Going to Nepal but unsure where to trek? Choosing the best trek depends on how many days you want to trek and how much you’ve budgeted for it. As long as you have excellent organization skills, you can do some of these treks by yourself, while some need the help of professionals.
Every year, Nepal attracts at least 200,000 trekkers. Each year all these people are faced with the difficult choice of choosing a trekking destination. Making this choice is not as easy as it sounds. Whatever your choice is, trekking in Nepal is one of the most memorable things you can do in Asia.
The landscape of the Nepalese Himalayas brings out eye-catching trekking routes. It would be unjust to name one route as the greatest trek in Nepal. These routes vary and are great in their own ways. Finding the best treks that suit you will require a close look at the features offered by the treks.
Seeking advice from local trekking agencies might be more profit-driven than anything else. However, you may receive different opinions, which may help you choose the trekking route of your choice. Before settling on the best trek, you need to consider the following aspects of trekking:
- What altitude of trekking complexity are you looking for?
- How long do you want to trek in Nepal?
- Are you searching for a remote trekking destination, or a touristy one will suit as well?
- Are you working on a tight budget?
- Which seasons are you trekking in Nepal?
- Are you looking for adventure treks?
- Who is accompanying you? some treks in Nepal requires at least two people and a Nepali guide
With the above considerations, here are the best and most adventurous trekking tours in Nepal known for their incredible scenery and challenging peaks.
- Everest Base Camp
The Everest Base Camp Trek is the best site for those looking to have a spectacular view of the world’s highest mountain. This place has vast trekking terrains. You’ll also meet Sherpa people well known for their climbing skills. This trek also gives you the best chance to travel around the Sherpa villages and get to know their lifestyles.
Getting to the peak of the world’s highest mountain may be the climax of all the adventures. But that doesn’t mean that walking on the base of the mountain is less adventurous. You will have a chance to experience the industrious walks of legendary mountaineers.
In this trek, you will come across the beautiful High Passes of Dudhkoshi River, the popular Namche Bazaar, and serene Imjatse Valley.
Join the rest of the world in exploring the world’s largest mountain!
- Manaslu Trek
If you desire to trek in a remote area, choose the Manaslu Circuit trek. The trek was opened in the early 90s, a cultural trek par excellence and is one of the best treks in Nepal. The best name for this trek is ‘Anaslu’as it took over the infamous Annapurna Circuit trek.
The mountain’s topography varies in altitude, so you have to walk in circuits. The trail keeps changing until the end. If you enjoy various types of terrain, this is the best trek for you. The entire trail is challenging and full of adventure!
Enjoy the cozy village of Samagaun. From this village, you will conveniently visit Manaslu Base Camp. If you plan on making this trail, book your accommodation in advance because it is limited during peak season.
Due to its beautiful scenery and remoteness, the Manaslu Trek is an excellent pick for trekking trails.
- Annapurna Circuit Trek
Cross the world’s widest pass, the Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. The Annapurna Circuit Trek has suitable trekking terrains and magnificent Himalayan scenery. From the ethnic villages, jungles, and high mountains, the Annapurna circuit is a great trail to take on!
Get a new adventure at the Tilicho Lake, which is a day-trip away around the halfway mark. The side trip is highly recommended.
- Annapurna Base camp
Get a chance to stand face-to-face with the world’s most dangerous mountain to climb, Annapurna (8,091m). With only ten trekking days, this trek is a great option. The ABC is very steep and vertical, unlike other treks in the region of Nepal. When attempting to do this trek, make sure you’re fit as the entire trail has little flat terrains.
The Annapurna circuit is more scenic and rich in culture, so evaluate your options and choose the one that suits you.
- Three Passes Trek
Trekking the Three Passes Park through the Sagarmatha National Park is one of the fantastic routes in Nepal. The three passes are Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La is the ultimate tour of the Everest region, showing some of the best features of Nepal.
