Trekking is always a grand adventure. Because of Nepal’s amazing Himalayan beauty and its cultural riches blended with natural tenor, Nepal treks are filled with wonderful moments. Famous treks like the Everest Base Camp Trek or the Annapurna Base Camp Trek pull in thousand of trekkers from all across the planet every year. But what about wanting to do treks while having less time to spare? Fret not! There are many options in Nepal for short treks that fit the description for wanting to enjoy the beauty of the Himalayas within a time constraint. The best short trekking in Nepal are also quite suitable to be done during the winter, a feat not suited for long high altitude base camp treks (but something that is quite common in Australia!). If you want to enjoy the Himalayas without having to go through long treks, then here are your picks for the best short treks in Nepal!
#7 The Cultural Blends Adventure Tour
A perfect combination of culture and adventure, the Cultural Blends Adventure Tour ranks as one of the best short treks in Nepal. It presents both aspects of Himalayan natural beauty and cultural experiences in one go. Explore Nepal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu valley, and enjoy the natural opulence of Nepal’s countryside by hiking through the Shivapuri National Park. The hike itself presents widening views of the mountain peaks coupled with unforgettable natural sceneries and a tranquil ambiance.
Furthermore, dive further into the natural beauty as you hike in Chisapani, Nagarkot and Dhulikhel. What makes the Culture Blend Adventure Tour one of the best short treks in Nepal is the blend of diversity of culture, history and natural offerings of the country in a short amount of time.
#6 Short Annapurna Trek
The Short Annapurna Trek is among the best short treks in Nepal as it presents the shortest journey to the Annapurna region. It captures the beauty of the Annapurna Himalayan massif for you to enjoy in comfort. Initiate your journey from the lake side city of Pokhara and trudge along trails decorated with colorful canopies of rhododendron flowers. Enjoy the panoramic views of Mount Annapurna I, II and III, Annapurna South, the Fish-Tail Mountain, Dhaulagiri Himal and Mount Nilgiri among many others. Likewise, you get to visit Sarangkot, a popular vantage point near Pokhara renowned for its panoramic Himalayan views as well as views of the city of Pokhara and the Phewa Lake.
You can explore the Annapurna Region in the quickest way, making it one of the best short treks in Nepal to pursue if you are really short on time. The short trek begins with a flight to Pokhara and then continues on to the Australian Camp.
#5 Everest View Trek
The Everest View Trek is ranked among the best short treks in Nepal because it lets you enjoy the beauty of the Everest Mountains up close in a short time. Walk from Lukla to Phakding to Namche, all prominent villages and mountain towns of the Khumbu. You would be looking at awe-inspiring views of mountains like the Everest, Nuptse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam and Lhotse among many other spectacular peaks. The majority of the people in the Everest region are Sherpa people. The trek is also a great opportunity to experience their culture up close.
In the same way, you will enter the Sagarmatha National Park on the trekking journey. Dainty teahouses line the trail, and the trans-Himalayan natural environment is quite refreshing and shadowed by the giant Himalayas of the Sagarmatha. Likewise, The Everest View Trek takes you to the Tengboche Monastery as well, a popular spiritual hub of the Khumbu region.
#4 Everest Panorama Trek
Among the best short treks in Nepal, the Everest Panorama Trek is quite worthwhile. While following the standard trekking trail of the famous Everest Base Camp Trek, the short Everest Panorama Trek takes you through easy and steep trekking trails. Before reaching the altitude of 3860 meters, you will have time to acclimatize after you descend to the Dudh Koshi River. Highlights of the trek include visiting the famous Namche Bazaar- an important hub in the Khumbu region. It is also called ‘The Gateway to Everest’.
Along with that, other famous Khumbu villages of the trek includes descending from Phungki Thanka and visiting the Khumjung village. The Everest Panorama Trek is a wonderful eleven-day escapade that lets you indulge in the best features of Everest in a short time.
#3 Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang Valley is also known as “the Valley of Glaciers”. The Langtang Valley Trek is ranked among the best short treks in Nepal for its amazing natural beauty. Lying on the backdrop of Mount Langtang Lirung, the valley presents treks through alluring rugged terrain and florescence meadows. Gifted with impressive landscapes, the valley is also a home to various rare species of birds and animals.
In like manner, the Langtang valley lies inside the Langtang National Park. You may encounter Himalayan Black Bears, Himalayan Thars, Rhesus monkeys and many more as you trek through the forests. Trekking in the Langtang Valley is the third most sought-after trekking journeys after Everest and Annapurna, with trails taking you to two famous view-points of Kynaji RI (4773m) and Chorkati RI (5050m). Being one of the best short treks in Nepal- Langtang valley is also renowned for its cheese factory and the Kyangjin Gompa. Similarly, the valley presents outstanding views of mountains like the Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Tserko RI, Kyanjin RI, Dorje Lakpa and many more.
#2 Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The best short treks in Nepal are never complete without breath-taking panoramas of the Himalayas. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is perfect for just that! Also famously known as “The Queen of Viewpoints”, Ghorepani and Poon Hill provide absolutely magnetizing view of the Annapurna ranges. Rich in natural beauty with bustling rivers, cascading waterfalls, dainty valleys and the enchanting Himalayas, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is ideal for undergoing treks in a short amount of time. It is one of the treks in Nepal suitable in terms of time, endurance capacity, elevation gain and natural beauty!
Correspondingly, you start your journey from Nayapul near Pokhara and make your way through different vibrant villages. At Ghorepani, you would be rewarded with tantalizing views of various mountain peaks, like the Gangapurna Mountain, Tilicho Himal and Mount Machhapuchhre among various others. Poon Hill is the major attraction. Looking at the sunrise view from Poon Hill amidst the panorama of the Annapurna massif is simply outstanding. The trekking days include walking on easy trekking trails, ascending steep terrains and enjoying spectacular view of mountains while traversing through ethnic Magar and Gurung villages.
#1 Annapurna Panorama Trek
The Annapurna Panorama Trek is one of the best short treks in Nepal. The Annapurna region is considered one of the best trekking regions of Nepal, offering lots of different trekking routes. The Annapurna Panorama Trek, as the name itself explains, offers the most striking panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain ranges. It has trails that explore various ethnic villages of the region, from the foothills of the mountains all the way to Tadapani.
Similarly, highlights of the Annapurna Panorama Trek includes Poon Hill, the rich spring green landscape of Ghorepani and perplexing panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayan ranges. You would be descending down to the village of Ghandruk on the trek, an extraordinary village of the Gurung people, with breath-taking views of Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli Himal.
In conclusion, there are many short treks in Nepal. The best short treks in Nepal are relatively easy to do. They do not require any previous trekking experience and are quite perfect for first-time trekkers. The best short treks in Nepal are also suitable to do all the year round – just be sure to bring your camping gadgets!