Nepal has both short and long treks to offer for interested trekkers. Short treks are as interesting as longer treks and provide complete experience in terms of culture and nature. Annapurna base camp trek, Poonhill trek, Everest Panorama trek and Langtang treks are some of famous and the most popular short treks in Nepal.
Shorter treks lie at altitude range of 2000-4000m making it suitable for all age groups of trekkers.
The average duration of short treks is between 3 to 7 days. Short treks required no previous trekking experience and they are of easy to moderate level. It involves 4-7 hrs walking each day. Trekkers with normal physical fitness and with simple trekking gears can do these treks.
Following are some popular short treks in Nepal:
1. Poon Hill trek
Poon Hill trek lies in the famed Annapurna region and is a shorter version of Annapurna treks is probably the most popular short treks in Nepal. The goal of this trek is to climb to the top of Poon Hill at 3210m and catch stunning views of Annapurna, Macchapuchre, Dhaulagiri, Himchuli and Nilgiri. The Poon hill is also a perfect point to view majestic sunrise.
Poon Hill trek highlights
- Climb Poon Hill at approx. 3210m
- Trek through village, farms and luxuriant forests
- Experience culture and lifestyle of ethnic communities
- Incredible views of Annapurna, Mt. Fishtail, Dhualagiri, Nilgiri etc.
Poon hill trek at a glance
Nearest city/town: Pokhara
Duration: 3-5 days
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Max altitude: 3210m
Best time: Spring, Autumn and Winter
Accommodation: Lodges/Hotels
How to get to Poon hill?
The starting point of Poon hill trek is either Nayapul/Ulleri or Nayapul/Ghandruk. Both Ulleri and Grandruk are connected by graveled road and can be reached from Nayapul in 2 hrs drive. Nayapul itself is about 1 hour drive from Pokhara. You must take 4X4 Jeep if travelling during rainy season.
Lodges/hotels in Poon hill trekking trail
Hotels and lodges are available easily in major resting points along Poon hill trekking trail. Most mountain lodges here offer attached toilet.
Available trekking packages for Poon hill trek
Short Poon hill trek 3 days 2 nights
2. Ghandruk Trek
Ghandruk trek is another alternative short trek in the famous Annapurna region. The trail goes through dense orchid and rhododendron forests that teem with wild birds and animals. Visit Ghandruk village at 2012m altitude from where you can enjoy splendid views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli & Macchapuchre and also learn about unique Gurung culture and village lifestyle.
Ghandruk trek highlights
- Splendid panorama of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and Fishtail
- Visit Ghandruk village and learn about Gurung culture and lifestyle
- Trek through picturesque villages and pristine forests
- The most popular short treks in Nepal
Ghandruk trek at a glance
Nearest city/town: Pokhara
Duration: 2-3 days
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Max altitude: 2012m
Accommodation: Homestay and hotel
How to get to Ghandruk village?
The famous trek route to Ghandruk starts from Nayapul which is about 1 hour drive from Pokhara. It takes about 5 hrs to trek from Nayapul to Ghandruk via Syaulibazar. Another option is to enjoy 2 hrs drive from Nayapul to Ghandruk. Alternatively, you can start trek from Phedi/Kande and follow the Pothana, Tolka, Landruk route to Ghandruk.
Lodges/hotels and restaurant in Ghandruk trekking trail
There are lodges and local restaurants easily available during the Ghandruk trek. Most of the lodges offer room with attached bathroom and a limited variety of international cuisines.
Available trekking packages for Ghandruk trek
3. Short Everest Trek
As the name suggests, Short Everest trek is your shortest way to see Mt. Everest, the tallest mountain in the world. In this trek you will experience Sherpa culture and Tibetan Buddhism, trek through Sagarmatha National Park and catch incredible views of Everest, Cho Oyu, Lhotse, Nuptse and Island Peak. In under a week’s time, you will fulfill once-in-a-lifetime dream of seeing and standing in front of Mt. Everest.
Short Everest trek highlights
- Adventurous mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and vice versa
- Breathtaking views of Everest, Amadablam, Lhotse, Nuptse etc.
- Tengboche monastry
- Visit Sagarmatha National Park that is a world heritage site
Short Everest trek at a glance
Nearest City/town: Kathmandu
Duration: 5-7days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max altitude: 3,860m
Best time: Spring, Autumn and Winter
Accommodation: Standard Hotels and Lodges
How to get to Everest area?
Lukla is starting point for all trekking in Everest region. The easiest and shortest way to get to Lukla is to take a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which lasts about 25-30 minutes.
Hotel and restaurant in Short Everest Trek
Everest trekking trail is the most visited destination in Nepal. There are plenty of great hotels, restaurants, coffee parlors and even bakery along the trail.
