1. Everest Base Camp
Maximum Elevation: 5600m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: September to November, February to May
Accommodation: Tea houses, Lodges, Hotels
Trekking Permits: Khumbu Rural Permit, Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. This trekking route takes you through picturesque green pastures, high-suspension bridges, and stunning glaciers near the peak of the world. Along with this, you can also witness the panoramic views of the grand Himalayas and the rich cultures of the locals. Although the trekking is on a difficult side, it is pretty doable. You do need to take a few days for acclimatization. However, with a bit of preparation, you can enjoy this trek without any issues.
2. Annapurna Base Camp
Maximum Elevation: 4320m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: February to May
Accommodation: Tea Houses, Lodges, Hotels
Trekking Permits: TIMS, ACAP
Annapurna Base Camp trek (ABC) is undoubtedly one of the most popular and best trekking destinations in Nepal. This trekking route takes you through the heart of the Annapurna region, where you can enjoy the rich culture of the Tamang and Sherpa people. Along with this, you can also enjoy the breathtaking views of the Annapurna mountain range and the stunning views of the Himalayas in the lower region.
3. Annapurna Circuit Trek
Maximum Elevation: 5416m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: April, May, October, November
Accommodation: Tea houses, Hotels, Lodges
Trekking Permits: ACAP
Annapurna Circuit Trekking takes you through the foothills of the Annapurna as you trek around the peripheries of this massive mountain range. On this trekking route, you can constantly witness the grand view of the breathtaking mountain range and enjoy the greeneries of the stunning forest biome as you make it through. Furthermore, you also get a chance to mingle with the local villagers and enjoy their warm hospitality. Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the top trekking destinations in Nepal.
4. Manaslu Circuit Trek
Maximum Elevation: 5,160m
Trekking Difficulty: Difficult
Best Trekking Time: March to May, September to December
Accommodation: Tea Houses
Trekking Permits: TIMS, MCAP, ACAP
Manaslu Circuit trekking route takes you around the base of Mount Manaslu. Unlike other trekking routes we have mentioned so far, this route is a bit difficult, primarily because of its isolation. That said, you will be rewarded with some of the most breathtaking views out there. Furthermore, although the trekking route is a bit isolated, you can still enjoy warm welcomes in many local rural villages, far from bustling city life.
5. Mardi Himal Trek
Maximum Elevation: 5,587m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: March to May, October to November
Accommodation: Tea houses, Lodges
Trekking Permits: TIMS, ACAP
Annapurna Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem of a trekking route in the Annapurna region. If you are looking for an alternate, less crowded region to witness the breathtaking view of the Annapurna Mountain range, then Mardi Himal Trek is the best option for you. This trekking route takes you through the pristine woods and warm villages and lets you absorb the calmness of the mountains.
6. Langtang Valley Trek
Maximum Elevation: 4,984m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: March to May, October to November
Accommodation: Teahouse, Lodges
Trekking Permits: Langtang National Park
If you want to go trekking around Kathmandu Valley, then Langtang Valley Trekking is one of the best options for you. This trekking route takes you past the serene pine trees, rocky streams, and open pastures. Furthermore, during this journey, you can also witness breathtaking views of the Langtang-Ri and Langtang Himal.
7. Upper Mustang Trek
- Maximum Elevation: 3,810 m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: March to November
Accommodation: Tea Houses, Lodges
Trekking Permits: Restricted Area Permit, ACAP, TIMS
The Upper Mustang Trekking region is one of the most explored areas. This trekking route is close to Tibet, and therefore, during this trekking journey, you can witness rich cultures and customs influenced by Tibetan culture. Furthermore, this journey consists of stunning views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and other Himalayan peaks. This is one of the best trekking places in Nepal.
8. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
- Maximum Elevation: 3,210m
Trekking Difficulty: Easy
Best Trekking Time: All year around
Accommodation: Teahouse
Trekking Permits: ACAP, TIMS
Ghorepani Poonhill trek is another one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. This is an easy trekking route that offers you beautiful views of the Himalayas, and it is filled with a warm and comforting feeling of being at home with the locals. This is also a good route to start your trekking journey if you are new to it. Furthermore, it is also one of the short trekking destinations in Nepal.
9. Upper Dolpo Trek
- Maximum Elevation: 5,250m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: March to May
Accommodation: Teahouses, Lodges
Trekking Permits: Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit, Upper Dolpo restricted-area permit
Upper Dolpo trek is another rural location surrounded by mysterious and pristine barren landscapes. Although the difficulty level of this trekking route is moderate, due to its remoteness, solo trekkers are now allowed in this trekking route. Therefore, if you want to trek in this area, you must have a group of more than three people. Besides this, the trekking route itself is a bit challenging as well. However, the rewards are well worth the challenge. You can witness the untainted nature at its finest during this trek. Along with this, you can also witness the rural and remote cultures.
