5 Popular Treks in Nepal Every Hiker Must Do

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Nepal is a popular budget destination and is known for its Himalayas and breathtaking trekking routes.

Once you trek to the Himalayas of Nepal, you will get stuck the rest of your life there.  The majestic beauty of the ranges of the towering peaks and traversing through their foothills is such an amazing experience.

Nepal owns several popular treks that attract thousands of trekkers every year. Trekkers who visit Nepal once cannot stop longing to visit this land of Himalayas again and again.

The serene Himalayas, the hospitality of lovely locals, and unique culture and tradition entice trekkers around the world.

You can group treks or opt for solo trekking depending on your trek preference. Also, the treks in Nepal are possible throughout the year.

If you want to do more than just trekking then you can also plan for peak climbing as well. Hundreds of climbing peaks ranging from easy to difficult grade, you can plan to climb any of them in Nepal.

Here, we have listed down the 5 popular treks in Nepal. Discover which trek lures you the most.

Everest Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp Trek, also known as EBC trek, is in the bucket list of majority trekkers around the world. The ultimate goal of the trekkers in this trek is to stand at the Base Camp of the highest mountain in the world. And experience how it feels to be there.

Then, the view of the towering Everest from the most popular viewpoint – Kala Patthar is something that is beyond words to describe.

It is not just the Base Camp that ceases to amaze the travelers. The entire journey to the Base Camp is adventurous. You trek alongside the roaring Dudh Koshi River, cross through beautiful high passes, and stay in famous Sherpa’s towns like Namche Bazaar.

On your way, you will visit Buddhist monasteries, gompas, stupas, and discover the unique culture and tradition of locals. And the spectacular views of Everest, Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, Thamserku accompany you throughout the trek.  

The trek is of around 12 -14 days in total. Rated as a moderately difficult trek, you gain the maximum elevation of 5,643 m at Kala Patthar. The best season for the Everest Base Camp Trek is from March to May and October to November.

You need a Sagarmatha National Park Permit costing USD 30, and the Solukhumbu Regional Fee, which costs USD 20 for the trek.

If you want to explore more of the Everest region, then you can also opt for peak climbing in the popular climbing peaks like Island Peak, Lobuche Peak, and Mera Peak.

Everest Base Camp Trek Highlights

• Witness diverse wildlife of Sagarmatha National Park
• Observe the Khumbu glacier right in front of you
• Catch sight of Mt. Everest, Mt. Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, and other mountains closely
• Visit Tengboche monastery, one of the oldest monasteries of the Khumbu region
• Explore the renowned town of Namche Bazaar
• Befriend Sherpa people

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a classic trekking journey in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. On this trek, you will walk alongside the Marshyangdi River and witness Annapurna massifs with other beautiful mountains.

After such wonderful and eye-soothing trek, you reach the pleasant valley of Manang. You then ascend to an altitude of 5,416 meters on the Thorong La Pass and descend to a unique and deserted terrain of Mustang.

Annapurna Circuit Trek is the most diversified trek where you’ll walk around the pathways under Annapurna ranges. There are so many amazing side trips you can add to this trip including Tilicho lake, Ice Lake, Nar Phu Valley, Upper Mustang, and more.

This trek usually takes about 14 – 16 days. The best time to go for this trek is from March to May and October to November. Rated as moderately difficult, the hardest part of this trek is crossing the Thorong La Pass. On this day, you will walk for about 9-10 hours.

The construction of the road has eased the exploration of the Circuit in lesser days and comfortably. But you should spend enough acclimatization days on this trek to cut-off the risks of altitude sickness.

Annapurna Circuit Trek Highlights

• Ascend to Thorong La Pass, 5,416 meters
• Walk through Kali Gandaki gorge – the deepest gorge in the world
• Collect blessings at Muktinath temple and several Buddhist monasteries
• Interact with Gurung and Magar ethnic groups
• Witness stunning waterfalls
• Explore popular villages namely Manang, Kagbeni, and Jomsom

Langtang Valley Trek

Those who wish to take a break from their hectic life and go into the place with a tranquil environment, Langtang Valley Trek is the perfect option. Langtang Valley lies on the north of Kathmandu. Its trailhead Syabrubesi lies about an 8-hours drive from Kathmandu.

