Guest post by Rakesh from AroundManasluTrek.com, a local trekking operator in Nepal that specializes in the beautiful Manaslu region of the Himalayas.
Nepal has been the most sought-after destination for adventure treks. From the diverse terrain to the rich cultures, the nation has everything to offer. Here, we’ll be discussing the Top 10 Best Treks in Nepal, highlighting the essence of various trekking regions.
This comprehensive guide will help you in selecting the top adventure treks in Nepal based on your preferences and experience level. We’ve featured the 10 most adventurous treks mentioning key highlights, the best time to visit, difficulty level, and much more.
At the end of this post, you’ll be able to make informed decisions for undertaking a suitable trek. Trekking in Nepal is a journey of exploration and discovery through Himalayan panoramas.
1) Everest Base Camp Trek
| Everest Base Camp Trek Facts | |
| Region | Everest Region |
| Duration | 14 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | Kala Patthar (5,545 m/18,192 ft) |
| Start/Finish | Lukla |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Accommodation | Hotel/Teahouse |
Widely considered one of the absolute best treks in Nepal, the journey to Everest Base Camp Trek is an exciting adventure that takes around 14 days to complete. Generally, the whole trek distance is around 130 Km taking you to the highest elevation at Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft) & Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft). Though the trek can be a bit challenging for beginners, it is considered as moderate as a whole.
The trek to Everest Base Camp begins with a picturesque flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. As the trek progresses, you come across various stops like Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep.
The trail lets you explore Sagarmatha National Park with rich flora & fauna while experiencing Sherpa culture & Buddhist monasteries. The best part is you get up-close views of Mt. Everest (8,848m) – the world’s highest peak, as well as other giants like Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
Retracing the footsteps of Everest pioneers like Edmund Hillary is something to be proud of. Apart from that, exploring the iconic Tengboche Monastery, witnessing the sunrise view of Everest from the Kala Patthar viewpoint, and many more make this trek truly astonishing.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival
- Day 2: Fly to Lukla, Trek to Phakding
- Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar
- Day 5: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche
- Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche
- Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche
- Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche
- Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep, Everest Base Camp, and back to Gorak Shep
- Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar, then to Pheriche
- Day 11: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar
- Day 12: Namche Bazaar to Lukla
- Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu
- Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu
2) Annapurna Base Camp Trek
| Annapurna Base Camp Trek Facts | |
| Region | Annapurna Region |
| Duration | 10 – 14 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m/13,550 ft) |
| Start/Finish | Nayapul |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Accommodation | Hotel/Teahouse |
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderate 10-14 day journey covering around 115-130 km within Nepal’s iconic Annapurna Conservation Area.Â
Reaching a maximum altitude of 4,130m at Annapurna Base Camp, this trek offers stunning views of Mt. Annapurna (8,091m) and other mighty 7,000m+ peaks.
Beginning and ending in Pokhara or Nayapul, key highlights include trekking through rhododendron forests, dramatic glacial valleys, mountain panoramas, and diverse ecosystems from subtropical forests to alpine terrain.
The cultural encounter comes through experiencing Gurung and Magar villages, monasteries, and shrines along the route. This trek walks you across the inner Annapurna Sanctuary. With easier access compared to other demanding treks, the trek to Annapurna Base Camp showcases the undefining beauty of Nepal.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Day 3: Pokhara to Tikhe Dhunga
- Day 4: Tikhe Dhunga to Ghorepani
- Day 5: Ghorepani – Poonhill – Tadapani
- Day 6: Tadapani to Chhomrong village
- Day 7: Chhomrong to Dovan
- Day 8: Dovan to Deurali
- Day 9: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp via Machhapuchhre Base Camp
- Day 10: Annapurna Base Camp to Bamboo
- Day 11: Bamboo to Jhinu Danda Hot Spring
- Day 12: Jhinu Danda to Pokhara
- Day 13: Drive Back to Kathmandu
- Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu
3) Langtang Valley Trek
| Trek Facts | |
| Region | Langtang Region |
| Duration | 10 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m/15,660 ft) |
| Start/Finish | Syabrubesi |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
| Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
| Accommodation | Hotel/Teahouse |
The Langtang Valley Trek is one of the nearest and most dramatic Himalayan treks from Kathmandu. The trek is a moderate 7-10 day journey spanning 50-65 km with a maximum altitude of 4,773m at Kyanjin Ri or 5,000m at Tserko Ri.
