Top 14 Best Treks in Nepal - Snapshot Overview

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Going trekking in Nepal? Let’s help you with a snapshot overview of what’s likely the fourteen best trekking tours in Nepal. At least, they are currently the most popular treks in Nepal, based on number of trekkers.

Every year Nepal attracts +200,000 trekkers. That also means that every year +200,000 people are faced with the hard choice of selecting which trekking destination to explore in Nepal. Let’s face it - this is not an easy choice.

How odd it may sound the decision of choosing your favorite trek might actually be easier made in your home country (likely with proper internet connection also…) than in the bustling trekking and tourist area, Thamel, where hundreds of trekking agencies inevitably will offer you different opinions as to which trek is the best trek in Nepal.

Worst case, some opinions offered by local trekking agencies might be more profit driven than anything else. Best case, you’ll receive good but likely different pieces of advice from various prudent trekking companies in Kathmandu. Because which trek is actually the best in Nepal?

While some may believe there’s an ultimate answer to that question it does literally come down to your own personal trekking preferences. Let us exemplify with a few relevant aspects of trekking which you need to consider, before being able to zoom in on THE best trek in Nepal, for you personally:

  1. What level of trekking difficulty are you seeking?
  2. How many days do you have available for trekking in Nepal?
  3. Looking for a remote trekking destination, or, will a touristy one be okay as well?
  4. Are you a budget traveler or is price less relevant for you?
  5. During which season(s) are you trekking in Nepal? (some treks are not recommended during the monsoon and winter season)
  6. Looking for remote and hard camping treks (also sometimes named ‘adventure treks’) or the simpler guesthouse treks?
  7. Are you alone, or with someone? Some treks in Nepal have Restricted Permits and hence requires a minimum of two people, and the company of a Nepali guide or porter.

Below we’re listing the currently 14 most popular trekking destinations in Nepal taking into account the above mentioned trekking parameters, a 3-liner sales pitch, high and low-lights, and finally its Trek Facts.

Hopefully this best treks in Nepal crash-course will assist you further with selecting your favorite trekking destination.

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Everest Base Camp trek
View of Mount Everest. Photo taken close to Kala Patthar.
Everest Base Camp trek map

Great trekking terrain! You’ll stand face-to-face with the world’s highest mountain – Mountain Everest (8,850 m), and see multiple other majestic peaks. You’ll also meet the Sherpa people, renowned for the climbing skills. In short, fantastic trekking experience.

Highlights

  • Stand face-to-face with Mt. Everest and experience Everest Base Camp itself
  • Kala Patthar at 5,600 meters, a vantage point providing fantastic views of majestic peaks such as Nuptse, Lhotse, and Mount Everest
  • Great trekking trail and excellent mountain landscapes

Lowlight

  • You'll trek up and down on more or less the same trail.

Trek Facts

  • Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 - Medium difficulty
  • Remoteness: Not Remote (due to the number of trekkers)
  • Pricing: Medium (#USD spent/day)
  • Best Season: March-May and October-November
  • Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
  • Restricted Permits: No. 
  • Max elevation: 5,600 m, Kala Patthar
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.

⇒ Compare prices for Everest Base Camp or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for Everest Base Camp

More information:
Best time to trek to Everest Base Camp
How long does Everest Base Camp trek take
How to get to Everest Base Camp

Thorong La Pass on the Annapurna Circuit Trek
Thorong La Pass, the widest pass in the world, and the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trek at 5,416 m
Annapurna Circuit trek map

Good trekking terrain. Great Himalayan scenery. Comfortable trek with lots of tea-houses. In recentyears road building has taken place along some parts of the trek, unfortunately decreasing the overall trekking experience.

Highlights

  • Crossing the world's widest pass -  the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meter
  • Diverse trekking terrain as a result of high difference in altitudes - varying from 760 m to 5,416 m
  • Developed trek giving a high degree of comfort

Lowlight

  • Road building next to the trail at some parts of the trek.

