Top 15 Trekking Routes in Nepal: A Journey Through the Himalayas
Nepal, home to eight of the world's ten highest peaks, offers some of the most stunning trekking
routes on the planet. From high-altitude adventures that test endurance to more relaxed trails
through rich cultural landscapes, Nepal is a trekking paradise for enthusiasts of all levels.
Whether you’re drawn by the towering presence of Mount Everest or the isolated charm of the
remote Mustang region, each route offers its own unique experience.
In this blog, we explore the top 15 trekking routes in Nepal, each with its own distinct allure,
difficulty level, and breathtaking scenery.
Table of Contents
Top 15 Trekking Routes in Nepal himalayas.
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
2. Annapurna Circuit Trek
3. Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
4. Langtang Valley Trek
5. Manaslu Circuit Trek
6. Upper Mustang Trek
7. Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek
8. Makalu Base Camp Trek
9. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
10. Tsum Valley Trek
11. Helambu Trek
12. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
13. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
14. Mardi Himal Trek
15.Bhairab Kunda Trek
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
● Duration: 12–14 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 5,364 meters
● Best Season: March-May, September–November
The Everest Base Camp trek, arguably the world's most famous trek, takes you into the heart of
the Khumbu region, which is home to the Sherpa people and Sagarmatha National Park. Along
the route, you'll see vibrant Sherpa settlements, verdant valleys, and historic monasteries, as well
as glimpses of Mount Everest, the world's highest peak.
The Trek culminates at Everest Base Camp, where climbers prepare to attempt the summit. The
trek also involves a hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 meters), which offers panoramic views of Everest
and the surrounding peaks.
2. Annapurna Circuit Trek
● Duration: 15–20 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 5,416 meters (Thorong La Pass)
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a traditional route that takes trekkers through a diverse range of
scenery, including subtropical woods, alpine meadows, and parched desert-like terrain. The trek's
highlight is traversing the Thorong La Pass (5,416 meters), which is one of the worlds highest
trekking passes.
Trekkers will enjoy breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, as well as
cultural stops in Gurung, Thakali, and Tibetan communities.
3. Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
● Duration: 7–12 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 4,130 meters
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a shorter and more mild choice than the Annapurna Circuit,
but no less breathtaking. The trail ascends through terraced farmlands, rhododendron forests, and
traditional Gurung villages until arriving at the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheater
surrounded by towering peaks such as Annapurna I (8,091 meters) and Machhapuchhre (6,993
meters).
The trek provides close-up views of some of the worlds tallest mountains in a short amount of
time, making it a popular choice for trekkers.
4. Langtang Valley Trek
● Duration: 7–10 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 3,870 meters (Kyanjin Gompa)
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
Langtang Valley Trek, a hidden gem near Kathmandu, provides trekkers with breathtaking
alpine scenery as well as an opportunity to learn about Tamang culture. The trail travels through
Langtang National Park, which is home to a diverse range of species, including red pandas,
Himalayan tahr, and snow leopards.
Trekkers that visit Kyanjin Gompa are rewarded with panoramic views of Langtang Lirung
(7,227 meters) and other adjacent peaks. The 2015 earthquake seriously damaged the region, but
it has since rebuilt and now provides a satisfying journey for anyone seeking a less congested
path.
5. Manaslu Circuit Trek
● Duration: 14–18 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 5,160 meters (Larkya La Pass)
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
Manaslu Circuit Trek is ideal for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. This lonely
and less-traveled route encircle Mount Manaslu (8,163 meters), the world's eighth-highest
mountain, and provides stunning vistas of the Himalayas.
The walk takes you through traditional Tibetan communities, beautiful forests, and rugged alpine
terrain, culminating in the passage of Larkya Pass. The area's remoteness means less crowds,
resulting in a real trekking experience with plenty of quiet and natural beauty.
6. Upper Mustang Trek
● Duration: 12–16 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 3,840 meters
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
Upper Mustang Trek, known for its desert-like terrain and ancient Tibetan culture, takes you to
Lo Manthang, a once-forbidden kingdom. The location is part of the Tibetan Plateau, which
contrasts sharply with the lush, green valleys that characterize the majority of Nepalese treks.
Trekkers will pass through traditional villages with mud-brick dwellings, discover historic
monasteries, and attend the distinctive Tiji Festival if they arrive in the spring. This trek is one of
Nepal's most distinctive due to its cultural diversity and spectacular scenery.
7. Gokyo Lakes and Gokyo Ri Trek
● Duration: 12–15 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 5,357 meters (Gokyo Ri)
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
For those looking for an alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek, the Gokyo Lakes trek is an
excellent option. The walk takes you through the Gokyo Valley to a series of spectacular high-
altitude lakes to the summit of Gokyo Ri, which provides breathtaking views of Mount Everest,
Cho Oyu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier.
