15 Treks In Nepal - Have The Adventure Of Your Life!

1. Annapurna Circuit

This is one of the most frequented paths for hiking in Nepal, which sees more than one hundred thousand hikers a year. Although some roads have been laid over former trekking paths, this circuit still affords some breathtaking views and great company. Thorong La Pass, the world's widest pass, is a delight to watch and adventurous to cross. Watch out for the summits of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Langtang Himal and Macchapucchre while on this trek. This circuit is recommended for trekkers who want to push themselves, and have some experience as well. Newbies may also attempt this with some support from experienced trekkers, as many people frequent the route.

Best time: October-November, and March-May
Minimum duration: 13 days
Maximum elevation: 5416 m/17769 ft, at Thorong La Pass
Difficulty level: Moderate
Accommodation: Teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses along the way
Permits required: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) - USD 25, TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) - USD 20

2. Everest Three Passes Trek

This trek is every adventure junkie's dream come true, as it entails crossing three gorgeous passes at secluded, widely untouched locations! The Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La pass lead to breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayas, along with the Ngozumpa Glacier, which is the widest in the mountain range. The mostly untrodden area gives you the luxury of a comfortably isolated trekking experience, which is the love of every seasoned explorer.

Best time: October-November and March-May
Minimum duration: 19 days
Maximum elevation: 5540 m/18175 ft, at Kongma La Pass
Difficulty level: Hard
Accommodation: Teahouses, guest houses and lodges
Permits required: TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) - USD 20

3. Manaslu Circuit Trek

Another popular route for trekking in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit is not as populated as the Annapurna route. This means that you get good amenities, and the path isn't very crowded either. The views from hills are genuinely divine as you embark on a journey through varying topography - from a meagre 600 metres to a whopping 5000 metres on the Larkya La Pass! You can also visit the cosy, idyllic village of Samagaun on your way, or explore the bamboo forests at the start of your trek. Note that there has to be a minimum of two trekkers to embark on this route and that you have to be accompanied by an authorised Nepali guide or porter.

Best time: October-November and March-May
Minimum duration: 14 days
Maximum elevation: 5110 m/16765 ft, at Larkya La Pass
Difficulty level: Hard
Accommodation: Teahouses, guest houses and lodges
Permits required: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) - USD 25, MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area Project) - USD 20, RAP (Restricted Area Permit) - USD 500 for the first 10 days

4. Langtang Trek

This trek is known for its proximity to Kathmandu, that doesn't compromise on the wild side as well. Offering stunning views of the Langtang valley, a great insight into the native Tamang culture and finding yourself smack in the middle of the lush natural wilderness, this trek is sure to leave some great memories - don't forget to take some pictures up close of the glaciers you see!

Best time: October-November and March-May
Minimum duration: 8 days
Maximum elevation: 4984 m/16354 ft, at Tserko Ri  
Difficulty level: Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouses, tea houses
Permits required: TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) - USD 20

5. Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang Trek gives you a unique perspective of the Himalayas. Located in the desert rain shadow region, this area is a stark contrast to the lush greens of the mountains. This doesn't mean that the region is no less beautiful! With its arid, captivating layers of sepia sandstone cliffs, unique vegetation and eclectic Tibetan culture, this trek offers a unique blend of beauty in brown and endemic culture. Note that there has to be a minimum of two trekkers and you have to be accompanied by an authorised Nepali guide or porter, to take this trip.

Best time: March-May and October-November
Minimum duration: 13 days
Maximum elevation: 3810 m/12500 ft, at Dhakmar
Difficulty level: Hard
Accommodation: Guest houses, lodges and tea houses
Permits required: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) - USD 25, RAP (Restricted Area Permit) - USD 500 for the first 10 days

6. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

This base camp is probably one of the best for trekking in Nepal, as it leads you right to the foothills of the towering and mighty Mt. Annapurna, which stands at a tall 8091 metres! Its proximity to friendly villages, breathtaking valleys and gorgeous views makes it one of the most frequented treks of recent times. A bonus is that the trek happens close to Pokhara - you can relax at Lakeside Pokhara once you're done!

