Top 10 Best Trekking Destinations in Nepal

Top 10 Best Trekking Destinations in Nepal: Your Ultimate Himalayan Adventure Guide

Nepal is a dream destination for trekkers, possessing some of the best mountain trails in the world. The top 10 best trekking destinations in Nepal promise trekkers sweeping views of the majestic Himalayas, amazing cultural opportunities, and journeys offering diverse landscapes that you will cherish for a lifetime. Whether you are looking for challenging high-elevation trekking experiences or more moderate trekking in the mountains, these top 10 day trekking places in Nepal offer trekking experiences for all skill levels and types of trekkers.
From the famous Everest Base Camp to the beautiful Annapurna Circuit, trekking routes throughout Nepal have drawn millions of trekkers from around the world. This guide to trekking in Nepal will reveal the 10 best trekking destinations in Nepal that every mountain lover should have on their bucket list.

1. Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is the ultimate high-altitude trekking experience and the primary destination in Nepal! The trek takes you right to the base of the world's highest peak at 5,364 meters, with incredible views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse. The trek is typically 12-14 days in length, passing iconic Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, which is home to the world-famous monastery and amazing mountain views.
What you'll remember: Mount Everest views, culture of the Sherpa, Tengboche Monastery, and the viewpoint from Kala Patthar.
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Best Time: March-May and September-November 

10-day Everest Base Camp Trek Outline Itinerary 

Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla (2810m). Trek to Phakding (2652 m). O/n at mountain lodge.
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3446 m).O/n at mountain lodge. 
Day 3: Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3867 m). 7h walking. O/n at mountain lodge. 
Day 4: Tengboche to Pheriche (4240 m). 5 hours walking. O/n at mountain lodge
Day 6: Lobuche to Gorkhashep (5140 m). 8 hours walking. O/n at mountain lodge. 
Day 7: Gorkha shep to Kalapatter (5545m). And down to the Pheruche (4230 m). 10 hours walking. O/n at mountain lodge. 
Day 8: Pheruche to Namche Bazaar. 10 h walking. O/n at mountain lodge. 
Day 9: Namche Bazaar to Lukla. 8h walking. O/n at mountain lodge. 
Day 10: Fly back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

2. Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit is recognized as one of the classic treks among hikers around the world. The distinct feature of the Annapurna Circuit is its immense contrast of cultures, ecosystems, and landscapes. It is a journey of 15-20 days in length and circumvents the Annapurna Massif, crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass, which is 5,416 meters high. The Annapurna Circuit has everything from subtropical forests and diverse ethnic communities tohigh-altitude deserts. 
What you'll remember: the views from Thorong La Pass, the contrast of landscapes and cultures, and several hot springs at Tatopani. 
Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
Best Time: March-May and October-December

Outline Itinerary 

• Scenic drive to Beshisahar and to Chame via the mountain road
• Multiple landscapes and beautiful scenery
• Hidden caves and sacred monastery
• Several ethnic groups and their culture
• Reach 5416m at Throng-La Pass.
• Explore medieval village Kagbeni
• Windy town Jomsom visit
• Marpha Apple Orchard and apple brandy.

10 days Annapurna Circuit Trek

Day 1: Drive Kathmandu to Beshisahar (760m/2493ft). 6 hrs. O/n at mountain Lodge.
Day 2: Drive Beshisahar to Chame (2670m/8757ft) by four wheel jeep. 5 hrs. O/n at mountain Lodge.
Day 3: Trek Chame to Pisang (3200m/10496ft). 5/6hrs walk. O /n at Mountain lodge.
Day 4: Trek Pisang to Manang (3540m/11283ft). 5/6hrs walk. O/n at Mountain lodge.
Day 5: Acclimatization day in Manang. Explore around the Manang village.
Day 6: Trek Manang to Ledar (4200m/13776ft) .5/6 hrs walk. O/n at Mountain lodge.
Day 7: Trek Ledar to Highcamp (4833m/15852ft). 5/6hrs walk . O/n at Mountain lodge.
Day 8: Trek Highcamp to Muktinath (3760m/12333ft ) via Throung-La 5416m/17764ft Pass. 8 hrs walk. O/n at Mountain lodge.
Day 9: Trek Muktinath to Jomshom (2720m/8921ft) via Kagbeni. 6 hrs walk. O/n at Mountain lodge
Day10: Fly 25 m Jomsom to Pokhara. O/n hotel in Pokhara.

3. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek, or Annapurna Sanctuary trek, takes you to a natural amphitheater surrounded by towering peaks. Trekking to Annapurna Base Camp is an intimate mountain experience. The trek will take 7-12 days, and along the route you will trek through rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and traditional Gurung villages. The trek destination offers 360-degree views of Annapurna I, Machapuchare, and other breathtaking peaks.
Trip highlights: Annapurna Sanctuary, views of Machapuchare, rhododendron forestry, Gurung culture
Difficulty level: Moderate
Best Time: March-May and September-December

10 days Annapurna Base Camp Trek
 
Day 1: Fly to Pokhara(850m/2788ft). Drive to siwai(1500m/4920ft) via Nayapul(1070m/3510ft). Trek to Jhinu Danda (1780m/5838ft).
Day 2: Bomboo to Deurali (3230m/10594ft).Overnight at mountain Lodge.
Day 3: Bomboo to Deurali (3230m/10594ft).Overnight at mountain Lodge.
Day 4: Deurali to Annapurna Base camp(4130m/13546ft).Overnight at mountain Lodge.
Day 5: Annapurna Base Camp to Dovan(2505m/7232ft).Overnight at mountain Lodge.
Day 6: Dovan to Chomrong (2170m/7117ft).Overnight at mountain Lodge.
Day 7: Chomrong  to Landruk. O/n at mountain lodge
Day 8: Landruk to Phedi  via Dhampus.  Drive to Pokhara. O/n at hotel in Pokhara
Day 9: Pokhara valley sightseeing. O/n at hotel in Pokhara
Day10: Fly to Kathmandu. O/n at hotel in Kathmandu

4. Langtang Valley Trek
Known as the "Valley of Glaciers," the trek to the valley involves stunning mountain scenery and is also easily accessible from Kathmandu. The trek itself is 7 to 10 days long and offers spectacular views of Langtang Lirung. Here, you are also walking in Langtang National Park, where you will see and could possibly spot red pandas, among other unique wildlife. You'll also visit traditional Tamang villages and the sacred Kyanjin Gompa monastery. 
Highlight: Views of the Langtang Lirung, Tamang culture, Kyanjin Gompa, wildlife
Difficulty level: Moderate
Best time of year: March-May and September-December

10-day Langtang Valley Trek

Day 1: Drive to Syabrubeshi. Overnight at mountain Lodge.
Day 2: Trek to Lama Hotel. Overnight at mountain Lodge.
Day 3: Trek to Langtang. Overnight at mountain Lodge.
Day 4: Trek to Kyangjing  Gompa. Overnight at Mountain Lodge.
Day 5: Explore around Kyangjing Gompa. Overnight at Mountain Lodge.
Day 6: Trek to Ghoda Tabela. Overnight at Mountain Lodge.
Day 7: Trek to Boomboo. Overnight at Mountain Lodge.
Day 8: Trek to Thulu Syabru. Overnight at Mountain Lodge.
Day 9: Trek to Dhunche. Overnight at Mountain Lodge.
Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel

5. Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is a remote, less-traveled alternative to the very famous Annapurna Circuit. This challenging trek takes 14-18 days to trek around the Manaslu massif (Mount Manaslu is the eighth tallest mountain in the world), and you will cross the Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters). The trek features remote villages, authentic cultural experiences, and more mountain wilderness than you will likely encounter on the Annapurna Circuit.
Key Highlights: Mount Manaslu views, Larkya La pass, visiting Buddhist monasteries & off-the-beaten-path villages
Difficulty Level: Challenging
Best Time: March–May and September–November

Outline Itinerary 

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

• Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola (7-8 hours).

• Overnight stay in Machha Khola.

Day 2: Trek from Machha Khola to Jagat

• Trek to Jagat (5-6 hours).

• Overnight stay in Jagat.

Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng

• Trek to Deng (5-6 hours).

• Overnight stay in Deng.

Day 4: Trek from Deng to Namrung

• Trek to Namrung (6-7 hours).

• Overnight stay in Namrung.

Day 5: Trek from Namrung to Samagaon

• Trek to Samagaon (4-5 hours).

• Overnight stay in Samagaon.

Day 6: Acclimatization Day at Samagaon

• Acclimatization day with exploration of Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa.

• Overnight stay in Samagaon.

Day 7: Trek from Samagaon to Samdo

• Trek to Samdo (4-5 hours).

• Overnight stay in Samdo.

Day 8: Trek from Samdo to Bhimtang (Cross Larkya Pass)

• Early morning trek to Larkya Pass (5-6 hours).

• Continue descending to Bhimtang (3-4 hours).

• Overnight stay in Bhimtang.

Day 9: Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani

• Trek to Dharapani (6-7 hours).

• Overnight stay in Dharapani.

