Nepal has 100s of local destinations popular for tours and treks. Hence, it is not always an easy job to exactly talk about the Top 10 Best Trekking Routes in Nepal.
Being a home of eight 8,000ers, more than 125 ethnic communities with their distinct culture, traditions, and hundreds of unique wildlife species, Nepal is visited by thousands of international tourists at least once in their lifetime.
The natural beauty and cultural diversity have made Nepal as one of the top 10 must-visit countries in the world. People, who want to delve into nature and culture plan for tours, peak climbing and trekking in Nepal.
Despite its small area, all the climatic zones in the world are found here. Obviously, climatic variation has supported variations in lifestyle, culture and biodiversity. Nepal treks and tours are not only for observing the serenity of the Himalayas but also unique cultures, traditions, cuisines and festive occasions.
However, most of the daredevils, nature worshippers and culture lovers might not exactly know the best trekking routes in Nepal. In this blog, we are talking about top 10 best trekking routes in Nepal. We hope this will help you choose Nepal’s best trekking routes as per your choice, vacation and budget you want to spend.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Trip Facts:
- Max. Altitude: 5,643m/ Kalapatthar
- Trek Duration: 15 days
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation Type: Teahouse
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
- Trek Restriction: No
- Trek Permits: TIMS Card, Local Area Entry Permit & Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
Major Highlights: Everest Base Camp Trek
- Two-way scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu
- Sherpa culture, tradition, lifestyle, and religious shrines
- Flora and fauna of Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal
- Ancient monasteries such as Tengboche Monastery, Pangboche Monastery, etc.
- Sherpa Museum of Namche Bazar
- Majestic Himalayas of the Khumbu Region
- Khumbu Icefall and Khumbu Glacier
- Base camp of Mount Everest
- Jaw-dropping view of the Everest Summit from Kalapatthar (5,643m)
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most famous treks in Nepal. It takes you to the proximity of some of the world’s highest peaks including Mount Everest (8,848m). After the Kathmandu Valley day tour, you take a scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu Airport.
With moderate difficulty, trekking to Everest Base Camp is suitable for both beginner trekkers and with previous experience of trekking in Nepal.
You get to have firsthand experience of the Sherpa culture, tradition, festivals and religious shrines including Tengboche Monastery. This trekking route in Nepal guides you through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Across the Khumbu Icefall and Khumbu Glacier, you take a pause at Gorakshep, the original base camp of Mt. Everest until the 1953 Everest Expedition. Then, you hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) and witness the majestic Himalayas just in front of you.
The following day, you hike to Kalapatthar which rewards you with the most splendid sunrise view of the Everest Summit. Take as many photos and videos by keeping the world’s tallest mountains on your background as your camera supports.
Given you have a short time in Nepal and yet want to reach in the vicinity of Everest, you can take a helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp. If a longer vacation, Everest Base Camp Trek with Helicopter Return can give you a lifetime experience of trekking in Nepal.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trip Facts:
- Max. Altitude: 4,130m/Annapurna Base Camp
- Trek Duration: 12 days
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation Type: Teahouse
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
- Trek Restriction: No
- Trek Permits: TIMS Card & Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Entry Permit
Major Highlights: Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- One of the best short treks from Pokhara City
- Some adventure sports activities in the Lake City
- Exploration of the Gurung, Magar, and other ethnic cultures and traditions
- Classic trek through Annapurna Sanctuary
- Birds, butterflies, and animals of Annapurna Conservation Area Project
- Hiking to Machhapucchre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp at once
- Mesmerizing views of the Annapurna Massif and other snowcapped peaks
- Natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda
- Customizable with other trips in the Annapurna Region
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the short treks from Pokhara City. As a famous trekking route in Nepal, it has attracted thousands of national and international trekkers. As it has well-maintained trails and teahouses right up to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m), ABC Trek is in the bucket list of beginner trekkers as well.
Also known as Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, this trek moves along the cultural and ethnic villages that are running homestay services. Homestay services offer a good opportunity for a cultural exchange. You learn the local culture, tradition, and cuisines while teaching yours to the local people.
