Trekking in Nepal: 13 Adventurous and Hidden Nepal Treks

Boasting the majestic Himalaya mountain range and the world’s eight tallest mountains, Nepal is often referred to as the “trekkers paradise.” With a diverse landscape, snow-covered peaks, and stunning rural villages, Nepal has become one of the bucket list destinations for many travelers. And there is no wonder why.

However, trekking in Nepal can be challenging and overwhelming, as most treks require permits and guides; therefore, to ease your travels and help you identify which route is best for you, I teamed up with other travel bloggers to bring some of the best treks.

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Major trekking routes in Nepal

Mount Everest Base Camp trek

Mount Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most incredible and best hikes in Nepal to see the world’s largest mountains, including Mount Everest. The 130 km trail boasts stunning natural scenery and provides a unique cultural experience as it takes you through the hills past villages and monasteries. 

Although not technically challenging, the high altitude can make the trek to Mount Everest Base Camp challenging even for some fittest individuals. It is recommended to take a full 12 to 13 days to complete the out-and-back trail to acclimatize.

trekking in Nepal

You need two permits to hike to Mount Everest Base Camp, two passport photos, and your passport. You can purchase the permits at the Tourist Service Centre in Kathmandu. You must also buy a permit from Sagarmatha National Park along the hike.

To start the hike, you must take a tiny plane from Kathmandu to Lukla. You can do the trek with or without a Sherpa to guide you. If you are hiking without a guide, leave earlier in the morning to secure a place to sleep. Along the way, you can purchase breakfast, lunch, and dinner for a small price at the inns, meaning you only need to bring a little food. To avoid long stopovers for lunch during the day, bring some snacks and even extra lunch items. 

Bring essential items such as a water bottle, wool socks, hiking boots, base layers, a puffy jacket, waterproof/water-resistant rain pants, and water tablets or a water purifying system

→ Book a fully organized Everest Base Camp trek: Option 1, Option 2, or find the one that best suits you here.

Recommended by Born to be Adventurous 



Everest Base Camp trek via Gokyo Lakes

If you are considering hiking to Mount Everest Base Camp and have a few extra days to spare, add the Gokyo Lakes to your hike. These clear blue lakes in the next valley will definitely not disappoint you.

Depending on your route (suggested doing them on the way in), you’ll have to conquer the challenging Chola Pass, one of Nepal’s most horrifying mountain passes. Although trekking in Nepal is always advised with a guide, you must have one for the trek across Chola Pass; it’s too dangerous to go without, especially when it’s snowy or icy.

This route also adds a great walk across a glacier, which is quite tricky to navigate at some points.

Trekking in Nepal: 13 Adventurous and Hidden Nepal Treks 1

The Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes requires about 15 days if you fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. Make sure to acclimatize well, and as mentioned, always go with a guide as they can help you to avoid altitude sickness. It also supports locals who depend on tourism and adds less worry to your trek. There are several teahouses on the Gokyo tour, and your guide will always ensure a place to sleep.

The best time is spring or fall, however, note that due to climate change, it may vary. Winter is too cold to go this high, and summer is the rainy season. If you book through a travel company, including a guide, they will ensure you’ll get all the necessary permits; you need to bring several passport photos.

Besides your standard hiking gear, bring a warm sleeping bag and plenty of toilet paper, as it’s expensive along the track. 

→ Book a fully organized Everest Base Camp Trek via Gokyo Lakes or find the best suits you.

Recommended by We 12 Travel

Annapurna Circuit trek

The Annapurna Circuit trek is another popular trek for hiking in Nepal. This beautiful and challenging route in the western part of the country takes 14 days to complete and covers a total distance of 260km. The highest point of the Circuit is Thorong La Pass, at 5,400m above sea level, while the total elevation gain over 14 days is 1,685m. 

You can trek with a guide, in a group, or independently. Every hiker needs the TIMS card (Trekkers Information Management System) and the Annapurna Sanctuary Permit, available at the Tourist Information offices in Kathmandu and Pokhara.

