Nepal is quite popular for its different destinations for short treks, day hikes, long treks challenging, and of the beaten treks in the Himalayan foothills. Travelers having time restrictions in Nepal can call for altered trek paths which are shorter notwithstanding offer more views.
According to the time availability, fitness level, and the topography they like to trek, can choose among a plethora of destinations.
Here, a short trek means the trekking trails which can be concluded within a week. One should be clear that all the short treks may not be easier ones. However, in comparison to high-altitude treks, they are accessible and comfortable.
Some of them offer equal views as other long journeys do. This article explains the best short hikes in Nepal where anyone can join regardless of their ages, gender, and prior experiences.
Trip facts
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Maximum elevation | 1,750m/5,740 ft (Namobuddha) |
| Trip grade | Easy |
| Main attraction | -Remarkable Himalayan sight, villages, ancient architecture, lush greeneries, and lustrous landscapes -The Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery, Namobuddha |
| Best time/season | Throughout the year (monsoon not recommended) |
After approximately two hours' drive from Kathmandu, you reach the beginning point of the trek, Dhulikhel. You can have a brief look around through the ancient historical city of Dhulikhel too.
The journey passes via small villages, farmland, and amazing landscapes. Balthali Village Trek is suitable for the trekkers who want to have an easy walk through villages watching the local lifestyle of Newari people. An additional benefit is the exploration of ancient temple architecture.
Possible best short itinerary of the Balthali Village Trek
Day 01: Early morning drive to Dhulikhel and trek to Namobuddha (2 hours' drive, 3 hours trek)
Day 02: Trek to Balthali village (4-5 hours trek)
Day 03: Trek to Panauti and drive back to Kathmandu
Food and accommodation available for this trek: You can find budget-friendly lodges as economical as USD 15 to luxury hotels in both Namobuddha and Balthali. Overnight stay in the monastery in Namobuddha is also possible.
Trip facts
|
Duration |
5-7 days |
|
Maximum elevation |
3,880m/12,729 ft (Everest View Hotel) or 3 3,867m – 12,687ft if you extend it to Tengboche |
| Trip grade |
Easy to moderate |
|
Main attraction |
- Scenic mountain flights - Picturesque view of Everest and other neighboring peaks - Sherpa culture, Himalayan lifestyle - Monastery in Monjo and Tengboche |
|
Best time/season |
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to December) best time, but trek can be done throughout the year, but monsoon (July to mid-September) not recommended |
Everest View Trek is exactly for those who are time-bound, want to see the highest peak of the world up close but don't want to take risk of the altitude involved. After a short and scenic flight to Lukla, you trek through the Sherpa village of Phakding and Monjo finally reaching Namche Bazaar the next day.
A day is spent hiking approximately 450m above Namche Bazaar to the site where Everest View Hotel stands grandly. The mesmerizing view of giant Himalayan peaks from the patio of the Hotel–the Lhotse, the Everest, the Nuptse, the beautiful Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Tabuche can be defined as a gift of a lifetime to yourself.
You can further hike down to the village of Khumjung to discover the Sherpa people's lifestyle before finally trekking back down to your lodge at Namche Bazaar. You can either trek back to Lukla or further trek to Tengboche where an ancient monastery and the astonishing view of Everest waits.
Possible best short itinerary of the trek
Day 01: Kathmandu to Lukla by flight and trek to Phakding
Day 02: Trek to Namche Bazaar
Day 03: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
Day 04: Trek back to Lukla
Day 05: Fly back to Kathmandu
(you can extend the trek to Tengboche to making it a 7-day trek)
Food and accommodation are available for this trek: Everest View Trek is a trek through Everest base camp trekking trail and has plenty of standard teahouses to luxury lodges owned by local Sherpa people. You can choose a variety of food from the menu of the lodge.
