Nepal is the trekking capital of the world. Eight of the world's fourteen 8,000 m peaks rise within or on its borders, and a network of ancient trails connects villages, monasteries and high passes across the Himalaya. From short walks near Pokhara to month-long expeditions in remote valleys, there is a trek for every level of fitness, time and ambition.
Choosing just one can be hard. We asked our guides and trip planners for their 15 best treks in Nepal. Here is the list, with how long each takes, how hard it is and who it suits. We have walked all of them many times, and we love them for different reasons.
Quick answer: the best treks in Nepal are Everest Base Camp, the Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Base Camp, the Manaslu Circuit, Gokyo Lakes, Langtang Valley, Upper Mustang, the Everest Three Passes, Ghorepani Poon Hill and Mardi Himal, plus remote gems such as Kanchenjunga, Makalu, Tsum Valley, Nar Phu and Rara Lake.
The best treks at a glance
| Trek | Days | Max altitude | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everest Base Camp | 12–14 | 5,545 m | Moderate–challenging | The classic Everest trek |
| Annapurna Circuit | 12–18 | 5,416 m | Moderate–challenging | Variety and a high pass |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 10–12 | 4,130 m | Moderate | Mountain amphitheatre, road access |
| Manaslu Circuit | 14–16 | 5,106 m | Challenging | Quieter circuit, Tibetan culture |
| Gokyo Lakes | 12–13 | 5,357 m | Moderate–challenging | Lakes and panoramas |
| Everest Three Passes | 18–21 | 5,535 m | Strenuous | Experienced trekkers |
| Langtang Valley | 7–10 | 4,984 m | Moderate | High valleys without flights |
| Upper Mustang | 12–14 | about 4,000 m | Moderate | Culture, monsoon trekking |
| Ghorepani Poon Hill | 4–7 | 3,210 m | Easy–moderate | First-timers and families |
| Mardi Himal | 5–7 | about 4,500 m | Moderate | Short, steep ridge trek |
| Kanchenjunga | 20–24 | about 5,140 m | Challenging | Remote wilderness |
| Makalu Base Camp | 18–20 | 4,870 m | Challenging | Wild forests and a giant peak |
| Tsum Valley | 14–16 | 3,700 m | Moderate–challenging | Sacred hidden valley |
| Nar Phu Valley | 12–14 | 5,320 m | Challenging | Medieval villages, few trekkers |
| Rara Lake | 10–12 | 3,710 m | Moderate | Remote far-west Nepal |
1. Everest Base Camp
The most famous trek in the world follows the Dudh Koshi and Khumbu valleys through Sherpa villages to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) and Kala Patthar (5,545 m), with Ama Dablam, Lhotse and Everest itself as constant companions. Tengboche Monastery, Namche Bazaar and the climbers' memorials at Thukla add culture and history. It is a well-supported teahouse trek but a serious high-altitude challenge. Read our complete EBC guide.
2. Annapurna Circuit
For many trekkers, the Annapurna Circuit is the best all-round trek in Nepal, circling the Annapurna massif from subtropical valleys to the high desert of Mustang, over the Thorong La (5,416 m). The diversity of landscapes and cultures, from Gurung villages to Manang's Tibetan-style houses and the temple of Muktinath, is unmatched. We cover this in our Annapurna Circuit guide.
3. Annapurna Base Camp
The trek to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) climbs through terraced villages and bamboo forest into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a glacial amphitheatre ringed by Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and the sacred fishtail of Machhapuchhre. It is shorter and lower than Everest, with no mountain flight. Compare the two in our ABC vs EBC guide.
4. Manaslu Circuit
The Manaslu Circuit loops around the world's eighth-highest mountain, from the deep Budhi Gandaki gorge to the Tibetan Buddhist villages of Nubri and over the Larkya La (5,106 m). As a restricted area, it sees far fewer trekkers than the Annapurna Circuit. Our Manaslu guide goes into more detail.
5. Gokyo Lakes
In the Everest region, the Gokyo Lakes trek visits a chain of turquoise glacial lakes beside the Ngozumpa Glacier and climbs Gokyo Ri (5,357 m) for a panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu. It is quieter than the main EBC trail. Our Gokyo vs EBC guide goes into more detail.
6. Everest Three Passes
The ultimate Khumbu adventure crosses three passes above 5,300 m, the Kongma La, Cho La and Renjo La, visiting Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar and Gokyo in one grand loop. It is demanding and requires experience, but it shows the Everest region like no other trek. Have a look at our Everest Three Passes Trek.
