Best Trekking Routes of Nepal

Nestled amid the Himalayas, Nepal is a paradise for trekkers. Due to the diverse culture and natural beauty, an adventure can be enjoyable to those who love trekking. The breathtaking views of mountains and challenging trekking adventures await exploring. Several trekking routes are equally mesmerizing and thrilling to experience. We have compiled some of the best trekking routes of Nepal as below:

Everest Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Circuit trek
Langtang Valley trek
Manaslu Circuit trek
Gokyo Lake trek
Annapurna Base Camp trek
Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek
Ghorepani Ghandruk trek
Mardi Himal Trek
Helambu Circuit trek
Upper Mustang Trek
Makalu Base Camp Trek
Upper Dolpo trek
Rara Lake Trek
Tilicho Lake Trek

1. Everest Base Camp Trek

Being the world’s highest peak, Mt.Everest (8,848m) region is a popular trek in Nepal. Trekking to the Everest Base camp (5,364m) takes you to the closest possible place to the world’s highest point.

Trek to Everest Base Camp, fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. The 30-minute flight gives you the best aerial view of the Everest region. The lush valleys, dense forests, and snow-capped peaks come into your sight. From Lukla, Tenzing Hillary Airport, you formally begin this trek through the Sherpa villages near Sagarmatha National Park.

The stopovers are Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. All these places have hotels and lodges that serve basic facilities of food and accommodation.

Gorakshep is the last settlement area before the Everest Base Camp trek, and it used to be the original base camp till the 1953 Everest Expedition. You spend a night at this village because it is the transition between EBC and Kalapatthar. This is the highest place on Earth where one can go without any permit or cost.

After reaching the base camp of Mount Everest, you trek down to Pheriche. After the next two days (Namche Bazaar and Lukla), you fly back to Kathmandu enjoying the aerial view of the soaring peaks.

2. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is a trek within the mountain ranges of central Nepal. It is rich in nature and culture. It is the most popular trekking region of Nepal. This trek crosses two different river valleys and encircles Annapurna Massif. Annapurna I (8,091 m) is the tenth-highest peak in the world.

Formally, you begin the trek from Syange and then move ahead towards Dharapani, Chame, Pisang, and Manang. After exploring the beautiful Manang Valley, you move further to Letdar and Thorung Phedi.

The trails of this trek run through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The flora and fauna of Annapurna Conservation Area are the alluring factors that attract national and international trekkers.

By crossing the highest place of this trek, Thorung La Phedi (5,416 m), you trek to Muktinath. Muktinath Temple is another must-visit site during this trek. It is a popular pilgrimage site for both the Hindus and Buddhists. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from India and Nepal visit this shrine. After visiting the Muktinath Temple, continue going towards Jomsom, the administrative headquarters of Mustang.

The total length of the route varies between 160-230km, depending on where motor transportation is used and where the trek is ended.

3. Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley is a Himalayan valley in the mountains of north-central Nepal. The trek is short and easy to explore the stunning view of Langtang Himalaya, culture, landscape, glaciers, and nature. This trek is popular among the first-time trekkers. The trail starts from Syapru Besi to Kyanjin where the sacred Kyanjin Gompa is situated at 3,870m. You can enjoy the snow-capped peaks of Manaslu (8,163m), Ganesh himal and Langtang regions.

Langtang Valley trek leads you through Langtang National Park which conserves diverse species of wildlife and vegetation. Langtang Valley is in the close proximity of Tibetan Border and you can experience the cultures of Tamang and Tibetan locals.

4. Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is the trekking route that encircles the world’s 8^th highest peak Mt. Manaslu (8,163m). Manaslu Circuit Trek includes the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP) which preserves nature, wildlife, and habitat. Unlike the Everest Base Camp trek, it is less crowded and provides off-the-beaten trekking experience.

Trek starts from Jagat (1340m) upto Larkya La Pass (5,167m) trailing along the Manaslu Conservation Area Project (MCAP). You can experience the authentic Tibetan Buddhist Culture.

You can explore Budhi Gandaki river valley and enjoy the panoramic view of snowcapped peaks: Himalchuli (7,893m), Ngadi Chuli (7,871m), Shiringi (7,187m), Langpo (6,668m) and Saula (6,235m).

