Treks in Nepal are among the most breathtaking in the world. This list includes classics like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, as well as newer treks like Manaslu Circuit and Nar Phu Valley Trek. Consider the following information if you’re planning to trek in Nepal.
Overview
In May 2018, this list was updated to reflect the most recent conditions, most notably the reopening of the Langtang Trek. The majority of the hikes on this list can be completed in two to three weeks. All of these treks offer stunning Himalayan scenery and the opportunity to get up close and personal with the people who live there. You can find out which trek is right for you by reading the following overview.
Are you ready to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey? If you’d like to work with a trusted local operator, please contact us.
1 Everest Three Passes Trek
If you have three weeks to spare, the Three Passes Trek is the best way to truly immerse yourself in the Himalayas and experience the Everest Region. In addition to the Everest Base Camp Trek, you’ll cross the Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La passes, all of which offer stunning views of the Himalayan giants. Other Everest Base Camp Trek variants can be combined with the Three Passes trek.
Fast Facts
The minimum stay is 18 days.
The highest point is 18,159 ft / 5,535 m. (Kongma La pass)
Start/finish
Lukla/Lukla\sDifficulty
Challenging
Typical Teahouse on a Trek
A 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla gets you to the trailhead.
2 Manaslu Circuit Trek
New lodges constructed in 2010 made the Manaslu Circuit Trek more accessible. If you’re looking for a classic Himalayan trek with all the great features you’d expect—amazing mountain vistas, lush valleys at lower elevations, and an epic pass crossing—then this one is for you.
fast Facts
The minimum stay is 13 days.
a maximum of 5,106 metres (16,752 ft) (Larkya La pass)
Start/finish
Difficulty in Soti Khola/Besisahar area
Challenging
The look of a spaceship from Star Trek
Teahouse
There are fewer trekkers on Manaslu Circuit than on the more established classic treks of Nepal, despite its growing popularity and recent road construction.
An 8-hour drive from Kathmandu is required to get to the trailhead.
3 Langtang Trek
Langtang trek is a trek with a lot of soul. After a two-year absence following the 2015 earthquake, the trails and guesthouses have been rebuilt and trekkers are returning.
A day hike to Kyangjin Ri, an alpine meadow and yak grazing area near Kyangjin Gompa (a Buddhist monastery), is an option on this trek (peak).
From Kathmandu, the trailhead is a seven-hour drive away.
Fast Facts
The minimum length of stay is seven days.
Kyanjin Gompa, 3800 m; highest point, 4773 m (Kyanjin Ri)
Syabru Besi Difficulty Start/End
simple-to-moderate trek style
Teahouse
4 Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trek to the foot of Annapurna South’s Annapurna Base Camp on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Because the views are narrower and more vertical than on other well-known treks, you’ll be looking straight up at the mountains towering above you.
Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a two-hour drive; or an eight-hour drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead. Getting there:
fast Facts
The minimum stay is 12 days.
Elevation at its highest point: 4130 m/13,550 ft
Nayapul/Nayapul\sDifficulty
Moderately Trek-like in style.
Teahouse
5 Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek’s arid valley has a unique landscape when compared to nearly every other trek in Nepal. The Himalayan rain shadow enshrouds this region in a blanket of brown and crumbling sandstone cliffs. As a former kingdom, Mustang’s Tibetan-influenced traditions make this a fascinating trek.
You’ll need to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 minutes) and from Pokhara to Jomsom (1.5 hours) (20 minutes).
Fast facts
12 days is the bare minimum.
Elevation at its highest point is 3810 m (12,500 ft).
Jomsom/Jomsom\sDifficulty
Moderately Trek-like in style.
Teahouse
6 Gokyo Lakes Trek
This trek, like the Three Passes Trek, is similar to the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, but it takes you into a valley to the west of Everest. At a height of about 5,000 metres, the area’s main draw are the stunning lakes of Gokyo. Mount Everest’s most expansive view is seen from the top of Gokyo Ri (5,357m/17575 ft), which can be accessed by trekkers from there.
A 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla gets you to the trailhead.
Fast Facts
The minimum stay is 12 days.
The highest point is 17,575 ft / 5357 m. (Gokyo Ri)
Start/finish
Lukla/Lukla\sDifficulty
Challenging
Typical Teahouse on a Trek
In order to complete the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, you must complete the seventh leg.
A three-day stretch of trekking over snow at more than 5,000 feet makes the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek one of the most difficult treks in Nepal. However, if you have the experience and are up for the challenge, this trek is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes you deep into the heart of some of the world’s highest mountains.
A 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, then a 2-hour drive, or an 8-hour drive from Kathmandu will get you to the trailhead.
Fast Facts
The minimum length of stay is 14 days.
There is an altitude of 5360 metres (17,585 feet) (French Col)
Start/finish
Darbang/Marpha\sDifficulty
The style of Trek is very difficult.
In the faraway future (camping)
8 Nar Phu Valley Trek
As breathtaking as it is memorable, the Nar Phu Valley Trek takes you deep into the heart of the Himalayan wilderness. In 2002, the area was made accessible to the public for the first time. In between the Annapurna and Manaslu regions of Nepal, the Nar Phu region is a true hidden gem that provides trekkers with a rare opportunity to explore unspoiled Himalayan valleys that feature a mix of raw Himalayan nature and ancient Buddhist culture.
It takes a full day to drive from Kathmandu to Koto via Besisahar.
Fast Facts
9 days is the minimum amount of time required.
Elevation at its highest point: 5240 m/17,200 ft
Koto/Pisang\sDifficulty
Challenging
Trek-inspired remote control (rustic lodges)
9 Everest Base Camp Trek
In the world of trekking, the Everest Base Camp Trek ranks among the most renowned. It is well-deserving of its renown, given the trek’s rich history, breathtaking scenery, and unique opportunity to interact with the Sherpa people. As a result, the trek’s main trails can be quite crowded. The Three Passes Trek and Gokyo Lakes Trek are higher on our list because of this. Despite the large number of visitors, the trek to Everest Base Camp is still an excellent one and should be included on any list of the best treks in Nepal.
A 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla gets you to the trailhead.
Fast Facts
The minimum length of stay is 14 days.
Height to highest point: 5,364 m (17,598 ft); (Everest Base Camp)
Start/finish
Lukla/Lukla\sDifficulty
Challenging
The look of a spaceship from Star Trek
Teahouse
10 Annapurna Circuit Trek
Due to crowds and newly constructed roads, this is another Himalayan trek that has lost some of its character. About 12 days of hiking are required to complete the “unspoiled” portion of this trek. The 5,416-meter Thorong La pass still makes the trek worthwhile, despite the difficulties. The Tilicho Lake, one of the world’s highest lakes, is just a short drive away.
Flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a two-hour drive; or an eight-hour drive from Kathmandu to the trailhead. Getting there:
Fast Facts
12 days is the bare minimum.
The highest point is 17,769 ft / 5,416 m. (Thorong La Pass)
Start/finish
Bhulbule/Jomsom\sDifficulty
Challenging\sAccommodation
Teahouse
Consider the following information if you’re planning to trek in Nepal.