Trek Facts

  • Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 - Medium Difficulty
  • Remoteness: Not Remote (due to the number of trekkers)
  • Pricing: Cheap (#USD spent/day)
  • Best Season: March-May and October-November
  • Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
  • Restricted Permits: No. 
  • Max elevation: 5,416 m,  Thorong La Pass
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.

⇒ Compare prices for Annapurna Circuit or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for Annapurna Circuit

*Note: The +100,000 trekkers per year is for the entire Annapurna Region, including both the Annapurna Circuit trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, and Poonhill trek combined. It has not been possible to divide it per trek, as Nepal's Tourism Board does not have the exact number per trek, as the trekker TIMS cards are issued for the whole Annapurna Region.  

Annapurna mountain range
Mt. Annapurna as seen from Annapurna Base Camp
Annapurna Base Camp map

Annapurna Base Camp (4,320 m) will allow you to stand face-to-face with the world’s most dangerous mountain to Climb (not trek…) - Annapurna I (8,091 m). Only having 10 days for trekking this trek is without doubt a great option.

Highlights

  • An authentic and real trekking experience, considering the rather short trekking duration
  • Great trail and landscape, the closer you get to Annapurna Base Camp
  • In close proximity to the city Pokhara, also worthwhile exploring after the trek

Lowlight

  • The trail has quite a few stairs

Trek Facts

  • Trekking Difficulty: Level 2 - Moderate
  • Remoteness: Not Remote
  • Pricing: Cheap (#USD spent/day)
  • Best Season: March-May and October-November
  • Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
  • Restricted Permits: No.
  • Max elevation: 4,320 m, Annapurna Base Camp
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): No. Normally too much snow. Risk of avalanches.

⇒ Compare prices for Annapurna Base Camp or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for Annapurna Base Camp

Beautiful view of Annapurna South from Poon hill at 3,210 m.
Beautiful view of Annapurna South from atop Poonhill
  Poonhill Trek map

Poonhill (3,210 m) offers great views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges. It’s a great trek for a sneak-peak into the trekking world. Highly recommended if only a few days available for trekking in Nepal.

Highlights

  • Sunrise atop Poonhill with a fantastic panoramic view of the Himalayas
  • Cultural trek, especially Ghandruk, an antique and culturally rich village
  • In close proximity to the city Pokhara, also worthwhile exploring after the trek.

Lowlight

  • The trail has quite a few stairs

Trek Facts

  • Trekking Difficulty: Level1/2 - Easy to Moderate difficulty
  • Remoteness: Not Remote
  • Pricing: Cheap (#USD spent/day)
  • Best Season: March-May and October-November
  • Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
  • Restricted Permits: No. 
  • Max elevation: 3,210 m, Poonhill
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.

⇒ Compare prices for the Poonhill Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Poonhill trek

Langtang Trek
A group of trekkers in Langtang Valley
Langtang Trek map

The best trek in Nepal, if only having 7-8 days available. Situated in the North towards Tibet. Langtang is a good trek offering cultural insights such as monasteries, local villages, and an opportunity to select and hike you own preferred 4,984 m peak.

Highlights

  • Reaching atop Tserko Peak at an altitude of 4,984 m
  • A 100% authentic trekking experience, even if only going for 7 days!
  • A culturally rich trek highly influenced by Tibetan traditions.

Lowlight

  • The trail is almost the same - up and down.

Trek Facts

  • Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 - Moderate difficulty
  • Remoteness: Not Remote-Remote
  • Pricing: Cheap (#USD spent/day)
  • Best Season: March-May and October-November
  • Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
  • Restricted Permits: No.
  • Max elevation: 4,984m, Tserko Ri
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.

⇒ Compare prices for the Langtang Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Langtang Trek

Mount Manaslu

View of Mt. Manaslu, the eighth highest mountain in the world. The Manaslu Circuit trek circumvents Mt. Manaslu.

Manaslu trek map

The Manaslu trek officially opened for trekking in the early 90s, a cutural trek par excellence, and without a doubt one of the best treks in Nepal. An appropriate name might be ‘Anaslu’ as this trek is likely to take over the popularity of the infamous Annapurna Circuit trek. Highly recommended.

