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17 Best Treks in Nepal To Project

By 24 September 2020 July 7th, 2025 No Comments

I want to introduce you to trekking in Nepal and some of the best treks Nepal has to offer. This includes 17 of my favourite treks. I hope this will encourage you to come to Nepal and enjoy the wonders of the Himalayas!

Some of you might be familiar with the fact Nepal has 8 out of the world’s 10 highest mountains, with Mt. Everest being the highest of all. Of course, there are dozens of other high mountains and hills to explore.

For many of you, trekking in Nepal needs no introduction. However, some of the other best treks in Nepal might not be familiar to you so this article is here to encourage you to go off the beaten trail and explore more hikes in Nepal.

Trekking can be done in as little as 1 day, or as long as 1 month! Some Nepal treks can be done on your own while others require a guide booked through a local travel agency.

Permits are required for almost all treks; some even require special permits, so be sure to do adequate research before embarking on any of them.

You’ll also find some handy tips when trekking in Nepal, whether you are an experienced trekker or a newbie.

Here are 17 best Nepal treks I’ve done, in no particular order, for it would be really hard to choose an absolute favourite. I love them all for different reasons!

17 Best Nepal Treks To Set Your Sights On

1. Everest Base Camp Trek

everest base camp trek, best treks in nepal

Duration: 12-14 Days

Max Elevation: 5545 m

Start/Finish Point: Lukla/Lukla

Difficulty: Challenging

Trail Style: Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Allowed

This one needs little introduction – it’s one of the most popular treks in the world and for good reason! First of all, you will see Mt Everest very close.

Not only will you experience the highest mountain in the world, you’ll also see an array of other stunning mountains such as Mt Lhotse and Mt Makalu.

This trek will take around 14 days in total.

You arrive by plane into Lukla, which perhaps is the most thrilling flight you’ll take in your life. For some, the flight to Lukla is an exciting, exhilarating experience, but for others it could be a little scary. FYI, you can also drive or walk into the region but obviously that takes more time.

You get to stay in Namche Bazaar, the market town from where climbing expeditions are done by so many famous names who stayed in the past while finalizing their equipment and stamina to summit Everest.

Nearby, Namche is a school which Sir Edmund Hillary, the first man to conquer Everest, set up to repay the Sherpa community for their role in his successful climb. In fact, that airport in Lukla is called the Tenzing Hillary Airport in recognition of Hillary and Tenzing Norgay who stood next to him on the summit in 1953.

A visit to the Tengboche Monastery will provide you with an astounding panorama view and an insight into Tibetan Buddhism. The Sherpa people themselves originate from Tibet so learning about their everyday culture on your trek is a plus point.

While I never recommend you travel alone while trekking, it’s possible to trek independently. Hiring your own guide or porter will provide you with some extra safety and give something back to the community.

It’s possible to buy the required permits at Lukla and Monjo village or before you set off from Kathmandu.

Everest Base Camp is a very popular trek so it can be very crowded in the high seasons. You need to follow the same route out from Base Camp as you trekked going in.

2. Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

kanchenjunga circuit trek, best treks in nepal

Duration: 20-24 Days

Max Elevation: 5190 m

Start/Finish Point: Taplejung/Taplejung

Difficulty: Challenging

Trail Style: Seasonal Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Not Allowed

This remote trek takes a minimum of 20 days, although I did this in 18 days. You can check my Kanchenjunga trek itinerary.

Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world!

This trek takes you on a circular route around the mountain to explore both the North and the South Base Camps. You’ll need to take a domestic flight to Bhadrapur in the south-east of the country, then drive up into the mountains to start your trek.

It’s a strenuous trek so you should be fit!

You’re unlikely to meet other trekkers on the trails, which is fantastic if you like to feel that the world belongs to you!

You will be in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area so there is the possibility of seeing a Snow Leopard, along with other wildlife.

Glacial lakes are always fascinatingly beautiful and there are a number of lakes and glaciers including Zumu, Talung, Rathong, and Yalung. The landscape is varied to include rivers, waterfalls colourful rhododendron forests, meadows and pine forests. There’re also a couple of monasteries to explore.

