Nepal’s 15 Greatest Hikes: A Trekker’s Guide to Hiking in Nepal

Nepal is a hiker’s paradise. This small Himalayan nation packs in some of the world’s most spectacular mountain scenery, with trails winding through lush valleys, past ancient villages, and to soaring peaks. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or a first-timer, hiking in Nepal offers something for everyone.

In this guide, we’ll take you through 15 of the best hiking trails in Nepal, from classic routes like the Everest Base Camp Trek to lesser-known gems like the Mohare Danda Trek. You’ll find all the essential details you need to plan your adventure, including trail difficulty, distances, costs, and insider tips.

15 Best Hiking Places in Nepal

Nepal is home to countless incredible hiking trails. Here are 15 of the best:

1. Everest Base Camp Trek

The Everest Base Camp Trek is the ultimate bucket-list hike. This challenging trail takes you through the heart of the Khumbu region to the base of the world’s highest mountain.

• Difficulty: Hard

• Distance: Approximately 130 km round trip

• Location: Khumbu region, eastern Nepal

• Cost: Around Rs. 1,50,000 – 2,50,000 (including permits, flights, accommodation, and food)

• Great for: Experiencing the iconic Everest region and Sherpa culture

• Coordinates: 27.9881° N, 86.9250° E (approximate location of Everest Base Camp)

• Key Tips: Acclimatize properly, stay hydrated, and hire a local guide

2. Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal’s most popular and diverse treks. This epic journey circles the Annapurna massif, passing through a variety of landscapes and cultures.

• Difficulty: Hard

• Distance: 160–230 km

• Location: Annapurna region, central Nepal

• Cost: Around Rs. 1,20,000 – 2,00,000

• Great for: Diverse scenery, cultural immersion

• Coordinates: 28.6458° N, 83.9687° E (approximate location)

• Key Tips: Walk counter-clockwise for easier ascent, be prepared for road construction in some sections

Suggested Read: Nepal in February

3. Manaslu Circuit

The Manaslu Circuit is a quieter alternative to the Annapurna Circuit. This challenging trek circles Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world.

• Difficulty: Hard

• Distance: Approximately 180 km

• Location: Manaslu region, north-central Nepal

• Cost: Around Rs. 90,000 – 1,50,000

• Great for: A less-crowded alternative to the Annapurna Circuit with varied landscapes

• Coordinates: 28.5500° N, 84.8500° E (approximate location)

• Key Tips: Obtain necessary permits, hire a guide, and be prepared for remote conditions

4. Annapurna Sanctuary (Annapurna Base Camp Trek)

The Annapurna Base Camp Trek, also known as the Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, takes you deep into the heart of the Annapurna range to the base of the south face of Annapurna I.

• Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

• Distance: Approximately 115 km

• Location: Annapurna region, north of Pokhara

• Cost: Around Rs. 80,000 – 1,20,000

• Great for: Spectacular mountain views

• Coordinates: 28.3525° N, 83.9687° E (approximate location of Annapurna Base Camp)

• Key Tips: Be prepared for crowded trails and book accommodations in advance

5. Ghandruk Loop

The Ghandruk Loop is a short, easy trek that’s perfect for beginners or those with limited time. This trail takes you through picturesque villages and terraced fields with stunning mountain views.

• Difficulty: Easy

• Distance: 25 km

• Location: Annapurna region, near Pokhara

• Cost: Around Rs. 20,000 – 30,000

• Great for: Novice hikers, short treks

• Coordinates: 28.3578° N, 83.8489° E (approximate location of Ghandruk)

• Key Tips: Suitable for winter hiking, enjoy the rhododendron forests in spring

6. Langtang Valley Trek

The Langtang Valley Trek is a relatively short trek that offers a great introduction to trekking in Nepal. This trail takes you through beautiful forests and traditional villages with stunning views of the Langtang range.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: Approximately 70-80 km

• Location: Langtang region, north of Kathmandu

• Cost: Around Rs. 40,000 – 60,000

• Great for: Beautiful scenery, cultural experiences, and relatively easy access from Kathmandu

• Coordinates: 28.2667° N, 85.5167° E (approximate location)

• Key Tips: Respect local culture, support local businesses

7. Poon Hill Trek

The Poon Hill Trek is a popular short trek known for its stunning sunrise views over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Poon Hill.

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Distance: Approximately 40-50 km

• Location: Annapurna region, near Pokhara

• Cost: Around Rs. 30,000 – 50,000

• Great for: Sunrise views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges

• Coordinates: 28.3833° N, 83.7500° E (approximate location of Poon Hill)

• Key Tips: Start early to catch the sunrise, bring warm clothing

8. Gokyo Lakes Trek

The Gokyo Lakes Trek takes you to a series of stunning turquoise lakes in the Everest region. This trek offers breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu.

• Difficulty: Hard

• Distance: Approximately 120 km

• Location: Khumbu region, near Everest

• Cost: Around Rs. 1,00,000 – 1,50,000

• Great for: Stunning turquoise lakes and panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu

• Coordinates: 27.9667° N, 86.7000° E (approximate location of Gokyo Lakes)

• Key Tips: Acclimatize slowly, consider a guide for navigating the challenging terrain

9. Upper Mustang Trek

The Upper Mustang Trek takes you into the remote, arid region of Upper Mustang, a former kingdom that was closed to outsiders until 1992. This trek offers a unique cultural experience and stunning desert landscapes.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: Approximately 80 km

• Location: Mustang region, north of Annapurna

• Cost: Around Rs. 1,20,000 – 2,00,000 (includes special permits)

• Great for: Exploring the unique Tibetan culture and landscape of the “Last Forbidden Kingdom”

• Coordinates: 28.7667° N, 83.9500° E (approximate location of Lo Manthang)

• Key Tips: Obtain necessary permits, respect local customs

10. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek takes you to the base of the world’s third-highest mountain. This challenging trek offers a remote and pristine wilderness experience.

