Top 10 Trekking Places in Nepal

Nepal is a country of Rocky Mountains to plain valleys, stunning mountain scenery, cultural diversity, and well-developed trekking infrastructure which is accessible, and experienced guides make it one of the best countries in the world for trekking. And there is no other feeling that can replicate the sense of achievement felt scaling a mountain, hours spent slogging up steep terrain.  Here you know more about Top 10 Trekking Places in Nepal :

The scenic view of massive snow-capped peaks from the summit offers an incredible experience. Never-ending scenic trails, culturally inclusive hostels, stunning sunrise settings, and friendly locals make trekking in Nepal a lifetime experience for many adventurous people; one that sits on almost any person’s bucket list.

Some of the top 10 trekking places in Nepal are:

  1. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
  2. Everest Base Camp Trek
  3. Upper Mustang Trek
  4. Manaslu Circuit Trek
  5. Mardi Himal Trek
  6. Langtang Valley Trek
  7. Makalu Base Camp Trek
  8. Upper Dolpo Trek
  9. Gosaikunda Lake Trek
  10. Pikey Peak Trek

1. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) is among the most famous and popular trekking in Nepal. It is a lovely trek through contrast hop in and culture, with beautiful mountain surroundings, terraced fields, rustic Gurung towns, and an abundance of plants and animals. At 8,091m, Mt. Annapurna at the height of  (8091m) is the 10th highest mountain in the world and its base camp hike reaches an elevation of 4,130m/13549ft.

You will run into lots of Gurung villages such as Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Chhomrong; to get a taste of the Gurung lifestyle and practices. The trail also passes through world-class glaciers, high mountain rivers, and pastures. The difficulty level of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is somewhere around easy to Moderate. Any fit person can do this trek as it offers moderate challenges.

Mt. Annapurna is 8,091 meters (26,545 feet) tall and the 10th highest mountain in the world; its base camp — at 4,130 meters (13,549 feet) — is a milestone for trekkers. Passing through several beautiful Gurung Villages like Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Chhomrong, you will get to witness the unique Gurung culture and their hospitality first hand.

Max Height: 4,130 m

Total Time Duration: 12-14 days

Best Season: March-May, September-December

Total Estimated Budget: $1,500 – $2,500

Best Features:

  • Beautiful sunrise view from Poon Hill (3210 m), a well-known vantage point.
  • A peaceful evening by the Pokhara Lake.
  • Interact with the Gurung and Magar ethnic groups.
  • To recover from the hike, take advantage of Jhinu Danda’s hot spring.

2. Everest Base Camp Trek:

Everest Base Camp is the first step to reach the summit of Mount Everest (8,849 m) a significant symbol of the Khumbu area in northeastern Nepal. Everest Base Camp Trek is 5,364 meters high and allows you to enjoy the beautiful Himalayan landscape and lifestyle of the Sherpa community. The magnificent views of lakes, glaciers, and snow-covered mountain tops visible from the trails make it Nepal’s best hiking path.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a trek that is one of the best treks in the world focusing on the tallest mountain peak, Mt. Everest (29,029 ft/ 8,848.68m). This trek will give you a natural adventure as it progresses through magnificent high-altitude sceneries, mystic Buddhist monasteries, traditional Sherpa villages, snow-laden mountains, and high flora and fauna. It helps you conquer climbing Everest base camp.

Max Height: 5,545 m

Total Time Duration: 12-16 days

Best Season: March-May, September-November

Total Estimated Budget: $2,500 – $3,500

Best Features:

  • Trek to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) for a clear view of the Mt. Everest
  • Rest and acclimatization in Namche Bazar the trade center of Khumbu region
  • The peaceful Tengboche Monastery, the oldest and arguably most important Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu
  • Staying at the charming teahouses along the way
  • Nepali and Sherpa Food and Drinks

3. Upper Mustang Trek:

Beyond the shadow of the Himalayas, the Upper Mustang Trek shows a forbidden land ruled by its king. Lo-Manthang is a collective journey destination due to its natural form of preservation of unique landscapes and traditional Himalayan cultures. A small version of Tibet discovers Tibetan peoples, culture, and lifestyles. Get ready to explore beautiful desert landscapes, age-old caves, hundred-year-old monasteries, and several other archeological monuments in these places of attraction.

See the reflection of Tibet’s attachment to the culture and tradition of the people sighting awesome landscapes with caves, archeological ruins as well as an ancient monastery. Witness eye-catching views of mountains and scenery that would take your breath away. Organic apple farms produce dry apples, pie, and brandy of apples which is sometimes called marpha.

