10 Best Short Treks in Nepal

If you are willing to explore Nepal in a short period, then the below listed short treks in Nepal will help you to fulfill your desires. Nepal is one of the popular destinations in terms of trekking and natural beauty. It is a land of highest peaks, adventurous activities, and pristine surroundings. To catch the glimpse of all those views and to enjoy the nature walk, trekking in Nepal has always been cherished.

There are several types of trekking available in Nepal with their own characteristics. Among them, the short treks in Nepal last for 3 to 10 days and because of its easy route, this trekking trail is best for couples and family, too. Likewise of long treks in Nepal, it also provides magnificent views of the Himalayas and also gives a chance to understand the culture and history of locals.

So, if you are someone who is short in time and doesn't want to go for a challenging trail, then here we have enlisted 10 best easy short treks in Nepal possible for couples as well as family to have a quality time.

1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
2. Everest View Trek
3. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
4. Mardi Himal Trek
5. Pikey Peak Trek
6. Langtang Valley Trek
7. Lower Mustang Trek
8. Gosaikunda Trek
9. Kalinchowk Trek
10. Balthali Village Trek

1. Ghorepani Poon hill trek

The Poon Hill trek is one of the easiest 3 to 5 days trekking trails that is in the Annapurna Sanctuary. Being known as the Photographer's paradise, it is best for those trekkers who are inexperienced and want to get the taste of hiking in Nepal. The best part of this trek is it offers striking panorama of huge Himalayas such as Annapurna, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, Tukuche etc. Moreover, hospitality of Gurung communities will amaze you and make your trekking more vibrant.

Panoramic view of sunset and sunrise, walking across the dense forest where you can get a chance to encounter distinct species of flora and fauna, birds etc. and several hot springs on the way makes this trek easy yet worth remembering for the lifetime. Moreover, this trek also lets you witness the warm traditional villages, wonderful culture, lifestyle of ethnic traits like Gurungs and Magars. Poon Hill trek is a perfect spot for couples to spend time with each other.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Highlights

• Best short trekking route in Nepal
• Scenic drive from Pokhara to Nayapul which offers views of Phewa Lake, David's falls, Mahendra Cave etc.
• Stunning glimpse of the sunrise and sunset
• Panorama of the snow-capped mountains like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna
• Get to know about the traditional villages inhabited by Gurung and their culture, lifestyle etc.

Getting there

If you are starting your journey from Kathmandu, then you can reach Pokhara either by bus or by plane or by private car/jeep. On a bus, it takes around 8 hours, on a private car/jeep, it takes around 6-7 hours and by plane you can reach there in 30 minutes.

From Pokhara, you will drive further to Nayapul and to reach there you have options of both local bus and private car/jeep. You can get access to the local bus in Pokhara bus stop that
departs to Nayapul. But we recommend driving through the jeep as you can directly ride to Ulleri and can start your trek from there. Also, if you start your trek from Nayapul, then you need
to know that the trail is dusty so it will only affect your health.

Road condition from Pokhara to Nayapul is a little bumpy but it is flatter and drivable easily. However, the drive from Nayapul to Ulleri gets worse during monsoon.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Facts

2. Everest View Trek

Everest View Trek is the popular trekking in Nepal especially designed for the travelers who want to behold the Mt. Everest with their limited time. This short trek in Nepal is very suitable for the group trekking or family trekking. Within a brief period, trekkers can experience the changing landscapes, indigenous culture, natural beauty, view of massive peaks, hospitality of the Sherpa communities, dense lush forest, green hills, delicious food etc.

Everest View Trek Highlights

• Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which offers beautiful landscape, view of religious and cultural sites etc.

• Magnificent glimpse of the peaks like Mt. Khumbila (5,761m), Kongde Ri (6,187m),

• Lhotse (8,516m), AmaDablam (6,812m), Mt. Everest (8,848m) etc.

• Trekking alongside the rhododendron forest, mani walls, stupas, prayer flags and wheels, rivers etc.

