I get it. You are pressed for time, but you’d also like to experience as much of the beauty this world has to offer. So soooo many of you have asked me for recommendations on the best short treks in Nepal, following my most recent visit to this beautiful country, and today I answer in as much detail as possible.

Get your trekking boots out, because this post is filled with trekking inspiration and almost as a given — spectacular mountain views.

Planning a trip soon? Find EVERYTHING you need to know about:
The best time to visit Nepal HERE

Now I know that a handful of you were asking for easy, short treks in Nepal that don’t take a lot of time and I have provided many options for this. But I have also included a couple other vigorous (but quick) trek options for the more adventurous.

I don’t know the exact numbers, but I would guess a large proportion, the majority even, of travellers to Nepal are visiting with the intention of doing some form of trekking.

And with good reason…

The country is blessed with a considerate amount of unbelievable beauty with the world’s highest mountains in the form of snow-capped peaks and an abundance lot of lush forests, gushing rivers, and towering landscapes leading up to them.

On my first visit to Nepal I was told, once is not enough and on my departure I left having fully understood why; already planning a return as soon as my schedule and the opportunity would align.

>> Hungry? Your guide to…
Nepali cuisine + 12 traditional dishes you must taste

This post is written in collaboration with the Nepal Tourist Board after my most recent visit to Nepal, during which I was fortunate to experience the Langtang Valley Trek.

Introduction to hiking and trekking in Nepal

Nepal, being the ultimate destination of adventure offers a plethora of trekking trails and hiking options for the intrepid traveler. These range from a couple days in the rural countryside to a couple months (think Everest Base Camp).

Quick trails are the perfect option for busy travellers to Nepal that are keen on exploring the magnificent Himalayas in an intimate way, but do not have a lot of time or experience with trekking in general. Maybe you want a little teaser with the intention of returning at a future time.

To make your deliberation about which short trek in Nepal might be the perfect one for you, I have compiled a list of the best — with specific information such as the duration of the trek, the maximum elevation, trek difficulty, permits required, and others.

Below you will find a variety of treks that take around a week or less to complete over easily accessible routes and range across a variety of regions within Nepal exploring local cultural areas.

There are plenty of short trekking options that are available in the vicinity of Kathmandu, usually around the surrounding valley.

It would take around a week to go between the highest points on the valley rim – Shivapuri in the North and Pulchowki in the South, but it can also be hiked in shorter sections. The most interesting, in my opinion, being the Namobuddha – Panauti – Pulchowki region.

Pokhara is the best base for short treks in Nepal or gentle trekking in general because of its location at the foothills of the Annapurna Himalayas. This would usually entail a short, scenic, comfortable flight from Kathmandu or alternatively, a drive of around 7-8 hours will get you there.

I have not included some other beautiful trek options such as the Manaslu circuit trek, Annapurna circuit trek, Upper mustang trek and the Tsum valley trek as these take longer than a week to complete with the difficulty being relatively strenuous. Know that these options are available to you though should you be so inclined.

>> And if you are, you must check out this list of the overall
best treks in Nepal

The Best Time for a Short Trek in Nepal

High season for trekking in Nepal is during the months of October to March.

Particularly, the months of October and November when the skies are clear and the mountains are even more breathtakingly visible. During this period prices go up and lodges become crowded and you’ll be sharing the trail with many hikers.

To avoid the crowds it is recommended to travel in the shoulder season.

This is the latter part of September and March/April, with a good chance of pleasant weather and clear mountain views. The air is brusque, temperatures are mild, and the flora is in blossom.

During the summer monsoon season of June – August it is a better option to avoid the areas that receive a lot of rain and to rather choose a trek in those regions that fall in the rain shadow such as Upper Mustang, Dolpa, and Kailash.

>> And for all of those amazing mountain pics, you’re going to need
the perfect quote about mountains and hiking. Ultimate list HERE

>> Related reading:
The best short travel quotes to inspire you to see the world

Fitness level required for these short treks in Nepal

For the majority of these mini adventures you do not need any additional form of physical training and no previous experience is required. Anyone that is moderately fit and is comfortable with extended periods of walking, sometimes up to 8 hours, should be able to complete the trek.

But, I will say that the more fit you are the more enjoyable the trek is since you are not consumed with being out of breath or troubled with a lack of stamina.

You also need to be mentally prepared for trekking in Nepal.

