Nepal is a paradise for backpackers and trekkers. The diverse terrains and the spectacular landscapes in Nepal would make your trek more than a trek but a life experience. Nepal has been emerging as the top trekking destination in the world with a lot of trekking options available. Here are the 10 Best Trekking Destinations in Nepal.
1.Everest Base Camp Trek
Nepal is home to the highest mountain on the earth, Mt. Everest. The trek is popular and most preferred as you can see the highest peak in the world along with other majestic mountains surrounding it. The trek usually starts from Lukla airport. Sherpa Culture, Himalayan lifestyle, antique monasteries, glaciers, and beautiful snow-capped mountains would add adventure to your trek.
| Maximum Elevation: | 5600 meters, Kala Patthar |
| Trek Duration: | 14 days |
| Trek Category: | Challenging |
| Starting point | Lukla airport |
| Best Season: | March-May and October-November |
Highlights
- Stand face to face to the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest
- Namche Bazar – Gateway to the highest peak
- Khumbu Glacier and Khumbu Village
- Kala Patthar – The highest point of the trek (5,600)
2. Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley Trek is a popular trekking destination not far from Kathmandu. It starts from Syfrubesi which is around 8 hours drive from Kathmandu. The trek through alpine forest, Langtang National Park, grasslands, stony mountains, and beautiful Langtang valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains would cleanse your spirit and add a memorable chapter in your life.
| Maximum Elevation: | 4,984 meters, Tserko Ri |
| Trek Duration: | 8 days |
| Trek Category: | Moderate |
| Starting point | Syafrubesi |
| Best Season: | March-May, and October- November |
Highlights
- Kyanjin Gompa and Kyanjin Ri
- Witness the ruins of Langtang Valley due to Earthquake 2015.
- Forests and wildlife. You can see langurs, red pandas and different floras and faunas on your trek.
- Helambu Village
- Yak farms and cheese
3. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
The Ghorepani Poon hill trek is a popular trek in the Annapurna region. It starts from Nayapur Basti which is around a 1-hour drive from Pokhara. The trek features close encounters with the culture and lifestyles of the Gurung and Magar communities. The red blossoms of Rhododendron make the trek more beautiful in the spring. The trek is known for the beautiful sunrise and panoramic view of the Annapurna range.
| Maximum Elevation: | 3210 meters, Poonhill |
| Trek Duration: | 3 -7 days |
| Best Season: | All around the year |
| Trek Category: | Easy |
| Starting point | Nayapur Basti |
Highlights
- Photographer’s Paradise
- Spectacular Sunrise View
- Ancient Salt-Trade Route
- Diverse floras and faunas
- Culture and lifestyles of Tamangs and Gurungs
4. Makalu Base Camp Trek
Makalu Base Camp takes you to the foothills of Mt. Makalu which is the fifth highest mountain in the world. If you are looking for a non-frequent and hard trekking experience, then Makalu Base Camp is an ideal match for you. The trekking route is remote and not much frequent. The trek starts from Tumlingtar which is an hours flight from Kathmandu. You would be experiencing beautiful Rhododendron blossoms, terrace farming, the lifestyle of Rai and Sherpas in the Himalayas.
| Maximum Elevation: | 5250 meters, Shersong ridge |
| Trek Duration: | 19 days |
| Best Season: | March-May, and October- November |
| Trek Category: | Difficult |
| Starting point | Tumlingtar |
Highlights
- Makalu Barun National Park
- Remote and untouched beauty
- Glaciers and waterfalls
- Diverse floras and faunas
- Terrace farming
- The lifestyle of Rai and Sherpas
5. Gokyo Valley Trek
Gokyo Valley is a frozen valley surrounded by ice and glaciers. The valley preserves different highland wetlands and freshwater lake systems. The valley has everything frozen except for the warms hearts of the residents providing you with warm hospitality. The trails pass through dense forest with beautiful Rhododendron blossoms and the valley surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains. Gokyo Valley Trek is usually a part of the Everest Base Camp trek but you can definitely go for the solo Gokyo Valley Trek.
| Maximum Elevation: | 5357 meters, Gokyo Ri |
| Trek Duration: | 12 days |
| Best Season: | March-May, and October- November |
| Trek Category: | Difficult |
| Starting point | Lukla |
Highlights
- Warm hospitality in Gokyo village
- The 5 emerald green lakes of the Gokyo region.
