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Trekking in Nepal offers abundant choices – all within the lap of the majestic Himalayas! With eight out of the world’s fourteen 8,000-meter mountains and several other small peaks, each trekking route provides a serene escape into nature.
From rugged landscapes, challenging climbs, steep ascends, lush greenery, alpine valleys, and vibrant culture, Nepal’s trekking trails cater to every trekker, thrill seeker, traveler, or photographer. Additionally, if you are looking for a solo journey, a quick getaway, a long adventurous trek, or a family vacation, there are multiple packages you can choose from.
One of the best aspects of trekking in Nepal is the otherworldly experience you will get. Every step into a certain route will remind you of nature’s grandeur. Well, welcome to Nepal – a trekking paradise nestled within the heart of the Himalayas!
In this article, Nepal Trekking Experts will take you on a virtual journey to the Top 10 Trekking Routes in Nepal. Each of these trials will provide an unforgettable experience that will last you a lifetime.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Trekking Region: Manaslu
- Trek Duration: 17 days
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Maximum Elevation: 5,106 meters / 16,752 feet at Larkya La Pass
- Best Seasons: March to May and September to November
Taking you to the foothills of the world’s eighth-highest peak, Mount Manaslu, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is a hidden gem that showcases Nepal’s raw beauty. Well, it is a strenuous journey as the trail takes you through the remote areas of the region. Typically, this trek starts from the subtropical lowlands which later ascends to high-altitude landscapes.
Though a challenging journey, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers several rewarding moments. One of the major highlights of this trek is its highest point at Larkya La Pass which offers panoramic 360-degree views of the mountain peaks.
Furthermore, this trek also offers you an opportunity to immerse yourself in Tibetan culture as you witness their daily lifestyle up close. Hence, if you are looking for a challenging trek with a touch of culture and solitude along the trails, this is the one for you!
Nar Phu Valley Trek
- Trekking Region: Annapurna
- Trek Duration: 14 days
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Maximum Elevation: 5,320 meters / 17,454 feet at Kang La Pass
- Best Seasons: March to May and September to November
Similar to the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the Nar Phu Valley Trek is also one of the less-explored trekking routes in Nepal. This remote trail takes you through the two hidden valleys in Annapurna Conservation Area, Nar, and Phu. As the trail has been left untouched by modern civilization, you will get to experience the authentic culture and tradition of the area.
During this trek, you will walk through the rugged landscapes, including high cliffs, deep gorges, and expansive plateaus. Well, the highest altitude level of this trek is at Kang La Pass which will provide you the breathtaking views of the mountains, mainly the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
One of the major highlights of the trek is the unfiltered and raw beauty of the high-altitude terrain. Additionally, you can also get a chance to spend a night in a monastery with the monks. Sounds like you call?
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
- Trekking Region: Kanchenjunga
- Trek Duration: 24 days
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Maximum Elevation: 5,143 meters / 16,873 feet at Kanchenjunga Base Camp
- Best Seasons: March to May and September to November
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of the less advertised and less-explored trekking routes in Nepal offering you a pure chance to embrace the less-explored mountainous landscapes. While this trek is not made for everyone, the peace and calmness you will find on this rugged route are supreme.
Well, this particular trek will take you to the foothills of the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga. During this trek, you will pass through the unspoiled route through dense forests and high-altitude meadows. In addition to that, this journey will wind you up to reach the Kanchenjunga Base Camp.
It is indeed a magical moment to be so close to this colossal giant while also getting a chance to explore the cultural and traditional aspects of the region. It is the perfect journey for thrill seekers and experienced trekkers.
Everest Base Camp Trek
- Trekking Region: Everest
- Trek Duration: 15 days
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Maximum Elevation: 5,550 meters / 18,209 feet at Kala Patthar
- Best Seasons: September to May
No visit to Nepal is ever complete without the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is an epic journey that takes you to the base of the world’s highest mountain, the Everest (Sagarmatha in Nepali). Starting with a scenic 45-minute flight to Lukla, it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
This particular trek is located in the heart of the Khumbu region and you will also get a chance to explore the famous Namche Bazar. Apart from that, you will walk pass various Sherpa villages, offering you a chance to get a closer look at the day-to-day lifestyle of the locals.
One of the major highlights of this trek is the dramatic climb to Kala Patthar. This viewpoint offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas. Even today, it is a dream come true for adventure seekers as they get to experience diverse landscapes and authentic cultures in a single journey.