As you are in a restricted area, there must be at least 2 trekkers to obtain your special passes. You must also only go with a registered trekking company, which isn’t too bad in itself since you’ll have a professional guide to guide you.

Another point which can be negative or positive depending on your outlook is that accommodation and food is basic in this region. Yet, nothing adds to adventure like the feeling of being somewhere totally unique.

You’ll be hiking over the Sele Le Pass. At 4,390m, this is not high as passes in Nepal go, so I don’t really consider this a minus point at all, depending on how you look at it!

3. Makalu Base Camp Trek

Makalu Base Camp Trek, best hikes in nepal

Duration: 18-20 Days

Max Elevation: 5200 m

Start/Finish Point: Tumlingtar/Tumlingtar

Difficulty: Challenging

Trail Style: Seasonal Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Allowed

This 19-day trek takes you to the base of the 5th highest mountain in the world. This high-altitude trek requires flying into and out to this mid-eastern region of Nepal.

Starting in the lowlands, the trail takes us through rhododendron forests, Gurung villages and along river valleys into the Makalu Barun National Park. On the higher altitude trails, there are lakes, passes, and a rocky, barn landscape.

Being that it’s a strenuous trek, it appeals mainly to those who have trekked before and to those who love nature. Do note that you must trek in and out the same way.

This is a seasonal trek and you will find teahouses (trekking lodges) are only open during the spring and autumn. You cannot trek in this area in the winter due to the weather and the fact teahouses at higher altitudes will be closed.

There’re less people on this trek with beautiful nature and countryside. You can trek this area independently and permits can be issued both on the trail and in Kathmandu before departure.

From the base camp, you get a full panorama of Everest and Lhotse as well as a view of the Barun Glacier. The Tutu La Pass (4,125m) is also known as Shipton’s Pass after mountaineer Eric Shipton.

With the park being home to thousands of species of plants, 75 species of mammals and over 400 species of birds, you might be lucky enough to see a Snow Leopard, Red Panda, wild yak, Himalayan Thar and deer and wild boar.

4. Gokyo Lake Trek

Gokyo Lake Trek, best treks in nepal

Duration: 10-12 Days

Max Elevation: 5368 m

Start/Finish Point: Lukla/Lukla

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Style: Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Allowed

This 11-day demanding trek is a beautiful alternative to the Everest Base Camp Trek but still allows you to fly into the high-altitude airport at Lukla and stay in the busy market town of Namche Bazaar.

In my opinion, it’s actually one of the most scenic routes in the Everest Region, although you can argue the whole regions is spectacular.

The Gokyo Valley consists of 5 high altitude lakes, which fall under the collective name of ‘Gokyo Lake’. The highest point of this trek is at Gokyo Ri (5,357m). As this is a day trip, you will not be required to sleep at such a high altitude.

From Gokyo Ri, you’ll get an amazing view of 4 mountains over 8,000m: Mt Cho Oyu, Mt Lhotse, Mt Makalu, and of course Everest itself. You’ll also get a birds-eye view of the Gokyo II and Gokyo III lakes below you. (Someone really must name these lakes better!)

You can trek in this region independently, but I suggest you take a guide or porter for your own safety. You’ll need permits which can be obtained in Kathmandu before you leave, in Lukla or Monjo. This trek is slightly shorter than the regular EBC trek, which is a plus if you have less time, or a minus if you love to hike!

If time and availability allows, you can spend more time in one of the villages you stay in, or visit Tengboche Monastery from Namche, which is 6 hours each way.

The trail in and out of the area follows the same route, which is not a really a minus at all considering every day on the trail is different depending on the weather, your own mindset and the people you met.

5. Everest Three Passes Trek

everest three passes trek, best treks in nepal

Duration: 16-18 Days

Max Elevation: 5545 m

Start/Finish Point: Lukla/Lukla

Difficulty: Challenging

Trail Style: Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Allowed

A demanding 16-day trek again in the land of the Sherpas the Everest Region. Covering all 3 valleys in the region, including Thame Valley, this trek follows a circular route and takes you over 3 high passes.

