15 Most Beautiful Treks in Nepal

15 Most Beautiful Treks in Nepal

Looking for trekking routes in Nepal then our blog contains 15 Most Beautiful Treks in Nepal with details and facts. Trekking in Nepal should definitely be on your bucket list if you like hiking anyway. Nepal invites to many of the most spectacular and beautiful treks in the world. Here you can experience trekking adventures, which will remain unforgettable for a lifetime.

You should bring two to three weeks for trekking in Nepal if you want to hike one of the following treks. Each of our Nepal Top Treks guarantees ultimate Himalayan experiences, allowing you to get in touch with the highest mountains in the world, Nepalese culture, and its Tibetan roots.

In addition to the legendary classics such as the Annapurna Circuit, we also introduce less known Nepal Top Treks here. Find Out the list of 15 Most Beautiful Treks in Nepal for You With Our Descriptions And Summary Quick Facts!

Annapurna Circuit Trek

The most popular trek in Nepal takes you around the Annapurna, the highest mountain in the world at 8,091 meters. This top trek in Nepal has already become a kind of compulsory exercise among Nepalese hikers.

The reason for the popularity of the Annapurna Circuit is the enormous diversity of the landscape. He just offers everything you expect from trekking in Nepal.

Through the Nepalese jungle and traditional villages, it goes up first to the crossing of the 5.416m high Thorong La Passes. Here you have a breathtaking view of the mountains of Annapurna, Macchapuchare, and Dhaulagiri.

In a southerly direction, the trek descends to a plateau that leads you to the deepest gorge in the world. Over 6,000 meters deep, the Kali Gandaki River has made its way below Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.

From the trek, you can choose to dive to Tilicho Lake at 4,915 meters or explore the more remote valleys of Nar and Phu.

 Annapurna Circuit Trek Quick Facts

  • Length / duration: 160 – 230 km / 15 – 20 days
  • Number of hikers annually: almost 150,000
  • Difficulty level: medium to difficult
  • The maximum altitude reached: Thorong La Pass, 5,416 m
  • Top Highlight: Tilicho Lake, hot springs of Tatopani
  • Accommodation: Lodges, Teahouse Trek or Camping
  • Starting point: Besisahar
  • Destination: Birethanti or Beni
  • Approval required? Yes
  • Necessary Permits: TIMS, ACAP
  • Guide needed? No, but recommended
  • Best travel time: March-May and September – November; In winter, snow can make the Thorong La Pass impassable

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek is the most legendary Trek in the world. The view from Kala Patthar to Mount Everest and the setting sun over the snow-capped peaks will be an unforgettable memory for anyone whose hiking trails have taken them to this point.

Most hikers begin their journey at legendary Lukla Airport, just half an hour’s flight from Kathmandu. You can also extend the route by about four days by, for example, starting in Salleri.

From Lukla, it goes along the Dudh Kosi River, over the Hillary Bridge and steeply up to the busy settlement of Namche Bazaar at 3,440 meters. From Namche, it goes downhill again, until the ascent via Tengboche and Dingboche leads to Gorak Shep.

From here you can climb up to Kala Patthar, see Everest and Nuptse up close, or even hike to camp. In autumn and winter, it is still almost empty. In spring, however, up to 75 expeditions are gathered here at the same time. From Gorak Shep, it goes steadily downhill back to Lukla.

Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the best treks in the world and ideal for getting to know the Sherpa culture of Nepal, the villages and people in the Solukhumbu region. However, he is also one of the most visited treks with the Annapurna Circuit.

Everest Base Camp Trek Quick Facts

  • Length / Duration: 130 km / 7 – 14 days
  • The number of hikers annually: approx. 30,000 – 40,000
  • Difficulty: challenging
  • The maximum height reached: Kala Patthar, 5,550 m
  • Top Highlight: View of Mount Everest from Kala Patthar
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Trek or Camping
  • Starting point: Lukla
  • Destination: Gorak Shep – Lukla
  • Approval required? Yes
  • Necessary Permits: TIMS, Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
  • Guide needed? No, but recommended
  • Best travel time: March-May, and September – November

Manaslu Circuit Trek (+ optional Tsum Valley)

Although the Manaslu Circuit Trek is considered by many hikers to be one of the best treks in Nepal, it is far less frequented than other Trek classics in Nepal.

