Nepal, a country adorned with stunning Himalayas and unique landscapes, offers a trekking experience of a lifetime. Whether you have several days or just a short time, Nepal provides flexibility in the trekking field.
In this blog, we will delve into the ten best short treks in Nepal, each offering a unique blend of awe-inspiring scenery, cultural encounters, and the thrill of exploration. From the lush foothills of the Annapurna region to the rugged landscapes of the Everest region, these treks cater to a diverse range of preferences and fitness levels.
Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-time adventurer, these handpicked short treks promise an unforgettable journey through Nepal’s captivating landscapes and vibrant local communities. Join us as we explore these hidden gems and uncover the beauty that awaits along each trail.
Table of Contents
No 1: Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking
Trip Duration: 9 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy-Medium
Permits: ACAP, TIMS
Trek Highlights:
- Experience the awe-inspiring sunrise over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain range
- Immerse yourself in the rich culture and warm hospitality of the Gurung and Magar communities
- Experience the warmth of Nepali hospitality and relish delicious local cuisine
- Soothe your muscles in the rejuvenating natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek Overview:
Ghorepani Poonhill trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal. Many foreigners as well as Nepali trekkers visit this heavenly landmark every year. It is one of the easiest and shortest treks in Nepal suitable for families and of all kinds of ages.
Ghorepani Poonhill trek Itinerary:
- Drive/Fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Short Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga
- Trek to Ghorepani
- Hike to Poonhill 3120m & Trek to Tadapani
- Trek to Tolka via Ghandruk/Landruk
- Trek to Phedi via Potana & Drive to Pokhara
- Drive back to Kathmandu
The special thing about this trek is the sunrise view over Mt Dhaulagiri, Annapurna massif, and Mt Manaslu Himalaya.
Trekkers stay overnight at Ghorepani and hike to Poon Hill (viewpoint) early in the morning for sun rising view. To reach there, it is only less than an hour from Ghorepani.
Alternatively, you can go back to Banthati and catch a public jeep and then drive to Pokhara too. Otherwise, you can trek to Tadapani, Ghandruk for two days then back to Pokhara.
Most of the trekkers reach Ghorepani who are from Annapurna Circuit trekking and who are trekking to Annapurna base camp as well. That is why this Ghorepani Poon Hill is a popular short trek in Nepal.
No 2: Langtang Valley Trek 10 Days
Trip Duration: 10 Days
Difficulty Level: Medium
Permits: Langtang National Park Permit, TIMS
Langtang Valley Highlights:
- Traverse through the Langtang National Park, a sanctuary for rare wildlife and diverse flora, enhancing the trekking experience.
- Immerse yourself in the rich traditions and distinct culture of the Tamang people.
- Discover the sacred Gosainkunda Lakes, a group of awe-inspiring bodies of water, revered by both Hindu and Buddhist devotees.
- Revel in breathtaking views of the Langtang Himalayas, offering an extraordinary panorama of majestic peaks.
Langtang Valley Trek Overview:
Langtang Valley trekking is another top 10 popular short treks in Nepal. This trekking area is very popular for its beautiful mountains, Tibetan culture, and Yak cheese.
The route falls inside Langtang National Park within the Langtang River valley. To start the trek, you need to drive to Syafrubesi. You can drive to Syafrubesi from Kathmandu within 5 to 7 hours and can start this trekking.
It takes only three days to reach Kyanjin Gomba 3,800 meters/12467.19 ft which is the highest point to stay in this trekking.
Similarly, you can hike to either Kyanjin Ri 4,770m or Tsergo Ri 5,000m from Kyanjin Gomba. Both offer a great Himalayan view and a glacier view.
If you hike to Tsergo Ri you need one day extra because you need to walk 4 hours to the summit of Tsergo Ri but hiking to Kyanjin Ri is possible within a couple of hours and can go back to Lama Hotel on the same day.
Likewise, Langtang village is trying to rise again after big destruction from the 2015 earthquakes. 5 days of trekking and 2 days of a bus traveling from Kathmandu to Syafrubesi to Kathmandu are needed for Langtang Valley trekking.
Annapurna Sanctuary Trekking
Trip Duration: 7-10 Days
Difficulty Level: Medium
Permits: ACAP, TIMS
Annapurna Sanctuary trek is also known as Annapurna Base Camp Trek. This trek is considered one of the finest and best short treks in Nepal.
Most of the trekkers do it via Ghorepani Poon Hill which makes it a bit longer. But you can trek to Annapurna base camp direct via Chhomrong village to make it short. Because the road is available just 2 hours close to Chhomrong village where you can drive and start your trek.
It takes only 3 days to reach Annapurna base camp from Chhomrong and 2 & half days to go back to Pokhara.
Annapurna sanctuary trek enchants a new experience of Annapurna base camp 4,130m within a couple of days. Therefore, if you have a holiday for a week then you can enjoy the Annapurna sanctuary trek in Nepal.
Mardi Himal Trekking
Trip Duration: 5-9 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy-Medium
Permits: ACAP, TIMS
Mardi Himal trekking is getting very popular recently as one of the best short treks in Nepal.
It is located within the Annapurna region nearby Pokhara. You can either drive to Phedi 14 km from Pokhara or to the Dhampus to start this trekking. It takes only three days to be on the top of the 4,500-meter high viewpoint. The short duration of this trek brings it under one of the easy treks in Nepal.