So, are you ready to make it to the ‘Land of the Himalayas’?
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Trekking Region: Annapurna
- Trek Duration: 15 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Maximum Elevation: 4,130 meters / 13,549 feet at Annapurna Base Camp
- Best Seasons: September to May
The Annapurna Base Camp is one of the classic trekking routes in Nepal that starts from Pokhara. If you are looking for a diverse scenery without having to put in much effort, this trek is perfect.
As a matter of fact, this trek takes you through the lush subtropical forests to the high-altitude alpine environment of the Annapurna massif. However, the trails are filled with gradual ascents and do not reach a higher elevation level which makes it an ideal trekking route.
Well, if you were to embark on this journey, you would have to trek through terraced fields, dense rhododendron forests, and traditional villages. During the trek, you will always be surrounded by panoramic views of the Annapurna I, making the whole journey feel surreal.
Altogether, it is a classic Himalayan adventure with moderate difficulty!
Langtang Valley Trek
- Trekking Region: Langtang
- Trek Duration: 11 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Maximum Elevation: 4,984 meters / 16,352 feet
- Best Seasons: September to May
Located near the Tibetan border, the Langtang Valley Trek is a culturally rich and scenic journey. This captivating trek follows the dramatic route of the Langtang National Park, offering a unique blend of lush forests, alpine meadows, and panoramic mountain scenery.
During this trek, you will encounter traditional Tamang villages, ancient monasteries, and stunning views of the Langtang range. One of the highlighting factors of this trek is the visit to the Kyanjin Gompa. Well, it is a high-altitude monastery from where you will get an intimate view of the Langtang Lirung and its surrounding peaks.
Overall, this trek might be for you, if you are looking for a relatively shorter trek with moderate difficulty.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Trekking Region: Annapurna
- Trek Duration: 15 days
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Maximum Elevation: 5,416 meters / 17,769 feet at Thorong La Pass
- Best Seasons: March to May & September to November
It is one of the most famous trekking trails in Nepal that takes you around the Annapurna massif. It is a huge opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystem, cultural villages, and dynamic landscapes of this region.
Here, the trails start from subtropical lowlands and cover up to high-altitude landscapes. During the journey, you will have to cross the challenging Thorong La Pass, which is one of the world’s highest trekking passes. If you are looking for a comprehensive trekking experience in Nepal, it might be the best option for you!
Everest Three High Passes Trek
- Trekking Region: Everest
- Trek Duration: 20 days
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Maximum Elevation: 5,550 meters / 18,209 feet at Kala Patthar
- Best Seasons: March to May & September to November
For challenge seekers, this particular trek will resonate closely as the journey traverses three high passes—Cho La, Renjo La, and Kongma La. It is an epic adventure to some of the remote areas of the Everest region.
While you will experience the beauty of the Khumbu region and its culture, what’s different is the challenging trek through glacial valleys, high-altitude meadows, and rugged terrain. However, as tough as it may sound, the journey is equally rewarding with the best views of the Himalayas.
Additionally, on this particular trek, you will also visit the Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
- Trekking Region: Manaslu
- Trek Duration: 24 days
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Maximum Elevation: 5,106 meters / 16,752 feet at Larkya La Pass
- Best Seasons: March to May & September to November
Among one of the unspoiled beauties of Nepal, the Manaslu Tsum Valley trek offers a unique blend of culture and pristine wilderness. This combined trek begins in Manaslu region which later follows the route to the Tsum Valley.
On this lesser-known journey, you will encounter high-altitude meadows, dense forests, and traditional villages – all surrounded by stunning views of the Manaslu massif. To peak this journey with serene beauty, it crosses the Larkya La Pass which offers a surreal view that will last a lifetime.
Gokyo Valley Trek
- Trekking Region: Everest
- Trek Duration: 14 days
- Difficulty Level: Strenuous
- Maximum Elevation: 5,360 meters / 17,585 feet at Renjo La Pass
- Best Seasons: March to May & September to November
The Gokyo Valley Trek is the choice to avoid crowded trekking routes like the Everest Base Camp Trek which takes you to the pristine Gokyo Lakes. It follows the similar scenic route of the Khumbu region and Gokyo Valley.
The highlight of the trek is the climb to Gokyo Ri which offers breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Conclusion
Each of the above-mentioned treks takes place in the lap of the Himalayas. However, each of them offers a completely different experience. Whether you are drawn to the solitude trails, breathtaking vistas, the cultural richness, or any other reasons, Nepal has more to offer than you think.