Compared to the Annapurna and Everest Base Camp Trek, the Manaslu Circuit counts only about one-tenth of the visitors. It’s only since 2010 that the number of adventurers wishing to round the 8th highest peak in the world has increased after teahouses were built along the way.

The Manaslu has everything you would expect from a Nepal Top Trek:

A walk along the Buri (or Budhi) Gandaki, spectacular crossings of countless suspension bridges and gigantic mountain panoramas like the Larkya La Pass at 5,160 meters. From here you have unobstructed views of the eighth highest mountain in the world, the Manaslu with its 8,163 m.

Manaslu is about 126 kilometers from the capital Kathmandu. You can reach the starting point of the trek by jeep or bus within 6 – 12 hours.

To hike the Manaslu Circuit, you must be in a team of at least two people. You spend the night at the Annapurna Circuit in Teahouses. Camping away from the teahouses is also possible.

It is definitely worthwhile to extend the route in an easterly direction so that you can hike the Tsum Valley to the destination of Mu Gompa Monastery. The Tsum Valley has been open to hikers since 2007.

Here you will find a variety of religious sites such as the Dhephyudoma Monastery and the Buddhist pigeon holes at Burji.

Manaslu Circuit Trek Quick Facts

  • Length / Duration km / 11 – 12 days + Tsum Valley: 14 – 16 days
  • A number of hikers annually: approx. 6,000
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • The maximum height reached: Larkya La Pass 5,160 m
  • Top Highlight: Valley of Marsyangi, Ice Dome of Ganesh and Mansiri Himal
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Trek or Camping
  • Starting point: Arughat or Soti Khola
  • Destination: Besisahar
  • Approval required? Yes
  • Necessary Permits: TIMS, ACAP, MCAP, RAP
  • Guide needed? Yes
  • Best travel time: March-May, and September – November

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek could well be described as a “gentler tour” of the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek. It can be covered in less time but is otherwise absolutely equal to the legendary trekking route.

On this trek, you do not orbit a mountain or head for a viewpoint. The Annapurna Basecamp Trek is about wandering at the foot of the massive giants and experiencing the gigantic giants from all over you.

The trek follows the course of the river Modi, then narrows and then leads to a mountain basin where you are arranged in a semicircle Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Annapurna South (7,219 meters), Macchapuchare (6,993 meters) and Surrounded Hiunchuli (6,441 meters).

The trek, which takes you through oak and bamboo forests for long stretches, will allow you to reach the traditional villages of Ghandruk and Ghorepani and take a relaxing dip in the hot springs of Jhinu Danda.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Quick Facts:

  • Length / Duration: about 120 km / 7 – 12 days
  • Number of hikers annually: 50,000
  • Difficulty: medium
  • The maximum altitude reached: 4,130 meters Machhapuchare Basecamp / 3,900 meters at Annapurna Basecamp
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Trek
  • Starting point / destination: Dhampus / Tikhedhunga or Nayapul / Nayapul
  • Necessary Permits: TIMS, ACAP
  • Guide needed? Optional
  • Best travel time: March-May and September – November

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the shorter treks in Nepal. Because of its special beauty and the spectacular view of Poon Hill, it is very popular.

Rhododendron and oak forests line your path as you climb over 3381 steps and 1387 vertical meters from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani. Once at the top there is a panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and the summit of Poon Hill with Nilgiri, Annapurna I, Annapurna Dakshin and Macchapuchare, also called “fishtail”.

Depending on your pace, you can reach Ghorepani from Nayapul in just two days and then return to Nayapul in a three-day hike. You can also do the trek in the opposite direction.

