Nepal attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists each year to visit its world renowned trekking routes. Popular short treks in Nepal are more famous among travelers than strenuous trekking being more convenient to trek, less days to travel and less budget to spend. They come to the country to become a part of one of its magnificent treks through the Himalayan region. When it accounts to trekking, Himalayas is probably the most popular reason why walking enthusiasts come to the country. From the most popular trekking destinations to the hidden gems waiting to be discovered, take a look at some of the most popular trekking adventures below, if you are unsure about the trek that preferably suits your preferences. Each of these treks offers a wide range of options including the level of difficulty, the number of days to spend on a trek, the remoteness of the area you desire to trek, the amount of money you are willing to spend, the season you choose for trekking and whether you are traveling alone or in a group.
Below are the list of 6 most popular short treks in Nepal:
If you want to see some of Nepal’s gigantic peaks up close, a short trek would preferably be the best option. The most picturesque short trek in Nepal, this trek offers you unreal mountain scenery that will leave you breathless. Ghorepani lies in the colorful area and is an immaculate choice for trekking in Nepal. The trek starts from Pokhara. In the first couple of days, the trail is a steady climb between the small Sherpa villages. The views from Tadapani and Poon Hill will completely charm you by the amazing perspectives of Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli and Machhapuchre (Fish Tail). The outlook of sunrise and sunset from Poon Hill is likewise mysterious. If you wish to swim during your short trek, we would recommend you to pack your swimsuit. You can make a short hike down to the river to enjoy the hot springs in Tadapani.
Another goal close to the Himalayan area for trekking is the Langtang Valley Trek. This short trek can be accomplished in less than a week and it is a great trek for those starting from Kathmandu. Langtang offers short trek into the Himalayas partially influenced by the Tibetan culture. Langtang valley trek is also popularly known as the valley of glacier treks on the journey to wilderness Himalayas, making it one of the wildest trekking in Nepal. Taking a transport from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, a remote hill station where your trek begins is a 6 hour long drive. Taking you up the beautiful canyon of the Langtang river with magnificent views of Langtang Lirung is very impressive. Langtang area has an exceptionally rustic scene and is rich in vegetations like rhododendrons and bamboo woodlands. Make sure to make a morning hike to Kyanjin Ri upon reaching the upper valley. You will be rewarded with awe-inspiring views of the peaks of Langtang Himal and the surrounding glaciers and ice falls.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek introduces you to an exceptional ecosystem that is well balanced. This wonderful trek explores diverse ethnic groups and their interesting cultures. The local communities found here are Gurungs, Magars and Thakalis. Your sublime trek begins from a pretty village of Ghandruk as we hike the trails via Chhomrong, Bamboo and Duerali to reach Annapurna Base Camp. The fabulous mountain scenery and the rich cultural diversity traverse across a wide spectrum of lush rural farmlands and beautiful villages. Among 6 most popular short treks in Nepal, ABC trek is very well known throughout the world. The landscapes we witness on the way, the panoramic mountain vistas and the dense bamboo and rhododendron forests, is a sight to savor the beauty of nature at its best. With its enormous walled mountain fortress, your trail comes to the Annapurna Base Camp Sanctuary. The prime peaks of the western portion of the great Annapurna Himal, including Hiunchuli, Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Gangapurna, Annapurna III and Macchapuchre greet you with the most spectacular perception. We revert back to Pokhara after the fantastic trek via Jhinu danda and Pothana. If you wish to soak the sweat of your bodies, then you may haul up in the hot springs found at Jhinu danda before heading back to chill out at the serene lake in Pokhara.
This trek might be the second best thing for you if you don’t have enough time to make the complete trek to Everest Base Camp. Everest View Trek is a blessing from heaven for those walking enthusiasts who wish to gather a lot of fabulous experiences while you are in Nepal. It is a mini trek to give you a taste of life in the mountains. These days travelers prefer less strenuous yet scenic trekking trails, as a result of which Everest View Trek has seen an exponential number of visitors every year in comparison to other popular short treks in Nepal. The trek begins with a short ecstatic flight to the tiny mountain airstrip at Lukla from where you will be literally walking to a small village Phakding. The next day, you will walk up the canyon of the Dudh Kosi river crossing several suspension bridges before reaching Namche Bazaar. The trek is well-graded and on well-established paths, making it suitable for people of all levels of fitness and experience. The major highlight of the trek is the splendid perspectives of Mount Everest and Ama Dablam. Before you return, you will hike up to the Everest View Hotel on day three to catch a glimpse of Mt. Everest in the distance. By now, you would definitely wish to make a complete trek to Everest Base Camp. You will then return back to Lukla by the same route and fly back to Kathmandu.
One of the best trekking trails in Langtang Himalayan ranges, the Gosaikunda lake trek is considered as a holy and pilgrimage lake trek that combines the remote and spectacular hidden valleys of Langtang with the holy lake of Gosaikunda. The course of the Langtang valley to Gosaikunda is full of diversity that attracts many tourists. Because of its proximity to the capital city of Nepal, many foreigners choose the Gosaikunda trek as one of their trekking destinations. The trek begins and ends in the historic city of Kathmandu, and offers fascinating Himalayan views along the way. Driving roughly about 6 hours from Kathmandu to Dhunche, you will enjoy the scenic beauty of the Helambu region, as well as the diverse cultures that you will encounter. Famous as a pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, who flock to the pious site, the lakes of Gosaikunda trek offers panoramic landscapes and beautiful mountain vistas. On the first couple of days of your trek, you will ascend through lush forests. It is just before you reach Cholang Paty, you will be rewarded with first beautiful glimpses of the towering Langtang Himal and Annapurna in the far distance. You will spend your night at a standard tea house at Lauribinayek. Since this trek offers great tea house accommodations, you don’t need to carry a lot of gears with you. Wake up the next morning and hike up to the holy lakes. The following morning you will return to Dhunche from where you will drive back to Kathmandu.
Tamang Heritage Trek is a rejuvenating trekking trail to encounter the Tamang culture of the Himalayan inhabitants and to see the dazzling Langtang Himal and other picturesque sceneries. This heritage trek is a magnificent course to explore the old Tamang cultures and their lifestyle, whose cultures and customs are identified with the Tibetan Buddhism. This trail takes you to the off beaten path making Tamang Heritage Trek unique trail among 6 most popular short treks in Nepal. It is a blend of trekking in both serene and wild conditions. The Tamang Heritage Trail is a recently introduced, off-the-beaten track, which highlights an ancient lifestyle combining it with picturesque scenery and healing baths in natural hot springs. Beginning the trek with a day-long bus journey from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi, this tour provides a variety of experiences. A viewpoint at Goljung Pass provides awesome views of Langtang and Kerung (Tibet). Reaching Tatopani (literally meaning ‘hot water’), you can cleanse yourself in the lap of the mountains. It is believed that the waters have healing quality that eases away your aches and pains. You will stay at Gatlang, and Thuman, Tibetan-influenced Tamang villages with friendly people. A Homestay at Briddim village is a unique experience, where all accommodations, lodging and fooding are offered at the individual houses. After enjoying your stay at the typical Tamange villages, you will return back to Syabrubesi from where you will board a bus back to Kathmandu.
Very well written and worths reading by all travelers going to Nepal.