You need Langtang National Park Entry fee of USD 30 and TIMS of USD 20 to trek in the Langtang region.

On this trek, you pass through rhododendron forest, stunning waterfalls, and beautiful settlements of Tamang. Witness the exotic trails, you will reach Langtang Valley and Kyanjin Gompa. Do not forget to pay tribute to the lost lives of entire Langtang Village on the 2015 earthquake.

Like many trekkers, you can also add Gosaikunda Trek on your Langtang Valley Trek. This adds about 3 more days on your trek. Gosaikunda is a holy lake of Hindus and Buddhists that attract thousands of devotees in the full moon of August.

Your Langtang Valley Trip can usually be between 8 – 13 days. The highest elevation you reach in this moderately difficult trek is 4,984m at Tserko Ri. Like many other treks in Nepal, the best season to trek to Langtang Valley is from March to May and October to November.

Langtang Valley Trek Highlights

• Explore the re-built locales of Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa
• Catch the stunning view from Tserko Ri
• Walk to the Gosaikunda lake and dozens of other lakes
• Visit Yak cheese factories
• Witness spectacular views of Langtang Lirung and other mountains

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

For those who have a very tight schedule, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the perfect short trek in Annapurna region. You can complete this trek in 5 days without any hassle.

There are many teahouses on every village en route to Ghorepani Poon Hill. You require ACAP and TIMS permits to go for Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek takes you to the most beautiful place in the Annapurna Region. The trek offers heart-stirring views of the Himalayas, and sea of hills. Plus, you will find the wide pastures, rhododendron forests, and small settlements on the trek quite alluring.

The sunrise and sunset view upon Annapurna Massif from Poon Hill is the best part of this trek. The spectacular views of the sky changing its colors during the sunrise are the most remarkable sight of this trek.

So, if you are into travel photography, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be your paradise. But, as you will be walking through the rugged mountainsides, you need to be extra careful about your photography gears. To be on the safe side, you should carry along a proper camera backpack.

Poon Hill at 3,210 m is the highest elevation you reach on this trek. The trek is quite easy to moderate in difficulty rating.

With a time-to-time rest, anybody with a moderate physical fitness can complete this trek. So, if you are new to the trekking world or want to start with an easy and short trek in Nepal, no other trek comes near to this one.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Highlights

• Rejoice at photographer’s Paradise
• Heart-stopping sunrise view over Annapurna ranges
• Walk through the trail passing through vibrant red rhododendron forest
• Explore the diverse landscape
• Walk through lovely Gurung Villages including Ghorepani

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you through the beautiful Gurung Villages of Tadapani, Poon Hill, and Chhomrong on the base of Annapurna ranges. You can combine short treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Ghandruk Trek, Panchase Trek, and more with this trek.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the second most popular trek of Nepal. You wander through the beautiful hills for days to reach the foot of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurna South.

You can complete Annapurna Base Camp trek in around 12 – 15 days in total. Nayapul – a town located within an hour’s drive distance from Pokhara is the trailhead of the trek. You pass through Gurung settlements, rhododendron and oak forests en route to Annapurna Base Camp.

The maximum elevation you gain in this trek is 4,320 m at Annapurna Base Camp. It is moderate in difficulty rating. There are tea-houses along the way, so you can find a comfortable place for food and lodging.

The best time to trek this route is from March to May and October to November. And to trek in this region, you need two different permits – ACAP permit and TIMS card.  

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights

• Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise view from Poon Hill
• Explore beautiful Gurung settlements on the way
• Pass through Machhapuchhre Base Camp
• Stand at the Base Camp of Annapurna South
• See Annapurna Glacier
• Witness the majestic Annapurna massif

To Sum Up,

Nepal homes hundreds of trekking trails which entice thousands of visitors every year. Other recommended mentions are Upper Dolpo Trek, Gokyo Ri Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek, Upper Mustang Trek, and Manaslu Circuit Trek.

These treks offer you a chance to delve into the wilds and know yourself better. As you explore the Himalayas, befriend locals, and loosen up at the evening in teahouses, you will realize what you had missed all these years.

So, when are you setting-off for the Himalayas?