What are the top popular treks in Nepal?

Top Popular trekking destination in Nepal

Nepal, with its magnificent Himalayan range and breathtaking landscapes, is an adventure seeker's paradise. Trekking is a popular activity that allows visitors to experience the beauty of Nepal firsthand. The country has numerous trekking destinations that offer a variety of challenges and experiences for both novice and seasoned trekkers. The top popular trekking destinations in Nepal include the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, Langtang Valley, Manaslu Circuit, and Upper Mustang. Each of these treks has its unique features, from towering mountain peaks to stunning valleys, and provides a chance to witness the diverse culture and lifestyles of the Nepalese people. Here are top popular trekking destination in Nepal. 

Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek is indeed one of the most popular trek in Nepal. The Everest base camp trek takes you to the heart of the Khumbu (Everest) region, where you can explore the vast Himalayas. From the rural Himalayan communities to the rugged geography, the EBC trek gives you a solid impression of what the Himalayas truly is.

Enjoy breathtaking views of amazing mountains such as Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and many more. The Everest base camp trek trails are well developed. Thus even with mediocre trekking experience, one can do this trek.

Everest Base Camp Heli Trek

Not all those who want to visit Everest have the time or energy for the trek. Some may not want to walk long distances or simply not have enough time to complete it. For such people, the Everest Base Camp Heli trek provides a great alternative. 

Enjoy a Helicopter tour of the Khumbu region and land right on the foot of Everest. You may either return with the helicopter or trek your way down. En route to the Heli tour, you get to enjoy aerial views of the entire Khumbu region. You can also visit Kala Patthar, a place renowned for providing the best views of Everest.  

EBC with Island Peak Trek

The Everest Base Camp trek itself is an adventurous trip. But, for those who wish to take a step further in adventure and challenge themselves, they can combine the EBC trek with the Island peak trek. This lengthens the total duration of the trek and slightly increases the difficulty. But this also combines the merits of both these treks in one so, becomes a unique and famous trip of Everest region in Nepal. 

Island peak is located between Ama Dablam and Lhotse. Though the walking distance may make this trip strenuous, the technical aspect isn't that difficult. The summit of Island peak gives you great views of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many more peaks.

Everest Three Pass Trek

The Everest three Pass trek, also known as the ultimate Everest experience, is for those who are willing to take the challenge. This is indeed one of the most challenging teahouse treks in Nepal. As the name suggests, this trek traverses across three passes: Kongma La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Renjo La Pass. Everest three pass trek takes you through some remote untouched regions such as Nangpa La Valley, Marlung, and Thame. 

Through this trek, you will gain enormous knowledge about a significant portion of the Khumbu region. Enjoy the views of the mountains while experiencing the rich culture of the mountain people. If you are a real adventure seeker who can take on challenges, the Everest three pass trek is for you.

Gokyo Lake with Everest Base Camp trek

The Gokyo Lake with Everest Base Camp trek is yet another combination of treks in the Khumbu region that will amaze you. This trek takes you through several prominent features of the Khumbu region. Like any other trek in the region, it begins with a scenic flight to Lukla. Then, you take a different path than the conventional EBC trek route. 

The less travelled trails present you with the untouched and unparalleled beauty of the Khumbu. As you are traveling across this region, the views of mountains such as Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse, and many more accompany you every moment. Explore the rural villages of the Khumbu region and get an insight into their lives and culture. Visit Everest Base Camp, Kalapatthar, and Gokyo Ri. Right on the laps of the Gokyo Ri is the sacred lake of Gokyo. The tranquillity of this sapphire lake will mesmerize you. 

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek

The Annapurna is yet another precious jewel of Nepal and the second most popular trek all over Nepal and the world too. The Annapurna Sanctuary trek gives you a grand tour of the world's tenth tallest mountain, the Annapurna. This is one of the most popular treks in Nepal, and numerous trekkers head out for this trek every year during their visit to Nepal. 

This 15-day trip takes you to the foot of Annapurna through an array of changing landscapes while also giving you a taste of the ethnic lives of the Gurung people. The trek begins at lowlands of bamboo and rhododendron forests, and gradually ascends through gushing rivers, quaint valleys, and into the mountainous terrains. Enjoy some spectacular views of mountains such as the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Nilgiri. The Annapurna Sanctuary trek truly reflects why Nepal is a paradise for trekkers!

Annapurna Panorama Trek with Rafting 

The Annapurna Panorama trek takes you through the wondrous lands of the Annapurna region, providing you great views of the Annapurna massifs. Also, the trek ends with an adventurous white water rafting in the rapid river of Trishuli. 

The Annapurna Panorama trek is a leisurely paced trail that circulates the foothills of the Annapurna and leads to the famous vantage point, Poon hill. The major highlight of this trip is the sunrise/sunset view from Poonhill over the Annapurna ranges, which consists of mountains such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and Nilgiri. You also explore the traditional Gurung villages in this trek.

Mardi Himal Trek

Another adventurous trek possible in the Annapurna region is the Mardi Himal trek. Unlike the mainstream treks, Mardi Himal explores the untouched side of Annapurna. Mardi Himal rests under the massive Machhapuchhre that lies east of the Annapurna. Just recently opened for trekking, the trails are still off-beaten, and most of the region lay untouched. If you are seeking to trek in isolation, this is the trek for you. 