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The trek starts at Besisahar and finishes at Nayapul. You can get to Besisahar either by bus or jeep from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Nowadays, due to intensive traffic on the part of the route from Besisahar, many trekkers start hiking at Bhulbhule, a small village 7km away. 

It’s possible to shorten the Circuit depending on your time. Seven days is the minimum number for the Annapurna Circuit. In this case, start at Jagat and finish at Muktinath or Jomsom. However, having less than seven days for the Circuit is risky, as you might need more time to acclimatize for Thorong La Pass. The best time for trekking the Circuit is March-April and October-November

There are many guest houses and food places along the route, so you don’t need to carry any camping gear or food. It’s essential to bring enough cash; very few places accept cards, and even fewer places with ATMs.

→ Book a fully organized Annapurna Circuit Trek or find the one that best suits you here.

Recommended by Stingy Nomads

Annapurna Base Camp trek

The Annapurna Base Camp trek is a breathtaking option for trekking in Nepal and its Annapurna region of the Himalayas. Sometimes referred to as the Annapurna Sanctuary trek, the route goes through the heart of the Himalayas with majestic scenery. The hike finishes at Annapurna Base Camp, the foot of the most dangerous mountain in the world. 

The hike takes around seven to 12 days, depending on how quickly you want to complete the 115km trek. The route reaches a peak altitude of 4,130m and includes an early morning hike to Poon Hill, which features stunning mountain scenery. It is recommended to do the trek with a guide; however, you can also do it alone.

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The trek is gorgeous all year round. November through January is a great time to go for lots of snow and to feel truly in the mountains. If you plan to trek in the colder months, take plenty of warm layers and a good-quality sleeping bag. For beautiful flowers and greenery, go in the summer. During the warmer months, accommodation in the guest houses book out fast, so reserve in advance if you don’t have a guide. 

You will need a TIMS card and ACAP ticket to complete the trek, which you can obtain on the route. However, make sure to have a passport-sized photo.

Head to the lakeside town of Pokhara as the base of your trek, around an 8-hour drive from Kathmandu. From there, the hike’s starting point –  Nayapul – is just a 1-hour drive from Pokhara. You’ll also need enough cash to cover meals and drinks at the tea houses along the trek and some form of water purification

→ Book a fully organized Annapurna with Poon Hill Trek or look through these other tours.

Recommended by Emma Adventures 

Island Peak Base Camp trek

Sitting at 6,189m, Island Peak is known as an entry-level climbing peak, best for those searching for a thrilling and challenging trek for hiking in Nepal and its Himalayas. But don’t be fooled by the beast that is Island Peak.

The 18-day return trek follows the same route to Everest Base Camp but takes a detour at Dingboche, where you head deeper into the Chukhung Valley, away from the crowds. You’ll be walking among forests, across glacial rivers, and through charming Sherpa villages, where you’ll stay in teahouse accommodation for the first few days of your trek.

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Once you arrive at Island Peak Base Camp, the serious adventure starts. You’ll need to camp here for three days and have a climbing clinic to ensure you’re properly prepared to take on the 6,189m summit.

The 10-hour summit climb to Island Peak is more challenging than people make it out to be, but reaching the top is an exhilarating experience that’s hard to beat! Sitting there on a small, snow-capped ledge, you’ll have a bird’s eye view of the Chukhung Valley, surrounded by Himalayan giants in the distance.

While you can get to Island Peak Base Camp independently, you must join a climbing team when you arrive. They will organize your climbing permits, provide tented accommodation, and give you the necessary gear, including climbing boots, crampons, ice axes, and harnesses. 

Climbing Island Peak is dangerous; you must adequately prepare for acclimatizing and fitness. If you want to take on Island Peak, plan your trip for the spring or fall when climbing conditions are optimal.

Recommended by Torn Tackies

Also, check out Nepal’s less traveled and hidden trek: Tamang Heritage Trail Trek

Manaslu Circuit trek

If you’re looking to escape the crowds of the Everest and Annapurna regions, but want incredible scenery, look no further than the Manaslu Circuit Trek.

