Best Treks in Nepal - Ranked from Easy to Difficult - The Ultimate Guide

Nepal, the treasure of nature offers adventure for every taste. Here's a ranked guide to some of the best treks in Nepal, from easy to hard:

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: (3,210 meters) - Easy

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the shortest and easiest treks in Nepal. If you visit during the Spring or Autumn season, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges, Tukuche, Lamjung Himal, Nilgiri, etc. You may also explore rhododendron forests, local markets, the traditional Magar and Gurung villages, and their unique culture. 

Annapurna Base Camp Trek: (4,130 meters) - Easy

ABC trek is amongst the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. You can get a stunning view of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhare, Hiunchuli, etc, especially during the sunrise. You pass through or stay at the Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC), which is en route to the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). The best part of the ABC trek is that you can relax in a natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda on the last day of your trek before taking a jeep to Pokhara or Kathmandu.

Mardi Himal Trek: (4,500 meters) - Easy

Even though it's a short trek, the Mardi Base Camp has the most spectacular panoramic view of the Mardi, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, Manaslu, Himchuli, and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trail is relatively less crowded and you may even encounter some wildlife if you are lucky. It is always best to travel in a group.

Langtang Valley Trek: (3,430 meters) - Moderate

This trail greets you with picturesque landscapes from the beginning and is full of Yaks and other interesting flora and fauna. Although Langtang Valley offers gorgeous scenery, warm hospitality, and a unique experience of local culture, you can still extend your trek to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870 meters). From there, you can climb Kyanjin Ri (4,774 Meters) which rewards you with a closer view of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Glacier, etc. You can also take side trips to Tsergo Ri, Yala Peak, and Langshisha Kharka. If you are visiting during the autumn, be sure to taste the local Sea Buckthorn juice, the natural immunity booster. 

Gosaikunda Trek: (4,380 meters) - Moderate

The Gosainkunda Lake is situated in the Langtang Region, the same as the Langtang Valley. You can visit multiple high-altitude lakes like Gosaikunda Lake, Bhairav Kunda Lake, Saraswati Kunda Lake, and other nearby Lakes. This trek is well known for its steep climb so it’s better to make frequent stops and acclimatize as you ascend. From Gosaikunda, you can extend your trek to the Lauribina pass and to Suryakunda (4,610 meters), the highest lake in the region. You can spot beautiful snow-capped peaks, including Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Gorje Lakpa along the way.

Annapurna Circuit Trek: (5,416 meters) - Moderately Difficult

This trail leads you around the Annapurna region while visiting famous places like Manang, Thorong La Pass, Muktinath Temple, Jomsom, Tatopani, Ghorepani, and Poon Hill. The highest point of the trek is Thorong La High Pass at 5,416 meters. You can explore exquisite flora and fauna, interesting landscapes, yak pastures, natural hot springs, Barge Monastery, etc along the way. This trek is relatively longer and requires a moderate level of fitness to complete comfortably. 

Manaslu Circuit Trek: (5,160 meters) - Moderately Difficult

The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the lesser-known treks of Nepal but it’s the most culturally enriched trail. It has the most scenic views of Himalayan Peaks like Manaslu, Annapurna II, Sringri Himal, Lamjung Himal, etc. It offers a deep dive into the Hindu and Buddhist cultures, and lifestyle of remote settlements. You can trek along the Budhi Gandaki and Marsyangdi river gorges and may spot wild species like snow leopards as well. The highest point of the trail is Larkya La Pass (5,106 meters).

Everest Three Passes Trek: (5,030 meters) - Difficult

The trek begins with a flight to one of the most dangerous airports in the world, the Lukla Airport. This is one of the most difficult treks in Nepal as you reach the Everest Base Camp aka EBC (5,364 meters), as well as the three highest passes of the region - Renjo La Pass (5,340 meters), Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), and Kongma La Pass (5,535 meters). This trail has many famous landmarks like the renowned sherpa town Namche Bazar, the highest glacier on earth Khumbu Glacier, Gokyo Lake, Kala Patthar, Lobuche, etc. It is important to take breaks during the trek, even a whole day to acclimatize to the altitude. You may spot snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, pheasants, etc along the way.

Upper Dolpo Trek: (5,306 meters) - Difficult

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the longest treks in Nepal as it can take up to 28 days to complete with steep ascents and descents, across forests and desert-like terrains. It takes you to some of the most remote places of Nepal in the mid-western region and the highest point of the trek is Kang La Pass. The untouched beauty of culture and nature is unparalleled as you get to explore the ancient Bon-Po culture, local villages, Shey Phoksundo Lake, and the Shey Phoksundo National Park. You can find alpine meadows and rhododendron forests along the way and may spot rare wild species like Himalayan black bears, blue sheep, and snow leopards.

From the gentle slopes of Poon Hill to the Challenging climbs of Everest and Dolpo region, Nepal offers the perfect getaway for everyone. It is truly a treasure of Nature. With proper preparation, sturdy gear, steady acclimatization, and a positive attitude, you can enjoy every moment, whichever trail you take. So, pack your bags, lace your shoes, and set out to explore Nepal’s nature and culture.

List Image: "Shey phoksundo blues" by Shradha KC