The thought of the Himalayas can often seem a little challenging for trekking in Nepal for beginners. Snow-capped peaks and snow-capped bearded people are typical pictures that spring to mind when we think of the rough mountain area.
Although many of the tallest peaks and mountains in the world still lies in Nepal, there are many hiking trails that are much easier than the ones like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit.
In fact, Nepal is a wonderful opportunity for the novice trekker to experience a mountain views like no other!
Nepal has literally hundreds of treks and many of them are short, easy and spectacular. So, here are 7 great treks in Nepal for beginners.
7 Great Treks in Nepal for Beginners 2024/25
1. Nepal Family Adventure Trek – 3 to 5 Days
Nepal Family Adventure Trek is one of the shortest treks in the Lower Annapurna, with just three or four days long. You will enjoy Himalayan views and visits of beautiful mountain villages full of tea houses, but you will not spend all of your vacation in Nepal to see and experience the sights.
The trek starts at Nayapul, approximately an hour’s drive from Pokhara. From there, you can experience the vibrant and welcoming heritage village of Ghandruk and you will get to know the people of Gurung who live there.
The village is also known for its panoramic views of some of the highest mountains in the world, namely Hiunchuli and Machapuchare (also called Fishtail). You will be trekking every day for four to five hours, including lunch break and will not go above 1904m above sea level.
Trek Facts
- Max Altitude: 2010 m, Ghandruk
- Trek Duration: 2 to 4 days
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy
- Remoteness: Not Remote
- Pricing: Cheap
- Best Season: All Year Round
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Restricted Permits: No
- Required Permits: ACAP & TIMS
For detailed information and itinerary on the Nepal Family Adventure trip check out here.
2. Langtang Valley Trek – 5 to 7 Days
The Langtang Valley Trek should be one of the most spectacular and relatively easy and short treks in Nepal, near the top of anyone’s bucket list for trekking in Nepal for beginner or experienced trekkers.
Bill Tilman (1898-1977), the notable British travel writer and mountaineer, described Langtang Valley as “one of the best in the world.” The Langtang Valley Trek is also called the Valley of the Glaciers, as it is one of the best hikes to reach the snow-capped peaks and glaciers in Nepal.
Just 19 miles north of Kathmandu is the Langtang Valley, one of the easiest treks to access. The trek feels wild and the landscape is ever changing. The routes wind through pine forests, streams of mountain, beautiful meadows and rocky hills, dominated by the massive Langtang Lirung (7246 m).
The highlight of the trek is undoubtedly the stunning view of the Langtang Lirung range. The trail may be one of Nepal’s most famous treks, however, the views are more than make up. The hike takes usually 7 – 10 days, but in 6 days if you’re in rush.
Trek Facts
- Max Altitude: 3870m, Kyanjin Gompa
- Trek Duration: 7 to 9 days
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy
- Remoteness: Not Remote
- Pricing: Cheap
- Best Season: All Year Round.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Restricted Permits: No
- Required Permits: ACAP & TIMS
For detailed information and itinerary on the Langtang Valley Trek check out here.
3. Helambu Trek – 4 to 6 Days
Helambu Trek is a perfect beginner’s trek. Located near Kathmandu, the Helambu region has a wide trail network that can tailor a circuit tour to suit your needs.
Although the trek is up and down, the maximum altitude you reach is approximately 3,000 meters (depending on your route).
This is definitely an option on this particular hike if you can only hike in the winter. The peaks of Langtang Himal can be seen in the distance one of the key attractions of the trek.
The area was once known as a sacred and secret land and still isolated with only few hikers every year. The Helambu trek is recommended for families and does not require a trekking experience beforehand.
It does not require the utmost fitness and is suitable for anyone who wants to hike for a short, easy journey rather than a long and hard trek. The locals of Helambu have a very rustic lifestyle and the trek looks very cultural.
Trek Facts
- Max Altitude: 3650m, Tharepati
- Trek Duration: 5 to 7 days
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy
- Remoteness: Not Remote
- Pricing: Cheap
- Best Season: All Year Round
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Restricted Permits: No
- Required Permits: ACAP & TIMS
For detailed information and itinerary on the Helambu Circuit Trek check out here.
4. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – 3 to 5 Days
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a wonderful short trek, also described as one of the most magnificent hikes in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Its popularity as an simple but beautiful trek also means that this is one of the most popular treks and a lot of hikers will undoubtedly be on the trail.
There is no need for high-level fitness, as walking is very safe and easy. In reality, the route is ideal for both retirees and children. You should stay in tea houses every night to avoid you from carrying too much equipment.
The scenery is beautiful and rapidly changing, as other Nepal treks. The trail leads through lush green forest, mountainous areas and large rice fields.