Traversing along this trekking route in Nepal, you will also meet some ex-Gurkhas who might narrate the nasty part of the World Wars and how they valiantly fought them.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek rewards you with the flora and fauna of Annapurna Conservation Area Project to its visitors. Spend a good leisure time at Machhapucchre Base Camp (3,700m) and witness the most splendid vistas of some of the most beautiful mountains in the world.
The natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda help you forget all the ailments and body aches you get during ABC Trek.
If you prefer a helicopter ride over to Annapurna Base Camp, you can also do so. Annapurna Base Camp Helicopter Tour helps you enjoy the aerial views of the mighty Himalayas, green hills, and lush valleys of Gandaki Province just in a couple of hours.
3 Annapurna Circuit Trek
Trip Facts:
- Max. Altitude: 5,416m/Thorung La Pass
- Trek Duration: 15 days
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation Type: Teahouse
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
- Trek Restriction: No
- Trek Permits: TIMS Card & Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) Permit
Major Highlights: Annapurna Circuit Trek
- One of the best trekking routes in Nepal
- Diverse culture and tradition of the Annapurna Region
- Experience of crossing Thorung La Pass (5,416m), one of the highest Himalayan passes
- Religious shrines such as Braga Monastery, Muktinath Temple, etc.
- Purely a teahouse trekking in Nepal
- Snowcapped peaks of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs
- Wildlife richness of Annapurna Conservation Area Project aka ACAP
- A customizable trip of hiking in Nepal
Annapurna Circuit Trek takes you around the world’s 10th-highest peak, Mount Annapurna (8,091m). Annapurna I is the first 8,000er in the world that was successfully climbed by humankind.
Located close to the Pokhara, the Tourism Capital of Nepal, this trek rewards you with natural beauty and cultural diversity. Beginning from Besisahar, the gateway to Annapurna Circuit Trek, this trekking route in Nepal gradually ascends up to Thorung La Pass (5,416m) and then descends towards the Muktinath Valley across Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang Trek.
Nearly one-third of international trekkers traverse this trekking route which offers them with rich biodiversity of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The mesmerizing vistas of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri Massif including other prominent mountains are highlights of this Nepal trek.
Culture, tradition, and lifestyle of Gurung, Magar, Thakali, Manangese, Bhotia, and other ethnic communities make the trip along this famous trekking route in Nepal a lifetime experience.
Although it has a pass above 5,000m, even a novice trekker in Nepal can do this hiking. However, be sure you book this trip with a trustworthy trekking agency around Thamel, Kathmandu.
Annapurna Circuit Trek can also be combined with Nar Phu Valley Trek, Tilicho Lake Trek, Pisang Peak Climbing and Annapurna Base Camp Trek as well. Nevertheless, it depends upon your vacation, choice and budget you want to spend.
4 Manaslu Circuit Trek
Trip Facts:
- Max. Altitude: 5,106m/Larkya La Pass
- Trek Duration: 14 days
- Trek Difficulty: Moderately difficult
- Accommodation Type: Teahouse
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
- Trek Restriction: Yes
- Trek Permits: TIMS Card, Manaslu Conservation Area Entry Permit & Manaslu Tsum Valley Restriction Area Permit
Major Highlights: Manaslu Circuit Trek
- One of the most famous off-the-beaten-path trekking in Nepal
- One of the best treks in Nepal popular for nature, culture, and adventure
- Tsum Valley, a restricted area for trekking best known for its classic lifestyle and unspoiled nature
- Experience of crossing Larkya La Pass (5,106m)
- Beginning from Manaslu Conservation Area (MCA) and ending to Annapurna Conservation Area (ACA)
- Rich biodiversity of MCA and ACA
- Genuine Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition
- Splendid views of Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and many others in the vicinity
An off-the-beaten-path trekking route in Nepal, Manaslu Circuit Trek is a perfect blend of nature, culture and adventure. It begins from a tropical climatic zone and continues up to tundra climatic zone, so is different from other trekking destinations in the Himalayas.
Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu and take a direct bus ride to Arughat, Gorkha the trailhead of Manaslu Circuit with Tsum Valley Trek. Traversing across Nubri Valley, you ascend up to Larkya La Pass (5,106m) that lies in the ancient salt trading route between Nepal and Tibet.
You can also combine Manaslu Circuit Trek with Tsum Valley, which is a dwelling place of people from Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition. Lifestyle in Tsum Valley is still untouched by modernity, so you feel like you have travelled back to the ancient black-and-white age!
After crossing adventurous Larkya La Pass, you arrive towards Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP). It is also one of the 10 sections of the Great Himalayan Trail Nepal or the GHT Nepal.
This less frequented but famous trekking route in Nepal rewards you with the spellbinding views of Mt. Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, and some prominent peaks of Annapurna Massif.
5 Langtang Valley Trek
Trip Facts:
- Max. Altitude: 4,984m/Tserko Ri
- Trek Duration: 8 days
- Trek Difficulty: Moderate
- Accommodation Type: Teahouse
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
- Trek Restriction: No
- Trek Permits: TIMS Card, Langtang National Park Entry Permit & Shivapuri National Park Entry Permit (Only if you want to end up at Sundarijal or Helambu Bazar)
Major Highlights: Langtang Valley Trek
- One of the best trekking routes in Nepal close from the Kathmandu Valley
- Tamang Cultural Heritage Trail
- Yak cheese factories run by local people
- Biodiversity of Langtang National Park, Nepal’s first Himalayan National Park
- Hiking to Tserko Ri
- Views of the snowcapped peaks of Nepal and Tibet
- On the way to Kailash Mansarovar Tour
- Popular for peak climbing in Nepal as well
- Situated very close to the Kathmandu Valley, Langtang Valley Trek offers some of the best rewards of trekking in Nepal.
Popularly known as the Tamang Cultural Heritage Trail Culture, this famous trekking route of Nepal gives you a firsthand experience of the tradition and lifestyle of the Tamang ethnic community.
You can see the snowcapped peaks of the Langtang Himalayan Range, Ganesh Himal and some of Tibetan Himalayas. The rich biodiversity of Langtang National Park, the first Himalayan conservation area is famous for diverse variety of rhododendron flowers.
Visit some local yak cheese factories and taste organic cheese if love it. Ancient monasteries such as Kyanjin Gompa, Tserko Ri, the Langtang Glacier, the largest in the Himalayas are some of the highlights of Langtang Valley Trek.
Trekking to Langtang Valley can also be done with Gosainkunda Trek, Helambu Circuit Trek and Ruby Valley Trek. Langtang Valley Trekking route in Nepal is also the gateway to Kailash Mansarovar Overland Tour.
6 Upper Mustang Trek
Trip Facts:
- Max. Altitude: 3,810m/ Dhakmar
- Trek Duration: 14 days
- Trek Difficulty: Moderately difficult
- Accommodation Type: Teahouse
- Best Season: Spring, Summer/Monsoon & Autumn (March-December)
- Trek Restriction: Yes
- Trek Permits: TIMS Card, ACAP Entry Permit & Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit
Major Highlights: Upper Mustang Trek
- One of the restricted area treks in Nepal
- Ancient monasteries
- The Sky Caves, also known as the Mustang Caves (a group of 10,000 artificial caves)
- Amazing architecture of the Walled City Lo Manthang
- Journey along the mountain desert landscapes
- Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition
- Best to trek even in the monsoon as it is a rain shadow area
- Horse rides along the ancient salt trading route between Nepal and Tibet
- Exploration through the Trans-Himalayan Region of Nepal
One of the off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal, Upper Mustang Trek offers a lifetime experience quite different from other trekking destinations. A few years ago, this trek used to be completely a camping trekking. But, now the local people have set up and been running teahouses that provide basic food and accommodation services.
This hiking in Nepal starts from Kagbeni that is also a part of Annapurna Circuit Trek after a scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. The best part of this trek is that you can also do this in the monsoon season as it lies in the rain shadow area of the Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri Massif.
This famous trekking route in Nepal moves along arid landscapes, also known as the mountain desert. High passes, ancient monasteries, chortens, mane walls, the Sky Caves and the Walled City of Lo Manthang are major highlights of this trek.