As well as the passes, and a climb up Kalapatthar (also known as Everest View Point) the trail takes you to visit Tengboche monastery, the highest in the region, and with spectacular views and to the Gokyo Lakes.

This is a challenging trek because of the 3 high passes but definitely an adventure!

Hiking over the passes – Renjo La Pass (5,464 m), Cho La Pass (5,420m), and Khongma La Pass (5,535m) – is a huge personal achievement yet definitely doable!

Explore the high altitude Gokyo lakes with its cold, aqua waters. You can take a day trip to Kalapatthar (5,545m) which is the nearest you can get to Everest without actually climbing it. The view is Instagram-worthy indeed!

Let’s also not forget the Sherpa people whom you’ll meet along the way. Here’s a chance to see something of the way they live.

You can do this trek either clockwise or anti-clockwise and fly in and out of Lukla. You can also do this trek independently but I suggest you take a guide or porter and not attempt to go without the back up of a proper registered trekking company in the winter months. Permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or in Lukla and Monjo once you arrive in the region.

During the winter, aside from the extreme cold, many teahouses (lodges) will be closed as the locals head down the mountains to wait out the snows. The high passes will be blocked by snow and so it’s not even worth trying to attempt this trek during winter months.

6. Langtang Valley Trek

langtang valley trek, best hikes in nepal

Duration: 7-9 Days

Max Elevation: 5160 m

Start/Finish Point: Syafru Beshi/Syafru Beshi

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Style: Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Allowed

Langtang is the nearest mountain range to Kathmandu so you can easily get there by local bus or private jeep.

This 8-day trek is very popular among backpackers because it’s easy to get to – just 8 hours by road – and it’s allowed to trek on your own. Remember to get your permit in Kathmandu before heading off.

There are rhododendron and pine forests and waterfalls along the way. The trail takes you through Langtang National Park, home to the Red Panda.

You can take an optional side trip to Gosaikunda Lake which is famous for a festival held there during the full moon in August. This is considered a moderate trek. Moderate for the Himalayas – keep that in mind! How difficult it actually is will depend on the season you go and route you take, not to mention your own fitness level.

It’s very close to Kathmandu so it’s a great trek option for those with little time or who don’t like flying. This area is settled by Tamang and Lama people who practice Tibetan Buddhism, so it’s a great place to learn of their culture.

If you can come during August, the festival held then draws Hindu and Buddhist alike. It’s believed the Hindu God Shiva bathed here and that there is a shrine to Shiva in the middle of the lake.

Although it’s allowed to trek independently there, there’ve been cases of many tourists who have travelled alone going missing in this region. Here’s a database of missing trekkers in Nepal, so please never trek alone if you can. On the other hand, thousands of trekkers have had wonderful hikes in this region and have returned safely!

7. Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek, best hikes in nepal

Duration: 12-14 Days

Max Elevation: 5240 m

Start/Finish Point: Arughat/Beshi Sahar

Difficulty: Challenging

Trail Style: Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Not Allowed

This 14-day trek takes you to Gorkha district, which was the heart of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. However, the trails recovered quickly in this area as explained by Rose Gamble in her post-earthquake trip to Manaslu.

The trek itself is one of the newer trekking routes in the country and takes you through astounding natural beauty – forests, rivers, and naturally the magnificent mountains – yet fewer trekkers go here.

Despite being next to the famous Annapurna Circuit trek, Manaslu sees around a third of the number of the trekkers, making it perfect for those who enjoy more solitude. One reason for it being less trekked is that fact you cannot go independently; you must book and travel with a registered trekking company.

You’ll see some of the highest mountains in the world. Namely, Manaslu, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, Nemjung, Annapurna II and Gyaji Kang.

Hiking over the Larky La Pass (5,1767m) is the high point of the trek in both senses! It’s the highest in altitude and in adventure.

Making a circular route around Manaslu, the elevation starts low at 600m, giving you plenty of time and a couple of acclimatization days, before the pass. Due to this, this somewhat demanding trek is suitable for those who have little or no trekking experience but are generally fit.

