List of treks in Nepal
Listed in duration order, here are some of the most popular treks in Nepal. Duration days are marked with a + to signify that you can take longer if you wish. Please note all treks durations start from their starting point, not arrival into Nepal. All of these treks are written in full detail in my guidebook Trekking in Nepal.
Contents
Nepal Treks: table of contents
Please note: the maps on this page are not to be used as physical trekking maps, they are here only to show the rough outline and region of a trek. Full maps are available in my trekking in Nepal guidebook.
If you need help choosing a trek, then do have read of my guide on how to choose the right trek in Nepal.
Please avoid using online or downloadable map apps when trekking in Nepal. Over the past few years a number of trekkers have become lost, or have died by following popular offline downloadable maps. Unfortunately anyone can upload routes on these apps, and the result is that some have been incorrect, referred to different seasons, or quite simply the route has changed resulting in serious issues for trekkers.
Use official trekking maps available in Kathmandu or Pokhara and or hire a trekking guide.
Read the full report: Why Map Apps in Nepal Can Be Dangerous
Trekking categories
Short treks in Nepal
A small Gurung village with a mountain view of the Annapurnas. A bus or car ride brings you to a trail followed by a short 2-3 hour trek to Dhampus.
- Local village overnight stay
- Nepalese valley trail
- On a clear day the Annapurna Mountain range
A full guide to this trek is available in my guidebook to Nepal.
This easy, family‑friendly trek offers superb sunrise and sunset views of the Annapurna massif and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), plus an authentic glimpse into Gurung and Magar village culture.
- Panoramic Himalayan views from Australian Camp
- Walk through rhododendron forests and terraced farmland
- Perfect for beginners and families
- Conveniently close to Pokhara
Full details are available in my guidebook to Nepal →
A short trek near Pokhara with panoramic views of the Annapurna range.
- Wide panoramic views of Macchapuchare, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Lamjung and Manaslu
- Trekking through forest, farmland and rural stone villages up to Panchase Peak
An easy trek made famous by Britain's Prince Charles.
- Local village overnight stay
- Nepalese valley trail
- Following a route Prince Charles once took with a 40+ support team
- Today it's mainly disturbed by road - the Panchase trek is a viable alternative
A short comfortable trek with good accommodation and several well known lookouts over the Himalayas.
- Two sunrises over looking Everest
- Good clean accommodation
One of the most popular short treks, good for those unsure about trekking, on a short break or don't want anything too strenuous.
- Easy trek for the whole family
- Early climb up Poon Hill for a great view
- Hot springs at Tatopani
- Today Ghorepani Poon Hill can be reached by road. An alternative trek is the Muldai Trek which is road free.
Full guide to the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek → (also in my guidebook to Nepal)
A short trek which offers the same views as Poon Hill but with none of the crowds. Tea house accommodation is basic.
- Muldai Peak with rolling hills and great Annapurna views, no crowds
- Old school tea house feel
One of Nepal's few permit‑free community lodge treks that only takes a few days for great mountain views.
- Permit‑free community lodge trek, easy to reach
- Viewpoint over forest similar to Poon Hill
Need a Trekking Guide?
I can help. My Find a Trekking Guide service connects you with licensed, experienced guides across Nepal — from short Poon Hill treks to Everest Base Camp and the Three Passes. Tell me your trek name, dates and budget, and I'll match you with a guide I personally trust.
Medium treks in Nepal
Please note that not all treks follow the same route and so duration and village stays may change.
This quieter, off‑the‑beaten‑path trek takes you through lush forests and up to a spectacular ridge directly below Machhapuchhre, without the crowds of Poon Hill.
- Stunning close‑up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) and Annapurna South
- Trek through pristine rhododendron and oak forests
- Relatively uncrowded trail
- Best season: March–May, September–December
- Paired with the Annapurna Base Camp trek and they become one of the top treks in Nepal
Full guide to Mardi Himal Base Camp trek → (also in my guidebook to Nepal)
Trek down a valley and up into one of the most spectacular base camps in Nepal.
- The main valley can be spectacularly beautiful when in full bloom
- The base camp itself is impressive
- Paired with Mardi Himal and they become one of the best treks in Nepal
Full guide to Annapurna Base Camp trek → (also in my guidebook to Nepal)
An off the beaten path ridge trek that combines great views with relatively low altitudes.
- Excellent views with very few tourists
- Optional extra day to Khayer Lake
- Buses and jeeps from Tatopani if need be
- A top budget trek
One of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region which includes a flight.
- Good accommodation with jeeps available en‑route
- Excellent views and villages along the trail
- The road has largely destroyed this trek: it's suitable only for brief road tours
A magical valley trek with several viewpoints, a mere 6 hours from Kathmandu.
Langtang was badly damaged in the 2015 earthquake. The region is once again good to trek, but solo trekkers who've never trekked before should take a guide. Due to landslide risk, best to keep this trek for peak seasons.
- Snow capped valley ridges
- Low altitude viewpoints across the Himalayan mountain ranges
- One of the best treks for first time trekkers
Trek to the spectacular Gokyo Valley with its turquoise lakes and the iconic Gokyo Ri viewpoint, offering arguably the best panoramic view of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
- Stunning turquoise Gokyo Lakes
- Sunrise from Gokyo Ri (5,357m) with Everest views
- Less crowded than the main Everest Base Camp trail
- Option to extend to Cho La Pass and Everest Base Camp
Full guide to the Gokyo Ri trek → (also in my guidebook to Nepal)
Need a Trekking Guide?
