Top 10 Treks in Nepal

From the towering Himalayas to the verdant foothills, and from barren plateaus to glistening glaciers, Nepal boasts an unmatched variety of hiking trails. If there's a more accessible place to trek in the world, we haven't discovered it yet.

Many of Nepal's renowned treks traverse national parks or protected regions, and the permits and park fees are generally quite affordable. Teahouses and trekking lodges are abundant along the popular routes, though some paths require camping, and treks near internal borders must typically be organized through an authorized agency.

Whether you're looking for a short, leisurely hike during a quick visit to the mountains or a demanding multi-week journey over high passes, Nepal offers treks for every fitness level and experience. Here are the top hikes in Nepal.

1. Everest Base Camp

Ideal for Everest Views 130km (80.7 miles); 14–20 days; difficult

The most iconic trek in Nepal – perhaps the world – is the two-week journey to Everest Base Camp, attracting thousands of trekkers annually. Beginning and ending at the precariously situated airstrip in Lukla, this high-altitude adventure offers fascinating insights into the Sherpa culture of the Solukhumbu region and the opportunity to behold the tallest mountain on Earth – known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet.

Quality lodges are available along the entire route, but the trails can become quite crowded, especially during the high season from October to November. Nevertheless, few who complete the two- to three-week trek leave disappointed. For a more tranquil experience, consider some of the lesser-known routes winding through the Everest foothills, such as the breathtaking trek to Gokyo and the Three Passes Trek.

2. Annapurna Circuit

Perfect for Diverse Scenery 160–230km (99.4–142.9 miles); 10–17 days; challenging

As Nepal's most popular trek, the Annapurna Circuit showcases an astonishing variety of landscapes. Along your journey, you'll traverse steep valleys, deep gorges, rivers, lakes, glaciers, and snow-capped mountains, while passing through the villages of Gurung, Manangi, and Thakali. Starting from Pokhara, the trail features comfortable lodges and significant Buddhist and Hindu pilgrimage sites. The highlight of the trek is the 5416m (17,768ft) Thorong La, a mountain pass that takes you from lush foothills to the stark Trans-Himalayan plateau.

Best tackled in a counter-clockwise direction, this trail offers many options for extensions and side excursions, including the rewarding week-long trek to the villages of Nar and Phu. Keep in mind that the Annapurna Circuit becomes extremely crowded during peak season. Due to road construction, some sections are more developed than anticipated, and the route continues to shorten each year as roads reach new villages.

3. Manaslu Circuit

Best Alternative to the Annapurna Circuit Approximately 180km (111.8 miles); 16 days; challenging

For those in search of a less-trafficked route with similar stunning landscapes to the famous Annapurna Circuit, the Manaslu Circuit is an excellent choice. Located east of the Annapurna massif, this teahouse trek focuses on Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8163m (26,781ft).

The Manaslu Circuit offers a diverse experience, ranging from lush jungles to breathtaking mountain passes, natural hot springs, and serene villages. Along the way, you'll navigate gorges via swaying suspension bridges and trek through verdant foothills adorned with rice terraces.

4. Annapurna Sanctuary

Best for Majestic Mountain Views About 115km (71.4 miles); 10–14 days; moderate to challenging

Few experiences in the Himalayas rival the stunning Annapurna Sanctuary, an elevated, amphitheater-like plateau north of Pokhara, surrounded by towering glaciers and majestic peaks. This high-altitude basin serves as the highlight of a delightful teahouse trek, offering some of Nepal's most breathtaking mountain views. Along the way, you'll traverse Gurung villages, terraced rice paddies, natural hot springs, and lush forested hills. Keep in mind that the Annapurna Sanctuary is a well-traveled path, so solitude may be hard to find on the trails.

