When it comes to trekking, we always think it can be long and extravagant. Long trekking can be exciting for hardcore trekkers and travelers; however, it can be hectic for the newbies who want to get the first taste of real trekking.
For many reasons like tight schedules, budget issues, and health and fitness issues, Travelers choose not to go to the longer treks. So, taking these things in mind, we have prepared a detailed list of the 10 best short treks in Nepal.
So, today in this post, we will discuss some amazing best short treks in Nepal. The treks we discuss here today may be short, but they do not lack the thrill and excitement. In short, they are as exciting as the more extensive treks are.
So, without any further delay, let’s get into the post.
Table of Contents
The Everest View Trek
The Everest region view trek, also called the Solu Khumbu region trek, is one of the short and moderate treks you can complete within 5 to 10 days. For various reasons, if you do not want to enjoy the Everest base camp trek then this is the second-best thing that you can do.
The Everest region is well-known for being home to the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest. It is 120 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu. It also houses a UNESCO-listed world heritage site called Sagarmatha National Park.
The adventure for the Everest view trek, popularly known as the Everest panorama trek begins in Kathmandu with a breathtaking flight across the Himalayas to Lukla, a tiny mountain airport.
You can enjoy the beautiful scenic vistas of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Amadablam, and Mt. Thamserku. Besides these amazing mountains, you can enjoy beautiful gorges, distinct biodiversity, walks through the dense-lush pine forests, culture, and tradition of a kind & gentle Sherpa people. If you are lucky enough you can even encounter a 19 days long Buddhist festival, Mani Rimdu, that takes place at the Tengboche monastery, a monastery at the highest elevation in the world.
Everest View Trek quick highlights
- Short and easy trek to the Everest region
- Magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks
- Monastery situated in the highest altitude
- Shrines and festivals
- A UNESCO listed Sagarmatha National Park
- Beautiful forest, river, and gorges
- Distinct culture & tradition of Sherpa people and much more.
Everest View Trek quick facts
| Duration: | 5 to 10 days |
| Elevation: | 3860m |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Accommodation: | Teahouse |
The Gosaikunda Lake Trek
Gosainkunda lake, popularly known as a Hindu pilgrimage site, is an oligotrophic lake that lies in the Rasuwa district of Nepal at the height of 4,380m. The Gosainkunda lake trek is a 5-day trek that winds through a woodland of pines and rhododendrons.
During this trek, you will get to see the classic Langtang and Annapurna mountains, alpine woods, yak farms, local cheesemakers, and much more.
The trek to the Gosaikunda lake starts with a 7 to 8 hours drive to Dhunche from Kathmandu. For the next two days, you need to trek to Chandanbari and Gosaikunda lake respectively. On the fourth day, you need to trek down to Dhunche and stay at a tea house. Finally, on the fifth day, you can drive back to Kathmandu from Dhunche.
Gosaikunda Lake Trek quick highlights
- Experience the feel of the Alpine zone
- The Holy Gosainkunda, Bhairav Kunda, and Saraswati Kunda
- A glimpse of towering mountain ranges
- Beautiful pine and rhododendron forests
- Home to Red Pandas and Snow leopards
- Yak farms and local cheese production houses, and much more.
Gosaikunda Lake Trek quick facts
| Duration: | 5 days |
| Elevation: | 4380m |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Accommodation: | Teahouse |
Poon Hill Trek
The other best short trek in Nepal that is highly cherished is the Poon hill trek in the Annapurna region. This trek duration can take from 4 to 5 days, where you will be trekking an easy route that will take you to a height of 3210m. During the trek, you will get the chance to witness the majestic mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Hiuchuli, Nilgiri, and more. Besides these amazing mountains, you will be delighted to encounter the gracious Gurung and Magar village across Ghandruk and Ghorepani.
The Poon hill trek starts from Nayapul, Pokhara to Tikedhunga. The next day you will be walking through diverse floras & faunas along the Ghorepani. Early morning on the third day, you can walk to the Poon hill to encounter the majestic sunrise view. On the fourth day, you can return to Nayapul Pokhara via the Gurung village of Ghandruk.
