2. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek takes you deep into the Annapurna Massif to the foot of Annapurna South. The scenery is quite different from most other classic treks because the views are less expansive and more vertical: you find yourself looking almost straight up to see the mountains towering above you.
Getting to the trailhead: a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a 2-hour drive; or an 8-hour drive from Kathmandu.
| Fast facts | |
|---|---|
| Min. duration | 16 days |
| Max. elevation | 4130 m / 13,550 ft |
| Start/finish | Nayapul/Nayapul |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trek style | Teahouse |
3. Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is among the most famous treks in the world. It certainly deserves its reputation thanks to its history, its great views and the Sherpa culture you experience during the trek. However, since the trek is so popular, its main trails tend to be quite crowded. This is why we list other treks in the Everest region (Three Passes Trek and Gokyo Lakes) higher on our list. Yet despite the crowds, Everest Base Camp continues to be a great trek that deserves to be listed among Nepal’s best treks.
Getting to the trailhead: a 30-minute flight Kathmandu to Lukla.
| Fast facts | |
|---|---|
| Min. duration | 17 days |
| Max. elevation | 5,550 m / 18,204 ft (Everest Base Camp) |
| Start/finish | Lukla/Lukla |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Trek style | Teahouse |
4. Upper Mustang Trek
The arid valley of the Upper Mustang Trek features a distinct landscape compared to almost all other treks in Nepal. With its many shades of brown and crumbling sandstone cliffs, this region lies in the desert rain shadow of the Himalaya. Mustang used to be its own kingdom, and its strong Tibetan-influenced traditions make this a culturally very interesting trek.
Getting to the trailhead: you'll need to take two connecting flights: Kathmandu to Pokhara (25 minutes), and Pokhara to Jomsom (20 minutes).
| Fast facts | |
|---|---|
| Min. duration | 12 days |
| Max. elevation | 3810 m / 12,500 ft |
| Start/finish | Jomsom/Jomsom |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Trek style | Teahouse |
5. Langtang & Gosaikunda Trek
With three 5,000m+ passes, the extremely remote Langtang follows centuries-old trading routes leading trekkers through surreal landscapes. You’ll meet Yak herders who lead rural lifestyles that are increasingly rare in our connected world. Read more about Langtang Gosaikunda Trek.
Getting to the trailhead: you'll need to take two connecting flights: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (90 minutes), and Nepalgunj to Juphal (45 minutes).
| Fast facts | |
|---|---|
| Min. duration | 17 days |
| Max. elevation | 4600m / 15,088 ft |
| Start/finish | Juphal/Juphal |
| Difficulty | Very challenging |
| Trek style | Remote (camping) |
6. Kanchanjunga Circuit Trek
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is one of the most challenging treks in Nepal because of its sustained elevation, spending 3 days in a row trekking over snow above 5,000m without an easy way down. That said, if you have experience and are up for the challenge, this trek is an unforgettable adventure that takes you into the heart of some the highest mountains in the world.
Getting to the trailhead: a 25-minute flight Kathmandu to Pokhara followed by a 2 hour drive; or an 8-hour drive from Kathmandu.
| Fast facts | |
|---|---|
| Min. duration | 29 days |
| Max. elevation | 3600 m / 17,585 ft |
| Start/finish | Darbang/Marpha |
| Difficulty | Very challenging |
| Trek style | Remote (camping) |
7. Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek has become more accessible since new lodges were built in 2010. It earns the top spot in this list because the trek has all the great features you’d expect from a classic Himalayan trek—deep lush valleys at lower elevations, amazing views of 8,000m peaks, and a 5,000m+ pass crossing—all the while remaining largely unspoiled by visitors.
Despite its rising popularity, the Manaslu Circuit still feels very remote, and has fewer trekkers than the more established classic treks of Nepal.
Getting to the trailhead: an 8-hour drive from Kathmandu.
| Fast facts | |
|---|---|
| Min. duration | 18 days |
| Max. elevation | 5135 m / 16,842 ft (Larkya La pass) |
| Start/finish | Soti Khola/Besisahar |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Trek style | Teahouse |
8. High Passes of Everest Trek
The High Passes of Everest Trek takes you over three 5,000m+ passes and is the best way to truly experience the Everest Region for those who have the time to spend 3 weeks on the trail. The trek includes sections of the Everest Base Camp Trek, but offers even more spectacular views of the giants in the heart of the Himalaya as you cross the Renjo La, Cho La and Kongma La passes.
Getting to the trailhead: a 30-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla.
| Fast facts | |
|---|---|
| Min. duration | 20 days |
| Max. elevation | 5,550 m / 18,204 ft |
| Start/finish | Lukla/Lukla |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Trek style | Teahouse |
9. Nar Phu Valley Trek
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a real Himalayan wilderness experience that is as unforgettable as it is spectacular. The area opened to visitors relatively recently, in 2002. Tucked between the more visited Annapurna and Manaslu regions, Nar Phu is a true hidden gem that offers trekkers a rare opportunity to explore unspoiled valleys that feature a mix of raw Himalayan nature and ancient Buddhist culture.
Getting to the trailhead: a day-long drive from Kathmandu via Besisahar to Koto.
| Fast facts | |
|---|---|
| Min. duration | 9 days |
| Max. elevation | 5240 m / 17,200 ft |
| Start/finish | Koto/Pisang |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Trek style | Remote (rustic lodges) |
10. Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit trek is another quintessential Himalayan trek that has lost a bit of its character due to the crowds, and, in this particular case, recently constructed roads. The roads that have reduced the “unspoiled” part of this trek to about 12 days of hiking. Despite all that, the trek remains a great adventure with the crossing of the 5,416m Thorong La pass.
Getting to the trailhead: a 25-minute flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, followed by a 2-hour drive; or an 8-hour drive from Kathmandu.
| Fast facts | |
|---|---|
| Min. duration | 20 days |
| Max. elevation | 5,416 m / 17,769 ft (Thorong La Pass) |
| Start/finish | Bhulbule/Jomsom |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Trek style | Teahouse |
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