List of Popular Treks in Nepal 2024

Planning for adventure trips in Nepal? Let's help you with the overviews of what's likely the most popular treks in Nepal. Based on the number of trekkers, there are many popular treks in Nepal.

Every year Nepal attracts more than 200,000 trekkers. It means more than 200,000 trekkers face confusion in selecting a good trekking destination to explore in Nepal. Though this is not an easy choice for us too, so let's face it together.

The terrains and the landscapes of the Nepalese Himalayas offer adventurous trekking routes. Every route is very unique and different and is also best on its way.

The best trek for someone depends solely upon his/her choice of difficulty and also the number of days you are planning to spend on treks. The budgets also play a vital role in choosing your treks.

How odd it may sound the decision to choose your favorite trek by sitting in the room of your home country likely with a proper internet connection and also without a plan you can fly to Kathmandu, Nepal in the bustling trekking and tourist area, Thamel where hundreds of trekking agencies inevitably offer you different opinions as to which is the best trek in Nepal for you.

One worst case of traveling to Nepal for trekking without a plan is that you will find hundreds of trekking agencies within a very small area where many of these might be more profit-driven than anything else. The best is that you will get different packages of trekking in the same region with different budgets. You will also likely get different pieces of advice and their point of view from the trekking companies in Kathmandu. Because the topic is which trek is the best in Nepal.

With your personal trekking preference, let us discuss some of the aspects of trekking that you need to consider before looking for the Best treks in Nepal:

• What level of difficulty you are looking for in trekking?
• How lengthy a trek are you searching for? / How many days do you have for trekking in Nepal?
• Are you looking for a remote trekking destination or a touristy one?
• Are you a budget traveler or less price trek will be relevant for you?
• In which season you are planning to trek in Nepal?
• Are you looking for a remote camping trek or a simple guesthouse trek?
• Are you a solo trekker or with someone? 

There are some treks like the upper Mustang trek in Nepal which has restricted permits and requires a minimum of 2 people with the compulsory company of a Nepali guide or porter.

After clearing this confusion, below we have listed some of the popular trekking destinations in Nepal based on scenery, culture, price, and popularity.

Everest Base Camp Trek

In the list of the popular trekking routes, Everest Base Camp Trek ranks among the best treks in Nepal as well as around the globe. It is one of the best treks in Nepal which offers an exclusive trekking experience and offer spectacular views of the world's highest mountains.

The joy of trekking to the base camp of the world's highest mountain is better to experience than to explain. These treks offer you the chance to explore the natural beauty listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites Sagarmatha National Park, you will experience a memorable walk on the footprint of legendary mountaineers. Your entire route passes through the beautiful high passes and roaring Dudh Koshi River. Crossing the thrilling suspension bridges on the trek. Walking through the dense forest covered with the blooms of rhododendrons to reach the dense settlement of Sherpa people in Namche Bazaar, enjoy the Sherpa culture and tradition, visiting the Sherpa Culture museum to learn more about the ancient culture and tradition. During the exploration, you will see the high influence of the Tibetan Buddhist culture in their religious practice.

During the hike, you will see the remarkable views of mountains including the best views of Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and Makalu. Explore the Everest Base Camp and enjoy the amazing summit views of Mt Everest and other surrounding peaks from Kalpather. A breathtaking view of Makalu, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam awaits you at Nagarjun Hill.

Moving ahead seeing the colorful prayer flags on the main walls and prayer wheels and visiting the Tengboche monasteries in the Tengboche villages gives you a spiritual vibe.

Everest Base Camp Trek facts:

• Trek difficulty: Medium
• Trekking Region: Everest region
• Trekking destination: Everest Base Camp
• Accommodation: Guesthouse and Lodges
• Restricted permits: no require
• Maximum elevation: 5,555 meters, Kala Patthar
• Best season: spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November)

Highlights of Everest Base Camp trek:

• Everest Base Camp Itself
• The world's highest iconic peak, Mt Everest
• Kalapapther-the attractive viewpoint providing panoramic views of majestic peaks like Nuptse, Lhotse, Mt Everest, and other surrounding peaks.
• Namche Bazaar- the dense settlements of Sherpa peoples, the gateway of the Everest region.
• Tengboche monastreis-the oldest monastreis of Khumbu region.
• Great Himalayan trail and excellent mountain landscapes
• The warm hospitality and the natural view win the hearts of every visitor.

The best trek for the one depends upon his/her choice of difficulty, also the number of days you are planning to spend on treks. The budget also plays a vital role in choosing your treks.

Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most famous and best trekking routes in Nepal. Embarking on this journey gives you an insight into the geographical diversity of the country, and offers you a variety of terrain in the Annapurna region, exploring the rich cultural and natural diversity. This trek offers amazing views of Mt Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Langtang, and many other surrounding peaks.

Your adventure walk begins from the hillside village, walking through the dense forest covered with the blooms of rhododendrons to the high alpine, lush valley to the peaks. Along the walk, you will cross the world's deepest gorges, through the picturesque villages to the soaring snow-capped mountains.

 Crossing the Thorong La Pass attractive pass of the trek that offers a breathtaking view of towering mountains including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Massif, and Manaslu. The panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains will blow all your tiredness. During the hike, you will also see the distant Upper Mustang and Tibetan. You will also experience the walk through the desert-like terrain of Manang Valley, and hike through the Kali Gandaki Gorge deepest gorge in the world. Explore the hike to Muktinath temple - a religious place for both Hindus and Buddhists.

Interacting with the locals, you will learn many more about the local mountain culture, enjoy the panoramic views of the snowy peaks, and collect many more experiences.

 Annapurna Circuit Trek facts

• Trekking difficulty: medium
• Accommodation: Guesthouse and lodge
• Restricted Permits: No
• Max Elevation: 5,416 meters, throng la pass
• Best season: spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November)

The highlight of Annapurna Circuit Trek

• Annapurna Circuit Trek
• Crossing Thorong La Pass- the attractive vantage point of the trek and also the world's widest pass.
• Diverse trekking terrain as a result of varying in altitude.     

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remarkable off-beaten trek that offers amazing panoramic views of the snowy peaks. Walking in the less crowded path, with the stunning mountain views. The trek goes around the stunning Mt Manaslu- the world's 8th highest snow-capped mountains. You require a restricted area permit to trek in the area and solo trekking is not allowed in this region.

The journey takes you through the Hindu and Tibetan-style villages and the diverse culture of ancient Buddhist monasteries.

Manaslu circuit trek is a quite challenging trek so for trekking here you should be physically as well as mentally fit and fine. Walking up and down the remote route, on the steep slope of the mountain pass is very hard and challenging but the majestic views of Mt Manaslu, Lamjung Himal, and Mt Annapurna Ii will blow all your tiredness.

Hiking Larkya La pass- the attractive vantage point of the trek offers dramatic views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. Walking through the lush forest covered with colorful blooms of rhododendrons. Crossing the picturesque villages of Gurung and Magar. Walking through the area untouched by modernization and commercialization their daily lives are not much different from their older lives like struggling for a two-time meal. You will see people follow Tibetan and Buddhist culture. Showing their respect toward their culture and tradition through monasteries and prayer wheels.

The Manaslu Circuit trek route is remote and in a diverse topography. It offers the fabulous experience of walking on a remote journey, exploring the scenic beauty of the Himalayan region, and enjoying the panoramic views of the snow mountains. No wonder, the route falls in the best trekking destination in Nepal.

Manaslu Circuit Trek facts:

• Trekking Destination: Manaslu region (Manaslu Circuit trek)
• Trekking difficulty: difficult
• Trekking days: around 15 days
• Maximum Elevation: 5115 meters- Larkya Pass
• Accommodation: Tea/Guesthouse and lodge
• Restricted permits: required permit (ACAP, MCAP, RAP)
• Best Season: spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November)

Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek:

The trek to the remote and diverse area is enriched by very different topography resulting in varying altitudes.

Larkya Pass-the challenging and attractive vantage point of the trek which offers panoramic views of the surrounding snowy peaks.

The cozy village of charming mountain villages of Gurung and Magar people from where the Manaslu Base Camp Trek starts.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp trek is one of the best trekking destinations in Nepal which takes you through the classical route of Nepal wandering through the dense green forest covered with colorful blooms of rhododendrons, crossing the charming villages of the Gurung and Magar to the base of the worlds 10th highest snowy-peaks Mt Annapurna. This beautiful trek combines different landscapes, topography, superb natural scenery, and rich cultural diversity of the Annapurna region and brings the trekkers so close to the base of soaring peaks above 8000 meters in very short periods.

Trekking through the hillside villages, and terraced fields. Walking through the shadow of the mountains enjoying the stunning Himalayas views. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is a breathtaking walk in its way.

The world's iconic peak will greet you at the Annapurna Base Camp. The snowy peaks of Annapurna Massif and its surrounding peaks and glaciers will melt everyone's heart. Trekking to the base camp means you will be trekking to Annapurna Sanctuary- which is just below the Annapurna ranges. Exploring the unique flora and fauna of Annapurna Sanctuary will add glory to your walk.