>> Speaking of adventure: Check out the top
songs about travel and adventure to add to your trekking playlist

Additional Tips for trekking in Nepal

• You can buy the permits in Kathmandu from the Nepal Tourism Board, in Pokhara from the Nepal Tourism Board (for Annapurna only), or the trekking tour operator that you intend to use will arrange this on your behalf in Nepal.
  
  
• The entry permit is valid for one conservation area and should be carried during the entire trip for validation should conservation area personnel request to view it.
  
  
• As this is Nepal, allow a day or two for logistical arrangements, arranging documentation, flight delays, cancellations, and road delays, amongst others.
  
  
• For most treks in Nepal, you have the choice of adjusting the duration to suit your needs.
  
  
• If you time your trek during one of the local festivals of the region you can get an in-depth cultural experience to go along with the hiking experience.
  
  
• I understand that most people are nervous about travelling in Nepal or how to go about making the arrangements for the trek, but I can comfort you that you don’t need to go with prearranged tour if you don’t want to. You can show up in Kathmandu or Pokhara and make all arrangements for the trek once there and start trekking the following day.
  
  
• A tea-house is a combination of a guesthouse with an accompanying dining room. The rooms are fairly basic with twin beds.
  
  
• Most tea-houses have electricity for charging mobile phones and cameras, although there may be a small charge for this.
  
  
• There is usually one porter for every two travellers who will carry your trekking gear on the trail. You don’t need to carry a lot and the maximum weight is usually 10 kgs per person.
  
  
• It is discouraged to purchase bottled water while on the trail as this has become an environmental hazard. All tea houses have boiled water for trekkers and you can also bring water purification tablets along.

So without further ado, let’s get into it…. My recommended:

17 BEST SHORT TREKS IN NEPAL

1 | Ghorepani Poon Hill Short Trek | 4 days

The most popular and hence the most visited of all the short Nepal treks on this list. And with good reason — the Ghorepani Poonhill trek is the ideal trail for someone looking for an introduction into trekking in Nepal that doesn’t take up a lot of time and provides expansive mountain views. It is a trek that shows you just enough to make you want to come back for more.

The trek is relatively uncomplicated with sufficient time to rest and no worry about altitude sickness. Anyone with a moderate level of physical fitness can complete this easy trek in Nepal.

Now I’ll be the first to admit that this trek might be a little too touristy and too busy for my liking, but the trek takes you through the beautiful Annapurna region of lush valleys, waterfalls, terraced fields, rhododendrons forests while also giving you a glimpse into the Gurung and Magar culture.

The start of the trailhead is at the village of Nayapul, around a two-hour drive from Pokhara. So if you find yourself in Kathmandu this would involve a drive or flight getting to Pokhara.

Day 1: a moderate trek from Nayapul to Tikhedhunga.

Day 2: continue along to Ghorepani at 2880 m entering the Rhododendron forests.

Day 3: an early morning walk to reach the Poon Hill peak at 3,210 m for a sunrise you’ll never forget. Continue along to Tadapani.

Day 4: trek through the forest trail to the Gurung village of Ghandruk, followed by, you guessed it – a trek back to Nayapul. Finally this is completed by a drive by bus or car to Pokhara.

The highest elevation reached on this trek is at Poon Hill at 3,210 m with the highlight being the wonderful sunrise and accompanying panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayan range and various other 7,000 m peaks. The trek offers magnificent views of Annapurna II, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, and Machhapuchhre.

2 | Everest View Panorama Trek | 5 days

One of the best treks in Nepal in one of the most loved regions for trekkers the world over, the Everest panorama trek provides great views of the highest peaks in the world for those who do not have the time or the desire to trek to Everest base camp.

You get to see Mount Everest on a multiple of occasions and be witness to the incredible Himalayas, with some of the highest peaks including Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and others.

The journey starts with an exciting, possible scary, hopefully safe flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and continues towards Namche Bazaar at an altitude of 3,436m. It follows the trail of Everest base camp, but doesn’t go all the way, making a turn at Tengboche, the highest permanently inhabited monastery in the world.

This trek also provides the opportunity to come into close contact with the cultures and traditions and way of life of the Sherpa people while visiting villages, stupas, and monasteries along the way.

3 | Lower Mustang Jomsom Muktinath Trek | 5 Days

The Jomsom Muktinath trek forms part of the larger and more famed Annapurna Circuit trek and can be completed in as little as 5 days if you have limited time, although it typically takes a little longer.