Not far from Nayapul is the village of Tatopani with its hot thermal springs right on the banks of the Kali Gandaki. Here you can relax, recharge your batteries and listen to the sound of the river in the silence of the mountains.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Quick Facts:

  • Length / Duration: about 50 km / 5 days
  • Number of hikers annually: 15,000
  • Difficulty: medium
  • The maximum altitude reached: 3,210 meters (Poon Hill)
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Trek
  • Starting point / destination: Tikhedhunga / Nayapul or Nayapul / Nayapul
  • Necessary Permits: TIMS, ACAP
  • Guide needed? Optional
  • Best travel time: March-May and September – November

Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang Trek takes you through a barren desert landscape full of cliffs and caves of a sandstone mountain range with towering rock formations.

The culture of the mountain kingdom Mustang, which was autonomous until 2006, is heavily influenced by Tibet. Many Buddhist monasteries with centuries of history lie along your route.

The highlight of your journey along the Kali Gandaki River is a visit to the former capital of the kingdom, Lo Manthang. Every year in May, in the shape of Dorje Jono, who defeated his father and thus saved the kingdom, the Tiji Festival celebrated the victory of the good over evil.

The region is safe from the monsoon and therefore can be well practiced during the rainy season. Only in winter, when many inhabitants leave their villages to escape to the capital from the cold and the snow, the travel time is not optimal for this region.

Upper Mustang Trek Quick Facts:

  • Length / Duration: about 170 km / 12 – 14 days
  • Number of hikers annually: 7,000
  • Difficulty: medium
  • Maximum altitude reached: 3,820 meters (Lo Manthang) / 3,850 meters (Yamda La Pass)
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Trek
  • Starting point / destination: Jomson / Jomson
  • Required Permits: Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit, ACAP
  • Guide needed? Yes
  • Best travel time: April – May, June – September, and October – November / there is no monsoon there.

Gokyo Lakes Trek

The Gokyo Lakes Trek takes you from Lukla through the Sagarmatha National Park. Passing the largest glacier in Nepal, the Ngozumpa, you will reach the six magnificent lakes of Gokyo at an altitude of about 5,000 meters. The sparkling, bright blue and green glacial waters that reflect the surrounding mountains are of unparalleled beauty.

From here you can climb the 5,357 meters high Gokyo Ri, which gives you one of the best views of Mount Everest. Gokyo Lakes Trek is ideal for exploring the Everest region, experiencing the diversity of Nepalese landscapes, but not necessarily spending many nights at extreme altitudes.

The Gokyo Lakes Trek can be extended by combining it with the Everest Base Camp Trek via the Cho La Pass. You can also extend the trek through the Three Passes Trek. Similar to the Three Passes Trek, the Gokyo Lakes Trek has overlapped with the Everest Base Camp Trek but takes you to a valley west of Everest.

Gokyo Lakes Trek Quick Facts:

  • Length / Duration: about 130 km / 14 days
  • Number of hikers annually: 10,000 – 15,000
  • Difficulty: difficult – challenging
  • The maximum height reached: 5,400 meters (Gokyo Ri)
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Trek
  • Starting point/destination: Lukla / Lukla
  • Necessary Permits: TIMS, Sagarmatha National Park Permit
  • Guide needed? No, but recommended
  • Best time to visit: March-May, and October – November

Upper Dolpo Trek

In the west of Nepal lies the Upper Dolpo region, separated bypasses, through which you will find the trek of the same name. On the Upper Dolpo, one of Nepal’s most beautiful treks, you will wander through pristine nature and villages surrounded by walnut forests. You cross three passes over 5,000 meters: Nagdalo La (5,350m), Shey La (5,000m) and Jeng La (5,110m).

The high altitude and the snow, which often cuts the villages of the region for months from the outside world, have made the region seem as if time has stood still.

On this trek, you can visit Shey Golpa Monastery and admire the fascinating Phoksundo Lake, which was created by a landslide many thousands of years ago. In addition, you can visit the ruins of the summer palace of the kings of Ladakh in the former capital of the kingdom.

Bring a trekking partner, because it is not possible to go hiking alone!

