Going trekking in Nepal? Let’s help you with a snapshot overview of what’s likely the twelve best treks in Nepal. At least, they are currently the most popular treks in Nepal, based on number of trekkers.
Every year Nepal attracts +200,000 trekkers. That also means that every year +200,000 people are faced with the hard choice of selecting which trekking destination to explore in Nepal. Let’s face it – this is not an easy choice.
How odd it may sound the decision of choosing your favorite trek might actually be easier made in your home country (likely with proper internet connection also…) than in the bustling trekking and tourist area, Thamel, where hundreds of trekking agencies inevitably will offer you different opinions as to which trek is the best trek in Nepal.
Worst case, some opinions offered by local trekking agencies might be more profit driven than anything else. Best case, you’ll receive good but likely different pieces of advice from various prudent trekking companies in Kathmandu. Because which trek is actually the best in Nepal?
While some may believe there’s an ultimate answer to that question it does literally come down to your own personal trekking preferences. Let us exemplify with a few relevant aspects of trekking which you need to consider, before being able to zoom in on THE best trek in Nepal, for you personally:
What level of trekking difficulty are you seeking?
How many days do you have available for trekking in Nepal?
Looking for a remote trekking destination, or, will a touristy one be okay as well?
Are you a budget traveler or is price less relevant for you?
During which season(s) are you trekking in Nepal? (some treks are not recommended during the monsoon and winter season)
Looking for remote and hard camping treks (also sometimes named ‘adventure treks’) or the simpler guesthouse treks?
Are you alone, or with someone? Some treks in Nepal have Restricted Permits and hence requires a minimum of two people, and the company of a Nepali guide or porter.
Below we’re listing the currently 12 most popular trekking destinations in Nepal taking into account the above mentioned trekking parameters, a 3-liner sales pitch, high and low-lights, and finally its Trek Facts.
Hopefully this best treks in Nepal crash-course will assist you further with selecting your favorite trekking destination.
1. EVEREST BASE CAMP – 12/13 days, +25,000 trekkers/year
Everest Base Camp Trek
Great trekking terrain! You’ll stand face-to-face with the world’s highest mountain – Mountain Everest (8,850 m), and see multiple other majestic peaks. You’ll also meet the Sherpa people, renowned for the climbing skills. In short, fantastic trekking experience.
Highlights
Stand face-to-face with Mt. Everest and experience Everest Base Camp itself.
Kala Patthar at 5,600 meters, a vantage point providing fantastic views of majestic peaks such as Nuptse, Lhotse, and Mount Everest
Great trekking trail and excellent mountain landscapesLowlight
You’ll trek up and down on more or less the same trail.
Trek Facts
Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 – Medium difficulty
Remoteness: Not Remote (due to the number of trekkers)
Pricing: Medium (#USD spent/day)
Best Season: March-May and October-November
Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
Restricted Permits: No.
Max elevation: 5,600 m, Kala Patthar
Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.
⇒ Compare prices for Everest Base Camp or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for Everest Base Camp
2. ANNAPURNA CIRCUIT – 13/14 days, the entire Annapurna Region +100,000 trekkers/year
Trekking in Annapurna Circuit
Good trekking terrain. Great Himalayan scenery. Comfortable trek with lots of tea-houses. In recentyears road building has taken place along some parts of the trek, unfortunately decreasing the overall trekking experience.
Highlights
Diverse trekking terrain as a result of high difference in altitudes – varying from 760 m to 5,416 m
Developed trek giving a high degree of comfort
Lowlight
Road building next to the trail at some parts of the trek.
Trek Facts
Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 – Medium Difficulty
Remoteness: Not Remote (due to the number of trekkers)
Pricing: Cheap (#USD spent/day)
Best Season: March-May and October-November
Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
Restricted Permits: No.
Max elevation: 5,416 m, Thorong La Pass
Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.
⇒ Compare prices for Annapurna Circuit or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for Annapurna Circuit
3. ANNAPURNA BASE CAMP – 9/10 days – Part of the Annapurna Region, +100,000 trekkers/year
Mt. Annapurna as seen from Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp (4,320m) will allow you to stand face-to-face with the world’s most dangerous mountain to Climb (not trek…) – Annapurna I (8.091 m). Only having 10 days for trekking this trek is without doubt a great option.
Highlights
An authentic and real trekking experience, considering the rather short trekking duration.
Great trail and landscape, the closer you get to Annapurna Base Camp.
In close proximity to the city Pokhara, also worthwhile exploring after the trek.
Lowlight
Trek Facts
Trekking Difficulty: Level 2 – Moderate
Remoteness: Not Remote
Pricing: Cheap (#USD spent/day)
Best Season: March-May and October-November
Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
Restricted Permits: No.
Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): No. Normally too much snow. Risk of avalanches.
