The views of the Himalayas, meeting and exploring unique culture, heritage, and lifestyle of the people of Nepal; these are temptations most people have in their everyday life. But temptations aside people do not have the time or could be on a budget. Both factors mean having a lesser amount of time a normal trek would require.
Nepal has an interesting terrain that lends itself to numerous trekking routes – long and short. There are many trekking routes and destinations that can be conquered in a short period of time.
This 5-10 days of trek are best if you are looking to enjoy the glorious mountains but cannot manage a long vacation.
Well, we got you covered here.
The best short treks in Nepal are as spectacular and as adventurous as the longer trekking trails. You will be able to witness the majestic mountain ranges, experience the culture and walk through whimsical trails.
The short treks will be termed as an easy trek by professional. A novice trekker, however, could claim these trails as the ones that are easy to moderate.
Numerous short trek options are available for you to choose from. Here are a few treks that are amongst the best short treks in Nepal.
Best Short Treks in Nepal
Here are our picks on the best short treks available in Nepal. You can choose among the short trek based on the region or that mountain range you wish to view. The Everest Region, the Annapurna Region, the Langtang Region and a countryside trek around the capital are among the few regions you can trek to.
Everest Region Short Treks
These are the short treks you can choose among in the Everest region.
Everest Panorama Trek
Starting Point: Lukla
Trek Duration: 7 days (10)
Everest Panorama Trek is a relatively easy trek to the gateway of Mount Everest. The breathtaking views of the mountains make this trek a popular destination for novice trekkers in Nepal. Quite something to get you motivated for another trek.
This trek is best suited for those who do not have enough time for longer treks into the high mountains.
The Everest Panorama Trek will take you up on the high trails to Tengboche Monastery. The Tengboche Monastery stands at a height of 3850 meters. The trek is a short yet an exceptionally scenic trek. It offers a fantastic view of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest.
You will also be able to see Mount Lhotse, Mount Thamserku, Mount Ama Dablam that are 8000+ meters along with many other snowy peaks.
You will be flying to Lukla airport in the Khumbu region then trek to Namche Bazaar from there. After Namche Bazaar, you will walk to the Tengboche Monastery.
It is a great way to explore the settlement, the culture and the lifestyle of the local Sherpa people.
Highlights of the Everest Panorama Trek
- A short but thrilling trek to Mount Everest.
- Visiting the Tengboche monastery, one of the biggest monasteries in that altitude.
- Passing suspension bridges over rivers and georges.
- Experiencing the hospitality of the Sherpa people and exploring the Sherpa culture, tradition, and lifestyle.
- Breathtaking views of the Everest region while you walk to Tengboche.
- Majestic views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Changtse, Ama Dablam, and many other mountains as well as peaks.
- Visit Namche Bazaar.
Thyangboche Monastery and Sherpa Land Trek
Starting Point: Lukla
Trek Duration: 8 days (11)
The Thyangboche Monastery and Sherpa Land Trek is an exclusive adventure to the Everest region. Your journey to this land starts with a short and sweeping scenic flight to Lukla. The trek on foot starts from Lukla.
The trail will take you up several farm villages. it offers you amazing views of the landscape and the snow-capped peaks, as it will lead you to the highest point at Thyangboche Monastery.
It is a journey to 3,867 meters above sea level that offers outstanding panoramic views of the majestic mountains, peaks, and glacier.
This trek is a great way to explore the Sherpa community at its core. You can experience their culture, heritage, and lifestyle on your stay there.
Highlights of the Thyangboche Monastery and Sherpa Land Trek
- A short trek but a scenic trek to the foothills of Mount Everest.
- Breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, Mount Nuptse, Mount Changtse, Mount Ama Dablam, Mount Thermasharkhu and Mount Kwangde-ri.
- Experiencing and exploring the Sherpa culture, tradition, and lifestyle.
- Visit and explore Namche Bazaar.
- Visiting Thyangboche Monastery.
- Trek down to Lukla via the Khumjung-Khunde Valley route.
Annapurna Region Short Treks
The Annapurna Region has the following short trekking trails for you.
