10 Best Treks in Nepal to Add to Your Bucket List
When it comes to the world’s great trekking destinations, Nepal has to be at the top of the list.
The best treks in Nepal offer diverse and unparalleled experiences.
Whether you want to hike to the world’s tallest mountain, see glaciers, immerse yourself in traditional Buddhist villages, or experience the sheer vastness of the Himalayas, there are plenty of long-distance trails in Nepal to enjoy.
You also get to experience unique local cultures, access hard-to-reach Himalayan villages, stay in teahouses and follow the paths of some of the world’s greatest mountaineers.
No matter what trek you do in Nepal, it will be an experience unlike anything else.
Ready to plan your adventure? Here are our top ten choices of the best treks in Nepal for all kinds of hikers.
1. Everest Base Camp
Trek distance: 130 km
Time required: 14 - 20 days
Best for: Breathtaking Everest views, Sherpa culture, and a bucket list adventure
The Everest Base Camp trek is a bucket-list adventure for all trekkers. It’s undoubtedly one of Nepal’s most iconic and best treks for any hiker wanting to experience the Himalayas.
In fact, it’s one of the best multi-day hikes in the world.
Starting from the small mountain airstrip in Lukla (flying in is a serious adventure), the journey takes you deep into the heart of the Khumbu region, home to the Sherpa people.
As you trek, you’ll ascend through pine forests and cross roaring rivers. You’ll pass iconic locations like Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery, and Dingboche.
This is what trekking in the Himalayas is all about.
While the trail isn’t too rugged, the biggest challenge is the altitude, with the trek’s highest point reaching 5,364 meters at the base camp.
You’ll need to take your time and budget for a few days of acclimatisation.
Along the way, the panorama of the Himalayas unfolds, with Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam dominating the skyline.
Beyond these iconic mountain peaks, the Everest Base Camp Trek also offers an opportunity to experience the unique Sherpa hospitality and culture in the villages and teahouses that line the route.
Although the trail is busy, especially during peak seasons, the sense of accomplishment when you reach Everest Base Camp is unmatched.
And if you’re after an even greater adventure, you can extend the trek to include Gokyo Lakes.
As one of Nepal’s best treks, it’s undoubtedly a popular and well-marked route.
However, you’ll still need plenty of logistical planning - which can be tricky in bustling Kathmandu if you’re new to Nepal.
That’s why we highly recommend taking a guided group trek, as all the logistical headaches and safety issues will be handled.
Check out our reputable and highly-rated Everest Base Camp guided treks for more details.
2. Manaslu Circuit
Trek distance: 180 km
Time required: 16 days
Best for: Remote and diverse landscapes, a fantastic route with fewer trekkers
The Manaslu Circuit is a hidden gem among Nepal’s treks. It offers a less commercialised experience compared to more popular routes.
Although it’s quieter, it’s still one of the best treks in Nepal for amazing Himalayan scenery.
The trek circles Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world. This is a journey through truly remote and untouched terrain.
The trail begins at Arughat and meanders through subtropical forests, alongside raging rivers, and through traditional Gurung and Tibetan villages.
Pro tip: If this sounds like the ideal adventure, you may also like hiking near Kathmandu!
As you ascend, the landscape changes dramatically, becoming more rugged and barren as you approach the high-altitude Larkya La Pass at 5,135 meters.
This pass is the trek’s highest point and offers jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks, including Manaslu.
The Manaslu Circuit also allows you to explore regions rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture, with ancient monasteries and mani walls dotting the route. Few people get to experience these places.
The trek is challenging due to the altitude and remote location, but the rewards are immense. It’s perfect for adventurous trekkers seeking solitude and unspoiled natural beauty.
3. Annapurna Circuit
Trek distance: 160 - 230 km
Time required: 10 - 17 days
Best for: Varied landscapes and cultural diversity
The Annapurna Circuit is a classic trek. It’s one of the best Nepal treks if you’re after a diverse hiking experience in the country.
Starting from the lush lowlands of the Marshyangdi Valley, the trail gradually ascends through a series of distinct ecological zones, from tropical forests to alpine meadows and, finally, the stark, windswept terrain of the Trans-Himalayan region.
Few long-distance treks take you through such a great range of landscapes.
Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional villages inhabited by the Gurung, Thakali, and Manangi people, each with its unique customs and architecture.
So, the trek is also a fantastic cultural experience!
The highlight of the trek is crossing the Thorong La Pass, at 5,416 meters, the highest point on the trail. This pass offers panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
The trek also takes you past significant religious sites, including the Hindu-Buddhist pilgrimage town of Muktinath.
Although recent road construction has shortened parts of the trek, it’s still a challenging and rewarding journey through some of Nepal’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes.
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4. Annapurna Sanctuary
Trek distance: 115 km
Time required: 10 - 14 days
Best for: Stunning mountain amphitheatre views
The Annapurna Sanctuary trek is an awe-inspiring journey into the heart of the Annapurna Massif.
Of all the best treks in Nepal, it’s also one of the more accessible for beginner hikers.
The trek kicks off in the subtropical foothills near Pokhara, passing through lush forests of rhododendrons and bamboo, terraced rice fields, and traditional Gurung villages.
As you steadily ascend, the trail leads you into the Annapurna Sanctuary—a natural amphitheatre surrounded by towering peaks.
These include Annapurna I, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli, which are all seriously impressive sights up close.