Starting from Syabru Besi and ending in Dhunche or Syabrubesi, major stops include Lama Hotel, Langtang Village, and Kyanjin Gompa. Highlights are spectacular mountain vistas of Langtang Lirung (7,246m), Langtang Ri (6,370m), and Dorje Lakpa (6,990m), crossing glaciers, thundering waterfalls, lush rhododendron forests and spotting rare red pandas.
This exceptional trek immerses you in ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture at Kyanjin Gompa, interacting with Tamang and Tibetan communities, while trekking through dramatic landscapes from subtropical jungles to alpine glaciers within Langtang National Park – Nepal’s first Himalayan national park.
Brief Itinerary for Langtang Valley Trek
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
- Day 3: Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel
- Day 4: Lama Hotel to Mundu via Langtang Village
- Day 5: Mundu to Kyanjin Gompa
- Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Kyanjin Gompa
- Day 7: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel
- Day 8: Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi
- Day 9: Syabrubesi to Kathmandu
- Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu
4) Manaslu Circuit Trek
| Manaslu Circuit Trek Trek Facts | |
| Region | Manaslu Region |
| Duration | 14 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | Larkya La Pass (5,106 m/16,752 ft) |
| Start/Finish | Machha Khola/Dharapani |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Strenuous |
| Accommodation | Hotel/Teahouse |
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a challenging 14-18 day adventure covering around 180 km with a maximum altitude of 5,106m at Larkya La Pass.
Starting from Soti Khola or Machha Khola and ending in Dharapani, major stops include Philim, Birgha Kharka, Lho, Samagaun, Samdo, and Dharamsala.
Trekkers are rewarded with stunning views of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) – the 8th highest peak in the world, crossing the iconic pass, Larkya La. Moreover, you come across authentic Tibetan Buddhist villages, incredible biodiversity within the Manaslu Conservation Area, dramatic suspension bridges, and cultural interactions with Nubri, Tsum, and Kutang communities.
This restricted-permit trek is far less crowded than the Annapurna and Everest trails. The adventure of high mountain pass crossings on one of Nepal’s newest trekking routes opened only in 1991.
The trekking trail features dramatic terrain changes from subtropical to alpine, glacier scenery, turquoise Budi Gandaki valleys, potential snow leopards, and more.
Brief Itinerary for Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Kathmandu to Machha Khola
- Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat
- Day 4: Jagat to Deng
- Day 5: Deng to Namrung
- Day 6: Namrung to Lho Gaun
- Day 7: Lho Gaun to Samagaon
- Day 8: Acclimatization Day at Samagaon
- Day 9: Samagaon to Samdo
- Day 10: Samdo to Dharamsala (Larkya Phedi)
- Day 11: Dharamsala to Bhimthang via Larkya La Pass
- Day 12: Bhimthang to Dharapani
- Day 13: Dharapani to Kathmandu
- Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu
5) Annapurna Circuit Trek
| Annapurna Circuit Trek Facts | |
| Region | Annapurna Region |
| Duration | 14 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | Thorong La Pass (5,416 m/17,769 ft) |
| Start/Finish | Besisahar/Jomsom |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Accommodation | Hotel/Teahouse |
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is an epic 14-22 day journey spanning approximately 230-300 km with a maximum altitude of 5,416m at Thorung La Pass.
Starting from Besisahar and ending in Jomsom or Nayapul, major stops include Chame, Pisang, Manang, Muktinath, and Ghorepani. This challenging trek showcases diverse landscapes from lush rhododendron forests to arid deserts, with iconic views of Himalayan giants like Annapurna I (8,091m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167m).