5. Gokyo Lake Trek

Gokyo Lake Trek is a variant of Everest Region Trek. Gokyo Lakes are oligotrophic lakes in Sagarmatha National Park at an altitude of 4,700m-5000m.

Trekking to Gokyo Lake begins from Lukla, Tenzing Hillary Airport. It is also called the gateway to Everest Base Camp trek. All the variants of Everest region trekking start right from this Himalayan Sherpa town.

Moving along the Dudh Koshi Valley, you reach Phakding and Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is called the Sherpa Capital as it is the main trading center of the Khumbu region. You spend a spare day over here to adjust to the high altitude.

You follow the trail of Gokyo Lake Cho La Pass trek right from Mong La Pass (3,610 m). Going past Dole and Machhermo villages of Gokyo Valley, you enter into Gokyo Valley.

6. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp ( 4,130m) serves as a gateway to the world’s 10^th highest peak Mount Annapurna. The well-maintained trails are more comfortable than the other trekking routes in Nepal.

The trek starts from Nayapul of Pokhara, and moves through deep forests and ethnic villages. The rhododendron, oak, pine, fir, and birch trees of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) shelter various birds and animals. Ghorepani Poon Hill trek takes you through the largest rhododendron forests of the world. Also known as Annapurna Sunrise View Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek serves the best sunrise view of the towering Himalayas in the world.

From the elevation of 3,210 m, the dazzling view of the Annapurna (8,091 m), the Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), and Mt. Fishtail (6,993 m) is just amazing! Other Himalayas seen during the Annapurna Base Camp Trek are Mardi Himal (5,587 m), Annapurna II (7,937 m), Gangapurna (7,455 m), Singu Chuli (6,501 m), Kangsar Kang (7,454 m), Hiunchuli (6,441 m). In a single trip, you will reach the base camps of two mountains: Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Machhapuchhre (6,993 m). Both the base camps are recognized for the heavenly views of the soaring peaks and mountain valleys around them.

7. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the most beautiful and challenging treks in the eastern region of Nepal. This Trekking route takes you around the world’s 3^rd highest peak Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586m) from where you can view beautiful mountains and glaciers.

Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m), Mt. Makalu (8,485 m), and Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586 m) are seen on this trip. Other notable peaks are Gimmigelachuli (7,350 m), Pyramid Peak (7,123 m), Mt. Kumbhakarna (7,710 m), and many more.

Apart from the snowy peaks, you come to see a few Himalayan glaciers while moving to and fro. Some of the most recognized are the Kanchenjunga Glacier, the Lhonak Glacier and the Kumbhakarna Glacier. These glaciers give birth to some of the biggest rivers of Nepal.

The trek starts from Suketar of Taplejung. It is an off-the-beaten-path trek that takes you through the remote villages, lush forests, high-altitude passes, and stunning landscapes of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

8. Ghorepani Ghandruk Trek

Ghorepani, a conserved area holding the most extensive rhododendron woods within its acreage, offers spectacular vistas of the Annapurna massif and surrounding peaks from its location. Ghorepani Ghandruk trek lies in Gandaki Province between the lake city Pokhara and the northern Himalayas. This trek passes through Gurung ethnic villages, Ghandruk dwelt by the Brave Gurkhas in the popular Annapurna region.

The route begins from Nayapul, Pokhara, and moves further through the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP).

9. Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal (5,587m) lies in Annapurna Region. Due to the shorter distance and panoramic view, Mardi Himal Trek is growing popular. The breathtaking view of the snowcapped peaks of Annapurna (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Massifs is beyond description. The alluring panorama of snowcapped mountains, lush valleys, dense forests, turquoise lakes, and natural waterfalls is an added beauty. From Mardi Himal Base Camp, Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993m) seems quite close.

The Mardi Himal Trekking route takes you along Australian Base Camp, Kande, Low Camp, High Camp, and Mardi Himal Base Camp. The villages you spend the night in have preserved their unique culture and traditions which attract the trekkers to their places. Deurali and Siding are the two Gurung villages where you can witness the Buddhist culture and tradition.

10. Helambu Circuit Trek

Helambu Circuit Trek is one of the picturesque and short treks close to Kathmandu. The trek starts from Sundarijal. While doing this trek, you go along the trekking trail that passes through the lush forests of Shivapuri National Park.

