15 Best Treks in Nepal

15 Best Treks in Nepal

Nepal is one of the world’s greatest trekking destinations, renowned for its dramatic Himalayan landscapes, ancient cultures, and legendary trails. From the iconic Everest Base Camp to remote adventures in Dolpo and Kanchenjunga, trekking in Nepal offers something for everyone—whether you are a first-time hiker or a seasoned mountaineer.

Did you know?
A majority of international visitors travel to Nepal primarily for trekking rather than city sightseeing.

After decades of organizing teahouse and camping treks across Nepal, Adventure Friendship presents a carefully curated list of the 15 best treks in Nepal. These treks are ranked based on client reviews, scenic value, cultural richness, and overall trekking experience, not on cost.

Whether you are short on time or looking for a once-in-a-lifetime expedition, these hand-picked treks cover Nepal’s most spectacular regions.


Contents

  1. Everest Base Camp Trek
  2. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
  3. Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake
  4. Manaslu Circuit Trek
  5. Langtang Valley Trek
  6. Upper Mustang Trek
  7. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
  8. Mardi Himal Trek
  9. Everest Three High Passes Trek
  10. Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
  11. Upper Dolpo Trek
  12. Tsum Valley Trek
  13. Gokyo Lakes Trek
  14. Makalu Base Camp Trek
  15. Helambu Trek

1. Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC)

Duration: 14–16 Days
Max Elevation: 5,644 m (Kala Patthar)

The Everest Base Camp Trek is Nepal’s most legendary trekking route. It leads trekkers through Sherpa villages, ancient monasteries, suspension bridges, and glaciers to the foot of Mount Everest (8,849 m). A hike to Kala Patthar offers unmatched panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse.

Highlights

  • Base camp of the world’s highest mountain
  • Sherpa culture & Tengboche Monastery
  • Sagarmatha National Park (UNESCO)

2. Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC)

Duration: 7–12 Days
Max Elevation: 4,130 m

Also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, ABC offers a perfect blend of mountain views, forests, and Gurung culture. The trek culminates in a stunning natural amphitheater surrounded by Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli.

Highlights

  • 360° Himalayan panorama
  • Rhododendron forests
  • Ghandruk village experience

3. Annapurna Circuit Trek via Tilicho Lake

Duration: 14–18 Days
Max Elevation: 5,476 m (Thorong La Pass)

One of the most diverse treks in the world, this route crosses Thorong La Pass and includes a side trip to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m)—one of the highest lakes on Earth.

Highlights

  • Thorong La Pass
  • Tilicho Lake
  • Manang & Mustang cultures

4. Manaslu Circuit Trek

Duration: 14–17 Days
Max Elevation: 5,160 m (Larkya La)

A less crowded alternative to Annapurna, the Manaslu Circuit circles the world’s eighth-highest peak. It offers Tibetan-influenced culture, dramatic gorges, and pristine alpine landscapes.

Highlights

  • Larkya La Pass
  • Remote Himalayan villages
  • Budhi Gandaki valley

5. Langtang Valley Trek

Duration: 7–10 Days
Max Elevation: 4,984 m (Tserko Ri)

Located close to Kathmandu, Langtang is ideal for trekkers seeking Himalayan beauty in a shorter timeframe, with strong Tamang culture and glacier views.

Highlights

  • Langtang Lirung views
  • Kyanjin Gompa
  • Tamang hospitality

6. Upper Mustang Trek

Duration: 12–14 Days
Max Elevation: 4,200 m

Once a forbidden kingdom, Upper Mustang feels like stepping into Tibet. The trek explores desert landscapes, cave monasteries, and the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang.

Highlights

  • Tibetan culture & Tiji Festival
  • Red rock landscapes
  • Ancient monasteries

7. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Duration: 4–5 Days
Max Elevation: 3,210 m

A perfect short trek for beginners and families, famous for sunrise views over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.

Highlights

  • Sunrise from Poon Hill
  • Rhododendron forests
  • Easy & comfortable trail

8. Mardi Himal Trek

Duration: 5–7 Days
Max Elevation: 4,500 m

A quiet alternative in the Annapurna region, Mardi Himal offers close-up views of Machhapuchhre and peaceful forest trails.

Highlights

  • Off-the-beaten-path route
  • Stunning ridge walks
  • Gurung villages

9. Everest Three High Passes Trek

Duration: 18–21 Days
Max Elevation: 5,535 m

The ultimate Everest adventure, crossing Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La, combined with Everest Base Camp and Gokyo Lakes.

Highlights

  • Three high Himalayan passes
  • Gokyo Lakes & Everest views
  • Serious adventure trekking

10. Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek

Duration: 20–26 Days
Max Elevation: 5,143 m

One of Nepal’s most remote treks, circling the third-highest mountain in the world. Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking wilderness.

Highlights

  • Kanchenjunga North & South Base Camps
  • Rare wildlife (red panda, snow leopard)
  • Untouched landscapes

11. Upper Dolpo Trek

Duration: 20–28 Days
Max Elevation: 5,115 m

A true expedition trek into Nepal’s hidden Himalayan world, famous for Shey Phoksundo Lake and ancient Bon Buddhist culture.

Highlights

  • Phoksundo Lake
  • Remote trans-Himalayan landscapes
  • Ancient monasteries

12. Tsum Valley Trek

Duration: 12–16 Days
Max Elevation: 3,700 m

A sacred Himalayan valley with strong Tibetan Buddhist traditions, ideal for spiritual and cultural exploration.

Highlights

  • Mu Gompa & Rachen Gompa
  • Milarepa Cave
  • Peaceful, non-touristy trail

13. Gokyo Lakes Trek

Duration: 12–14 Days
Max Elevation: 5,357 m (Gokyo Ri)

A stunning Everest alternative featuring turquoise alpine lakes and panoramic views from Gokyo Ri.

Highlights

  • Gokyo Lakes system
  • Ngozumpa Glacier
  • Everest, Cho Oyu & Makalu views

14. Makalu Base Camp Trek

Duration: 18–22 Days
Max Elevation: 5,000 m+

One of Nepal’s wildest treks, offering untouched trails, deep valleys, and views of Mount Makalu (8,485 m).

Highlights

  • Remote wilderness
  • Arun Valley biodiversity
  • Fewer trekkers

15. Helambu Trek

Duration: 5–8 Days
Max Elevation: 3,640 m

A culturally rich trek near Kathmandu, ideal for beginners seeking Himalayan scenery without extreme altitude.

Highlights

  • Hyolmo culture
  • Short & scenic
  • Ideal for first-time trekkers

Tips for Choosing Your Perfect Trek in Nepal

  • Match trek difficulty with your fitness level
  • Consider time availability and season
  • Choose teahouse vs camping treks
  • Travel with a local trekking company – Adventure Friendship

Conclusion

Nepal’s trekking trails offer unmatched diversity—from classic Himalayan icons to untouched remote valleys. Whether you dream of Everest, Annapurna, or hidden gems like Dolpo and Kanchenjunga, Adventure Friendship is ready to guide you on a safe, memorable, and life-changing adventure.

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