As for wildlife, there’s a great variety of mammals including the highest living mammal, the Pika, blue sheep and mountain goats. If you’re really lucky, you might spot a Snow Leopard!

As this is a restricted area there is a requirement of a minimum of two trekkers for each trip. Bring a friend! When I say friend, you can even bring your dog. Here is a detailed by Manaslu circuit trek itinerary by Yen & Fluffy (a Siberian Husky).

8. Tsum Valley Trek

Tsum Valley Trek, best hikes in nepalTsum Valley Trek, best hikes in nepal

Duration: 15-17 Days

Max Elevation: 4490 m

Start/Finish Point: Arughat/ Arughat

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Style: Lodge Base/ Homestay/ Monastery

Independent Trekking: Not Allowed

Also in the same area as the Manaslu Trek is the Tsum Valley Trek. This 16-day trek can also be combined with the Manaslu Trek to create something really wonderful!

Whichever way you do it, the Tsum Valley is a secluded valley near the Tibetan border. As a result, it has a very Tibetan feel and the people follow Tibetan Buddhism. Restricted to tourists until 2008, it still sees very few trekkers.

You might be interested to know Tsum means ‘vivid’ in Tibetan. There’s an isolated monastery behind Ganesh Himal along and 2 well-known monastery schools.

The area sees few trekkers! This trek is mainly home-stays with an overnight in a monastery. You should consider this trek as much about the culture as the scenery. Those who are interested in Buddhism, people and culture will appreciate it more. Pine forests, roaring rivers, a glacier, crossing suspension bridges and a trip to Milarepa’s Cave are some of the highlights. Along with the mountain views including Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal and Manaslu.

A minimum of 2 trekkers is required for each trip and you cannot trek alone. Personally, I don’t see it as a disadvantage because if you trek alone in this area, you’ll miss much interaction with the local people.

Accommodation is very basic, but this adds to the feeling of being something very special. Going in and out of the valley requires back tracking on the trail. Then again, you’ll be a familiar face to the locals and welcomed back!

9. Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna Circuit Trek, best treks in nepalAnnapurna Circuit Trek, best treks in nepal

Duration: 12-22 Days

Max Elevation: 5416 m

Start/Finish Point: Beshi Sahar/ Jomsom or Beni

Difficulty: Challenging

Trail Style: Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Allowed

This 12- to 22-day trek is as popular and as well-known as the Everest Base Camp Trek. It’s also considered one of the most scenic treks in the world!

It bridges the areas of Manang and Mustang via the Thorong La Pass and is particularly popular with independent trekkers and those on a budget. You can fly from the market town of Jomson to Pokhara or vice versa as you can do this trek clockwise or anti-clockwise.

In order to acclimatize well, I suggest you do this trek anti-clockwise. This is the best way regarding acclimatization. Then, you also have the option of flying out of Jomson or continuing to trek on down to Beni and driving 4 hours to Pokhara.

You can also extend the trip by trekking down from Jomson and up to Ghorepani Poon Hill, which offers a magnificent sunrise viewpoint. Alternatively, you can head towards Annapurna Base Camp on the same permit, on the same trek.

On the Manang side of the Pass, you can take advantage of the option of heading to the highest lake in the world, Tilicho Lake.

There are so many choices!

On the Mustang side of the Pass, the villages of Jharkot, Kagbeni and Marpha take you to a time gone by with their rustic beauty, amazing architecture and, in Marpha, locally made apple brandy!

On this trek, teahouses are well established. Some are quite luxurious at the lower altitudes in Mustang and all are very used to trekkers and have excellent food menus!

There is an ATM in both Chame village and Jomson as cash is necessary everywhere. Permits for this area are obtained in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

There really isn’t anything negative about this trek other than in the main trekking seasons (spring and autumn), it can be very busy and accommodation can get booked up fast.

10. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, best treks in nepal

Duration: 3-5 Days

Max Elevation: 3200 m

Start/Finish Point: Naya Pool/ Ghandruk

Difficulty: Easy

Trail Style: Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Allowed

This amazing 5-day trek (plus a day each way KTM-POK-KTM) is Nepal’s only all year-round trek! Yet, it still offers the best views of the Himalayas, particularly from the top of Poon Hill at sunrise.

This trek is popular with domestic tourists as well because it can be done in a short time and is not very challenging, yet it comes with huge rewards!

The trail takes you through forests, up and down a stone stairway (Ok this is not exactly an easy part!) and through Magar and Gurung villages. There are 2 routes you can take, one being a bit shorter but following the same way out as in. You can also do this trek as an add on to the Annapurna Circuit Trek or Annapurna Base Camp or other treks in the Annapurna area.

You’ll be awed by the view of 16 different mountains from the top of Poon Hill. Sunset and sunrise are the best times for this spectacular show of nature. On view are the Annapurna mountain range, Dhaulagiri mountain range, Mardi Himal, Nilgiri, Macchapucchre Himal and Hiunchuli Himal – a lot of mountains in panorama!

In Ghandruk village, there’s a Gurung museum where you can be dressed in local style for a great photo opportunity!

You can do this trek independently; just remember to get your permit in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Since this trek starts and ends in Pokhara, you have the choice of either driving back to Kathmandu (or onwards to another destination) or flying back to Kathmandu from Pokhara.

As it’s a very popular short trek which is viable throughout the year, it’s always pretty busy!

11. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

annapurna base camp trek, best treks in nepal

Duration: 8-12 Days

Max Elevation: 4200 m

Start/Finish Point: Naya Pool/ Naya Pool

Difficulty: Easy

Trail Style: Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Allowed

This 8-day trek (plus a day each way KTM-POK-KTM) is another very popular trek in the Annapurna Region. With the 360-degree view of the mountains from Annapurna Sanctuary, this is a very special trek.

The trail also takes you pass Fishtail Base Camp. This mountain is actually called Macchapucchre but known as Fishtail because of its unique shape.

You’d have seen this mountain already – it dominates the skyline over Pokhara. Being that it’s a holy mountain, no climbing is allowed. That’s why this adds to the mystery.

With amazing 360-degree views of the different Annapurna mountains including Mt Hiunchuli and Macchapucchre, standing at the Annapurna Sanctuary, you also face a towering vertical view of the south face of Annapurna.

This is a moderate trek which suits almost everyone who’s reasonably fit. You can travel independently to this area, as long as you’ve gotten your permits in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Aside from the mountains, you’ll be passing through villages and farmland, through rhododendron forests and over raging glacier rivers.

Since it never goes above 4,000m except at the base camp (4,130m), there is a low risk of altitude sickness.

If your time is flexible, you can combine this with a trip to Ghorepani Poon Hill.

The trail takes the same way in as out. Chomrong is the last village en route to base camp, after which there are only settlements of teahouses set up for trekkers.

You should also be aware that during peak seasons of spring and autumn, accommodation at base camp will be overbooked. Don’t be surprised if you have to share a room or sleep in the dining area!

12. Upper Mustang Trek

upper mustang trek, best hikes in nepal

Duration: 12-14 Days

Max Elevation: 4500 m

Start/Finish Point: Kagbeni/ Kagbeni or Muktinath

Difficulty: Easy

Trail Style: Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Not Allowed

This 12-day trek (plus a day each way KTM-POK-KTM) can be extended if you have the time.

Generally, people fly in and out of Jomson airport, but you can also trek in and out (or one way) to extend your trip. This is an amazing trek which takes you into a Tibet-like landscape on a high desert plain with sky caves and monasteries to explore.

Being this area is in the rain shadow of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, you can do this trek during the summer monsoon season.

Independent trekking is not allowed in Upper Mustang as it’s a Restricted Area. Permits cost USD530 for 10 days (USD50 per day after that). A minimum of two trekkers are required.

It’s a unique area of the country and the one which was the last to give up its King. You can see the former king’s palace in Lo Manthang.

In this central village, you can also see many dances and rituals including the Tiji festival which happens around June. This is a unique festival which attracts people from all over the region to witness stories told in the form of dance.

