Nepal is a dream destination for trekking. From the world famous Everest Base Camp to the remote valleys of Manaslu and Upper Mustang, every trail offers something different. Some routes are full of culture and villages, while others take you deep into wild, untouched landscapes. Whether you want big mountains, quiet paths, or cultural experiences, Nepal has a trek that matches your adventure style.
Below are five of the most beautiful and popular treks in Nepal, perfect for anyone who loves hiking and exploring the Himalayas.
1. Everest Base Camp Trek
The Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most iconic journeys in Nepal. It takes you to the foot of Mount Everest and gives you a mix of big mountain views, Sherpa culture, and a real sense of achievement. The trek usually takes around 12 to 14 days and starts with a short flight to Lukla.
Highlights of Everest Base Camp trek
Stunning views of Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and the Khumbu Glacier
Experience Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar and Tengboche
Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery
Reach Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters
Sunrise or sunset views from Kala Patthar, the best viewpoint for Everest
Trek Overview (Everest Base Camp Trek)
Duration: 12 to 14 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Highest Point: Kala Patthar at 5,545 meters
Best Time: March to May and September to November
Permits: Sagarmatha National Park Permit and Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
Standard Trek Itinerary Route for EBC
Day 1: Fly to Lukla then trek to Phakding
Day 2: Phakding to Namche Bazaar
Day 3: Rest and acclimatization in Namche
Day 4: Namche to Tengboche
Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche
Day 6: Dingboche to Lobuche
Day 7: Lobuche to Gorak Shep and Everest Base Camp
Day 8: Early morning hike to Kala Patthar
Day 9: Trek back to Lukla following the same trail
Best Time for Everest Base Camp Trek
The best time to trek to Everest Base Camp is spring and autumn. These months give you clear views, stable weather, and comfortable walking conditions.
Spring (March to May)
A popular season with warmer days and clear skies. Lower areas are colorful with blooming flowers.
Autumn (September to November)
The most reliable season. The weather stays dry, the air is clear, and the mountain views are at their best.
Winter (December to February)
Possible but very cold, especially above 4,000 meters. Trails are quiet.
Monsoon (June to August)
Not ideal because of rain, clouds, and frequent flight delays.
For most trekkers, spring and autumn are the perfect times to enjoy the EBC trek with the best views and safer trail conditions.
Everest Base Camp Trek Permits
You need two permits for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Both are easy to get, and they help support the local region and the national park.
1. Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit
You can get this in Kathmandu or at the park gate in Monjo.
2. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit
This local permit replaces the old TIMS card for the Everest region. It is issued in Lukla or Monjo.
2. Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Annapurna Circuit is one of Nepal’s most classic and diverse treks. The trail takes you through traditional villages, river valleys, pine forests, and high-altitude deserts before crossing the famous Thorong La Pass. The journey usually takes 14 to 21 days and is known for its changing landscapes and rich culture.
Highlights of the Annapurna Circuit
Cross Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters
Explore Manang, Pisang, and Marpha
Enjoy views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Tilicho Peak, and Manaslu
Experience the Tibetan-influenced culture of the region
Relax in the natural hot springs at Tatopani
Visit the sacred Muktinath Temple
Trek Overview (Annapurna Circuit Trek)
Duration: 14 to 21 days
Distance: 160 to 230 kilometers depending on transport use
Highest Point: Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Best Time: March to May and September to November
Permits: ACAP Permit and TIMS Card
Standard Trek Itinerary Route for Annapurna Circuit
- Day 1: Kathmandu to Besisahar
- Day 2: Besisahar to Dharapani
- Day 3: Dharapani to Chame
- Day 4: Chame to Pisang
- Day 5: Pisang to Manang
- Day 6: Rest and acclimatization in Manang
- Day 7: Manang to Yak Kharka
- Day 8: Yak Kharka to Thorong Phedi
- Day 9: Cross Thorong La Pass then trek to Muktinath
- Day 10: Continue to Jomsom
- Day 11: Fly or drive to Pokhara
Best Time for Annapurna Circuit Trek
The best times for the Annapurna Circuit are spring and autumn, when the weather is stable and the views are clear.
Spring (March to May)
Warmer days, blooming forests, and good visibility.
Autumn (September to November)
Dry weather, clear skies, and the most reliable trekking conditions.
Winter (December to February)
Possible but cold at higher altitudes.
Monsoon (June to August)
Not ideal due to rain and landslides in lower sections.
Annapurna Circuit Trek Permits
You need two permits for this trek.
1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Available in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
2. TIMS Card
Issued by trekking agencies or NTB offices.
3. Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang Valley Trek is ideal for trekkers who want a shorter Himalayan journey without long travel days. The trail takes you through forests, rivers, and traditional Tamang villages, ending at the beautiful Kyanjin Gompa. The trek usually takes 7 to 10 days and is the closest trek to Kathmandu.
Highlights of the Langtang Valley Trek
Close views of Langtang Lirung and surrounding peaks
Walk through Langtang National Park, home to red pandas
Explore Kyanjin Gompa, an important Buddhist monastery
Optional hike to Tserko Ri at 4,984 meters for panoramic views
Experience authentic Tamang culture and hospitality
Scenic mix of forests, glacial rivers, and yak pastures
Trek Overview (Langtang Valley Trek)
Duration: 7 to 10 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Point: Tserko Ri at 4,984 meters
Best Time: March to May and September to November
Start and End Point: Syabrubesi
Permits: Langtang National Park Entry Permit and TIMS Card
Standard Trek Itinerary Route for Langtang Valley
- Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
- Day 2: Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel
- Day 3: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village
- Day 4: Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa
- Day 5: Rest day with optional hike to Tserko Ri
- Day 6: Trek back to Lama Hotel
- Day 7: Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi
- Day 8: Drive back to Kathmandu
Best Time for Langtang Valley Trek
The best time to trek Langtang Valley is during spring and autumn when the weather is clear and the views are sharp.
