Nepal's Top 10 Treks
Nepal is known for Mount Everest, yet excellent trekking routes can be found throughout the country. Pristine landscapes wait to be discovered, and mountain villagers reward trekkers with steaming mugs of tea and heaping plates of dal bhat.
Before setting out on the trail, assess your fitness level, expectations, and the amount of time you’d like to spend in the wild. While some treks cater to travelers –coffee shops, apple pie, double espressos, and billiards tables – other routes are less developed and provide sparse accommodations at best.
Choose your route before arriving in Nepal so you can make the most of your holiday. Here are our top 10 suggestions for treks, from less strenuous excursions to more demanding challenges:
10. Annapurna Base Camp
Estimated time: 10 days
Pros: Annapurna Base Camp is one of Nepal’s more popular trekking routes. White peaks, blue skies, terraced fields, local villages, and a glacial viewpoint are the main highlights. This short trail packs a lot in!
Cons: Recommendations are recommended, as guesthouses fill quickly during busy seasons.
Level of difficulty: Medium
Click here to learn more about our Annapurna Base camp trek.
9. Everest via Gokyo Lakes
Estimated time: 17 days
Pros: This is one of the ultimate treks of the Everest region taking you into the Gokyo Valley to the high altitude lakes. Not for the faint hearted or unfit, you will make several 5000m passes on Cho La and Gokyo Ri. This is a superb trek. Very few trekkers also make this wonderful.
Cons: Other than the high altitude this trek is excellent.
Level of difficulty: Difficult
For more information about our Everest via Gokyo Lakes trek click here.
8. Sikles
Estimated time: 3 to 5 days
Pros: With honey traders and a long history of Gurkha soldiers, the Sikles trail is a gem for those who want to skip some of the more popular routes in favor of an unique experience. Farmhouse-turned-guest houses welcome visitors with greens picked fresh from gardens, and the ACAP museum introduces visitors to pieces of Nepal’s history. Rishing Danda, an avalanche viewpoint, can be accessed, and a nearby hot springs rewards those who take extra time exploring this area. The return trek to Pokhara offers unparalleled views of the valley.
Cons: Buses and taxis are available to those with limited time – and for those who aren’t interested in trekking. The guesthouses in Sikles can fill quickly, especially on weekends and during festival seasons.
Level of difficulty: Easy
7. Manaslu
Estimated time: 17 days
Pros: Larkya La Pass is the highlight of this trek, an inspiring and dramatic Himalayan point that will require strength and endurance to cross.
Cons: This trek is more remote than others and is often preferred by those who want to focus on scenery and solitude. The wilderness here will not disappoint.
Level of difficulty: Hard
Click here to learn more about our Manaslu trek
6. Gosaikunda
Estimated time: 14 days
Pros: Steeped with religious significance, the Gosaikunda trail carves around alpine lakes and can be modified to suit various itineraries. This area is part of Langtang National Park and is home to a variety of birds and animals.
Cons: Guesthouses are quaint, yet farming villages offer honey, cheese, juices, and jams for sale.
Level of difficulty: Medium
Click here to learn more about our Gosaikunda trek
5. Everest Base Camp
Estimated time: 14 days (don't rush this)
Pros: Walk into the shadows of Mount Everest and summit Kala Patthar (5,554m) for an unforgettable sunrise. Namche Bazaar’s famous tiered village makes an interesting stopping point for a rest day or two, and the steep airport runaway at Lukla will leave travelers spellbound.
Cons: This trail can get crowded during peak seasons; reservations must be made to secure room bookings at the various lodges.
Level of difficulty: Medium
Click here to learn more about our Classic Everest Base Camp Trek
4. Luxury Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek
Estimated time: 11 days
Pros: This is a different take on our normal trek toward Everest however you get to stay in wonderful luxury lodges along the way; warm beds, warm showers and afternoon drinks. You also get to trek to Ama Dablam Base Camp one of Nepal's great mountains and visit the village of Thame, home to the Sherpa people.
Finally you also stay in the world's highest resort with sweeping views of Everest and the Khumbu.
Cons: You don't get to go all the way to Everest Base Camp. But if this is not a problem then this is a great trip.
Level of difficulty: Medium
Click here for more information about our Luxury Everest Ama Dablam Base Camp trek.
3. Mustang
Estimated time: 15 days
Pros: The Mustang District has been left relatively untouched by touristic development. Take a mountain flight to Jomsom and explore the orchards of Marpha before journeying into Mustang’s barren landscapes.
Cons: The relentless winds cutting through Jomsom and into Mustang have Nepali songs written for them; combined with dusty landscapes, you’ll want to bring a scarf or mask for your trek. This area requires both a guide and permit ($500USD) to enter.
Level of difficulty: Medium
Click here to learn more about our Lo Manthang Trek in Upper Mustang
2. Mardi Himal
Estimated time: 5-7 days
Pros: A short drive from Pokhara, this lesser-known trail is a jewel of a trek that winds into the lap of the Annapurnas. In a few days, trekkers will be rewarded with starry evenings and up-close views of famous Himalayan peaks.
Cons: Guesthouse accommodations are basic but comfortable, and the trail requires some skill to navigate. We recommend going with a local guide.
Level of difficulty: Easy
1. Annapurna Circuit
Estimated time: 13 days
Pros: This trek is famous, and for good reason. Rolling trails and suspension bridges connect unique villages as trekkers ascend Thorong La Pass, a testing 5,416m above sea level. For the weary, Jeeps and buses can be accessed for quick returns and emergency situations. Villages along the circuit contain homestays, guesthouses, monasteries, even movie halls for rainy days. Butter tea is served milky and smoky – straight from the fires on which it is made.
Cons: This trek required dedicated effort! Though the full circuit can be completed in two weeks at a fast pace, we suggest that travelers build in a few extra days to rest and explore some of the local villages.
Level of difficulty: Hard