Highlights

  • The day of crossing the Larke Pass - a day of challenge and full adventure!
  • The entire trail - diverse, remote, and secluded, enriched by very different topography as a result of varying altitudes - 600 m to 5,135 m. You'll walk in a circuit and hence the trail will keep on changing, until its end.
  • The cosy village of Samagaun from where you'll also visit Manaslu Base Camp.

Lowlight

  • The word has spread that Manaslu is indeed one of Nepal's best treks. Accommodation may be therefore be scarce, especially during high season - Oct and Mar-April.

Trek Facts

  • Trekking Difficulty: Level 4 - Hard
  • Remoteness: Remote
  • Pricing: Medium (#USD spent/day)
  • Best Season: March-May and October-November.
  • Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
  • Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or Porter. 
  • Max elevation: 5,115 m, Larke Pass
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): On and off, but mostly Yes. The obstacle is the day of crossing the Larke Pass at an altitude of 5,135 m.

⇒ Compare prices for the Manaslu Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Manaslu Trek

Backpackers passing through the Renjo La Pass
Trekkers crossing the Renjo La Pass - one of 3 passes to be crossed on the EBC 3 Passes trek. The other two passes are the Kongma La Pass (5,528 m) and the Cho La Pass (5,420 m).
Everest Base Camp 3 Passes Map

Looking for an adventure of a lifetime? This is the ultimate Everest quest. It is a long and challenging trek with 4 passes to climb. ALL efforts are, however, rewarded by stunning peaks, pristine nature, and excellent trails.

Highlights

  • Crossing each of the 3 passes is a challenge, and a great adventure. Kong Ma La represents the biggest challenge of the 3 passes.
  • Fantastic trekking trail - remote, diverse and secluded. You'll be walking in a circuit so the trail will just keep on changing.
  • Crossing Himalayas' widest glacier - the Ngozumba Glacier - an exciting trespassing.

Lowlight

  • Good question. We're in doubt ourselves if there is one!

Trek Facts

  • Trekking Difficulty: Level 4 - Hard
  • Remoteness: Very Remote
  • Pricing: Medium (#USD spent/day)
  • Best Season: March-May and October-November.
  • Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
  • Restricted Permits: No.
  • Max elevation: 5,540 m, Kong Ma La Pass
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): No. The 3 passes are not passable during Winter.

 ⇒ Compare prices for the Everest Base Camp 3 Passes Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Everest Base Camp 3 Passes Trek

Gokyo Lake
The sparkling and emerald green waters of one of the five Gokyo Lakes, located next to Gokyo village. The Gokyo trek is also known as the Gokyo Lakes trek.
Gokyo Lakes Trek map

Situated just west of the Everest Base Camp trek the Gokyo trek is a great alternative if looking for fewer tourists and more remote nature. The five Emerald Lakes together with majestic mountain peaks is at the core of this trek.

Highlights

  • The cozy and beautiful village of Gokyo. If possible, spend an extra day there!
  • The 5 emerald green lakes of the Gokyo region.
  • Gokyo Ri - a peak and vantage point providing the best panoramic view of the Himalayas! (compared with all other treks in Nepal)

Lowlight

  • Unless also crossing the Renjo La Pass, it's almost the same trail up and down.

Trek Facts

  • Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 - Medium difficulty
  • Remoteness: Remote
  • Pricing: Medium (#USD spent/day)
  • Best Season: March-May and October-November
  • Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
  • Restricted Permits: No.
  • Max elevation: 5,357 m, Gokyo Ri
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.

⇒ Compare prices for the Gokyo trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers  for the Gokyo Trek

Village of Upper Mustang
Mustang, a former Kingdom of Lo, is a remote and isolated region of the Nepalese Himalayas. 
Upper Mustang Trek map

Mustang, a former Himalayan Kingdom, is considered a last bastion of Tibetan culture. An otherwise traditional camping trek which is now available via conveniently spaced guesthouses. A great option if looking for unique Tibetan culture together with beautiful landscapes. Recommended!