The sanctuary is a high glacial basin at 4,130 meters, and reaching it is definitely a highlight for many trekkers due to its breathtaking scenery and sense of isolation.
The trek does have its challenges, with a mix of steep ascents and descents, but the comfortable teahouses and the warmth of the local hospitality make it a pleasant experience for all dedicated hikers.
The trail is well-travelled, particularly in the peak seasons, but the incredible mountain views and the opportunity to experience the serene beauty of the Annapurna range make it one of Nepal’s most beloved treks.
5. Langtang Valley
Trek distance: 65 - 80 km
Time required: 7 - 8 days
Best for: A short and diverse trekking experience
Langtang Valley is perfect for anyone looking for a short but rewarding trek close to Kathmandu. It’s a convenient trek, but you won’t miss out on any superb Himalayan scenery if you do it.
The Langtang Valley is rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Its landscape includes forests, meadows, and glaciers.
The trek starts from Syabrubesi and takes you through traditional Tamang villages, where you can experience the local culture.
The trail offers stunning views of the Langtang Lirung peak and the surrounding Himalayan range.
If you have a bit more time, we recommend continuing the trek with an extension to the sacred Gosainkunda Lakes.
6. Kanchenjunga Base Camp
Trek distance: 220 km
Time required: 14 - 28 days
Best for: Remote trekking and solitude
The trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp is consistently considered one of the best hikes in Nepal for anyone wanting to experience the expanse of the Himalayan region.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp is a trek for those seeking solitude and adventure far from the crowded trails of Everest and Annapurna.
Located in the far eastern region of Nepal, this trek takes you to the base of the world’s third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga.
The trail passes through remote villages, dense forests, and high alpine meadows. The region is less developed for tourism, so you must be prepared to camp and stay in basic teahouses.
Bring your sense of adventure!
However, the area’s remoteness means you’ll have the mountains almost to yourself, making this a truly unique trekking experience in Nepal.
7. Ghandruk Loop
Trek distance: 25 km
Time required: 3 days
Best for: Beginners and those short on time
The Ghandruk Loop is an ideal short trek that offers a quick taste of the Annapurna region’s beauty.
Starting from Pokhara, the trek takes you through terraced fields, forests, and the picturesque Gurung village of Ghandruk.
The trail is relatively easy and can be done in just three days, which makes it perfect for beginners or travellers with limited time.
Despite being a short route, the trek still offers some of the most impressive views of the Annapurna range and the opportunity to experience the local culture.
It’s one of the best treks in Nepal for those looking to enjoy the Himalayas without committing to a longer, two-week-plus adventure.
8. The Great Himalayan Trail
Trek distance: 2,500 km
Time required: 50 - 160 days
Best for: The ultimate long-term trekking adventure
The Great Himalayan Trail is the ultimate trekking challenge, stretching from east to west across the Nepalese Himalayas.
This is a challenging trek to do, and it requires serious commitment and preparation.
But, if you’re interested in a long-term Himalayan immersion and want to tick off an ultimate bucket-list trek, this is the trail to do.
This epic trek requires significant time, physical endurance, and logistical planning.
The trail traverses some of the most remote and rugged regions of Nepal, passing through numerous high mountain passes, deep valleys, and isolated villages.
You’ll need to be prepared for all kinds of scenarios. Expect to run into bad weather conditions, too, as the long trek generally requires you to hike into new seasons.
Along the way, you’ll experience the full diversity of Nepal’s landscapes, cultures, and ecosystems - from the subtropical forests of the east to the arid, windswept plateaus of the west.
The trail can be divided into several sections, each offering unique challenges and rewards. While completing the entire trail in one go is a monumental achievement, most trekkers tackle it in segments over a few years.
The Great Himalayan Trail is an unparalleled adventure that offers a deep connection with Nepal’s diverse natural and cultural heritage.
9. Tamang Heritage Trail
Trek distance: 55 km
Time required: 6 days
Best for: Cultural immersion
The Tamang Heritage Trail is a culturally rich trek that offers profound insights into the lives and traditions of the Tamang people.
Starting from Syabrubesi, this trek takes you through several traditional Tamang villages, where you can stay in homestays and experience local customs and cuisine.
The trek is relatively easy and takes you through beautiful landscapes, terraced fields, forests, and panoramic viewpoints.
The cultural aspect of this trek is its highlight, with opportunities to visit ancient monasteries, interact with locals, and learn about Tamang Buddhist practices all along the way.
10. Nagarkot to Dhulikhel
Trek distance: 20 km
Time required: 1 day
Best for: Easy day hike with great views
This short trek from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel is one of the best hikes near Kathmandu. If you want stunning views of the Himalayas without being able to commit to a long trek, then choose this trail.
From Nagarkot, famous for its sunrise views over the mountains, the trail winds through forests and villages to the charming town of Dhulikhel.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan range, including peaks like Langtang and Dorje Lakpa.
The hike is easy and can be completed in a day, making it ideal for those looking for a quick escape from the city. However, you can take your time on it if you’re a slow trekker.
Summary
Trekking in Nepal requires a keen sense of adventure, regardless of your route. And if you love adventure, a trek in Nepal must be on your travel bucket list.
Exploring this high-altitude country by walking through the awe-inspiring mountain ranges is a truly unforgettable experience.
Inspired to start planning your Nepal trek? Look at our guided tours in Nepal for the easiest and safest way to experience the country’s trekking routes.
