Dreaming of trekking in Nepal but don’t know where to start? This unbelievable guide uncovers the top jaw-dropping trails in Nepal that will leave you speechless. Get ready for the most epic adventure of your life!
Nepal is a trekker’s paradise. Home to 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world, including the mighty Everest, it offers some of the best hiking routes on the planet.
This definitive guide covers everything you need to know to plan the perfect trekking in Nepal.
An Overview of Nepal’s Best Treks
Nepal boasts a wide variety of world-class multi-day treks showcasing the incredible Himalayan scenery and unique local cultures.
Most of the classic routes take 2-3 weeks to complete. The overview below highlights the key features of the top 10 treks to help you choose.
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#1 Everest Three Passes Trek
The Everest Three Passes Trek is the ultimate way to experience the region for those with enough time.
Key Details
- Duration: 18 days minimum
- Max Elevation: 5,535m
- Trailhead: Lukla (30-min flight from Kathmandu)
Why It’s #1
- Crosses 3 high passes over 5,000m
- Incredible views of Mt. Everest and other 8,000m giants
- Includes portions of the Everest Base Camp Trek
- Challenging but immensely rewarding
This remarkable trek takes you over three 5,000+ meter passes – Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La. It includes sections of the Everest Base Camp route but offers even more spectacular views as you traverse into the heart of the high Himalayas.
You can combine it with other variations in the Everest region too. It’s the ultimate adventure for seasoned trekkers.
#2 Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek circumnavigates the 8,163m Mount Manaslu amid stunning scenery and cultural discoveries.
Key Details
- Duration: 13 days minimum
- Max Elevation: 5,106m
- Trailheads: Soti Khola & Besisahar (8-hour drive from Kathmandu)
Why It’s #2
- Pristine mountain scenery and culturally rich
- Crosses the Larkya La Pass (5,106m)
- Less crowded than more popular treks
- Spectacular views of peaks over 8,000m
This outstanding trek combines great mountain views with rich cultural immersion as you circle Mount Manaslu. Although its popularity is increasing, the Manaslu Circuit remains less crowded than classic routes.
With sustained elevation gains culminating in crossing the Larkya La pass, it offers a challenging adventure. The remote trailhead is reached by an 8-hour drive from Kathmandu.
#3 Langtang Valley Trek
Soak up gorgeous mountain panoramas on this relatively accessible trek north of Kathmandu.
Key Details
- Duration: 7 days minimum
- Max Elevation: 3,800m
- Trailhead: Syabru Besi (7-hour drive from Kathmandu)
Why It’s #3
- Dramatic views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m)
- Pristine forests and alpine meadows
- Visit Kyanjin Gompa Buddhist monastery
- Climb Kyanjin Ri (4,773m) for epic vistas
The Langtang Valley trek winds through magnificent rhododendron and bamboo forests before emerging above the tree line.
Hike up to Kyanjin Ri for stunning views. You’ll also visit the Buddhist monastery at Kyanjin Gompa and experience rich local culture. The trailhead is easily reached by a 7-hour drive from Kathmandu.
#4 Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Soak in the splendor of the Annapurna range’s soaring peaks on this iconic trek.
Key Details
- Duration: 12 days minimum
- Max Elevation: 4,130m
- Trailhead: Nayapul (2-hour drive from Pokhara)
Why It’s #4
- Amazing views of Annapurna Massif up close
- Trek to the base camp amphitheater
- Moderate difficulty with sustained elevation gains
- Outstanding high mountain scenery throughout
The trail takes you right into the heart of the Annapurna range, with towering peaks all around. The views are jaw-droppingly vertical as you look up at the surrounding giants.
Reaching Annapurna Base Camp is incredibly rewarding. You’ll drive from Pokhara to Nayapul to access the trailhead, finishing where you started.
#5 Upper Mustang Trek
Explore ancient Buddhism and the windswept desert valleys of the forbidden kingdom of Mustang.
Key Details
- Duration: 12 days minimum
- Max Elevation: 3,810m
- Trailhead: Jomsom (20-min flight from Pokhara)
Why It’s #5
- Trek through Trans-Himalayan valleys
- Strong Tibetan cultural influences
- Striking arid, high-altitude scenery unlike anywhere
- Formerly the Kingdom of Mustang
With its dry, desert-like landscapes unlike anywhere else in Nepal, Upper Mustang has an almost surreal feel. The region was once an independent kingdom and still retains a very distinct culture.
