Top 5 Best Short Treks in Nepal

Take a break and embark on a breath-taking journey in the land of Himalayas.

Take a break and embark on a breath-taking journey in the land of Himalayas. Nepal, home of 8 highest peaks in the World, houses the Everest (8848m)-tallest of them all, and innumerable other peaks with idiosyncrasies of their own. While the Himalayan range forms a great white wall up north, everyone should have in their bucket list a trek around these famous peaks.  

Trekking in Nepal is a defining experience. From the highest point on Earth to the deepest ravines and beautiful valleys, treks in Nepal are a challenge for their trails as they lead through the heart of beautiful landscape. Trails along sparkling blue streams and sumptuous green forests are an experience topped only by the bio and cultural diversity on offer. Nepal is formed of Terai plains, undulating hills, and snow-capped mountains encompassing several religious sect and tribe. The local spirit and hospitality of Himalayan folks will melt your heart as you take on a journey to their land. The best part of trekking in Nepal- there is something for everyone no matter your age, level of experience, or trekking ability. And it gets even more alluring with a lovely climate throughout the year. Trekking in Nepal is popularly undertaken during spring (March-May) and autumn (September –November).

With an abundance of gorgeous territories and trekking routes, Nepal has a lot in store. Famous trails include the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp Trek, and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek along the picturesque lower Annapurna region as well as low profile trails around Kathmandu Valley like the Chisopani Nagarkot Trek. And this is just the Himalayas in the picture, Terai plains-south of Kathmandu- is a different challenge altogether.

The high passes in Khumbu region and majestic Annapurna call you to take on an adventure of a lifetime, to satiate a longing, a story waiting to be written. It is our belief that a trek will do you good and as Jack Kerouac said, "Because, in the end, you won't remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain"

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

Undoubtedly one the best of this lot, Ghorepani Poonhill trek is a short trek for those on a crunch schedule with a dilemma of taking up a prolonged trek into the Himalayas. This trek will present some of the finest vistas on offer in the Annapurna region as you trek along the famous Annapurna Circuit. The best part of this trip is an unobstructed view of Dhaulagiri I (8167m), Tukuche Peak (6920), Nilgiri (7061m), Annapurna South (7937m), Annapurna I (8091m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), Lamjung (6983m), and Manaslu Himal (8163m) to name a few.

A 10-days journey this, it begins with a drive from Pokhara to Sudame. While a fairly easy trek, Ghorepani Poonhill trek turns up the heat from Sudame with grueling flights of stairs to overcome before Banthanti. The first glimpse of Himalayas with a fascinating view of Machhapuchhre (6997m) is guaranteed. Ghorepani, the next stop, is a beautiful village with some of the best tea houses in this region. With the tall mountains in Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges standing in front of the eyes, the next challenge will be a famous viewpoint-Poon Hill. Early morning climb is rewarding as an exquisite show of the sun rising over the Himalayas unfolds. Tadapani and Ghandruk will be the final stops of Ghorepani Poonhill trek. Ghandruk is a beautiful village with a predominant Gurung settlement. A taste of their warm hospitality and the beauty of the Annapurna region will be the cherry on top. The cost of the trek varies upon the number of participants and the route taken. 

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Constantly ranked in the top 10 treks, the short Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is a 7-day trek in the Annapurna region. It is a shorter version of the 14-day trek across the ABC. View the grand Annapurna Massif, dwell into the lives of Himalayan folks, and appreciate a thought of Heaven on Earth with this venture into the Himalayas.

This trek starts in Pokhara with a road trip. Phedi, the stop, will also mark the start of this trek with a short hike to Tolka. With gorgeous valleys and rhododendron forests to be traversed, this trek shapes itself with views of Machhapuchhre (6997m) and Annapurna (8091m) in the frame. A purpose filled trek to Chhomrong and Dovan will test intentions and physique. Two of the highlights of this trek, Machhapuchhre Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp are next. These base camps are nestled in the lap of the Himalayas and prove to be the most glorious of sites to relish the sights of Himalayas and that too however far you set your sights. With words failing to describe this awe-inspiring experience, views of terraced fields, high passes, isolated terrain and of course the great white walls of Annapurna South will make this trek a classic adventure into the Himalayas. This trek varies in cost as per the traveling trekkers and the route undertaken. 

