Curious which are the top best trek in Nepal? As the trekking season ends for 2024 in Nepal but travelers are planning for 2025 and looking for the best trek in Nepal. There are numbers of trekking destinations in Nepal, from short 3 days trek, 7 days trek or week-long trekking routes in Nepal high Himalayas. Without any doubt Everest Base Camp is always on top among all the trekking places in Nepal, but we are picking the best trekking destinations for everyone, including beginner's friendly treks.
Best Trek in Nepal for 2025
Table of Contents
There are more than hundreds of different trekking routes; some are explored, some are still unexplored hidden trails. If we count the customized trekking routes, then it will be uncountable since Nepal is home of 1300 Peaks above 6000 m and the world's eight highest Himalayan peaks above 8000 m. By the end of 2024, many new trekking routes has discovered in Nepal by local governments, TAAN, Nepal Tourism Board, and many local travel bloggers. Yet some newly opened trekking routes need few more years to be promote because of the infrastructure and all. So for now, let's find the top-best trekking routes in Nepal.
Best trekking routes in Nepal, Himalaya (Top 5 Trek Destination)
The following trekking routes are not suitable for beginners. If you have previous trekking experience, you can choose the best option for yourself. For those new to trekking, please scroll down for more suitable suggestions.
Everest Base Camp Trek.
The Everest Base Camp trek is undeniably one of the most iconic trekking routes in Nepal. Its unique position as the gateway to the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, has solidified its place in the global trekking map. While there are other trekking routes in Nepal, such as the Everest 3 High Pass trek and the Gokyo Lake trek, their popularity largely stems from their connection to the Everest Base Camp.
Reaching the Everest Base Camp is a significant achievement for any trekker. It's a dream for many adventurers worldwide to hike to the foot of the highest mountain on Earth. The standard Everest Base Camp trek typically lasts 14 days, but it can be customized to 10, 12, or 16 days, depending on your preferences, budget, and available time. Some trekkers even choose to return to Kathmandu via helicopter after reaching the Nepal Everest Base Camp. You choose the best for you as per your travel schedule. But don't pick the speedy Everest Base Camp Trek, which don't have acclimatization days, and this EBC hike may not take you to the Base Camp.
Annapurna Circuit Trek.
This is not new, and the Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's most popular and diverse trekking routes, also known for the challenging Thorong La Pass. As local hikers exploring the Nepali landscapes, we believe the Annapurna Circuit is the best trek in Nepal, surpassing other trekking routes in terms of diversity and beauty.
Despite recent road expansions and trail damage, the Annapurna Circuit remains a must-do for any trekker. Originally a 19-21 day trek, it has been shortened to a standard 14-day itinerary. To enhance the adventure, consider adding a side trip to Tilicho Lake, one of the world's highest lakes, offering breathtaking views.
When planning your itinerary, be mindful of including a visit to Ice Lake near Manang. Although it requires a longer day hike, it can significantly alleviate altitude sickness issues, especially when crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass. While some guides and companies may omit Ice Lake due to its demanding nature, it's highly recommended for a more rewarding and less stressful trekking experience.
Manaslu Circuit Trek.
The Manaslu Circuit trek is one of the most demanding trekking routes in the Nepal Himalayas. While you've likely seen stunning images of Manaslu expeditions and read accounts from mountaineers, it's important to note that the first summit was achieved by a Japanese group in 1956. For many years, Manaslu was restricted to foreigners, but it has been open to trekkers for the past two decades.
Like the Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit is facing challenges due to road expansions. However, it remains a culturally rich and less crowded trek, offering a more authentic experience. This trek is still considered off-the-beaten-path and requires special permits. The highest point on this trek is the Larkya La Pass, reaching an altitude of 5,106 meters. It can be extended to include the Narphu Valley, ending in Dharapani. If you're interested in exploring ancient Buddhist monasteries and experiencing the untouched Tibetan-origin Buddhist culture, the Manaslu Circuit is an excellent choice. However, due to its challenging nature, it's not recommended for beginner trekkers.
Langtang Valley Trek.
If you're new to the Langtang Valley, watching the Netflix documentary "Langtang Valley after the Earthquake" can provide valuable insights into the region's history and resilience.
While Langtang is one of Nepal's most beautiful trekking destinations, it often remains overshadowed by the more popular Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Region trekking routes. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Tamang culture, Tibetan Buddhism, and stunning natural landscapes, including ancient monasteries, serene lakes, lush forests, and majestic Himalayan peaks.
A standard Langtang Valley trek can be completed in 7 days, starting from Kathmandu. For a shorter itinerary, a 5-day trek is also possible, but it may not allow for a comprehensive exploration of the region. If time permits, consider extending your trek to include the Gosaikunda Lakes, creating a rewarding loop.
