The Nepal Himalayas hold some of the finest trekking routes in the world, with varied landscapes, fast rivers and wide mountain views. It is no surprise that Nepal draws more than 200,000 trekkers a year. With so many trekking options, each with its own character, choosing one is hard. Here are our five favourites, picked on difficulty, popularity and scenery.
Ghorepani Poon Hill
Difficulty: easy
The Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, sometimes called the Queen of Viewpoints, takes in views across the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. It starts at Nayapul and passes terraced farmland and rhododendron forest around Gurung and Magar villages. Watching the sunrise over the Annapurna range from Poon Hill is the highlight. The trail ends at Ghandruk, one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal. With a top elevation of about 3,210 metres and an easy path, it suits beginners who want the high Himalaya without worrying much about altitude sickness.
Annapurna Circuit
Difficulty: moderate
The Annapurna Circuit rings the foothills of the whole Annapurna range, crossing lush pastures and alpine forest before ending in the dry, high country around Manang. One of Nepal’s great treks, it gives wide views of the Annapurnas, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu and the Langtang Himal. It can be crowded, and recent road-building has taken some of the wildness out of the region, but it remains a favourite for its mountain views, changing landscapes and old Buddhist monasteries. With a high point of about 5,416 metres at the Thorong La, it is a good trek for those with some experience.
Langtang Trek
Difficulty: moderate
This is one of the best-known treks in Nepal, taking in varied vegetation and pretty villages. The trailhead is about a seven-hour drive from Kathmandu. The region was hit hard by the 2015 earthquake but has since been rebuilt, and trekking has returned. With a top elevation of about 4,984 metres, it gives fine views of Langtang Ri and the surrounding peaks, and the chance to walk close to glaciers at a relatively low altitude. For anyone keen on Tamang culture alongside the scenery, the Langtang trek is a strong choice.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Difficulty: moderate to hard
To stand beneath the world’s highest mountain, there is no better trek than the Everest Base Camp Trek. It is demanding, but it rewards you with close views of the great peaks. Along the way you pass glaciers and dramatic landscapes, and you can experience Sherpa culture and visit old monasteries. Reaching the summit of Everest is another matter entirely, but walking to its base camp is an adventure in its own right. With a high point of around 5,545 metres at Kala Patthar, the trail follows the Dudh Koshi and offers sunrise and sunset over Everest in clean mountain air. It is a humbling walk, with wide views to match.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Difficulty: hard
This remote, off-the-beaten-track trek circles Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. The quiet trail reaches about 5,106 metres at its high point, the Larkya La. It crosses several tough passes and gives wide views along the Nepal–Tibet border. From subtropical forest low down to the cold crossing of the Larkya La, it has real variety, and it suits experienced trekkers who want to avoid the crowds. As a restricted route, it requires a permit and a Nepali guide or porter, so plan ahead.
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