Chisopani Nagarkot Trek

A low key trek in the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, the Chisopani Nagarkot trek is a 6-days trek, popular for its short duration and easy access with majestic Himalayan views. With a glimpse of the beautiful countryside, this is more of a trek for those with the stamina of a bull of course. One can undertake this trek while in Kathmandu before venturing into the more challenging Himalayan trek of the Annapurna and Everest Base Camp among others. It includes a short hike from Sundarijal to Chisopani on the first day followed by a trek to Nagarkot on the second. 

The trail for Chisopani Nagarkot trek starts at Sundarijal. Follow a fresh-water pipeline with the trail heading uphill along a flight of stairs. A famous landmark in this trail is the Shivapuri Wildlife Reserve which is also a viewpoint of Ganesh Himal (7422m), Gaurishankar range and Mount Dorje Lakpa (6966m). Also, this trek adds up as a heritage trek with the trails going past Mulkharka and Borlang Bhanjyang. These are small settlements of Tamang tribe-known to be horse traders from Tibet. The hike to Nagarkot will be another thrilling experience with trails going past desolate lands and through the lush green forest. Nagarkot is a viewpoint of sunrise and the Himalayan range. This trek is suitable for solo trekkers as well as families and will vary in cost as per the number of participants. 

Dhampus Sarangkot Trek

A trip to Pokhara is incomplete without the sunrise view from Sarangkot-a viewpoint north of Pokhara city. So why not add a trekking experience that culminates in the mesmerizing views of Machhapuchhre (6997m) and Annapurna (8091m) at sunrise? Dhampus Sarangkot trail is the perfect getaway for folks planning to get a quick outing in the lower Annapurna region.

The Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is a 3-day trek that starts from Phedi as a ride along the curvaceous road from Pokhara city leads there. A steep climb ensues as the trail clears past terraced fields and lush rhododendron forest to the picturesque village of Dhampus. The beauty of this village is enhanced by striking views of Mount Annapurna (8091m) and Machhapuchhre (6997m) as well as the architecture of this hillside settlement inhabited by Gurung. This Himalayan tribe is best known for their warm hospitality and compassion. Enjoy the evening with a cultural show and set out for Sarangkot the next day. It is best known as a viewpoint of the sunrise over the hills which lights up the Himalayas in a spectacular show.

Mount Everest View Trek

Most folks dream of a successful Everest summit. Some dreams die, some incomplete, and souls are lost in this quest. A trip to the Khumbu region will give a glimpse of this towering challenge. And a trek to appreciate this gigantic peak is the Mount Everest View trek. This short 11-days trek leads to the famous Sherpa town of Namche Bazaar and offers a first-hand view of the highest peak on Earth.

An exciting trip of the Khumbu region starts with a flight to Lukla. This airstrip is perched atop a hill and one of the extreme airports to land onto. A trek to Phakding ensues upon landing in Lukla. Glimpses of Mount Kusum Khangkaru (6367m) and Ama Dablam (6856m) are guaranteed as the trek along lush green forests and Khumbu valley ends at Phakding. Moving on through another stretch of thick forest and over the Dudh Koshi River, the trail enters Sagarmatha National Park. Namche Bazaar is the ultimate stop. This ancient trade center of the Himalayas is home to the Hotel Everest View. The whole trek centers on this spot, also a viewpoint, as it offers an unobstructed panorama of the Mount Everest (Sagarmatha). After this satisfying experience, a trip to Khumjung village follows. This trek will be a combination of an inspiring visit of the Khumbu region, an opportunity to learn about the Himalayan lifestyle and Sherpa culture. 

Nepal offers a great many options for travel and in similar fashion guarantees inexplicable experiences to keep you company for your lives. Nepal Ascent Treks brings you some of these most exciting trek packages with an opportunity to unravel beautiful trails and explore exciting locales spread across this country. We advise you to start planning and get in touch if you need any assistance in regards to trekking information, bookings, and another special requirement. We are ready to help you select the best package and organize a memorable trip.