The trail is dominated continuously by Machhapuchhare, the beautiful fluted mountain (Fishtail Peak). Of course, the highlight is Poon Hill, with one of the most impressive views of Nepal. Two massive 8.000m. peaks–Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I–are seen from Poon Hill’s viewpoint.
You will see the golden sun rising up the mountain tops if you go right up on this climb. Poon Hill is only 3210 metres, so altitude sickness on this trek is hardly an issue during this trek.
Trek Facts
- Max Altitude: 3,210 m, Poon hill
- Trek Duration: 3 to 5 days
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy
- Remoteness: Not Remote
- Pricing: Cheap
- Best Season: All Year Round.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Restricted Permits: No
- Required Permits: ACAP & TIMS
For detailed information and itinerary on the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek check out here.
5. Jomsom Muktinath Trek – 5 to 7 Days
While usually longer if you are a novice trekker, you can complete the Jomsom Muktinath Trek without hiking at high altitude within 5 days.
This beautiful trek is indeed part of’ Annapurna Circuit” longer and more popular. The hike is remarkable for its beautiful scenery, including sparkling Rhododendron forests and desert landscapes similar to moons! Most treks are situated in a rain shadow area, and can be visited during the monsoon season as well.
Follow this trail and the ancient trading route along the beautiful river Kali Ghandaki and visit caves, Buddhist monasteries and old forts. Most local traders have turned their homes into a tea house, and If you stay at Chez tea house, make sure you talk with the sougi, who will make you feel like living in Nepal.
This trek definitely highlights the temple at Muktinath (3800m). The temple is one of the 3 most prominent gods, God Vishnu. The temple has fires of natural gas and 108 waterfalls! People are bathing here to cure their sins.
Trek Facts
- Max Altitude: 3710 m, Muktinath
- Trek Duration: 5 to 7 days
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy
- Remoteness: Not Remote
- Pricing: Medium
- Best Season: All Year Round.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Restricted Permits: No
- Required Permits: ACAP & TIMS
For detailed information and itinerary on the Jomsom Muktinath Trek check out here.
6. Mardi Himal Trek – 5 to 7 Days
This is an ideal trekking in Nepal for beginners who want to see some of the region around Pokhara’s popular hiking area. Top of this trek is a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. You can also walk around the authentic villages and experience true village life in Nepal. This trek begins like no other, a boat ride across Lake Fewa to your point of departure.
The trek winds up the hills with stunning views of Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare (Fishtail), Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. Most of the trek is occupied by these mountains.
The trek will take you through thick forests and authentic villages and before reaching Mardi Himal’s summit (4250 m). You will see the sun rising over some of the highest peaks of Nepal when you get up early enough.
The Mardi Himal Trek is perfect for those who want an incredible view for little time and effort.
Trek Facts
- Max Altitude: 3540 m, High camp
- Trek Duration: 3 to 5 days
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Remoteness: Not Remote
- Pricing: Cheap
- Best Season: All Year Round.
- Accommodation: Lodge
- Restricted Permits: No
- Required Permits: ACAP & TIMS
For detailed information and itinerary on the Mardi Himal Trek check out here.
7. Pikey Peak Trek – 7 to 10 Days
The Pikey Peak Trek is for you if you’ve always dreamed of seeing the highest peak in the world but are limited of time. In reality, famous Edmund Hillary, a mountaineer and explorer, said that he always personally prefers the view from the Pike Peak to Everest.
You can easily trek from Dhap to Phaplu for seven days. But, as you do every day from 4 to 8 hours trekking, you will still have to be in good health.
Including the Everest and the majestic Numbur mountain, you will visit important Buddhist monasteries, gompas, and stupas during this trek. You will go up to Pike Peak for sunrise and take 360-degree views between the Annapurna and Kanchenjunga, among the tangle of prayer flags at the top. In addition, in Ringmo a place popular for apple and apple pie. You may stop there.
You can either take a 30-minute flight or a 7 to 8-hour jeep ride either way from the start and end points of trek.
Trek Facts
- Max Altitude: 3640m, Pike Base Camp
- Trek Duration: 7 to 9 days
- Trekking Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Remoteness: Not Remote
- Pricing: Medium
- Best Season: March – May and October – November.
- Accommodation Type: Lodge
- Restricted Permits: No
- Required Permits: ACAP & TIMS
For detailed information and itinerary on the Pike Peak Trek check out here.
Conclusion
Although Nepal is home to some of the world’s tallest mountains and toughest mountaineers, it also has a lot to offer new and novice trekkers.
There are several trekking routes which are quite easier than the popular ones like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit.
So, make your dream of hiking in the Himalayas of Nepal come true. Feel free to contact us for any questions or queries about any Nepal adventures.