Cultural highlights are immersion in ethnic Thakali, Magar, and Gurung villages, the sacred Muktinath Temple, and the dramatic terrain of deep gorges and glaciers.
Trekkers cross the iconic Thorung La – one of the world’s highest passes over 5,400m – experiencing multiple climatic zones from subtropical to alpine while observing flora and fauna. The journey along the Annapurna Circuit Trek leads you through multiple districts with stunning views of three 8,000m+ peaks.
Brief Itinerary for Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Kathmandu to Besisahar and then to Chamje
- Day 3: Chamje to Dharapani
- Day 4: Dharapani to Chame
- Day 5: Chame to Upper Pisang
- Day 6: Upper Pisang to Manang
- Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Manang
- Day 8: Manang to Yak Kharka
- Day 9: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
- Day 10: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass
- Day 11: Muktinath to Jomsom
- Day 12: Jomsom to Pokhara
- Day 13: Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu
6) Upper Mustang Trek
| Upper Mustang Trek Facts | |
| Region | Annapurna Region / Mustang Region |
| Duration | 16 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | Lo Manthang (3,840 m/12,595 ft) |
| Start/Finish | Pokhara |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Accommodation | Hotel/Teahouse |
The Upper Mustang Trek is a moderate to challenging 16-18 day journey spanning approximately 130 km in the remote trans-Himalayan region bordering Tibet.
With a maximum altitude of 3,840m at Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang is ideal for those trekkers who may be worried about the high altitude in the Himalayas. Major stops include Chele, Ghami, Tsarang, and the ancient walled kingdom of Lo Manthang itself.
The trek to Upper Mustang requires a restricted area permit. Rich with culture, it’s a great opportunity to explore the last remnant of Nepal’s monarchy. One gets to witness centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist architecture, cave paintings, colorful canyons, and spot exotic Himalayan wildlife along the way.
Trekkers experience life in traditional Tibetan-influenced villages like Ghami, visit iconic monasteries like Namgyal Gompa, and trek along the ancient salt trade route through the Kali Gandaki gorge.
Distinct arid, semi-desert landscapes, unlike other Himalayan treks, along with stunning views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri peaks, make this trek truly one-of-a-kind.
Brief Itinerary for Upper Mustang Trek
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Day 3: Pokhara to Kagbeni via Jomsom
- Day 4: Kagbeni to Chele
- Day 5: Chele to Syanboche
- Day 6: Syanboche to Ghami
- Day 7: Ghami to Charang
- Day 8: Charang to Lo Manthang
- Day 9: Exploration Day in Lo Manthang
- Day 10: Lo Manthang to Drakmar
- Day 11: Drakmar to Ghiling
- Day 12: Ghiling to Chhuksang
- Day 13: Chhuksang to Jomsom
- Day 14: Jomsom to Pokhara
- Day 15: Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Day 16: Departure from Kathmandu
7) Kanchenjunga Trek
| Kachenjunga Trek Facts | |
| Region | Kanchenjunga Region |
| Duration | 22 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | Pangpema (5,143 m/16,873 ft) |
| Start/Finish | Taplejung/Khamdime |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Accommodation | Hotel/Teahouse |
The Kanchenjunga Trek is a thrilling 22-day journey spanning approximately 220 km in eastern Nepal. One of the most strenuous and challenging treks, it reaches the north and south base camps of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m) – the 3rd highest peak in the world – at Pangpema (5,143m) and Ramche (4,540m), respectively.
Major highlights include crossing the scenic Mirgin La and Sele Le passes. Trekkers will journey through the biodiverse Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, visit ancient monasteries, and much more.
Experiencing authentic mountain cultures like those of the Limbu, Rai, and Buddhist Sherpa people is a cultural experience. Traversing glaciers and witnessing dramatic alpine landscapes round out the major highlights.
