Are you planning a trip to Nepal but don’t have a lot of time but want to see the mind-blowing scenic beauty of the Himalayas? Nepal has some incredible short treks. Perfect for the traveler who wants to see awesome landscapes without investing a big commitment of time and energy. Whether you're in Kathmandu or Pokhara, Nepal has many easy, short treks that will provide mountain views, culture, and wildlife.
For those wanting the ultimate experience in a few days, short trekking in Nepal provides a variety of choices, from tranquil routes through leafy forests to spectacular scenery over rolling hills. If you're considering a trip from the capital, you can take a short trek from Kathmandu that combines relative ease and wonderful nature. Likewise, the short trek from Pokhara offers a trip into the Annapurna region and the chance for a different, if less thorough, experience.
You can also find a lot of short budget trekking tours that will offer amazing value, while providing an incredible experience, including beautiful scenery and local cultures, if you want it. Therefore, we created this blog on the best short treks in Nepal, so you can find the best personal itinerary for your timing, interests, and budget. Get ready to experience the magic of Nepal in just a few days!
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Total Distance: Approximately 40 km (25 miles)
Highest Altitude: 3,210 m (10,531 ft) at Poon Hill
Duration: 3–5 days
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the best short treks in Nepal, suitable for beginner trekkers and those with limited time. It is located in the Annapurna region of Nepal and normally takes 4-5 days to complete. The trek is approximately 40 kilometers total, which ends at Poon Hill (3,210 m) where you will enjoy a panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. It goes through beautiful rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages, giving trekkers a chance to experience the culture and lifestyle of the local people. There are teahouses that provide accommodation along the trek, so it may also appeal to independent trekkers visiting Nepal.
The trek typically begins in Nayapul or Tikhedhunga, and though it ascends, it is a gradual hike that most people should find to be manageable. Watching the sunrise from Poon Hill with a clear view of the Himalayan peaks is one of the highlights of this trek. Along the way, you will hike through small villages and have local markets to visit, which will allow you to interact with locals and get a sense of how they go about their routine.
Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Trek
Total Distance: Approximately 16 km (10 miles)
Highest Altitude: 2,175 m (7,136 ft) at Nagarkot
Duration: 1 day
Difficulty: Easy
Nagarkot Valley
The trek from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel is among the popular scenic short treks in Nepal. It is perfect for travelers looking for a short and easy trek, close to Kathmandu. The trek covers about 16 km, with gradual trails and a maximum elevation of about 2,175 m in Nagarkot. During the trek, trekkers witness extensive views of the Himalayas, with views of Langtang, Ganesh, and sometimes Mount Everest on clear days. In addition, the trekkers easily encounter small villages and forests, while trekking through terraced fields. With both the views of the Himalayas and cultural experiences, it is a nicely balanced trek.
The trek begins in Nagarkot and takes trekkers to Dhulikhel, where it can easily be done in a day or overnight. While trekking, you can see traditional Newari villages, local temples, and daily rural life, which adds a cultural experience to the trek. With its gradual ups and downs and well-marked trails, this trek is labeled as an easy trek, which makes it one of the most accessible and rewarding scenic short treks in Nepal.
Mardi Himal Trek
Total Distance: Approximately 35 km (22 miles)
Highest Altitude: 4,500 m (14,764 ft) at Mardi Himal Base Camp
Duration: 4–5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek is widely regarded as one of the top short treks in Nepal for travelers seeking a comparatively quieter route while still enjoying the incredible mountain views. The trek covers about 35 km and reaches an elevation of about 4,500 m at Mardi Himal Base Camp, which offers an up close perspective of the Machapuchare (Fishtail) and Annapurna ranges. The trail winds its way through thick forest, terraced crops, and small Gurung villages, providing trekkers with an authentic experience of rural life in the Annapurna region.
Starting from Pokhara, the Mardi Himal Trek takes about 4-5 days and is much quieter than the very popular Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Trekkers experience stunning panoramic viewpoints and beautiful, peaceful alpine meadows along the route, a great option for those who want natural beauty without a heavy crowd of trekkers. While moderately difficult and with a clearly marked trail system, the Mardi Himal Trek is a well-deserved option for terrific adventure hiking and family-friendly photography among the many excellent short treks in Nepal.