Upper Dolpo Trek Quick Facts:

  • Length / Duration: about 210 km / 21 – 27 days
  • A number of hikers annually: approx. 400
  • Difficulty: medium
  • The maximum height reached: 5,350 meters (Nagdalo La)
  • Accommodation: Camping / few basic Teahouses
  • Starting point / destination: Juphal / Juphal
  • Necessary Permits: Upper Dolpo Permit, RAP
  • Guide needed? Yes
  • Best time to visit: March-May and October – November

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga is a gigantic massif consisting of four long ridges arranged in an X. The highest peak of the mountain range, the Kanchenjunga, is 8,586 meters high. He is thus the third highest mountain in the world and at the same time the natural eastern border of the country to Sikkim and Tibet.

The remote region around the third highest mountain in the world is almost uninhabited. Here live almost only musk deer, blue sheep, red pandas, and snow leopards. Since 1988, the region has been accessible to mountain hikers and can be hiked on various routes.

You can hike the Ghunsa river valley, climb the Sele La Pass at 4,720 meters, or follow paths that used to be trade routes that transported salt from Tibet to grain from the plains.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek Quick Facts:

  • Length / Duration: about 90 km / 12-26 days
  • A number of hikers per year: approx. 1,000
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • The maximum height reached: 5,134 meters (Kanchenjunga Base Camp)
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Trek
  • Starting point / destination: Jomson / Jomson or Taplejung / Taplejung
  • Necessary Permits: KCAP
  • Guide needed? Yes
  • Best travel time: mid-March – June and September

Makalu Base Camp Trek

The area around Makalu is hardly accessible by mountain hikers and may, therefore, be one of the most beautiful trekking regions in Nepal.

Through the Barun River Valley, Makalu Base Camp Trek takes you deep into the mountains, past steep granite cliffs, glaciers and waterfalls.

At the foot of Makalu, at 8,485 meters the fifth highest mountain in the world, you can head to a teahouse on this trek and expect the sunrise the next day. Within sight are the giants Lhotse (8,516 meters), Everest (8,850 meters), Baruntse (7,220 meters) and Chamlang (7,319 meters).

In order to climb the difference in altitude between the starting point in Tumlingtar at 400 meters height to the highest point at 5,120 meters at the Makalu Base Camp, you must, however, bring enough strength in the legs.

Makalu Base Camp Trek Quick Facts:

  • Length / Duration: about 200 km / 20 – 23 days
  • A number of mountain hikers annually: approx. 1,500
  • Difficulty: difficult
  • The maximum height reached: 5,517 meters
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Trek
  • Starting point / destination: Tumlingtar / Tumlingtar
  • Necessary Permits: TIMS
  • Guide needed? No, but recommended
  • Best travel time: March-May and September – November

Rara Lake Trek

The Rara Lake Trek is one of the least frequented and most beautiful treks in Nepal. From Jumla, one of the largest settlements in Western Nepal, it passes through a mixed forest of birch, chestnut, pine, oak, and juniper.

Continue through traditional villages and the pastures of mountain sheep and deer and the area of ​​black bears, red pandas, panthers and leopards to Rara Lake. It is the largest lake in Nepal and lies at 2,990 meters altitude. From here you have a wonderful view of the mountain chain of Dolpo.

The untouched nature of the area around Rara Lake is also known for a large number of bird species nesting there. If you are looking for a trek on unspoiled paths through wild and untouched nature, this trek is the best choice.

Rara Lake Trek Quick Facts:

  • Length / Duration: about 90 km / 8 – 14 days
  • Number of hikers annually: 200
  • Difficulty: medium
  • The maximum height reached: 3,200 meters (Ghurchi Mara)
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Starting point / destination: Jumla / Simikot
  • Necessary Permits: RAP and Rara National Park Entry Permit
  • Guide needed? Yes
  • Best travel time: March – December

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Like many other treks through the Annapurna Mountains, it also starts in the small town of Beni, which is about two to three hours’ drive from Pokhara.

During the first few days, we will walk along the green pastures of the Myagdi Khola River to the Chhonbardan Glacier, which lies at the foot of Dhaulagiri. The higher you go, the fewer the villages become. In the last few days on the trek, you will experience almost absolute seclusion in completely uninhabited mountain regions.

