Nepal is a beautiful country having numerous trekking trails for adventure seekers. It offers stunning views of mountains, diverse landscapes, rough terrain, and immersive culture.
Trekking in Nepal, one can choose routes ranging from short day treks to extended excursions, aligning with their holiday plans and preferences. You can embark on these trekking trials as per your available time.
Generally, the short treks in Nepal are designed for travelers who have limited time to explore the remote region. These treks are also considered best for beginner trekkers.
Most of the short treks have well-maintained routes, which are considered easy or moderate in terms of difficulty level. To conquer these trials, trekkers do not require prior trekking experience and immense physical preparation.
Here are some of the popular short treks in Nepal that offer the immersive experience of the nature and ancient culture of the Himalayan.
Langtang Valley Trek
Max. Elevation: 4,984 m/16,351 ft.
Duration: 5-7 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Langtang Valley trek is one of the most rewarding short treks in Nepal, which lasts for 5-7 days to complete. The journey takes travelers deep into the most picturesque and culturally diverse regions of Nepal.
The trek is moderate to difficult and makes it accessible to a wide variety of hikers, from beginners to experienced adventurers. Moreover, it offers breathtaking views of Langtang Lirung and a wide variety of flora and fauna, including red pandas.
Traveling through dense forests, alpine meadows, and traditional Tamang settlements allows you to experience the distinctive blend of natural beauty and cultural legacy of the Langtang region.
The main highlight of the Langtang Valley trek is the visit to Kyanjin Gompa. This monastery is one of the significant religious places for Buddhists offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
The trip provides an opportunity to experience the rich tradition and kind hospitality of the local Tamang community. Despite being highly affected by the 2015 earthquake, the Langtang region stands as a testament to resilience and recovery.
Visiting the Langtang region for a trek will help contribute to the local economy while enjoying the valley’s serene beauty and cultural diversity. Langtang Valley Trek is a perfect blend of natural splendor and rich cultural heritage, providing a truly enriching experience.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Max. Elevation: 3,210 m/10,531 ft
Duration: 4-5 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is one of the renowned short treks in Nepal and lies in the heart of the Annapurna region. It is a perfect combination of cultural richness and natural beauty.
Moreover, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is ideal for travelers who have a time limit yet want to experience the majesty of the Himalayas. The trek takes 4-5 days providing expansive vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
The main attraction is the sunrise at the popular viewpoint Poon Hill. It rewards the trekkers with breathtaking views like the sunrise behind the snowcapped mountains.
The trip allows travelers to immerse themselves in the local lifestyles and culture as the route passes through beautiful Gurung and Magar villages. Trekkers of all skill levels can accomplish it, as this trek is modest and difficult level.
The vibrant flora and fauna as you go through deep rhododendron forests add to the journey a magical touch. The trek starts from Nayapul and passes through Tikhedhunga and Ghorepani before reaching famous Poon Hill.
The trek provides a different perspective at every step, from terraced land to majestic mountains. The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek captures the nature of trekking in Nepal, with its blend of stunning natural scenery and fascinating cultural encounters.
The trekkers need to descend through the picturesque village of Ghandruk, which is highly recognized for its traditional houses and mountain views. It is the perfect ending to this short yet rewarding adventure.
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
Max. Elevation: 2,215 m/7,267 ft.
Duration: 2-3 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is a great short trek for those seeking to spend a few days away from the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu. This 2–3-day trek offers breathtaking sunrise and sunset over the Himalayas.
The journey begins with a drive to Sundarijal and continues with a trek through diverse wildlife and dense forests in Shivapuri National Park. People of all age groups, including families with children, can enjoy this easy to moderate-level trekking.
As the trek continues, you will reach a beautiful village known as Chisapani that offers stunning views of nearby landscapes. Nagarkot is the next destination of this trek, which is highly known for its expansive Himalayan range views.
Nagarkot is one of the best locations close to Kathmandu to witness the grandeur of mountains without undertaking the long trek. The trip ends with a descent into the old town of Bhaktapur, offering the ideal fusion of natural beauty and cultural legacy.
Overall, the Chisapani Nagarkot trek is a short but pleasant journey that presents the impressive cultural richness of the Kathmandu valley.
Dhampus Sarangkot Trek
Max. Elevation: 1,600 m/ 5,249 ft.
Duration: 2-3 days
Difficulty Level: Easy
Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is a worthy short trek, which typically takes 2-3 days to complete. It offers the mesmerizing vistas of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
The journey begins from Phedi, taking a short drive from the beautiful city of Pokhara. The trek takes you through the lush forest, charming villages, and remote regions the diverse cultural insight.
People of all age groups, especially families with children can enjoy this trek because of its easy trekking path. It also serves as a perfect beginning for trekking in Nepal.
Dhampus is a beautiful village, which is also the first major stop of this trek. It offers stunning mountain views and insight into the Gurung culture of the region. The trial then proceeded to the Sarangkot from Dhampus.
Another major part of this trek is the beautiful vistas of the sunrise and sunset from the viewpoint of the Sarangkot. Another attraction of this place is the beautiful views of the mountains and Pokhara city.
The trek ends with the descent to Pokhara, where one can have their time on the lakeside while enjoying the beauty of Fewa Lake.