This trek takes you on a 14-day loop around Manaslu, the world’s 8th-highest mountain. It starts in the jungle and climbs over 5,000 meters across Larke Pass. It follows a river with spectacular waterfalls and iconic suspension bridges. And it all culminates with a panorama of the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges.

hiking in Nepal

But the real draw of this trek is a unique opportunity to experience Tibetan culture. The Manaslu region borders Tibet, and the local people identify more with their Tibetan heritage than Nepali culture.

You’ll start the trek in Arkhet Bazaar – theoretically, a six-hour local bus ride from Kathmandu that, in reality, will take around 10 hours. It ends in Besisahar, well-connected to Kathmandu by tourist bus, local bus, and minibus.

The Manaslu Trek Nepal is a restricted-region trek, so both permits and guides are required. You can book both in Kathmandu a few days before you depart. It’s pricier than treks you can do independently – budget around at least 1,200 USD. But the payoff is a total absence of crowds. 

Manaslu was one of the regions hardest-hit by the 2015 earthquake. Most teahouses have reopened, but only during the dry season – October-December and March-May. On the 11th night, you’ll stay in a tent at 4,200 meters with no toilets. Facilities are more basic than on popular treks, so don’t expect WiFi or hot showers; you’ll mostly eat Dal Bhat.

Overall, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is perfect for those craving an off-the-beaten-path experience that combines epic high-altitude scenery with a cultural experience.

→ Book a fully organized Manaslu Circuit Trek or book the one that feels best for you here.

Recommended by Trains, planes, and tuk-tuks

Short and popular trekking in Nepal

Australian Camp trek 

If you are looking for an easy route for trekking in Nepal, consider the Australian Camp trek, one of the short treks in Nepal. This two or one-day hike starts from the small village of Kande, one hour drive from Pokhara, and climbs up to 2,000m above sea level. I’d recommend staying overnight.

The hike is easy; however, the route includes many stairs, so if you are not used to gaining elevation on somewhat slippery and steep stairs, it could be a bit hard for you. 

hiking in Nepal

However, the breathtaking snow-covered peaks of the Annapurna Mountain range of the Himalayas on a clear morning are absolutely worth the effort.

Once you reach Australian Camp, you can overnight at one of the guesthouses and enjoy breakfast with stunning views of the mountain range and dramatic views of the valley. Moreover, make sure to wake up at sunrise for mind-blowing scenery! 

On your way back, you will take a route to Dhampus, another charming area village. You can stop in Dhampus for lunch and continue towards Phedi. The path to Phedi follows a few stone stairs with stunning views of green hills and rice or tea fields. Alternatively, you can start the hike from Dhampus and finish in Kande. 

One of the best things about this trek is that it doesn’t require a guide or a permit; hence, you can do it alone or with friends. Have a lightweight backpack and pack enough cash to pay for lunch, water, or a guesthouse. 

→ Book a fully organized Australian Camp one-day hike.

The Poon Hill Circuit trek

The Poon Hill Circuit certainly is one of the best Nepal treks. The entire Circuit takes between 3 and 5 days to complete, depending on how fast you walk (keep in mind some days are extremely tough) and where you decide to stop along the way. 

The trail’s starting point is Nayapul, a small village where anybody wishing to hike the Circuit has to register for a permit. Although the highest point you will reach during the hike is just 3,200 meters above sea level, during the second day, there is a 1,500 meters elevation gain; in other words, expect a full day of walking uphill.

hiking in Nepal

The best time to hike the trail is in the dry season – but remember that’s also when it will be the most crowded, and you may have difficulty finding a place to stay for the night. May is a good compromise, with fewer people along the trail and accommodation options, but chances of rain are high. 

The best part of the hike is seeing the sunrise over the Himalayas from Poon Hill. However, as it is often cloudy, keep your expectations low! 

You can do the hike independently for a cheaper option or join a guided hike that could be around double the price if you did it yourself. However, with organized tours, you get a guide, porters carrying your stuff, accommodation, food, and even a room in Pokhara at the end of the hike.