Best time: October-November, and March-May
Minimum duration: 10 days
Maximum elevation: 4320 m/14173 ft, at Annapurna Base Camp
Difficulty level: Moderate
Accommodation: Guest houses, lodges and tea houses
Permits required: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) - USD 25, TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) - USD 20

7. Poonhill Trek

This easy trek is perfect for the beginning trekker, as it is of short duration and the elevation is not too high as well. The trek takes you through an exquisite village - Ghandruk, which boasts of a unique culture, and ends at Poonhill. The sunrise from the summit is too beautiful for words! Combine this with some local delicacies, friendly local company, and you've got yourself a perfect location to go hiking in Nepal!

Best time: October-November, and March-May
Minimum duration: 6 days
Maximum elevation: 3210 m/10531 ft, at Poonhill
Difficulty level: Easy
Accommodation: Guesthouses and lodges
Permits required: ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) - USD 25, TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) - USD 20

8. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

This is the adventure junkie's time to shine! This strenuous trek is totally worth the gorgeous views at the base of Mt Kanchenjunga. The stark white glaciers, deep valleys, high peaks, exotic culture and the wide passes, combined with the serene isolation of the heavenly Himalayas makes this every trekker's dream. All this with the bonus of camping under the stars! Novice trekkers are advised to wait to get more practice before embarking on this trail. Note that there has to be a minimum of two trekkers and you have to be accompanied by an authorised Nepali guide or porter, to take this trip.

Best time: October-November, and March-May
Minimum duration: 19 days
Maximum elevation: 5160 m/16929 ft, Lapsang Pass
Difficulty level: Hard
Accommodation: Camping
Permits required: RAP (Restricted Area Permit) - USD 500 for the first 10 days, KCA (Kanchenjunga Conservation Area) - USD 25

9. Gokyo Ri Trek

This trek is a must-do because of the beautiful, quaint village of Gokyo and all it has to offer. The Five Emerald Lakes of Gokyo is breathtakingly beautiful and Instagram-worthy! Not only that, the residents of the village are very hospitable to guests. The ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung, near Khumbu, also makes for an adrenaline-filled crossing.

Best time: October-November, and March-May
Minimum duration: 13 days
Maximum elevation: 5357 m/17535 ft, at Gokyo Ri
Difficulty level: Moderate
Accommodation: Guesthouses, tea houses and lodges
Permits required: TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) - USD 20

10.  Upper Dolpo Trek

This hidden treasure trove is one the most remote treks in Nepal, but that shouldn't deter you from attempting to conquer it, for the destination is truly worth it! The Shey Phoksundo Lake is nested within this trek, as is the Shey Gompa monastery - both beautiful havens in their own way. You will have to cross ancient Tibetan villages, barren lands, rich fields and three high passes - the Shey La, Jeng La and Nagdalo La, which make for an exciting adventure. Note that there has to be a minimum of two trekkers to embark on this trek and that you have to be accompanied by an authorised Nepali guide or porter.

Best time: October-November, and March-May
Minimum duration: 23 days
Maximum elevation: 5250 m/17224 ft, at Kang La Pass
Difficulty level: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping
Permits required: RAP (Restricted Area Permit) - USD 500 for the first 10 days

11. The Kathmandu Trek

Discover the natural beauty of Nepal with the Kathmandu trek, a short and sweet adventure that will leave you feeling revitalized and rejuvenated. With options ranging from a two-day to a seven-day trek, you can choose the length of your journey based on your preferences and availability. One of the biggest advantages of this trek is that you won't have to worry about altitude sickness, which can be a significant issue in other parts of the country. You can take in the stunning views of the Nepalese landscape, including spectacular mountain vistas and charming rural villages, all while being just a stone's throw away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu city. One of the most popular routes is the Chisapani Hike, which passes through Mulkharka Sundarijal and offers panoramic views of the majestic Mount Everest and the Annapurna mountain range. This trek provides a glimpse into the authentic Nepalese way of life, with plenty of opportunities to connect with the locals and learn about their culture and traditions.

Best time: October-November
Minimum duration: 3 days
Altitude: The average altitude of Kathmandu is 1370 metres.
Difficulty level: Moderate
Accommodation: Teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses can be found along the way.
Permits required: A Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) card.

12. Sherpa Village Trek

Experience the essence of Sherpa life on this picturesque trek through the breathtaking Khumbu region. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you visit various Sherpa villages and monasteries, and revel in the stunning panoramic views of the majestic mountains that surround you. Unlike other treks, this route doesn't have any major passes or peaks, making it a great choice for those who want to avoid altitude-related challenges. Explore lush forests and embrace the Sherpa way of life on this unforgettable journey.