Trip facts
| Duration | 5 days |
| Maximum elevation | 3,210m/10,531ft (Poon Hill) |
| Trip grade | Easy to moderate |
| Main attraction |
- 360-degree panoramic views of the Annapurna Himalayas, stunning sunrise view over giant peaks - green woodlands and rhododendron hills - Marvelous waterfalls, lavish hills, pasturelands, - Quaint settlements of Gurung and Magar communities |
| Best time/season | Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to December) is the best time, good even in winter months (January to February); but trek can be done throughout the year, but monsoon (July to August) not recommended |
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, a classic trek popularly known as Annapurna Panorama Trek or sometimes people call it Annapurna Sunrise Trek too.
If you’ve only got a short time in Nepal but want to see the famous Himalayan Range and experience Nepal mountain culture, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is exactly what you’re looking for. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is suitable for anyone regardless of age, gender, and fitness level.
You walk up a lot of stone stairs, through lush rhododendron forest, waterfalls, villages, and over rivers and you ultimately end up at Ghorepani.
The next day early morning you head to Poonhill to stand in front of the tallest Himalayan mountains in the world, including Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Machhapuchhare, Tukuche, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna II, and Lamjung Himal. The photogenic panoramic just takes your breath away.
Possible best short itinerary of the trek
Day 01: Kathmandu to Pokhara by flight, drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga
Day 02: Trek to Ghorepani
Day 03: Hike to Poonhill and trek to Tadapani
Day 04: Trek to Ghandruk
Day 05: Trek to Nayapul, drive to Pokhara and Fly back to Kathmandu
(itinerary can be extended to Muldai View Point, Jhinu Danda, or even Annapurna Base Camp, etc)
Food and accommodation are available for this trek: Ghorepani Poonhill trail has well plenty of teahouses with basic facilities run by locals that offer both sleeping and dining facilities.
Trip facts
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Duration |
6 days |
|
Maximum elevation |
3,650m/11,975ft (Thadepati) |
|
Trip grade |
Moderate |
|
Main attraction |
- Buddhist religious monuments including monasteries, chortens, prayer flags, wheels, and Mani walls - Explore the cultural values, traditional practices, and the way of living of Hyolmo people. - Visit sweet apple farm - Capture picturesque views of snow-clad peaks like Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Gang Chhenpo, Jugal Himal, and Nayagang Himal. - Pass pine and rhododendron hills, dazzling waterfalls, and grassy landscapes. |
|
Best time/season |
autumn (October to December) and spring (March to May) |
After an hour's scenic drive to Shivapuri National Park, Sundarijal, the journey starts towards the northern side. Passing the temperate greeneries, Buddhist monuments, Sherpa and Tamang settlements, magnificent valleys and rhododendron woodlands, and having the picturesque views of Himalayas trekkers reach Thadepati.
Exploring the diverse wildlife and local settlements, excursionists, trek to Melamchi Pul Bazar, and drive back to Kathmandu
Possible best short itinerary of Helambu Trek
Day 01: Drive to Sundarijal and Trek to Chisapani
Day 02: Trek to Khutumsang
Day 03: Trek to Thadepati
Day 04: Trek to Tarkeghyang
Day 05: Trek to Sermathang
Day 06: Trek to Melamchi Pul Bazar (846m) and drive back to Kathmandu
Food and accommodation available for this trek: Local teahouses with basic amenities that are run by the local Tamang and Sherpas are available for eating and sleeping facilities.
Trip facts
| Duration | 3 days |
| Maximum elevation | 3,790m/ 12,434ft (Kalinchowk Temple) |
|
Trip grade |
Easy to moderate |
| Main attraction |
- Visit Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple - Mind-blowing, 360-degree views of Mt. Gaurishankar, Annapurna, Jugal, and Everest - Rhododendron blossoms in spring |
|
Best time/season |
The best time is spring (March to May), autumn (October to December) but can be visited all year round |
Need to commence early morning drive from Kathmandu to Charikot. In about 4-5 hours you will reach Charikot, the headquarter of Dolakha district, and the trek is started from Charikot.