After the long tiring walk, enjoy the natural hot spring of Jhinu Danda while returning to your initial place. You will also explore Ghandruk village-the popular town with dense settlements of Gurung and Magar people

Annapurna Base Camp Trek trip facts:

• Trekking destination: Annapurna Base Camp
• Maximum Elevation: 4320 meters Annapurna Base Camp
• Trekking days: around 10 days
• Trekking difficulty: Moderate
• Trek remoteness: Not Remote
• Best Season: spring (March to May) and autumn ( September to November)
• Required permits: TIMS, ACAP                         

The Highlights of Annapurna Base Camp Trek

•  Annapurna Base Camp itself
• Views of Mt Annapurna-the world's 10th highest snowy peak and other surrounding peaks and glaciers.
• A real adventure trekking experience in a very short trekking duration.
• Trekking to the Annapurna sanctuary.
• Exploring Ghandruk-the popular town of the region.
• Jhinu Danda- the natural hot spring of the trek.

Langtang Valley Trekking

Walking on the classical trek, Langtang Valley Trek is a popular trekking destination in Nepal which makes its way to the valley of glaciers having more than 70 glaciers of different sizes. The trek is popular for its diverse vegetation and cultured villages and offers the great vantage point- Langtang re and the panoramic views of Annapurna and Makalu.

Langtang Valley Trek is one of the closest trekking destinations to Kathmandu and also a comparatively short trekking route. Surrounded by rural landscapes, the region is quite wild with Tibetan landscapes and offers you a glimpse of unique Tamang and Tharu culture. This trek is also famous as one of the best treks in Nepal for beginners.

Chance to walk through the beautiful glacier at a quite low altitude compared to the other regions. Enjoy the panoramic views of the snowy peaks. The trek is the best option for those who want to experience the adventure/mountain walk within very short periods.

During the walk, you will also explore Langtang National Park- the first Himalayan national park of the country, rich in diversity, protecting some of the rare animals of the region including Mush Deer, Red panda, Snow Leopard, and Himalayan Thar,

Trekking this destination, you will be blessed with majestic mountain views including Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri, Dorje Lakpa, Tserko RI, and many other surrounding peaks.

You will have a very fruitful journey to Langtang

Langtang Valley Trek Facts:

• Trekking Destination: Langtang Valley
• Trekking days: Approx 10 days
•  Maximum Elevation: Tserko Ri 4,984 meters
• Accommodation: guest house and Lodge
• Restricted permit: No
• Permits: TIMS
• Best season: spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)

The highlights of the Langtang Valley trek

• Tserko Peak-the attractive viewpoint of the trek to enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks
•  Adventurous trekking experience within just 7-10 days
• Naturally and culturally rich trek with high influence of Tibetan and Buddhist traditions.

Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek also falls in one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. It is a newly popular trekking destination it wasn't open for trekking until 1992 and is a culturally and geopolitically sensitive area of the country. Upper Mustang is once known as the Kingdom of Lo-Manthang. This area lies in the rain shadow region which gives rise to the unique desert-like landscapes. The lifestyle and the culture of the region are so close to that of Tibet. Being isolated from the world, the region is still able to protect and maintain its centuries-old culture and rituals.

Mustang has a desert-like terrain with rock shelves. So it is known as the hidden paradise in Nepal, with hidden majestic views of Himalayan ranges behind the terrain of the region closely resembling the Tibetan Plateaus. The region offers majestic views of snow-capped mountains including Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and many other surrounding peaks. Locals' lifestyle in the Upper Mustang region is somehow similar to Tibetan neighbors.

The region was not open for visitors until 1992 so you need to have a special permit to trek in this region. The decade's isolation and hidden terrain still preserve old culture and tradition. Visiting the ancient caves, and monasteries, rock painting, spinning prayer flags, and hiking the Mani walls, add glory to your walk.

Upper Mustang Trip Facts:

• Trekking destination: Upper Mustang Trek
• Trekking difficulty: Modetare to difficult
• Trekking days: around 14 days
• Maximum elevation: 3810, Dhakmar
• Remoteness: Very remote
•  Accommodation: Tea house
• Restricted permit: Yes
• Permits Required: ACAP, RAP           

The Highlights of Upper Mustang Trek are:

• The ancient capital city of Mustang-Lo Manthang
• Diversity topography and deserted landscapes
• A journey full of culture with a high influence on Tibetan tradition.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Trekking to the world's third-highest peak, Mt Kanchenjunga, the walk is very popular in Nepal. Situated in eastern Nepal bordering India, trekking to these peaks, you will explore the culture and natural beauty of eastern Nepal. The journey takes you in the wild mountain terrain, deep into the soaring mountain ranges on Nepal's border with Sikkim and Tibet

The word Kanchenjunga is named after the Tibetan word which means "Five Treasures of the Great Snow', it refers to the five peaks of the range. It is the perfect trek for those who want to embark on natural beauty and seeking for a wild adventure. It is the less-traveled route in the remote area of Nepal, so you can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the surroundings. Trekking to this region, you need a special permit to trek as it falls under the restricted trekking area.