Poon Hill Trek quick highlights
- Easy and short
- Panoramic view of majestic mountains
- Beautiful view of the sunrise, Pokhara and Phewa lake
- Traditional Ghandruk and Ghorepani village
- Beautiful forests, hot springs & waterfalls and much more.
Poon Hill Trek quick facts
| Duration: | 4 to 5 days |
| Elevation: | 3210m |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Accommodation: | Teahouse |
Dolakha – Kalinchowk Trek
Dolakha Kalinchowk trek is another amazing short trek that is loved by many visitors. Dolakha Kalinchowk trek has so many things to offer within a short period. Kalinchowk, named after Kalinchowk Bhagwati, a Hindu goddess, lies in the hilly eastern region of Nepal in the Dolakha district. Kalinchowk is popularly known for snowfall & snow skiing during the winter season, and Kalinchowk temple, which lies at the height of 3842m.
To start the trek, you need to drive to Charikot, which is 6 hours drive from Kathmandu or if you want more comfort, you can directly drive to Kuri village. After a short visit to Bhimsen temple at Charikot, a 4 to 5 hours walk will lead to Kuri village, where you can stay overnight. The next day you can start the trek to Kalichowk Bhagwati temple at the top of the hill via the Gaurishankar Conservation Area.
On the way, you can enjoy different birds and flowers. In fact, this place is also popular among bird watchers. From the hill, you can witness the spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Annapurna, Jugal, Ganesh, and more. After enjoying the hill station at Kalinchowk, you can walk down to Kuri village or take a cable car ride down. Finally, after having your meal, you can ride back to Kathmandu.
Dolakha Kalinchowk Trek quick highlights
- Bhimsen temple and Kalinchowk Bhagwati temple
- Spectacular views of various mountains
- Ice skating during winter
- A beautiful forest filled with Rhododendron flowers
- Cultural exploration
- The cable car ride and much more.
Dolakha Kalinchowk Trek quick facts
| Duration: | 2 to 4 days |
| Elevation: | 3842m |
| Difficulty: | Easy to Moderate |
| Accommodation: | Teahouse |
The Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Another highly cherished short trek in Nepal is the Jomsom Muktinath trek, also known as Lower Mustang Trek, which bundles natural, religious, and cultural attractions. During this trek, you will be electrified to see the magnificent white mountains in the Annapurna region. Jomsom Muktinath trek is a 5 day easy-rated trek that follows a classic trade route in Mustang alongside the Kali Gandaki river.
You will pass via the dense forests, huge rocks, barren & tough terrain, witnessing the classic caves and getting the taste of Tibetan culture. This area is popularly known as a pilgrimage site for Hindu and Buddhist people.
You can start your trek from Jomsom, so a quick flight to Jomsom is recommended. You can take a bus ride from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and from Pokhara, you can take a quick flight to Jomsom. You will have to trek for around 5 hours to reach the Muktinath temple at the height of 3710m. After the trek, you can return to Kathmandu via Pokhara.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek quick highlights
- Muktinath temple and other Buddhist shrines
- Ancient trade route of Mustang
- Kali Gandaki river
- Beautiful forests, cliffs, gorges, hills, and barren land
- Taste of Tibetan landscape & culture
- Amazing views of mountains and much more.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek quick facts
| Duration: | 5 days |
| Elevation: | 3710m |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Accommodation: | Teahouse |
Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek in the Annapurna region is gaining popularity among travelers who love short treks. The ultimate endpoint of this offbeat trek is the Mardi Himal base camp at the height of 4500m. During this trek, you will witness 360 views of the Annapurna range & Mt. Machhapuchhre, splendid sunrise view, scattered settlements of Magar & Gurung people, dense forest with Rhododendron flowers, and more.
There are different ways you can trek the Mardi Himal base camp. The Mardi Himal trek starts from Pokhara, and you need to reach Forest camp from the route of your choice. From Forest camp, you can trek to high camp via Badal danda, from where you can trek to Mardi Himal base camp. This moderate trek can be completed from 5 to 10 days depending upon the route you take and places you visit in between.