Passing the diverse and wild flora and fauna, rhododendron woods, trekkers reach Kuri village. The next day ascending Kalinchowk temple is the climax of the trip from where one can enjoy 360-degree panoramic Himalayan views. Trekking back to Charikot, explorers drive back to Kathmandu before final departure.
Possible best short itinerary of the trek
Day 01: Drive Kathmandu to Charikot and trek to Kuri village.
Day 02: Trek to Kalinchowk temple and back to Kuri village
Day 03: Trek Back to Charikot and drive to Kathmandu
Food and accommodation available for this trek: During the trek, you will stay in one of the good lodges at Kuri village. Several restaurants and lodges are available. During the winter season, a lot of Nepalese tourists also visit there as a pilgrimage trip to Kalinchowk Temple.
Trip facts
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Duration |
3 days |
|
Maximum elevation |
2,175m/ 7,135ft (Nagarkot) |
|
Trip grade |
Easy |
|
Main attraction |
- Pleasant forest walks along the Shivapuri National park - Magnificent views of the Himalayas from Chisapani - Spectacular sunrise view from Nagarkot - Marvelous waterfalls, lavish hills, pasturelands, - Best hike near Kathmandu. |
|
Best time/season |
All round the year |
One of the nearest hiking trails from Kathmandu, the Chisapani-Nagarkot trek, begins after an hour's scenic drive to Sundarijal. As we enter the Shivapuri National Park, the journey continues to the Chisapani-the vantage point. Waking up early at Chisapani would be awarded as you can see mesmerizing Himalayan views from there.
The trek continues to Nagarkot. As we reach Nagarkot, watching the spectacular sunset view and the next morning's sunrise view is a must-do activity. You may also like to view the tower. You can drive back from Nagarkot to Kathmandu or hike to Southeast to Dhulikhel or hike west to Changunarayan.
You can drive back to Kathmandu from Dhulikhel and Changunarayan. If you opt to trek to Dhulikhel, you can again extend the trek to Namobuddha to making it a 4-day trek.
Possible best short itinerary of the trek
Day 01: Drive Sundarijal from Kathmandu and trek to Chisapani
Day 02: Trek to Nagarkot
Day 03: Trek to Changunarayan/Dhulikhel and drive back to Kathmandu
Food and accommodation available for this trek: Plenty of lodges and hotels are available in Chisapani, Nagarkot, and Dhulikhel. They offer both local and western eateries on their menus.
Trip facts
| Duration | 2 days |
| Maximum elevation | 2,551m/ 8,369ft (Chandragiri Hill) |
| Trip grade |
Easy |
|
Main attraction |
- Walk via fertile valley passing the open verdant rice fields and vegetable patches - Views of the Himalayan ranges from Chandragiri - Ramble around the historical and religious shrine at Chandragiri hill. - Visit Indrasarowar-the largest man-made lake in Nepal. |
| Best time/season | October to May is the best time. Winter months (mid-Dec to Feb) are cold but are equally awarding because of the crystal-clear horizon and views of the Himalayas across the horizon |
One of the shortest, closest, and scenic journeys begin from Matatirtha, a famous Hindu shrine. Starting the upward journey, we march upwards peaking at Chandragiri Hill. Once reaching there, one gets panoramic views of the ranges from Annapurna to Everest.
the walk continues to Chitlang, a historic village of Makwanpur district. The next day, the journey continues to Kulekhani from where we drive back to Kathmandu.
Possible best short itinerary of the trek
Day 01: Drive Matatirtha and trek to Chitlang village via Chandragiri hill
Day 02: Trek Chitlang to Kulekhani via Markhu village and drive back to Kathmandu
Food and accommodation available for this trek: Chandragiri- Chitlang- Markhu- Kulekhani trek is popular for homestay accommodation. Overnight can be spent in one of the homestays in Chitlang where you will taste typical Nepalese cuisines.