The Kanchenjunga trek requiring special permits offers pristine wilderness, diverse terrain, and opportunities to spot rare animals like red pandas. One of the world’s least crowded multi-week Himalayan adventures, it offers trekkers a culturally immersive journey with stunning panoramas of Kanchenjunga.
Brief Itinerary for Kanchenjunga Trek
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Kathmandu to Bhadrapur, then drive to Ilam/Taplejung
- Day 3: Ilam/Taplejung to Chirwa
- Day 4: Chirwa to Lelep
- Day 5: Lelep to Amjilosa
- Day 6: Amjilosa to Gyabla
- Day 7: Gyabla to Ghunsa
- Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Ghunsa
- Day 9: Ghunsa to Khambachen
- Day 10: Khambachen to Lhonak
- Day 11: Excursion to Kanchenjunga Base Camp (Pangpema) and back to Lhonak
- Day 12: Lhonak to Ghunsa
- Day 13: Ghunsa to Sele La Base Camp
- Day 14: Sele La Base Camp to Tseram
- Day 15: Tseram to Ramche
- Day 16: Ramche to Tortong
- Day 17: Tortong to Yamphudin
- Day 18: Yamphuding to Khebang
- Day 19: Khebang to Khamdime
- Day 20: Khamdime to Bhadrapur
- Day 21: Bhadrapur to Kathmandu
- Day 22: Departure from Kathmandu
8) Dhaulagiri Trek
| Dhaulagiri Trek Facts | |
| Region | Annapurna Region |
| Duration | 18 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | French Pass (5,360 m/17,585 ft) |
| Start/Finish | Beni/Marpha |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Accommodation | Hotel/Teahouse |
The Dhaulagiri Trek is an incredibly strenuous and challenging 18-day journey spanning approximately 180-200 km through extremely remote Himalayan trails.
Reaching maximum altitudes of 5,360m at French Pass and 5,200m at Dhampus Pass, trekkers explore diverse terrain from forests to glaciers and alpine meadows.
Major highlights include trekking to three base camps – Italian, Glacier, and Dhaulagiri, witnessing stunning landscapes, and taking in incredible views of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167m) – the 7th highest peak, along with other towering 7,000m+ mountains of the Dhaulagiri range.
This trek requires crossing the famed Hidden Valley between the high mountain passes and excellent fitness. For adventurous souls seeking breathtaking scenery away from crowded routes, Dhaulagiri offers outstanding Himalayan grandeur.
Brief Itinerary for Dhaulagiri Trek
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Kathmandu to Beni
- Day 3: Beni to Babiyachaur
- Day 4: Babiyachaur to Dharapani
- Day 5: Dharapani to Muri
- Day 6: Muri to Boghara
- Day 7: Boghara to Dobang
- Day 8: Dobang to Italian Base Camp
- Day 9: Acclimatization Day at Italian Base Camp
- Day 10: Italian Base Camp to Glacier Camp
- Day 11: Glacier Camp to Dhaulagiri Base Camp
- Day 12: Acclimatization Day at Dhaulagiri Base Camp
- Day 13: Dhaulagiri Base Camp to Hidden Valley via French Pass
- Day 14: Hidden Valley to Yak Kharka via Dhampus Pass
- Day 15: Yak Kharka to Marpha
- Day 16: Marpha to Pokhara
- Day 17: Pokhara to Kathmandu
- Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu
9) Upper Dolpo Trek
| Upper Dolpo Trek Facts | |
| Region | Dolpo Region |
| Duration | 23 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | Kang La (5,375 m/17,635 ft) |
| Start/Finish | Juphal |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Accommodation | Hotel/Teahouse |
The Upper Dolpo Trek is an incredibly remote 23-day journey through the restricted and culturally preserved region adjoining Tibet. Trekkers experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture, crossing high passes like Kang La (5,350m) offering dramatic Himalayan vistas.
Major highlights include Shey Phoksundo National Park, turquoise Phoksundo Lake, charming ethnic villages, ancient monasteries, and chances to spot snow leopards.