Ghandruk Moderate Trek
Starting Point: Pokhara
Trek Duration: 5 days (8)
The Ghandruk Moderate Trek region leads through a short circuit in the southern part of Annapurna Mountain Range. The trail passes through a range of vegetation and cultures.
It leads you through the green vegetation of rain and temperate forests to the terraced rice fields and to the hilly region. The Ghandruk Moderate Trek offers an idle introduction to the cultural and natural beauty of Nepal.
The trek will start from Pokhara and lead you towards the dense forest of rhododendrons and magnolia passing through rainforest and gorge between the massive green hills.
It will be a short and remarkable trip to the mid-hills Ghandruk.
Highlights of Ghandruk Moderate Trek
- The picturesque views that range from paddy fields to the high mid-hill alpine area.
- Majestic views of the world’s highest mountain ranges – Annapurna Range, Dhaulagiri Range and Mount Manaslu.
- Walking through the lush rhododendrons forest.
- Exploring the traditional culture and villages.
Ghorepani and Poon Hill Panorama Trek
Starting Point: Pokhara
Trek Duration: 8 days (12)
This panoramic adventure to Ghorepani-Poon hill will let you experience a range of climate, vegetation, and cultures. You will be taking a scenic route through the southern part of Annapurna Mountain Range in this trek.
The trek to Ghorepani and Poonhill will start at Pokhara.
This trek combines wonderful mountain scenery and with ancient traditions cultural variations of rural farms and villages.
The trail will lead to the dense rhododendrons and magnolia forest. You will also come across a beautiful gorge between the massive green hills. Once atop Poonhill, you will be surrounded by three of the world’s highest mountain ranges.
The snow-capped peaks you will see are Mount Annapurna, Mount Dhaulagiri massif mountain range, Mount Manaslu, Mount Annapurna South, Gangapurna and Annapurna III.
You will descend via the lush terraced Modi Khola valley to complete this trip at Pokhara.
Highlights of Ghorepani and Poon Hill Panorama Trek
- Scenic route filled with the varied landscape from the paddy fields to the high alpine area.
- Stunning views of Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
- Luscious blooming rhododendrons and magnolia forest.
- Friendly locals and traditional villages along the Trans-Himalayan salt trade route.
- Unique experience exploring the lifestyle, culture and heritage of the locals.
Poon Hill Circuit Trek
Starting Point: Pokhara
Trek Duration: 7 days (10)
The Poon Hill Circuit Trek is among the treks that are perfect for anyone who prefers short treks but wants the breathtaking views of the mountain ranges. The Himalayan experience on Poon Hill Trek will definitely blow your minds.
Poonhill unquestionably has one of the best views of the Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
The trek will start and end in Pokhara. Similar to the Ghorepani and the Ghorepani-Poonhill trek. You will make your way through a short circuit in the southern part of Annapurna Mountain Range. You will also pass the dense rhododendrons and magnolia forest.
But unlike the two treks, this is a circuit trek so you will be walking down the Tadapani- Ghandruk- Nayapul- Pokhara route.
Highlights of the Poon Hill Circuit Trek
- Breathtaking views of Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges.
- Stunning view of the luscious rhododendrons and magnolia forest.
- Explore the traditional villages along the Trans-Himalayan salt trade route.
- Experience and explore the lifestyle and culture of the local Gurung community.
The Royal Syaglung Trek
Starting Point: Pokhara
Trek Duration: 4 days (8)
The Royal Syaglung Trek is an ideal holiday trip for novice travelers to experience the Himalayas of Nepal. This trek passes the southern part of Annapurna Range. This short circuit was named after Prince Charles of Wales took this Royal trek on his holiday.
The Royal Syaglung Trek is among the least trekked areas and is recommended for begineers. The climate will be warm most of the year. And the route does not take you to a higher alitude.You will be able to get an opportunity to walk through the paddy terraced fields.
Highlights
- Spectacular views of Annapurna, Manaslu mountain range and the majestic Mount Machhapuchhre.
- One of the least trekked path, which means the trail will be less crowded.
- Exploring the villages of the middle hills, Hindus & Gurungs hill tribes.
Langtang and Helambu Region Short Treks
Here are the shorts treks of the Langtang and Helambu Region that made the list.