Hiking shoes and hiking gear are mandatory. Best if they are water resistant. Remember that when it rains, there may also be leeches along the way!

→ Book a fully organized Poon Hill Trek.

Recommended by My Adventures Across The World

Mohare Donda trek

If you only have a little time to spend trekking in Nepal, luckily, many short treks are available in the country. Moreover, these short treks in Nepal are ideal for those who are not in great physical shape. 

One of the advantages of the Mohare Donda trek is that it gets you to several places to enjoy views of Annapurnas. This 4-day trek passes through villages and forests featuring oak and rhododendron. However, there are plenty of stairs to walk on.

hiking in Nepal

The highlight of the trek is the village of Tikot, a traditional settlement surrounded by the Annapurnas. On clear skies, you are treated with mind-blowing mountain range views. 

From Mohare Donda, you can enjoy the stunning landscape of Dhaulagiri 1, Dhaulagiri 2, Dhaulagiri 3, Fishtail, and Annapurna south peaks of the Annapurna range. 

The best time for the trek is in May, when trees and flowers blossom and create beautiful colors along the way. You don’t need permits, but having a guide is advised as the marked trails are missing at some places.

Recommended by Beaux Voyages

Ghandruk trek

For anyone looking for short treks in Nepal with minimal altitude, check out the Ghandruk Trek. The scenery along the Ghandruk hike is beautiful, taking you through picturesque rice fields, forests, and stone stairs to the village of Ghandruk. It is also one of the best trekking places in Nepal to enjoy stunning views of the Annapurna South mountain range from here. 

The best time of year to do this trek is from mid-September until May, when the skies are clear. The Ghandruk Trek takes 3-4 days, depending on how many hours you want to trek daily. Finishing in three nights and four days is doable if you walk around six hours a day. The trek goes up to 2,000 meters of elevation, with no difficult ascends or descends.

hiking in Nepal

You can buy a required Ghandruk Trek permit from any tour agency in Nepal. While a guide is optional, it’s recommended if you are not an experienced trekker.

The start of the Ghandruk Trek is in Phedi, which is about an hour’s drive from Pokhara. If you go with a guide, they will arrange the transportation for you. Otherwise, you can book a bus through a local tour agency or take a public bus.

The trail features tea houses and villages to stay in. You don’t need to worry about bringing food and water either, as you can buy them at each village. 

You should bring enough clothes for three days of trekking, as well as a sleeping bag. The tea houses have blankets, but it can get cold at night.

→ Book a fully organized Ghandruk Trek.

Recommended by Explore With Lora

Chisapani-Nagarkot trek

A Chisapani to Nagarkot hike within the Kathmandu Valley region northeast of Nepal’s capital is the perfect taster of longer, more arduous, and best treks in Nepal. 

This route is also ideal for travelers visiting Kathmandu for just a few days and wanting to escape its traffic-heavy and dusty streets. 

Starting at Sundarijal, 20 km from Kathmandu, the most challenging aspect of this two-day hike suitable for beginners comes at the very beginning. A steep ascent with stone steps into the lush forests of the Shivapuri National Park finally ends with a downhill ridge walk to the traditional village of Chisapani at an altitude of 2,300m.

hiking in Nepal

Another 20 km trek from Chisapani to Nagarkot on day two will take around 7-8 hours through fertile landscapes with stunning flora and cattle. 

You’ll also pass through indigenous villages and past local schools of smiling children, surrounded by panoramic mountain views. During the clear spring months, you may even be rewarded with a glimpse of Mount Everest. 

The hike ends with a short ascent to Nagarkot. Boasting a prominent location on the edge of Kathmandu Valley, the majestic sunrise and sunsets here are among the best in Asia and a fitting end to your hiking in Nepal.

Arranging this trek with a guide will include your overnight teahouse accommodation, entrance to the National Park, and journeys to and from Kathmandu.

Being another best trek in Nepal for beginners, these altitudes require equipment for all-weather and eventualities. Ensure you have a waterproof and windproof jacket, some thermal items, and breathable trekking trousers. A quick-drying towel, comfortable shoes, and a camera to record those fabulous vistas are also beneficial.