Are you strong enough to conquer the challenging 5,000m passes? The exciting part of these three passes is to overcome the challenging passes for close to three weeks! The passes are high in elevation, so altitude sickness is common.
- Upper Mustang Peak
If you have a desire for an arid desert valley, the Upper Mustang Trek is your best take. Enjoy trekking on sandstone cliffs and barren landscapes. The most exciting part about this trek is the heavy Tibetan culture, formerly the Himalayan Kingdom.
Due to the desert-like atmosphere and restricted permits, the trekking costs are high. However, if remote trekking is your option, this is an excellent option for you.
- Poonhill Trek
The Poonhill (3,210m) offers a spectacular view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain Ranges. This is an excellent trek for a sneak-peak into the trekking world. Have a great cultural trek in Ghandruk village, an ancient and culturally-rich village. It is also near the city of Pokhara.
If you only have a few days for trekking, this is the best option for you.
- Langtang Trek
If you have 7-8 days available for trekking, this is the best trek in Nepal. It is located north of Tibet. Langtang does not only offer you an opportunity to select your preferred 4,984m peak, but also provides good cultural insights such as monasteries.
If you want a culturally rich trek, opt for this one and interact with the Tibetan traditions.
- Everest Base Camp 3 Passes
This is an excellent option if you are looking for a long, challenging trek. This is the ultimate Everest quest. The Everest Base Camp 3 passes give you a chance to view stunning peaks and are rewarded with pristine nature, not forgetting the excellent trails.
- Kanchenjunga Base Camp
If you want to have a view of the most amazing landscapes in Nepal, try trekking in Kanchenjunga Base Camp. From this trek, you have a clear view of Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Makalu, the world’s 3rd and 5th highest mountains.
A guide is needed to navigate through the area. You can spot the Tibetan Wolves, and snow leopards as you go through the varied landscape.
- Gokyo Lakes Trek
If you want to see the beauty of Everest in one view, climb the Gokyo Ri, which gives you an incredible vantage point of the Himalayas. The Gokyo Lakes Trek shares paths to the Everest Base Camp Trek, but it takes you to the western side of Everest.
Enjoy the convenience of going down via Renjo La Pass instead of walking back from where you came from. If you are poor in dealing with altitude, this is ideal for you.
- Upper Dolpo
If you have great stamina and fitness, conquer the upper Dolpo, with three 5000m+ passes following old trading routes. The landscape is magnificent, and visiting this side of the Himalayas is considered a real treat.
While you’re there, you have a chance of meeting the nomadic yak herders, visiting the Shey Phoksundo Lake, and Shey Gomba monasteries.
- Dhaulagiri Circuit
If you are a hardcore trekker, Dhaulagiri Circuit is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal that you can opt for. The circuit is intense as three days are spent at over 5,000m, which frequently gets snowed out. Altitude sickness is common to trekkers here.
If you have excellent mountaineering skills, the Dhaulagiri circuit will suit you.
- Makalu Base Camp Trek
The Makalu Base Camp is an excellent trekking destination in the eastern part of Nepal. Mt. Makalu being the 5th highest mountain in the world, gives you difficult trails and undamaged nature. The trek is for those who are fit and adventurous. Trekking in this mountain is not common, but you will have 100% communion with nature.
- Chisapani-Nagarkot Trek
The Chisapani Nagarkot trek is among the famous treks in Nepal. In the trek, you have the chance to walk through the evergreen hardwood forests with a humid environment that keeps you energetic along the walk.
The trek is convenient for those who enjoy a scenic and a bit longer walks from the valley.
As a trekker, expect challenges along the way. When trekking, carry an ant killer, as ants are widespread in these terrains, and they may ruin your tour. With the above trekking tours, a common question when trekking in Nepal is whether you do it independently or through a company. Go with your guts! However, it is always wise to seek professional advice from companies or individual trekkers.
Explore the rich biodiversity in Nepal!