Max Height: 3,800 m

Total Time Duration: 10-12 days

Best Season: September-November

Total Estimated Budget: $2,000 – $3,000

Best Features:

  • Explore Upper Mustang’s forbidden kingdom.
  • Exploration of the unique Tibetan Gurung and Thakali cultures.
  • Witness 10,000 sky caves
  • Sky varietal burials and exploration of ancient cave civilizations.
  • Old Monasteries that lies in the Upper Mustang Valley.
  • Trek to Mustang during monsoon, a place not receiving much rain

4. Manaslu Circuit Trek:

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most interesting and difficult hiking routes in Nepal, offering a combination of distinctive culture and scenic splendor that circles the shadows of the world’s eighth-highest peak, spectacular Mt. Manaslu.

Trekking in the Manaslu circuit region allows you to witness the blending of Tibetan and Gurung cultures. The Manaslu Circuit Trek offers an opportunity to experience many cultures and customs. The first part of the trek is inhabited by Brahman, Chhetri, Magar, Newar, and indigenous peoples.

Max Height: 5,160 m

Total Time Duration: 14-18 days

Best Season: September-November

Total Estimated Budget: $2,500 – $3,500

Best Features: 

  • A more secure walking path due to the moderate elevation
  • A thrilling trip across the 5,106-meter Larkya La Pass
  • Bird’s eye view of mountains including Himalchuli, Peak 29, Larkya Peak, Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal, Baudha Himal, and Manaslu
  • An opportunity to learn about the cultures of Tibet and Nepal.

5. Mardi Himal Trek:

The Mardi Himal Trek is a fantastic mountain walking holiday destination in the Annapurna Himalaya region, lying east of one of Nepal’s most famous trekking areas, the Annapurna Base Camp. For a trekker who loves the Himalayas, Mardi Himal Trek is a sweet treasure.

From High Camp (3700m), the ascent to Mardi Himal Base Camp takes about 3–4 hours and offers spectacular close-up views of the complete Annapurna massive range. Basic mountain trekking lodges and teahouses are lined up the entire route to the Mardi Himal trek to accommodate hundreds of trekkers every day in peak seasons.

Max Height: 4,500 m

Total Time Duration: 7-10 days

Best Season: March-May, September-December

Total Estimated Budget: $1,000 – $1,500

Best Features:

  • An off-the-beaten-track experience
  • A view of the mountain Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli from nearby.
  • Cozy homestays and teahouses along the trail end
  • Experiencing the local culture of Gurungs, Tamangs, Brahmins and Chhetris
  • You can see domesticated yaks besides other wildlife on your trek.

6. Langtang Valley Trek:

Langtang Valley Trekking is one of the popular short trek routes in the heart of Langtang National Park, which was established as Nepal’s first Himalayan National Park in 1976. This is a pretty short, easy, and captivating trek that best suits all levels of adventure seekers, including beginners to frequent travelers. Besides trekking, it also offers hiking and peak climbing packages beyond Kynjing Gompa.

The Langtang Valley is the third most popular trekking area in Nepal, after Everest and Annapurna, with its breathtaking landscapes and views of the mountains. This trek is also commonly called the ‘Valley of Glaciers Treks,’ which passes through beautiful pine, rhododendron, and oak forests; peaceful mountain streams; green slopes; and rugged terrain-all against the background of snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Only 19 miles from Kathmandu, this trek is able to show the beauty of towering mountains and glaciers.

Max Height: 4,984 m

Total Time Duration: 7-10 days

Best Season: March-May, September-November

Total Estimated Budget: $1,000 – $1,500

Best Features:

  • A hike to Chorkari Ri (5,050 m) or Kyanji Ri (4,300 m)
  • Enjoy Mountain View of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Ganja La, Langshisha Ri, and Kimshung.
  • Explore the quaint village of Kyanjin.
  • Visit the famous Langtang National Park

7. Makalu Base Camp Trek:

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is an incredibly magnificent trek to the foot of Mt. Makalu fifth-highest mountain in the world in eastern Nepal. This area is regarded as the perfect combination of culture and nature, ideal for adventure and nature lovers. One of the highlights in the Makalu Base Camp Trek itinerary definitely involves a trip to visit Makalu Barun, National Park.

This is the park that came into establishment in 1992; it runs over an area of 2,330 square kilometers with a vast amount of flora and fauna inside including the rarest ones and critically endangered species, namely, red panda and the snow leopard. Besides the spectacular views, the cultural richness of Makalu Base Camp Trek is no less magnetic: you will be crossing many traditional Sherpa villages through which you will get very closely acquainted with the unique culture and tradition of the Sherpa.

Max Height: 5,000 m

Total Time Duration: 10-12 days

Best Season: March-May, September-November

Total Estimated Budget: $3,500 – $4,500

Best Features:

  • View Mt. Everest (8,849 m), Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), and Mt. Baruntse (7,161 m) in all their glory.
  • Explore Barun Valley’s lush scenery
  • Visiting Makalu Barun National Park
  • Observe the landscape of Makalu region: rhododendron forest, beautiful cliffs, hanging glaciers, and spectacular waterfalls.