This trek offers a stunning Machhapuchhre view and a massive Annapurna view. Similarly, after completing this trek, you can either go back to Pokhara via the same trail you scaled it before or via another short route. 5 days to 9 days are enough for this short trekking in Nepal which makes it the best short trek in Nepal.
Gosainkunda Lauri Bina Pass
Trip Duration: 7-10 Days
Difficulty Level: Medium-Hard
Permits: Langtang National Park, TIMS
Gosainkunda Lauribina pass with an altitude of 4,610 meters is another popular short treks destination in Nepal. It is located within the Langtang National Park area in North Nepal.
You can drive to Dhunche 114 km from Kathmandu and then start the trek. After 3 days of trekking, you can reach to holy Gosainkunda Lake situated at an altitude of 4,300m above sea level. This lake is well-famous for Hindu people. They visit here on the full moon of August to worship Lord Shiva.
Then you can trek to Gosainkunda Laueibina pass, 4,610m and trek to Ghopte, Kutumsang, Chisapani, and Sundarijal- Kathmandu. You need at least 7 days for trekking and a day drive to Dhunche.
Similarly, you can trek until you reach Sundarijal which is in the east corner of Kathmandu Valley. Or you can drive back to Kathmandu from Kutumsang as well.
Everest View Short Trek in Nepal
Trip Duration: 4-7 Days
Difficulty Level: Medium
Permits: Sagarmatha National Park, Local Municipality Entrance
If you are short on time yet want to witness the majestic Mt. Everest then Everest View short trek is an ideal choice for you. This place is located within the Everest region which is the same as the trekking route of EBC.
This trek will start after the scenic flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. It is designed for those who do not have enough time for the Everest base camp trek. That is why you may have this trekking for the best option to see Mount Everest.
From Lukla, you have to trek Phakding and Namche Bazar within 2 days. However, some trekkers do it within one day from Lukla 2,800m to Namche Bazar 3,440m.
From the top of Namche Bazar and Syangboche, you can have an excellent view of the highest peak Mount Everest including many stunning mountains. Similarly, Mount Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kusum Himal, Kongde, and other many mountains can be seen from the top of Namche Bazar.
Likewise, you can go back to Lukla within one day easily and then fly back to Kathmandu, the next morning. And you can do it within less than 5 days. You can also enjoy the normal 14 days EBC trek if you want to explore Everest Region more.
Tamang Heritage Trail Trekking
Trip Duration: 5-8 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy
Permits: Langtang National Park, TIMS
Located within the west part of the Langtang National Park area in North Nepal, the Tamang Heritage trail is another best short treks in Nepal. It is also listed as one of the easy treks in Nepal.
You can drive Syafrubesi via Dhunche about 135 km from Kathmandu. Similarly, this area is an inhabitant of Tamang ethnic people. And they are backward in technology due to their geography and education problems. But in this trek, you will see their culture, tradition, and way of their lifestyle.
However, they are connected with the road. Similarly, after many hydro projects and the Kerung border that was opened by the Chinese government; people from this area have been involving in the development process. Likewise, this area is very unique and beautiful with its old culture and tradition.
Helambu Short Treks in Nepal
Trip Duration: 5-8 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy
Permits: Langtang National Park
Helambu is located nearby Kathmandu in the North-East direction. Whereas, Helmo ethnic people are its original people. These people decorate their kitchen very nicely. And you will fall in love with their kitchen decoration. Unfortunately, after the 2015 earthquake, they also imported modern ideas for their kitchen.
However, this is a unique area and you can have a different experience here. You can start the trek either from Sundarijal-Kathmandu or from Melamchi Bazar. The trek is not very much physically demanding, which makes it one of the easy treks in Nepal.
Khayar Lake Short Trek in Nepal
Trip Duration: 7-10 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy-Medium
Permits: ACAP, TIMS
Khayar Lake is located within the Annapurna region in west Nepal. It is well-estabished as an alternative option of Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking.
You can either do it from Ghorepani or direct from Tadapani. Ghorepani Poon Hill area is being very crowd and busy. But this Khayar lake area is total peace and beauty.
It offers a beautiful lake within very high altitudes with a great view of massive Annapurna Himalaya. Similarly, it gives a close view of Annapurna South and Nilgiri south as well.
Chisapani Nagarkot Trekking
Trip Duration: 3-4 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy
Permits: Nagarkot Entrance fee
Chisapani Nagarkot trekking can be regarded as one of the best short trekking trails in Nepal. It is located in the North-East corner of Nepal.
You can drive two hours from Kathmandu to Sundarijal and trek to Chisapani. Similarly, Chisapani offers a sunrise view over the great Himalaya including the Annapurna Himalaya range, Manaslu Himalaya range, Ganesh Himal range, Jugal Himal range, and Gaurishankar range.
You can just chill out here from the crowd of Kathmandu within a couple of hours. It is always cool and peaceful on the top of the mountain. Likewise, Nagarkot also offers a great sunset view. You will walk through Shivapuri National Park and enjoy the serene nature.
Short Treks in Nepal can be easy and favorable for all people but there are certain best tips before trekking in Nepal.
If you didn’t find any of the above short treks in Nepal fit for you then email us for trip customization.
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