I can help. My Find a Trekking Guide service connects you with licensed, experienced guides across Nepal — from short Poon Hill treks to Everest Base Camp and the Three Passes. Tell me your trek name, dates and budget, and I'll match you with a guide I personally trust. Alternatively, read my how to hire a trekking guide to DIY a trek.
Longer treks in Nepal
Please note that not all treks follow the same routes for longer treks so duration and village stays will change.
A famous landmark that's the starting point for summit mountaineers scaling Mount Everest.
- The flight to Lukla – one of the world's shortest runways on the side of a mountain
- Climbing Kala Patthar (5,545m)
Full guide to the Everest Base Camp trek → (also in my guidebook to Nepal)
The ultimate Everest region challenge, crossing three passes over 5,000m – Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La – while visiting Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes.
- Cross three high passes: Kongma La (5,535m), Cho La (5,420m), Renjo La (5,340m)
- Visit Everest Base Camp and climb Kala Patthar
- Trek through Gokyo Valley with turquoise lakes
- Spectacular mountain views without backtracking
- Requires excellent fitness, acclimatization, and prior trekking experience
One of Nepal's most famous treks. There's road in places these days, but a good guide will help you avoid it.
- Alternating landscapes from green forest to remote mountains
- Largely an 8-10 day trek as some sections have been covered in road - please read my guides below for the latest
- Due to relative ease early on, many people fail later by not taking enough acclimatization days. Do not drive further than Chame.
Guide to the Annapurna Circuit → (also in my guidebook to Nepal)
Experience the Annapurna Circuit as it was meant to be, on foot and away from jeep tracks, using ancient forest paths, ridge routes, and village trails.
- Completely road‑free (no tarmac, no jeep trails)
- Double high pass: the famous Thorong La Pass (5,416m) and Kang La Pass (5,420m)
- Diverse landscapes: from lush subtropical forests to high‑altitude desert
- Authentic teahouse accommodation
- Compulsory guide
A remote and wild trek around the world's 8th highest peak, with Tibetan culture, pristine forests, and the challenging Larkya La pass. Requires restricted area permit and guide.
- Cross Larkya La Pass (5,213m)
- Authentic Tibetan Buddhist villages
- Permit fees: US$100 per person for first 7 days, then US$15/day
- Compulsory guide
A beautiful trek combining the scenic Langtang Valley with the sacred alpine lakes of Gosainkunda, home to Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
- Visit the holy Gosainkunda Lake (4,610m)
- Trek through Langtang National Park with stunning Himalayan views
- Cross Laurebina Pass (4,610m)
- Possible to climb Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) and Tserko Ri (5,033m)
- Combine culture (Tamang villages) with high‑altitude scenery
- Best season: March–May and September–November
Rarer treks in Nepal
Please note permits for these treks are often required and terms change frequently. See my individual pages for the latest.
Step off the busy Annapurna Circuit into the medieval valleys of Nar and Phu, where Tibetan culture has remained untouched for centuries. Restricted area – permit required.
- Authentic Tibetan Buddhist villages and monasteries
- Cross Kang La Pass (5,322m)
- Permit fee: US$100 per week + US$15/day thereafter
- Compulsory guide
Venture into far east Nepal with this camping and tea house trek. Very few trekking companies offer this route – less tourists, but harder to find a guide.
- Over 30 peaks visible (Everest, Makalu, Lhotse)
- Community‑driven trek with focus on culture and ridge trekking
- Unfortunately, new roads and high trekking guide costs have made this trek difficult for many.
A remote and challenging trek around the massive Dhaulagiri massif, featuring glacier walking, high passes, and stunning views of the world's 7th highest peak. Mostly camping trek.
- Circuit around Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m)
- Cross French Pass (5,360m) and Dhampus Pass (5,200m)
- Walk on the Dhaulagiri Glacier
- Remote, uncrowded, and wild – camping required
- Requires excellent fitness and a guide
Trek into the "Forbidden Kingdom" of Mustang, a protected region with Tibetan Buddhist culture, desert landscapes, and ancient walled cities. Restricted area – permit required.
- Explore Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Mustang
- Desert landscapes reminiscent of Tibet
- Permit fees: US$50 per person per day
- Compulsory guide
- Roads have affected this trek, but see my guide to Upper Mustang on how to avoid it
Which Nepal Trek Is Right for You?
If you're still at the "I'm going to Nepal, what trek should I do?" stage, start with the Trekking in Nepal guidebook. It will help you narrow down a trek far faster than opening 20 browser tabs and reading conflicting advice.
Next, try the free trek match maker to help how to choose a trek.
Finally, you could also try find a trekking guide service as I can also help you choose a trek if you are stuck.
Take the Guesswork Out of Your Nepal Trip
Articles are great, but 20 tabs open on the move isn't. My guidebooks put years of honest on-the-ground research into one place, updated every season so you've got the latest information.
- Choose Your Format: High-res Digital or Print edition.
- Scalable Maps: Works offline with zero data or GPS.
- Real-World Logistics: Accurate costs and updated safety rules.