Highlights

  • The Mustang area's capital city - Lo Manthang
  • Treeless and barren landscapes
  • A journey full of cultural inputs and Tibetan traditions

Lowlight

  • Relentless afternoon winds can be a challenge.

Trek Facts

  • Trekking Difficulty: Level 3,4 - Medium-Hard
  • Remoteness: Very Remote
  • Pricing: High (#USD spent/day)
  • Best Season: March-May and October-November
  • Accommodation type: Guesthouses & Lodges
  • Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or Porter. The Restricted Permit for Upper Mustang costs USD 500 for up to 10 days and USD 50 for each day hereafter.
  • Max elevation: 3,810 m, Dhakmar
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Yes.  

⇒ Compare prices for the Upper Mustang Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers  for the Upper Mustang trek

Upper Dolpo trek, the most remote and least developed district in Nepal
Caravan of yaks in the remote Upper Dolpo region.
Upper Dolpo Trek map

It’s a hidden gem filled with cultural impressions - Tibetan style villages, barren landscapes, mountain peaks, and fertile rice terraces. It’s expensive but also fantastic. The mystique and uniqueness of the Upper Dolpo region was manifested by Peter Matthiessen in ‘The Snow Leopard’ written in 1979.

Highlights

  • The secluded Shey Phoksundo lake and the Shey Gomba monasteries
  • High and secluded Himalayan valleys, resembling the Tibetan plateau
  • Superb view of the Kanjirowa Himal mountain

Lowlight

  • It's a very remote area and as a result you will spend up to 4 days travelling to and from the trek, having Kathmandu as a starting point.

Trek Facts

  • Trekking Difficulty: Level 3 - Medium difficulty
  • Remoteness: Very Remote
  • Pricing: High (#USD spent/day)
  • Best Season: March-May and October-November
  • Accommodation type: Camping
  • Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or Porter. The Restricted Permit for Upper Dolpo costs USD 500 for up to 10 days and USD 50 for each day hereafter.
    Max elevation: 5,250 m, Kang La Pass
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Not advisable. Too remote and too cold. Crossing the Kang La Pass is likely not possible.

⇒ Compare prices for the Upper Dolpo Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Upper Dolpo Trek

Mount Kanchenjunga, the second highest Himalaya peak of Nepal
Mount Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world. It has five peaks in total of which the main peak is 8,586 meters.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek map

Camping adventure trek of a life time. You’ll be visiting one of the most rural regions in Nepal, surrounded by absolute pristine nature. It’s a hard and long trek and should only be done by rather fit trekkers. Go there!

Highlights

  • The day of crossing the Lapsang La Pass at an altitide of 5,160 m
  • Great trekking trail, in a very secluded area of the Himalayas
  • Splendid views of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Makalu, the world's 3rd and 5th highest mountains in the world, respectively.

Lowlight

  • Transportation to and from the Kanchenjunga trek may take up to 3-4 full days.

Trek Facts

  • Trekking Difficulty: Level 4 out of 5 - Hard
  • Remoteness: Very Remote
  • Pricing: High (#USD spent/day)
  • Best Season: March-May and October-November. Not recommended during winter
  • Accommodation type: Camping
  • Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or
  • Porter. The Restricted Permit for Kanchejunga costs US$ 10 per person per week.
  • Max elevation: 5,160 m, Lapsang Pass
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Not advisable. Too cold and too remote.

⇒ Compare prices for the Kanchenjunga Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers  for the Kanchenjunga Trek

Tents in the Makalu Base Camp
The Makalu Base Camp trek is an awe-inspiring trekking destination in the eastern part of Nepal.
Makalu Base Camp map

Mt. Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world, presents you with challenging trails and unspoiled nature. Do not expect to meet other trekkers but do expect 100% communion with nature. A trek for the fit and adventurous.

Highlights

  • Unspoiled trails and landscapes during the entire trek.
  • Stunning mountain scenery, inter alia the lofty vantage point Shersong ridge at 5,250 m
  • 100% authentic trekking in terms of self-sufficiency and and self-equipped

Lowlight

  • It's the same trail up and down.