• Exploring Sagarmatha National Park

• Diverse flora and fauna, birds such as Snow leopard, Wild Boar, Danfe, Red Panda etc.

• Enjoying ethnic food, drinks, hospitality, nature, and culture of the locals at the Namche Bazar

• Exploring Sherpa villages such as Lukla, Thame, Khumjung, Syangboche etc.

Getting There

This short and easy trek begins from flight to Lukla from Kathmandu. From Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you can directly land in Lukla airport within 30-40 minutes quickly and
conveniently. However, you can also reach Lukla by road. First, you must drive from Kathmandu to Salleri, 9 hours by jeep (266.9km) and from there you can drive to Thamdanda, 5 hours (63km). From Thamdanda you need to walk for 5 to 6 hours as the road for vehicles is under construction. From Lukla you will start your trek and reach Everest View hotel by passing
through Phakding and Namche Bazar.

Remember the road condition upto Salleri is black topped but onwards then, the road is slippery and bumpy. So, prepare yourself before going for Lukla by road.

Everest View Trek Facts

3. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Annapurna Base Camp trek is a popular short trek in Nepal which takes you to the Annapurna Base Camp within the short period. It is located on the lap of the Mt. Annapurna and offers you to witness the entire beauty of Annapurna region. Trekking through the changing landscapes, wonderful routes, waterfalls, rivers, dense forests, caves etc. will fill your life with uncountable memories. Besides these, mesmerizing views of the huge peaks like Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna South, Mt. Hiunchuli etc. will wash away all your stress and pain.

Besides natural beauty, this trek is also widely known for its unique culture. With the help of this trek, you can find out the lifestyle of the people living in rural villages of Nepal, you can observe the local culture and traditional practices in the villages etc. This region is habited by Gurung and Magar so their warm hospitality will obviously make your trip more joyful. Register to ABC trek with your group and family and get the best of it.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Highlights

• Stunning views of the giant Himalayas such as Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Hiunchuli,
• Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Annapurna III, etc.
• Annapurna Conservation Area
• Walking through the green dense forest
• Exploring the Rhododendron, Bamboo forests, and pasturelands and terrace farm
• Get to know about the way of life and culture of the Gurung and Tamang communities
• Amazing sunset and sunrise view from the ABC
• Massive Annapurna Glacier

Getting There

Pokhara is the gateway to the Annapurna Base Camp trek. If you are starting your journey from Kathmandu, then you can reach Pokhara by flight within 30 minutes, by local bus, it will take around 9 hours and by private jeep/car, you can reach there within 6-7 hours. From Pokhara you can follow the route of either Nayapul or Kimchi.

Taking a private car/jeep to Nayapul and further to Gandruk is the best starting point for trek. Try not to start your trek from Nayapul, as the road is dusty and it will not excite you. Similarly, another option is driving to Kimchi and starting a trek. On the bus, it takes around 4 hours to reach Kimchi and on a private jeep/car, you will reach there within 2 and half hours.

You can also start your trek from Ulleri by directly driving on a private jeep from Pokhara to Ulleri or on a public bus from Nayapul to Ulleri. The road condition upto Nayapul is good but
after then, it is very muddy and bumpy.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek Facts

4. Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal trek is one of the short treks in Nepal that lies in Annapurna region. This trek takes you to the Mardi Base Camp which is situated in the lap of Mardi Himal and Machhapuchhre. It is one of the hidden gems which offer you splendid views without crowds. You will pass through the many traditional teahouses and attractive Rhododendron forests while enjoying the view of Annapurna Mountain Range. Similarly, breathtaking views of the giant peaks such as Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli and Annapurna South makes this trip more vibrant.

With the increase in altitude, the human settlement starts decreasing so this trek passes through comparatively less villages. However, in lower altitude, you can experience the Gurung villages such as Siding and Liwang and get a chance to know about their culture, way of life, and customs. Trek to Mardi Himal will be fun if accomplished with a group.

