Yes, trekking in Nepal is a dream for many travel enthusiasts. We provide many trekking trails for all ages, difficulty levels, and regions. Especially the Himalayas of Nepal attracts thousands of trekking visitors from every corner of the world.
Not to mention, the trekkers who often visit Nepal look for adventure near the foothills of the Himalayas. Some famous trekking routes among travelers are the Annapurna Circuit Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek.
However, if you are not ready for long vacations or have a shorter time frame, you can jump toward the short treks. Equally mesmerizing as the long vocational treks, these short treks are the small parts of the main treks.
Also, these short treks are the best way to level up your trekking experience for novice trekkers. Apart from it, you can explore the Himalayas and create wonderful memories in these few days.
Best Short Treks In Nepal (Within Four Days Or Less)
Typically, these short four days or fewer treks are easy and suitable for every traveler. Also, it can be the best starting point for your journey.
Below are some of the top short treks designed for those with limited time.
Dolakha – Kalinchowk Trek
- Trekking Location: Dolakha, North East
- Trekking Duration: 3 to 4 days
- Daily Trekking Hours: 6 to 7 hours
- Starting Point: Charikot
- Maximum Elevation: 3842 meters
- Trek Style: Tea House
- Best Season: March to November
One of the shortest trails, the Kalinchowk trek, passes through the most popular Hindu shrines. This trail starts in Charikot, the Dolakha district in Nepal, which lies 150 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu.
Well, this trek is perfect for those trekkers who have limited time but still would like to explore the foothills of the Himalayas. With every six to seven hours of trek daily, this Kalinchowk trek takes you through the Kuri Village to get to the shrine.
Altogether, this trek centers the Gaurishankar Conservation Area as you make your way to the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple. This temple lies at a height of 3,842 meters.
Highlights Of The Trek
- The panoramic views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Shisha Pangma, Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal, Gauri Shankar, and many more.
- Explore the culture and lifestyle of Brahmin, Tamang, and Sherpa communities.
- Trek through the dense Rhododendron forests.
- Visit the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple ( 3,842 meters).
- Experience snowfall in winter.
- Explore the Gaurishankar Conservation Area.
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
- Trekking Location: Annapurna
- Trekking Duration: 4 days
- Daily Trekking Hours: 6 to 7 hours
- Starting Point: Pokhara City
- Maximum Elevation: Poon Hill (3210 meters)
- Trek Style: Tea House
- Best Season: March to April and September to October
Laying in the foothills of the Annapurna region, the Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is famous and suitable among travelers of all ages and experience levels. This particular trek gives you spectacular views of the mountain ranges though it lies on the lower level.
Also known as Annapurna Panorama Trek, this trekking route starts from Pokhara and passes through the Ghorepani region. During the trek, you will walk through the dense forests of rhododendrons and terraced farms.
Moving on, you will also pass through the Ghandruk village while descending. All in all, you can accomplish this trekking trail all year round. In addition to it, the trail is also quite easy to complete, even during the winter.
Highlights Of The Trek
- Enjoy the relaxing hot springs at Jhinu Danda.
- Experience the mind-blowing sunrise views over the Annapurna South to Annapurna I (8,097 meters / 26,566 feet) Gangapurna, Dhaulagiri (8,167 meters / 26,795 feet), Nilgiri, Khangsar Kang, Hiunchuli, Annapurna III, and Machhapuchhre (6,993 meters).
- Enjoy the fantastic views of the glaciers.
- Walk through the rhododendron, bamboo, and oak tree forests.
- Explore the culture and tradition of the local Gurung and Magar villages.
- Enjoy the phenomenal sunrise and sunset views from Poonhill.
Chisapani – Nagarkot – Dhulikhel Trek
- Trekking Location: Kathmandu
- Trekking Duration: 3 days
- Daily Trekking Hours: 4 to 8 hours
- Starting Point: Sundarijal
- Maximum Elevation: 2195 meters at Chisapani
- Trek Style: Tea House
- Best Season: All time of the year
It is one of the most popular treks inside the Kathmandu valley, taking you through the stream and fresh waters. Indeed, this route will take you away from the hustle and bustle of the city areas and give you enjoyment in nature.
As a brief overview, you will start this short trek from Sundarijal as you walk alongside the rock-filled Bagmati River. Then, you will pass through the dense pine forests of a small Tamang village and move up to the Nagarkot.
Likewise, the trek follows the trail to Dhulikhel, the final destination. Altogether, this Chisapani Nagarkot Dhulikhel trek is appropriate for travelers of all ages and experience levels. Well, you can enjoy this trek at any time of the year.
