# The 15 Best Treks in Nepal: From Everest Base Camp to Hidden Valleys

_Published 19 April 2026_

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

TrekDaysMax altitudeDifficultyBest forEverest Base Camp12–145,545 mModerate–challengingThe classic Everest trekAnnapurna Circuit12–185,416 mModerate–challengingVariety and a high passAnnapurna Base Camp10–124,130 mModerateMountain amphitheatre, road accessManaslu Circuit14–165,106 mChallengingQuieter circuit, Tibetan cultureGokyo Lakes12–135,357 mModerate–challengingLakes and panoramasEverest Three Passes18–215,535 mStrenuousExperienced trekkersLangtang Valley7–104,984 mModerateHigh valleys without flightsUpper Mustang12–14about 4,000 mModerateCulture, monsoon trekkingGhorepani Poon Hill4–73,210 mEasy–moderateFirst-timers and familiesMardi Himal5–7about 4,500 mModerateShort, steep ridge trekKanchenjunga20–24about 5,140 mChallengingRemote wildernessMakalu Base Camp18–204,870 mChallengingWild forests and a giant peakTsum Valley14–163,700 mModerate–challengingSacred hidden valleyNar Phu Valley12–145,320 mChallengingMedieval villages, few trekkersRara Lake10–123,710 mModerateRemote 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](/blog/everest-base-camp-trek-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](/blog/annapurna-circuit-trek-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](/blog/annapurna-base-camp-vs-everest-base-camp).

## 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](/blog/manaslu-circuit-trek-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](/blog/gokyo-lakes-vs-everest-base-camp) 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](/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](/blog/langtang-valley-trek-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](/blog/upper-mustang-trek-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](/blog/poon-hill-trek-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](/blog/mardi-himal-trek-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](/blog/kanchenjunga-base-camp-trek-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](/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](/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](/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](/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](/blog/teahouse-trekking-in-nepal).

## Best treks by season

SeasonTop treksAutumn (Oct–Nov)Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu, Gokyo, Three Passes, KanchenjungaWinter (Dec–Feb)Poon Hill, Mardi Himal (lower sections), Langtang, Everest View TrekSpring (Mar–May)Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill (rhododendrons), Everest Base Camp, MakaluMonsoon (Jun–Sep)Upper Mustang, Nar Phu, Upper Dolpo, RaraHave a look at our guide to the [best time to trek in Nepal](/blog/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](/blog/hiring-guide-and-porter-in-nepal).

## 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](/blog/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](/blog/best-treks-in-nepal-for-beginners) and our [training plan](/blog/how-to-train-for-everest-base-camp) 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](/blog/best-treks-in-nepal-for-beginners) and [best short treks](/blog/best-short-treks-in-nepal).

## 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](/blog/altitude-sickness-nepal-trekking) and [insurance guide](/blog/travel-insurance-for-nepal-trekking) 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](/blog/island-peak-vs-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](/blog/nepal-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](/blog/solo-trekking-in-nepal-guide-rules).

## 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](/contact-us) to find your perfect trek, or browse all our [treks in Nepal](/category/nepal-trekking).

## Frequently asked questions
### What is the best trek in Nepal?
**Everest Base Camp** and the **Annapurna Circuit** are the most famous; the best for you depends on time, fitness and interests.

### What is the most beautiful trek in Nepal?
Many trekkers name **Gokyo Lakes**, the **Annapurna Sanctuary** or the **Manaslu Circuit**.

### What is the easiest trek in Nepal?
**Ghorepani Poon Hill** is one of the easiest, and the sunrise is famous for good reason.

### What is the hardest trek in Nepal?
Among teahouse treks, the **Everest Three Passes** and **Kanchenjunga circuit** are among the hardest.

### Which trek has the fewest crowds?
**Kanchenjunga**, **Makalu**, **Tsum Valley** and **Nar Phu**.

### Which trek is best in the monsoon?
**Upper Mustang** and **Nar Phu**, in rain-shadow areas.

### Which trek is best for beginners?
**Poon Hill**, **Langtang** and **Annapurna Base Camp**.

### Do I need a guide for these treks?
Yes, licensed guides are required in most protected areas and all restricted areas.

### How long are Nepal treks?
From 4–5 days (Poon Hill) to over 3 weeks (Kanchenjunga).

### Which treks need special permits?
Restricted areas such as Manaslu, Upper Mustang, Tsum, Nar Phu and Kanchenjunga.

### When is the best time to trek in Nepal?
**October–November** and **March–May**.

### Can I combine two treks?
Yes, for example Gokyo and EBC via the Cho La, or Manaslu and Tsum Valley.


Web page: https://www.himalayanhiking.com/blog/best-treks-in-nepal