- Gokyo Ri
- Huge ice ridge between Cho Oyu and Gyachung located in the Khumbu region.
- World’s biggest ice glacier- Ngozumpa glacier
6. Kanchanjunga Circuit Trek
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek takes you closer to the third highest peak of the world, Mt. Kanchanjunga. The trek starts from Suketar which is around 4 hours drive from Illam. The trek would give you mesmerizing view of northern hill settlements in Eastern Nepal and would make you familiar with the lifestyle of Rais and Limbus.
| Maximum Elevation: | 5,200 meters, Pang Pema |
| Trek Duration: | 21 days |
| Best Season: | March-May, and October- December |
| Trek Category: | Difficult |
| Starting point | Suketar |
Highlights
- Kanchanjunga Conservation Area
- Ghunsa, Lonak, and Pang Pema Base Camp
- The third highest peak(8586 meters) in the world.
- Borders to Darjeeling and Tibet
- Diverse species of wildlife
- Yalung glacier
- Kanchenjunga North/South Base Camp
7. Rara Lake Trek
Rara Lake is the biggest lake in Nepal and the trek takes you to the most remote areas of Nepal. You would experience a walk through the most remote area of the Jumla and Mugu districts. The remoteness however is blessed with the untouched beauty of the Himalayas and preserved culture of the locals. En route, you would pass through the ancient village of Mincha, a village famous for Buddhist Stupas. The trek starts from Jumla.
| Maximum Elevation: | 3,710 meters |
| Trek Duration: | 10-11 days |
| Trek Category: | Difficult |
| Starting point | Jumla |
| Best Season: | March- December |
Highlights
- Rara Lake, the largest lake of Nepal
- Rara National Park
- Encounter with lifestyle and culture of Gurungs, Magars, Tibetan origins
- Diverse floras and faunas
8. Ghandruk Village Trek
Ghandruk village trek is a quick and easy trekking experience not far from Pokhara. The trek takes you to the laps of the hills where the beautiful Gurung village is located. It is a popular and easy way to close encounters with Mt. Annapurna. It is a quick escape from the hustle-bustle to the peace and serenity amidst nature. The museums, campfires and other tourism-related activities would make your trek more memorable.
| Maximum Elevation: | 1,940 meters |
| Trek Duration: | 5 days |
| Trek Category: | Easy |
| Starting point | Ghandruk bus stop |
| Best Season: | All year round |
Highlights
- An easy and short trek
- Close view of Mt. Annapurna
- Culture and lifestyle in Ghandruk village
- Try on Gurung dress
9. Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
If you are looking for a quick trekking experience in Kathmandu Valley then Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is just right for you. The trek starts from Sundarijal, northern Kathmandu. En route, you would walk through lavishing forests, streams and waterfalls. The sunrise from Nagarkot is the best sunrise you would ever see in your lifetime.
| Maximum Elevation: | 2175 meters, Nagarkot |
| Trek Duration: | 3 days |
| Trek Category: | Easy |
| Starting point: | Sudarijal |
| Best Season: | All year round |
Highlights
- Enchanting forest
- Diverse flora and fauna
- Best sunrise
- Beautiful panoramic view of mountains
10. Upper Dolpo Trek
Upper Dolpo is a high-altitude and remote region in the far-western mountains of Nepal. The place is on the border with Tibet and thus, is culturally rich in Tibetan culture. The trek is an adventurous peek into the hidden valleys in the rain shadow areas. You would get a close encounter with the Nepali-Tibetan culture and lifestyle of the Dolpo people. There are ancient monasteries and if you visit in spring you will have a high chance to witness the Yarsagumba Hunt. Yarsagumba is the most expensive spice and is found in this region. The trek starts from Jhupal.
| Maximum Elevation: | 5,250 meters, Kang La Pass |
| Trek Duration: | 25 days |
| Best Season: | March to December |
| Trek Category: | Difficult |
| Starting point | Jhupal |
Highlights
- Panoramic view of Dhaulagiri and Tibetan Peaks
- Encounter with Bon Buddhists and their culture
- High passes- Kang La, Saldang La
- Arid landscapes and gorges
- Shey Gompa- 800 years old monastery
- Diverse floras and faunas
- The nomadic lifestyle of Tibetan-influenced Buddhist people
- Phoksundo National Park- largest National Park in Nepal
- Shey Phoksundo Lake– the deepest lake in Nepal.