10. Gokyo Lake Trekking
- Maximum Elevation: 5,357 m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: March to May
Accommodation: Tea houses
Trekking Permits: National Park Permit, Local Area Permit
Everest Gokyo Lake trekking is one of the most sought-after trekking routes after the base camp trek. This hike takes you through the stunning lands beside the Everest base camp. Furthermore, on this trek, you can also witness some of the most breathtaking views and enjoy the warm hospitality of the locals. Along the way, you can witness the majestic Khumbu Valley and ancient monasteries.
11. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Maximum Elevation: 8,586m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: April to May, June, October to December
Accommodation: Tea houses
Trekking Permits: Kanchanjunga Conservation Area Project (KCAP), Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
This trekking takes you through the Kanchanjunga Conservation Area where you can witness many welcoming tea houses en route. Furthermore, you can also witness the grand view of Mount Kanchenjunga and the greenery of the local forests. Therefore, if you are looking for a refreshing walk across the forest, then Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking is one of the best trekking routes for you.
12. Salleri to Everest Base Camp Trekking
Maximum Elevation: 5364m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: March to May, September to December
Accommodation: Tea houses, Lodges
Trekking Permits: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, Khumbu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit, Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit
Salleri to Everest Base Camp trekking is undoubtedly one of the best alternate routes towards the popular Everest Base Camp trekking. This route takes you through an adventure as you pass the traditional Sherpa villages. Throughout the way, you can witness the constant view of the grand Mount Everest along with the other Himalayas. Furthermore, this journey also includes a day at Namche Bazar, where you can enjoy the colorful tradition. If you are looking for an alternate route to the Everest Base Camp, Salleri to EBC trekking is undoubtedly the best option for you.
13. Tsum Valley Trek
- Image Source: Wikipedia
Maximum Elevation: 3,700m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: March to May, September to November
Accommodation: Tea houses, Lodges
Trekking Permits: TIMS, ACAP
In Tsum Valley Trekking, you can enjoy the fascinating cultural blend of various local cultures. Along with this, you can also enjoy the dramatic landscapes, deep canyons, and stunning glaciers. The local culture in this trek combines Tibetan and Buddhist culture. Therefore, this is one of the best treks in Nepal if you want to enjoy the scenic beauty and warm culture.
14. Everest Three Passes Trekking
Maximum Elevation: 5,535m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: February to June, September to December
Accommodation: Lodges
Trekking Permits: Khumbu Rural Permit, Sagarmatha National Park Permit
This trek takes you on a Himalayan journey filled with a magnificent view of Everest. Along with this, you also pass through and witness some high passes as you make your way to your destination. Furthermore, as you go through the pine forest, you can witness a wide variety of biodiversity. If you are lucky, you may even get a chance to witness some elusive Himalayan critters. Everest Three Pass trekking is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal.
15. Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trekking
- Maximum Elevation: 5416m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: March to May, September to November
Accommodation: Tea houses, Lodges
Trekking Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS
In this trekking journey, you travel around the scenic Annapurna Lake to the stunning high Thorang La pass. Throughout the journey in Annapurna Tilicho Lake Trekking, you can witness the stunning view of Mount Annapurna. Along with this, you can also experience the rich culture of the Thakali, Magar, and Gurung tribes of Nepal. Furthermore, the journey also includes a brief walk beside the calming Marsyangdi River. This is undoubtedly one of the best trekking destinations for you if you want to enjoy the rich culture and the scenic views.
16. Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit Trekking
Maximum Elevation: 5416m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate/ Difficult
Best Trekking Time: March to May, September to November
Accommodation: Tea houses, Lodges
Trekking Permits: Nar Phu Trek Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS
Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit Trekking is another glorious trek around the Annapurna mountain range. This trekking consists of many steep ascends and descends. Therefore, if you are not physically fit, it can be a bit hard to traverse this journey. However, if you are prepared, then this journey is undoubtedly one of the best trekking routes. It takes you through the stunning route around the Annapurna Circuit region, where you can witness the glorious and grand views of Mount Annapurna, Chulu, Damodar Himal, and Manaslu Himal. Furthermore, you can also witness the stunning and mesmerizing views of the Kang-La and Thorang-la passes. If you are seeking an adventure with a blend of local cultures and stunning scenes, Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit Trek are undoubtedly two of the best choices for you.
