Best Short Treks in Nepal

There are many best short treks in Nepal. Trekking in the Himalayas is one of every traveler’s dream destinations. Short treks are best if you have limited resources, including money and time. Short treks allow you to plan your dream adventure with the shortest vacations within your limited budget. When choosing a trek, consider your fitness and what activities you want to do.

Short treks in Nepal are perfect for those who want to experience the beauty of the Himalayas but have limited time. These treks usually take 3 to 7 days. Short treks take you through stunning landscapes, including lush forests, terraced fields, and charming villages. You can see breathtaking mountain views without going on long, arduous journeys. Short treks are great for beginners and those looking for a quick adventure in the heart of Nepal.

Popular Short Treks in Nepal

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Maximum Elevation	3,210 meters
Accommodation	Tea Houses
Duration	3 to 5 days
Difficulty	Moderate
Best Time to Visit	Spring and Autumn

Highlights

• You can see a stunning sunrise over the Himalayas, lighting up peaks like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri.
• Experience the welcoming nature of the local people.
• Climb the famous stone steps leading to the villages and viewpoints.
• Visit villages like Ghandruk, which have traditional Gurung houses.

Ghorepani Poon Hill is one of the best short treks in Nepal for those who are looking to see Himalayas. The trek usually takes about 4 to 5 days. You will travel through charming traditional villages like Ghorepani and Ghandrul and deep forests filled with rhododendrons and pine. You can see the breathtaking views of Nepal’s stunning mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Annapurna I.

The main attraction of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the early morning hike to Poon Hill to see the sunrise. The view is stunning as the sun slowly rises over the towering Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. You can explore Ghandruk, a charming village known for its incredible high mountain vistas and well-preserved culture.

Langtang Valley Trek

Maximum Elevation	3,865 meters
Accommodation	Tea Houses
Duration	5 to 7 days
Difficulty	Moderate
Best Time to Visit	Spring and Autumn

Highlights

• You can reach the top of Tserko Ri and enjoy the panoramic views of the surroundings.
• Enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks of Langtang Himal, Ganjala Peak, and Langtang Ri.
• You can explore the old Buddhist monatries such as Langtang Gompa and Kyanjin Gompa.
• Trek through thick green forests and discover Langtang National Park’s varied flora, fauna, and wildlife.
• You can explore the Buddhist villages and learn about their Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Langtang Valley Trek is one of the most accessible treks from the Kathmandu Valley. It is also one of Nepal’s shortest treks, with the Langtang Himalayas as its backdrop. You will pass through bamboo and rhododendron forests, thundering waterfalls, and stunning snow-capped peaks. You can see Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Lirug, and Langtang Ri along the route. If you want to see the sunrise over the Langtang Himalayas, hike up to Tserko Ri at 5,000 meters.

If you’re visiting Nepal for the first time, the Langtang Valley Trek is an excellent option for trekking. It delves into the ethnic Buddhist culture of the Tamang and Sherpa people. Similarly, visiting the Kyanjin Gompa near Tserko gives you a Buddhist vibe. Furthermore, you will pass through Langtang National Park, where you can see a variety of flora and fauna and wildlife, such as Himalayan deer, Himalayan pheasants, monkeys, and others.

Mardi Himal Trek

Maximum Elevation	4,500 meters
Accommodation	Tea Houses
Duration	5 to 7 days
Difficulty	Moderate
Best Time to Visit	Spring and Autumn

Highlights

• You can enjoy the breathtaking views of Machhapuccre Himal and Dhaulagiri.
• You can hike through trails filled with varied flora and fauna.
• Explore the villages decorated with prayers, flags and wheels, chortens, and Mani walls.

The Mardi Himal Trek, located on the eastern side of the Annapurna Base Camp trek, is considered an off-the-beaten-path trekking route in Nepal. The region remains remote and wild because it was only opened to tourists in 2012. Modernization has not been able to touch the beauty of this area, so you can trek through the charming villages and experience their unique way of life.

The trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp follows small paths through rhododendron forests. The further you go, the closer you reach mountains like Annapurna South, Gangapurna, Hiunchuli, Mardi Himal, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and more. When you reach the High Camp, you’ll have a clear view of the entire Annapurna range. There is also a viewpoint near the High Camp that offers stunning views of Mardi Himal Camp.

Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek

Maximum Elevation	4,130 meters
Accommodation	Tea Houses
Duration	5 to 7 days
Difficulty	Moderate
Best Time to Visit	Spring and Autumn

Highlights

• You can traverse diverse landscapes: lush forests, terraced fields, and traditional Gurung and Magar villages.
• You can see the stunning views of Annapurna Massif, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri peaks.
• Relax in the natural hot springs at Jhinu Dada.
• You can see breathtaking sunrises and sunset over the Annapurna range from viewpoints like Poon Hill.

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the popular trekking destinations in Nepal. This diverse trek will take you through charming villages of ethnic Gurung people, lush green forests, stunning landscapes, and incredible mountain views. It is not too strenuous and appropriate for couples and families with children. From this trekking route, you can see the breathtaking views of Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Machhaouchhre, and Gangapurna.

Furthermore, you’ll frequently cross suspension bridges, giving you a thrilling experience. You can interact with the indigenous Gurung community and learn about the old customs that have been preserved.

Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Trek

Maximum Elevation	2,300 meters
Accommodation	Hotels and resorts
Duration	2 to 3 days
Difficulty	Easy
Best Time to Visit	Spring and Autumn

Highlights

• You can visit religious and historical World Heritage sites in Kathmandu.
• Trek through the charming village, Nagarkot, Dhulikhel viewpoint, and Bhaktapur. 
• Enjoy the breathtaking Himalayan panorama view from east Mt. Everest to West Dhaulagiri.

