8 Best Short Treks in Nepal
9 Oct 2022 Chandra Gurung
During your visit to Nepal, you can select from a variety of short treks in Nepal based on your interests. Regarding trekking and peaceful natural beauty, Nepal is one of the most well-liked nations in the world.
It is filled with wonders and enjoyment, offering a wide range of exciting activities in beautiful environments. Trekking is one of the most popular and valued among them.
A trek in Nepal might range from a few days to a few months. Long treks in Nepal, such as the Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek, Makalu Base Camp Trek, and Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, are not recommended for time-constrained, busier travelers.
Therefore, short treks in Nepal are the most effective choices for anyone looking to quickly and intimately explore the breathtaking Himalayas.
In this article, we’ll help you sort through your options for your upcoming journey in Nepal and remove any uncertainty you may have about them.
The information in this post will aid you in choosing the ideal location for a short trek based on your preferences and available resources. See our list of the top 8 short treks in Nepal below.
What Are the Things to Consider While Planning Short Treks in Nepal?
One of the most incredible adventures in the world is trekking over the Nepalese Himalayas. The journey, whether solo or in a group, independently or with a team of guides and porters, comes with various things to be aware of before beginning the path. When preparing for short treks in Nepal, keep the following in mind:
- Be aware of the ideal season to visit Nepal, particularly the hilly region.
- Before hiking, be aware of your fitness level and experience.
- Bringing the proper attire and equipment for Nepal’s mountainous terrain.
- Hiring a local guide acquainted with the journey is a good idea.
Best Time for Short Treks in Nepal
The best time to go trekking in Nepal is from October to March.
Especially in October and November, when the skies are clear, and the mountains are even more mesmerizingly apparent. You’ll be sharing the trail with lots of hikers during this time, costs will increase, and lodges will fill up quickly.
Best Short Treks in Nepal
We looked into every trekking location in Nepal and have selected these quick treks for you. Let’s begin!
- Poon Hill Trek
- Langtang Trek
- Mardi Himal Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Gosaikunda Trek
- Kalinchowk Trek
- Lower Mustang Trek
- Jomsom Trek
1. Poon Hill Trek
The Poon Hill trek is a remarkable journey filled with some of the most captivating scenery you will ever encounter. The path travels through the lovely forest and Magar and Gurung village areas.
Trip Name: Poon Hill Trek
Trip Duration: 4 to 5 Days
Maximum Elevation: 3,210 meters
Difficulty: Easy
Best Season: September-November & March-May
For those eager to enjoy the Himalayan views, Poon Hill Trek is among the top short treks in Pokhara. You will quickly travel through picturesque traditional villages, deep rhododendron, and pine woods, and, of course, access some of Nepal’s most beautiful vistas of the country’s tallest mountains, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and Annapurna I.
The beauty of this area will astound you whether you are traveling alone, with family, friends, or other loved ones.
How difficult is Poon Hill Trek?
Because it is perhaps one of the simpler treks in the Annapurna Sanctuary, the Poon Hill climb is becoming more and more well-liked. It’s a fantastic route to walk for novice hikers and those who want to sample Nepali hiking.
2. Langtang Trek
Langtang Valley Trek is one of the most fantastic trekking experiences in Nepal. It is a highly sought-after walk because of its simple accessibility, excellent trekking trails, captivating mountain views, and excellent cultural learning opportunities.
Trip Name: Langtang Trek
Trip Duration: 6 to 7 Days
Maximum Elevation: 4200m at Kyanjing Ri
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: March to Early May
One of the treks that may be easily reached from the valley of Kathmandu is the Langtang Valley Trek. This journey is one of the shortest in Nepal and is dominated by the Langtang Himalayas.
Trekkers travel past bamboo and rhododendron-filled jungles, roaring waterfalls, and stunning snow-capped mountains. On this trekking route, you may see peaks, including Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Lirung, and Langtang Ri.
How difficult is Langtang trek?
The Langtang trek is a moderate trek that does not require any physical fitness or trekking skills. But you must be emotionally and physically ready for any difficulties and delays encountered along the way. You can start working out before your walk to make it easier.
3. Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal trek takes place on the eastern ridge of the Annapurna Base Camp and is a unique trekking experience. It is a quick and simple 4- to 5-day trek suited for novice trekkers.
Trip Name: Mardi Himal Trek
Trip Duration: 4 to 5 Days
Maximum Elevation: 4500m at Mardi Himal Base Camp
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: October to December
With this quick, simple, and low-altitude trek, we can almost see the entire Annapurna mountain range. The magnificent snow-capped mountains and pristine forest are an overwhelming experience on the Mardi Himal trek.
From Pokhara, a quick drive to Kande leads to the start of the Mardi Himal hike, a beautiful journey across rolling hills covered in rhododendron and oak trees. From Kande, the walk departs for Lower Camp, followed by High Camp and Mardi Himal Base Camp.
Amazing views of the Annapurna Mountains, Mt. Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri can be seen from the high ridge climb. You will climb down to the village of Siding after your great day at base camp, passing through valleys, gorgeous lakes, and peaceful waterfalls.
How difficult is Mardi Himal trek?
The Mardi Himal Trek is considered to be of moderate difficulty. Due to the more strenuous uphill climbs and exhausting long hikes. You spend about 5 to 6 hours walking on the Mardi Himal foothills daily.
4. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The short trek to Annapurna Base Camp is a strenuous trek that takes you by pure white water rivers, terraced farmland, hot springs, and stunning ethnic Gurung villages. Beautiful snow peaks, such as the Annapurna ranges, Machhapuchre, Khangsar, Gangapurna, and Hiunchuli, may be seen from the walking trails.
