There are innumerable trek routes in Nepal for short and longer duration. Ideally shorts treks in Nepal are possible to do almost all the year round. Despite the extreme hot and cold seasons, trekking in the lower hilly region is always favourable. The short hiking trips are suitable for young children, senior citizens, honeymoon couples and people looking for easy to medium grade adventures.
Among the numerous trekking routes, we have selected 7 best short treks in Nepal. These treks are available from 3 to 9 days and easy to medium-hard grade so that quite flexible to fit within your holiday. However, there are options for extension of those treks too. Spring and autumn are the best trekking seasons in Nepal but some of them are doable during summer and winter seasons as well.
Brief Introduction of 7 Best Short Treks in Nepal
1. Around Kathmandu Trek (Sundarijal to Nagarkot)
Trip Facts:
- Duration: 3 Days
- Grade: Easy
- Max. Elevation: 2,215 meters
- Price From: USD 295 Per Person
Highlights:
- Shortest trek available in the Kathmandu Valley
- Mixed culture of different Societies
- Bird’s eye view of Kathmandu Valley
- The spectacular view of the Himalayas
- Great diversity of flora and fauna en-route
Overview:
If you are in Kathmandu for business or pleasure and have some spare days and interested to spend few days with nature and the mountains, then Sundarijal Nagarkot trek is the shortest trail available close by Kathmandu city. The trek offers about 40-45 kilometers of walk in 2-3 days that passes through the national park, villages, temples and monasteries.
2. Langtang Valley Trek
Trip Facts:
- Duration: 9 Days
- Grade: Medium-Hard
- Max. Elevation: 5,033 meters
- Price From: USD 650 Per Person
Highlights:
- No internal flights required
- Visit of Tibetan village in Langtang
- Trekking to the foot of the glaciers – Kyanjing Gompa
- Spectacular views of Langtang Ri and Ganesh Himal
- Mixed culture of Tamang and Lama Societies
Overview:
Langtang Valley trek is a blend of culture and adventure with some tough climbs. This is the shortest trek available from Kathmandu that takes to the foot of the glaciers. Langtang Valley trail is also a spiritual route rich with sacred Buddhist Gompas. The excursion trip to the summit of Tserko Ri offers the 360 degree views of the Langtang Himalayan range.
3. Gosaikunda Lake Trek
Trip Facts:
- Duration: 7 Days
- Grade: Medium-Hard
- Max. Elevation: 4,609 meters
- Price From: USD 550 Per Person
Highlights:
- Spectacular views of the Langtang Himalayan range
- Visit of the pilgrimage site – Gosainkunda Lake
- The adventurous Gosaikunda pass (4,609m)
- Great countryside and landscapes
- Impressive vegetation and flowers en-route
Overview:
Gosaikunda is one of the sacred glacial lakes in Nepal. The lake lies at an altitude of 4,380 meters above sea level. Gosaikunda Lake holds a great religious importance among the Hindu devotees which makes it an ideal pilgrimage destination too. If you are looking for a trek of a week, above 4,000 meters and close by Kathmandu, then this is the best route.
4. Poonhill Ghorepani Trek
Trip Facts:
- Duration: 7 Days
- Grade: Easy
- Max. Elevation: 3,210 meters
- Price From: USD 550 Per Person
Highlights:
- Spectacular Sunrise views from Poonhill
- Magnificent views of the Himalayas along the trek
- Typical Magar and Gurung settlements
- Rhododendron and alpine forest
- 51 kilometers of walk during 5 days
Overview:
Poonhill Ghorepani trek is an easy trek for the maximum elevation gained. But the rapid variation with the altitude of the trekking trail demands this as a medium-hard trek especially on the second day. However, some people have enjoyed walking through these steps. Once you reach at Poonhill, you will be rewarded with an incredible sunrise and the views of the Annapurnas.
5. Annapurna Skyline Trek
Trip Facts:
- Duration: 9 Days
- Grade: Medium
- Max. Elevation: 3,210 meters
- Price From: USD 640 Per Person
Highlights:
- Incredible views of Annapurna Himalayan range
- Typical Gurung settlements
- Stunning Sunrise views from Poonhill
- The natural hot spring pond at Tatopani
- Diverse ethnicity and their traditions
Overview:
Annapurna Skyline trek is one of the most diverse medium level treks in the Annapurna region. The trek is a perfect blend of culture, nature and adventure that offers a whole range of experiences rather in a shorter period of time. Poonhill and Tatopani (Hot spring pond) are the major attractions of this trek and can be extended up to the Annapurna Base Camp too.
6. Mardi Himal Trek
Trip Facts:
- Duration: 9 Days
- Grade: Medium
- Max. Elevation: 4,510 meters
- Price From: USD 650 Per Person
Highlights:
- Spectacular views of the Himalayas
- Hiking through the alpine forest
- Various species of flora and fauna
- Mixed indigenous lifestyles
- Great countrysides, terrace farming and landscapes
Overview:
Mardi Himal trek route is one of the newly explored trekking trails in the Annapurna region to supply the need of alternative destinations as the traditional routes are shortened due to the construction of motorable roads. This off-the-beaten trail takes you to the closest possible point of Mt Fishtail and at the foot of the Mardi Himal to call the trip as Mardi Himal trek.
7. Everest Panorama Trek
Trip Facts:
- Duration: 9 Days
- Grade: Medium
- Max. Elevation: 3,867 meters
- Price From: USD 1,170 Per Person
Highlights:
- Amazing mountain flight to Lukla
- Visit of Namche Bazaar- the gateway of Everest Base Camp
- Magnificent views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam
- Unique Sherpa culture and traditions
- Ancient Tengboche monastery
Overview:
Everest Panorama trek is the best trekking trip for short holiday in the mountains that actually fulfills the desire to see the Mount Everest from the nearest point possible. This trek is also a good introduction of the treks for beginners in the Everest region such as Everest Base Camp Trek or Three Pass Trek. The famed Sherpa cultures and their lifestyle are the major highlights of this trek.
Some FAQs
Q.1: What kind of equipment do I need for a short trek in Nepal?
Proper arrangement of equipment for a trek in the mountains is very important. Comfortable hiking/trekking boots, warm jacket and trousers, rain poncho for summer trek and a good sleeping bag are the basic needs. Sun glasses, sunscreens, extra pair of under garments are other vital items. Please check our Full List of Equipment and contact us for our recommendation of gears for a particular trek according to the season you are going for a trek.
Q.2: How difficult are the short treks?
Most short treks are relatively easier as you don’t have to climb too fast. But it can be challenging at times. You can complete the trek with a little preparation and no advanced training is essential.
Q.3: Are trekking permits necessary?
Trekking permits are obligatory for trekking in Nepal as the routes traverse mostly through the national parks, conservation areas and community forests. In fact, trekkers are more secure with the permits.
Q.4: Where can I get the permits?
Trekking permits are available at the National Park Offices and TIMS Cards from TAAN or Nepal Tourism Board. Special permits for the controlled areas are issued by Department of Immigration. Local Trekking Companies can apply for the permits on your behalf.
Q.5: Which short treks are good for children?
Around Kathmandu Valley Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Poonhill Ghorepani Trek, Annapurna Skyline Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Everest Panorama Trek and Gosaikunda Lake Trek during fine seasons are doable with children too. Some other treks like Royal Trek and Helambu Village Trek are also suitable to do with children.
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