Nepal is home to some of the most beautiful trekking trails in the world. The Himalayan country boasts classic Nepal treks like Everest Basecamp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit Trek, along with many offbeat and upcoming trails for trekkers of different levels.
Nepal is a playground for adventure seekers. From long and thrilling treks to moderate and comfortable trails, the country offers it all. Every year trekkers from across the world throng the basecamp of different treks during two distinct trekking seasons, Spring and Summer.
Nepal Treks are full of exclusive experiences. The trekking culture in Nepal is beyond mountain views. From classic tea house stay to rich and diversified culture, dramatic changes in landscapes to breathtaking views of the snowcapped mountains, Nepal offers the best of everything.
You can consider some of the most loved Nepal Treks listed below if trekking in Nepal is on your bucket list,
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
Location – Nepal
Duration – 16 Days/15 Nights
Difficulty Level – Hard
Altitude – 18,200 ft./5,547 m
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in the world. This trek attracts thousands of trekkers from across the world and brings you up close to the world’s highest mountain. The trek can be done through different routes depending on your fitness and preference.
The standard EBC Trek can be done in a minimum of 12 days. During this experience, EBC gives you a glimpse of fascinating culture, an experience of a tea house, and an opportunity to witness the beauty of Sagarmatha.
EBC via Gokyo Ri: The EBC via Gokyo Ri is exclusive and less crowded. The 18-day-long trek (including travel to and from Kathmandu) offers the most breath-taking views of the world’s highest mountain. Unknown to many, the Everest Basecamp Trek via Gokyo Ri thrills you with four of the 14 highest peaks in the world. The spectacular sight of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu compensates for the challenge you took to be on the trek.
EBC via three high passes: The Three Passes route to EBC is exclusive and secluded, offering you absolute wilderness. The itinerary traverses through high passes of Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La and spans over 21 days, including the acclimatization. Three-Passes route traverses through high-altitude alpine lakes, two more basecamps of Cho Oyu and Ama Dablam, and 5 of the world’s highest mountains. Although it’s thrilling, the trek is challenging and should be undertaken by experienced trekkers.
The Everest Basecamp trek is best done from April to May and October to November. The skies are clear, and the weather is pleasant during this season.
2. Khopra Ridge Trek
Location – Nepal
Duration – 9 Days/8 Nights
Difficulty Level – Moderate
Altitude – 15,700 ft./4,785 m
Although less popular compared to the classics like ABC, Khopra Ridge is a perfect offbeat trek to experience Nepal’s beautiful mountains. An unexplored trail that takes you to the majestic ridge of Khopra can be completed in a week.
An ultimate experience to witness the beauty of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Khopra Ridge is a trek to consider if you prefer a trail with limited people. This trek offers amazing sunrise over the Annapurna massif, experience the beauty of rural Nepal and hike to the sacred Khayer Lake at the foothill of Annapurna South.
Khopra Ridge Trek remains untouched by the maddening crowd. The trail offers you seclusion to enjoy the grandeur of the greater Himalayas. You come face to face with not just one but 22 big mountains on the Khopra Ridge trail. Two of the world’s fourteen highest peaks mesmerize you with their grandeur.
Mount Dhaulagiri I, Mount Annapurna I will be towering in front of you. You come close to Machapuchre, Hiuchuli, Nilgiri North, Annapurna Dakshin, Annapurna II, and Annapurna IV.
The trek starts from Syauli Bazaar from where you will trek to Gandruk. After eight days your Khopra Ridge Trek will conclude in Ghorepani.
3. Manaslu Circuit Trek
Location – Nepal
Duration – 15 Days/14 Nights
Difficulty Level – Hard
Altitude – 16,929 ft./5,160 m
Best Time – Summer and Autumn
Manasalu Circuit Trek takes you around the world’s eighth-highest peak, Mt Manasalu. An offbeat trail, Manasalu is a difficult trek that spreads over 18 days and is suitable for experienced trekkers. You will be on the remote trail yet have access to the tea houses throughout the trail.
On Manasalu Trek you will encounter everything Nepal is known for. The trek traverses through mesmerizing rural Nepal while the big mountains keep you company. Terrace fields, alpine pastures, deep gorges, suspension bridges, and high passes for the adrenaline rush, the trek offers you all. The trail is less crowded than other classics like ABC and EBC. The offbeat and less-explored trek unravels the fascinating beauty of this Himalayan country.
