There are so many activities to do, yet the time gets limited. That is when you think you will revisit, but then again, you have no idea when or if it will ever happen. Are you feeling the same about your vacation? Furthermore, you are in Nepal and can’t fit a few days for trekking?
Nepal’s ultimate destination for thrill seekers and travelers alike is peace of heaven. The country is blessed with many of the best trekking trails—the difficulty level ranges per one’s liking, from the most accessible trails to challenging routes. You can find all these routes across snow-capped peaks, lush green forests, and changing landscapes.
All these trekking activities can range from a few days to months. If you are seeking forward to squeezing in your adventure activities, why not go for short treks across the Himalayas? It will shorten your trekking days but will surely cover significant parts. These treks are for the folks who are tight on their schedule but want to experience every little miracle of Nepal.
Top Five Short Treks To Try While In Nepal
Yes, every trekking trail routes in Nepal have its own set of unique characteristics. While on some trails, you will find yourself in yeh laps of high peaks, on some, you are surrounded by lush greenery, and on others, you will be filled with religious and cultural experiences.
These short treks go from 2 to 10 days and can be extended if given more time. Below are the compiled lists of some short walks you can try. All this list consists of needed information from trek duration, difficulty, maximum altitude, and others. Altogether, these treks are perfect if you have a short time or are a beginner.
Everest View Trek (4-9 Days)
One of the heavily demanded treks in Nepal, Everest View Trek, is the one that everyone should experience. This trek is also popularly known as Everest Panorama Trek. Not to mention, it is also one of the most diverse trails you will come across. Indeed, everything that you wish in a short trek!
Everest View Trek gives you a chance to enjoy deep river gorges, forests filled with pine and rhododendron, majestic mountain views, and Buddhist villages. Throughout the trail, prayer flags guide your way to the Himalayan region of Sherpas. This short trek will give you a detailed view of the rich biodiversity in this region.
You will also get a closer opportunity to witness the unique history, culture, and traditions of the loving Sherpa communities. The best time for this particular trek is during Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, November, and December). Well, it is a therapeutic trek that reaches up to the maximum altitude of 3870 meters.
Altogether, this trekking trail is moderately complex. The first half of the journey is easy, while the second half is slightly tricky with sloppy and steep land.
To reach this trekking trail, you will first need to reach Lukla, its entry point. You can take a flight to Lukla in just 25-30 minutes. Before you plan this journey, be sure to check the weather condition.
Highlights
- Stunning views of the Himalayas, such as Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and Lhotse.
- Interactions with the unique culture and traditions of the local Sherpas.
- Trails filled with lush green forests filled with rhododendron, pine, and bamboo.
- Practice yoga and meditation at the ancient monastery – Tengboche.
Langtang Valley Trek (5-7 Days)
Langtang Valley is rich in Alpine life, birds, animals, and rare plants. It portrays beautiful landscapes, and if you are looking to get close to the majestic mountains in a short time, this is it! Also, this trail is fairly challenging with moderate difficulty.
Not only scenic beauty, but this trek offers a closer look at the daily lives of the Tamang inhabitants. The locals here are an extremely welcoming ethnic group and are skilled artisans. Though you will not be close to any of the 8000 meters peaks while here, this trek offers you the lap of Langtang Lirung, standing at 7227 meters.
Along this trail, you will be in the presence of its forests filled with bamboo and rhododendron. Similarly, there are multiple waterfalls and breathtaking snow-capped peaks. You will then pass through the Langtang National Park. During this trek, you will also discover various flora and fauna.
A short morning hike to Kyanjin Ri in this valley will give you a chance to stand among several glaciers and ice falls. The highest elevation during the trek is 3800 meters. If you are planning this trek, the best months will be during Autumn (September, October, and November) and Spring (March, April, and May).
This trekking trail is not far from Kathmandu. After about 7-8 hours of a ride in a private jeep or a car, you will reach Syabrubesi, which is the starting point.
Highlights
- Heavenly views of the snow-capped peaks such as Langtang Himal, Ganjala peak, and Langtang Ri.
- Set a trip to Buddhist monasteries, namely Langtang Gompa and Kyanjin Gompa.
- Ascend to Tserko Ri’s viewpoint for panoramic views of the valley.
- Get an authentic taste of Tibetan Buddhist culture.
- Encounter wildlife such as Himalayan deer, pheasants, monkeys, and many more.