Mardi Himal Trek Highlights

• Less crowded trek in Nepal
• Trekking in the route filled with Rhododendron in Spring
• Stunning views of Peaks such as Mardi Himal, Machhapuchhre etc.
• Enjoying the white water in the Trishuli river
• Experiencing the homestay in the hills and interacting with the local people
• Pristine culture and unspoiled traditional experiences
• Getting There

If you are starting your journey from Kathmandu, then you can reach Pokhara either by bus or by plane or by private car/jeep. On a bus, it takes around 8 hours, on a private car/jeep, it takes around 6-7 hours and by plane you can reach there in 30 minutes. Private jeep and flight are the most preferred way as it is comfortable and the road is black topped and paved.

From Pokhara, you can take the route of either Kande or Landruk. There are daily many buses that go to the Kande and it takes around 1.5 hours. However, sometimes because of heavy rainfall, the road gets muddy and the journey may take 4-5 hours to end. Also, driving to Landruk from Pokhara is another option but the buses that depart to Landruk is less in number
and the road is more difficult and slippery than Kande.

Mardi Himal Trek Facts

5. Pikey Peak Trek

Pikey Peak trek is the one of the short and less crowded treks in Nepal located in the lower Khumbu region. This destination provides you with the hustle-free trekking and offer you the entire view of the Everest region within a week. Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga etc. are some of the peaks seen from this trek. Moreover, you get to experience the Sherpa
culture and beautiful greetings from the local children.

You will be walking through the unspoiled villages, dense forest, beautiful landscapes, terraced farmland etc. You can also explore the Buddhist sacred shrines like Nun Monastery and the mani walls, prayer flags and wheels etc. on the routes. If the weather is good enough, you can also enjoy the beautiful view of sunset and sunrise. If you choose to spend the night at the
Sherpa homestay, you will be delighted by their hospitality and homely environment.

Pikey Peak Trek Highlights

• Witnessing the highest peak of the world, Mt. Everest
• Splendid views of the giant Peaks such as Mt. Makalu, Mt. Kanchenjunga etc.
• Authentic culture and traditions of Sherpa people and their traditional settlements
• Exploring sacred and ancient monasteries
• Less beaten and less explored trekking destination

Getting There

Pikey Peak trek begins from drive from Kathmandu to Dhap. You have two options to reach Dhap either by local bus or by private car/jeep. The journey goes through the Sunkoshi River
and Okhaldhunga. The road from Kathmandu to Dhap is good in condition. You can book the seats for public buses from Chabahil and Bus Park. However, we recommend you to travel
through a private jeep as it is comfortable and convenient.

There is Bhandar (Jiri) route too from where Pikey Peak trek can be started, however this route has steeper climb, is long and has high up and down as compared to Dhap.

Pikey Peak Trek Facts

6. Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang trek is the best short trek in Nepal that covers most of the scenic beauty of this Langtang National Park within a brief period. This trek will take you to the wild landscapes where you can encounter wildlife like Red Panda, Musk Deer, Himalayan Tahr etc. You will meet Tamang, Newari and Sherpa tribes who will welcome you warmly and introduce their culture. You can notice the influence of Tibetan Buddhism in their traditions and lifestyle.

This short trek in Nepal is best for group trekking as it is quite demanding and group trek will give you ultimate fun and more knowledge.

Langtang Valley Trek Highlights

• Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
• Witnessing small and big waterfalls, green lush forest and small traditional villages inhabited by Tamang, Newar and Sherpa
• Exploring Langtang National Park
• Exploring Kyanjin Gompa
• Panoramic views of Langtang and Ganesh Himal Mountain ranges
• Tasting original Yak cheese products

Getting there

Your Langtang Valley Trek starts from Syabrubesi. So, to reach Syabrubesi from Kathmandu the only way is by road. Bus departs from Machha Pokhari microbus stop to Syabrubesi daily
between 6 to 8 am. It takes around 8-9 hours to cover the total distance of 120km. Besides this, you can also drive from a private car or jeep which takes around 5-6 hours.

