Nepal has many travel destinations and trek routes available to everyone. Trekking is one of the main reasons why tourists visit Nepal. It is one of the top travel destinations in the world. The perfect way to get away from all the daily work and noise of the city is to trek in the hills and mountains of Nepal. If you don’t have much time then don’t worry there are lots of places you can visit in a short period too. Here is a list of the best short treks in Nepal.
Poon Hill Trekking
Trip duration: 4-5 days
Elevation: 3210 meters
Starting Point: Pokhara and one hour taxi to Nayapul.
Ghorepani Poon Hill trekking is one of the best short and popular treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is suitable for all age groups because of the favorable temperature, and lower elevations.
Across the route, you walk through ethnic villages of Gurungs and Magars in Ghorepani. You will cross Ulleri and Ghandruk village too. Dense forests of rhododendron and terraced farms cover every part of your route. After reaching Poon hill, you are welcomed with spectacular sunrise and mountain views. Along with views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Hiuchuli, and also Nilgiri.
Gosaikunda Lake
Trip Duration: 6 days
Elevation: 4380 meters
Starting Point: Kathmandu and six-hour drive to Dhunche
The Lakes of Gosaikunda (4360m) are famous as a pilgrimage site for Hindus who flock to the site in August during Janai Purnima. The trip starts from Bunche with a continuous hike upwards to Lauribinayak. Along the way, you can visit Yak farms for local cheese. The best time to visit Gosainkunda is before the snow starts and during the monsoon and summer. There are well-maintained hotels and lodges in the region. The lakes provide great views from the top and are usually covered in ice during the winter. The alpine freshwater lake is the major source of the Trishuli river.
Kalinchowk Temple
Trip duration: 3-4 days
Elevation: 3842 meters
Kalinchowk is a popular Hindu shrine in eastern hills at the Dolakha district of Nepal. This is a short trek from Kathmandu. The trip starts from Charikot as you make your way up to Kuri Village. There are many lodges and hotels where you can stay. The main attraction is the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple atop the hill in Kalinchowk. It takes about an hour or 2 to reach the top. Recently a cable-car has also been constructed so you can reach the top easily. From the top, you can see a high ridgeline and it offers one of the best views of the Annapurna range. The place offers a stunning view of Mt. Gaurishankar, Jugal, Annapurna, and Everest.
Chisapani – Nagarkot- Dhulikhel Trek
Trek Duration: 3-4 days
Elevation: 2,175 meters
This is one of the best trails you can do immediately upon arriving in Kathmandu. It is one of the popular treks around the valley. The trail leads you through the lush hills and beautiful forest. It is a relatively easy trek and easily accessible. From Chisapani, you will reach to Nagarkot- a famous hill station in the valley. The place offers you a spectacular view of the majestic mountains. Along with the typical countryside settlements of people of mixed ethnicity. You have too many options for accommodation at Nagarkot. Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise in the morning to freshens up your tired body after the long walk. It is one of the easiest and best short treks in Nepal.
Mardi Himal Trek
Starting Point: Kathmandu – Pokhara.
No. Days Required: 9-10 days
Maximum Elevation: 4500 M
Mardi Himal is situated just east of one of the most popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek, and Mardi is a hidden gem. It is a new trek route less known among the tourists. The trek starts from Phedi, a 45 minutes drive from Pokhara city. You can enjoy the rhododendron forest up to Badal danda. Mardi Himal viewpoint offers the magnificent view of Mt. Machhapuchhere, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi Peak and other Annapurna ranges. You can go on this trek all year round. While Winter offers the clearest views under clear skies you have to be extra careful during winter.
Langtang Trekking
No of days: 8 to 10 days
Maximum Height: 5,050m, (Option) otherwise 3817m
Starting Point: Kathmandu – Syabru Besi.
This is one of the popular trekking destinations in Nepal, even among locals, because of its expansive views and well known Tamang culture, the Langtang trek is a relatively easy trek and is begins after 7-8 hours drive away from Kathmandu. Kyanjin Gompa is the last point of the Langtang valley trekking. The trekking begins from Syabrubesi. Heading through the Langtang National Park and crossing the various Tamang Villages like Rimche and Lama Hotel, the trek reaches the Langtang Valley.
Khopra Danda
No of Days: 7 days
This trekking route has been opened for nearly 4 years but very few people have heard about the trek. The short Khopra danda trek starts after driving from Pokhara to Ghandruk village. The Stunning view of Mt. Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I, II, III, South, Lamjung, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) Himalayas are the main highlights of the Trek. During the Springtime can see the amazing Rhododendron forest and also the wildlife while trekking. The Khayar Lake itself is another attraction of this trek which is at 4,827 M. We can see Yaks gazing around the hills especially in the Summer, Monsoon and Autumn time.
Annapurna Base Camp Trekking
No of Days: 8 To 10 days
Maximum Height: 4100m
Starting Point: Kathmandu – Pokhara.
The popular Annapurna base camp trekking is surrounded by Himalayan ranges that include Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapurchre. This is one of the best short treks in Nepal. The high preferred trail to the Annapurna Base Camp passes via Ghorepani Poon hill trek route. Or you can walk through Syuli Bazar or choose to walk through Dhampus. Whichever route you choose, you will meet at Chhomrong to proceed to the base camp.
Everest View Trekking
No. of days: 5 days to 10 days
Maximum Height: 3,880m.
Starting Point: Kathmandu – Lukla.
If you don’t have the time to make the complete trek to Everest Base Camp this might be the next best thing. The highlight of the trek is the views of Everest and Ama Dablam from just above Namche Bazaar. The trek starts with a short exciting flight to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla from where you will trek to Phakding. The next day is a beautiful day of trekking up the canyon of the Dudh Kosi which involves crossing several suspension bridges before you make the steep climb to Namche Bazaar. The next day is spent hiking up to the Everest View Hotel to catch a glimpse of Mount Everest in the distance and by now you will wish you were making the complete trek to Everest Base Camp. After spending a day in Namche you return to Lukla by the same route and fly back to Kathmandu.