The trails run through diverse landscapes decorated by dense forests, lush green valleys, rich flora and fauna, winding rivers, and giant snow-clad peaks. Although the paths are off-beaten, the trek is more comfortable in comparison to many other treks. Travel the high altitudes of the Annapurna region, and get spectacular close up views of the Machhapuchhre from the Mardi Himal trek. Because of its unique and peaceful trail, the Mardi Himal trek is now trending for popular treks in Nepal. 

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek 

The most famous short trek in Nepal is non-other than Ghorepani Poonhill trek. Often, people want to witness the fantastic Himalayas but lack time and resources. For those who want to experience the Annapurna region but have little to invest in, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a perfect choice. Poon Hill is famously known as the best vantage point to view the Annapurna ranges. 

This short and easy trek takes you to the heart of the Annapurna region. It allows you to experience the local communities, natural diversity, and the vast array of geographical landscape varieties. Upon reaching the excellent vantage point, you can get marvelous panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and many more. This trek is also famous for bird watching. As you walk through the lush forests, make sure to keep your heads up to see some unusual species of birds taking flight!

Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is another popular trek in Nepal that allows you to explore the Annapurna region and its beautiful features. You can combine Tilicho Lake, and the Thorong La pass into your itinerary to make this trip more adventurous. 

The Annapurna circuit, as it is, covers the areas of the Annapurna Base Camp trek. Besides, you will also be visiting the highest located lake on Earth, Tilicho. The sapphire lake of Tilicho is a significant attraction for many trekkers as this lake possesses the beauty one must witness at least once in their lifetime. 

With Thorong La pass, your trek takes a step further with the challenge. At 5,416 meters, crossing this pass requires strength and experience. Upon reaching the peak of the pass, you get marvelous panoramic views of the Himalayas. 

Khopra Poon Hill Mohare Trek

Yet another fantastic trek in the Annapurna region is the Khopra Poon Hill Mohare trek. As beautiful as it is, this trek is for those who wish to travel on off-beaten trails in isolation. 

This trek combines the beauty of the Poon Hill trek, Mohare Danda trek, and the Khopra ridge trek. Enjoy spectacular views of Annapurna and the neighbouring peaks as you ascend the Khopra ridge. 

Khopra Ridge, along with Poon Hill, is a vantage point famous for its amazing views. You can also visit Kaire Lake situated at 4,572 meters. The sapphire glacial lake of Kaire holds tremendous religious value to the Hindus. As the traffic is very low on this trek, you can enjoy a great trip to this rural part of the country. You can interact with the locals and learn about their culture while enjoying a great relaxing trip.

Langtang Gosainkunda Trek

Towards the north of Kathmandu, the closest mountains you see are the mountains of Langtang. The Langtang region is one of the most beautiful regions of Nepal, comprising of pristine lakes, high passes, rich ethnical diversity, and the splendid Langtang National Park. 

In the Langtang Gosainkunda trek, you will traverse along the Langtang National park, which houses an array of unique flora and fauna along with its precious wildlife diversity. Keep your eyes out while walking amidst the bamboo trees as you might spot a cute little red Panda biting on some leaves. 
As you make your way to the sapphire lake of Gosainkunda, the beauty of this lake will mesmerize you. Above in the sky, you will see the great Langtang Lirung dominating the skyline and the rest of the peaks standing peacefully. Trekking in Langtang is not just about sightseeing, but it also provides spiritual insight. You can visit the famous Kyanjin Gompa, a sacred monastery of great importance for Buddhists. 

Manaslu Trek with Larke La Pass

The Manaslu circuit trekking is arguably one of the best teahouse treks in Nepal. Situated in the western part of Nepal, Manaslu is the eighth tallest mountain in the world. One of the key features of this trek is the rapidly changing topography. As you traverse across the region, you come across various rivers and mountains, historical and cultural sites, tropical pine and oak forests, and local settlements. 

The trail also takes you to the historic city of Gorkha, where once the ancient kingdom of the Shah Dynasty was situated. In addition to the Manaslu trek, if you choose to add Larke La, the adventure takes a step further. Larke La pass at 5,153 meters is a challenging pass to cross. Upon crossing this pass, you get fantastic views of the Himalayas. Some prominent peaks you will witness in this trek are Manaslu, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Hiunchuli.

Upper Mustang Trek 

One of the most popular treks in Nepal is the Upper Mustang Trek. Situated in the Annapurna region, Upper Mustang lies beyond the Annapurna ranges bordering Tibet. The backdrops of Annapurna shadows Upper Mustang making it a rain shadow area that experiences little to absolutely no rainfall. The region is filled with barren lands, yellow and gray rolling hills, and dry regions eroded by cold winds. 

The forbidden kingdom of Mustang has its rich culture and architecture still intact, making it a must-visit site. You will visit Lo-Manthang, the capital of Mustang, which is the only walled city in Nepal. Inhabited by the Loba people, Mustang is populated by people generally of Tibetan descent. It was only just recently opened for tourism in 1992. 

So, most of the places are still restricted for foreigners, and trekking in this region requires permits. With a rugged set of geography and culture so vibrant and unique, the Mustang trek takes you back in time and gives you a spiritual and adventurous experience.