Trip facts
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Duration |
3 days |
| Maximum elevation | 2,175m/ 7,135ft (Nagarkot) |
| Trip grade |
Easy |
| Main attraction |
- Picturesque sunrise and sunset view from different vantage points - Amazing views of mountain ranges from Annapurna to Everest - Lustrous hills, green forests, magnificent landscapes, and amazing people - Nearest destination around Kathmandu. |
|
Best time/season |
All round the year |
Remaining just 32kms away from Kathmandu, Nagarkot is one of the touristic hubs in Nepal. Having the last and first rays of the sun over the Himalayas, trekking commences towards Dhuulikhel, Passing the diverse landscapes, pine, and rhododendron forests, the journey continues to Namo Buddha-a Buddhist shrine before heading back to Kathmandu.
Possible short itinerary of the trek
Day 01: Drive to Nagarkot, hotel check-in, and visit view tower for sunset
Day 02: Look sunrise and trek to Dhulikhel
Day 03: Trek to Namobuddha and drive back to Kathmandu
Food and accommodation available for this trek: Plenty of hotels and lodges are available with a variety of eatery options.
Trip facts
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Duration |
3 days |
|
Maximum elevation |
1680m/5,512 ft (Dhampus village) |
|
Trip grade |
Easy |
|
Main attraction |
- Enjoy the panoramic views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, Machhapuchhre Hiunchuli Mountain, and Lamjung Himal from different vantage points - Explore ethnic and ethnicity of different people especially of Gurungs - Astonishing view of Phewa Lake, Paragliding, greeneries, rhododendron forests, and various landscapes Best time/season |
| Best time/season | All year round but monsoon (July-September) not recommended |
It is time to feel unrestricted, freethinking from the trauma and anxiety of the outside world. Your memorable journey begins from the heavenly site-Pokhara.
Reveling in the tranquil atmosphere of the lower Annapurna region, the journey rambles to Sarangkot and further to Dhampus with the picturesque views of the Himalayas, lakes, and woods before being back to Pokhara.
Possible best short itinerary of the trek
Day 01: Pokhara to Sarangkot via Bagar
Day 02: Hike to Dhampus
Day 03: Trek to Pokhara City
Food and accommodation available for this trek: Plenty of teahouses are available along the route that can only offer basic sleep facilities but you can have a variety of food.
Trip facts
|
Duration |
2 days |
| Maximum elevation | 2055m / 6742feet- Australian Camp |
|
Trip grade |
Easy |
| Main attraction |
- Breathtaking sunrise view over Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks - Refreshing hiking in nature, along the rice terraces, farmlands, and lush rhododendron forests |
|
Best time/season |
All year round but monsoon (July-September) not recommended |
Travelers who wish to experience a short and beautiful walk near Pokhara valley can do a trek from Pokhara to the Australian Camp Trek. You first drive about an hour from Pokhara to reach Kande from where the journey begins.
The next day the journey passes some cultural villages along with Dhampus, to Phedi before driving back to Pokhara.
Possible best short itinerary Australian Camp Trek
Day 01: Drive to Kande and hike to Australian Camp
Day 02: Sunrise at Australian Camp, hike to Phedi via Dhampus and drive back to Pokhara
Food and accommodation available for this trek: You will be accommodated in a lodge at Australian Camp. They offer multiple menus with global cuisines.
Trip facts
|
Duration |
4 days |
|
Maximum elevation |
1,730m/5,676ft - Syaklung |
|
Trip grade |
Easy to moderate |
|
Main attraction |
- Gorgeous Gurung settlements - Superb Annapurna range, Mt. Machhapuchhre (fishtail mountain) along with Langtang mountain views, rhododendron forests, and magnificent landscapes. -Centuries-old lifestyles of the societies whose antique religious performs and traditions |
|
Best time/season |
All round the year |
The Royal Trek is so named as it was undertaken by HRH Prince Charles when he visited Nepal in the 1980s. Although short, the Royal trek is full of pleasant surprises. Once ascended, the trail follows an open ridgeline of the Annapurna foothills and affords excellent panoramic views from Manaslu to Annapurna, including the iconic Fishtail.