7. Langtang Valley
Just a day's drive from Kathmandu, the Langtang Valley climbs through forest to Tamang villages and the monastery of Kyanjin Gompa beneath Langtang Lirung, with optional climbs of Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri. See our Langtang guide.
8. Upper Mustang
The Upper Mustang trek enters the former Kingdom of Lo, a high desert of cliffs, caves and monasteries, to the walled city of Lo Manthang. It is one of the few treks that is excellent in the monsoon. See our Upper Mustang guide.
9. Ghorepani Poon Hill
The best short trek in Nepal: stone steps, rhododendron forests, Magar and Gurung villages and a sunrise panorama from Poon Hill (3,210 m). We cover this in our Poon Hill guide.
10. Mardi Himal
A short ridge trek from Pokhara to viewpoints right under Machhapuchhre, through mossy forest and open grassland. More on this in our Mardi Himal guide.
11. Kanchenjunga Base Camp
In the remote east, the Kanchenjunga trek reaches both base camps of the world's third-highest mountain, through wild forests and glacier valleys with very few trekkers. For the details, read our Kanchenjunga guide.
12. Makalu Base Camp
The Makalu Base Camp trek crosses the Shipton La into the pristine Barun valley to the foot of Makalu (8,485 m), the world's fifth-highest mountain, through some of the least disturbed forests in Nepal. See our Makalu Base Camp Trek.
13. Tsum Valley
The sacred "hidden valley" of Tsum, near the Tibet border, is home to ancient monasteries such as Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa and a culture of non-violence. It can be combined with the Manaslu Circuit. Our Tsum Valley Trek page has the day-by-day plan.
14. Nar Phu Valley
North of the Annapurna Circuit, the medieval villages of Nar and Phu are reached through deep canyons and linked to Manang by the high Kang La (5,320 m). You'll find the route in detail on our Nar Phu Valley Trek page.
15. Rara Lake
In the far west, Rara Lake, Nepal's largest lake, lies in a pristine national park surrounded by forest and snow peaks, far from the main tourist trails. The full itinerary is on our Rara Lake Trek page.
Trekking regions of Nepal explained
Understanding Nepal's trekking regions helps you choose. The Everest (Khumbu) region in the east-centre is the land of the Sherpas and the highest mountains, reached by flight to Lukla. The Annapurna region north of Pokhara is the most varied, with treks from gentle to high, reached by road. The Langtang region north of Kathmandu offers glaciers and Tamang culture close to the capital. The Manaslu region between Langtang and Annapurna is a quieter restricted area with strong Tibetan culture. Mustang and Dolpo lie in the rain shadow north of the main range, offering desert landscapes and monsoon trekking. In the far east, Makalu and Kanchenjunga are remote and wild, while the far west, including Rara and Humla, is Nepal's least-visited region.
Teahouse treks vs camping treks
Most of the treks on this list are teahouse treks, where you sleep and eat in family-run lodges along the trail. This makes trekking in Nepal accessible and affordable, and supports local communities. Some remote routes, such as Upper Dolpo, parts of the Kanchenjunga and Makalu regions, and off-the-beaten-path treks in the far west, may still require camping, with a team of guides, cooks and porters carrying tents and food. Camping treks cost more but take you to places few people ever see. Read our guide to teahouse trekking.
Best treks by season
| Season | Top treks |
|---|---|
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu, Gokyo, Three Passes, Kanchenjunga |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Poon Hill, Mardi Himal (lower sections), Langtang, Everest View Trek |
| Spring (Mar–May) | Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill (rhododendrons), Everest Base Camp, Makalu |
| Monsoon (Jun–Sep) | Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, Upper Dolpo, Rara |
Have a look at our guide to the best time to trek in Nepal for more.
Best treks by length
- Under a week: Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Everest View Trek, Chisapani–Nagarkot, Helambu.
- One to two weeks: Annapurna Base Camp, Langtang, Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Khopra Danda, Tamang Heritage Trail.
- Two to three weeks: Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu Circuit, Upper Mustang, Tsum Valley, Makalu, Three Passes.
- Three weeks or more: Kanchenjunga circuit, Manaslu with Tsum Valley, Upper Dolpo.
Best treks for culture
If culture is your priority, some treks stand out. Upper Mustang offers the walled city of Lo Manthang, ancient monasteries and cave complexes. The Tsum Valley and the upper Manaslu Circuit are home to Tibetan Buddhist communities with living traditions. The Everest region offers Sherpa culture, Tengboche Monastery and mountaineering history. The Tamang Heritage Trail offers homestays in Tamang villages near the Tibet border. And the Annapurna Circuit passes through Gurung, Manangi and Thakali communities, with the pilgrimage temple of Muktinath.