8. Upper Dolpo Trek:

Upper Dolpo is one of the least visited and best-kept secrets in Nepal’s Himalayan area. The Upper Dolpo trek is a high-altitude, isolated round trip that offers adventure, unique cultural encounters, and breathtaking scenery. The walk, which takes place in Nepal’s northwest, is well-liked for its pristine lakes, snow-capped mountains, and distinctive culture. The upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary will take you through the heart of the Dolpo region, where you can witness traditional villages and interact with the locals.

The trek starts from the village of Juphal and takes you to the far-flung village of Shey Phoksundo, where you can enjoy the virgin beauty of the region. The Upper Dolpo Trek Route passes through lush woods, steep mountain passes, and hidden valleys a very unique adventure for trekkers. On this wilderness trek of Nepal, you will come across several types of exquisite terrains consisting of high and low passes, valleys, and freshwater lakes.

Max Height: 5,000 m

Total Time Duration: 12-14 days

Best Season: September-November

Total Estimated Budget: $4,000 – $5,000

Best Features:

  • Enjoy the pristine Phoksundo Lake
  • Have fun at Suligad Waterfall – the highest waterfall in Nepal.
  • Knowledge of the ancient religion and culture of Bon (Buddhism)
  • Dolpa region’s Wildlife encounter – snow leopard, musk deer, Himalayan blue sheep, etc.

9. Gosaikunda Lake Trek:

The Gosaikunda Trek winds to the holy Gosaikunda Lakes in the Langtang region close to Kathmandu, Nepal. The trekking usually keeps its duration of about 7-10 days, embedding many steep ascents and descents along the way, and is graded as moderately difficult.

The Gosaikunda Trek starts from Dhunche, which is about 7 hours drive from Kathmandu. From there, it crosses a well-marked path winding through verdant forests, picturesque villages, and terraced fields. Breath-gripping views of snow-laden Himalayan peaks along the route, such as Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Dorje Lakpa, adorn the horizon.

Max Height: 4,380 m

Total Time Duration: 7-10 days

Best Season: May-June, September-October

Total Estimated Budget: $800 – $1,200

Best Features:

  • Sacred lakes at 4,380 meters above sea level.
  • Sacred to Hindus as well as Buddhists.
  • Surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers.
  • An unparalleled panoramic view of the Himalayas evokes feelings of astonishment.
  • Interaction with warm and welcoming locals.

10. Pikey Peak Trek:

Pikey Peak Trek is an amazing venture in the lower Everest region, offering an easy short trail that can be done in spring, autumn, and winter. It is a newly opened trekking route that offers great views of the eastern Himalayan mountains. According to Sir Edmund Hillary, one of the first persons to climb Mt. Everest, Pikey Peak (4065m.|13333ft.) offers one of the best views of Mt. Everest.

Pikey Peak is an ideal option if you are searching for a quick and easy trek in the Solukhumbu region. Pikey Peak trekking is very unique due to its gorgeous landscapes and comfortable trekking route. You also get to learn a lot about Sherpa culture and tradition while trekking through the villages. Similarly, the trail takes you across other communities like Tamangs, Rai, Limbus, Chhetri, etc.

Max Height: 4,065 m

Total Time Duration: 7-10 days

Best Season: March-May, September-December

Total Estimated Budget: $800 – $1,200

Best Features:

  • Beautiful and easily accessible: Pikey Peak (4065m) is only 7–8 hours of drive from Kathmandu and offers a surreal view of Everest.
  • Cultural Richness: The Sherpa villages with diverse populations, prayer flags, and traditional stupas are crossed on the way.
  • Scenic Landscapes: The breathtaking Himalayan landscape, villages far from civilization, and forests of pine and rhododendrons are a treat to the eyes. • Less Congested: Pikey Peak is far less crowded than the EBC trail since it is off the main traveled path.

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Nepal is a trekker’s paradise, offering a variety of trails for all levels of experience and interest. From the famous Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp to the restricted areas of Upper Mustang and Upper Dolpo, each trek offers a unique combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and thrilling adventure.

These sceneries, ranging from the snowy peaks to the silent valleys, along with the friendly locals, make trekking in Nepal an unforgettable experience. From developed trekking infrastructure, amiable guides, and reasonable costs, Nepal remains a dream destination among adventurers who want to immerse themselves in the beauty of the Himalayas. Whether you’re seeking cultural inquiry, spiritual enlightenment, or a test of stamina, Nepal has something to offer, which makes it one of the world’s premier trekking destinations.

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