From the most popular hiking destinations to hidden gems waiting to be discovered, from strenuous experiences to an easy and mesmerizing journeys, this guide to Nepal’s best short treks has everything you could possibly imagine.
We’re just a little pressed for time sometimes, though. It’s perhaps a job, perhaps it’s your schedule. Classic mountain treks in Nepal usually require you to spend at least two to three weeks. But don’t panic! If you don’t have this sort of time then in Nepal there are some simply amazing best short treks in Nepal that can be made in less than a week, some as short as 3 days!
Whether you’re an experienced hiker or you’re looking to complete your first real trek, the options below provide something for anyone in the beautiful country who only has a short time.
5 Best Short Treks in Nepal – The Ultimate Guide
#1 Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek in the Annapurna region is a relatively new route. It opened “officially” in 2012 and still has to command large crowds in the region like other treks.
The route is also used by the royal family of Nepal. If you want a short trek that gets away from the crowds and off the beaten path, then that’s it! Lovely mountain scenery combined with authentic local culture makes this one brilliant little trek.
Altitude sickness on this trek is not a problem and the paths are well maintained. There are some long uphill sections, but the path is generally fairly easy and people with minimal fitness levels can walk around. Tea houses are dotted along the road, so no camping gear needs to be carried.
The trek offers beautiful views of the hillside rice terraces and the highly impressive mountain range of Annapurna including Machapuchhre (fishtail), Annapurna South and Himchuli.
Trek Facts
Trek Difficulty: Easy
Trek Duration: 5 – 10 Day
Remoteness: Not Remote
Trekking Hours: 5 hours on average
Pricing from: 570 p.p.
Best Season: All year round
Accommodation type: Guesthouses
Permits: Yes.
Max elevation: 3800m
#2 Langtang Valley Trek
The well-known Langtang Valley Trek. Bill Tilman (1898-1977), the famous British travel writer and mountaineer, called the Langtang Valley “one of the most beautiful valleys in the world.”
The trek is relatively easy and is often much less busy than other popular treks in the region of Annapurna and Everest. Usually the trek takes 10 to 12 days, but in seven days it can be done.
The trek is set in the wild countryside. On this trek, the terrain is constantly changing, from deep gorges and subtropical forests to pasture farming and semi-arid regions.
The highlight of this trek is the view of the range of Langtang Lirung, which is simply incredible. The mountain of the eponymous is 23,773 feet high and dominates the whole valley.
Trek Facts
- Trek Difficulty: Easy
- Trek Duration: 6 to 10 Day
- Remoteness: Not Remote
- Trekking Hours: 5 hours on average
- Pricing from: USD 490 p.p.
- Best Season: February-May and September-December
- Accommodation type: Guesthouses
- Permits: Yes.
- Max elevation: 3800m.
#3 Everest Panorama Trek
If you’re desperate to see Mount Everest but just don’t have the time to do the Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Panorama Trek can be the perfect option for you!
Even if you don’t get as close to the colossal mountain as you would on the EBC trek, you still get some great views!
Mount Everest and Ama Dablam’s best views come from right above Namche Bazaar.
The trek begins with an exciting short flight to Lukla’s small (and very short) mountain airstrip. You trek to Phakding from there and then to Namche Bazaar.
You spend a day hike up to the Everest View Hotel in Namche to get a great view of Everest. Although this is a great short trek option.
Trek Facts
- Trek Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Trek Duration: 6 – 10 Day
- Remoteness: Not Remote (due to the number of trekkers)
- Pricing from: USD 990 p.p.
- Trekking Hours: 6 hours on average
- Best Season: March-May and September-November
- Accommodation type: Guesthouses
- Permits: Yes.
- Max elevation: 3860m.
#4 Helambu Circuit Trek
Helambu Circuit Trek does not require any previous experience and is recommended for families and anyone else who prefers a short, pleasant hike to an excessive, strenuous trek.
Since the altitude is relatively low–from 2,600 to 12,400 feet, the temperature is generally warmer, adding to the popularity of the trek. There are far fewer crowds here, though, than on the treks Annapurna and Everest–it never gets crowded, even in high season. The trek is very peaceful and one of Kathmandu’s most accessible.
The views are still incredibly impressive as you don’t go very high. The biggest attraction is the views of Langtang (23,734 feet), Ganesh (24,429 feet) and many other over 20,000 feet peaks.
The local people maintain a very authentic and rustic lifestyle despite being relatively close to Kathmandu. The Helambu trek is more a cultural trek than a real mountain trek. There’s no need for a high fitness level.
