Nepal is known for its mountains. Meaning, most of the trek consists of high-altitude walking. Hiking is completely a physical activity that might demand some energy and effort. You might have to climb higher to get the best views of the mountains. However, some of Nepal’s best trek offers magical views without walking for a week and climbing high altitudes. We have tried our best to give you a list of the best moderate/short treks in Nepal that might help you to decide what’s best for you.
Everest View Hotel Trek: Everest View Trek is one of the easiest treks among many treks in Nepal. This trek is a great way to see the tallest mountain in the world Mount Everest. The trek starts with a scenic and thrilling mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. After hiking for two days through many monasteries, and yak pasture fields from Lukla you will reach one of the most beautiful villages in Nepal Called Namche Bazar. Also known as a gateway to Everest. A day trip from Namche Bazar will take you to this beautiful Everest hotel from where you can see many giants. Along with Mount Everest, you will also see Lotse, Nupse, Thamsekhu and other many mountains. Another day trip from there to Khumjung village is so much fun. Khumjung village is a sherpa village which s known for most sherpas climbing Everest. You can enjoy a pure Sherpa culture in this village as well.
Langtang Valley Trek: Langtang valley trek is a short but astonishing trek in Nepal. After a devastating earthquake in 2015, Langtang Valley is back with beautiful tea houses. Langtang Valley is a week trek that can please any trekkers. Wonderful hospitality, friendly people, beautiful yak sheds, a forest and amazing monasteries make this place heavenly. Kyanzing Valley is the last stop of this trek but trekkers can take one day hike up to either Kyanzing Ri 4779m or Cherkhuri 4984m.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: Annapurna base camp is a very popular trek in Nepal. Starting from a very touristy place called Pokhara, the hike gets steep throughout the trail. Unlike the other trail, the valley is narrow and you are mostly looking vertically at all the mountains. You also get to Machhapuchhre Base Camp before reaching Annapurna base camp. This trail could get very busy during peak season.
Mardi Himal Trek: Mardi Himal trek is an easy yet beautiful trek in Annapurna Region. Relatively shorter than other trails, this trail gives you breathtaking views of many mountain ranges. Reaching Mardi Himal base camp gives you a feeling of being right in the lap of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre Mountain. The best view of this trail starts from the Australian base camp. You will pass through beautiful rhododendron forests and spectacular landscapes before you reach base camp.
Ghandruk Village Trek: Ghandruk village is a beautiful Gurung village in Nepal and known for its best hospitality, culture, tradition and authenticity. A very short trek of 3-4 days is worth doing if you have limited time to explore Nepal. 1.5 hour drive from Pokhara will take you to the Modi River from where you will cross a big suspension bridge to start your trek from Birethanti. You will be hiking through forests and beautiful villages through a scenic trail all the way to reach the mesmerizing village of Ghandruk.
Poon Hill Trek: Poon hill trek is one of the most iconic and popular treks that can be done in a few days. Spectacular mountain, amazing sunrise and sunset, beautiful rhododendron forest and the gorgeous village of Ghorepani will make you feel awe. Fishtail Mountain, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and other mountains are surrounding this area. In a couple of hours’ drive from Pokhara, you will be dropped off in Nyapul from where you can start hiking.
Tamang Heritage Trail: Tamang heritage trail could be slightly longer than any other easy trail in Nepal. However, this trail is completely different that other trails. You will get to see Tibetan culture villages and their lifestyle. Staying in a homestay and closely knowing Tamang culture could be a very unique experience for you. You can also enjoy beautiful views of the Langtang Range, Ganesh Himal and Gosaikunda Range as well. On your way back, you can relax in a hot spring at Tatopani.
Machhapuchhre Model Trek: Machhapuchhre Model Trek is a newly open trek in the Annapurna region. This trek is less explored and less crowded. Villages here have a very different ethnic group and the vegetation and landscape are just top-notch. Due to less number of tourists here locals have not yet built tea houses. However, you can enjoy good hospitality in the newly made homestay. The view from Korchan Dada is amazing with the view of Fishtail, Hiuchuli, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and other mountains. There are 6 days of trek but you can make it a bit longer by trekking to Machhapuchhre Base Camp. This trekking can be done completely camped or partially camped.
Pikey Peak: Do you want to gaze at Mount Everest perfectly? Well, Pikey Peak is the best place for that as said by Sir Edmund Hillary. Standing over 4000 M, this peak can give you breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Number and others. This trek is in the lower region of Solukhumbu district and used to be the oldest route to the Everest region. You can visit a few of the old Buddhist monasteries as a part of your trek as well. During the season, these hills are decorated by amazing rhododendron flowers.
Gosaikunda Trek: Gosaikunda is one of the popular trekking as well as holy treks in Nepal. A drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche just about 8 hours is amazing. The countryside’s curvy roads will amaze you throughout the ride. Gosaikunda is a freshwater oligotrophic lake located in the Rasuwa district of Nepal. This pilgrimage trek attracts many visitors every year. Especially during a Hindu festival called Janai Purnima. This place is equally important to the Buddhist religion as well. The overall trek is compact with amazing mountain views, tropical alpine rain forest, beautiful villages, agricultural lands, lush valleys and several lakes as well.