Nepal is a beautiful landlocked country surrounded by Himalayan mountains. And one of the many things to do in Nepal is trekking. Many travelers visit this beautiful Himalayan country every year especially because of the wide variety of trekking trials that Nepal has on offer.
From short to long, easy to strenuous, low to high altitude trek, you name it and you will find it in Nepal.
Those trekkers who want to get the view of the Himalayas, yet are short on time, do not worry. There are plenty of short treks in Nepal that best suits your preferences.
So, without taking much time, let’s jump right into some of the best short treks that you can take in Nepal.
Table of Contents
Everest View Trek
Trip Duration: 07 Days
Max Altitude: 3,870 m, Everest View Hotel
Trip Difficulty: Easy
Everest View trek is one of the popular treks in Nepal. This is a short trek that lasts for about 7 days. This trek is a great option for those who do not have enough time to do the longer and popular trek like Everest Base Camp trek.
This trek starts from Lukla- known as the gateway to Everest after a short flight from Kathmandu or Ramechap (during peak season). The highest elevation you will reach is 3870 meter. During this trek, you will pass through Namche Bazaar. There, you will encounter the locals of the place i.e the Sherpas, famous as mountain climbers.
You will also get a chance to know about their culture and witness how life is like in the mountains. Moreover, doing a side trip from Namche Bazaar you will get a clear view of Mount Everest and Mount Ama Dablam which will surely blow your mind.
You will also pass through lush forests of pines and rhododendron flowers (if traveling during spring season).
The visit to Tyangboche monastery- the oldest monastery in Nepal will also serve a unique experience on its own.
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Pikey Peak Trek
Trip Duration: 05 Days
Max Altitude: 3,640 m, Pikey Base Camp
Trip Difficulty: Easy
Pikey Peak trek is a new trekking route in Khumbu where you will get to explore the Everest and lower Khumbu region.
This trek offers beautiful sunset and sunrise views over the nearby peaks. Along with the unique experience of Sherpa culture and lifestyle.
In this trek, you will get an opportunity to view the most esteemed Himalayan range in the world. This includes the Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Lhotse and many other snow-capped mountains.
The off-beaten less crowded hiking trail that is new, is great for those who don’t prefer to trek in a crowd
This trekking route was also the favorite trekking route of Edmund Hillary providing mesmerizing views of Mt. Everest from a lower elevation. Hence, Pikey peak trek is short yet one of the best treks in Nepal to see Everest closely without trekking up to the higher altitude.
The lush valleys, old monasteries, huge Mani walls, beautiful vegetation, and rhododendron forest. These are also some of the major attractions of this trek.
Annapurna Base Camp trek
Trip Duration: 05 – 09 Days From Pokhara
Max Altitude: 4,310 m
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Annapurna Base Camp trek is a famous trek in the Annapurna region. The journey to Annapurna Base Camp takes 9 days from Pokhara and passes via Ghorepani Poon Hill trek route. However, there is also another way that will pass through Syalu Bazaar or through Dhampus.
On this trek, you will get panoramic mountain views and visit spectacular villages. The trail passes through peaceful landscapes and bamboo forests.
As you reach the base of Annapurna range you will enjoy the 360- degree views of the chain of peaks. This includes Mount Dhaulagiri, Mount Machhapuchhre (also known as Mount Fishtail due to its peak looking alike tail of a fish) and several other peaks.
If you don’t have 9-day, then you can go for this 5 days Annapurna Base Camp trek; it can be bit challenging so prepare in advance before signing up for it.
Along the route, you will also get the opportunity to dip in the natural hot spring near Jhinu Danda. This is a moderate trek so it is important to have strong will power and determination.
The best time to take this trek is Spring and Autumn. However, if you wish to avoid crowds, you can choose other seasons.
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek
Trip Duration: 03 Days From Pokhara
Max Altitude: 3,210 m, Poon Hill
Trip Difficulty: Easy
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is another popular trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Yet, it is shorter than taking the Annapurna Base Camp trek.
This is an easy trek which is suitable for people with all age groups because of its lower elevations. After a short drive from Pokhara, you will reach Nayapul from where the trek starts.
On this trek, you will walk through ethnic Gurung and Magar villages in Ghorepani. You will cross the famous Ulleri and Ghandruk village too.