Trek Facts
- Trek Difficulty: Easy
- Trek Duration: 3 – 7 Days
- Remoteness: Not Remote
- Pricing from: USD 465 p.p.
- Trekking Hours: 5 hours on average
- Best Season: All year round
- Accommodation type: Guesthouses
- Permits: Yes.
- Max elevation: 3640m
#5 Poon Hill Trek
Poon Hill Trek is a beautiful short trek which is often considered one of the most beautiful treks in Nepal’s Annapurna region.
It is one of the region’s most popular as well. This is because of its short walking distance and ease. To trek this route, you don’t need a particularly high level of fitness, retirees and young children are going to be alright.
There is also no need to carry a lot of equipment as you can stay at tea houses every night where there is warm food and comfortable beds. The wide variety of scenery along the trek makes Poon Hill our favorite. You will walk through mountainous areas, lush green vegetation and rice fields. The
The wide variety of scenery along the trek makes Poon Hill our favorite. You will walk through mountainous areas, lush green vegetation and rice fields. The skyline is dominated by Machhapuchhare’s lovely fluted peak (Fishtail Peak). On this trek, there is very little risk of altitude sickness as the highest altitude is 3,210 meters. This is where Poon Hill welcomes you with one of Nepal’s most spectacular mountain views!
The view takes in some of the giant Himalayan peaks, including Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I, over 8,000 meters high, in the snow-capped summits. When the rays of the sun hit the mountains, a beautiful gold is glowing.
You may also like, how much does it cost to trek Poon hill? check out here
Trek Facts
- Trek Difficulty: Easy
- Trek Duration: 4 – 7 Day
- Remoteness: Not Remote
- Trekking Hours: 5 hours on average
- Pricing from: USD 499 p.p.
- Best Season: All year round
- Accommodation type: Guesthouses
- Permits: Yes.
- Max elevation: 3210m.
What to Pack for Trekking in Nepal
Whether it’s a day hike or a multi-day trip, carrying the right equipment is essential as you trek in Nepal. What you need to pack for the journey depends mostly on the time of the year that you choose to visit.
If you choose to visit during winter or monsoon, more supplies may need to be packed. Similarly, if you choose to travel during autumn or spring, you can compromise on a few gears that might not be required.
A common mistake many novice trekkers tend to make before too much gear is packed for the trek. Packing too much does not necessarily mean efficiently packing though.
Keeping your weight as low as possible is always important. However, to keep the weight of your backpack down, you should never miss the basics. Pack light, and pack wisely!
Trekking Bags:
- Rucksack
- Day-pack
Trekking Wears:
- T-Shirt / Shirts
- Trousers
- Shorts
- Hiking Boots
- Socks
- Waterproof Shell Jacket
- Sun Protection Hat
- Buff/Neck Gaiter
Extra Clothings:
- Down Jacket
- Gloves
- Beanie hat
- Fleece
- Wool Socks
- Trainers/Sandals
- Breathable Underwear
- Sports Bra
Important Trekking Accessories:
- Hiking poles
- Sleeping bag
- Basic medical kit
- UV Protection sunglass
- Water Bottle
- Water Purification tablets
- Trekking towels
- Headlamp
- Cash
- Hand Sanitizers
- Sunscreen/Lip Balm
- Toiletries
- Portable Chargers
General FAQs
1. Is there any risk for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)?
As most short treks do not reach the altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level, the possibility of AMS is minimal. It’s always best to be careful, drink plenty of water, and walk at your own speed when trekking in the mountains.
2. Do I need hire a guide or porter for trekking in Nepal?
While most of the short treks can be done without a guide or porter’s assistance, we strongly advise you to hire them. It is because having a guide or a porter in the Himalayas is a much safer and more comfortable way to walk.
In fact, by hiring them you will also help the local economy and provide job opportunities for the locals.
3. How fit do I need be for these treks?
Most of the short treks are relatively easy and don’t take you to extremely high altitudes, you have to be normal fit for the trek. To go on short treks, you don’t have to be an athlete or a gym-freak.
If you have ability to walk 4 to 6 hours a day with light day pack then you’re good to go!
We suggest that you participate in activities such as running, swimming, cycling or hiking in order to build good fitness before setting off on an adventure.
Final Say
Nepal is truly one of the best trekking destinations around the world with a range of trekking routes that offer a different taste of the Himalayas. Although in Everest and Annapurna Mountains Nepal is widely known for longer treks, the shorter treks are second to none either.
If you have any questions about best short treks in Nepal or would like to know more about any of the other treks in Nepal, please contact us and we’ll get back to you shortly.