Not only that, it pretty much feels like you're walking off the beaten track You may want to spend extra nights in Pokhara or even at the scenic, peaceful Begnas Lake.
Possible short itinerary of the trek
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Bijaypur and trek to Kalikasthan
Day 02: Trek to Syaklung
Day 03: Trek to Chisapani
Day 04: Trek to Begnas Lake and drive to Pokhara
Food and accommodation available for this trek: During Royal Trek, you will be accommodated in the teahouses having the taste of local cuisines along with western menus. You will get rooms with basic amenities.
Trip facts
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Duration |
3 days |
|
Maximum elevation |
2500m/ 8,202 ft- Panchase Hill |
|
Trip grade |
Easy |
|
Main attraction |
- An easy trek; affordable for people of all age group - Panchase has panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range from the top- Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Annapurna (7,010 m), Lamjung (6,822 m), and Manaslu (8,156 m) - Experience boating in Phewa Lake - A cultural mixture of Brahmin, Kshetries, and Gurung people |
|
Best time/season |
Possible year-round but monsoon (July-September) is not recommended |
Panchase Trek comparatively budget trek as this does not require a permit. Panchase is an ideal trek for those who want to test out their trekking abilities before going on a longer trek, for those looking for a nice short trek, and even for those looking for a budget trek.
One of the best short hikes around Pokhara, Panchase Trek officially commences after boating across the Phewa Lake in Pokhara and hiking up to Peace Pagoda. Trek continues to Bumdi Village.
Passing the beautiful pastures, dazzling landscapes, ethnic settlements, the journey reaches Panchase Bhanjyang. The next morning you can hike to Panchase Hill for sunrise.
Reaching there, one gets the eye-catching views of Annapurna mountain range, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Gangapurna, Mt. Machhapuchre, Lamjung, and Manaslu peaks.
Possible best short itinerary of Panchase Trek
Day 01: Boat across Lake Phewa, trek to Bumdi Village
Day 02: Trek to Panchase Bhanjyang
Day 03: Trek to Bhadaure and Naudanda and drive to Pokhara
Food and accommodation available for this trek: Throughout the journey, trekkers can stay in teahouses/homestays run by the locals. They serve locally grown Nepalese food but you can also find another cuisine.
Trip facts
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Duration |
7 days |
|
Maximum elevation |
4,060m/ 13,320(pikey peak) |
|
Trip grade |
Moderate |
|
Main attraction |
- A great alternative to the crowded Everest Base Camp trail - Picturesque sights of Dhaulagiri in the west to Mt. Kanchenjunga including Mt. Everest- the tallest peak in the world. - Visit numeral of Buddhist shrines as gompas, monasteries, stupas, and Mani walls. - Less revealed, nonetheless correspondingly exciting trek |
|
Best time/season |
All round the year except in monsoon (Summer days) |
Trekking in the lower Everest region, the Pikey Peak trek is one of the best alternatives to Everest Base Camp Trek. This offers the best views of stunning Himalayan scenery, amazing terraced fields, and stunning rhododendron hills.
Apart from these, trekkers can observe progressing hills and pastures, dazzling waterfalls, along with and gorgeous parishes.
Possible short itinerary of the trek
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhap
Day 02: Trek to Jhapre (2920 m/9580 ft)
Day 03: Trek to Pikey Peak Base Camp (3640 m/11,942 ft)
Day 04: Hike Pikey Peak and trek to Jase Bhangyang
Day 05: Trek to Junbeshi
Day 06: Trek to Salleri
Day 07: Drive back to Kathmandu
Food and accommodation available for this trek: Hiking in the villages will offer you accommodation in the teahouses. They will offer you restaurant services as well for your meals.