Best time: September to November and March to May
Minimum duration: 14 days
Maximum elevation: 4,230 metres or 13,878 feet at Sherpa Village Trek
Difficulty level: Moderate
Accommodation: There are numerous accommodation options available to suit your requirements and budget, ranging from luxurious 5-star hotels to more modest lodging such as teahouses, lodges, and guesthouses.
Permits required: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit. The Sagarmatha National Park permit is available at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu and each permit costs INR 2500

13. Everest- Kala Patthar Trek

Imagine standing at the base of the tallest peak in the world, looking up at the daunting 8,848-meter height of Mount Everest. The trek starts in Lukla, a town located in the Kathmandu region. The Kala Patthar trek is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, a chance to witness some of the world's most breathtaking scenery and conquer the most famous trekking route globally. From there, you will journey through lush forests of pines and rhododendrons until you reach Namche Bazaar, the bustling trade center of the Everest region. As you trek further, you'll encounter the impressive Tengboche Monastery, situated on the lap of Mt. Ama Dablam. It's the largest Buddhist monastery in the Khumbu region, decorated with traditional Tibetan Buddhist art and artifacts. From there, it's on to Everest Base Camp and, finally, the iconic Kala Patthar.The unparalleled views of Mt. Everest and its neighboring peaks wrapped in a blanket of white snow are awe-inspiring. 

Best time: Spring - February, March, April and Autumn - September, October, and November
Minimum duration: 18 days
Maximum elevation: Kalapatahr Altitude 8,848 meters
Difficulty level: Hard and Challenging
Accommodation: The primary option is camping. There are the best possible hotels, lodges, and teahouses available. However, as the altitude increases, the number of hotels decreases.
Permits required: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit and TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) Card

14. Everest Base Camps

Nestled in the majestic Khumbu region of Nepal, lies the revered Mount Everest Base Camp. At an impressive altitude of  5,554 meters, this coveted trekking destination marks the starting point for ambitious mountaineers embarking on the formidable ascent of the world's highest peak. The trail leading to this renowned base camp is a mesmerizing blend of unparalleled natural beauty, culturally rich Sherpa villages, and vibrant Buddhist traditions. Despite the arduous journey, this unparalleled adventure continues to allure countless thrill-seekers annually.

Best time: September to November and February to May
Minimum duration: 13 days
Difficulty level: Difficult
Everest Base Camp Altitude: 5,554M / 18,222FT
Accommodation: Camping. 
Permits required:  Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit and Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit

15. Phoksundo Lake Trek, Dolpo

Nestled in the largest territorial district of Nepal, Dolpo, lies one of the most exotic tourist destinations - Phoksundo Lake. The trek to this alpine freshwater lake is short and easy, yet offers breathtaking views of the reflecting Kanjirowa massif. But this journey is not just about nature; it's a beautiful blend of culture too. Followers of Buddhism and Bon-po religions consider this lake sacred, making it an ideal place to experience the spiritual and natural beauty of Nepal. And while you're there, don't forget to explore the diverse flora and fauna in Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is known for its medicinal herbs.

Best time: Spring - March to May and Autumn - September to November
Minimum duration: 8 days
Difficulty level: Easy
Altitude: 3660 meters
Accommodation: Teahouses and lodges
Permits required: TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System) Permit, Lower Dolpo Permit, Upper Dolpo Permit, and Shey Phoksundo National Park permit

Tips for Trekking in Nepal

• Whether you're a seasoned trekker or not, there are some essentials that you must carry. These include a camping tent, insect repellent cream, sunscreen, sunglasses, appropriate clothing for the heat and cold, sleeping bag, water bottles, protein bars, umbrella, cap, rope, knife, toiletries, medicine, matches, lighter, portable charger and other essentials
• It is important to not over-pack as well. Remember that you will have to carry your luggage yourself
• It is absolutely essential to carry change and coins of the local currency - in this case, the Nepali Rupee, as remote shops rarely accept other currencies
• Remember that you are camping in the wild - do not litter, and keep your presence minimal. Take your waste with you. Do not throw plastics around
• Carry all necessary permits
• Plan well in advance, and keep the weather conditions in mind
• You can either go hiking in Nepal through an agency or hike alone. Choose your option after weighing all consequences