As you walk, the dense forests of rhododendron and terraced farms will accompany you. Also, you will witness diverse flora and fauna.
Once you reach Poon Hill, you will get the spectacular sunrise view over the majestic mountains. The mountains you will see from here are Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Hiuchuli, Nilgiri and many others.
The best part of this trek is that you can take this trek all year round. In winter you will even get to enjoy snow in Poon hill.
Mardi Himal Trek
Trip Duration: 04-05 Days
Max Altitude: 4,500 m, Mardi Himal Base Camp
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Mardi Himal trek is another short and adventurous trek in the Annapurna region. It is a new trekking route which is less famous among the tourists.
The duration of the trek is around 4-5 days and it starts from Phedi or Kande which is a roughly 45 minutes drive from Pokhara city.
During this trek, you will pass through lush rhododendron forests in lower elevations. Further, you will pass through the rugged mountainous terrain.
Slowly you will witness the panoramic views of Mardi Himal, Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Annapurna South and Himchuli Peaks. The trek also offers spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the beautiful mountains.
On the way to Deurali, you will cross many villages, terraced fields, and exotic landscapes. This trek is possible all year round. Especially during Spring, the trek is pleasant and colorful with the blooms of Rhododendrons and Magnolia.
Trekking in winter offer the clearest views under the blue sky. However, one should be ready to face the cold in winters.
Anyone with moderate fitness level can take this trek as it is not as difficult as other classic treks.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Trip Duration: 05 Days From Pokhara
Max Altitude: 3,800 m, Muktinath
Trip Difficulty: Easy
Jomsom Muktinath trek is actually a part of the larger and famous Annapurna Circuit trek. However, for those who are in a crunch of time, you can complete this trek in as little as 5 days.
During this trek, you will not trek higher than 12,000 ft. so altitude sickness is rarely an issue.
The trail follows an ancient trade route along the Kali Gandaki river.
On the way, you will pass through caves, ruins of ancient forts and Buddhist monasteries. Also, you will get the lush scenery that consists of forests of dazzling rhododendrons to desert and rocky cliffs.
Sometimes the landscape on this trek resembles the moon. During this trek, it is possible to see eight of the 20 highest mountains on Earth. Some of which are Dhaulagiri Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, etc.
The area gets very little rain making it the best trek to take in Nepal even during monsoon.
Langtang Valley Trek
Trip Duration: 07 Days
Max Altitude: 4,984 m, Tserko Ri
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Langtang Valley trek lies in the northern region of Nepal. British travel writer, explore and mountaineer, Bill Tilman, called Langtang valley as one of the world’s most beautiful valleys.
The trek starts from Syabrubesi in the Langtang region. The trek is relatively easy and is often much less busy than other popular treks in the Annapurna and Everest region.
Set in the wild and rural landscape, you can take this trek within 10 days. The terrain is ever changing from deep gorges and sub-tropical forests to farming pastures and semi-arid areas.
The settlements of mixed cultural inhabitants, classical monasteries and Gompas adds to this place’s beauty. Also, you will get to witness the diverse flora and fauna in the Alpine forests.
The main highlight of the trek is the spectacular mountain views in the clean surrounding. Langtang Himal, Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri, Dorje Lakpa are some of the mountains you will see.
To add, the waterfall and different glaciers at lower elevations will be something interesting to see during this trek. Also, you will have the privilege to see the Langtang National park, house for Red Panda.
Gosaikunda Trek
Trip Duration: 07 Days
Max Altitude: 4,380 m, Gosaikunda Lake
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Gosaikunda trek lies in the Langtang region of Nepal. It is famous for its spectacular and breathtaking scenic beauty. Gosaikunda is also a sacred place both for Hindus and Buddhists.
People believe that once you bathe in this holy lake, all your pain and sins will wash away. Moreover, Gosaikunda trek grants the chance to the trekkers and adventure admirers to explore the land that is very far behind the time.
You can take this trek within 7 days. And the trek starts from Dhunche and you will walk across the rocky terrain to reach Gosaikunda lake. The alpine freshwater lake is the major source of the Trishuli river.