Best treks for mountain views
For sheer mountain scenery, few places compare with Gokyo Ri (Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu), Kala Patthar (Everest up close), the Annapurna Sanctuary (a 360-degree ring of peaks), Pangpema (Kanchenjunga's north face), Poon Hill (the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna panorama) and the high route between Upper Pisang and Ngawal on the Annapurna Circuit (Annapurna II, III and IV).
Tips for choosing and planning
- Be honest about your fitness, time and experience.
- Choose a trek that matches the season.
- Allow for acclimatisation and spare days.
- Check permit requirements and minimum group sizes for restricted areas.
- Walk with a licensed guide, now required in most areas.
- Buy insurance covering your trek's maximum altitude and helicopter rescue.
- Train for at least 8–12 weeks for longer treks.
What our guides would choose
We asked our guides which trek they would recommend to a friend visiting Nepal for the first time with two weeks and good fitness. Most said Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, for the combination of scenery, culture and achievement. For a friend coming back to Nepal, the answers varied: Manaslu because it still feels wild, Gokyo for the lakes, Upper Mustang for its Tibetan culture, and Kanchenjunga for real wilderness. And for a friend with only a week, almost everyone said Mardi Himal or Poon Hill. The truth is that every trek on this list is special, and the best trek is the one that fits your dreams, time and ability.
Responsible trekking
Whichever trek you choose, travel responsibly: stay in locally owned lodges, hire local guides and porters and treat them fairly, carry out non-biodegradable waste, refill water bottles, respect cultural and religious sites, and stay on trails to protect fragile environments. Your choices help keep Nepal's trails beautiful and its communities thriving.
Trekking with a guide: why it matters
Since 2023, foreign trekkers in most of Nepal's national parks and conservation areas must walk with a licensed guide, and all restricted areas have long required one. Beyond the rules, a good guide transforms your trek: they manage your pace and acclimatisation, book lodges in busy seasons, handle permits and checkpoints, translate, explain local culture and keep you safe if something goes wrong. Porters carry your main luggage so you can enjoy the walk with a light daypack. Choosing an experienced, ethical company that treats its staff well is one of the most important decisions you will make. Read our guide to hiring a guide and porter.
Budgeting for your trek
Costs vary widely between treks. Short treks near Pokhara, such as Poon Hill and Mardi Himal, are the most affordable, at a few hundred US dollars with a guide. Mid-length treks such as Annapurna Base Camp and Langtang cost around US$700–1,100. Everest Base Camp costs more, around US$1,300–1,800, largely because of Lukla flights. Restricted-area treks such as Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Nar Phu and Kanchenjunga cost more again, due to permits and longer journeys. Have a look at our guide to the cost of trekking in Nepal.
Combining treks for the ultimate adventure
With more time, many of these treks can be combined. Popular combinations include Gokyo and Everest Base Camp via the Cho La, the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley, the Annapurna Circuit and Tilicho Lake, the Nar Phu Valley and Annapurna Circuit, and Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp. You can also combine a trek with a trekking peak such as Island Peak or Mera Peak, or add a safari in Chitwan or Bardia. Combining treks gives you a deeper understanding of Nepal's diversity and makes the most of your journey to the Himalaya.
Honourable mentions
Choosing only fifteen treks was hard, and several others deserve a mention. The Khopra Danda trek offers community lodges and a close view of Dhaulagiri beyond Poon Hill. Pikey Peak in the lower Solukhumbu gives a vast panorama including Everest without the Lukla flight. The Tamang Heritage Trail offers homestays and hot springs near the Tibet border. Helambu starts on the edge of Kathmandu and is ideal in winter. Upper Dolpo, made famous by Peter Matthiessen's book The Snow Leopard, is a remote camping trek to the turquoise Phoksundo Lake and ancient monasteries. And the Great Himalaya Trail, linking routes across the entire length of Nepal, is the ultimate long-distance challenge for the most adventurous trekkers.
First-time trekker? Start here
If you have never trekked in the Himalaya, start with a trek that builds confidence: Poon Hill for a short, classic trek, Langtang or Annapurna Base Camp for a longer adventure with moderate altitude, or Everest Base Camp if you are fit, well prepared and determined. Read our guide to the best treks for beginners and our training plan before you choose.