The Dhampus Sarangkot trek is the best short trek that is a perfect blend of natural beauty, easy accessibility, and cultural experience, making it the best choice for trekkers with limited time.
Mardi Himal Trek
Max. Elevation: 4,500 m/14,763 ft
Duration: 4-6 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Mardi Himal Trek is a comparatively new and unexplored hidden trekking route in the Annapurna region that lasts for 4-6 days. The route is less crowded compared to another trekking spots, making it perfect for those who care for their privacy.
Journey to Mardi Himal Trek, offers close-up views of Mardi Himal and the iconic Machapuchare also known as the Fishtail Mountain. The route takes you through the dense forest, traditional villages, and high alpine meadows.
The moderate difficulty level makes it good for trekkers with some experience. It is beginner-friendly and accessible for all kinds of adventure enthusiasts.
The journey starts from the Kande and ascends through the rhododendron forest to reach the high camp. Stunning views of Mardi Himal and another nearby peak can be seen from the high camp.
The final destination is a trek to Mardi Himal Base Camp providing an amazing experience with breathtaking views of the Annapurna ranges. The trek is known for its less congested trails with a peaceful environment and diverse landscapes.
The Mardi Himal trek is also a great escape from the more crowded trekking routes. The main attraction of this trek is you will pass through the charming traditional village, peaceful trails, and pristine landscapes.
The combination of the local cultural legacy and serenity makes the Mardi Himal Trek a highly rewarding journey for those looking for a short but worthy trekking experience in Nepal.
Helambu Trek
Max. Elevation: 4,610 m/15,120 ft
Duration: 5-6 Days
Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
Helambu trek is another great option for a short trek in Nepal, which can be completed within 5-6 days. From this trek, one can experience the cultural richness and natural beauty.
Helambu region is located close to Kathmandu, populated by the Hyolmo people. The unique culture and customs provide a fascinating dimension to the trek. The trail offers stunning views of the Langtang mountain range.
Moreover, the trek passes through dense forests, terraced farmland, and beautiful villages. In terms of difficulty level, it is categorized as easy to moderate making it a great option for all trekkers of all experience levels.
The trek starts from the Sundarijal and continues through the Shivapuri National Park. It offers the opportunity to explore the different varieties of flora and fauna of the area.
The landscape changes often providing a diverse sense of nature as you head toward the high elevation. It presents the great views of the snowcapped mountains and tranquil valleys.
Helambu Trek provides the opportunity to visit the ancient monasteries and interact with the local Buddhist community. Moreover, it is a great combination of natural beauty and cultural exploration.
Trekking in Helambu is an enriching experience for those looking for a short trek and easily accessible trek in Nepal. The trekking experience in the Langtang region will leave remarkable memories, which will remain throughout the lifetime.
Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Max. Elevation: 3,800 m/ 12,467 ft.
Duration: 5-7 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
The Jomsom Muktinath is a culturally valued journey that is completed within 5-7 days and passes through the diverse landscapes of the Mustang region. One of the main attractions of this trek is the religious place of Muktinath, which is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.
The Trek rewards breathtaking views of the Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri ranges as the trekkers pass through the world’s deepest gorge, Kali Gandaki Gorge. The trek is easily accessible for most trekkers because of its moderate difficulty level.
The journey starts from Jomsom taking you through the charming villages of Kagbeni and Jharkot. This place can give a taste of the distinctive customs and culture of the Thakali people.
The landscapes varied from the desert to the alpine meadow, providing a diverse trekking experience. Muktinath is highly renowned for its 108 waterspouts and eternal flame making it the site of great spiritual significance.
The Jomsom Muktinath can provide an unforgettable journey as it is a perfect combination of immersive culture, spiritual exploration, and natural beauty.
Everest View Trek
Max. Elevation: 3,860 m/ 12,664 ft.
Duration: 5-7 Days
Difficulty Level: Moderate
The Everest View trek is a short and scenic trek to Everest region. This trek is a great alternative to Everest Base Camp trek offering trekkers stunning views of Mount Everest and the surrounding peaks.
The trek lasts for 5-7 days, which is perfect for those who want to explore the beauty of the Everest area without engaging in lengthy and challenging trek.
The route gives insight into the unique culture and lifestyles of the Khumbu region, a traditional settlement of the Sherpa people. The journey begins with a flight to Lukla, followed by a trek to Namche Bazaar, the happening city of the Everest region.
Afterwards, the trek heads towards the Tengboche from Namche offering the panoramic vistas of Everest, Ama Dablam, and nearby peaks. In the case of Difficulty level, this trek is referred to as the moderate, which makes it accessible to a large number of trekkers.
The trek can be completed in a short time, which makes perfect for those who have a time limit. Moreover, it presents the wide vistas of the Himalayan grandeur and rich culture of the Everest region, making it the best trekking alternative for travelers.
In Conclusion, the above-mentioned short treks are worth to embark, which take travelers to the remote region that is filled with natural splendor. It offers a glimpse of the Himalayan grandeur and diverse cultural heritage of Nepal without requiring lengthy time need.
Each trek has its uniqueness, making it suitable for different fitness levels and personal preferences. By embarking on these short treks, trekkers can immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature and explore the local way of life.