Langtang Valley Trek
Starting Point: Syabrubesi
Trek Duration: 7 days (11)
Langtang Valley Trek offers a great classic adventure towards the central Himalayan region.
The trek will start at Syabrubesi. You will be walking along the winding path through the dense oaks, birch, pines and rhododendron forests.
This beautiful trail will lead you to Kyanjin Gompa which stands at the height of 3,749 meters. Kyangin is a perfect base, it is surrounded by mountains on all sides.
Langtang area offers a varied range of cultures with the main ethnic people being of the Tamang and Bhotias community. You will be able to experience the culture and heritage of the friendly locals in Kyanjin Valley.
There are many monasteries in Kyanjin Valley where you can enjoy the peace of the mountains.
Highlights of the trek
- Rhododendron trees on the trail form a twisted and colorful understory.
- The rivers, waterfalls and glimpses of wildlife will make the route an exciting one.
- Trekking through amazing valleys gorges and pristine forests.
- It is best known as the area of the red pandas.
- Reaching the foothills of Langtang Mountain Range.
Helambu Trek
Starting Point: Pokhara
Trek Duration: 7 days (10)
You can start your trek to Helambu from two different points – Sundarijal or Melamchi Pul. Helambu region is rich in culture.
There are people from two different cultures residing in the area. The first being Tamangs and the second is Yolmus. The Yolmo people are often referred to as “Sherpas”.
This trek has a pleasant route and is perfect for novice trekker to trump. With an average of 4 hours walk per day, you can enjoy interacting with nature more than most treks. This makes the experience and special and unique one.
You will be witness a mix of ethnic groups Brahmin, Chhetri, Newari and the Gurung culture along the edges of the park and mid-hill areas.
Highlights of the trek
- The trekking routes range from paddy fields to the high alpine area.
- Panoramic views of Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal along with the Annapurna, and Manaslu mountain range.
- Trekking across the lush rhododendron forest.
- Experiencing friendly traditional villages from mid-hills to the high Himalayas.
Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek
Starting Point: Pokhara
Trek Duration: 4 days (6)
The Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek is an ideal trek for beginners and people trekking with their families. This peaceful trek to the mid-hills of Kathmandu Valley Rim starts from Kakani.
You will walk around the ridge that outlines valley, from Kakani.
The trek will provide stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You will also get the majestic vista of the snow-capped mountain range from Annapurna to Manaslu to Ganesh to Langtang range. The south-east ridge will take you to Dhulikhel.
The famous spots in Nagarkot and Dhulikhel provide a mesmerizing sunrise and sunset over the panoramic snow-capped mountain range.
Highlights of the Kathmandu Valley Rim Trek
- Skyline view of Mount Gauri Shankar, Langtang, Choba Bhamare, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Himal-chuli.
- A dazzling sunrise and sunset over the mountain range from the Nagarkot Tower.
- Stay at one of the best Mountain Resorts around the valley rim. The resorts come with a panoramic view of the mountain range.
- Indulge in the different cultures and heritages that reside on the ridge of the valley.
Tips for Short Treks in Nepal.
Sure, these are just short treks but the following tips will come in handy when you go on these treks.
- Make and follow your packing list.
- You should get breathable trekking and rain gear. Along with waterproof hiking shoes.
- The weather is unpredictable so keep your rain jackets and backpack covers in an accessible place in case of sudden rainfall.
- Pack all the medications you need and a first aid kit.
- It is best to book your rooms at the teahouses in advance. You will have to get there quicker than other trekkers in case you didn’t pre-book.
- Hydrating yourself is very important. So you should carry a water bottle you can fill at the tea house.
- You should get yourself a travel insurance even though it is a short trek.
- If you feel like you are missing some trekking gear when you get here, you can always rent it from a store in Thamel.
- The trekking routes are open almost every month of the year unless there are some extreme cases. For the best trekking experiences, choose from among the peak season months.
- The months from March to May and September to November makes the peak season.
Last Say,
It’s perfectly normal that you are not able to carve out time for a long trek or do not want to go on one. Nepal and its landscape have something to offer to every trekking enthusiast. Short treks are perfect if you want to enjoy the nature and culture of the Himalayas on a short period of time.
So, pick a trek you want to go on, pack up and come get the Himalayan experience.
