10 best short treks in Nepal

The best way to experience the diverse landscapes and Nepali culture is through the short treks in Nepal. This brief adventure requires no longer time commitment and can be done in 3 to 6 days. This blog covers the topic “10 best short treks in Nepal.” So, read till the last to know about some of the best treks that can be done in a short period in the Himalayan nation, of Nepal.

The short treks are possible thanks to Mother Nature. From the blessings of Mother Nature,  Nepal has diverse landscapes. The diversity of landscapes can be defined as the lush green valleys and snow-capped peaks.

The short treks also align with the budget. It is short and the overall cost of the trek is also relatively low. The fewer the days, the lower the accommodation, food, and permit costs. So, it fits almost every travel enthusiast.

In terms of difficulty, short trekking in Nepal is an easy adventure sport. It doesn’t require technical climbing skills. Even a beginner with some physical training can do the treks easily. The trek grade is easy to moderate.

The best part of the short trek is that you get exposed to the unique culture and traditions of Nepal. Everyone loves to be part of the unique festival celebrations and cultural activities after hours of trekking.

Best short treks in Nepal

1. Poon Hill Trek

The poon Hill is the famous short Sun Rise and an admiring trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. An ideal trek for some breathtaking views of mountains and thrill in short spacing Summit Trek The duration of this brief trek is around 3-5 days.

Highlights

• Breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges from the poon Hill viewpoint
• Experiencing the rich culture and warm hospitality of Gurung and Magar communities
• Sightseeing of the diverse wildlife like monkeys, musk deer, snow leopards, and so on
• Enjoying walking through the lush green forests, rocky trails and alpine meadows
• Jaw-dropping rhododendron bloom during the spring season

Poon Hill trek difficulty: Easy-Moderate Difficulty: This is because you will be following paths that contain stone steps, rocky sections, and loose gravel parts on your trek. And 3250 m is the highest you will get.

Best Part: You also do not need to walk more than 45 km combined, for the beautiful panoramic view of snowy peaks. Hence, we can conclude it is an easy to moderate trek.

2. Balthali village trek

Balthali village trek can be well appreciated as a short, easy family and friends trekking. This trek consists of the stunning views of Langtang, Gaurishankar, Everest and many more.

You will walk through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and of course traditional villages throughout this trek. This is yet another trek around a capital city: in this case, just 40 km southeast of Kathmandu.

Highlights

• Stunning views of the peaks like Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurishankar and Everest ranges
• Visit the sacred Buddhist sites
• Explore the well-preserved Newari town of Panauti
• Hike through the diverse landscapes and lush green forests
• Experiencing the unique culture and lifestyle

Duration and difficulty

In terms of difficulty level, the Balthali village trek is a moderate difficulty level trek. You can complete this trek in 3-6 days and can go for the trek even if you are old aged or younger. The overall trek can be completed by just hiking for around 3 hours per day.

3. Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek is the another popular trek in the Langtang region. During the journey you can also get to enjoy some amazing views of the mountains and that itself is a joy. This walk will give you an experience of Tibetan culture and mountains.

On the way, you cross through monasteries, cheese factories, and scenic spots of Langtang National Park. Another thing is you can not go trekking for the Langtang region on your own so be ready to go with a guide.

Highlights of the trek

• Visit Nepal’s first Himalayan national park, Langtang National Park
• Visit the ancient Kyanjin Gompa
• Trek through traditional Tamang villages
• Views of the Langtang Lirung
• Bird watching
• Opportunity to witness Himalayan black bears, snow leopards, red pandas, etc.

Duration and difficulty level

You can complete the Langtang Valley trek in 6-9 days. The total distance you will cover during the trek is 77 km and the max elevation is 3830 m so, the difficulty level is easy to moderate. This trek is for both experienced and novice. Basic fitness and preparations are needed to tackle altitude-related problems.

4. Everest View Trek

The Everest view trek is a simple trek that begins from the Lukla or Namche Bazaar and you may achieve it in a few days. You will pass by Namche and get time to capture the stunning peaks of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, etc from the distance.

The delicious Sherpa meals in addition to the interaction with locals are the special thing about the trek. Such meets and cross-culture interactions not only aid in developing your social ability but also in gaining a better understanding of the other culture.

Highlights of the trek

• Jaw-dropping views of Mt Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, etc
• Trekking in the Sagarmatha National Park
• Witness the diverse natural flora and fauna
• Visit the Sherpa settlements like Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Khunde, etc.
• Visit to Tengboche monastery.

Duration and difficulty

You can complete this trek in just 5-7 days with your friends or families. This trek is easy and requires no prior experience to go for this trek. The trek demands just 4-6 hrs of trekking per day.

5. Ghandruk Trek

The Ghandruk trek in the Annapurna region is perfect if you are looking for a few days of Himalayan nature experience in between beautiful landscapes. It is a naturally beautiful trek of its kind. It is a way of understanding Gurung culture and traditional ethics where Ghandruk village happens to be located.