The cost is prohibitive for many trekkers, but if you can afford it, this is a once in a lifetime experience! The trek follows the same way in and out.

And the wind! Mustang is famous for its wind, hence the rugged cliff formations in Upper Mustang. As a result of these high winds, there are no afternoon flights to Jomson.

13. Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek, best hikes in nepal

Duration: 24-32 Days

Max Elevation: 5614 m

Start/Finish Point: Jhupal/ Jhupal

Difficulty: Extremely Challenging

Trail Style: Camping

Independent Trekking: Not Allowed

This 24-day trek is something very, very special! Dolpo lies between the Tibetan Plateau and the Dhaulagiri mountain range.

It’s rarely visited by trekkers, partly because it’s a strenuous and long trek, and partly because it’s expensive because of the high price of the permits and the 2 flights you need to get there.

If you remember Eric Valli’s film “Himalaya,” you’ll get a taste of what’s in store! Dry landscape, waterfalls, fast rivers, lush meadows and deep gorges. The beautiful Phoksundo Lake is a highlight of the area as is visiting monasteries of both the Tibetan Buddhism culture and the Bon culture (similar but older than Tibetan Buddhism). Being that Upper Dolpo is in the rain shadow, you can trek this circular route during the summer monsoon season.

This is one of the most remote treks in Nepal! 2 flights each way and camping give it a real expedition feel. Along with Phoksundo Lake, the other natural highlight is the holy Crystal Mountain.

The trek takes you through Shey Phoksundo National Park so there’s a chance for wildlife spotting. It’s also one of the last places to see followers of the Bon religion, a wonderful cultural experience in itself.

You cannot trek in this area independently. You must go with a registered trekking agency. With the permit costs, 4 flights in total and 3 weeks camping, expect to pay over USD4,000 for this trek.

In my opinion, if you’ve the time and money, it’s certainly an experience never to forget.

14. Nar Phu Valley Trek

nar phu valley trek, best hikes in nepal

Duration: 16-20 Days

Max Elevation: 5416 m

Start/Finish Point: Beshi Sahar/ Beshi Sahar or Jomsom

Difficulty: Challenging

Trail Style: Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Not Allowed

This 18-day demanding trek is also a little trekked region. Its mystery and beauty truly deserve the name ‘Hidden Valley’.

To enter the region, you pass through a narrow-forested way coming out into something rather special. Again, the people in this area are heavily influenced by Tibet as you’ll see from the Buddhist Gompa’s and prayer flags.

The route itself goes through Manang over the Thorong La Pass to join the Annapurna Circuit trail. I recommend that you have some prior trekking experience before tackling this trek as it’s challenging. It’s also not possible to trek independently.

Exploring the countryside and culture of the people are part of the whole experience! The villages of Nar and Phu are the main highlights of the trek.

It’s also possible to continue on to the Annapurna Circuit, moving on ultimately to Pokhara, or simply return to Kathmandu at the end of the trek. The main Nar Phu trek is circular.

Being that the majority of the trail is in the rain shadow, you can trek this area in the summer. If you’re choosing to go on down through the Annapurna Circuit, you can take a flight from Jomson to Pokhara, or keep walking and take a bus at the final stage.

Since it’s a Restricted Area, there needs to be a minimum of 2 trekkers on your trip.

15. Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

mardi himal base camp trek, best hikes in nepal

Duration: 8-10 Days

Max Elevation: 4500 m

Start/Finish Point: Phedi/ Phedi or Shiding

Difficulty: Moderate

Trail Style: Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Allowed

This 10-day trek is considered a great alternative to the Annapurna Base Camp trek. On this trek, you can explore interesting villages and farmlands as well as be in the heart of the mountains – Mardi Himal, Macchapucchre, the Annapurna ranges and Hiunchuli to be exact!

This area sees fewer tourists so it’s a chance to trek through relatively untrekked territory. Except for the base camp itself, this is not a high-altitude trek, so altitude-related illnesses shouldn’t be a problem. Although relatively low altitude, it’s nevertheless a demanding trek, so you’ll still need to head to the gym before coming to Nepal!