Mardi Himal Trek quick highlights
- Splendid mountain views
- Interaction with indigenous Gurung and Magar people & their culture
- Beautiful forests filled with Rhododendron flowers
- Beautiful natural scenic vistas and much more.
Mardi Himal Trek quick facts
| Duration: | 5 to 10 days |
| Elevation: | 4500 m |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Accommodation: | Teahouse |
The Dhampus Sarangkot Trek
Dhampush Sarangkot trek is another highly loved trek as it is rewarding, trouble-free, and suitable for all age groups due to its easy rating. Dhampus Sarangkot trek can be done all around the year.
During your 3 to 5 days trekking, you will get to witness the enchanting snow-capped mountains like Mount Lamjung, Machhapuchhare, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, and more. Besides the panoramic views of mountains you will be electrified to see the sunrise & Phewa lake from the top, views of golden rice terraces, and enjoy the local cuisine of Gurung people of Dhampush, their slate-roofed houses, and much more.
The trek starts from Phedi or Hyangja, where you have to drive from Pokhara. Now from this place, you need to hike to Sarangkot, where all the magic happens. You get to see the eye-appealing views of mountains, Pokhara city, Phewa lake, and sunrise from Sarangkot. Finally, you need to trek to your ultimate destination Dhampush and return from there.
Dhampus Sarangkot Trek quick highlights
- Easy and highly rewarding
- Panoramic view of enchanting mountains
- Beautiful view of the sunrise, Phewa lake, and Pokhara city
- Interaction with locals of Dhampush
- Beautiful rivers and forest
- Paragliding and much more.
Dhampus Sarangkot Trek quick facts
| Duration: | 3 to 4 days |
| Elevation: | 1650 m |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Accommodation: | Teahouse |
The Chandragiri – Chitlang – Daman Trek
The Chandragiri – Chitlang – Daman trek is another popular short trek that can be done in a short period. This trekking has been getting widely popular recently because of its proximity to Kathmandu, the country’s capital.
During this trekking, you can enjoy the cable car ride in Chandragiri hill that takes you to a hill station with a Hindu temple, enjoy the organic resorts & food of Chitlang, visit the old Newari settlement of Chitlang, enjoy boating at Kulekhani, also known as Indra Sarovar and much more.
You can start the trek from Thankot, a city in Kathmandu. From there, you can take a cable car ride up the Chandragiri hill or directly begin your trek to Chitlang. You will be excited to see the living history of Chitlang village; stone carvings, inscriptions, and other archaeological stuff in Chitlang will enchant you. After enjoying the organic food of Chitlang and resting the night, you can head to Markhu and experience boating at the pleasant Indra Sarovar, Nepal’s biggest man-made lake. After boating, you can finally trek to Daman, a hill station in Makwanpur. You can visit different temples, enjoy the local food and natural views at Daman and return to Kathmandu via the Tribhuwan highway.
Chandragiri Chitlang Daman trek quick highlights
- Cable car ride
- Beautiful temples, historical and archaeological stuff
- Organic resorts
- Cheese farm
- Nepal’s biggest man made lake
- Boating and much more.
Chandragiri Chitlang Daman trek quick facts
| Duration: | 3 to 4 days |
| Elevation: | 1650m |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Accommodation: | Teahouse |
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna base camp trek is a 7 days moderate trek that takes you to the height of 4130 m via the Ghandruk and Chhomrong Gurung village.
The Annapurna base camp trek is a little more difficult than other treks mentioned, but at the same time, it is highly rewarding. From spectacular Himalayan terrain of the Annapurna Ranges, ancient civilizations to majestic mountain panoramas, awe-inspiring glaciers, beautiful rivers, alpine pastures, natural hot springs, to isolated settlements of gracious locals, you will see much during this trek.
The trek starts from Nayapul, an hour’s drive from Pokhara. The breathtaking trekking journey continues through lush forests, waterfalls, terraced farms, and towering mountain panoramas, not to mention the opportunity to engage with the locals and learn about their distinct cultures.
