A diverse geography mixed with a large number of protected areas and national parks makes Nepal an ideal destination for trekking adventures. From gentle hilly slopes to rugged mountainous terrain, the possibility is virtually limitless. From novice backpackers to seasoned trekkers, Nepal welcomes all with trekking routes that match their enthusiasm and experience. It's possible to walk for a few hours in Nepal and reach a Himalayan village with breathtaking views of the mountains and a culture so unique from your own. So, here are some of the few short trekking routes available in Nepal worthy of your time.
Short but Amazing Beginner Treks You Can Do In Nepal
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Balthali Village Trek (3 Days)
Around 35 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu, in the Kavrepalanchowk District, is the lovely little village of Balthali. The village showcases the genuine way of life of the locals and is rich in rural culture. Any traveler will be drawn to this community by its terraced farmland, historic temples, and antique homes.
We drive 40 kilometers east of Kathmandu, to Namobuddha, where the hiking excursion begins. You will begin hiking from this point to the settlement of Balthali, where you will spend the night. The next day, you can return to your vehicle by taking a short stroll down to Khopasi (you can choose to hike up to Panauti too). You will drive back to your Kathmandu accommodation after some time in Panauti, where you may observe the Newari culture in its natural setting.
Pikey Peak Trek (7 Days)
The Khumbu region's Pikey Peak Trek is a recently developed trekking path that offers up-close views of Everest and the lower Khumbu region in addition to magnificent vistas. One can observe a variety of magnificent 8,000-meter mountains, including Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse, Manaslu, Annapurna, and many more snow-covered summits, from the Pikey peak.
The dawn and sunset above the enormous peaks are such enchanted sights that they will be in your memory forever. Along with admiring the gorgeous Himalayas, you will have the chance to learn about the world's unusual terrain and the life it sustains. Both the distinctive Sherpa culture and their friendliness are fascinating. It offers a unique and isolated trekking experience because it is a recently found trekking trail.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (5 Days)
One of the most well-known short treks in Nepal is the Ghorepani trek, commonly referred to as the "Ghorepani / Poon Hill" walk. You may enjoy panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Annapurna I, and Annapurna South from Poon Hill in a short period of time, as well as charming local villages and rhododendron forests.
Hiking up to Poon Hill to watch the sunrise over these stunning snow-covered mountains is something to be treasured. This trek also includes hiking through colorful villages and rhododendron forests, with the backdrop of the Annapurna always present. Even for experienced trekkers, this is a great introduction to the Himalayas, especially if time is short. Accommodation along this established route is very comfortable and the menus are not disappointing. And of course, the mountains never disappoint either in their fully photogenic beauty!
Langtang Valley Trek (8 Days)
A quick, enjoyable, and perfect trek across the Langtang region is the Langtang Valley Trek. It is renowned for offering breathtaking views of the mountains, undiscovered native culture, and Langtang Himalayan ranges. Near Nepal's capital city of Kathmandu, the Langtang Trekking Trail is a really lovely and fascinating location.
The trail ascends to a height of 4,000 meters, but if you want to go further higher, you shouldn't pass up the opportunity to view the dawn from the Tserko Ri at 5,000 meters. The historic monastery of Kyanjin Gompa, located close to Tserko, continues this heritage and presents you with the Tamang and Sherpa Buddhist cultures through this varied walk. This climb offers breathtaking views of Langtang Lirung (7,245m/23,769ft), Dorje Lakpa (6,990m/22,933ft), and Langtang Ri (6,370m/20,898ft).
Mardi Himal Trek (5 Days)
Mardi Himal is a challenging and beautiful 4-day trek in the Annapurna region that offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range. It’s a lesser-known and novel route compared to the famous Everest Base Camp trek or Annapurna Circuit trek. Trekking up Mardi Himal provides panoramic views of the Machhapuchre, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and Annapurna mountains.
Starting from Pokhara, we drive to Kande and then hike to Pothana or Deurali. Next, we make our way to low camp, then high camp, and ultimately Mardi's base camp. We hike down to Siding after the lovely experience in base camp. We take a company-provided private vehicle (jeep, car, van, etc.) from Siding back to Pokhara.
Panchpokhari Trek (6 Days)
Panch Pokhari is a cluster of five Hindu holy lakes in Nepal's Sindhupalchowk District. It’s the world’s ninth-highest wetland is there. It’s a pilgrimage for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. Panch Pokhari is one of nature's most beautiful, unspoiled, and well-kept secrets. It offers incredible beauty as well as mysterious landscapes.
At 4,100 meters, the Panch Pokhari lies hidden away northeast of Kathmandu. The Panch Pokhari walk trail runs beside rolling hills covered with greenery and through dense rhododendron forests. Terraced farms, alpine pastures, and charming isolated villages will all be visible as you go. You are more likely to encounter locals along the path than tourists.
Kapuche Lake Trek (3 Days)
Kapuche Lake is a glacier lake that lies within the district of Kaski, northeast of the city of Pokhara. It is located at an altitude of 2546 meters. It is the lowest-altitude glacier lake in the world. This is a newly opened trekking route and attracts a fewer amount of hikers.
The trail has all the features of classic Nepali trekking routes like lush rhododendron forests, diverse flora and fauna, small Himalayan settlements, and more. The major attraction, however, is the blue glacial lake of Kapuche, which you won’t find in many trekking destinations. The trail passes through the amazing Gurung village of Sikles.
Kori Trek (4 Days)
Another trekking route that passes through Sikles and follows the same route until Hugu Goth is the Kori trekking route. The path to Kori follows a steep upwards trail from here. Kori is a highland with amazing wildflowers along the way. The Kori hilltop is also called the crown of Sikles village.
The hilltop of Kori lies 3800 meters above sea level. The scenic pastureland and the wildflowers add to the experience of viewing snow-capped peaks like Lamjung Himal, Annapurna II, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, and more.
Sundarijal-Nagarkot Trekking (3 Days)
A quick and convenient trekking path from the Kathmandu valley is from Chisapani to Nagarkot. It takes two nights and three days to complete and follows a route that provides a view of the valley. The trail provides a constant scenic view of the Langtang mountain range.
A rocky trail leads from Sundarijal to Chisapani, passing by waterfalls and the revered Bagmati river. From Sundarijal, a difficult walk leads to Chisapani through a lush forest. The following day, you will hike through a pine forest from Chisapani to Nagarkot. The hilltop town of Nagarkot is a well-liked vacation spot with opulent lodging and breathtaking scenery. You will hike down to the Changu Narayan Temple, Nepal's oldest temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the following day. You will then drive to Kathmandu, where we will drop you off at your hotel.