The trail follows an ancient trade route in the Mustang region along the Kali Ghandaki River through the world’s deepest gorge. This area is in the rain shadow and is somewhat protected from the rains during monsoon season in Nepal and hence is a good option if your only window of opportunity to go to Nepal falls during monsoon season.

As you continue, the diverse scenery changes from forests and rocky cliffs to desert and barren landscape, passing ancient caves and Buddhist monasteries, the most well known being that of Muktinath.

The Jomsom Muktinath trek provides a taste of Tibetan landscapes and Tibetan Buddhist culture without the need for the expensive Upper Mustang Permits and you have the possibility of seeing almost half of the 20 highest mountains on Earth, the likes of Machupuchare, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, and others.

4 | Mardi Himal Trek | 6 days

A relatively new route, the Mardi Himal trek in the Annapurna region remains a hidden gem, but is gaining popularity as more people find out about it. This short Nepal trek without the crowds leads you to the base camp of Mardi Himal at the elevation of 4,500 meters above sea level.

Expect striking views of the hillside terraces and breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna range with Mount Machapuchhre standing impressively right above the base camp.

The paths are well maintained and on average, you’ll be trekking for about 5 to 6 hours each day without having to worry about altitude sickness. The mountain scenery is combined with authentic local culture as you make your way through the settlements of the indigenous Gurung and Magar people.

5 | Langtang Valley Trek | 7 Days

The beautiful Langtang Valley is located just under 20 kms north of Kathmandu making this trek easily accessible, but it does require an 8-hour drive to get to its trailhead, Syabrubesi.

Known as the valley of glaciers, the Langtang valley provides gorgeous sunsets amid unbelievable snowcapped mountain peak views, glaciers, gorges, and lakes. It is considered one of the best short treks to take in Nepal.

The trek makes its way alongside the Langtang Khola River on the ancient trade route to Tibet. Passing through constantly changing terrain — from rhododendron forest and deep to glaciers, waterfalls, and interesting local settlements, your days will be an endless adventure. The highest elevation is that of Kyanjin Ri (4,773 m) or Tserko Ri (4,984 m) and offers magnificent panoramic views of Langtang Lirung (7,244m) and the other distant peaks that seem to envelope you.

As the Langtang valley is located within the Langtang National Park, expect an affluence in biodiversity with over 150 species of birds and animals and over 1,000 species of plants, pines, oaks, and maples. Traditional monasteries and gompas add to the mystery and allure of the region. En route, you have plenty of opportunities to interact with the Tamangs and Sherpa inhabitants of this locality.

The earthquake of 2015 left much devastation to the Langtang region with many villages destroyed forcing locals to leave the area. But, the area is in the process of being rebuilt and a visit to this region aids in helping the locals.

You also have the option to add a visit to Gosaikunda Lake onto your Langtang Valley Trek. Gosaikunda is a holy lake that attracts thousands of Hindu and Buddhist devotees, in particular during the full moon of August. This addition would add an extra 3 days to your trek.

6 | The Royal Short Trek Nepal | 4 days

Often used by the Nepal royal family, the Royal Trek is named so after Prince Charles and his entourage explored the route in the early eighties.

The trek is situated just north of the Pokhara Valley and because of its close proximity to the city, it is very easily accessible.

The Royal Trek is one of the easiest routes in the Annapurna region, suitable for all ages including beginners. It takes you through the foothills of Annapurna with gentle ups and downs. The Royal Trek not only introduces you the beauty of the Annapurna region, but also includes a route full of interesting villages.

7 | The Dhampus Sarangkot Trek | 4 days

The short Dhampus-Sarangkot trek can be described as an easy, but incredible rewarding journey along the foothills of the Annapurna range, with views of the Himalayan Panorama —Mount Machhapuchhare, Lamjung, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, amongst others — from Sarangkot. It is the type of trek that can be done all year round and suitable for everyone and all ages. With the maximum elevation being just over 1,600m, there is no concern with altitude sickness.

It requires a flight or drive to Pokhara from Kathmandu followed by a drive to the town of Phedi from which the trek begins.

The trek to Sarangkot takes a full 1 day to get to the edge of the Pokhara Valley where Sarangkot lies. It is here where the uninterrupted views of the Himalayas and enchanting views of the Pokhara Lake and Phewa lake are rewarded. The trek from Sarangkot to Dhampus stopping at Australian camp and Naudanda (nine hill) trails through terraced fields, meadows and forests.

Another highlight of this trail is the interaction of the Gurung people at the beautiful and serene village of Dhampus. The trek remains ideal for those wishing to experience the mountains of Nepal and local culture within a short frame of time.