Langtang Valley Trek
Total Distance: Approximately 65 km (40 miles)
Highest Altitude: 3,870 m (12,697 ft) at Kyanjin Gompa
Duration: 5–7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Langtang Valley
Langtang Valley Trek is among the short Himalayan treks in Nepal. It is located in Langtang National Park close to the northern border of the country. The trek covers about 65 km and reaches a maximum elevation of 3,870 m at Kyanjin Gompa. The trail goes through pine and rhododendron forests, small Tamang villages, and terraced fields. Trekkers can enjoy visiting the traditional Tibetan culture, including monasteries, and the lifestyle of locals.
The trek typically starts from Syabrubesi and takes 5–7 days. Highlights of the trip include panoramic views of mountains, glaciers, and the beautiful Langtang valley. The route is well-defined and moderate in difficulty, so it is an excellent option for trekkers looking for a more accessible trekking experience in the Himalayas.
Everest View Trek
Total Distance: Approximately 40 km (25 miles)
Highest Altitude: 3,880 m (12,730 ft) at Hotel Everest View
Duration: 5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Everest View Hotel
The Everest View Trek is one of the family friendly treks in Nepal located in the Solukhumbu area of the Himalaya. The trek is roughly 40 km long and reaches the maximum altitude of 3,880 m (12,746 ft) near Hotel Everest View it is an ideal choice for families and beginner trekkers. Along the way, trekkers visit Sherpa villages, trek through forests, and walk through terraced fields while experiencing local cultures and cultures, as well as breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam.
The trek typically begins in Lukla and takes roughly 5 days, with opportunities trekkers have to visit monasteries, interact with local communities, and watch incredible sunrises over the nearby Himalayan range. If you wish to extend your adventure, typically the trek connects to the Everest Base Camp Trek, or from here travelers can take a helicopter from here to EBC.
Helambu Trek
Total Distance: Approximately 72 km (45 miles)
Highest Altitude: 3,650 m (11,975 ft) at Tharepati
Duration: 6–8 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Helambu Trek
The Helambu Trek is a popular 3 days trek in Nepal, located in the Helambu region of the Langtang National Park, north of Kathmandu. The trek is around 72 km long, reaching a maximum altitude of 3,650 m at Tharepati. The Helambu trek journey passes through dense forest, terraced fields, and traditional Sherpa and Tamang villages, giving trekkers a taste of local cultures, monasteries and rural Himalayan living.
As with many treks, the Helambu trek either starts from Sundarijal or Melamchi, with the classic route taking 3-4 days to complete, with some being able to extend the trek and go on optional side trips, for a true adventure. The Helambu trek also has magnificent views of the Jugal and Langtang Himal mountain ranges along the trek route.
Australian Camp Trek
Total Distance: Approximately 12 km (7.5 miles)
Highest Altitude: 2,060 m (6,759 ft) at Australian Camp
Duration: 2–3 days
Difficulty: Easy
Australian Camp
The Australian Camp Trek is a well-known shortest trek from Pokhara with magnificent views of the Annapurna range, bud and easy access. This trek with a maximum altitude of approximately 2,060 m at Australian Camp covers about 12 km and passes through forests of pine and rhododendron, local villages and terraced fields to witness the rural lifestyle, and natural beauty of the region.
The trek typically starts in Dhampus or Phedi and can be completed in 2-3 days. It is a great trek for beginners and families, and along the way, the trekkers can enjoy sunrise and sunset views of the Himalayas and visit nearby viewpoints overlooking Pokhara Valley and Phewa Lake.
Khopra Danda Trek
Total Distance: Approximately 50 km (31 miles)
Highest Altitude: 3,660 m (12,008 ft) at Khopra Danda
Duration: 5–7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Khopra Danda Trek
Khopra Danda Trek is a short trek from Pokhara that takes you to a spectacular viewpoint of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. This trek is approximately 50km long, and you will reach Khopra Danda at 3,660 m, which is a ridge known for its stunning views of the sunrise and sunset. The trek takes you to Gurung villages, beautiful rhododendron forests, and terraced fields, you will get to enjoy both culture and natural sights.
This trek typically starts from Ghandruk or Nayapul and takes about 5 -7 days to complete. Trekkers can also interact with local people, visit traditional villages, and enjoy quiet trail landscapes away from busy routes.
Gosaikunda Lake Trek
Total Distance: Approximately 60 km (37 miles)
Highest Altitude: 4,380 m (14,370 ft) at Gosaikunda Lake
Duration: 5–7 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Gosaikunda Lake
The Gosaikunda Lake Trek is one of popular short treks from Kathmandu that offer easy access from the capital Kathmandu, located in the northern part of Nepal within Langtang National Park. Its distance is around 60 km to the alpine lake at Gosaikunda, which is a pilgrimage lake for Hindus, reaching a maximum altitude of 4,380 m. The trek encompasses many aspects of local culture and lifestyle, passing through rhododendron and pine forests, Tamang villages and terraced fields, while taking in the stunning views of the Himalayas all the while.
