Nepal offers some of the most breathtaking trekking experiences in the world, making it a paradise for adventure lovers. From the classic Everest Base Camp Trek, which brings you face-to-face with the world's highest peak Mt. Everest, to the Annapurna Circuit, which showcases diverse landscapes and cultures, each trek has something unique to offer. The Langtang Valley Trek provides a mix of Himalayan scenery and Tamang heritage, while the Manaslu Circuit Trek offers a remote and off-the-beaten-path experience. For those seeking an adventurous yet less-crowded trail, the Upper Mustang Trek unveils a mystical, Tibetan-influenced desert landscape. Here are the 5 most featured trips in Nepal.
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
One of the most iconic treks in the world, the Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to the foot of Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak. This trek offers breathtaking mountain views, unique Sherpa culture, and the thrill of walking in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers. The journey typically takes about 12–14 days and starts from Lukla.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp trek
- Stunning Scenery: From verdant forests and glacial rivers to snow-capped peaks and expansive valleys, every step of the trek presents a postcard-worthy view.
- Rich Culture: The trail passes through several Sherpa villages, including Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, allowing trekkers to experience the warmth and hospitality of the local people.
- Spiritual Significance: Tengboche Monastery, one of the most important Buddhist monasteries in the region, offers a serene stop for trekkers to soak in the spirituality of the Himalayas.
- Personal Achievement: Reaching Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) is a milestone that provides a profound sense of accomplishment.
Trek Overview
Duration: Typically, the trek takes 12-14 days, depending on the itinerary and acclimatization needs.
Difficulty Level: Moderate to challenging. While no technical climbing is required, the altitude and rugged terrain demand good physical fitness.
Best Time to Trek: The pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons offer the best weather conditions and visibility.
Permits Required: Trekkers need a Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
The Trekking Route and Itinerary
The adventure begins with a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, one of the world's most dramatic airstrips. From there, the journey unfolds as follows:
- Fly to Lukla then trek to Phakding
- Phakding to Namche Bazaar
- Acclimatization in Namche
- Namche to Tengboche
- Tengboche to Dingboche
- Dingboche to Lobuche
- Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
- Kala Patthar Ascent: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 meters/18,192 feet) for panoramic views of Everest and surrounding peaks. This is the best spot for a close-up view of Mount Everest. If the weather is good, I recommend climbing the Kala Patthar in the evening for a sunset colour view of Mount Everest and neighbouring peaks and mountains.
- Descent: The return journey retraces the path back to Lukla.
2. Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s most famous and scenic treks, offering breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. It is a diverse trek that takes you through lush forests, alpine meadows, high mountain passes, and traditional villages. The trek usually takes around 14–21 days and includes crossing the famous Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.
Overview of Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Location: Annapurna Region, Nepal
- Duration: 14–21 days (can be shortened with road transport)
- Distance: 160–230 km (depends on route & transport use)
- Highest Point: Thorong La Pass (5,416m)
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
- Thorong La Pass (5,416m) – The highest point of the trek.
Trek Highlights
- Diverse landscapes – From subtropical forests to high-altitude deserts.
- Scenic villages – Manang, Pisang, and Marpha with Tibetan influence.
- Hot Springs – Tatopani, a great place to relax after the trek.
- Muktinath Temple – A sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists.
- Panoramic views – Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Tilicho Peak.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Itinerary
A standard 14–18 day itinerary for Annapurna Circuit:
Day 1: Kathmandu to Besisahar (760m)
Day 2: Besisahar to Dharapani (1,960m)
Day 3: Dharapani to Chame (2,670m)
Day 4: Chame to Pisang (3,200m)
Day 5: Pisang to Manang (3,540m)
Day 6: Acclimatization Day in Manang
Day 7: Manang to Yak Kharka (4,020m)
Day 8: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi (4,450m)
Day 9: Thorong Phedi to Thorong La Pass (5,416m) & Muktinath (3,800m)
Day 10: Muktinath to Jomsom (2,720m)
Day 11: Jomsom to Pokhara (Flight/Drive)
Required Permits
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – NPR 3,000 (USD 23)
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card – NPR 2,000 (15 USD)
3. Langtang Valley Trek
A relatively short yet rewarding trek, the Langtang Valley Trek is ideal for those who want a Himalayan experience with fewer crowds. The trek takes around 7–10 days and offers breathtaking views of Langtang Lirung, glacial valleys, and traditional Tamang villages.
Overview of Langtang Valley Trek
- Duration: 7 to 10 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Max Altitude: 4,984m (Tserko Ri)
- Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
- Start/End Point: Syabrubesi
- Permits Required:
- Langtang National Park Entry Permit (NPR 3,000 for foreigners, NPR 1,500 for SAARC)
- TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card (NPR 1,000 for individual trekkers)
Highlights of the Trek
- Stunning views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m) and other peaks
- Walk through Langtang National Park, home to red pandas and Himalayan black bears
- Visit Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m), an ancient Buddhist monastery
- Optional hike to Tserko Ri (4,984m) for panoramic mountain views
- Experience Tamang culture and hospitality
- Cross rhododendron forests, glacial rivers, and yak pastures
Langtang Valley Trek Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi (1,550m) – 7-8 hours
Day 2: Trek to Lama Hotel (2,480m) – 6 hours
Day 3: Trek to Langtang Village (3,430m) – 6 hours
Day 4: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m) – 4 hours
Day 5: Acclimatization Day (Optional: Hike to Tserko Ri - 4,984m)
Day 6: Trek back to Lama Hotel – 6-7 hours
Day 7: Trek to Syabrubesi – 5 hours
Day 8: Drive back to Kathmandu – 7-8 hours
Why Choose Langtang Valley Trek?