With the trek being close to Pokhara, you can take a domestic flight between Kathmandu and Pokhara, thus reducing time. You’re allowed to trek independently in this area – obtain your permit in either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Being that this area sees barely half the same number of trekkers as the Annapurna Base Camp, now would be the ideal time to do this trek before it becomes overly popular!

Teahouses are community-run lodges which adds to the friendliness of the journey. The viewpoints offer the same or even better views than those at Annapurna Base Camp and you get very close to Fishtail Mountain (Macchapucchre).

You have the choice of trekking the same way in and out or making it a circular hike ending at Siding village.

16. Nagarkot Chisapani Hike

Nagarkot Chisapani Trek, best hikes in nepal

Duration: 3 Days

Max Elevation: 2200 m

Start/Finish Point: Sundarijal/ Nagarkot

Difficulty: Easy

Trail Style: Lodge Base

Independent Trekking: Allowed

This is a great multi-day hike out of Kathmandu. You can spend the night at Chisapani, a short 1-hour drive and 4-hour trek from Kathmandu.

Next day, hike over the Nagarkot. On the return trip, you can drive down from Nagarkot, making a stop to explore the wondering traditional town of Bhaktapur on the way back to Kathmandu.

I recommend you give yourself at least 4 or 5 hours to explore Bhaktapur, or you can extend your trek even longer.

Lovely weekend to spend on this hike or if you need a short getaway. Fantastic for visitors with less time on their hands or who want to add an extra easy trek after a big hike.

You can easily do this short trek independently. Nagarkot is a hill station with fantastic views and on clear days you can even catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest!

You’ll be hiking through Shivapuri National Park and will need a permit to enter, which you can get there. Wildlife is not as exciting as on some treks, but there should be some interesting bird life in the early mornings and evenings.

Apparently, you need a local permit to enter Nagarkot (obtainable on the edge of the village). It’s not clear whether this is really kosher, but it’s not expensive. You will want to stay longer in Nagarkot, particularly if you book yourself into one of the hotels with a pool and spa facilities. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

17. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

dhaulagiri circuit trek, best treks in nepal

Duration: 16-18 Days

Max Elevation: 5378 m

Start/Finish Point: Beni/ Marpha

Difficulty: Extremely Challenging

Trail Style: Camping

Independent Trekking: Allowed

This 18-day trek is considered one of the hardest in Nepal. I highly recommend you have high altitude trekking experience before tackling this trek!

As it’s a camping trek, although you can, I suggest you not attempt to do this independently. Permits can be gotten in Kathmandu or Pokhara. If you want to find out how hard it is to do it independently, check out Fabi and Set’s journey in 2010.

This is a wild trek, making it great for those with a sense of adventure! You’ll be trekking around Dhaulagiri Peak, the 8th highest peak in the world. There’s ice to negotiate, passes to cross and the world’s deepest gorge to see!

This trek can be combined with Dhampus Peak climbing and many groups do this.

Ending near Jomson, you can then drive (or walk out) or fly down to Pokhara.

In the spring, the trail is unstable, so it’s best to do this trek in autumn. It’s tough!


In conclusion, trekking in Nepal is amazing! Don’t just take my word for it; come see for yourself. In these trying times, I suggest you plan, research and dream now so you can travel later. See you in the mountains!

Pradeep Travel Outset
Born and bred in Kathmandu, Pradeep loves Himalaya. After traveling all around South East Asia and portions of Europe, he started documenting his travel journey in a blog TravelOutset. In the future, he wants to travel overland Central Asia on a self-drive SUV and climb some mountains.

Isabel Leong

Isabel Leong

Full-time travel blogger at Bel Around The World and SEO coach roaming the world at a whim, Isabel helps aspiring content creators and brands get the most out of their online presence by attracting organic leads/traffic and achieving financial freedom with her Skyrocket With SEO course. She's closely involved in and has been featured as a speaker in other travel & digital nomad networks & podcasts such as Traverse, Travel Massive, The Nomadic Network and Location Indie.