The trek is located in the restricted region of Nepal, and you will require an entry permit to do the trek. Solo trekkers are now permitted.
Of all the major treks in Nepal, this one is nearest to Kathmandu, a 126 km drive. The best time to do this trek is during the spring months from March to May and post-monsoon from September to November. You can consider going on this trek during December if you are prepared to embrace the chilly weather. The trail is not suggested during the monsoon season.
4. Annapurna Basecamp Trek
Location – Nepal
Duration – 9 Days/8 Nights
Difficulty Level – Hard
Altitude – 16,929 ft./5,160 m
The Annapurna Basecamp Trek in Nepal is one of the most popular treks in the world. ABC owes its popularity to its easy access to a grand view of the eight-thousanders. ABC Experience guarantees to leave you spellbound offering exhilarating views of the giant mountain ranges.
ABC trail is demarcated, and the majority of the route has been paved with stones up to the base camp. Owing to its international reputation, ABC’s trail is bustling with trekkers from all across the globe during the trekking season.
ABC experience is a treasure every mountain admirer wishes to find as they encounter the exotic and captivating view of Annapurna 1, Annapurna 2, Annapurna Glacier, Himchuli, and Mahcapuchre from unprecedented distances. The sight of these eight thousanders is unparalleled.
If you are a few treks old and now looking forward to expanding your trek horizon, Annapurna is a must for you. ABC does not limit your experience to mere splendorous views but also gives you glimpses of Nepali culture throughout the trail. In this Experience, you also meet and exchange your experience with trekkers from around the world.
5. Madri Himal Trek
Location – Nepal
Duration – 7 Days/6 Nights
Difficulty Level – Easy
Altitude – 14,763 ft./4,500 m
Best Time – Spring and Autumn
Madri Himal trek is eight days long trek near Pokhara. Suitable for beginners, the trek takes you through a picturesque trail to Madri Himal, a peak beneath the prominent Machapuchre. The trek is an offbeat trail perched inside the Annapurna region. While the trekkers opt for the more popular Annapurna Base Camp trek, Madri Himal is a hidden gem with very few trekkers on the trail. Known for the captivating view of the Annapurna Range, Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Machapuchre, and Manasalu, the trek is best done during the Spring and Autumn seasons.
The trek starts from a place called Kande. Kande is around 1 hr drive from Pokhara. Its proximity to the lake city of Pokhara makes the trek accessible and comfortable.
You can experience an authentic tea house stay, the rich culture of rural Nepal, and an unparalleled view of Annapurna Massif.
If you are looking for an offbeat trail with fewer trekkers on the route, Madri Himal is the perfect trail for you.
6. Annapurna Circuit Trek
Location – Nepal
Duration – 15 Days/14 Nights
Difficulty Level – Hard
Altitude – 17,775 ft./5,418 m
Best Time – Autumn
Annapurna Circuit Trek is a difficult option that takes you through river valleys, glacial lakes, deep gorges, and the high pass of Thorongla, located at an altitude of 5416 mt. The trek encircles the great Annapurna Massif and two river valleys and takes you to the high pass near the Tibetan Plateau.
You will encounter the Annapurna Ranges, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchre, and Manaslu up close on the trek. While the big mountains keep you company throughout the trail, the villages you will visit on this trail are unimaginably beautiful. Annapurna Circuit Trek is challenging as some days have long walking hours and altitude gain is frequent. Besides the beauty of Nepal’s mountains, you will experience rich and diversified cultures in the villages.
You have to reach Besisahar for the Annapurna Circuit Trek. Besisahar is around a 6-7 hrs drive from Kathmandu. While some trekkers opt to start their trek from Besisahar, you can also start your trek from a small town of Chame.
Trekking in Nepal is very different as compared to trekking in India. Nepal is home to eight of the highest mountains in the world. You will come face to face with all of them. The country caters to global trekkers and hikers throughout the year. Nepal is the place to be if you are looking for an international trekking experience.
You can come to Nepal with OWLS Adventures this season and experience the best of mountains, valleys, glacial lakes, and high passes.