You’ll need to take a short flight to Jomsom to access the trailhead for this outstanding high-altitude trek.
#6 Gokyo Lakes Trek
Take in the sparkling glacial lakes and panoramic views around Gokyo on this scenic trek.
Key Details
- Duration: 12 days minimum
- Max Elevation: 5,357m
- Trailhead: Lukla (30-min flight from Kathmandu)
Why It’s #6
- Stunning turquoise lakes and glacial scenery
- Climb Gokyo Ri (5,357m) for epic Everest views
- Portions overlap with Everest Base Camp trek
- Less crowded trails
While sharing sections with the Everest Base Camp Trek, the Gokyo Lakes route diverges west to visit the spectacular Gokyo lakes and climb Gokyo Ri for breathtaking Everest views.
With fewer crowds, it’s a great alternative to experience Khumbu’s mountains. Fly to Lukla to reach the trailhead.
#7 Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Circumnavigate Mount Dhaulagiri on this challenging high-elevation trek.
Key Details
- Duration: 14 days minimum
- Max Elevation: 5,360m
- Trailheads: Darbang & Marpha
Why It’s #7
- Dramatic vistas deep in the Himalaya
- 3 days continuously above 5,000m
- Rugged and remote camping-style trek
- Not for inexperienced trekkers
Crossing high passes at lung-busting altitudes above 5,000m for multiple days, the Dhaulagiri Circuit is tough but rewarding. With few easy exit points, it remains an off-the-beaten-path adventure for very fit trekkers.
From rich lower valleys to rocky high mountain deserts, the scenery is outstanding throughout. Access the trailheads by driving from Pokhara or Kathmandu.
#8 Nar Phu Valley Trek
Venture deep into the hidden gem of Nar Phu on this remote trans-Himalayan adventure.
Key Details
- Duration: 9 days minimum
- Max Elevation: 5,240m
- Trailheads: Koto & Pisang
Why It’s #8
- Off-the-beaten-path destination
- Untouched Himalayan wilderness
- Ancient Buddhist monasteries and culture
- Challenging with big gains and losses in elevation
Nestled between the Annapurnas and Manaslu, Nar Phu opened to trekkers in 2002. The area mixes awesome Himalayan scenery and genuine cultural encounters. If you want to get off the tourist trail, Nar Phu delivers.
You’ll need to drive 8+ hours from Kathmandu to access the trailhead. Basic guesthouses provide accommodation in the valleys.
#9 Everest Base Camp Trek
Trek to the foot of Mount Everest itself on this bucket-list classic.
Key Details
- Duration: 14 days minimum
- Max Elevation: 5,364m
- Trailhead: Lukla (30-min flight from Kathmandu)
Why It’s #9
- Visit Mt. Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
- Dramatic views of Everest, Nuptse, and other giants
- Rich Sherpa culture and villages
- Very busy on the main trails
- Sense of history retracing famous steps
This legendary trek follows in the footsteps of mountaineers like Hillary and Norgay all the way to Everest Base Camp. Despite heavy foot traffic, it remains a must-do Himalayan adventure.
The views of the highest peaks on Earth are jaw-dropping. And the Sherpa culture is fascinating. Fly to Lukla to start this famous trek.
#10 Annapurna Circuit Trek
Circumnavigate the Annapurna massif on this iconic Himalayan odyssey.
Key Details
- Duration: 12 days minimum
- Max Elevation: 5,416m
- Trailheads: Bhulbule & Jomsom
Why It’s #10
- Amazing mountain scenery throughout
- Crosses Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
- Fascinating Manang village and Tibetan culture
- Tea house accommodation along the way
- Significant road construction
This classic trek combines awesome scenery with a crossing of the high Thorong La pass above 5,000m. Although impacted by roads and crowds, it remains outstanding.
The sense of journey as you circle the Annapurna giants is hard to beat. Access the Bhulbule trailhead by driving from Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Best Short Treks in Nepal
If you’re short on time, there are many spectacular shorter treks you can complete in less than a week. Check out our guide to the top short treks in Nepal for some amazing options!
Let the Trekking Adventure Begin!
Nepal offers endless trekking opportunities. Use this guide to start planning your ideal route and make your Himalayan dream trip a reality. Just be warned – it’s addictive! The mountains are calling…
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