its border with the Tibetan Plateau. This trek takes you to the place that is geographically in Nepal but culturally resembles with Tibet.

Beginning officially from Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang trek, this trek shows you the desert-like landscapes. As it lies in the rain shadow area of Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m), it receives no or low rainfall.

Apart from the bizarre landscapes, you can have the enchanting view of the centuries old natural and manmade caves. The Sky Caves is a network of around 10,000 such caves, which were made to mummify the dead bodies at that time.

The high altitude villages of Mustangese people are highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition. You can find at least a monastery or chorten in every village of any size.

The presence of the ancient gompas like Ghar Gompa built in the 9th century have made this place more special. Other gompas are Champu Lakhang (God House), the red Thumchen Gompa and Chyodi Gompa.

Talking about the cultural celebration, you shouldn’t forget about Tiji Festival. It is the most colourful festival of the Mustangese people and is celebrated in the Chyodi Gompa premises. Tiji Festival is observed to mark the victory of good over evil generally in the third week of May.

The walled city Lo Manthang is the most striking feature of this last forbidden Kingdom of the Himalayas. It used to be the winter palace of the King of the Lo Manthang Kingdom. Similarly, Tinker Village is the last settlement area of Mustang towards Tibetan Plateau.

Upper Mustang Trek Highlights:

• Pokhara - Jomsom scenic flight
• The aerial view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs plus distant view of Manaslu region
• The walled city; the Capital City of the Last Forbidden Kingdom of the Himalayas
• Desert-like but beautiful landscapes of the rain shadow area
• Influence of Tibetan Buddhist culture on the lifestyle of the Mustangese people
• Buddhist monasteries including the 1200-year-old Ghar Gompa
• Chortens and mani walls decorated by the prayer flags and wheels,
• Panorama of picturesque valleys, bizarre landscapes and snowy peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri regions
• Muktinath Temple, a shrine of Buddhists and Hindus

Lowlights:

• Independent trekkers are not allowed as it is a restricted area.
• Problem of accommodation and food in November when people migrate to lower elevation place to avoid heavy snowfall
• Challenge of strong winds in afternoon

Rara Lake Trek

Rara Lake trek takes you to the Queen of the Lakes of Nepal located in the Karnali Province. You travel along the remote villages of Mugu and Jumla by enjoying the mesmerizing snowy peaks of the far western Nepal.

Located at 2,990m, Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal located inside Rara National Park. The lake has the bluest water that keeps on changing time and again three times a day. The lake is a home for three species of fish and a frog species found only in Nepal. So traveler choose Rara lake is another best treks in Nepal.

You can observe the animal species like musk deer, Himalayan thar, snow leopard, ghoral, etc. Similarly, nearly 200 species of birds are found in the national park. Although it used to be a camping trekking, nowadays, it is a tea house trekking due to the development of teahouses in this region.

The most significant feature of Rara Lake trek is the Sinja Valley. This is the origin of the Nepali language, so, it is highly valued in the Nepalese history. In this valley, you can visit many temples and other landmarks built in the Malla Dynasty between the 12th and 14th century.

Rara Lake Trek Highlights:

• Best trekking destination for nature lovers
• exploration of the ancient Sinja Valley, the origin of Nepali Language
• Visiting the Masto (Shamans) in the stone temples
• The largest freshwater lake of Nepal having endemic fish species
• Flora and fauna of Rara National Park,
• Unadulterated Nepalese culture and absolute wilderness
• Stunning view of the snowcapped peaks of the northern Himalayas

Lowlights:

• Too much wilderness and remoteness
• You may not find food and accommodation facilities easily
• As it is a restricted area, you cannot travel independently.

Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo trek is the fabulous journey towards the hidden valleys of far western Nepal. This region is culturally influence by Bon-Po religion of Tibetan Buddhism. This gem of the Nepalese off the beaten path trip shows you Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake.

Nepal’s largest national park, Shey Phoksundo National Park is the only conservation area extend in the trans-Himalayan region. The park protects a large variety of wildlife and vegetation.

Inner Dolpo is connect geographically with Tibetan Plateaus but in Nepalese territory. It is famous for the highest altitude permanent human settlement area in the world so people choose upper dolpo is the another best treks in Nepal. It is Do Tarap Village (4,080m) having 205 households populated by 923 people according to the Nepal Census 2011.

Lower Dolpo region trek leads you to the paradise of Nepal around the largest alpine fresh water lake. The Shey Gompa, around 800 years old Buddhist shrine is the attraction of this trek. The sacred Crystal Mountain is another pilgrimage of this region.