17. Annapurna Khayar Lake Trekking
- Maximum Elevation: 4620m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: February to May, September to December
Accommodation: Tea houses, Lodges
Trekking Permits: Upper Mustang Special Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS
The destination for this trek of Annapurna Khayar Lake Trekking is Khayar Lake, which is located at an altitude of 4620m. To reach this destination, you will need to journey towards Ghorepani before heading towards Pun Hill. Then, you need to trek to Khopra Ridge before taking another 5-hour trek to Khayar Lake. While the journey may seem strenuous on paper, the difficulty is moderate at worst. Furthermore, throughout the journey, you will be accompanied by a stunning view of Mt Annapurna and the rich flora and fauna of the surrounding forest.
18. Makalu Base Camp Trekking
Maximum Elevation: 5150m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: April to June, September to November
Accommodation: Tea houses, Lodges
Trekking Permits: Makalu Barun National Park Conservation Area Permit, TIMS
If you are new to trekking and want to take your time exploring the stunning mountain sides, then Makalu Base Camp Trekking is one of the best options for you. This is a moderately difficult trekking route consisting of stunning mountainous views and picturesque paddy fields. Furthermore, during the journey, you can also feel the serenity in the enchanting forest of rhododendron, pine, oak, birch, magnolia, and fir. Furthermore, this trekking also generally consists of a return flight back to Kathmandu, during which you can get a grand panoramic view of Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga.
19. Ponkar Lake Annapurna and Manaslu Himalaya Trekking
- Maximum Elevation: 3950m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: February to May, September to December
Accommodation: Tea houses, Lodges
Trekking Permits: TIMS, MCAP, ACAP
Ponkar Lake Annapurna and Manaslu Himalaya Trekking are relatively short treks. This trek lasts for around 10 to 12 days and is a moderately difficult trek. In this trek, you journey to the hidden Ponkar Lake in the Manang region. This is a relatively unexplored area filled with stunning views of the stunning mountains and serene forests rich in flora and fauna. Furthermore, this trekking journey contains a perfect mix of off-beaten paths and mainstream trekking. So, if you are looking forward to a less explored yet popular trekking destination in Nepal, then this is one of the best options for you.
20. Gosaikunda Trek
Maximum Elevation: 4,380m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: March to May, September to December
Accommodation: Tea houses, Lodges
Trekking Permits: Langtang National Park Entry Permit, TIMS
Gosainkunda Langtang Himal trek takes about 7-10 days and is known for its stunning mountain views. In this trek, you walk through alpine forests, flat fields, and green pastures. The area is important to both Hindus and Buddhists, with sacred lakes like Gosainkunda. It's a bit challenging at high altitudes. However, there are places to stay along the way. It's a unique trek that combines nature and culture.
21. Tamang Heritage Trek
- Maximum Elevation: 3,300m
Trekking Difficulty: Moderate
Best Trekking Time: March to May, September to November
Accommodation: Tea houses, Lodges
Trekking Permits: No
The Tamang Heritage Trek is a relatively short trek in Nepal. In this trek, you can witness the unique culture and traditions of the Tamang people. Along the route, you can experience the picturesque Langtang region and its stunning landscapes. This trek offers a deep immersion into the Tamang way of life. Furthermore, you can visit traditional villages and ancient monasteries and interact with friendly locals. The Tamang Heritage Trek is an easy option compared to other treks in the area. Therefore, it is suitable for trekkers of various skill levels. It's a special journey providing fascinating insight into the Tamang community and its rich heritage.
Conclusion
Nepal is a nation of hills and mountains. Therefore, this nation has a wide range of mountainous and hilly trekking routes. The good news here is that regardless of which trekking route you choose, you can always indulge in the rich culture and feast your eyes on the grand mountainous views. In this blog, we talked about some of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal.
We hope you found this helpful. If you want further insights into the world of trekking, do check out some of our other blogs. And if you want an expert trekking partner, visit us at Explorer Adventure. Thank you for reading till the end.
FAQ on Popular Trekking Destinations in Nepal
Q. What are the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal?
A: The most popular trekking destinations in Nepal include the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, Langtang Valley, Manaslu Circuit, and the Gosaikunda Trek, among others.
Q. When is the best time to go trekking in Nepal?
A: The best times for trekking in Nepal are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is relatively stable and the views are at their best.
Q. Is it safe to trek in Nepal?
A: Trekking in Nepal is generally safe, but it's essential to be prepared and make safety a priority. Be aware of weather conditions, choose reputable trekking agencies, and acclimatize when trekking at higher altitudes
