Trekking route in Nepal

Nepal offers some of the world's most spectacular trekking routes, ranging from the iconic Everest Base Camp to the remote wilderness of Upper Dolpo. With eight of the world's ten highest peaks, Nepal's Himalayan trails provide breathtaking scenery, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable adventures.

Top 5 Most Famous Treks

1. Everest Base Camp Trek

  • Duration: 12-14 days
  • Max Altitude: 5,545m (Kala Patthar)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Highlights: Kala Patthar viewpoint, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery
  • Best Season: March-May & September-November

The classic Himalayan trek to the base of the world's highest mountain. Walk in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers through Sherpa villages with spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.

2. Annapurna Circuit

  • Duration: 15-20 days
  • Max Altitude: 5,416m (Thorong La Pass)
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
  • Highlights: Thorong La Pass, Muktinath Temple, diverse landscapes
  • Best Season: March-May & September-November

Often called the "world's best trek," this route circles the Annapurna massif, taking you through rice paddies, forests, high-altitude deserts, and over the challenging Thorong La pass.

3. Langtang Valley Trek

  • Duration: 7-10 days
  • Max Altitude: 4,984m (Tserko Ri)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Highlights: Langtang village, Kyanjin Gompa, cheese factory
  • Best Season: March-May & September-November

Known as the "valley of glaciers," this accessible trek near Kathmandu offers stunning mountain views and rich Tamang culture without the crowds of more famous routes.

4. Upper Mustang Trek

  • Duration: 14-16 days
  • Max Altitude: 4,200m (Lo La Pass)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Highlights: Lo Manthang, Tibetan culture, desert landscapes
  • Best Season: May-October

This "Forbidden Kingdom" offers a journey through arid landscapes resembling Tibet, with ancient monasteries, cave dwellings, and well-preserved Tibetan culture.

5. Manaslu Circuit Trek

  • Duration: 14-18 days
  • Max Altitude: 5,106m (Larkya La Pass)
  • Difficulty: Challenging
  • Highlights: Larkya La Pass, remote villages, diverse ecosystems
  • Best Season: March-May & September-November

A spectacular and less crowded alternative to the Annapurna Circuit, circling the world's eighth highest mountain through remote villages and challenging passes.

Trek Comparison Table

Trek Name Duration Difficulty Max Altitude Permits Required Best For
Everest Base Camp 12-14 days Moderate-Challenging 5,545m Sagarmatha NP, Khumbu Permit Iconic views, Sherpa culture
Annapurna Circuit 15-20 days Moderate-Challenging 5,416m ACAP, TIMS Landscape diversity
Langtang Valley 7-10 days Moderate 4,984m Langtang NP Permit Short duration, accessibility
Upper Mustang 14-16 days Moderate 4,200m Restricted Area, ACAP Tibetan culture, unique landscapes
Manaslu Circuit 14-18 days Challenging 5,106m Restricted Area, MCAP Remote experience, fewer crowds

Other Notable Treks

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
(4-5 days) - Best short trek with spectacular sunrise views
Kanchenjunga Base Camp
(20-25 days) - Remote trek to the world's third highest peak
Rara Lake Trek
(10-12 days) - Nepal's largest lake in remote far-west
Upper Dolpo Trek
(18-25 days) - Isolated region featured in "The Snow Leopard"
Makalu Base Camp
(18-20 days) - Challenging trek to the fifth highest mountain
Nar Phu Valley Trek
(16-18 days) - Hidden valleys combining culture and adventure

Trekking Essentials

Permits and Regulations

  • TIMS Card: Required for most treks (Trekkers' Information Management System)
  • National Park Fees: Vary by region (Sagarmatha, Annapurna, Langtang, etc.)
  • Restricted Area Permits: Required for Mustang, Manaslu, Dolpo, etc.
  • Guide Requirements: Mandatory for some areas (Upper Mustang, Manaslu)

When to Trek

  • Spring (March-May): Best overall conditions, rhododendrons in bloom
  • Autumn (Sept-Nov): Clear skies, stable weather, peak season
  • Winter (Dec-Feb): Cold but possible at lower elevations
  • Monsoon (June-Aug): Generally not recommended (except Dolpo, Mustang)