Explore the Upper Mustang Region to know more about the Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition in the Trans-Himalayan Region of Nepal.
If you want to enjoy the Mustang Tiji Festival, plan your Upper Mustang Trek either in the last week of May or the first week of June. Those who have very short time to spend in Nepal, you can book Upper Mustang Helicopter Tour or Upper Mustang overland Tour.
As one of the 10 sections of the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT), Nepal, you can also combine this trip with Upper Dolpo Trek, another rain shadow area.
7 Gokyo Lakes Trek
Trip Facts:
- Max. Altitude: 5,357m/Gokyo Ri
- Trek Duration: 12 days
- Trek Difficulty: Challenging
- Accommodation Type: Teahouse
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
- Trek Restriction: No
- Trek Permits: TIMS Card, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit & Local Area Entry Permit
Major Highlights: Gokyo Lakes Trek
- A famous trekking route in Nepal alternative to Everest Base Camp Trek
- Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in Nepal
- Sherpa culture, tradition, and cuisines of Gokyo Village
- A natural network of 19 glacial lakes aka Gokyo Lakes
- Hiking to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) rewarding the jaw-dropping views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho Oyu, and many more
Gokyo Lakes Trek is one of the Top 10 Best Trekking Routes in Nepal. Located in the Everest Region, it consists of 19 turquoise-watered lakes that make some of the largest freshwater chains in the world.
It begins from Lukla; however, diverts from Everest Base Camp Trekking Route from Namche Bazar, the Sherpa Capital. Moving along Sagarmatha National Park, it goes past some Sherpa settlement areas having monasteries, chortens and mane walls decorated with colorful prayer flags.
Gokyo Ri (5,357) is a highlight of the Gokyo Lakes Trek. This peak is one of the best vantage points of the entire Khumbu Region. Gokyo Ri Trek is an alternative to Everest Base Camp Trek. Hiking to Gokyo Ri (5,357m) rewards you with eye-catching views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu and many more. Thus, Gokyo Lakes Trek is a combination of nature, culture and adventure.
For adrenaline adventurers, this trek can also be combined with the Everest Three High Passes Trek, Cho La Pass Trek, etc.
8 Upper Dolpo Trek
Trip Facts:
- Max. Altitude: 5,250m/Kang La Pass
- Trek Duration: 25 days
- Trek Difficulty: Moderately difficult
- Accommodation Type: Teahouse & Camping
- Best Season: Spring, Summer/Monsoon & Autumn (March-December)
- Trek Restriction: Yes
- Trek Permits: TIMS Card, Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit, Shey-Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit & Upper Dolpo Restricted Area Entry Permit
Major Highlights: Upper Dolpo Trek
- Another off-the-beaten-path trek in Nepal
- Bon Po culture, tradition, and lifestyle in the Trans-Himalayan Region
- Wildlife richness of Shey-Phoksundo National Park
- Shey-Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal
- Exploration of Shey Gompa, an 800 years old Bon monastery
- Dho Tarap, one of the highest-altitude villages in the world
- Traversing through the hidden gem of Nepal
- Experience of crossing high passes above 5,000m
- Rain shadow area, so possible to trek in the monsoon, too
Very far from crowded city life, Upper Dolpo Trek takes you to the hidden gem of Nepal. Located in the Trans-Himalayan Region close to Tibetan Autonomous Region of China, this trek has to offer much more than other trekking destinations to its visitors.
Beginning from Juphal Airport, it moves through Shey-Phoksundo National Park where you see snow leopards, musk deer, red pandas and many more wildlife. Then, witnessing the eye-cooling Shey-Phoksundo Lake, you continue the trip towards Dho Tarap Valley. This valley is one of the highest-altitude human settlement areas in the world.
Explore the 800-year-old Shey Gompa at the foot of Crystal Mountain and trek across a few 5,000m plus passes such as Kang La Pass, Saldang Pass, etc. If you love camping trekking in Nepal, this Nepal trekking routes in Nepal is perfect.