The walk offers more quieter than the busy Everest Base Camp route, and the sight of turquoise
lakes between towering hills is spectacular.
8. Makalu Base Camp Trek
● Duration: 18–22 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 5,000 meters
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
Makalu Base Camp Trek is one of Nepal's most Challenging treks, but the rewards are as
impressive. The trek leads to the base camp of Mount Makalu (8,485 meters), the world's fifth-
highest mountain, via magnificent forests, lonely communities, and the Barun Valley.
The route's isolation makes it ideal for trekkers seeking solitude and the opportunity to
experience Nepals raw, unspoiled splendor.
9. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
● Duration: 20–25 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 5,143 meters
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
For true wilderness enthusiasts, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is a journey into one of
Nepal's most remote and scenic areas. The journey leads to the base of Mount Kanchenjunga
(8,586 meters), the world's third highest peak.
This strenuous journey takes you through alpine meadows, rhododendron woods, and high-
altitude passes, as well as opportunities to connect with the local Rai and Limbu populations
10. Tsum Valley Trek
● Duration: 14–18 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 3,700 meters
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
Tsum Valley is a hidden treasure in the Manaslu region, allowing trekkers the opportunity to
explore a remote, culturally rich valley that has kept its historic Tibetan Buddhist tradition. The
valley is filled with monasteries, mani walls, and chortens, offering trekkers a highly spiritual
experience.
Tsum Valley, with its stunning splendor and Serene Atmosphere, is ideal for anyone wishing to
combine trekking with cultural exploration in an undisturbed region.
11. Helambu Trek
● Duration: 6–9 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 3,640 meters
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
Helambu Trek, which is close to Kathmandu, is a wonderful option for short-term trekkers. The
trail traverses through Sherpa and Tamang communities, providing insight into local culture
while offering breathtaking views of Langtang Lirung and other Himalayan peaks.
Though relatively short, the walk takes you through varied environments, including as lush
forests and terraced fields, making it a great beginning to trekking in Nepal.
12. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
● Duration: 4–7 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 3,210 meters
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of Nepal's most popular and accessible treks, suitable for both
novices and expert trekkers. It provides beautiful panoramic views of the Annapurna and
Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges, particularly from the Poon Hill viewpoint, which is known for its
spectacular sunrise views.
The Trek usually lasts 5-7days and takes you through beautiful rhododendron woods, quaint
Gurung and Magar villages, and terraced fields. Starting at Nayapul, the route continues through
scenic areas like as Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani, providing a blend of natural beauty and cultural
experiences.
13. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
● Duration: 18–22 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 5,360 meters
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
Dhaulagiri Circuit journey is a remote and challenging journey that circles the world's seventh-
highest mountain, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 metres). This difficult trek lasts approximately 18-21
days and takes travelers through a variety of environments, including lush lowland woods, alpine
meadows, and jagged glaciers.
The trek also includes Camping in remote places and passing through traditional Magar
communities, giving participants a raw and immersive Himalayan experience. This journey is
suited for experienced trekkers who desire isolation and excitement.
14. Mardi Himal Trek
â—Ź Duration: 5-7 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 4500 meters
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden treasure in the Annapurna region that provides a short but
satisfying trekking experience. Typically completed in 5-7 days, it takes trekkers to the Mardi
Himal Base Camp (4,500m), which offers breathtaking views of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail),
Annapurna, and Hiunchuli. The trip takes you through beautiful rhododendron forests, alpine
meadows, and traditional Gurung settlements.
It is a less popular route than other treks in the area, providing a tranquil and scenic experience.
The Mardi Himal walk is suitable for people looking for a shorter, gentler walk with stunning
mountain scenery.
15.Bhairab Kunda Trek
● Duration: 8–10 days
â—Ź Max Altitude: 4,250 meters
● Best Season: March–May, September–November
Bhairab Kunda trek is a slightly off-the-beaten-path trip in northeast Nepal that leads to the
sacred Bhairab Kunda Lake (4,250 meters). The journey lasts 8-10 days and includes a mix of
natural beauty and cultural exploration, going through remote villages inhabited by Sherpa,
Tamang, and Newar people. The trail winds through lush woods, alpine meadows, and
ridgelines, offering breathtaking views of the Langtang, Jugal, and Rolwaling mountain ranges.
The lake itself is a pilgrimage destination, so the journey combines action and spirituality. This
hike is ideal for people looking for a quieter, less crowded experience.