Trip Name: Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Trip Duration: 5 to 6 Days
Maximum Elevation: 4130m at Annapurna Base Camp
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: Mar-May & Sep-Nov
One of the most visited tourist destinations worldwide is Annapurna Base Camp. Travel professionals consider the Annapurna Base Camp trek one of the must-do treks in a lifetime.
The hike to Annapurna Base Camp varies, passing through ethnic Nepalese communities and verdant woods. You will be rewarded with breathtaking mountain vistas throughout the entire journey.
Short and moderately tricky, this trek is best suited for people with limited time who nevertheless want to appreciate the natural beauty of Nepal’s mountains and landscape.
How difficult is Annapurna Base Camp trek?
Despite its many challenges, the trek to Annapurna Base Camp is moderate. This walk is not very challenging. It presents some challenges, like arduous and rocky hiking trails, climbing stone stairs, daily walking distances of 5 to 6 hours, and so on.
5. Gosaikunda Trek
The Gosaikunda Trek route is one of the closest trekking routes to the capital. One of the most well-liked treks in Nepal is the Gosaikunda trek. The area is home to several holy lakes, notably the Gosaikunda lake, which is celebrated by Hindus as the location where Lord Shiva plunged his trident into the earth to release the waters that slaked the goddess Parvati’s hunger.
Trip Name: Gosaikunda Trek
Trip Duration: 6 Days
Maximum Elevation: 3,870m at Lang tang Village
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best Season: September to mid-December
Red pandas, Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, and other animals can be found in the Langtang National Park, where the journey takes place.
The park also has several glaciers, which hikers can access for breathtaking vistas. The ideal season to travel is from September to November, and you can finish the Gosaikunda trek in a week.
How difficult is Gosaikunda trek?
The Gosaikunda trip is simple to moderate trek. The trails can occasionally get steeper and more complex, but for the most part, they have a low angle of ascent and are simple to ascend.
6. Kalinchowk Trek
One of the popular trekking places in Nepal is Kalinchowk. It is the ideal location for day treks that last no more than three days. On your three-day climb to Kalinchowk, you can gain 3790m in altitude. Therefore, the wonderful trek undoubtedly provides you with the glorifying vistas of the great Himalayan panorama perspective.
Trip Name: Kalinchowk Trek
Trip Duration: 3 Days
Maximum Elevation: 3790m at Kalinchowk
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: October-November
The pilgrimage site Kalinchowk is a well-liked vacation attraction. The trek lets you learn about the region’s varied culture and way of life.
You will get vistas of Ganesh Himal 7422m, Dorje Lakpa 6966m, and Shisha Pangma 8013m while traveling through the lovely forest. The Kuri village is where you will spend the night.
From Kuri, it takes just an hour to reach your destination. You’ll begin your hike early in the day to see the sunrise from the top of Kalinchowk Hill (3790m).
How difficult is Kalinchowk trek?
The Kalinchowk Temple Trek is a fantastic, manageable short trek conveniently located near Kathmandu. You will see the exquisite Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, indigenous hill culture, river and woodland scenery, and panoramic Himalayan views.
7. Lower Mustang Trek
The Lower Mustang Trek is a well-known route that leads to the entrance of Nepal’s hidden Mustang treasure and the ancient trade route from the Kali Gandaki valley to Tibet.
Trip Name: Lower Mustang Trek
Trip Duration: 7 to 9 Days
Maximum Elevation: 3,710 m at Muktinath
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: Spring (March, April, and May), Autumn (September, October, and November), and Monsoon (June, July, and August)
You can hike to the lower Mustang with your family on a short, attractive, moderate trail without paying for pricey permits. The area passes via Nepal’s oldest monastery, the largest protected area for wildlife, and a diverse population.
Muktinath is the main feature of this trek, and every year, many Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims go from around the world to Muktinath, a well-known spiritual destination. The Muktinath Temple is a representation of the unity between Hinduism and Buddhism.
This place has a temple of Lord Vishnu accompanied by a Gompa. Everyone is captivated by the eternal flame that burns here with the help of natural gas.
How difficult is Lower Mustang trek?
The treks in the area of Jomsom are moderately challenging. Even though Muktinath, at 3710 meters, is the highest point, all of the nights are spent below 3000 meters. Although good fitness and good health are required, it suits first-time and returning travelers to Nepal.
8. Jomsom Trek
Trekking in the Jomsom region entails traversing the Kaligandaki valley, the world’s deepest gorge, and discovering towering, snow-capped mountains.
Trip Name: Jomsom Trek
Trip Duration: 5 to 6 Days
Maximum Elevation: 3,940 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Season: February-June & September-December
You can experience a variety of sceneries on the Jomsom walk, from subtropical rhododendron and oak woods to the high, arid terrain resembling the Tibetan Plateau.
You will stroll through Kagbeni, a Tibetan-influenced settlement with prayer wheels, a Buddhist monastery, and chortens, as well as the Kali Gandaki valley, the deepest gorge in the world. While trekking, you can take in stunning vistas of Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna mountain range.
From Jomsom, you may enjoy the splendor of Dhumba Lake. A perfect example of a natural landmark, Dhumba Lake, is situated in the Mustang region, about 5 kilometers from Jomsom. Ice melt from Mount Nilgiri feeds the lake. Visitors who practice Buddhism and Hinduism revere the lake.
How difficult is Jomsom trek?
It’s a moderately challenging walk to Jomsom. The Jomsom Journey is a thrilling trek in Nepal’s Mustang and Annapurna districts.
Conclusion
Any top short hikes on the list will take you along beautiful trails that give sweeping views of the country’s high mountains and blooming pathways. As you explore this undiscovered treasure, you will be completely engulfed in its pristine and magnificent natural beauty and culture.
These short treks offer a profound experience that cannot be found anywhere else. The journeys are only a few days long yet achievable all year round and include everything you could want.