Spring (March to May)
Pleasant temperatures, green forests, and rhododendron blooms.
Autumn (September to November)
Stable weather, clear skies, and the best mountain visibility.
Winter (December to February)
Possible but cold at higher points.
Monsoon (June to August)
Not ideal due to rain and cloud cover.
Langtang Valley Trek Permits
You need two permits for this trek.
1. Langtang National Park Entry Permit
Available at the park entrance or in Kathmandu.
2. TIMS Card
Issued through trekking agencies or NTB offices.
4. Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang Trek takes you into one of Nepal’s most unique regions. Known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom”, this area has desert-like landscapes, ancient caves, old monasteries, and a strong Tibetan influenced culture. The trek is moderate in difficulty and usually takes 12 to 16 days.
Highlights of the Upper Mustang Trek
Explore Lo Manthang, the walled capital of Upper Mustang
Visit ancient caves and monasteries, including Chhoser and Ghar Gompa
Experience Tibetan-influenced culture, traditions, and daily life
Walk through the dry, colorful landscapes of the Kali Gandaki Valley
Attend the Tiji Festival if visiting in May
Enjoy peaceful, less-crowded trails
Trek Overview (Upper Mustang Trek)
Region: Mustang District
Duration: 12 to 16 days
Max Elevation: Around 3,840 meters at Lo Manthang
Difficulty: Moderate
Best Time: March to May and September to November
Accommodation: Teahouses and local lodges
Permits: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and ACAP Permit
Standard Trek Itinerary Route for Upper Mustang
- Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
- Day 2: Pokhara to Jomsom then trek to Kagbeni
- Day 3: Kagbeni to Chele
- Day 4: Chele to Syanbochen
- Day 5: Syanbochen to Ghami
- Day 6: Ghami to Tsarang
- Day 7: Tsarang to Lo Manthang
- Day 8: Explore Lo Manthang (monasteries, caves, side hikes)
- Day 9: Lo Manthang to Drakmar
- Day 10: Drakmar to Ghiling
- Day 11: Ghiling to Chhuksang
- Day 12: Chhuksang to Jomsom
- Day 13: Fly or drive back to Pokhara
Best Time for Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang region lies in a rain shadow, making it suitable for trekking most of the year. However, spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons.
Spring (March to May)
Pleasant weather, clear views, and the Tiji Festival in Lo Manthang.
Autumn (September to November)
Stable weather, dry trails, and excellent visibility.
Monsoon (June to August)
Still possible, as Mustang receives very little rainfall.
Winter (December to February)
Very cold, especially in Lo Manthang. Some lodges may close.
Upper Mustang Trek Permits
You need two permits for this trek.
1. Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
This is mandatory for Upper Mustang and must be obtained through a registered trekking agency.
2. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Required to enter the Annapurna region.
Tips for the Upper Mustang Trek
A licensed guide is mandatory
Carry enough cash, as there are no ATMs in Upper Mustang
Nights can be cold, so warm layers are important
Respect local customs and traditions
5. Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is perfect for trekkers who want a remote and less-crowded trail. The route circles Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world, and crosses the challenging Larkya La Pass. The trek usually takes 14 to 18 days and offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and Tibetan influenced culture.
Highlights of the Manaslu Circuit Trek
Close-up views of Mount Manaslu at 8,163 meters
Cross the Larkya La Pass at 5,106 meters
Explore traditional villages like Samagaon and Samdo
Experience Tibetan Buddhist culture, monasteries, and prayer walls
Quiet, less-crowded trail with untouched natural beauty
Walk through forests, river valleys, and high mountain landscapes
Trek Overview (Manaslu Circuit Trek)
Duration: 14 to 18 days
Max Elevation: 5,106 meters at Larkya La Pass
Difficulty: Challenging
Best Time: March to May and September to November
Permits: MRAP, MCAP, and ACAP
Standard Trek Itinerary Route for Manaslu Circuit
- Day 1: Kathmandu to Soti Khola
- Day 2: Soti Khola to Machha Khola
- Day 3: Machha Khola to Jagat
- Day 4: Jagat to Deng
- Day 5: Deng to Namrung
- Day 6: Namrung to Lho
- Day 7: Lho to Samagaon
- Day 8: Acclimatization day in Samagaon
- Day 9: Samagaon to Samdo
- Day 10: Rest or acclimatization in Samdo
- Day 11: Samdo to Dharamsala
- Day 12: Cross Larkya La Pass then trek to Bimthang
- Day 13: Bimthang to Dharapani
- Day 14: Drive back to Kathmandu
Best Time for Manaslu Circuit Trek
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for the Manaslu Circuit due to clear views and stable weather.
Spring (March to May)
Pleasant temperatures, blooming forests, and good visibility.
Autumn (September to November)
Dry weather, clear skies, and the most reliable conditions for crossing Larkya La Pass.
Winter (December to February)
Very cold and challenging at higher altitudes.
Monsoon (June to August)
Not recommended due to heavy rain and landslide risks.
Manaslu Circuit Trek Permits
You need three permits for this trek.
1. Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (MRAP)
Required for the restricted area between Jagat and Samagaon.
2. Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Needed to enter the Manaslu Conservation Area.
3. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Required once the trail joins the Annapurna region.
Conclusion
Nepal has trekking routes for every kind of adventure lover. Some trails take you close to the world’s highest peaks, while others lead you through quiet valleys and ancient cultural regions. Whether you choose Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Mustang, or Manaslu, each trek gives you something unforgettable. Clear mountain views, warm local hospitality, peaceful trails, and a sense of achievement all come together to make the experience special.
