Four Best Short Treks in Nepal
If you are planning to come to Nepal for your next vacation, without a doubt, it will be the best decision you will ever make. Although small, Nepal, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, offers more than 100 beautiful treks that take you off the beaten path and into the glorious mountain wilderness.
One-third of the Himalayan stretch (800/2400km) lies in Nepal, and this fortunate location has blessed it with eight astonishing eight-thousanders. That is why Nepal has always been the top trekking destination for thousands of trekkers to plunge into the Himalayas on foot.
From an almost a month-long trek that encompasses difficult passes and gorges to a week-long trek that is equally enthralling but less demanding, Nepal offers you everything. If you have a tight schedule, are running out of time, and are wondering which trek best suits your lifestyle and preferences, here is our pick of the top four treks.
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
• No. of days: Minimum 4 DAYS TO 7 DAYS
• Maximum Height: 3210 M – 10,531 F
• Starting Point: Kathmandu – Pokhara
• Difficulty: Easy
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular trekking packages in Nepal. From college students arriving in packs to family vacationers with children, you will encounter all kinds of trekkers during your travels. This trek offers stunning views of the Annapurna Massif. Poon Hill is one of the most popular vantage points in the Annapurna region, offering a 360-degree view of more than 20 mountains.
The trek can be completed in 4 to 7 days, depending on your style and pace. The trek commences with an hour-long drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. From there, we will follow a dirt trail that reaches Ghorepani, and finally, Poonhill. During the trek, you will walk through several picturesque Gurung settlements, including Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk, which offer beautiful views of the mountain range, terraced farmland, and a variety of flora and fauna. The trek is suitable for people who love adventure and the Himalayas but are time-constrained. Since it is a low-elevation trek, it is ideal for all age groups.
Everest View Trekking
• No. of days: 5 days to 10 days
• Maximum Height: 3,880m
• Starting Point: Kathmandu – Lukla.
• Difficulty: Moderate
Everest View Trekking is one of the most famous treks in the Khumbu region, thanks to its stunning natural beauty and cultural richness. If you do not have enough time and experience to undertake the Everest Base Camp trek, this one is the next best thing. It is not just short but can also be completed quickly, without the complications of altitude sickness or strenuous effort.
The trek commences with a 30-minute-long scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to Everest. From there, the trail leads us through dense forests, suspension bridges over the Dudh Koshi River, and several traditional Sherpa villages. Some notable Sherpa villages you will trek through include Phakding, Namche Bazaar (a famous tourist hub), and Khumjung, a culturally rich town. However, the main highlight of the trek, of course, is the mountains. Alongside the magnificent Everest, you will have spectacular views of Cho Oyu, Island Peak, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and Kangtega.
Langtang Valley Trek
• Number of days: 8 to 10 DAYS
• Maximum Height: 5,050m
• Starting Point: Kathmandu – Syabru Besi.
• Difficulty: Moderate
Also known as the Valley of Glaciers, Langtang is located just 19 miles north of Kathmandu. It is also the closest Himalayan region to the capital. Compared to other areas, the area is once again back on its feet after suffering the devastating 2015 earthquake. The trek’s highlight is the views of the surrounding mountains, including Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang Ri, and Ganesh Himal.
The trek commences from Syabrubesi and ascends towards the villages of Chilime and Tatopani. From there, on the second day, the trail goes through Nagthali Gyanng and descends to Thuman, finally reaching SybaruBesi, where our trek will come full circle. During the trek, you will pass through extended pastures, yak farms, and cheese factories that add even more to the region’s beauty. Moreover, the historic monasteries and the settlements of the native Tamang and Sherpa people make the trek even more memorable.
Dolakha Kalinchowk Trek
• Number of days: 3 to 4 DAYS
• Maximum Height: 3,842
• Starting Point: Kathmandu – Charikot.
• Difficulty: Moderate
A fairly new trekking route, the Dolakha Kalinchowk Trek encompasses the famous Hindu shrine of Kalinchowk Bhagwati in the eastern hills of the Dolakha district. If you do not have time to head north but want to trek through off-beaten, rocky trails, it is the perfect choice for you. Albeit from far away, from here, you can have mesmerising views of Mt. Gauri Shankar, Jugal, and even Annapurna in the west and Everest in the east.
The trek commences in Charikot, the district headquarters, and passes through small villages before reaching Kuri. A steep climb from Kuri will take you to the hilltop of Kalinchowk Shrine, from where you can relish in Himalayan delight.
