Top 10 Best Treks in Nepal for 2024
Top 10 Best Treks in Nepal for Visit Nepal 2024
Nepal, a mystical country in the lap of the Himalayas, is best known for providing amazing trekking experiences. The trekking trails pass through serene villages and vibrant alpine forests. Not to forget the majestic mountains in the backdrop!
Visitors have multiple trekking route options to choose best treks in Nepal, as per their preference in the land of the Himalayas.
There are short treks like Ghorepani-Poonhill and Helambu Trek. These short treks last a week or less. There are long treks which last from a week up to two weeks, for example of best treks in Nepal, Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek and Upper Mustang Trek. Also, there are cultural and social treks that enable tourists to visit lesser-known areas and learn about the local culture and lifestyle. Example of such trek includes Mardi Himal Trek and Khorpa Danda Trek. Also, there are historical treks like Guerilla Trek for people keen on history topics.
The Government of Nepal has announced 2020 as a tourism year (Visit Nepal 2020). Hence, the country is trying to make conditions favorable to welcome as many tourists as possible. Some of the Top 10 Best Treks in Nepal for 2024 are:
Everest Base Camp Trek
Hiking uphill through the Sagarmatha National park, you can interact with the local Sherpas while admiring the view of some of the tallest mountains of the world – Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Lhotse.
The journey involves flying to Lukla from Kathmandu airport, followed by trekking to pass through Phakding and reach Namche Bazar. Namche Bazar is where tourists stop for acclimatization. On the acclimatization day, trekkers can hike up to the Everest View hotel. They can enjoy their fresh organic breakfast with a stunning view of the Everest along with Thamserku, the Kongde RI, and Ama Dablam peaks. Later, they can visit Khunde and Khumjung village, buy souvenirs, visit Khumjung Monastery, or visit the school built by Sir Edmund Hilary.
After acclimatization day, the journey moves forward through Dudhkoshi and Imja river valley towards Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and finally Gorakshep. The base camp is located at Gorakshep. But for the better view, visitors hike up to Kala Patthar, the highest viewpoint. The next day involves reaching Pheriche from Gorakshep before descending to Lukla.
EBC trek is a challenging one (reaches up to the altitude of 5545 m), but the mesmerizing scenery of mountains, glaciers, icefalls, and village make it worthy.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Suitable for all age groups, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is an easy seven days long trek. The trails move through the Kali Gandaki gorge, beautiful rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung villages, and holds jaw-dropping views of Hiuchuli, Machhapuchhre massif, Annapurna (I, III, and south), Gangapurna, and Barah Sikhar.
The journey starts with driving or flying to Pokhara, and walking from Nayapul to Ghandruk. From Ghandruk, the path ascends to Dovan via Chhomrong village. The next stop is the Machhapuchhre base camp. This region is referred to as the Annapurna Sanctuary, as the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiuchuli surround it.
The final ascend will be up to Annapurna base camp (4130 m) which takes about 2 hours from the sanctuary. As this is the southern base camp, the landscape holds much of the southern slope of the great Annapurna massif. The return journey begins with the descend to Jhinu Danda through Dovan. There is a natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda where travelers can wash away their fatigue and relax before returning to Pokhara.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The thrilling Manaslu peak lies in between Annapurna to the west and Ganesh Himal to the east. There is a path that encircles this giant Manaslu massif, known as the Manaslu circuit. The circuit is physically demanding. It winds its way upwards through the rice and paddy fields of Soti Khola to challenging narrow paths on the cliffs running beside the Budhi Gandaki River. Despite its difficulty, the vista in the surroundings makes it worthwhile.
Driving to Arughat from Kathmandu, the expedition unravels. The circuit covers Machha Khola, Philim, Ghap, Lho, Namrung, Samagaon, Samdo, Dharmasala Larke La and beautiful Bimtang, before ending at Chyamche.
There is a natural hot spring near Machha Khola where tourists can relax while enjoying the tranquility of the surrounding. The exclusive features of this trek are the view of Syaule, Naike, Manaslu, Himchuli, Larke, and Cho peaks along with blue lakes and glaciers, waterfalls, and the rich biodiversity of the region. It takes up to two weeks to complete the trek.
Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang valley is home to the endangered red panda, Himalayan bears, deer, and pheasants and not to forget the friendly Tamangs and Bhote. The trek route runs through rhododendron and bamboo forests, with occasional sight of waterfalls, and mesmerizing view of snow-capped mountains.
Langtang Valley trek has been welcoming thousands of tourists every year. The trek begins from Syabrubensi. Trekkers need to drive to Syabrubensi from the capital city of Kathmandu. The final destination of the trek is Kyanjin Ri (4479 m) through Mundu and Lama Hotel. However, the trek is incomplete without hiking further up to Tserko Ri (5000 m) to watch the astonishing sunrise through Langtang peaks, Kimshing, and Dorje Lakpa peaks.
The seven-day long trip even takes the visitors to the holy Kyanjin Gompa and glaciers of Kimshung, Langtang Lirung, and Langshisha Ri.
Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang region is situated behind the Himalayas on the Tibetan plateaus. This mysterious land was a kingdom until recent times. Trekking in the Upper Mustang was open to the world only 15 years ago and is highly restricted even today. Only a few get the permit to travel with the government-appointed officials.
The ultimate destination of the trek is the capital of the lost kingdom, Lo Manthang. To reach the capital, visitors need to make their way through the medieval salt-trade route via Jomsom, Kagbeni, Chele, Syangmochen, and Ghami. As this region lies behind the Himalayas, it holds panorama different from any other trekking destination.
The dusty, arid landscapes, with the clear prevalence of the Tibetan culture, make it more interesting. The Chortens, and prayer flags, cave houses, and red cliff prayer walls make this trek interesting. The total duration of the trip is about 17 days.
Pikey Peak Trek
Situated in the Everest region, Pikey peak trek is a lesser-known, but an enchanting trek route. Sir Edmund Hilary said that he loves the view of the Everest the most from the Pikey Peak base camp.
The duration of the trek depends on trekkers. It can be completed in 3 days or extended up to 7 days. Driving to Dhap from Kathmandu, the journey begins. From Dhap, one will be walking towards Pikey peak through Sigane and Japre. The best part of the trek is the sunrise through the Everest peaks as seen from the summit. The return journey becomes more interesting with a visit to Thubten Chholing monastery at Junbesi.
Khopra Danda Trek
Khopra Danda Trek is an alternative to Ghorepani-Poonhill trek. The trek enables trekkers to watch the magical sunrise from Mt. Dhaulagiri at Dobato. The Khopra Danda Trek is a new and less popular route, thus allowing one to enjoy nature in a calmer and quieter surroundings.
With the drive to Nayapul from Pokhara, hikers will reach Tadapani through the serene Gurung village of Ghandruk. From Tadapani, it takes a day to reach Khopra danda through off-beaten trails via Bayeli Kharka.
From the viewpoint at Khorpa Danda, one can see the entire Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre range along with Hiuchuli, Lamjung, and Nilgiri peaks. On the return journey from Khopra, trekkers will pass through Tatopani which has a hot spring, open to all. The duration of the trek is 7-10 days.
Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek
The glorious Mt. Kanchenjunga lies in east Nepal, sharing the border with Sikkim (India), and Tibet. Being the third tallest in the world, the Kanchenjunga North Base Camp Trek is quite challenging.
The journey follows an off-beaten road along the Tamor and Ghunsa River, paddy and millet fields, and green bamboo forests. One needs to pass through the villages of Mitlung, Chiruwa, Sekathum, Amjilosa, Gyabla, Ghunsa, and Lhonak before reaching the base camp at Pangpema, from Taplejung. Trekkers can have a splendid view of Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt. Jannu, and Mt Chang from the base camp.
The journey is made more exciting by the cave exploration at Chirwa, waterfalls at Amjilosa and Gyabla, Sherpa village and monastery at Ghunsa and Lhonak. It takes 20 days to complete this trek.
Nar-Phu Valley and Tilicho Lake Trek
This is another marvelous trail in the Annapurna region. The trail takes one to the world’s highest lake via two beautiful Buddhist Villages. It involves 15 days of walking through the trans-Himalayan landscape.
The tour involves driving till Dharapani and walking up to Phu valley through Koto, Dharmashala, Meta and Chyaku. A day is required to explore Phu valley, before hiking up to Nar. These villages are inhabited by mixed ethnic tribes that follow Buddhism. Hence, the valleys are decorated with prayer flags and lush pasture lands.
Moving ahead towards Tilicho, trekkers will need to pass through Kang La Pass, Ngawal, and Manang. On the way, gushing waterfalls, Gangapurna glaciers, Tashi Lakhang Monastery, and Gompas add to the beauty of the trail. The trek passes through one of the highest passes and is likely to be challenging.
Upper Dolpo Trek
Dolpo is one of the least developed regions in Nepal, and the trek through it includes very high Kang La and Jyang La pass. This trek is less popular among tourists.
The trek requires about 22 days of walking from Nepalgunj. The first attraction of the trip is the Phoksundo Lake. Travelers will reach Phoksundo via Juphal, Dunai, and Sulighat. The majestic waterfall becomes “cherry on top” to the astonishing view of the lake from the ridge. Next on the stop is Ringmo, a Tibetan village. Continuing the journey to Phoksundo Bhanjyang, one will have to walk beside Phoksundo Khola and ascend to the Kang La Pass. With the view of Chamlang peak on sight, the path ascends to Shey Gompa. Shey village is the only remaining Bon village.
Ahead, the trekker will make their journey back to Juphal through the villages of Namduna, Saldang, Yangze Gompa, Sibu, Jeng-la Phedi, Tokyu, Dho Tarap, Tarap Khola, Khanigaon, Tarakot, and finally Dunai. Each village has a “must-visit” monastery.
Conclusion
“Experience the Unforgettable Visit Ever”, Nepal has opened up more exciting possibilities to explore the enchanting Himalayan region. Different organizations are coming up with different ideas to make the conditions favorable to welcome as many tourists as possible.