The trek typically starts in Dhunche and typically takes about 5–7 days to complete, depending on your pace. The highlights of the trek are the views of the mountains, the frozen alpine lake, and the traditional villages and small monasteries. This trek is of moderate grade and offers a combination of culture and nature.
Pikey Peak Trek
Total Distance: Approximately 35 km (22 miles)
Highest Altitude: 4,065 m (13,337 ft) at Pikey Peak
Duration: 4–5 days
Difficulty: Moderate
View seen from Pikey Peak
The Pikey Peak Trek is a beautiful 5-day trek in Nepal, situated in the Solukhumbu, at the foot of the Nepal-Tibet frontier. The trek is around 35 kilometers long and rises to a maximum of 4,065 meters at Pikey Peak, a favorite viewpoint of Tenzing Norgay who was one of the first two men to summit Everest. From the peak, trekkers will be able to see Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and other Himalayan giants in panoramic view at the peak. The trek has trekkers walking through Sherpa villages, rhododendron and pine forests, as well as terraced farmlands to experience the local culture and lifestyle.
It usually starts in Salleri, or a nearby village, and is a trek of about 5 days. You will be able to visit monasteries, meet Sherpa villages, and experience the traditional Himalayan lifestyle along the trek.
FAQs
What are the best short treks in Nepal for beginners?
New trekkers should consider trekking on easier, shorter paths like Ghorepani Poon Hill, Nagarkot to Dhulikhel, Australian Camp, and Helambu Trek. All of these treks have short distances, easy paths, and fabulous views of The Himalayas; no advanced trekking experience is required.
Which short trek in Nepal offers the best mountain views?
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and Pikey Peak Trek are popular among trekkers for their spectacular panoramic mountain views, including Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare, and Everest, which can even be seen from Pikey Peak. The sunrise or sunset points of view particularly make these treks something special.
How many days are needed for a short trek in Nepal?
Short treks in Nepal usually last between 2 to 7 days based on the trail and your speed. Just to mention some examples, you can do Australian Camp in 2-3 days, Ghorepani Poon Hill in 4-5 days, and Langtang Valley in 5-7 days.
What is the easiest short trek in Nepal near Kathmandu?
The easiest short treks that are the next closest to Kathmandu are Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Trek, and the Helambu Trek. These are close to Kathmandu, with easy going trails, and suitable for first time trekkers or trekkers that are short on time.
Can I do a short trek in Nepal without a guide?
Yes, you can trek alone much of the time on shorter trekking itineraries, particularly on well-known tracks like Ghorepani Poon Hill or Australian Camp. We would recommend using a guide for reasons of safety, local knowledge, and cultural perspectives, in addition to the bona fide benefits of hiring a guide.
Which short treks are best from Pokhara?
Pokhara has some excellent short treks, such as Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, and Australian Camp, and Khopra Danda Trek. These trails will all start quite close to the city, and they all provide some spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhauligiri ranges.
Is a permit required for short treks in Nepal?
Yes, most trekking areas ask for a permit. For instance, the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) must be obtained for treks that go to Ghorepani, Mardi Himal, or Khopra Danda, and if you’re trekking in the Langtang area or Helambu, the Langtang National Park Permit is required. Permits are easily arranged online, and can also be purchased in-person in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Conclusion
Nepal features several opportunities for guests to discover the Himalayas without undergoing exceptionally long or strenuous treks. From short treks from Kathmandu, such as Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, and Helambu Trek, to short treks from Pokhara, such as Ghorepani Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, Australian Camp, and Khopra Danda, plenty of treks are available for beginners, families, and budget travelers. These short treks include mountain views, forests, local villages, and experiences of the culture around them, both in a short period of time.
Regardless of whether you are excited about a 3 days trek in Nepal, a 5 days trek in Nepal, or simply want a short, peaceful Himalayan trek in Nepal, you will enjoy views, sunrises, and a taste of the local life. This gives you a simple trek while still putting forth the entirety of the Himalaya experience.
If you need assistance with the planning, permits, accommodation, or simply want assistance choosing an appropriate route, feel free to contact Himalayan Recreation so that you can take your short trek in Nepal and simply focus on enjoying it, and we will make it simple, safe, and unforgettable.
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