The Best Treks in Nepal: Top 10 Nepalese Trekking Routes

With one third of the Himalayas found within Nepal’s borders, including eight of the world’s fourteen tallest mountains, it’s little surprise that the best treks in Nepal are also some of the best in the world. So lets explore the Top 10 Nepalese trekking routes.

The majestic Himalayas, are a vast tectonic mountain range. They stretch half the way across a continent and forms the boundary between northern and southern Asia. Home to Everest and K2 the Himalayas are the roof of the earth and one of the best places for trekking holidays worldwide.

From the deep blue waters of Rara Lake to the high valleys of Annapurna and the towering peak of the mighty Everest, this is trekking like nowhere else on the planet. Discover ancient pathways, traditional villages and scintillating scenery on any of the following treks in Nepal, for an unforgettable experience.

10 Best Treks in Nepal

• • Mount Everest Circuit
  • Mount Kangchenjunga Circuit
  • Rara Lake
  • Dolpo and Mustang
  • Annapurna Circuit
  • Annapurna Sanctuary
  • Manaslu and Lakya Pass
  • Langtang Region
  • Kathmandu Valley
  • Goyko Ri

Top 10 Nepalese Trekking Routes

As with any top 10 please remember this is the opinion of the author. He has not explored every hiking route in Nepal, and had not conducted an extensive survey to find out the opinions of the trekking community. I am sure there a treks missing from here that would make it into your 10 best treks in Nepal, if so please leave a comment.

Mount Everest Circuit

It goes without saying that an assault on Everest is an expedition itself. One that involves life and death decisions and incredible tests of will and endurance. However, Everest Base Camp trekking holidays offer a unique experience as one of the most popular treks on the planet.

Start in Lukla, which sits at 2,680 metres and head for Namche Bazaar and on to Gorek Shep. From there you can head to base camp or take in the Goyko Lakes. These treks typically take between 17 and 25 days and include some magnificent views of Everest along the way. No list of the top 10 Nepalese trekking routes is complete without it.

Mount Kangchenjunga Circuit

If you’re in the mood for taking the road less travelled, then a 20 day trek to the base camp of Mt. Kangchenjunga might be for you. This trek to the base of the world’s third highest peak is well off the beaten path and away from the hoards that can clog up some of the other trekking routes in peak season.

Rara Lake

The largest lake in Nepal and one of the world’s most beautiful. This ‘shimmering blue jewel’ sits at the heart of Rara National Park, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and alpine woodland.

This is a tricky region to get to, and with few or none of the conveniences you might find on the busier trekking routes. On some freezing high mountain passes, the going can get tough but he that’s why you are here. However, the incredible views make it one of the best Nepalese trekking routes.

Dolpo and Mustang

This region has only relatively recently been opened up to outsiders. So you must still be accompanied by a registered guide on one of the best Nepal treks in this region.

It’s found just west of the great Kali Gandaki River and, like Rara Lake, there aren’t many tea or guest houses here so expect things to get a little tough. But the cultural importance of the area makes it well worth visiting. Just make sure you are properly equipped and travelling with a guide.

Annapurna Circuit

This is one of the most popular and well-known treks in the region– for good reason. Reaching of up to 5,300 metres, you will cross high glaciers and mountain paths of the Annapurna Conservation Area.

Annapurna Circuit trekking holidays will take about 18 days and pass through a culturally important Buddhist region. You will also have some amazing views across the Mustang region and into Tibet.

Annapurna Sanctuary

The Annapurna circuit doesn’t actually make it to the base camp. For that, you’ll need to set off from Pokhara on  one of the many 14 to 17 day Annapurna Base Camp trekking holidays.

Base camp sits at around 4,157 metres, where you can find a monument to Anatoli Boukreev. He was one of history’s greatest mountaineers, who was killed in an avalanche here in the late 90s. As this might suggest, this is a trek not for the fainthearted but it’s one of the best Nepalese trekking routes.

Manaslu and Lakya Pass

Walking around the world’s eighth tallest mountain, Manaslu trekking holidays have been described as ‘Annapurna without the crowds’. Another region that has only recently opened to visitors you will require a guide and and be on an officially organised tour.

However, it’s worth the extra effort as this is a part of the world rarely seen by outsiders making it one of the best treks in Nepal. Traditional villages dot the route and the Lakya Pass at 5,090 metres is a definite highlight. It’s a technical and tough trek but comes with sublime views.

Langtang Region

With views of both Annapurna to the west and Makalu to the east, trekking in the Langtang region you will pass Buddhist monasteries and a stunning nature reserve. The starting point in Kathmandu makes this one of the easier treks to organise and it’s perfect for those looking for an introduction to the best treks in Nepal.

The Tamang Heritage Trek by Liberty Holidays is a great option n the Langtang region. It is a 8 day trek through Lang Tang valley, known as ‘Valley of the Glaciers’. Highlights include dramatic views of Chimse Danda, Langtang Lirung and Langtang Kerung. You’ll cross the Ganjala Pass, summit Paldor peak. visit Tamang villages and Monasteries while experiencing the regions beautiful flora & plentiful fauna.

The guided trek runs September to December and February to June and includes, guide, accommodation, food, porter, transfers, local flight and all taxes and permits for just $500. Liberty Holidays also offer many of the best treks in Nepal, plus rafting and other adventure holidays throughout Asia. You can find out more by visiting their site: www.libertyholidays.com or call +977-1-4411001.

Kathmandu Valley

Aren’t quite up for a serious trek in the Himalayas? Or you’re new to trekking and looking for an extraordinary experience without the difficult technical aspects? Then trekking in Kathmandu Valley is full of treasures that more serious trekkers sometimes overlook in their rush to find the bigger challenges.

With temples and unique Buddhist culture, this is a magnificent introduction to Nepal. Visit Changunarayan and Nagarkot, places where few foreigners ever visit, for some of the best views of the Himalayas. And check out the temple at Swayambhunath, also called the Monkey Temple, thanks to the many furry guests that live in its shadows.

Goyko Ri

This trek can form part of the Everest circuit but on it’s own is one of the best Nepalese trekking routes. It is found in the UNESCO world heritage Sagarmatha National Park (the local name for Everest). In this protected area of the Khumbu region, you’ll pass by the huge Ngozumba Glacier and trek towards the shores of the lake.

With some eerie lunar landscapes, snowy peaks and string of high altitude lakes, you could be forgiven for thinking this is another world. Easily worth its place in the 10 best treks in Nepal.

Best Trekking in Nepal

Nepal is a trekkers paradise. The sheer scale, variety and majesty of this incredible country means there is always something new to discover.

Seasoned trekkers will, of course, find some tough challenges that will draw on all their technical abilities. Those newer to trekking will find plenty to amaze and draw them further into the sport. Once you’ve been trekking in Nepal, you’ll want to come back time and time again.

If your favourite trek in Nepal does not make the list then please let us know by leaving a comment. To book a trip check out these Nepal trekking holidays.