Highlights Of The Trek
- Walk through the vast forests of rhododendrons, pines, and oaks.
- Explore the cultural and traditional settlements of Tamang, Newari, and Chhetri.
- Visit one of the country’s most famous Buddhist shrines, known locally as Namobuddha.
- Climb 1000 steps to the summit of Kali temple.
- Soak in the breathtaking views of the valley and peaks.
- Experience the stunning views of the Himalayan ranges of Everest, Langtang, Gaurishankar, Dorje Lakpa, Chova, Vampire, and Ganesh Himal.
- Stunning sunrise and sunset views.
Ghandruk Village Trek
- Trekking Location: Annapurna region
- Trekking Duration: 3 to 4 days
- Daily Trekking Hours: 4 to 5 hours
- Starting Point: Nayapul
- Maximum Elevation: 2,600 meters
- Trek Style: Tea House
- Best Season: Mid-September until May and summer season from June-July
The Ghandruk Village trek is one of the most popular destinations in the Annapurna region. Laying near the Annapurna Conservation Area, this trekking trail is one of the must-visit on the western side of Nepal.
This trek is culturally rich and known for its warm hospitality. You can also experience this trekking route historically and even try on the traditional Gurung dress and local foods.
All in all, the Ghandruk trek will get you through the rhododendron forests and evergreen paths.
Highlights Of The Trek
- A spectacular panorama of the Himalayas in the Annapurna, such as Annapurna south, Gangapurna, Annapurna III, Hiunchuli, and Machhapuchhre.
- Explore the beautiful village of Ghandruk and the traditional Gurung culture.
- Trek to the rhododendron forest with an evergreen path.
- Visit the traditional Gurung museum.
- Experience the unique Gurung culture and scenic landscape.
Sarangkot – Dhampus Trek
- Trekking Location: Annapurna region
- Trekking Duration: 3 to 4 days
- Daily Trekking Hours: 4 to 7 hours
- Starting Point: Phedi Village
- Maximum Elevation: 1,600 meters
- Trek Style: Tea House
- Best Season: All months except July and August
Sarangkot: Dhampus Trek is one of the ideal treks for those not ready for high-altitude trekking in Nepal. Likewise, this short trek initially starts with three famous viewpoints: Sarangkot, Dhampus, and Naudanda.
In addition, this short trekking trail gives you an unobstructed view of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri range and beautiful green terraces of rice, and the view of Pokhara valley. Moreover, this trek starts with the Phedi Village and passes the western rim of the Pokhara Valley.
This journey takes you through the golden rice terraces and a hike to Sarangkot.
Highlights Of The Trek
- Stunning views of unobstructed view of the Himalayan Mountains of Annapurna range, Dhauligiri range, and Fishtail.
- Walk through lush forests, wide meadows, and rice fields.
- Explore the cultural and historic settlements of the ethnic groups Gurung, Magar, Tamang, and Newari.
- Enjoy the crystal clear views of the Phewa lake from Naudanda Hill.
- Fantastic views of Sunrise from Sarangkot hill and views of Pokhara valley.
- Three popular viewpoints (Sarangkot, Dhampus, and Naudanda).
Other Short Treks To Explore While In Nepal
Besides the earlier-mentioned treks in Nepal, there are multiple treks to venture upon when you search for short-duration treks.
- Balthali Village Trek (Best Season: September to November and March to May)
- Jomsom Trek (Best Season: February to June and September to December)
- Helambu Trek (Best Season: September to November and March to May)
- Sailung Trek (Best Season: September to November and March to May)
- Everest Short Trek (Best Season: March to May and September to December)
Packing Necessity While Trekking In Nepal
A well-packed trekking bags and perfect gears are a must for every trekker, whether they are hopping on to short or long treks. However, you should check the weather conditions before you start trekking.
You should carry rain gear and warm clothes during the winter and rainy seasons.
Personal Accessories And Wearables
- Trekking trousers and pants
- Comfortable pair of shoes
- Light fleece
- Padded jacket
- Suncap and sunglasses
- Warm trekking socks
- Synthetic Hand Gloves
- Plastic covers
- Sleeping bags
- Trekking poles
- Toiletries and lip balm
- Personal medical kits
- Sunscreen
Some Tips While Trekking In Nepal
- Always stay hydrated and eat a whole meal to keep up your energy.
- Research the weather conditions before trekking.
- Make sure you are physically and mentally fit before you start the trek.
- Do carry a map, GPS, and a guidebook.
- Hire a guide or a porter if you are traveling independently.
- Choose the right trekking gear.
- Be aware of the symptoms and remedies for Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
To avoid crowds it is recommended to travel during 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.