Naturally blessed with diverse geographic locations with breathtaking scenic beauty, Nepal has loads to offer for adventure. Decades have gone by, and it still stands as one of the top destinations for travelers. Nepal is intimately associated with multiple high peaks of the world, and travelers can never get enough of it.
Today, numerous trekking places in Nepal stretch from the east to the west of this country. A trek in Nepal means an ample opportunity for closeness with the country’s culture, traditions, and destinations. Throughout your journey, you will come across fertile hills, holy lakes, temples and stupas, and local villages.
Not to mention, trekking places in Nepal are rare experiences that will leave you satisfied and with the urge to return again. All these trekking trails can be as hard or easy as you like, and you can ace them independently or in a group. One of the best parts? Since most routes are filled with trekking lodges, you will not get lost so easily.
All The Trekking Places In Nepal
Nepal is popular with a wide variety of trekking routes and trails that passes through different regions of the country. Some trekking places depict longer trails, while others depict shorter trails. Likewise, some routes are easy, while others are extremely challenging. Among these trails, some treks are well-known and popular with crowds, while some are lesser known to very few people.
However, whichever trekking places you choose and whatever the trial may be like, trekking in Nepal will surely leave you fascinated. It’s not only about the thrills; it is the mesmerizing beauty, warm hospitality, and also loving nature of the locals.
Western Region
Even today, the Far Western Region of Nepal is the lesser ventured area in the country due to its remote geographic location and lack of development. However, this region is not any less when it comes to adventure with its harsh locations and ancient villages.
This region is often known for its pilgrims, untouched mountains, and narrow canyons. If you are looking forward to traveling in this region, you must be extra careful and patient with your journey.
Though the trekking routes are still underdeveloped and rustic, below are some of the top trekking places in this region.
Limi Valley Trek
If you are in the far western region, you can not miss out on the Limi Valley trek in the northwest corner of the country. Standing right next to the border of Tibet, most people take this trek to reach Mount Kailash.
Once you are in the Limi Valley, you will experience the influence of Tibetan culture. You can get here through the path of the Humla Karnali river valley to the Tibetan border at Hilsa. Limi Valley will leave you in wonder with its ancient culture, pilgrims, and stunning views of the mountains.
It is also a chance to look closely at the trade with Tibet using mules, yak, and sheep. However, independent travel is forbidden in this region, and you will also need travel permits.
- Starting And Ending Point: Simikot
- Trek Duration: 17 days (additional days if you visit Mount Kailash)
- Difficulty Level: Extremely Challenging
- Maximum Elevation: 4,990 meters
- Best Season: April to November
Rara Lake Trek
It is one of the most popular trekking trails in this region and lies inside the Rara National Park. This 10-14 days trek focuses not on the mountains, but mostly on the village life and ethnic groups you will encompass along the trail.
But having said so, this trek is rich in natural biodiversity and wildlife. You will be trekking through thick forests and wild camping spots. Occasionally, you will also gaze upon musk deer, tahr, Himalayan black bears, leopards, ghoral, and red pandas.
Reaching the destination, you will be greeted with the clear, glassy reflection of the mountains in the lake beneath. You can also extend this trek as you connect the route with Dolpa.
- Starting And Ending Point: Jumla
- Trek Duration: 10-14 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Maximum Elevation: 3,480 meters
- Best Season: April to October (Spring, Summer, and Autumn)
The Dolpo Trek
Lying in the mid-western region of Nepal, Dolpa is also one of the unexplored and unaltered trekking places. Indeed, this place also has a remote development and is mainly inhabited by Tibetans. Even here, the Dolpo trek is divided into two; the Upper Dolpo Trek and the Lower Dolpo Trek.
The Upper Dolpo Trek
The Upper Dolpo Trek starts in the northwestern region behind the Dhaulagiri Massif, towards the Tibetan plateau. Also, this region requires an expensive permit of US$500 for ten days to visit. The Upper Dolpo trail consists of multiple mountain ranges and the deepest Lake Shey Phoksundo.
This lake lies inside the Shey Phoksundo National Park, and the trail is known to be one of the more difficult and longer treks in Nepal. Additionally, it has several high-altitude passes across the hidden valleys and the Shey Gomba monastery.
- Starting Point: Jhupal
- Ending Point: Jeng-La Base Camp
- Trek Duration: 8-27 days
- Difficulty Level: Extremely Challenging
- Maximum Elevation: 5,151 meters (Kang La Pass)
- Best Season: Spring (April to May) and Fall (October to November)
The Lower Dolpo Trek
This trekking trail is naturally rich with spectacular landscapes as you trek amid high alpine pastures. Well, this route is a government-controlled trekking destination and requires special permits from the Nepalese government.
Along the trail, you will get stunning views of the Dhaulagiri Range to the east and Kagmara Range to the west.
- Starting And Ending Point: Jhupal
- Trek Duration: 18 days
- Difficulty Level: Hard
- Maximum Elevation: 4000 meters
- Best Season: Spring (March to May)
Central Region
Also known as the main trekking region, the Central part of Nepal boasts several trekking places. This region is, in fact, the ideal vacation gateway in Nepal for travelers.
These regions are developing and portray more expanded facilities than the western region of Nepal. This region also holds several mountains above 8000 meters, topping the charts of some of the tallest peaks in the world.
With multiple clustered trekking trails in the central region, below are the top trekking destinations.