→ Book a fully organized Chisapani to Nagarkot Trek.

Recommended by The Two That Do

Dhulikhel trek 

If you are looking for another short route for trekking in Nepal, then Dhulikhel should be on your bucket list. The majestic views of the high Himalayas and the range of peaks from the Langtang Lirung in the west to the Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, and Melungtse in the east are breathtaking.

Reaching Dhulikhel is easy. Located at the intersection of Arniko Highway and BP Highway, the area is 32 km away from the eastern part of Kathmandu Valley.

hiking in Nepal

Nepal has many beautiful hikes, so a trip from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel is no exception. It takes approximately 6 to 7 hours to cover the 19 km trek to enjoy the spectacular views of the incredible Himalayan panorama, beautiful landscape, forests, and village life of Hindu and Buddhist communities. 

The trail itself is easy, mostly downhill and a little uphill. One of the advantages of this track is that it’s an all-year-round trek; however, the best time is from May to July to experience the monsoons. 

To complete the hike, use a combination of Google Maps, pre-marked signs, and ask for directions whenever needed. You will need to apply for permits and acquire the TIMS card before. You will need a copy of the passport, a passport-size photo, and money for the application. 

Trekking through the national park or conservation areas requires separate entry permits. Bring a personal first aid kit, all gear, and equipment. 

→ Book a fully organized alternative Kathmandu Valley Trek or Nepal Trek and Temples.

Recommended by Shoestring Travel 

Changu-Dhulikhel trek

Taking a 2-day trek from Changu Narayan to Dhulikhel is the perfect intermediate hike in Kathmandu Valley with breathtaking scenery. 

The walk starts with a touch of culture at Changu Narayan, an ancient pagoda-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley.

Day one will take you 4-5 hours leisurely to an upward valley ridge through a forest. After 2:30hr, you will stumble across Buddha Peace Park, a stately gold Buddha facing out towards the Himalayas. Nagarkot is a lovely hilltop village with cafes and accommodations from budget to 4-star hotels to rest your head.

hiking in Nepal

The next day takes around 5:30hr from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel. On a clear day, you can see Gosainkunda, Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu, Annapurna, Everest, and Mt. Dhaulagiri ranges. 

Hike up and down terraces with a final climb to Tonchok Mountain View Resort, a simple accommodation if you wish to stay. The last part takes you through villages leading to a tarmac road to the Newari town of Dhulikhel, where you can find several ancient temples if you have any energy left!

To do the trek, go on an organized tour that will transfer you both from Kathmandu and Dhulikhel. When doing solo, catch a taxi each way from Kathmandu or use public buses.

You don’t need any permits for this hike. Bring a lightweight backpack with all the gear you’ll need. 

Spring (March-April) or winter (October-November) is the best time to hike here. You’ll be rewarded with some incredible sunsets at this period of the year. 

It’s also possible to do the trek in the monsoon, but expect unpredictable weather with rain, mist, and humidity, adding a unique charm to it.

→ Book a fully organized alternative Kathmandu Valley Trek or Nepal Trek and Temples.

Recommended by Wander Miles 

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5 Comments

  1. Looks like an amazing adventure! Sure feels great to cross now places off the bucket list!

  2. What! You didn’t think the scenery was that amazing! You have been spoiled. Maybe it is just you had a tough time? Your photos look amazing. I still want to go.

  3. Lol. I could only lol after reading your post. Trekking Nepal can go wrong, but the experience is always there. Locals have a frustrating visitors, how could the man have sold a horrible soup for $2 when it ought to be 25 cents, and there’s this cab driver who wants $!0. So bad, but I’m sure you’ll boast of being at Nepal. By the way, the view over Annapurna is beautiful.

  4. I feel bad for what you got to experience. Nature there is indeed serene. I must appreciate your way of writing it down. Great post.

  5. sometimes it is harder to appreciate the beauty when you’re dog tired and ornery. Hiking can be rough, especially if you haven’t hiked for a while. Still sounds like a good time

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