Kanchenjunga Base camp offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, and marvelous views of the soaring snowy peaks including Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Mera Peak, Jahnu Himal, and other surrounding peaks, you will also see the traverse mountain passes including Sinon La, Mirgin La. During the journey you will be walking through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area rich in diversity, it is the home of rare animals including the area including Snow-leopard, red panda, and Himalayan black bears. Walking through the lush green forest covered with the blooms of rhododendrons, breathtaking Himalayan views, glaciers, and scattered and charming villages of Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa exploring their unique culture and tradition. Exploring the Buddhist monasteries and stupas during the trek.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trip Facts:

• Trekking destination: Kanchenjunga Base Camp
• Trekking difficulty: Hard
• Maximum Elevation: 5160meters, Lapsang Pass
• Trekking remoteness: Very remote
• Accommodation: Lodge, Camping
• Best season: spring (March-May) and autumn (October to November)
• Restricted permit: yes, you need to be a minimum of two trekkers with a Nepal guide or porter.                     

The highlights of the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek:

• Crossing Lapsang La Pass- standing at an altitude of 5160 meters
• Magnificent views of Mt Kanchenjunga and Mt Makalu-views of the world's 3rd and 5th highest mountains in the world.
• Great trekking trails, in a very remote and secluded area of the Himalayas.

Besides these, many people get very confused about certain things while planning to trek in Nepal. Among them I have listed the most frequently asked questions, to help in making your trip very successful.

FAQS about Trekking in Nepal

When is the best time to trek in Nepal?

The peak season for trekking in Nepal is spring (months of March and May) and Autumn season (months of September to November falls). Trekking in this season means you will see very clear skies with superb snow-capped views. Being a pleasant time to explore Nepal. The trails are most crowded. To avoid the crowd and to have the adventure walk you can trek in the Winter season (months of December to February) and summer season (Jun to August). Though the weather can be unpredictable, these months offer a very unique experience with fewer crowds. You will get a good discount on trekking at this time of year.

What's it like trekking during the monsoon season?

During the monsoon season (Jun to Aug), most of the region in Nepal experiences heavy rain for a few hours every day. The trail is wet and slippery in the lower region and can be a very muddy walk. If the slippery walk doesn't bother, then it's a great time to trek, the skies often clear up in the morning after raining the whole night, wash away the mud offer the stone-paved trail, and make easy trekking. At this time of the year, you can trek Mustang and the Upper reach of Everest which lies in the rain shadow of the Himalayan, and receive a very little amount of rain.

What's the difference between private and group trips?

Private trips include your travel dates, your customized itineraries, and personal interests, whereas group trips are pre-packaged tours with pre-planned depart dates. Group tours are what most of the company offers and are open for the others to join whereas private tours are just for you.

Is it compulsory to carry a sleeping bag?

Carrying a sleeping bag with you will not cost you more than your safety. It is better to bring your lightweight sleeping bag on your own or rent one from Kathmandu. Walking in the high altitude, most of the tea house gives you a blanket to use while sleeping. In the warmer months, you can just sleep in a sleeping bag with blankets, and in the colder months, you will need a warmer sleeping bag.

Are our trekking permits included in the trekking price?

Yes, all the necessary permits are included in your trekking prices. For trekking in some restricted regions like Manaslu, you need to be in Kathmandu for a full day as your specialist will need your passport for the permit registration.

What date does the normal trek start?

Your trek starts on the date you are fully ready to head. Normally, you need 1-2 days in Kathmandu for your specialist to organize the necessary trekking permits. You can enjoy this day by exploring the valley.

Where can I store my luggage during the trek?

Well, by packing your necessary gear for your trek, you can leave your additional luggage at your hotel in Kathmandu or leave it at the company office of your specialist.

What trekking gear should I bring from home?

If you are comfortable then, buying the necessary gear for your trekking in the valley will be very appropriate from down jackets to water bottles. There is a variety of name-brand stores as well as a large selection of products that are fairly good quality. It is still worth bringing your gear if it doesn't take up too much weight.

I hope this article helps you to choose the best trekking route you are seeking. If you want to know more about it then please feel free to contact us: at nepalhikingtrek@gmail.com.