Top Best Treks in Nepal - 12 epic hikes in the Himalayas

Nepal is one of the most fantastic destinations in the world for the best trekking experience. It is surrounded by breathtaking, unusual landscapes, home to many of the highest Himalayas, and has a varied culture. Nepal's landform is trapezoidal, measuring roughly 800 km in length from east to west and 200 km in width from north to south. Its unique topography contributes to its lovely Himalayan atmosphere and rich cultural heritage, which drags wanderers from around the globe every year.

Treks in Nepal lets trekkers enjoy every aspect of fantastic destinations. Indeed, there are various adventure choices, whether challenging journeys or beginner-friendly trips. However, Nepal has a lot to offer regarding trekking around the Himalayas. In this article, we have discussed which could be the best treks in Nepal for your following adventure holidays.

In Nepal, September to December is considered the autumnal season. The days are warm, and the sky is apparent throughout this time. Because the weather is at its best during this time of year, thousands of trekkers choose to go trekking in Nepal.

In the same way, the spring season, which falls from March to May, is another peak season for Trekking in Nepal. The weather is warm, and it simultaneously invites the summer season. In this season, flowers fully bloom, and trails are green. In general, it offers spectacular weather in which to view the mountains.

The winter season in Nepal Trek lasts from December to February. During winter, most high-altitude trekking is impossible due to freezing weather and heavy snow covering the trail. Meanwhile, some trekkers hike in winter to accessible destinations, as the views are most beautiful when snow covers the trail. Enough preparation is the key to any winter hike in Nepal.

From June to August, we experience the monsoon season in Nepal. The monsoon rain brings landslides, which increase the chances of blocking roads and trails. Also, the clouds obscure mountain views, and nobody wants to walk for long periods while it's raining. Even though monsoon seems to be the worst trek season, certain rain-shadowed areas of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayas in the north of Nepal let travelers explore the magical semi-arid regions.

Everest Base Camp Trek, the world's best trek

Nepal's most well-traveled hiking path is the Everest Base Camp route. Within the Everest Base Camp Trek, travelers can visit the stunning Khumbu region, home to the majestic Mount Everest. Hiking to Everest's base camp is a fantastic way to see the magnificent Everest Peak and learn about Sherpa culture. The route passes via the valleys of the Dudh Koshi and Imja rivers.

In contrast, it includes many popular destinations like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Gorakshep. The Kalapatthar's magisterial beauty shows the panoramic beauty of the majestic Mt. Everest. A legendary 14-day Everest Base Camp Trek takes travelers hiking through Sagarmatha National Park- a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Likewise, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi River and alpine forests to the glacial valley of Gorakshep, which holds incredible sights of the Everest Himalayas. There are skylining peaks like beautiful Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, Khumbutse, Kongdi Ri, Kusum Kanguru, Thamserku, and many more.

Furthermore, the terrain consists of alpine woodlands and emerald pastures that trekkers go through. Along the way, trekkers can see rich Sherpa Buddhist cultural practices. Their culture weaves its threads into the landscape in the form of monasteries, Gumbas, and Mani stone walls. They are all carved with Buddhist prayers mounted with prayer flags. Many more distinctive attributes make the EBC Trek one of the best trekking in Nepal.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Trekking to the Annapurna Base Camp is one of Nepal's most popular journeys. It's a trip that's naturally uplifting and rich in cultural diversity. On this route, trekkers can pass through numerous ethnic Rai and Limbu communities in the Annapurna region. Throughout the journey, the Annapurna Massif (I, II, III), Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Gangapurna loom majestically over the trail for the party. Furthermore, the natural aspects of the Annapurna base camp trip are a unique highlight.

The journey goes through the most diverse region of Nepal. It presents trekkers with mesmerizing acreages of thick chartreuse woodlands and forests. Trekkers catch rare glimpses of wildlife like Himalayan Monal and Musk Deer as they hike ahead—another unique hallmark of the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Annapurna Base Camp Short Trek is Pokhara City- the tourist hub of Nepal. Pokhara is where the trekking journey starts. Pokhara is a lovely city near the Annapurna Himalayas with pristine Phewa Lake. Trekkers can hike to Poon Hill to view Mt. Annapurna and Dhaulagiri in full bloom.

Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo via Cho La Pass

One of the most challenging treks in Nepal is the Everest Base Camp Trek with Gokyo via Cho La Pass. Because it traverses the well-known mountain pass (Cho La - 5,420 m), this trip stands out as one of the top treks in Nepal. The first few journeys of the adventure are a lot like an EBC Trek. Nevertheless, there is a problematic ascent toward Cho La Pass in the journey's second half.

One requires good agility as it involves a strenuous hike up and down the mountain terrains. Prior trekking experience will be a great help while doing this trek. However, the extra effort is worth the trouble. The panoramic views of the Dudh Koshi and Imja Khola valleys from the top of these passes are mesmerizing. The Chola Pass seems to lie above the clouds, feeling like heaven with incredibly hypnotic views. The cloud-laden acreage with views of Everest peaks rises like ivory serrations in the skies. There is nothing quite like it in the world!

Annapurna Circuit Trek, the best of classic treks in Nepal

The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's most popular classic treks. It lets trekkers circumambulate the Annapurna range and important Kali Gandaki River Valley destinations. The journey is an exemplary adventure, including crossing Thorong La Pass (5,416m), the highest mountain pass in the world in the  Annapurna region.

Further, phenomenal peaks like the Annapurna (I, II, III), Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu provide impressive company along the trail. Trekkers make their way through the beautiful Marshyangdi Valley, experiencing the ethnic Limbu and Chhetri cultures of the local people. The trek is stunning, with beautiful paddy fields, subtropical frets, waterfalls, and gigantic cliffs flanking the gorges and villages. That is why it is almost always mentioned while discussing Nepal's best scenic treks.

Annapurna Circuit presents a cornucopia of climatic variations and diverse terrains with distinct cultural ethos. Hindu villages lie in the lower Himalayan foothills, while Tibetan culture dominates in the Manang and Mustang valleys. The trek also crosses the Annapurna Sanctuary, which presents some of Nepal's most magical natural terrains.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

One of the spell-bounding off-beaten-path treks in Nepal, the Manaslu Circuit, is a perfect option for trekkers looking for untouched remote journeys with fewer crowds. The trail passes through the Manaslu Conservation Area, the natural habitat for many endangered Himalayan flora and fauna species.

The journey to Manaslu involves visiting the hidden gem of Nepal—Manaslu. Indeed, trekkers can experience the region's distinct cultural features, which are unique to others. The people have their customs and speak a dialect that is not found anywhere else. Trekking in the Manaslu region started just in 2008. The area fosters striking Manaslu Range, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and the Baudha Himal Range.

However, the Manaslu circuit expedition presents rich natural beauty and cultural penchant. Having a long history of Buddhism, the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers trekkers culturally distinct remnants of an ancient kingdom whose attributes are still alive today. People believe that the Buddhist Saint Milarepa meditated in the caves of Mt. Manaslu, which gives the trekking journey a serene spiritual ambiance.

Upper Mustang Trek

Upper Mustang Trek allows you to enjoy trekking even during the monsoon season. The Upper Mustang region lies in the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks' rain-shadow zone, which experiences significantly less rainfall.

Generally, the geography has an arid desert-like environment that presents some incredible rock formations. It is among the best treks in Nepal because it has a lot to offer its visitors. It is a journey to the Kingdom of Lo, practicing Tibetan-Buddhist culture unique from other parts of Nepal. Upper Mustang is one of the last places on Earth to experience intricate layers of Tibetan Buddhism that have been unchanged for centuries.

Moreover, the trek presents spellbinding hallmarks like the Lo Manthang settlement—the capital of Upper Mustang. The prominent monasteries hold secret scriptures, statues of Buddhist deities, and priceless Thanka paintings. Archeologists discovered many mysterious sky caves over the terrain with decadent high cliffs in National Geographic.

Langtang Valley Trek with Gosainkunda

The Langtang Valley Trek with Gosainkunda is one of the relatively obscure trekking adventures in the country. The Langtang Valley trekking trail is 20km from Kathmandu, near the Tibetan border. The journey is an unforgettable hike in one of the most captivating landscapes ever, Langtang - a glacier valley.