⇒ Compare prices for Annapurna Base Camp or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for Annapurna Base Camp
4. POONHILL TREK – 5-7 days, Part of the Annapurna Region, +100,000 trekkers/year
Sunrise from Poonhill
Poonhill (3,210 m) offers great views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges. It’s a great trek for a sneak-peak into the trekking world. Highly recommended if only a few days available for trekking in Nepal.
Highlights
Sunrise atop Poonhill with a fantastic panoramic view of the Himalayas
Cultural trek, especially Ghandruk, an antique and culturally rich village
In close proximity to the city Pokhara, also worthwhile exploring after the trek.
Lowlight
Trek Facts
Trekking Difficulty: Level1/2 – Easy to Moderate difficulty
Remoteness: Not Remote
Pricing: Cheap (#USD spent/day)
Best Season: March-May and October-November
Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
Restricted Permits: No.
Max elevation: 3,210 m, Poonhill
Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.
⇒ Compare prices for the Poonhill Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Poonhill trek
5. LANGTANG TREK – 7-13 days – 13,000 trekkers/year
Langtang
The best trek in Nepal, if only having 7-8 days available. Situated in the North towards Tibet. Langtang is a good trek offering cultural insights such as monasteries, local villages, and an opportunity to select and hike you own preferred 4,984 m peak.
Highlights
Reaching atop Tserko Peak at an altitude of 4,984 m.
A 100% authentic trekking experience, even if only going for 7 days!
A culturally rich trek highly influenced by Tibetan traditions.
Lowlight
The trail is almost the same – up and down.
Trek Facts
Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 – Moderate difficulty
Remoteness: Not Remote-Remote
Pricing: Cheap (#USD spent/day)
Best Season: March-May and October-November
Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
Restricted Permits: No.
Max elevation: 4,984m, Tserko Ri
Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.
⇒ Compare prices for the Langtang Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Langtang Trek
6. MANASLU TREK – 14 days – 6,500 trekkers/year
Trekking in Manaslu Circuit
The Manaslu trek officially opened for trekking in the early 90s, a cutural trek par excellence, and without a doubt one of the best treks in Nepal. An appropriate name might be ‘Anaslu’ as this trek is likely to take over the popularity of the infamous Annapurna Circuit trek. Highly recommended.
The day of crossing the Larke Pass – a day of challenge and full adventure!
The entire trail – diverse, remote, and secluded, enriched by very different topography as a result of varying altitudes – 600 m to 5,135 m. You’ll walk in a circuit and hence the trail will keep on changing, until its end.
The cosy village of Samagaun from where you’ll also visit Manaslu Base Camp.Lowlight
The word has spread that Manaslu is indeed one of Nepal’s best treks. Accommodation may be therefore be scarce, especially during high season – Oct and Mar-April.
Trek Facts
Trekking Difficulty: Level 4 – Hard
Remoteness: Remote
Pricing: Medium (#USD spent/day)
Best Season: March-May and October-November.
Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or Porter.
Max elevation: 5,115m, Larke Pass
Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): On and off, but mostly Yes. The obstacle is the day of crossing the Larke Pass at an altitude of 5,135 m.
⇒ Compare prices for the Manaslu Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Manaslu Trek
7. EVEREST BASE CAMP 3 PASSES TREK – 18 days – Part of the Solu Khumbu region, +36,000 trekkers/year
Everest Base Camp 3 Passes TrekLooking for an adventure of a lifetime? This is the ultimate Everest quest. It is a long and challenging trek with 4 passes to climb. ALL efforts are, however, rewarded by stunning peaks, pristine nature, and excellent trails.
Crossing each of the 3 passes is a challenge, and a great adventure. Kong Ma La represents the biggest challenge of the 3 passes.
Fantastic trekking trail – remote, diverse and secluded. You’ll be walking in a circuit so the trail will just keep on changing.
Crossing Himalayas’ widest glacier – the Ngozumba Glacier – an exciting trespassing.
Lowlight
Good question. We’re in doubt ourselves if there is one!
Trek Facts
Trekking Difficulty: Level 4 – Hard
Remoteness: Very Remote
Pricing: Medium (#USD spent/day)
Best Season: March-May and October-November.
Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
Restricted Permits: No.
Max elevation: 5,540m, Kong Ma La Pass
Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): No. The 3 passes are not passable during Winter.
⇒ Compare prices for the Everest Base Camp 3 Passes Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers
8.GOKYO – 12 days – Part of the Sulu Khumbu Region, +36,000 trekkers/year
Gokyo Lake
Situated just west of the Everest Base Camp trek the Gokyo trek is a great alternative if looking for fewer tourists and more remote nature. The five Emerald Lakes together with majestic mountain peaks is at the core of this trek.
Highlights
The cozy and beautiful village of Gokyo. If possible, spend an extra day there!
The 5 emerald green lakes of the Gokyo region.
Gokyo Ri – a peak and vantage point providing the best panoramic view of the Himalayas! (compared with all other treks in Nepal)
Lowlight
Unless also crossing the Renjo La Pass, it’s almost the same trail up and down.