Short Treks near Kathmandu Valley

In addition to these other short hikes in Nepal, there are a plethora of 1 day treks and short trekking options that are available in the vicinity of Kathmandu, usually around the surrounding valley.

The Kathmandu Valley at an altitude of 1,300m is surrounded by a multitude of hills and most of the gentle trekking options here take you above the 2,000m mark, providing awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas in the distance. It is also a wonderful to encounter little villages along the way on many of the treks, providing an opportunity to interact and learn with the locals where monasteries and temples abound.

Walking along a river, through terraced fields, and forests set against the backdrop of the snow-covered peaks is something that you’d treasure about your visit to Nepal.

It would take around a week to go between the highest points on the valley rim – Shivapuri in the North and Pulchowki in the South, but it can also be hiked in shorter sections. The most interesting, in my opinion, being the Namobuddha – Panauti – Pulchowki region.

Here’s my recommended list of the best short treks around the Kathmandu valley. Read on to discover the specifics of each trek:

8 | Chisapani Nagarkot Dhulikhel Trek | 3 days

Chisapani Nagarkot trek is one of the most practical, logistically and physically, around the Kathmandu valley, especially for those who do not have a lot of time nor a desire for high altitudes, but would still like to experience the Himalayan views that Nepal has to offer. It also provides the opportunity to explore the life of the local Tamang people who reside on the outskirts of the Kathmandu valley.

The trek leads with the drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal followed by a couple hour hike alongside the Bagmati River to Chisapani. From this vantage point, you get to enjoy a panorama view of Gaurishankar, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Mountains, amongst others.

The short hike in Shivapuri National park will continue up to Nagarkot. A highlight of this trek is a sunrise or sunset view of Mount Everest and other peaks from Nagarkot. There are plenty of accommodation options here, including luxury options, and a return to Kathmandu is possible by private transport or public bus.

If more time is available to you, and I would recommend this — continue the trek from Nagarkot to Dhulikel (or Namobuddha). This small town with a long history at 1440m is a welcome stop with Newari artifacts and charms and major places of worship worth checking out.

9 | Kathmandu Nagarkot Changu Narayan Hike | 2 days

The Kathmandu-Nagarkot-Changu Narayan Hiking trek is a great option for someone with limited time in Nepal, doesn’t want to venture away from the Kathmandu valley, and wants a cultural experience thrown into the mix.

This short trek in Nepal will provide wonderful views of the Himalayan range in the distance as well as an introduction to the cultural ways and traditions of the local people especially at the temple of Changu Narayan.

The journey starts with an approximately one-hour drive from Kathmandu to the traditional village of Sankhu. The walk starts here for a 4-hour trip until you reach Nagarkot. The view tower at this famous hill is known for aspiring views particularly at sunrise or sunset. The best part is the ease and accessibility of Nagarkot from Kathmandu. There is also the opportunity of exploring the local Newari culture and life.

The next day continues with a 3-hour short hike to Changunarayan Temple. This famous Hindu holy temple of believed to have been built in the 5th century is enlisted as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is still as beautiful years later and with its wooden sculptures and architecture.

>> I would highly recommend adding a stop in Bhaktapur after your short hike. This is well worth it. Read more here about a day in Bhaktapur here.

10 | Shivapuri Short Trek | 4 days

Another Nepal short trek that leads to the viewpoints of Nagarkot and Shivapuri is the aptly named Shivapuri Trek. It only takes about 3 – 4 days to complete. The trek starts with a drive to get to Kakani from Kathmandu followed by an easy trek Nepal to the Tamang village of Salle Gau. It provides wonderful views of the Himalayan mountains in the distance and the surrounding Kathmandu valley.

Following a night in Salle Gau, you continue along to Shivapuri camp at the maximum height of 2,563m. If the weather is clear you get good views of Manaslu to Ganesh Himal and Langtang.

11 | Chandragiri-Chitlang Trek | 2 days

The journey start with a drive from Kathmandu to Matatirtha, a famous Hindu temple. It is from this point that the short hike begins.

There is the option of going to Chandragiri Hill by an 11-minute cable car or hiking through the mountainside.

Here at a height of 2,300 m you are provided with views of the Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan range. From here you continue to hike down to the ancient Newari village of Chitlang in the Makwanpur district.

12 | Pikey Peak Trail Trek | 5 Days

If Edmund Hillary’s words are anything to go by, Pikey peak is said to be one of the best viewpoints for panoramic views of Mount Everest and the other 3 highest mountains in the world. You get unobstructed views of these giants without having to get particularly high up in altitude.