While the Langtang Valley trek is suitable for beginners, adventurous trekkers can challenge themselves by ascending to Kyanjin Ri (4,380 m) or Tserku Ri (4,984 m) for breathtaking panoramic views.
Kanchenjunga Trekking
Kanchenjunga is an excellent alternative for trekkers seeking a less crowded and more authentic experience in Nepal. This off-the-beaten-path destination, once primarily explored via camping treks, now offers simple teahouses, making it more accessible to independent travelers. While the remote eastern region of Nepal holds many undiscovered gems, Kanchenjunga currently stands out as a top choice.
At 8,586 meters, Mount Kanchenjunga is a magnificent mountain in the eastern Himalayas that crosses both India and Nepal. Known as the "Five Treasures of Snow," it is home to rare animals like red pandas and snow leopards and provides stunning views and a variety of landscapes. Trekking paths in the Kanchenjunga usually take 14 to 28 days, and for this difficult experience, it is strongly advised to hire an expert guide.
Best short trek in Nepal for 2025
"A common question is whether short trekking routes in Nepal offer beautiful views. The simple answer is a resounding yes! All short trekking routes provide stunning Himalayan vistas, cultural experiences, natural beauty, and a touch of adventure.
In fact, short trekking routes were the most popular trekking packages in Nepal in 2024, and they continue to be popular for 2025. While some travel bloggers and local operators consider major trekking routes as short destinations with customized itineraries, we’ve curated a list of the best truly short treks. The duration of a short trek can vary, but the suggested itineraries can be customized to suit your fitness level, activity preferences, and previous hiking or trekking experience."
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
How short can the Annapurna Base Camp trek be? The shortest possible duration is 5 days, round trip from Pokhara. While some people have completed the trek in 3-4 days, we don't recommend such a rushed pace. It's important to remember that trekking and marathon running are different. Even though a Sherpa guide or porter might be able to match or exceed your pace, carrying your luggage adds significant physical strain. To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, we recommend the standard 7-day Annapurna Base Camp trek.
For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the 8-day Annapurna Base Camp trek with Ghorepani Poon Hill is a popular choice. Despite its shorter duration, the Annapurna Base Camp remains one of the most popular trekking destinations in the Annapurna region.
Khopra Danda Khayer Lake Trek
The Khopra Danda Khayer Lake trek is another popular trekking destination in the Annapurna Region. Many people are unaware of this trek, which not only includes Khopra Danda but also offers stunning views from Mulde Hill and Poon Hill Ghorepani. Khayer Lake is particularly popular with Hindu pilgrims, making this trek a holy pilgrimage for many Indian hikers.
This trek through the Annapurna foothills is one of the most breathtaking, with stunning views of the Himalayan ranges. The 7-day short Khopra Danda Ghorepani trek from Pokhara is a must-do for any traveler to Nepal’s Annapurna region.
Don’t worry about missing out on Himalayan views. Every morning, you’ll wake up to stunning sunrises, and every evening, you’ll be treated to breathtaking sunsets with the mighty Himalayan peaks as a backdrop. Only a photographer’s eye can truly capture the beauty of this trek’s landscapes, nature, greenery, colorful wildflowers (especially during spring and monsoon), and picturesque mountain villages like Ghandruk. This trek is not for beginners; below you can see some great trekking packages for beginners.
Everest View Trekking or Everest Panorama
Don’t confuse this trek with the Everest Base Camp Trek. This trek involves hiking to Namche Bazaar and the Everest View Hotel, from where you can enjoy stunning views of Mount Everest and other world-renowned peaks. The adventure begins with a flight to Lukla, followed by a trek through Phakding, Monjo, Jorsalle, and Namche Bazaar. If time permits, you can extend the trek to Tengboche Monastery.
This Everest Panorama trek can be a luxurious experience, with comfortable hotels offering amenities like attached bathrooms and electric blankets. The Everest View Luxury Hotel in Namche is particularly renowned for its magnificent views of Mount Everest. You can choose a 5-day or 7-day itinerary from Kathmandu, with the option of extending to Tengboche. For a truly thrilling experience, consider a helicopter flight back to Kathmandu from Namche Everest View Hotel. Some hikers even opt for a helicopter tour to Everest Base Camp and back.
To customize your trek based on your preferences, budget, and flexibility, consult with a tour expert.”
Pikey Peak Trek
If you’ve already explored popular treks like Ghorepani, Langtang, and Mardi Himal, the Pikey Peak trek could be a refreshing new adventure. This trek is one of the best short treks below the Everest region and is less crowded than other popular trails.