Trek Facts
Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 – Medium difficulty
Remoteness: Remote
Pricing: Medium (#USD spent/day)
Best Season: March-May and October-November
Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
Restricted Permits: No.
Max elevation: 5,357m, Gokyo Ri
Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.
⇒ Compare prices for the Gokyo trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Gokyo Trek
9. UPPER MUSTANG – 14 days – 3,000 trekkers/year
Lomangthang Upper Mustang
Mustang, a former Himalayan Kingdom, is considered a last bastion of Tibetan culture. An otherwise traditional camping trek which is now available via conveniently spaced guesthouses. A great option if looking for unique Tibetan culture together with beautiful landscapes. Recommended!
Highlights
The Mustang area’s capital city – Lo Manthang
Treeless and barren landscapes
A journey full of cultural inputs and Tibetan traditions
Lowlight
Relentless afternoon winds can be a challenge.
Trek Facts
Trekking Difficulty: Level 3,4 – Medium-Hard
Remoteness: Very Remote
Pricing: High (#USD spent/day)
Best Season: March-May and October-November
Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or Porter. The Restricted Permit for Upper Mustang costs USD 500 for up to 10 days and USD 50 for each day hereafter.
Max elevation: 3,810 m, Dhakmar
Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.
⇒ Compare prices for the Upper Mustang Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Upper Mustang trek
10. UPPER DOLPO – 22 days – 1,900 trekkers/year
Gorakh Upper Dolpo
It’s a hidden gem filled with cultural impressions – Tibetan style villages, barren landscapes, mountain peaks, and fertile rice terraces. It’s expensive but also fantastic. The mystique and uniqueness of the Upper Dolpo region was manifested by Peter Matthiessen in ‘The Snow Leopard’ written in 1979.
The secluded Shey Phoksundo lake and the Shey Gomba monasteries
High and secluded Himalayan valleys, resembling the Tibetan plateau
Superb view of the Kanjirowa Himal mountain
Lowlight
It’s a very remote area and as a result you will spend up to 4 days travelling to and from the trek, having Kathmandu as a starting point.
Trek Facts
Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 – Medium difficulty
Remoteness: Very Remote
Pricing: High (#USD spent/day)
Best Season: March-May and October-November
Accommodation type: Camping
Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or Porter. The Restricted Permit for Upper Dolpo costs USD 500 for up to 10 days and USD 50 for each day hereafter.
Max elevation: 5,250 m, Kang La Pass
Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Not advisable. Too remote and too cold. Crossing the Kang La Pass is likely not possible.
⇒ Compare prices for the Upper Dolpo Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Upper Dolpo Trek
11. KANCHENJUNGA – 20 days – 650 trekkers/year
Mt. Kanchenjunga
Camping adventure trek of a life time. You’ll be visiting one of the most rural regions in Nepal, surrounded by absolute pristine nature. It’s a hard and long trek and should only be done by rather fit trekkers. Go there!
Highlights
The day of crossing the Lapsang La Pass at an altitide of 5,160 m
Great trekking trail, in a very secluded area of the Himalayas
Splendid views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Makalu, the world’s 3rd and 5th highest mountains in the world, respectively.
Lowlight
Transportation to and from the Kanchenjunga trek may take up to 3-4 full days.
Trek Facts
Trekking Difficulty: Level 4 out of 5 – Hard
Remoteness: Very Remote
Pricing: High (#USD spent/day)
Best Season: March-May and October-November. Not recommended during winter
Accommodation type: Camping
Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or Porter. The Restricted Permit for Kanchejunga costs US$ 10 per person per week.
Max elevation: 5,160 m, Lapsang Pass
Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Not advisable. Too cold and too remote.
⇒ Compare prices for the Kanchenjunga Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Kanchenjunga Trek
12. MAKALU BASE CAMP – 17 days – 1,500 trekkers/year
Makalu Base Camp
Mt. Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world, presents you with challenging trails and unspoiled nature. Do not expect to meet other trekkers but do expect 100% communion with nature. A trek for the fit and adventurous.
Highlights
Unspoiled trails and landscapes during the entire trek.
Stunning mountain scenery, inter alia the lofty vantage point Shersong ridge at 5,250 m
100% authentic trekking in terms of self-sufficiency and and self-equipped
LowlightIt’s the same trail up and down.
Trek Facts
Trekking Difficulty: Level 4 out of 5 – Hard
Remoteness: Very Remote
Pricing: High (#USD spent/day)
Best Season: March-May and October-November. Not recommended during winter
Accommodation type: Camping
Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or Porter. The Restricted Permit for Makalu Base Camp costs US$ 10 per person for the first four weeks. After four weeks US$ 20 per person.
Max elevation: 5,250 m, Shersong ridge
Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Not advisable. Too cold and too remote.
⇒ Compare prices for the Makalu Base Camp Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Makalu Base Camp Trek
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