Available trekking packages for short Everest trek
Short Everest trek 5 days
4. Langtang Valley trek
Langtang Valley Trek is a popular short trek in the famous Langtang region. The trail passes through Langtang National Park which is home to red panda and Black bear and ultimately reaches Kyanjin Gompa at 3870m attitude. You will capture amazing views of Langtang Himalaya range, especially from Kyanjin Ri(4773m).
Langtang valley trek highlights
- Trail covers Langtang National Park
- Tibetan Buddhism and Tamang culture
- Trek through pristine forests of rhododendron, orchid and alpine meadows
- Amazing views of Langtang range
Langtang trekking at a glance
Nearest City/town: Kathmandu
Duration: 5-7days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max altitude: 4,773 m
Best time: Winter, Spring & Autumn
Accommodation: Hotel and Lodges
How to get to Langtang valley?
Langtang Valley trek starts from Syabrubesi. Syabrubesi is about 135km or 7 hrs drive from Kathmandu. You can easily travel on a public bus or hire private vehicle.
Hotel/lodges and restaurant in Langtang Valley Trek
Both teahouses and hotels are available in Langtang Valley trek offering basic accommodation and food. Most hotels are newly reconstructed following the damages caused by 2015 Earthquake.
Available trekking packages for Langtang valley trek
Langtang Trek 7 days
5. Annapurna base camp trek
Annapurna Base camp trek is one of the finest and most visited trails in Nepal, rivaled only by Everest Base Camp trek. Without any doubts it is the most popular short treks in Nepal. This trek takes you to the base of Mt. Annapurna (8091m), the tenth highest mountain in the world and offers a 360 degree panorama of Annapurna ranges. Much of the trail covers Annapurna Conservation area inhabited by snow leopard and black bears along with ethnically diverse villages such as Ghandruk and Chhomrong.
ABC Trek Highlights
- Trek up to Annapurna base camp
- Visit ethnically rich villages such as Ghandruk and Chhomrong.
- Explore the pristine biodiversity of Annapurna Conservation area
- Enjoy 360 degree panorama of Annapurna range
Annapurna base camp trek at a glance
Nearest city: Pokhara
Duration: 5-7days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max altitude: 4130 m
Best time: Spring & Autumn
Accommodation: Hotels and lodges
How to get to Annapurna Base camp trek?
The trek starting point for Annapurna Base Camp trek is either Phedi/Kande or Nayapul. Both are easily accessible from Pokhara by road and lies along Pokhara -Jomsom highway. It takes 1 hrs drive to reach Nayaul from Pokhara.
Hotel /lodge and restaurant during Annapurna Trek
Tea houses or lodges are easily available in Annapurna Base Camp trek. You are recommended to make prior reservation, especially during peak tourist season.
Available trekking packages for Annapurna base camp trek
Annapurna base camp trek 7 days
6. Sundarijal Chisapani Nagarkot trek
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is the nearest and shortest trek from Kathmandu. The trek starts off at Sundarijal and goes through Shivapuri National Park eventually reaching Nagarkot. You will trek through pristine forests, visit ancient Bhaktapur durbar square and enjoy beautiful views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal and Everest from Nagarkot hill station (2175m).
Chisapani Nagakrot trek Highlights
- Trek through Shivapuri National Park
- Visit Nagarkot for Sunrise/sunset and mountain views
- Learn about Nepalese rural life
Chisapani Nagarkot trek at a glance
Nearest city: Kathmandu
Duration: 3-4 days
Difficulty: Easy
Max altitude: 2175 m
Best time: All Seasons
Accommodation: Hotel and Resort
How to get to Chisapani Nagarkot trek?
The starting point of Chisapani Nagarkot trek is Sundarijal which is just 45 minutes driving distance from Kathmandu. Both public buses and private vehicles are easily available.
Hotel and Restaurants in Chisapani Nagarkot Trek?
Hotels and restaurants are easily available along Chisapani Nagarkot trekking trail. Especially Nagarkot hill station has some of the best hotels in all of Kathmandu. It is suggested to make reservation during the peak touristic season.
Available trekking packages for Chisapani Nagarkot trek
Sundarijal Chisapani Nagakot trek 3 days
7. Jomsom Muktinath trek
Jomsom Muktinath trek is a popular short trek in the Annapurna region. This trek offers you a unique opportunity to trek along Kali Gandaki River, observe world’s deepest Kali Gandaki gorge, visit the sacred Muktinath temple and learn about Thakali culture in Kagbeni and Jomsom. You can also count on the breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulaigiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Tukuche etc.