Many trekking companies, despite not being familiar with the Pikey Peak trek, often list it on their websites with downloaded images from Google. If you’re a beginner or not physically prepared for the Everest Base Camp trek, but still want stunning views of the world’s tallest peaks, Pikey Peak is the perfect choice. The Junbesi Thupten Choling Monastery is one of Nepal’s most sacred monasteries. From the Pikey Peak viewpoint at 4,065 meters, you’ll have panoramic views of the world’s tallest mountain peaks, including Everest.
Mardi Himal Trek
How could I skip the Mardi Himal Trek, one of the most popular and demanding trekking routes in the Annapurna region of Nepal? I was a bit confused about whether to categorize the Langtang Valley Trek as a short trek, as some companies do. While Langtang Valley is a top trekking destination in Nepal and can be customized for various durations, the 4-day Mardi Himal trek is a popular choice for both tourists and Nepalese.
Among the newly opened side treks like Korchan Danda, Kori Danda, and Khoke Danda, Mardi Himal remains the top choice in the Annapurna foothills. Although the Himalayan views are limited to Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), you’ll feel incredibly close to these giant peaks within a few days. This trek is trending on social media due to its stunning landscapes, sunrise and sunset views, and diverse scenery throughout the year.
In just 2-3 days, you can reach the beautiful Mardi Himal Viewpoint and Base Camp, offering magnificent mountain vistas.”
Best trek in Nepal for Beginners in 2025
If you’re a first-time visitor to Nepal and seeking short and easy trekking routes, we’ve compiled a list of the best options for beginners. To explore these beginner-friendly treks, you can follow the link below. Most of these easy treks are popular and depart from Pokhara in the Annapurna region. Many people ask if it’s possible to see Mount Everest from Pokhara or during Annapurna treks. The answer is no.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
While Ghorepani Poon Hill is one of the best trekking routes in Nepal, we’ve listed it as a perfect option for beginners, especially considering the lower-altitude treks we’ve prioritized. The major highlights of this trek are Poon Hill Viewpoint and Ghandruk Village. The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be customized to last 2, 3, 4, or even 7 days. Below, you can find various trekking packages for this route. This trek is an excellent choice for senior citizens who want to experience panoramic views of the Nepalese Himalayas.
Considered a moderately easy trek in the Annapurna foothills, it’s suitable for people of all ages, from toddlers to individuals in their 70s and 80s. Be the next to explore the beauty of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek.
The Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek is another popular trekking route in Nepal, starting from Kathmandu and winding around the valley’s ridges. While the 3-day itinerary is popular, the trek can be extended to 5-8 days to include villages like Dhulikhel, Namobuddha, Balthali, and Ranikot. The duration of the trek can be customized based on your holiday schedule.
If you have limited time in Kathmandu and desire a Himalayan viewing experience, this trek is perfect. It offers panoramic views of the Himalayan ranges, including Everest, from viewpoints like Chisapani, Nagarkot, and Dhulikhel. If you’re traveling with family, the Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek is an ideal choice for a family-friendly adventure.
Australian Camp Dhampus Sarangkot Trek.
The Dhampus Sarangkot trek, starting from Pokhara, is one of the best beginner-friendly short treks in Nepal’s Annapurna region. This 2-3 day trek offers stunning views of the Annapurna range and Mount Fishtail. The trek can be extended to include Pothana village, but Dhampus is the most popular destination.
You won’t need to worry about trekking gear, accommodations, or long, steep hikes to enjoy breathtaking Himalayan views. This short and easy trek offers a glimpse into the typical Nepalese mountain lifestyle.
Mulde Hill – Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek.
While you could simply trek to Mulde Hill or Muldai Viewpoint, adding Ghorepani to the itinerary will provide a more comprehensive trekking experience. Until recently, many people were unaware of the breathtaking views offered by Dobato and Mulde Hill. Although travelers often passed through Dobato on their way to Khopra Danda, few stopped to enjoy the stunning vistas. Now, this area is gaining popularity.
Mulde Hill offers close-up views of Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Annapurna, and Mount Fishtail. The trek passes through picturesque villages like Ghandruk and Tadapani, lush forests, and grasslands, culminating in a night in Ghorepani. The 4-day Mulde Hill Trek is an excellent adventure for beginners in the Annapurna foothills.”
Conclusion of Best Trek in Nepal
Whether you're a seasoned trekker or a first-time adventurer, Nepal offers a diverse range of trekking experiences to suit every preference. From the iconic Everest Base Camp to the serene Langtang Valley, the possibilities are endless. Remember to choose a trek that aligns with your fitness level, interests, and available time.
If you're a beginner, consider shorter treks like Ghorepani Poon Hill or the Kathmandu Valley Rim. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the Annapurna Circuit or Manaslu Circuit are excellent options. No matter which trek you choose, you're sure to be rewarded with breathtaking mountain views, cultural immersion, and unforgettable memories.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Nepali adventure today!