Annapurna Base Camp (8-9 Days)
One of the most sought trekking destinations among domestic and international tourists alike, Annapurna Base Camp Trek boasts an impressive backdrop. For a short holiday, this trek provides you all with panoramic Himalayan scenery, glaciers, and the unique Gurung culture.
As you follow its trekking trails, you will move past lush green forests, ethnic Gurung villages, and fantastic views. Mountains will encircle you if you walk up to the Annapurna Sanctuary. Furthermore, you can also stop by Tadapani to soak in the hot springs there.
Moving on, the best seasons for this trek is during Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November). The highest elevation you will reach here is 4131 meters, and this trail can sometimes be quite demanding.
To reach there, it is an easy route from Pokhara. If you are staying in Kathmandu, you can take the flight to Pokhara as it will only take thirty minutes. After reaching there, you will start your journey toward Ghandruk, the gateway to Annapurna Base Camp. However, you will only begin your trek from Landruk or Kimchi.
Highlights
- Stunning views of Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna III (7,937m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), Machhapuchhre (6,993m), and Gangapurna (7,455m).
- Explore the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk.
- Walk across Kali Gandaki, the deepest gorge in the world.
- Try the natural hot spring bath at Tadapani.
Mardi Himal Trek (7-9 Days)
Widely known as the hidden gem in the Annapurna region, this trekking route was only accessible to foreigners in 2012. Therefore, it remains in the wilderness and gives you breathtaking 360-degree views of the Annapurna range.
This trekking route provides you with peaceful isolation as you explore its nearby villages and lifestyle. Furthermore, this trail takes you through the dense forests filled with Rhododendrons and ends at the lap of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre.
After you move past the dense forests, you will get the stunning scenery of the mountain ranges. All in all, this trekking trail is more laidback than the rest. Like most trekking routes, this route is also best to explore during Spring (March, April, and May) and Autumn (September, October, and November).
If you are looking for this trek, it is not far from Pokhara. This trail starts from Phedi, which is a 30-minute ride in a car or jeep from Pokhara. The Mardi Himal trek offers you a maximum elevation of 3580 meters. Not to mention, people of most ages can accomplish this trek as it is of moderate level.
Highlights
- Trekking trails filled with multiple flora and fauna.
- It lies on the lap of Mardi Himal with stunning views of Machhapuchhre Himal and Dhaulagiri.
- Get a closer look at Buddhism.
- Stop by Pokhara city for rafting, visiting Davis Fall and Mahendra Cave.
Lower Mustang Trek (7-9 Days)
Filled with Tibetan Buddhist culture, the Lower Mustang trek is family-friendly with moderate difficulty levels. Often called the hidden treasure of Nepal, Lower Mustang portrays desolate and arid landscapes.
Here, the lands are like the Tibetan plateau and dry and barren. This trek will take you across the deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki, one of the ancient routes.
Also, the trails sometimes can get demanding as they fall in the Himalayan rain shadow region. Altogether, you will be surrounded by the unique culture, rich biodiversity, and mesmerizing sunrise and sunset views. You will stand at the highest elevation of 3710 meters during this trek.
Lower Mustang Trek starts from Jomsom, and you can get there by flight, car, or jeep. If you look forward to the flight, you will first need to take a 30-minute flight to Pokhara since there is no direct flight from Kathmandu to Jomsom.
From Pokhara, the flight to reach Jomsom is just 20 minutes. However, if you opt to go by road to Jomsom, it will take you about 10 to 12 hours in a car or a jeep.
Highlights
- Stunning panorama of the Annapurna, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Himchuli, and many more.
- Visit the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site, Muktinath.
- Explore the Tibetan Buddhist culture of Lower Mustang.
- Trek along the Kali Gandaki River.
Some Other Short Trek Routes
- Khopra Ridge Community Trek (9 days trek with a max elevation of 3660 meters)
- Annapurna Foothill Trek (8 days trek at the highest elevation of 1940 meters)
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (4-5 days trek at an elevation of approximately 2874 meters)
- Nar Phu Valley Trek (8-9 days trek with the highest altitude of 4250 meters)
- Gosaikunda and Helambu Trek (5-7 days trek at an elevation of 4380 meters)
- Pikey Peak Trek (8 days trek with the highest altitude of 4067 meters)
- Ruby Valley Trek (7 days trek at an elevation of 3845 meters)
- Chisepani Trek (3 days with a maximum elevation of 2175 meters)