5. Ghandruk Loop

Best Short Trek in Nepal 25km (15.5 miles); 3 days; easy

For beginner hikers or those short on time, Pokhara is the gateway to several brief yet fulfilling treks in the foothills of the Annapurnas. One of the highlights is the Ghandruk Loop, which meanders through rice fields, rhododendron forests – particularly spectacular in spring – and charming Gurung villages, offering accommodations ranging from basic teahouses to well-equipped lodges.

The first day of this trek follows a path similar to the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, providing excellent mountain vistas along this moderately steep trail. Thanks to its low elevation, it can be comfortably hiked in winter, as well as in the fall and spring.

6. Langtang Valley

Ideal one-week trek Approximately 65–80km (40.3–49.7 miles); 7–8 days; moderate

The popular trekking path through the stunning Langtang Valley, reminiscent of a more dramatic version of the Alps and situated near the Tibetan border, offers an abundance of trekking highlights over the course of a week. Its proximity to Kathmandu and accessibility by public bus make it an eco-friendly choice.

Beginning at the trailhead in Syabrubesi, this teahouse trek guides you through pasturelands, bamboo forests, and cascading waterfalls, leading to towering mountains and groaning glaciers. If you can spare a few extra days, consider extending your adventure to the sacred lakes of Gosainkunda, surrounded by snow-capped peaks at an elevation of 4400m (14,436ft).

7. Tamang Heritage Trail

Ideal for cultural immersion Approximately 55km (34.1 miles); 6 days; moderate

While Nepal’s trekking paths are famous for their breathtaking Himalayan vistas, the Tamang Heritage Trail emphasizes deep cultural experiences—though the scenery is equally stunning. This trek starts at Syabrubesi and loops through the northern hills, connecting a series of traditional Tamang villages.

Many of these villages offer homestay options, allowing you to gain insight into Tamang Buddhist culture, which has roots across the border in Tibet, as well as the daily lives of the residents in this remote area. You’ll also encounter beautiful Buddhist temples, monuments, and sacred sites along the route.

8. Kanchenjunga Base Camp

Perfect for solitude seekers Approximately 220km (136.7 miles); 14–28 days; challenging

For those wishing to avoid the bustling crowds found on the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna routes during peak seasons, the lesser-known foothills of Kanchenjunga, towering at 8586m (28,169ft) in eastern Nepal, are an ideal choice. This rugged and remote area welcomes only a few trekkers each season and requires you to embark on an organized trek.

Two demanding yet breathtaking trails lead to the northern and southern base camps utilized by climbers attempting the world’s third-highest peak. Throughout your journey, you'll either camp or stay in simple teahouses located in secluded villages, traversing quiet valleys, pastures, and mountain forests. You'll encounter numerous high passes before enjoying stunning views of Kanchenjunga, often without the presence of large groups.

9. Nagarkot to Dhulikhel

Top day hike in Nepal 20km (12.4 miles); 1 day; easy

The edges of the Kathmandu Valley boast a network of easily accessible trails perfect for short half- or full-day hikes, most of which can be reached by local bus or taxi from Kathmandu. One of the finest paths connects the ridge-top village of Nagarkot to the charming Newari town of Dhulikhel, renowned for stunning Himalayan views, especially at dawn.

As part of the longer Kathmandu Valley Cultural Trekking Trail, this route can be enhanced with side excursions to Panauti, one of Nepal’s oldest settlements, and the Buddhist site of Namobuddha. No permits or national park fees are necessary.

10. Great Himalayan Trail

Ultimate epic adventure 2500km (1553 miles); 50–160 days; hard

For those with ample time, a substantial budget, unlimited energy, and a thirst for adventure, the Great Himalayan Trail presents the ultimate challenge. Spanning the length of the Nepali Himalayas, this extraordinary route encourages trekkers to venture off the beaten path and share the economic benefits of tourism with more communities.

This trek traverses the country from Kanchenjunga in the east to the remote west of Nepal, posing not just a physical challenge but also a logistical one, as it requires arranging various time-sensitive trekking permits ahead of time. Instead of attempting the entire trail at once, many choose to tackle it in sections, completing the journey over several years.