You will start your trek from Syabrubesi and continue it to Kyanjin Peak by passing through Lama Hotel, Langtang village and Kyanjin Gompa.

Langtang Valley Trek Facts

7. Lower Mustang Trek

The Lower Mustang Trek is an easy trekking destination in Nepal suitable to enjoy quality time with family. Located in the northern central part of Nepal, this trekking trail takes you to the
hidden old Buddhist Kingdom of Mustang valley. Tibetan Buddhism is still practiced in this region. The houses in this region are built in the Tibetan style and landscape is also like Tibet.
This region is inhabited by the Magar, Gurung, and Thakali. The culture and traditions of this region is pristine and intact from the outer world.

Trek to lower mustang takes you to the Muktinath temple and the Apple Garden of Marpha. Moreover, you can get a chance to enjoy a hot spring bath at Tatopani while enjoying the glimpse of peaks such as Nilgiri, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri etc. You can visit some of the oldest monasteries in this region which are covered with prayer flags and wheels, mani walls etc.

Lower Mustang Trek Highlights

• Witnessing the pristine and intact Tibetan villages and culture of the locals
• Visiting one of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites of Nepal, Muktinath
• Stunning view of the north face of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri
• Exploring the pre-Buddhist Bon village of Lupra
• Observing the deepest gorge in the world, the Kali Gandaki

Getting There

One of the best methods to reach the starting point of trek is by flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara and then taking another flight from Pokhara to Jomsom. Recently built roads have
opened access to Mustang area from Jomsom. Few years ago, this trek included a walk along the Kali Gandaki Gorge to Jomsom. However, with the built of road, the trails have become dusty and trekkers must pass it through the vehicles.

There is also an alternative option to reach Jomsom and that is through jeep or bus and it takes around 3 hours to reach Jomsom. It may lower the cost but it takes a full day and you also need to be prepared for the bumpy and dusty ride.

Lower Mustang Trek Facts

8. Gosaikunda Trek

Gosaikunda trek is an easy trek in Nepal that is popular for its natural beauty and pilgrimage sites. Located on the north side of Kathmandu city, it is mainly visited during Janai Purnima.
During this trek, you will pass through the many small rivers, waterfalls, Rhododendron forests (Spring), streams and villages. Moreover, within limited time, this short trek will also offer you
the panoramic views of peaks such as Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna etc.

You can explore the 108 sacred kundas including Gosaikunda, Bhairav Kunda, Saraswati Kunda etc. Langtang National Park is another best part of this trek where you can witness
different flora, flowers, animals like Musk Deer, Himalayan Mountain Bear etc. Similarly, you will get a chance to explore the Tamang communities of Rasuwa district and their traditional culture. Gosaikunda trek is popular for family vacation.

Gosaikunda Trek Highlights

• Opportunity to encounter with the wildlife, flora, and fauna of Langtang National Park
• Walking through the lush dense forest filled with Rhododendron
• Splendid views of peaks like Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, Hiunchuli etc.
• Experience the culture and lifestyle of the Tamang of Rasuwa district
• Exploring the 108 lakes
• Getting There

The most preferred way for Gosaikunda short trek is through Dhunche, headquarter of Rasuwa district. It is 7-9 hours' drive from Kathmandu by the local bus. If you go through the private
jeep/car, then it will take around 4-6 hours to reach there. There is also another route through Sundarijal but it has more stone steps and you also need to do a long uphill walk from
the south side.

The road nearer to Dhunche is prone to landslides and may create the adverse consequences if travel in monsoon, so take help from the local trekking agency in Nepal before planning the trip.

Gosaikunda Trek Facts

9. Kalinchowk Trek

Kalinchowk is the mesmerizing hillside which lies on the north of Kathmandu and near to the Tibetan border. It falls in the Dolakha district. It is a popular short trek destination around the
Kathmandu valley which takes you to the Rolwaling range and other various giant peaks such as Annapurna, Lamjung, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Shisha Panga, Langtang, Dorjee Lakya,
Jugal Himal, Mt. Gaurishanker, Numbur Himal, Everest ranges etc. This easy trek is mostly visited during the winter season to play snow and have fun. You can also spot the variety of
birds like Danphe if you are lucky enough.