The Dhaulagiri with its 8,167 meters altitude seems almost within reach. From Dhaulagiri Base Camp, cross the French Pass (5,360 meters) into the Hidden Valley. The descent is over the Dhampus Pass steeply down to Jomson, almost 2,000 meters difference in altitude in just two days.

The Dhaulagiri Circuit is not an easy trek and is therefore only suitable if you already have experience from comparable heights over 5,000 meters. You will spend three whole days here in the snow-capped mountains.

If you also want to climb the Dhampus Peak at 6,060 meters, it is in any case necessary that you bring along mountaineering skills such as the experienced use of crampons and experience in ice climbing.

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek Quick Facts:

  • Length / Duration: about 120 – 280 km / 12 – 21 days
  • A number of hikers per year: approx. 1,000
  • Difficulty: challenging
  • The maximum height reached: 5,360 meters (French Col)
  • Accommodation: Camping
  • Starting point / destination: Darbang / Marpha
  • Necessary Permits: TIMS, ACAP
  • Guide needed? No, but recommended
  • Best travel time: March-May and September – November

Annapurna Dhaulagiri Panorama Trek

For Nepal travelers with a tight budget, this route is the best trek. From Nayapul the trek takes you on a fairly easy hike to Gandruk.

From there it goes straight up through a pristine, lush forest of rhododendrons and over small streams to Ghorepani. If you want to avoid the steep climb, the trek should go in the opposite direction.

First, the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Panorama Trek runs as well as the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. From Ghorepani, it goes down to the valley and from there again in a zigzag course up to the ridge of Khopra Danda, the highest point of the route. From here you can walk to Lake Khair.

A phenomenal highlight of the trek is the local view of the Dhaulagiri, which is spectacular especially at sunrise.

From Khopre Danda it goes down to Tatopani. Many small Hindu and Buddhist shrines line the wayside.

Annapurna Dhaulagiri Panorama Trek Quick Facts:

  • Length / Duration: about 160 – 230 km / 4 – 10 days
  • Number of hikers annually: 1,000 – 2,000
  • Difficulty level: easy
  • Maximum altitude reached: 3,210 / 3,640 meters (Khopra Danda)
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Trek
  • Starting point / destination: Nayapul / Tatopani
  • Necessary Permits: TIMS, ACAP
  • Guide needed? No, but recommended
  • Best travel time: February – May, and September – December

Three Passes Trek – Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La

With three passes to cross at over 5,000 feet, the Three Passes Trek is the ultimate trekking adventure!

This trek is the perfect way to get to know the entire region around Everest while trekking in Nepal. You cross Solo Khumbu and the three passes Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La. Nowhere else will you have such a unique view of the highest mountain in the world.

The Three Passes Trek runs at extreme altitudes. With a duration of almost three weeks, you will be closer to the lives of the Sherpas in the Nepalese mountains than on other treks. All hikers to the Everest Base Camp Trek leave behind you.

The Three Passes Trek starts and ends in Namche Bazaar and can be hiked in both directions. Many people find it less cumbersome to hike counterclockwise, as otherwise the extreme gradient to cross the Renjo La is very demanding.

The Three Passes is even more challenging than the Everest Base Camp or the Gokyo Lakes Trek. The treks can be combined perfectly if you bring enough time.

Usually, the trek starts from Lukla, where the mountain airport is located. He can be reached by plane or helicopter from Kathmandu. Alternatively, it is also possible to start the trek in Phaplu or Jiri, which extends the trek by four or seven days. This is the ultimate Nepal trekking adventure!

Three Passes Trek – Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La Quick Facts:

  • Length / Duration: about 166 km / 18 – 22 days
  • Number of hikers annually: 10,000 – 15,000
  • Difficulty: challenging
  • The maximum height reached: 5,545 meters (Kala Patthar)
  • Accommodation: Teahouse Trek
  • Starting point/destination: Jiri / Lukla or Lukla / Lukla
  • Necessary Permits: TIMS and Sagarmatha National Park Permit to submit in Monjo
  • Guide needed? No, but recommended
  • Best travel time: March-May and September – November

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