Going across a couple of passes: Pati Bhanjyang and Gul Bhanjyang, you can have the stunning vista of the Kathmandu through Helambu Circuit Trek. They are the vantage points of the snowcapped peaks of Gauri Shankar, Ganesh Himal, and Langtang region. You have a breathtaking view of Langtang Lirung (7245m), Ganesh Himal (7405m), Dorje Lhakpa (6990m) and other unnamed peaks as well.

11. Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek takes you through the mystical and breathtaking landscapes of the Mustang region in Nepal. This trek is an adventure into the heart of the Himalayas, which includes crossing the Kali Gandaki River, exploring ancient caves, and observing the daily lives of the people who reside in this remote region.

Upper Mustang Trekking begins in Kathmandu with a scenic flight to Jomsom, the gateway to the Mustang region. From there, trekkers traverse the Kali Gandaki River valley to the ancient kingdom of Lo Manthang. Along the way, trekkers pass through picturesque villages, monasteries, and stunning landscapes of snowcapped peaks, deep canyons, and rolling hills.

Mustang Trek is famous for its desert-like climate and harsh rock-faced landscapes. It can even be visited in the summer monsoon. Because it is a rain shadow area of Annapurna (8,091 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) Massifs. When the remaining parts of Nepal trekking experience heavy rainfall and flooding, you can explore the Upper Mustang.

12. Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp is a highly sought-after destination in Nepal due to its breathtaking natural beauty and challenging terrain. It takes you through the less frequented trails around the 5th highest peak in the world. Mt. Makalu (8,463 m) lies around 15 kilometers east of Mt. Everest (8,848.86 m).

The Makalu Base Camp Trek can be started from two important places in eastern Nepal. One is Tumlingtar of Sankhuwasabha district while the other is Dhankuta Hile.

As you trek through the Makalu-Barun National Park, you can have a closer view of Mt. Everest and other snow-capped peaks. Mt. Lhotse (8,516 m), Mt. Chamlang (7,319 m), Mt Kanchenjunga, and Mt. Makalu itself come into your sight. The area is also home to a wide range of wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, wild boar, and more.

13. Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek is an adventurous trekking in remote landscape of Western Nepal. The snow-capped peaks of western Nepal and the Dhaulagiri Massif (8,167 m) make your Upper Dolpo Trek more valuable. Explore the flora and fauna of Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest conservation area, and Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake.

The region closely related with Tibetan plateau, unexplored, pristine and filled with rugged trails. The upper Dolpo is far from any tourism infrastructure and influences of modernization. The isolated region holding oldest monastery, Shey Gompa reflecting the influences of Tibetan Buddhism.

Upper Dolpo Trek starts from Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang Trek. The trail goes from Kagbeni – Tsaile/Chele – Syangboche – Dhakmar – Lo Manthang – Tsarang – Ghami – Yak Kharka – Ghami La (5,100 m) – Chharka Bhot – Rupka – Tinje Gaun – Shimen Gaun – Nisal Gaun – Saldang – Namrung – Shey Gompa – Nanda La Phedi (4,600 m) – Phoksundo Khola – Phoksundo Lake – Rechi – Chhekpa – Dunai – Juphal.

14. Rara Lake Trek

Rara Lake, also known as Mahendra Lake, is the largest fresh water lake in the Nepalese Himalayas. It is the main feature of Rara National Park, located in Jumla and Mugu Districts of Karnali Province.

Rara Lake trekking starts with the flight to Simikot, Jumla via Nepalgunj. The trail is characterized by the unique and innocent culture of people mainly of Brahmin Chhetri and Thakuri origin. Observing the unique culture and refreshing your mind in the uphill as well as downhill trekking along the trails surrounded by the green lush forests, green pastured hills, and rivers would make your trekking experience memorable. Once you have reached the vicinity of the Rara Lake trek the mere view of the blue watered fresh lake would be the enchanting experience.

15. Tilicho Lake Trek

Tilicho Lake is the world’s highest glacial lake situated at 4,919m in Manang District. The snow-capped peaks and the Himalayan valleys are seen at their best from the lake premises. Tilicho Lake Trek takes you through different mountain valleys: Manang and Pisang. In addition, you will also go across the Marsyangdi River Valley and the Kali Gandaki River Valley. The presence of Thorung La Pass (5,416m), the highest pass of the Nepalese Himalayas, makes this trek a bit more challenging. You can see the snow-capped peaks of Annapurna Massif and Dhaulagiri Massif from a very close distance.