Nepal is haven for trekkers, especially those who like trekking in the mountainous region. There are several classical and commercial trekking spots, and some are underrated. Some treks are easy and made for beginners, while others are challenging for experts only. In this blog, we will talk about Nepal's five most popular treks.
Many trekkers from all over the world visit Nepal to experience some of the memorable treks. These treks take them to some of the highest peaks in Nepal. Some treks, like Everest and the Annapurna Trek, are more popular and have attracted trekkers worldwide. Most popular treks have long durations and can be completed in about two weeks. During these treks, you will explore some of the majestic regions in Nepal, like Khumbu, Annapurna, Manaslu, etc. So, let’s get into it right away.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. It takes you to the beautiful Annapurna region. The base camp is at 4130m, from which you can see some of Nepal's most prominent mountain peaks. From the top of the Base camp, mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and Nilgiri are visible. Annapurna Base Camp acts as a gateway to Mount Annapurna. The ABC Trek is a fantastic adventure in the Himalayas. It includes the 10th highest peak globally at 8,091 meters. The Annapurna Sanctuary is surrounded by majestic peaks like Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Machapuchhre (6,993 m), and Hiunchuli (6,441 m). This trek is known for its incredible altitude changes and diverse ecosystem, making it a unique expedition.
The Annapurna Base Camp trail takes you through lush forests, stunning rice paddies, farmlands, trails covered with rhododendron forests, and different peaks and valleys. However, trekking in Annapurna Base Camp is not only limited to the views of the stunning mountains but also the chance to immerse yourself in the new culture and traditions of the local people. Annapurna region is filled with impressive Buddhist shrines, Gumbas, and monasteries, which shows how serious the Buddhist people are and how they take their culture seriously.
Everest Base Camp Trek is another top-rated and commercial trek in Nepal. The trek takes you to the mesmerizing Khumbu region, known for being the home of the tallest peak in the world, Mount Everest. During this trek, you will also meet the unique Sherpa people who are very brave and are experts in navigating the trails of the Everest region. As you pass several small villages on the trek, you will eventually reach the highly popular Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is the gateway to Mount Everest. Many people believe Namche Bazaar is the capital city of the Sherpa people.
The Everest Base Camp Trek begins an adventurous flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. The trek starts alongside the bank of the Dudh Koshi River. After a few hours of trek, you will reach Phakding, where you will stay overnight on the first day of the trek. The next stop is Namche Bazaar, the trekkers' acclimatization hub. During their stay at Namche, they can stroll around various local places and attractions like the Sherpa Museum, Hotel Everest View, Sagarmatha National Park, etc. The trek continues through Tengboche and Tengboche monastery to Dingboche, Periche, and Gorakstep. After Gorakstep, you’ll trek towards Everest Base Camp the next day and then hike towards Kala Patthar.
You can also take an Everest base camp helicopter tour if trekking is something that doesn’t excite you.
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal for those who want to spend time in the region's wilderness. The trek takes you through various incredible viewpoints and deep gorges. One of the major attractions of the Annapurna Circuit Trek is the view of the beautiful mountains like Chulu West, Nilgiri, Cholung Peak, Thorung Peak, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail and Tukuche Peak. The highest elevation of the Annapurna Circuit is Thorong La Pass, 5,416m.
The trek begins in Bhulbhule after a beautiful drive from Kathmandu. The path follows the Marsyandghi River Valley, passing through Jagat, Dharapani, Chame, and Pisang, where you will spend a night in each place. You can refer to the Annapurna Circuit trek map for your route.
On the sixth day, you will trek to Manang and spend a day there to acclimate before crossing Thorong La Pass. After acclimatizing in Manang, the journey continues to Yak Kharka, and the next day, you will hike up to Thorong Phedi to spend the night.