Trek Facts

  • Trekking Difficulty: Level 4 out of 5 - Hard
  • Remoteness: Very Remote
  • Pricing: High (#USD spent/day)
  • Best Season: March-May and October-November. Not recommended during winter
  • Accommodation type: Camping
  • Restricted Permits: Yes. You have to be minimum 2 trekkers and accompanied by a Nepali Guide or Porter. The Restricted Permit for Makalu Base Camp costs US$ 10 per person for the first four weeks. After four weeks US$ 20 per person.
  • Max elevation: 5,250 m, Shersong ridge
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec-Jan): Not advisable. Too cold and too remote.

⇒ Compare prices for the Makalu Base Camp Trek or Get 5 Free Trekking Offers for the Makalu Base Camp Trek

Dhaulagiri French Pass Trekking
A group of trekkers and Sherpa's passing through the French Pass

In a country full of challenging treks, the Dhaulagiri Circuit presents a serious adventure for experienced hikers. Trek through deep valleys, past farming villages and alpine pastures. Each stop along the route comes with close-up views of towering 8,000 m peaks.

Highlights

  • A high-altitude trek through some of the lesser-visited parts of the Annapurna Region
  • Takes you to the base of Dhaulagiri, the seventh-highest mountain in the world, and along the Chhonbardan Glacier
  • The route is less crowded as most trekkers choose the nearby Annapurna Circuit
  • Travel through quaint highland villages along the way

Lowlights

  • High elevation, which means multiple days of acclimatisation

Trek Facts

  • Trek Difficulty: Difficult
  • Trek Duration: 15 to 20 days
  • Remoteness: Remote
  • Best Season: March to May and September to November
  • Accommodation Type: Camping
  • Restricted Permits: Yes. Hikers will need a TIMS card and an ACAP permit
  • Maximum Elevation: 5,360 m
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec to Jan): No. There is too much snow and a high risk of avalanches during winter.

If you wish to experience the sheer remoteness of Nepal’s Himalayas, then the Nar Phu Valley trek is for you. A well-kept secret among seasoned travelers, this trek also gives you the chance to experience centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist culture in addition to the stunning views of towering mountains.

Highlights

  • Experience Tibetan culture in remote Himalayas
  • Trek through largely uninhabited areas that hardly see any travelers
  • Witness the sheer beauty of Annapurna II, Gangapurna and Tilicho mountains

Lowlights

  • You will need a porter
  • Food and water are more expensive in this region than in the Annapurna Circuit

Trek Facts

  • Trek Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trek Duration: 12 to 15 days
  • Remoteness: Remote
  • Best Season: March to May and September to November
  • Accommodation Type: Tea houses and camping
  • Restricted Permits: Yes. Hikers need a Restricted Area Permit and an ACAP permit
  • Maximum Elevation: 5,416 m
  • Accessible during Winter (Dec – Jan): No. High passes are impassable during winter

The above article is based on thorough research, people on the treks, and contains the latest information. 

Published by Erik Jensen, updated on March 29, 2023

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4 COMMENTS We welcome your questions or comments to this article. Our travel experts will respond within 48 hours.
  1. P
    Pasang Lama 2020-05-05 04:53:50 REPLY
    Bookmundi is a biggest platform to get best holiday trekking trips around the world.
    1. P
      Pasang Lama 2020-05-05 04:52:51 REPLY
      Bookmundi is a biggest platform to get best holiday trekking trips around the world.
      1. M
        Marek Navrátil 2019-02-12 04:43:50 REPLY
        Hi there, this is great website, very helpful, thank you for it. Please I have a question about tibetan buddhism in Nepal, can you recommend the best trek from there or others where I can meet the real tibetan buddhism?(that this feeling from the people is very strong and also there is some "non-commercial"monasteries, maybe with lamas)Thank you :)
        1. F
          Federico Jamine 2018-10-18 14:10:35 REPLY
          Great information, thanks for posting, we appreciate it.