• Difficulty: Hard

• Distance: Approximately 200 km

• Location: Kanchenjunga region, far eastern Nepal

• Cost: Around Rs. 1,50,000 – 2,50,000

• Great for: Remote and pristine trekking experience, views of the world’s third-highest peak

• Coordinates: 27.6833° N, 88.1500° E (approximate location of Kanchenjunga Base Camp)

• Key Tips: Be prepared for challenging weather conditions and limited facilities

11. Tamang Heritage Trail

The Tamang Heritage Trail is a cultural trek that takes you through traditional Tamang villages in the Langtang region. This trek offers a unique insight into the culture and lifestyle of the Tamang people.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: Approximately 50-60 km

• Location: Near Langtang region

• Cost: Around Rs. 30,000 – 50,000

• Great for: Cultural immersion, scenic landscapes

• Coordinates: Roughly 28.1447° N, 85.3328° E

• Key Tips: Respect local customs, learn basic Nepali phrases

12. Nar Phu Valley Trek

The Nar Phu Valley Trek takes you into a remote, rarely visited region of Nepal. This challenging trek offers stunning mountain views and a glimpse into traditional Tibetan culture.

• Difficulty: Hard

• Distance: Approximately 120 km

• Location: Near Annapurna region

• Cost: Around Rs. 80,000 – 1,20,000

• Great for: Remote and untouched landscapes

• Coordinates: Roughly 28.5667° N, 84.1500° E

• Key Tips: Hire experienced guides, acclimatize properly

13. Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is a relatively new trail that offers stunning views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Annapurna South. This moderate trek is less crowded than some of the more popular routes.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: Approximately 35 km

• Location: Near Annapurna region

• Cost: Around Rs. 30,000 – 50,000

• Great for: Stunning views of Mardi Himal and Annapurna South

• Coordinates: Roughly 28.4314° N, 83.8842° E

• Key Tips: Best during spring and autumn, less crowded trails

14. Rara Lake Trek

The Rara Lake Trek takes you to Nepal’s largest lake, Rara Lake, in the remote wilderness of western Nepal. This moderate trek offers tranquil beauty and a chance to get off the beaten path.

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Distance: Approximately 80 km

• Location: Western Nepal

• Cost: Around Rs. 50,000 – 80,000

• Great for: Tranquil lake views, remote wilderness

• Coordinates: Roughly 29.5239° N, 82.0767° E

• Key Tips: Pack for all weather conditions, bring water purification

15. Mohare Danda Trek

The Mohare Danda Trek is a short, easy trek that offers stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This community-based trek supports local villages and offers a unique cultural experience.

• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

• Distance: Approximately 50 km

• Location: Near Annapurna region

• Cost: Around Rs. 20,000 – 30,000

• Great for: Community-based tourism, panoramic views

• Coordinates: Roughly 28.4394° N, 83.6992° E

• Key Tips: Support local lodges, enjoy cultural exchanges

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FAQs

What are the different types of hiking trails in Nepal?

Nepal offers a variety of hiking trails, including:

• Teahouse treks: These treks, such as the Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit, provide accommodation and meals at local lodges along the trail.

• Camping treks: Treks like the Upper Mustang and Kanchenjunga Base Camp require setting up camps along the route, as lodging options are limited.

• High-altitude treks: Treks like the Manaslu Circuit and Gokyo Lakes take you to very high elevations and require proper acclimatization.

What is the best time for hiking in Nepal?

The best seasons for hiking in Nepal are:

• Spring (March to May): Clear skies, mild temperatures, and blooming rhododendrons make this a popular time for trekking.

• Autumn (September to November): Stable weather, clear mountain views, and moderate temperatures make this the peak trekking season.

What is the longest trail in Nepal?

The Great Himalaya Trail is the longest hiking trail in Nepal. It stretches over 1,700 km across the country, traversing the entire length of the Nepalese Himalayas.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Nepal?

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek involves significant elevation changes, starting at around 460 m and reaching over 5,000 m at the base camp. The Annapurna Circuit and Manaslu Circuit also involve substantial elevation gains.

What is the most popular and difficult trail in Nepal?

The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular trails in Nepal, attracting trekkers from around the world. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek and the Upper Dolpo Trek are considered among the most difficult due to their remoteness, high altitudes, and challenging terrain.

Are there camping trails available in Nepal?

Yes, several trails in Nepal, such as the Upper Mustang Trek, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, and parts of the Annapurna Circuit, involve camping. These treks often require special permits and are in more remote areas with limited lodging options.

Are there running trails available in Nepal?

While no trails are designed for running, routes like the Ghandruk Loop and parts of Langtang Valley Trek are suitable. However, high altitudes and tough terrain limit running on most treks.

Are there biking trails available in Nepal?

Yes, Nepal has several mountain biking trails, especially around Kathmandu Valley and the Annapurna region near Pokhara. These trails are separate from hiking in Nepal and need specific biking gear and skills.