Trip facts
| Duration | 7 days |
|
Maximum elevation |
3,300m/1,0826 ft- Nagthali Danda |
|
Trip grade |
Moderate |
|
Main attraction |
- Explore Tamangs' lifestyles along with antique Bonpo and Tibetan Buddhist Culture. - Alluring snowscapes, scenic terrains, vindicating baths in natural hot springs along with detached typical townships. - Picturesque Ganesh Himal and Langtang range along with other mighty peaks - Off the beaten trail sightseeing leopard, red panda, musk deer, and black bear. |
|
Best time/season |
spring and autumn |
This journey leads you to numerous Tamang settlements where you can explore the culture of indigenous Tamang people. Continuing the journey, one passes via alluring villages, terraced fields, and peaceful valleys.
Reaching Tatopani, trekkers enjoy a dip in the hot springs alongside the panoramic mountain vistas. Additionally, trekkers get plenty of chances to explore Tibetan Buddhism and its monuments throughout the journey.
Possible short itinerary of the trek
Day 01: Drive to Syabrubesi from Kathmandu
Day 02: Trek to Gatlang
Day 03: Trek to Tatopani
Day 04: Trek to Nagthali
Day 05: Trek to Thuman
Day 06: Trek to Briddim
Day 07: Trek to Syabrubesi and drive to Kathmandu
Food and accommodation available for this trek: On the trip, you will be accommodated in local teahouses/homestays. They serve not only the rooms but also the full board of meals keeping both local and western cuisines.
Trip facts
|
Duration |
5 days |
|
Maximum elevation |
3,320 m/10,893 ft -Mohare Danda |
|
Trip grade |
Moderate |
|
Main attraction |
- A newly revealed trekking trail in the Annapurna section to promote sustainable eco-tourism in Nepal - Offers the panoramic and closest view of massive Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from Mohare hill - Passes off the beaten trail of Annapurna region circumscribed thru hills, massifs, tributaries, and timberlands. |
|
Best time/season |
All round the year especially in Summer and Spring |
One of the nearest trekking destinations from Pokhara follows off-the-beaten trails. within a short period of time, trekkers can explore the unlimited cultural and natural splendors of Nepal. The best alternative to the crowded Ghorepani Poon hill trek, Mohara Danda Trek, offers splendid views of Annapurnas and Dhaulagiri.
Possible short itinerary of the trek
Day 01: Drive from Pokhara to Galeshwor and trek to Bans Kharka.
Day 02: Trek Bans Kharka to Nagi.
Day 03: Trek Nagi to Mohare Danda
Day 04: Trek Mohare Danda to Ulleri Village.
Day 05: Trek Ulleri Village to Tikhedhunga and Drive to Pokhara.
Food and accommodation available for this trek: In the trek, you will stay in community-run eco-lodges and homestays. They offer you neat and comfortable accommodation and hearty eateries.
Trip facts
|
Duration |
3 days |
|
Maximum elevation |
2,005m / 6,578ft- Potana village |
|
Trip grade |
Easy |
|
Main attraction |
- Splendid views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre/ Fishtail, and Mount Hiunchuli - Visit Ghandruk, the settlements of the Gurung people, and their museum. I- deal trekking, best for shorter hikers around Pokhara |
|
Best time/season |
All round the year |
Splendid nature, eye-witnessing views of the Himalayas, always smiling people and easy trial are some of the key features of this trek. The journey offers to experience the veracity of pristine nature along with the rural lifestyle of the Annapurna region.s
Possible short itinerary of the trek
Day 01: Drive Pokhara to Nayapul and trek to Ghandruk
Day 02: Trek to Potana
Day 03: Trek to Pokhara
Food and accommodation available for this trek: As walking in the villages, you will stay in the homestays/ teahouses run by the localities. They offer you the eateries and other lodge services in a neat and peaceful environment.
Trekkers having time restrictions and eager to explore the authenticity of Nepal can afford these treks. Experiences can differ according to the region and season you trek.
The views, landscapes, and trekking trails can be different in the Annapurna section than that of Everest and vice versa.
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