- Short & accessible trek – Great for those with limited time
- Less crowded compared to Everest & Annapurna
- Supports local communities recovering from the earthquake
- The perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure
4. Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek is an extraordinary journey into Nepal’s hidden kingdom. With its stunning landscapes, rich Tibetan culture, and historical sites, it offers a once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience. Whether you're drawn by its history, scenery, or spirituality, this trek is perfect for those seeking adventure off the beaten path.
Overview of the Upper Mustang Trek
- Region: Mustang District, Nepal
- Trek Duration: 12–16 days
- Max Elevation: 3,840m (Lo Manthang)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time to Visit: March–May & September–November
- Accommodation: Teahouses/Lodges
- Major Attractions: Lo Manthang, caves, monasteries, Tibetan culture, arid landscapes
Highlights of Upper Mustang Trek
- Explore Lo Manthang, the last Tibetan Kingdom in Nepal
- Witness ancient caves, including Chhoser Cave
- Visit centuries-old monasteries like Ghar Gompa
- Experience the Tiji Festival (held in May)
- Trek through the Kali Gandaki River Valley, the world’s deepest gorge
- Cross high mountain passes with breathtaking views
Permits & Costs
- Restricted Area Permit (RAP): $500 per person for 10 days (additional $50 per extra day)
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): $30 per person
Estimated Cost
Budget: $2,400–$2,700 per person (including permits, food, lodging, guide, and porter)
Trekking Route & Itinerary
Standard 14-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara (827m)
Day 2: Pokhara to Jomsom (2,720m) & Trek to Kagbeni (2,800m)
Day 3: Kagbeni to Chele (3,050m)
Day 4: Chele to Syanbochen (3,475m)
Day 5: Syanbochen to Ghami (3,520m)
Day 6: Ghami to Tsarang (3,620m)
Day 7: Tsarang to Lo Manthang (3,840m)
Day 8: Explore Lo Manthang
- Visit Namgyal Monastery, King’s Palace, and caves
- Side trek to Chhoser’s ancient cave dwellings
Day 9: Lo Manthang to Drakmar (3,810m)
Day 10: Drakmar to Ghiling (3,806m)
Day 11: Ghiling to Chhuksang (3,050m)
Day 12: Chhuksang to Jomsom (2,720m)
Day 13: Jomsom to Pokhara
Day 14: Pokhara to Kathmandu
Best Time for Upper Mustang Trek
Spring (March-May) : Best season, pleasant weather, clear skies, blooming rhododendrons
Monsoon (June–August): Mustang lies in a rain shadow, so trekking is possible
Tips for a Successful Trek
- Hire a Guide & Porter – Required for restricted areas
- Acclimatize Properly – Avoid altitude sickness
- Carry Enough Cash – No ATMs in Upper Mustang
- Pack Warm Clothes – Nights can be very cold
- Respect Local Culture – Mustang follows Tibetan Buddhist traditions
5. Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is an off-the-beaten-path adventure that takes you around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. This trek is known for its remote trails, Tibetan Buddhist culture, and the challenging Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters). It takes around 14–18 days to complete. This trek provides a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure.
Overview of Manaslu Circuit Trek
Duration: 14-18 days
Max Elevation: 5,106m (Larkya La Pass)
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) & Autumn (September-November)
Major Attractions of the Trek
- Mount Manaslu Views: Spectacular close-up views of Manaslu (8,163m).
- Larkya La Pass (5,106m)
- Tibetan Culture & Monasteries: Experience authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture in villages like Samagaon and Samdo.
- Diverse Landscapes
Required Permits & Costs for Manaslu circuit trek
1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
- September-November: USD 100 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 15 per day.
- December-August: USD 75 per person for the first 7 days, then USD 10 per day.
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) – USD 30 per person
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) – USD 30 per person
4. Guide – Mandatory
Trekking Route & Itinerary for Manaslu circuit trek
Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola (710m)
Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola (900m)
Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat (1,410m)
Day 4: Jagat to Deng (1,804m)
Day 5: Deng to Namrung (2,630m)
Day 6: Namrung to Lho (3,180m)
Day 7: Lho to Samagaon (3,530m)
Day 8: Acclimatization Day in Samagaon
Day 9: Samagaon to Samdo (3,875m)
Day 10: Acclimatization Day in Samdo
Day 11: Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m)
Day 12: Dharamsala to Bimthang (3,720m) via Larkya La Pass (5,106m)
Day 13: Bimthang to Dharapani (1,960m)
Day 14: Dharapani to Kathmandu via Besisahar
Whether you’re looking for high-altitude challenges, cultural immersion, or awe-inspiring natural beauty, these treks promise unforgettable memories. Nepal’s diverse trekking routes ensure that every adventure enthusiast, from beginners to experienced hikers, can find a trail that suits their spirit of exploration. So, pack your bags, lace up your boots, and embark on a journey of a lifetime in the heart of the Himalayas!