On the ninth day, you will leave Thorong Phedi and trek towards Muktinath, the day you will cross Thorong La Pass (5,416m/17,769ft). Thorong La Pass connects Manang village in the east with Muktinath temple and Ranipauwa village to the west. After spending time in Thorong La Pass, you will descend to the sacred site for Hindus and Buddhists in Muktinath. Now, you will head towards Tatopani to spend time in the natural hot water springs. The natural hot water springs will help you rest and rejuvenate. Furthermore, the old timers believe that spending time in the hot natural springs will cure your joints, bones ache, and also your skin disease.
Langtang Valley Trek is among the most underrated treks in Nepal. It is the closest trek to the capital city, Kathmandu. Although it is among the shorter treks in Nepal, it is equally beautiful. In the lower altitude, you will explore the village's jungles, where you can see lots of wildlife, from foxes to monkeys, to the alpine climate of the high altitude, where you will find yaks, snow leopards, musks, deer, etc. Since the trek is short, people can complete it in about ten days; however, a short trek doesn’t necessarily mean it is straightforward. You’ll still have to climb steep climbs, pass through rugged terrains, and trek through snowy peaks.
Langtang Valley Trek can be extended by adding another trek like the Tamang Heritage Trail. But Langtang Trek alone is still worth it as they have many unique places of attraction, like Langtang National Park, Lama Hotel, Tamang Heritage Trail, Helambu, Tsergo Ri Gosaikunda, etc. During the fantastic Langtang region trek, you will be able to see some majestic mountain views like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Gang Cheenpo, Naya kangri, Yala Peak, Dorje Lakpa, Loenpo Gang, and others. Langtang Valley Trek's major attractions are the Kyanjin Gompa monastery at an altitude of 3,860m and Kyanjin Ri at 4773m.
Trekking in the Langtang region also brings you closer to Buddhist culture. The Buddhist culture here was passed on from the Tibetan monks who had been looking for a place to meditate earlier. Over the years, the beliefs, culture, and traditions of Buddhist people have flourished. Despite the different religions and cultures, they are very welcoming and friendly.
Manaslu Circuit Trek is another stunning trekking adventure around the magnificent Mount Manaslu. It is even more exciting because it is the ultimate teahouse-to-teahouse trek in Nepal. The trek is an example of wild off-the-road wilderness as you pass through different villages until you reach the ultimate destination in Larkya La Pass.
Your journey to the Manaslu circuit begins with a bus ride from Kathmandu to Soti Khola. During the bus ride, you will see beautiful views of Nepal, including rivers, mountains, fields, and villages. The trekking trails start the following day as you head to Khorla Besi. You will pass waterfalls, rice terraces, and traditional villages before reaching Khorla Besi.
On the third day of the 12-day Manaslu Circuit Trek, you will reach Philim from Khorla Besi. The road is rough, but you will enjoy fantastic Ganesh and Shringi Himal views. After a stop at Philim, you will reach a Tibetan-style village in Ghab. The trek continues, passing through a few more small towns, such as Lho, as you pass through the forest full of bamboo, rhododendrons, and pines. Only a few more trek days are left as you go through Samagaon and Semdo Village. The second last stop of the trek is Dharamsala, after which the next day, you will climb the Larkya La Pass, the highest elevation of the trek.
From the top of Larkya La Pass, you'll see mountain views, including Himlung Himal, Kang Guru, Choe Himal, and Annapurna II. After the trek, you’ll start dropping altitude and retracing your steps, concluding the amazing Manaslu Circuit Trek.
In conclusion, these are some of the best trekking spots in Nepal. Some of them, like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Annapurna Circuit Trek, are very commercial treks attracting many trekkers worldwide.
Langtang Valley Trek and Manaslu Circuit Trek have also been gaining momentum and are very popular among trekkers worldwide. They are more challenging than previously mentioned treks and are not recommended for beginners.
Image: Buddhist monastery Thrangu Tashi Yangtse, Nepal near Stupa Namobuddha in the Himalaya mountains