Upper Dolpo Trek Highlights

• Stunning views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Kanjiroba (also Kanjirowa) (6,883m) and Tibetan Peaks
• Interact with Bon Buddhists and their typical culture and tradition
• High passes- Kang La (5,360m), Shey La (5,010m), Baga La (5,170m) and Numa La (5,310m)
• Arid landscapes and gorges of trans-Himalayan region
• Shey Gompa- 800 years old monastery
• Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep, Himalayan thar, Himalayan black bear, etc.
• Phoksundo National Park- largest National Park of Nepal
• Shey Phoksundo Lake- the deepest lake of Nepal

Lowlights

• It is not easy to find the food and accommodation facilities.
• Restricted permit are quite expensive.
• You cannot travel alone. You must travel with a licensed trek guide in a group of at least two members.

Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp trek is one of the best treks in Nepal and remote trek in the Eastern Himalayas. This trek takes you around the fifth highest peak in the world, Mt. Makalu (8,463m). Due to its remoteness, it is less frequented by the international trekkers.

The trek to Makalu Base Camp begins from Timlingtar after a flight from Kathmandu. Then, the trip moves along the Gurung and Rai villages set up nearby the rhododendron forests. You come to see the high altitude villages, glacial lakes and lush valleys en route.

Makalu Barun National Park is the prime attraction of this trek. You can find the diverse plants, animals and birds inhabited in this conservation area. The park boasts around 3,000 species of flowering plants, 440 species of birds and 75 animal species.

If you plan Makalu Base Camp trek in spring, the entire Arun and Barun Valleys are covered by colorful rhododendron flowers. Arun Valley is one of the world’s largest and deepest valleys. It is also recognize for its unique Arun Valley Civilization as well.

You have to cross Shimpton’s Pass (4,125m), which is also known as Tutu La Pass in local dialect. From the Barun Glacier, you can have the magnificent outlook of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse at the fullest.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Highlights:

• Base camp of the world’s fifth highest peak
• Exploration of the world’s largest and deepest valley
• diverse flora and fauna of Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area
• Panoramic view of Everest region and Makalu region from Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)
• Appealing sight of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Baruntse and Barun Glacier
• Brilliant scenery from Makalu high passes like Keke La (4,230m) and Shipton’s Pass (4,200m)
• Scenic flight to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu Airport
• Familiarity with the serene nature and unique ethnic culture of Makalu region

Lowlights:

• Too much remote to get proper food and accommodation facilities.
• Doing this trek in winter is more challenging due to poorly equipped hotels.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek takes you around the world’s third highest peak, Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m). It partly lies in Nepal and Sikkim, India. Meaning “Five Treasures of Snow” in local dialect, it is worshippe by the people of Darjeeling and Sikkim.

Kanchenjunga region is the eastern most point of the Great Himalayan Trail (1,700km). It is one of the remote and restricted area trekking regions of Nepal. Nepal Trekking in this region lets you explore the unexplored and visit the unvisited area as best treks in Nepal.

Due to the lack of the publicity from the local people and the government of Nepal, it is less frequented by the international trekkers. If you want to escape from the hustling-bustling life of the urban areas, this trek is the ultimate alternative.

The remote villages of Rai and Limbu ethnic groups can be visit in this trek. Then, you can get the firsthand knowledge about their lifestyle, culture and tradition of these Kirat people. Besides, you can also taste their typical cuisines served in the best hospitality.

The richness of wildlife and vegetation is another striking feature of this region in the eastern part. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area houses a collection of  large plant, animal and bird species. The colorful rhododendron flowers beautify the entire region like a bride on her wedding day.

Mt. Kanchenjunga has two base camps: north and south respectively. Both the base camps can be visit by following almost the same trail. While walking through the rugged trails, you come to have the glimpses of the snowcapped peaks of Nepal and Tibetan side as well.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek Highlights:

• Kathmandu Suketar scenic flight
• Ethnic Villages of Kirants (Limbus and Sherpas)
• Diverse flora and fauna of Kanchenjunga Conservation Area
• Base camp of the world’s third highest peak
• Tranquil trails along the lush rhododendron forests
• Astounding view of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m), Table Shikhar, Gimmigela Chuli, Pyramid Peak and Kirant Chuli
• Cross Selele La Pass (4,480m), Mirgin La Pass (4,663m), Sinion La (4,660m), etc

Lowlights:

• You are not allow as it is a restricted area. You must be two in a group accompanied by a registered trekking guide.
• The high passes may be challenging to go across.
• There may be difficulty in finding the right food and accommodation facilities due to remoteness.