Nepal is a trekker’s paradise, Trek Pathways offering a variety of trails that cater to different levels of adventure and difficulty. From world-renowned treks that lead to the base camps of towering Himalayan peaks to lesser-known paths that lead through untouched landscapes, there's something for every kind of trekker. Here's a list of the 10 best trekking routes in Nepal, each offering unique experiences.
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
Duration: 12–14 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Max Altitude: 5,364 meters (Everest Base Camp)
Highlights:
This is the most famous trek in Nepal, offering iconic views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks. You'll trek through Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and ancient monasteries, like Tengboche Monastery.
The route offers stunning views of Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
You get to experience the unique Sherpa culture, and visiting Kala Patthar for a panoramic view of Everest is a highlight.
Best Time: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November).
2. Annapurna Circuit Trek
Duration: 12–21 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: 5,416 meters (Thorong La Pass)
Highlights:
The Annapurna Circuit is one of the most famous treks in Nepal, with a diverse range of landscapes. From subtropical forests to alpine deserts, it’s a trek that offers everything.
The highlight is crossing the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world.
Visit Manang and Jomsom for cultural immersion and explore the Muktinath Temple, an important pilgrimage site.
Best Time: Autumn (September–November) and Spring (March–May).
3. Langtang Valley Trek
Duration: 7–10 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: 4,380 meters (Kyanjin Ri)
Highlights:
The Langtang Valley trek is a beautiful and relatively short trek compared to others, offering stunning views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, and Manaslu
The trek takes you through charming Tamang villages, forests, and ancient Buddhist monasteries
Visit the Kyanjin Gompa monastery and hike up to Kyanjin Ri for a panoramic view of the valley
Best Time: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November).
4. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Duration: 4–6 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Max Altitude: 3,210 meters (Poon Hill)
Highlights:
This is an ideal trek for those with limited time but who still want to experience the beauty of the Annapurnas.
The Poon Hill viewpoint offers stunning sunrise views of Annapurna, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Dhaulagiri.
The trek is relatively easy, suitable for first-time trekkers or families, passing through lush rhododendron forests and picturesque villages.
Best Time: Autumn (September–November) and Spring (March–May).
5. Upper Dolpo Trek
Duration: 20–25 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Max Altitude: 5,190 meters (Numa La Pass)
Highlights:
One of the most remote treks in Nepal, offering a truly off-the-beaten-path experience. Upper Dolpo is known for its Tibetan culture and spectacular landscapes.
Visit the beautiful Shey Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal, and explore Shey Gompa, an ancient Buddhist monastery.
The trek is challenging due to its high altitude, remote location, and rugged terrain.
Best Time: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November).
6. Manaslu Circuit Trek
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult
Max Altitude: 5,160 meters (Larkya La Pass)
Highlights:
The Manaslu Circuit trek takes you through a region that is still relatively undiscovered compared to other trekking areas like Everest or Annapurna.
Trek through beautiful villages, pristine forests, and rugged mountain landscapes, with a chance to cross the Larkya La Pass.
It’s a great opportunity to experience Tibetan culture in the Tsum Valley and surrounding regions
Best Time: Autumn (September–November) and Spring (March–May).
7. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Duration: 20–25 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Max Altitude: 5,143 meters (Kanchenjunga Base Camp)
Highlights:
Kanchenjunga is the third-highest mountain in the world, and the trek to its base camp is one of the most remote and breathtaking in Nepal.
You’ll pass through lush forests, remote villages, and yak pastures, with spectacular views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Everest.
This trek offers both cultural immersion and the opportunity to explore the pristine wilderness.
Best Time: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November).
8. Tsum Valley Trek
Duration: 10–14 days.
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: 3,700 meters (Mu Gompa)
Highlights:
The Tsum Valley is a hidden gem and one of the most culturally rich treks in Nepal. It is a sacred area for the people of Tsum who follow Tibetan Buddhism.
The valley offers views of towering peaks like Ganesh Himal and Manaslu
Explore remote monasteries, ancient Buddhist sites, and interact with locals in isolated villages.
Best Time: Autumn (September–November) and Spring (March–May).
9. Rara Lake Trek
Duration: 8–12 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max Altitude: 3,048 meters (Rara Lake)
Highlights:
Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal and is located in the remote northwestern part of the country.
The trek is perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in nature and serenity.
The lake is surrounded by lush forests and snow-capped mountains, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Best Time: Autumn (September–November) and Spring (March–May).
10. Makalu Base Camp Trek
Duration: 18–22 days
Difficulty: Difficult
Max Altitude: 5,250 meters (Makalu Base Camp)
Highlights:
The Makalu Base Camp trek takes you to the base of the 5th highest mountain in the world, offering an adventurous and off-the-beaten-path experience.
The trek goes through Makalu Barun National Park, which is home to diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
You'll encounter a variety of ecosystems and pass through remote villages, as well as enjoy views of Makalu, Baruntse, and Lhotse.
Best Time: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November).
Key Considerations for Trekking in Nepal:
Permits: Most treks in Nepal require special permits, such as the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), Sagarmatha National Park Permit (Everest), or the Restricted Area Permit for places like Manaslu and Dolpo.
Altitude: Some of these treks take you to high altitudes, so acclimatization is crucial to avoid altitude sickness.
Guides and Porters: Hiring a guide or porter is highly recommended, especially for more remote or challenging treks, as they can help with navigation, logistics, and local knowledge.