The trek begins in Nayapul and goes through the charming Ghandruk villages. You will also pass through rhododendron forests, lady fields, and stone steps on the way.

Trek highlights

• Immerse in the Gurung culture
• Jaw-dropping views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre peaks
• Visit the traditional Gurung villages like Ghandruk
• Visit the Gurung museum
• Explore the ancient architecture and arts

Duration and difficulty level

Unlike the trip, this is a three- to four-day long trek. Even if you are a total beginner or amateur trekker, you still can go for this beautiful Ghandruk trek. This can also be done with friends and family. The higher altitude of this trek is Ghorepaani at 3210m.

6. Helambu Trek

The Helambu trek is the trek in the Langtang region where you can experience the unique blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion. Interestingly, this trek trail is located in the northeast of the Kathmandu city.

Highlights of the trek

• Visit to the Sherpa and Tamang villages
• Visit the Buddhist monasteries, shrines, and stupas
• Witness the rare red panda species
• Stunning views of the Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, etc.
• Trek through beautiful rhododendron and bamboo forest
• Trek through Langtang National Park

Trek duration and difficulty

You can complete this trek in just 5-7 days. In terms of difficulty level, this trek requires no prior experience to go. The maximum altitude that you will trek is 3650 m which is manageable with some basic physical training and preparations.

7. Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is a short trek in the Annapurna Region, Nepal. The trek begins from Kande and finishes at Siding village. On the way during the trek, you will get to see an amazing view of mountains like Machhapuchhre in front and other snowcapped high Himalayas around as well. In the Mardi Himal region, there would be foods of diverse ranges additionally in the teahouses. If your stomach is still grumbling while reading this then pack up and start on with the trek.

Highlights of the trek

• Stunning views of the Annapurna massif, Mardi Himal, and Machhapuchhre mountains
• Trek through the Gurung settlements
• Immerse in the Gurung culture and traditions
• Opportunity to witness the diverse flora and fauna

Duration and difficulty level

You can trek Mardi Himal area in a matter of 4-5 days.

Grade: Moderate to difficult (40 km. trek). You will only need to walk 6-7 hours on an average day and you need to be fairly fit and prepared. If you have never gone for trekking, do not worry. You can still go!

8. Dhampus Trek

The culture, adventure, and thrill involved in it make Dhampus Trek even more exceptional. A short walk to the Gurung village of Dhampus at 1520 m and passing through lakeside Pokhara and other scenic villages are the perfect words to describe the trek.

Highlights of the trek

• Visit the traditional Dhampus village
• Glorious views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges
• Walk among beautiful woodland fields of the countryside
• Views of Himalayan peaks from sunrise and sunset
• Interaction with Gurung peoples

Trek duration and difficulty

The trek duration to the Dhampus village is 3-4 days. People of all age groups and skill levels can give a try to this trek. The overall trek grade is easy to moderate level.

9. Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is one of the shortest trekking offering a visit to the famous hill station, Nagarkot. In route to this place, visit a fascinating spot in Chisapani from where the Langtang, Ganesh-Manaslu, and Jugal-Himal ranges look like awesome.

There is no high altitude trekking as the highest point you will be to, during the trek would not exceed 2300m.  Also there aren’t any hectic activity. This Trek is the ideal trial for families where they can experience a holiday seat that is adrenaline-packed.

Highlights of the trek

• Stunning views of Mt Everest, Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu, and Jugal Himal
• Visit to the Changunarayan temple
• Sunrise views of the Himalayan peaks
• Trek through Shivapuri National Park
• Glimpse into the rural Nepali’s life

Trek duration and difficulty

You can complete this trek in just 3 days. This trek is beginner-friendly and can go with friends and families. So, it can be said that the overall trek difficulty is easy to moderate.

10. Royal Trek

The royal trek is the easy trek that takes you to the popular Begnas lake. During the journey, you will get to visit the popular destinations like Kalikasthan, Syaklung and Chisapani. Along the route, there are rice fields, forests, lakes, and traditional villages.

Highlights of the trek

• Jaw dropping views of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre peaks
• Trek through the lush valleys, terraced fields and traditional villages
• Learn about the rich culture of the Gurung and Magar communities
• Trek through the Gurung and Magar settlements

Duration and difficulty level

You can complete this trek in just 4-5 days. The maximum altitude that you will reach is around 1730 m during the trek. And the average walking duration per day is just 5-6 hrs. per day. So, it can be said that the royal trek is easy trek and families and beginners can go for the trek.

Final words

While going for the short treks in Nepal, you should be moderately fit and should not be associated with chronic diseases. These treks can be enjoyed with friends and families and are beginner-friendly. Also, these treks are affordable and take you to the traditional and culturally rich villages.

All of the above-mentioned treks are fulfilling in their own way. The destinations and the treks define Nepal as a trekking paradise. Trekking is one such activity that brings you away from the bustling city life to nature.

Finally, we can say that the rich world of cultural and spiritual beauty between thrilling mountains is in Nepal. Local cuisines and warm hospitality make your trek an unforgettable one. Try these treks once.