The Annapurna Trek
One of Nepal’s most popular trekking locations, the Annapurna trek has several routes for tours. Most of its trekking location starts with the entry in Pokhara, which lies on the valley’s northeast side.
This trekking trail is famous for the world’s tenth-highest peak, the Annapurna. Furthermore, this region portrays a view of thirteen other mountain peaks over 7,000 meters and additional sixteen peaks over 6,000 meters.
This classic trekking route depicts dramatic deep gorges, picturesque farming villages, stupas, and monasteries. Hence, this traditional region has multiple sub-trails, which are listed below.
- The Annapurna Circuit
- The Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Poon Hill Trek
- Naar-Pho Valley Trek
- Tilicho Lake Trek
- The Annapurna Sanctuary Trek
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Ideal for experienced trekkers, the Dhaulagiri trek portrays several high-altitude passes along the trail. It is also known as one of the most strenuous treks in Nepal and is located in one of the lesser-visited areas of the Annapurna Himalayas.
Not to mention, this region is one of the remote trekking trails and is perfect for travelers who are looking to avoid crowds. Along the journey, you will pass the Myagdi Khola River and the Chhonbardan Glacier at the foot of Dhaulagiri.
As you reach the Dhaulagiri Base Camp, you will walk past the Hidden valley. Well, as a fun fact, it is also a gateway to Mustang. It is one of the most challenging treks, as you will spend days above 5000 meters near one of the world’s highest peaks.
- Starting Point: Beni
- Ending Point: Jomsom, Mustang
- Trek Duration: 17 days
- Difficulty Level: Extremely Challenging
- Maximum Elevation: 5120 meters
- Best Season: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
The Mustang Trek
This trek is divided into the Upper Mustang Trek and the Lower Mustang Trek. Often travelers go for the Upper Mustang trek, the region home to ancient Mustang-Tibetan communities. The main trekking trail of this region runs from North-South from Lo Monthang to Jomsom and requires a permit.
During your trekking days, you will be surrounded by spectacularly tanned red cliffs and an endless variety of grey-rolling hills. When here, you can choose to either only trek along the Upper Mustang or opt for the Mustang Circuit Trek.
- Starting And Ending Point: Jomsom, Mustang
- Trek Duration: 15 days
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Maximum Elevation: 3,840 meters at Lo Manthang
- Best Season: March to late December (Peak Time: September, October, and November)
Eastern Region
The Eastern trekking destinations are all about the immensity of the high mountain ranges. Alongside the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, this region also depicts the world’s third highest peak, Mount Kanchenjunga.
This region does provide the best of the best treks with challenging routes and trails. Not to mention, you will be able to walk along the shadow of the enormous peaks in the world.
The Everest Base Camp Trek
This trek is about the dramatic high altitude, the jaw-dropping scenic beauty of the mountains, and a unique cultural experience. It is the step to prepare and is highly suitable for experienced trekkers.
Also, if you are looking forward to the base camp, you should understand there are two Everest Base Camps, the North Base Camp in Tibet and the South Base Camp in Nepal. Most trekkers prefer the South Base Camp, and you will need a TIMS and a National Park permit.
- Starting And Ending Point: Lukla
- Trek Duration: 12 days
- Trekking Distance: 120 km/75 mi
- Difficulty Level: Extremely Challenging
- Maximum Elevation: 5640 meters / 18 500 feet at Kala Patthar
- Best Season: Late September to November and February to May
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Kanchenjunga Base Camp is one of the popular trekking trails home to the Rhododendron forests and the world’s third-highest mountain. If you are up for this trek, you will necessarily need a local guide and all the permits.
Travelers visit this trail, and often solitude is a real thing here. One of the major highlights of this trek is the Kanchenjunga Conservation area, as the trek visits both base camps on the north and south side of the mountain.
- Starting Point: Taplejung
- Ending Point: Suketar
- Trek Duration: 26 days
- Trekking Distance: 220 km
- Difficulty Level: Quite Difficult
- Maximum Elevation: 5143 meters / 16873 feet at Pangpema
- Best Season: Early March to mid-May and from October to late November
The Makalu Base Camp Trek
Also one of the most challenging trekking trails in Eastern Nepal, the Makalu Base Camp trek is the trail to the foot of the world’s fifth-highest peak. This trail is known for its diverse presence of flora and fauna with outstanding natural beauty.
To ace this trekking route, you must pass through four high passes, three above 4000 meters. Also, this trek is rewarding as you will get a stunning view of Mount Makalu. Apart from it, some other views are of the Himalayas’ highest peaks, including Everest, 8,848 meters; Lhotse, 8,516 meters; Chamlang, 7,319 meters; and Baruntse, 7,129 meters.
- Starting Point: Tumlingtar
- Ending Point: Barun Glacial lake at an altitude of 4550 meters
- Trek Duration: 16 days
- Trekking Distance: 26.5 km
- Difficulty Level: Extremely Challenging
- Maximum Elevation: 5,300 meters above Makalu Base Camp
- Best Season: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November)
The Dhaulagiri Circuit is a difficult trek—one of the most difficult in Nepal—suitable for trekkers with prior experience trekking at altitudes above 5,000 meters. Dhampus Peak (6,060 m) requires basic mountaineering skills, such as knowledge of how to use ice axes and crampons.
Upper Dolpo Trek is a restricted area that has only been open to tourism since 1989. It is part of the Shey Phoksundo National Park, and the Upper Dolpo trek route typically exceeds 4000 meters. This unknown land has an impact on Tibetan culture.