Muktinath trek Highlights
- Breathtaking views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Hiunchuli, Tukuche Peak,
- Visit Muktinath temple (3800m), Kagbeni and Jomsom
- Learn about Thakali culture and their entrepreneurial acumen
- Trek along Kali Gandaki River and observe world’s deepest Kali Gandaki gorge
- Adventurous flight from Pokhara to Jomsom
- Play with snow during the winter season
Jomsom Muktinath trek at a glance
Nearest city: Pokhara
Duration: 4-5days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max altitude: 3710 m
Best time: All seasons though Spring, Autumn and winter are best
Accommodation: Lodges and hotels
How to get to Jomsom Muktinath Trek?
Jomsom is well connected to Pokhara by both flights and road. It takes 20 minutes to fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and 10 hrs drive.
Accommodation and restaurant in Jomsom Muktinath Trek
There a lot of nice hotels in Jomsom nowadays. Lodges are also easily available along this trek route.
Available trekking packages for Jomsom Muktinath trek
Jomsom Muktinath trek 3 days
8. Mardi Himal trek
Mardi Himal Trek is a new short treks introduced in the Annapurna region. In short period of time it has became one of the most popular short trek in Nepal. It is a pristine and uncrowded trekking trail that takes you through picturesque villages such as Dhampus, Pothana, and Lwang. Along the trek you will enjoy spectacular views of Annapurna, Mardi, Dhaulaigiri, Manaslu and Macchapuchre.
You will finally reach the base camp of Mardi Himal at an altitude of 4500m.
Mardi himal trek Highlights
- Trek up to Mardi Himal base camp at 4500m
- Magnificent views of Mardi, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, etc.
- Trek through wild, pristine and uncrowded region
- Experience Nepalese village culture and lifestyle
- Experience homestay at Lwang
Mardi Himal Trek at glance
Nearest city: Pokhara
Duration: 4-6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max altitude: 4,500 m
Best time: Spring & Autumn
Accommodation: Tea houses and lodges
How to get in Mardi Himal?
The starting point of Mardi Himal trek is Phedi or Kande, located just 20 minutes and 30 minutes drive from Pohara respectively.
Hotel/lodge and restaurant during Mardi Himal Trek
Since Mardi Himal trek is newly opened, very few lodges and tea houses are available along the trekking route. Further they offer basic accommodation and dining facilities.
Available trekking packages for Mardi himal trek
9. Gosainkunda trek
Gosaikunda trek is a short and popular trek in the Langtang region. The trek is wild and adventurous and allows you to visit Gosaikunda Lake at the height of 4300m. The lake provides stunning and up-close view of Langtang range. You will pass through local villages and learn about ethnic culture and lifestyle of Tamang community.
Gosainkunda trek Highlights
- Visit the sacred Gosainkunda Lake at 4300m altitude
- Beautiful vista of Langtang Himalaya
- Learn about Tamang culture and Buddhist heritage
- Experience rare biodiversity of Langtang National Park
- The most popular short treks in Nepal
GosainkundaTrek at glance
Nearest city: Kathmandu
Duration: 5-7days
Difficulty: Moderate
Max altitude: 4,610 m
Best time: Spring & Autumn
Accommodation: Tea House/lodges
How to get to Gosainkunda Trek?
The starting point of Gosainkunda trek is Dhunche which is 123 km away from Kathmandu. It takes about 6 hrs to reach there from Kathmandu. Both public and private vehicle are available for travellers. Alternatively, you can start trek from Sundarijal which is about 45 minutes’ drive from Kathmandu downtown.
Lodges/hotels during Gosainkunda trek?
Gosainkunda trekking offers limited number of tea houses and lodges for trekkers. Food and accommodation are of basic level.
Available trekking packages for Gosainkunda trek
10. Tamang Heritage trail
The Tamang Heritage Trail is a newly opened trekking trail in Langtang region. As the name suggests, the trek offers trekkers a unique opportunity to learn about Tamang Heritage and Tibetan Buddhism. The trail passes through Tamang villages such as Gatlang, Goljung, Thuman etc. One will be able to enjoy beautiful views of the Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges.
Tamang heritage trek highlights
- Tamang culture and heritage
- Tibetan Buddhism
- Pristine nature and biodiversity
- Magnificent views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal ranges
Tamang Heritage trails Trek at glance
Nearest city: Kathmandu
Duration: 3-5 days
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Max altitude: 3165 m
Best time: Spring & Autumn
Accommodation: Homestay and lodges
How to get to Tamang Heritage trek
Tamang heritage trek starts from Syabrubesi. Syabrubesi is about 135km or 7 hrs. drive from Kathmandu.
Hotel and Restaurant in Tamang Heritage trail
Small family-run lodges and guesthouses are available along Tamang Heritage trail. The rooms are basic and the food menu is also limited featuring local and organic cuisines.
Available trekking packages for Tamang heritage trek
Tamang heritage trek 7 days