During this trek, you will get an opportunity to experience the local culture, dense forest, beautiful landscapes, rivers, eye-catching spots of Kalinchowk Bhagwati temple etc. This area is inhabited by Brahmin, Tamang and Sherpa people. It is popular among both Hindu and Buddhists pilgrims. Kalinchowk is crowded with couples and family from different countries in
winter.

Kalinchowk Trek Highlights

• Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Charikot alongside the Bhotekoshi river
• Captivating View of the Himalayas from Kalinchowk like Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal Shisha Pangma etc.
• Experiencing homestay
• Walking through the trails filled with Rhododendron
• 360-degree views of the beautiful Kalinchowk hill
• Explore the Charikot which is famous trade center of region

Getting there

First, you have to catch the local bus or drive in a private vehicle/car from Kathmandu to Charikot which is around 150km. It takes around 4 hours to reach Charikot. You can start your
trekking directly from Charikot to Kuri.

You can also further drive from Charikot to Kuri as there is gravel road for the vehicles but the road is challenging and technical during monsoon because of high rainfall.

Kalinchowk Trek Facts

10. Balthali Village Trek

Balthali Village trek is the easy, short, and family trekking destination in Nepal. It lies 40km away from Kathmandu which is small and rich cultural village. It is covered by the varied flora and fauna, Rhododendron Forest, Sal trees etc. This trek is best for those who love to watch the bird and listen to their chirping sound. One can discover a variety of wildlife during this trek and the culture and traditions of this village is still pristine and intact from the outer world.

It is also famous for the many sacred temples and monasteries such as Namobuddha, Indreshwar Mahadev etc. It also offers a panoramic view of the sunrise in the east along with
the view of peaks like Manaslu and Everest in the north side. The white washed traditional houses, spread around the terraced farmland catches the eyes of tourists easily. Trekking to Balthali village trek can be the best destination for couples.

Balthali Village Trek Highlights

• Scenic drive from Kathmandu to Panauti
• Exploration of the arts and architecture in the Newari village of Panauti
• Experiencing the Buddhism sacred site, Namobuddha
• Enjoying the comfortable journey
• Glimpse of the peak such as Langtang Himal, Ganesh Himal range, Manaslu, Dorje
• Lakpa, Gaurishankar, and Everest on the northern horizon

Getting There

Balthali Village trek starts with an hour drive from Kathmandu to Panauti. You can reach Panauti either by local bus or by private jeep/car. The bus to Panauti departs from Ratna Park every 15 minutes. After Dhulikhel, the road gets bumpy and dusty so you must remain prepared before starting the journey.

Balthali Village Trek Facts

Things to Remember before Planning for Short Trek in Nepal

1. Don't cut out the acclimatization days to make your short trek in Nepal even shorter.
2. You can obtain the permits in Kathmandu from Nepal tourism board if you are planning to trek independently.
3. Duration of the most of the treks in Nepal can be adjusted as per your needs. So, make sure to trek through the best trekking agency.
4. To experience the deep insight of the local culture, you can plan your trek during the festival season of that particular community.
5. Be prepared for the road delays and obstacles
6. Plan and properly check the documents, packing list etc. before heading towards the destination

You can trek in the beautiful trails of Nepal with your group and family by viewing the mesmerizing giant Himalayas and passing through the blooming routes. Any of the above listed
short treks in Nepal are waiting to amaze you with their pristine and intact natural beauty and culture.

The short treks in Nepal are unique and couldn't be found in any other countries. Easy treks in Nepal have everything to offer you as per your expectations. Likewise, the short hiking
destinations around the Kathmandu valley, it also offers you to walk into exotic terrains. If you want more details about these trekking trails, feel free to contact us. We assure to satisfy you by designing the best itinerary as per your expectations.