Grasping your trekking journey to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) can be easier with a short itinerary.
Day 01: Pokhara to Nayapul
Day 02: Ghandruk – Chommrong Gurung Village – Sinuwa
Day 03: Sinuwa to Deurali
Day 04: Deurali to Annapurna base camp
Last 2 to 3 days for returning.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek quick highlights
- Panoramic view of towering mountains
- Interaction with locals and their culture
- Beautiful glaciers, waterfalls, rivers, and forests
- Terraced fields and much more.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek quick facts
| Duration: | 7 days |
| Elevation: | 4130 m |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
| Accommodation: | Teahouse |
The Helambu Trek
The Helambu trek is another offbeat short trek in the Helambu area, 80 Km away from the capital, Kathmandu, with views of the Langtang Himalayan range high peaks. The Helambu trek is popular among travelers who are interested in culture and traditions rather than a mountainous trek. Despite its proximity to the capital city, the Helambu region’s natural beauty and simplicity are so unspoiled that you may find it in its purest form.
During the Helambu trek, you will be walking mostly through the forest, across hills with panoramic mountain views meeting scattered settlements of Tamang and Sherpa people asides the Melamchi river. You will also be seeing the Hyolmo culture and beautiful monasteries that give the vibe of Tibetan culture. You will be thrilled to get the mixture of cultural and natural aroma during this trek.
The Helambu trek can be started from Sundarijal, Kathmandu, where you need to trek to Chisapani. The next day you need to walk around six hours to reach Kutumsang. On the third day of the Helambu trek, you need to walk for six hours via the beautiful Rhododendron forests to reach Tharepati. In the next two days, you need to walk from Thadepati to TarkeGhyang and then to Sermanthang. From Sermanthang, you can return back via the Melamchi Pul Bazar or opt to stay for the night depending upon the itinerary you choose.
Helambu Trek quick highlights
- Offbeat and easy
- Stunning views of mountains
- Shivapuri National park
- Beautiful temples and monasteries
- Beautiful forest and river
- Interaction with the locals and much more.
Helambu Trek quick facts
| Duration: | 5 to 7 days |
| Elevation: | 3650 m |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
| Accommodation: | Teahouse |
The Nepali trekking gear list you should not forget
- Waterproof jackets and pants
- Heavy trousers and jackets
- Thermal vests and trousers
- Trekking boots
- Trekking socks
- Gloves
- Water bottles
- Rain jackets
- Lip balms and hand sanitizers
- Photocopies of your documents
- Paper maps
- Medicines like Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, etc
- Trekking poles
- Battery backups for phone and camera
- Chargers
- Camping tents and sleeping bags if you opt for camping
- Warm caps
- Sunglasses, etc
The above-mentioned trekking gears are subject to your trekking destination, trekking season, and necessity.
Things to remember before trekking in Nepal
- Know what you are doing. Although, trekking is fun and rewarding; in rare cases, it can be life-threatening
- Easy rated trekking destinations do not require any kind of special health requirements; however, trekking that is rated moderate to hard may require sound health and fitness of trekkers
- If you are a complete beginner and do not know how trekking works; start with an easy one
- Before you begin your adventure, educate yourself on safety and some basic survival skills
- Be mentally prepared
- Carry a direction compass
- Do not go on trekking if you have any kind of medical illness that limits you during the journey
- Know everything about your destination, places to stay, routes and all
- Do not forget to carry necessary trekking gears
- Choose a government recognized trekking agency
- Have a positive attitude.
Wrapping Up
In this post, we discussed the 10 best short treks in Nepal. These treks have been chosen by experts in this field. These treks seem to be fit for those travelers who have less time and resources but want the real feel of trekking.
The above-mentioned treks can be done independently as well as with the help of professionals. Trekking in unknown regions can sometimes be life-threatening and create unnecessary problems, so we suggest you seek professional help from trekking agencies.
If you are excited about short trekking in Nepal, we are always here to help you. Get in touch with us if you need any help with trekking in Nepal. You can always enquire about the trips using the contact form available on our website.