This trek requires permits, guides, and self-sufficient camping amidst a dramatic landscape of the Tibetan plateau with no modern amenities. Upper Dolpo offers spirited travelers an off-the-beaten-path journey into Nepal’s untouched traveled trails.
Brief Itinerary for Upper Dolpo Trek
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
- Day 3: Nepalgunj to Juphal, then trek to Chhepka
- Day 4: Chhepka to Amchi Hospital
- Day 5: Amchi Hospital to Phoksundo Lake
- Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Phoksundo Lake
- Day 7: Phoksundo Lake to Chunemba
- Day 8: Chunemba to Snowfields Camp
- Day 9: Trek to Shey Gompa via Kang La
- Day 10: Rest Day at Shey Gompa
- Day 11: Shey Gompa to Namgung via Shey La
- Day 12: Namgung to Saldang
- Day 13: Saldang to Sibu
- Day 14: Sibu to Lagmo Che
- Day 15: Lagmo Che to Tokyu via Jeng La
- Day 16: Tokyo to Dho Tarap
- Day 17: Dho Tarap to Sisaul
- Day 18: Sisaul to Laina Odar
- Day 19: Laina Odar to Lingdo
- Day 20: Lingdo to Dunai
- Day 21: Dunai to Juphal
- Day 22: Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu (Flight)
- Day 23: Departure from Kathmandu
10) Nar Phu Valley Trek
| Nar Phu Valley Trek Facts | |
| Region | Annapurna Region |
| Duration | 18 Days |
| Maximum Elevation | Kang La Pass (5,322 m/17,461 ft) |
| Start/Finish | Jagat/Jomsom |
| Best Season | Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
| Difficulty | Strenuous |
| Accommodation | Hotel/Teahouse |
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a challenging 18-day journey with a high point at Kang La Pass (5,322m). The trek begins from Jagat leading you through off-the-beaten-path adventure. Major stops include the remote Nar and Phu villages, Nar Phedi Monastery, and an optional Himlung Himal Base Camp trek.
This trek explores the pristine Nar and Phu valleys, offering a rare glimpse into the unique Tibetan culture and lifestyle of ethnic mountain communities.
Trek highlights are narrow canyons, enchanting forests, glaciers, amazing rock formations, high Himalayan peaks, and visits to ancient Buddhist gompas and chortens.
One of Nepal’s least-visited treks (only opened in 2002), it provides an authentic cultural experience amid an arid landscape with excellent views of giants like Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna.
Brief Itinerary for Nar Phu Valley Trek
- Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Jagat
- Day 3: Jagat to Dharapani
- Day 4: Dharapani to Koto
- Day 5: Koto to Meta
- Day 6: Meta to Phu Village
- Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Phu Village
- Day 8: Phu Village to Nar Village
- Day 9: Acclimatization Day in Nar Village
- Day 10: Nar Village to Ngawal via Kang La Pass
- Day 11: Ngawal to Manang
- Day 12: Manang to Yak Kharka
- Day 13: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
- Day 14: Thorong Phedi to Muktinath via Thorong La Pass
- Day 15: Muktinath to Jomsom
- Day 16: Fly to Pokhara
- Day 17: Drive back to Kathmandu
- Day 18: Departure from Kathmandu
Best Treks in Nepal – Final Say
And that’s all there is to it. Based on your preference and experience level, you can decide on any of these 10 best treks in Nepal. Our hand-picked list of adventure treks showcases diverse trekking experiences.
Whether it be moderate trails or demanding high-altitude treks, this list suits a wide range of trekkers from beginners to experienced ones.
In addition, to make your trek hassle-free and convenient, booking with a reputable trekking agency is highly suggested. And thus you can enjoy the unparalleled trekking experience in Nepal.
2 comments
I appreciated the clear structure of your writing, making it easy to follow the flow of ideas. Your use of descriptive language painted a vivid picture on Nepal adventure tourism, allowing me to visualize the scene you were describing.
Thanks Basanta. But credit is due to my guest writer on this one. I only edited and published it!