The best time to visit this lake is during Monsoon and Autumn when there is less cold and snow on the roadways. Along the trail, you will pass through lush forest, rhododendron, oak, bamboo and beautiful settlement of Tamang and Sherpa.
During this trek, you will also get the chance to visit yak farms and local cheese factories.
Kathmandu Valley Trek
The surroundings of the Kathmandu valley consists of a chain of lush hills. These hillocks are short day trek which is easier to climb. Hence while you are in Kathmandu you have many options to go on a one day trek.
These treks give you a chance to get an eagles eye view of the entire Kathmandu valley. You will have a great time walking along the serpentine pathways. Nagarkot Chisapani Trek is one of the best option to explore mountains and lush green forest surrounding Kathmandu valley.
Moreover, the typical countryside settlements of different ethnic groups will entice you. The best part is you can choose to take these trek at any time of the year. During Spring, the hillocks bloom in rhododendron and other wildflowers.
While in Monsoon the roadway can be wet and slippery yet, adventurous. So, some of the short treks that you can take in the Kathmandu valley are Chandragiri trek, Ranikot hike, Shivapuri trek, Champadevi Hill day hike, etc.
Dolakha – Kalinchowk Trek
Trip duration: 3-4 days
Max Elevation: 3842 meters (Kalinchowk Temple)
Trip difficulty: Moderate
Kalinchowk is a popular Hindu shrine in the eastern hills at Dolakha district of Nepal. This is a short trek about 150 km away from Kathmandu.
This trek is great for those who do not have enough time to go to the northern mountains. The trek starts from Charikot- a district headquarter of Dolakha District.
After a walk of 19 km from Charikot, you will reach Kuri village. From Kuri village, you will climb steeply uphill and you are on the hilltop of Kalinchowk shrine.
This place offers the stunning view of Mt. Gaurishankar, Jugal, Annapurna and the Everest. You will also witness different culture and caste of the local people along with their warm hospitality.
On this trek, you will have the opportunity to stroll around the Gaurishankar Conservation area. If you are lucky, you can enjoy the snowfall in this region. Many people visit the shrine esp during winter to get the spectacular mountain views and to enjoy the live snowfall.
Sarangkot-Dhampus Trek
Trip duration: 5 days
Max Elevation: 1600 meters
Trip difficulty: Easy
It is one of the shortest treks from Pokhara valley. The trek starts from Phedi which is a 45 minutes drive from the main Pokhara city.
Sarangkot rests on the western rim of Pokhara valley. It is a famous vantage point for sunrise views and it’s one of the best things to do while in Pokhara.
Tourists every year flock to this place to get the spectacular sunrise views from behind the majestic mountain peaks.
From the hilltop, you will get amazing sight of Annapurna South, Fishtail, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli and many other peaks.
This trek is favorable all year round and is suitable for people of all age groups. This is a low altitude trek which is why you do not have to worry about altitude. It is also the famous alternative of Annapurna view trek.
On the way, you will encounter typical Gurung and mixed village in Dhampus. Spending time with the locals will give you a deep insight into their culture and lifestyle.
Overall, it is a great short trek that you can enjoy with your family members or a group of friends, etc.
Conclusion
You can choose any of these short treks in Nepal which are ideal options for the trekkers who have limited time for trekking in Nepal.
You can choose any one that fits your timing and preference. All you have to do is choose a suitable season.
Spring and Autumn are the best season to trek in Nepal with favorable weather in Nepal. Hence advance booking is important. However, if you wish to trek in peace with the lesser crowd, opt for an off-season.
For further question or queries, please feel free to contact us. It is our pleasure to guide and help you in planning the trip for you.
Want more information? Send us your query, and our experts will get back to you within 24 hrs.
Madhav started working as a porter in 2001 and then moved on to work as a trekking guide. After working in the trekking and tourism industry for eight years, he co-founded Mosaic Adventure in 2009.
Madhav has trekked to most of the trekking destinations in Nepal, including Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Jomsom Muktinath Trek, Indigenous Peoples Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and all of the day hikes around Kathmandu.
He has also extensively traveled to other countries such as Australia, the USA, the UK, France, Hong Kong, Japan, China, the Philippines, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Thailand, Turkey, and India. Madhav is the one who answers most of your questions about trekking and tours and helps to plan your trip by giving a personal touch.