Dolpo Trek is divided into Lower Dolpo Trek and Upper Dolpo Trek or Inner Dolpo Trek. For those desiring to do the less adventurous trek, Lower Dolpo Trek Nepal is perfect while for adrenaline junkies, Upper Dolpo Trek is recommended.
9 Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Trip Facts:
- Max. Altitude: 5,360m/French Col
- Trek Duration: 14 days
- Trek Difficulty: Challenging
- Accommodation Type: Teahouse & Camping
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
- Trek Restriction: No
- Trek Permits: TIMS Card & ACAP Entry Permit
Major Highlights: Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
- Remote and rugged trails, so less frequented trekking route in Nepal
- Terraced farmlands, classic villages, glaciers, green forests, etc.
- Opportunity for Dhampus Peak climbing if interested
- Closest view of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) & many other peaks above 7,000m
- Experience of new routes & villages
- Experience of crossing French Col (5,360m)
Although close to the Annapurna Region, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is some of the least frequented trekking routes in Nepal. It is also classified as a challenging trek because of its high altitude trails and you have to spend 3 consequent days and nights at 5,000m plus region. Trekking to Dhaulagiri Region takes you around the 7th highest peak in the world.
Throughout the trip, you will be exploring new trails and villages into the dense forests. The terraced farming lands, deep canyons, sloppy trails and continuous altitude gains make this trip more challenging.
Moreover, French Col and Dhampus Pass have added to the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek difficulty. Thus, Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is not recommended to beginner trekkers in the Himalayas.
The day excursion from the Hidden Valley is the most splendid experience of this trek. For those who want to experience peak climbing in Nepal, Dhampus Peak Climbing is an added beauty of this trip. From the peak and high passes, you can have beautiful sights of the Annapurna, the Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and Tukuche Peak.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek proves “more the risk, more the gain!”
10 Nar Phu Valley Trek
Trip Facts:
- Max. Altitude: 5,416m/Thorung La Pass
- Trek Duration: 18 days
- Trek Difficulty: Challenging
- Accommodation Type: Teahouse
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
- Trek Restriction: Yes
- Trek Permits: TIMS Card, ACAP Entry Permit & Nar Phu Valley Restricted Area Entry Permit
Major Highlights: Nar Phu Valley Trek
- A restricted area for trekking in Nepal
- A trekking route in Nepal that passes across glaciers and narrow canyons.
- Tibetan Buddhist culture and tradition in the Trans-Himalayan Region
- High-altitude grazing lands
- Experience of crossing Thorung La Pass (5,416m) & Kang La Pass (5,320m)
- Ancient monasteries in classic valleys
- Stunning views of Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, etc.
- Customizable with other treks in the Annapurna Region
Nestled between the Annapurna Region and Manalsu Region, Nar Phu Valley Trek takes you to the hidden gem of the Northern Himalayas. It is also one of the off-the-beaten-path trekking routes in Nepal that gives you different rewards from those of other destinations.
The unspoiled culture and tradition from modernity including nature in its genuine form, this trek is a must-do trek once in a lifetime.
Starting from Besisahar, it follows the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Route in the beginning but in a while diverts towards Koto Village. The trekking route passes across high-altitude meadows, colorful monasteries, chortens and mani walls of the Nar & Phu Valleys.
Nar Phu Valley Trek introduces you to the daily activities of Tibetan Buddhist people living in a pastoral setting. Besides, you can also hike to Himlung Himal Base Camp (4,900m) from Phu Village.
Then, Nar Phu Valley Trekking Route moves across Kang La Pass (5,240m) and join the Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail.
You have option to do this trek alone or customize with other sections of the Annapurna Region. You can also do Nar Phu Valley Trek with Pisang Peak Climbing, Tilicho Lake Trek and Annapurna Circuit Trek as per your choice and convenience.
Last Words: Top 10 Best Trekking Routes in Nepal
Among 100s of local destinations, we have included the Top 10 Best Trekking Routes in Nepal in this blog. But we never mean that other trekking routes in Nepal are less good or beautiful. Due to the geographical situation, hiking in Nepal has become a number one activity that allures thousands of international tourists every year.