The Langtang Valley presents trekkers with thrilling views of the Langtang Himalayas alongside the alpine villages of Rasuwa. The valley's many glacial lakes have made it one of the best regions for flourishing wildlife. Likewise, visitors can enjoy hiking through the landscape ornamented with jade-green woods, vast open pastures, and Himalayan meadows. Besides, the trek includes visiting Kyanjin Gompa and the local cheese factory that produces yak milk cheese. 

The trekking journey also includes visiting the revered Gosainkunda Lake, which holds a special place in Hindu and Buddhist mythos. The hike goes via Langtang National Park to the country's ethereal freshwater lake, which has a distinct lake-side natural biosphere.

According to Hindu legend, Lord Shiva struck his trident into a Himalayan side, which caused lake formation. He drank water to quench his thirst by swallowing a poison that threatened to destroy the world. Travelers get company by dazzling Langtang and Ganesh Himal views throughout their journey.

Mardi Himal Trek

Steadily gaining popularity and mass appeal in recent years, the Mardi Himal Trek is one of the unknown trekking journeys in the Annapurna region. Limited trekkers access it in a short time. The trek presents homely villages with traditional houses flaunting the Annapurna Peaks and the Mardi Himal as their backdrop.

Trek to Mardi Himal is a diverse hike with quaint cultural features and alpine woodlands. The local people still follow the old way of life. In summer, they take their cattle to graze in Himalayan pastures and do terrace wheat and barley farms.

The journey starts from Pokhara City, Nepal's tourist hub. It then follows the path toward prominent destinations like the region's High and Low campgrounds.

Gokyo Lake Trek

The Gokyo Lake Trek is among Nepal's best treks because it involves visiting the Everest region's sapphire Himalayan lake, Gokyo. Pilgrims from all over the country come here to celebrate the Janai Poornima festival at the holy lakes. The trekking journey traverses the Khumbu's river valleys to the Himalayan Lake. The hike to Gokyo Ri represents some of the best mountain views and the azure lakes of Gokyo Valley.

The Gokyo Lakes also hold religious significance to the Hindu people. According to Hindu mythology, they were the abode of the Nagas—the snake Gods—who used to live in the Himalayan turquoise water. It is best to visit during the autumn and spring as the lake tends to freeze over during the winter. Moreover, the trek also involves visiting the vantage point of Gokyo Ri, which presents a fantastic view of Everest and its flanking Himalayan peaks.

Annapurna Panorama Trek

The Annapurna Panorama Trek is one of the best options for people looking to trek in the lowlands of the Annapurna region. It is best for people who do not necessarily want to undergo an extensive trekking journey to experience the Himalayas.

Furthermore, the Annapurna Panorama Poonhill Trek presents panoramic views of the magnificent Annapurna Mountains from the vantage point of Poon Hill. Usually, the trek to Poon Hill from Ghorepani is done early in the morning. The hike before dawn offers a magical moment of the rising sun amidst the striking Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Indeed, the glorious sunrise and sunset from Poonhill are phenomenal.

Makalu Base Camp Trek

The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a coruscating journey through the enchanting Makalu Barun Valley of Nepal's Sankhuwasabha district to the base camp of the Makalu Peak- the 5th highest mountain peak. It is among the best Nepal treks because of its unparalleled natural beauty and pulchritude.

The trekking journey also involves traversing one of the seven Beyuls of the Himalayas. According to Buddhist legends, "Beyuls" are mystical, evergreen places where people do not age. Life is said to prevail only in those seven places and times of global destruction. One of them is mentioned to be somewhere in the Makalu Barun region. The valley's biodiversity offers visitors tremendously varied flora and fauna while trekking.

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of the best off-beaten-path treks in a remote area of the Nepal-India border. The trip presents majestic Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the third-highest peak. Indeed, the Kanchenjunga Valley is a daring area that has yet to see changes in modernization.

Regardless, the trek perfectly combines natural wonders and a rustic cultural tenor. It is an authentic trekking experience through the Tamur River Valley in Nepal's Taplejung District. The peak also holds a special place in Buddhist legends as per their scriptures. Kanchenjunga, meaning 'The Five Treasures of The High Snow,' is derived from the Tibetan word. The treasures comprise salt, gold, turquoise, precious stones, sacred scriptures, invincible armor or ammunition, grain, and medicine. Trekkers pass through perplexing natural terrains of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area.

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