Day 10: Drive from Dharapani to Kathmandu

• Drive from Dharapani back to Kathmandu (6-7 hours)

7. Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek is a really interesting trek because of the desert-like landscape and preserved Tibetan culture. This trekking area is restricted, so that means there are parts of the trek that take you through the ancient Kingdom of Lo, with a unique landscape (you will understand when you see the red cliffs, caves, and ancient/medieval monasteries). It will take you roughly 12 to 16 days to complete the trek, and you will have a glimpse of authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture, located in a landscape that can resemble the Tibetan plateau.
Some of the Key Highlights:
Lo Manthang (walled city), Tibetan culture, desert, unique landscape, ancient monasteries
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Best Time: March-November

Upper Mustang Trek Outline Itinerary 

Day 1: Fly to Jomsom and Trek to Kagbeni
Fly to Jomsom and then start your trek to Kagbeni, a beautiful village situated on the edge of the Kali Gandaki River.

Day 2: Kagbeni to Chele
Trek from Kagbeni to Chele, passing through desert-like landscapes, ancient monasteries, and local villages.

Day 3: Chele to Syangbochen
Continue trekking towards Syangbochen, crossing several passes and enjoying views of the barren landscape and rugged mountains.

Day 4: Syangbochen to Ghami
Trek through the upper Mustang region to Ghami, passing through narrow valleys and terraced fields.

Day 5: Ghami to Lo Manthang
On this day, trek to Lo Manthang, the former capital of the Mustang Kingdom. Explore the ancient walled city and its monasteries.

Day 6: Explore Lo Manthang
Spend a day exploring Lo Manthang and the surrounding area. Visit ancient caves, monasteries, and meet the local people to learn about their culture.

Day 7: Lo Manthang to Ghami
Return trek to Ghami, enjoying more of the spectacular landscape and mountain views.

Day 8: Ghami to Syangbochen
Retrace your steps back to Syangbochen.

Day 9: Syangbochen to Chele
Continue back to Chele, where you can rest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Day 10: Trek back to Jomsom and fly to Pokhara
Complete your trek back to Jomsom and then take a flight back to Pokhara. From there, you can return to Kathmandu by flight or road.

8. Poon Hill Trek
The Poon Hill Trek is ideal for beginners, being one of the easiest treks to accomplish in Nepal. Trekking to Poon Hill is short (3-5 days) with astonishing sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill (3,210m). The trail passes through beautiful rhododendron forests and idyllic Magar and Gurung villages. 
Key Highlights: Poon Hill sunrise, Annapurna panorama, rhododendron forests, and easy proximity 
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate 
Best Time: March to May and September to December

Poon Hill Trek outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Drive to Pokhara
Day 3: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga
Day 4: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 5: Sunrise at Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani
Day 6: Trek to Ghandruk
Day 7: Trek to Pothana
Day 8: Trek to Australian Camp
Day 9: Trek to Kande and drive to Pokhara
Day 10: Drive or fly back to Kathmandu

9. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek sends adventurers to the far eastern part of Nepal to take in views of the world's third-highest peak. The trek is remote, challenging, and takes approximately 20-25 days. During this trek, hikers will enjoy some pristine wilderness and have opportunities to meet a range of ethnic communities. The trek will provide views of both north and south base camps of Mount Kanchenjunga. 
Key Highlights: Views of Mount Kanchenjunga, remote wilderness, diverse cultures, pristine nature
Difficulty level: Very Challenging
Best time: March-May and September-November

10. Dolpo Trek
The Dolpo Trek takes you into one of the cloudiest, empty and most culturally preserved regions of Nepal. This trek is very challenging as it gains significant elevation (multiple passes above 5,000 meters) and passes through rugged and remote wilderness while getting glimpses of ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture. Traveling across landscape with steep cliffs, blue lakes, traditional villages that have not changed for centuries; this trek is not worth missing!
Key Highlights: Phoksundo Lake, Tibetan culture, wilderness, high mountain passes
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Best Time: May-September

Planning Your Trekking Adventure in Nepal
These top 10 trekking destinations in Nepal provide opportunities that vary greatly in difficulty, duration, and cultural experiences. You should consider your level of fitness, how much time you have available, and your preferred season when planning your adventure. Most trekking will require appropriate permits, including TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) cards and national park entry permits.
An essential preparation phase includes physical preparation, appropriate gear selection, and altitude acclimatization. A lot of trekkers utilize local guides as well as porters, which is an excellent way to support local communities while having a safer and better experience in the mountains.
Trekking destinations in Nepal continue to draw adventure seekers from all over the world with fabulous adventures in the Himalayas that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. Your trekking experience can include the challenging Everest Base Camp trek to the low elevation Poon Hill trek; these top 10 trekking places in Nepal will provide memories for a lifetime. Each place provides a unique experience and perspective of the world's highest mountains combined with rich cultural interactions and overwhelming natural beauty that is the essence of the Himalayas trekking experience.
The top 10 trekking destinations in Nepal demonstrate why this small Himalayan nation is still the ultimate trekking paradise with adventures to satisfy any mountain enthusiast's dreams.