Frequently overlooked considerations
When choosing a trek, people often focus on the destination and forget practical factors. Consider access: treks that start by road, such as Annapurna, Langtang and Manaslu, avoid flight delays, while Everest depends on Lukla flights. Consider permits: restricted areas need more planning, time in Kathmandu and at least two trekkers. Consider facilities: popular trails have comfortable lodges with Wi-Fi and hot showers, while remote treks are basic. Consider crowds: if solitude matters, avoid Everest and Annapurna Base Camp in October. And consider altitude: treks above 5,000 m require more acclimatisation and preparation. Think these through and you'll pick a trek you actually enjoy.
How we help you choose
With so many great treks, choosing can feel overwhelming. When you contact us, our trek planners ask about your dates, fitness, experience, interests and budget, then recommend two or three treks that suit you, with honest pros and cons for each. We explain permits, costs, lodges and what each day will be like, and adjust itineraries to your pace, including extra acclimatisation or rest days. Once you choose, we arrange everything, from airport pick-up to permits, guides and porters, flights and lodges, and stay in touch throughout your trek.
How to choose the right trek
- First Himalayan trek, limited time: Poon Hill, Mardi Himal or Langtang.
- Dream of Everest: Everest Base Camp or Gokyo.
- Want variety and a high pass: Annapurna Circuit.
- Prefer quiet trails: Manaslu, Tsum, Nar Phu, Makalu, Kanchenjunga.
- Travelling in the monsoon: Upper Mustang or Nar Phu.
- Experienced and strong: Three Passes, Kanchenjunga circuit.
Read our guides to the best treks for beginners and best short treks.
Trekking and the environment
Nepal's trekking trails pass through some of the world's most fragile mountain ecosystems. Climate change is affecting glaciers, snowfall and weather patterns, and growing visitor numbers put pressure on water, fuel and waste systems. Many regions now have community-led initiatives, such as rubbish collection in the Everest region and safe drinking water stations in the Annapurnas, which trekkers can support. Refill instead of buying bottled water, carry out batteries and plastic, and choose companies that follow responsible trekking practices. Together, trekkers can help ensure these trails remain beautiful for generations to come.
Safety on any Nepal trek
Whatever trek you choose, a few safety principles apply. Ascend gradually and take acclimatisation days above 3,000 m. Walk with a licensed guide and keep your trekking company informed. Carry insurance that covers helicopter evacuation at your maximum altitude. Check weather forecasts and be prepared to wait or turn back. Drink purified water and eat freshly cooked food. Carry a basic first-aid kit and know the signs of altitude sickness. Read our altitude sickness guide and insurance guide before any high trek.
Trekking peaks: the next step
If you want more after a classic trek, Nepal's trekking peaks are a first step into mountaineering. Island Peak (6,189 m) and Lobuche East (6,119 m) combine with the Everest Base Camp trek, Mera Peak (6,476 m) is the highest trekking peak in Nepal and technically straightforward, and Yala Peak (about 5,520 m) in Langtang is the easiest, reachable by road. These climbs require a climbing guide, basic training in crampons and ropes, and good acclimatisation. Take a look at our comparison of Island Peak and Mera Peak.
Trekking with family or older companions
Several treks on this list work well for families and older trekkers: Poon Hill, Langtang, the Everest View Trek, Annapurna Base Camp at a gentle pace and Upper Mustang, especially with the jeep option. Choose private itineraries with extra rest days, comfortable lodges and flexible plans. More on this in our family travel guide.
Where to start your research
Once you have a shortlist, read our detailed guides for each trek, which cover itineraries, difficulty, permits, costs, lodges and the best time to go. Then talk to us: a short conversation with an experienced trek planner can save hours of research and help you avoid common mistakes. We are always happy to answer questions, whether you book with us or not.
A final thought
People often ask us which trek is the "best". After many years in the mountains, our answer is always the same: the best trek is the one you are ready for, in the right season, with good people around you. There isn't really a bad trek on this list. Choose well, prepare well and enjoy every step.
Getting ready
Once you have chosen your trek, start training, book flights with spare days, buy insurance covering your maximum altitude, and check our packing list. Good preparation makes every trek more enjoyable and safer.
Trekking solo
Solo travellers can do any of these treks with a private licensed guide, or join a small group. Restricted areas need at least two trekkers, so ask about group departures. We cover this in our solo trekking guide.
How to choose from this list
Every one of them has big mountains, old cultures, remote valleys and people who will look after you. Four days or four weeks, the advice is the same: pick a trek that fits your time and experience, prepare well, travel responsibly and don't rush. The mountains will do the rest. Contact our team to find your perfect trek, or browse all our treks in Nepal.