A flight to Phaplu will get you to the starting point.

The trek involves trekking for around 5-6 hours each day in the foothills of the Khumbu region through remote rural villages accessing a number of stupas and monasteries. The trek does not require any climbing gear and is one of the lesser known and as a result, quieter of the short treks in Nepal.

13 | Sikles Trek | 7 days

Another short and easy culture trail in Nepal is the Sikles trek, famous for its mix of great views and local interaction with the Gurung people.

Located near Pokhara, the trek takes you through a forest full of indigenous flora passing through the villages of Kharpani, Ghalegaun, Parche, Chasu, Kalikasthan, and Beknas Lake.

A day of exploration at Sikles at over 2500 m tops off this authentic rural Nepal trek experience with wonderful views of Annapurna, Lumjung, Mardi Himal, and Machupuchare, amongst others.

14 | Helambu Trek | 5 days

The Helambu area, north of Kathmandu, is a hilly region that has plenty of trails for the keen trekker and doesn’t require a certain level of fitness or experience apart from being able to walk extensively.

The Helambu short trek is more of a cultural trek than a mountain trek with good lodges throughout in Chisopani, Kutumsang, Tharepati, Tarke Gyang, Sermathang, and Melamchi Pul Bazar. The options to start the trek are either from Melamchi Bazar or Sundarijal.

It’s easy walking for the most part through forests and across hill chains with great views of a big part of the Himalaya and several highland Sherpa and Tamang villages, scattered on both sides of the Malemchi Khola.

15 | Mohare Danda Trek | 5 days 

This Annapurna Community Lodge trek is an eco trail in the foothills of the Annapurna Himalayas. It follows a similar route to the better-known Poon Hill trek, but along a different ridgeline. It is a relatively new trekking route in the Annapurna region and the advantage of this trail is the experience of beauty of this region without the crowds of other routes.

Another unique aspect and advantage of this short trek is the opportunity to experience local life by spending nights in the guest rooms of villagers, who have opened their homes to travellers visiting the region. This brings direct income to the region that are not on the main trekking trails.

The trail starts and ends a short distance from the town of Beni, a three-hour drive from Pokhara, passing the villages of Bhanskharka, Nangi, Mohare Danda, and Tikot.

The highlight of this trek is the wonderful sunrise experience from the top at Mohare Danda at 3,300m with dramatic views of the Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri amongst others.

16 | Khopra Danda Trek | 6 days

Another relatively new trekking route inside the Annapurna conservation area, the Khopra Danda trek is an off-the-beaten path option that is also quiet and not crowded. The trek starts and ends in Pokhara with a 6-day journey in-between through terraced fields and farmlands with teahouses as lodging along the way. The trek is long but well made.

Within a short frame of time, you reach over 4,000 meters with incredible views at Khopra Danda. The highlight of this trek is a visit to the amazing Khayer lake with its pristine turquoise waters.

Last one….

17 | Annapurna Base Camp Trek | 7+ Days

Now I admit I was a little hesitant to add this one to the list because of the length of the trip and the fact that it is a moderately difficult to strenuous trek. But, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is too much of a classic to be left out and I have added this for those who might be interested in this adventure.

The trek starts with a scenic flight or drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara. This is followed by a one-hour drive to Nayapul, where the walking begins.

The spectacular hike continues through forests, waterfalls, terraced fields, and soaring mountains vistas not forgetting the interaction with the local people and their unique culture and way of life in the middle of the Himalayas.

Walking along the canyon of the Modi Khola you are gifted amazing views of Machapuchare and other peaks all the way up to the Annapurna Base Camp at an elevation of 4,130 meters. From this vantage point a ring of mountains surrounds you. The tallest of the peaks in the Sanctuary, Annapurna I towers over base camp at 8,091m.

Prepare for unobstructed views of the majestic mountains the likes of Mount Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, amongst others.

There is also the opportunity, should you have additional time to enjoy the hot springs at Tadapani on the return journey.

Which of these short treks in Nepal will you be attempting? I’m sure this has provided you with plenty of inspiration for a visit to this beautiful country.

When is the best time to visit Nepal for hiking? Check all the details here.

If you have any other travel questions, I’ll be happy to answer, so let me know.

The benefits of exploring are infinite. As always, sustainable travel is advised. Take a look at this post on responsible tourism for tips on how to do so.

Happy trekking,

Rai