Nagarkot to Dhulikhel is an easy and short trek offering snowy mountain views. In Nagarkot to Dhulikhel trek, you can learn about the real life, culture, and religion of different ethnic groups. If you have limited time to travel, this trek is best for you. The Nagarkot Dhulikhel trek begins in Shanku, an ancient city in east Kathmandu. During this trek, you’ll see stunning views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Mt. Everest Far East, and the Annapurna range. 

Nagarkot and Dhulikhel are the most well-known viewing points of the Kathmandu Valley ride, where you can see a village with a rice terrace, a fantastic landscape, a green hill, and beautiful scenery. While the famous Buddhist Stupa and historical Thrangu Tashi Yangtse monastery are highlights of this hike, villages at the junction of the Rishi and Ladku Khola Rivers are also worth seeing.

Lesser-Known Short Treks in Nepal

Panchase Trek

Maximum Elevation	2,500 meters
Accommodation	Homestay
Duration	2 to 3 days
Difficulty	Easy
Best Time to Visit	Spring, Autumn, and Winter

Highlights

• You can enjoy breathtaking views of Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri Range, and Machhapuchhre.
• You can see the stunning views of Pokhara Valley and Phews Lake. 
• You can explore religious and cultural sites like the temple of Sidda Baba, Homekund, Panchase Lake, Buddha Stupa, and caves.

Panchase Trek is one of the best short treks around Pokhara, but it is off the Annapurna trail. Panchase’s rural, cultural, off-the-beaten-path trek offers an ideal way to discover natural beauty around Pokhara and see stunning views of the Annapurna Himalayan Range. Panchase is where five tall hills meet at the top. On the top of the Panchase, you can explore Sidda Baba temple, Dharamshala, Mahadev temple, view tower, and Buddha statues. 

Panchase Hill offers breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu, as well as spectacular sunrise and sunset. At the top, there is a Pancsila Lake and the Barah Temple.

Tamang Heritage Trail

Maximum Elevation	3,165 meters
Accommodation	Teahouses
Duration	6 days
Difficulty	Moderate
Best Time to Visit	Spring and Autumn

Highlights

• You can see the breathtaking mountain views of Tibet Peak, Langtang II, Ganesh Himal, and Paldor Peak.
• Relax in the natural hot springs at Tatopani, which is a rejuvenating break during the trek.
• You can learn about the Tamang people’s Tibetan ancestry and heritage.
• Spot diverse wildlife, including the red panda and various bird species.
• You can visit traditional Tamang villages like Gatlang and Briddim.

The Tamang Heritage Trail is a thrilling journey that takes you on a cultural tour of ethnic communities in the Langtang region. The Tamang Heritage trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu Valley to Syabrubesi. The route continues to Gatlang and Tatopani, where you may rest in the natural hot springs. After leaving Tatopani, you will travel through Thuman and Briddim.

You can visit Buddhist monasteries with historic architecture that reflects Tibetan culture. You can see the breathtaking views of Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Lirung, Shringi Himal, and others. You will stroll by lovely rhododendron flowers and oak and pine trees and have the opportunity to see unique and endangered species.

Planning Your Short Trek

Permits and Regulations

Permits

• TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management System)
  The first permit you’ll need is the TIMS Card. This card helps the authorities keep track of trekkers for safety reasons. You can get it at the Tourism Board offices in Kathmandu or Pokhara. It costs NPR 2000.
• National Park or Conservation Area Permits
  You’ll need a permit to enter if your trek takes you through a national park or the conservation area. These areas are protected to preserve their natural beauty and wildlife. You can get these permits at the park’s entry point or in Kathmandu and Pokhara. For example, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) or the Sagarmatha National Park Permit are commonly needed. These permits cost NPR 3000.
• Special Permits for Restricted Areas
  Some trekking areas in Nepal are considered restricted due to their remote location or cultural sensitivity. These areas, like Upper Mustang or the Tsum Valley, require special permits that are more expensive and often necessitate traveling with a registered trekking agency. These permits range from $50 to several hundred dollars, depending on the area and how long you’ll be trekking.

Regulations

• Respect local customs and traditions.
• Do not harm the environment.
• Stick to the designated trekking routes.
• Travel with guides or a group for safety.

Packing Essentials

• Backpack: Comfortable and sturdy enough to carry essentials.
• Hiking Boots or Shoes: Provide good ankle support and grip.
• Clothing: Layer of warmth, including a waterproof jacket and quick-dry pants
• Water Bottle: Stay hydrated with a reusable bottle
• Snacks: Energy bars, nuts, or dried fruits for quick boosts.
• First Aid Kit: Bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, and personal medications.
• Navigation: Map, compass, or GPS device.
• Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
• Lighting: Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries.

Benefits of Short Treks

• You can enjoy an exciting trek without taking too much time.
• Short treks usually need less planning and packing compared to longer treks.
• Short treks are generally more affordable, with lower permits, accommodation, and food costs.
• Short treks are great for beginners or those who want to experience trekking without long-term commitment.
• You can enjoy beautiful landscapes, fresh air, and a break from city life for just a few days.

Conclusion

The short treks in Nepal offer an excellent opportunity to explore stunning landscapes, experience local culture, and enjoy the benefits of outdoor adventure. Short Treks are accessible, budget-friendly, and perfect for beginners or those with limited time. These treks can be unforgettable by preparing well, packing the right gear, and staying safe. Whether you’re hiking through green forests or reaching stunning viewpoints, Nepal’s short treks offer a chance to experience the peaceful beauty of nature.

FAQs