Mardi Himal Trek
Mardi Himal Trek represents one of the newest trekking destinations available within the Annapurna region. The 5-7 day journey leads you into serene paths where you will encounter breathtaking mountain vistas while walking through stunning rhododendron forests before reaching the high mountain ridges.
The starting point for this trek begins at either Kande or Phedi which are accessible by a short 30-45 minute drive from Pokhara. The trail leads travelers from Australian Camp to Forest Camp then to Low Camp and High Camp before reaching Mardi Himal Base Camp. Mardi Base Camp (4,500m) provides close-up panoramas of Mardi Himal along with Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and other mountains in the Annapurna range.
Siding and Lwang represent traditional Nepali villages where you can spend time with locals to understand the authentic Nepali village lifestyle. Small, properly managed tea houses located along the trekking path provide basic accommodation and food that ensures the route is safe for all visitors. Easy access to Mardi Himal makes this trek suitable for novices and families who want to experience peaceful mountain views without heavy crowds.
Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang Valley Trek provides access to a magical valley situated north of Kathmandu Valley in the Langtang region. On a span of 7 to 9 days you can explore this combination of Tibetan history alongside unbelievable mountain views and diverse geographic terrain. A journey of 7-8 hours by vehicle from Kathmandu brings travelers to Syabrubesi (1,550m), the starting point of the trek. In fact, many people opt for this trek who are journeying for the future remote trailhead such as Annapurna Circuit and Upper Dolpo Trek.
The journey follows the Langtang River into dense woodlands and pastures where you can see yaks grazing and pass multiple suspension bridges while you walk past waterfalls. You can discover traditional Tamang culture in Lama Hotel, Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa through their prayer wheels, mani walls, and stone architecture. The area features both the cheese factory and the historical monastery of Kyanjin Gompa.
Standing on top of Kyanjin Ri at 4,773 meters allows you to view Langtang Lirung (7,227m), Ganesh Himal, Yala Peak and Tserko Ri together with the breathtaking Langtang glacier. The 2015 earthquake completely destroyed the valley but local community members successfully reconstructed it. The journey to Langtang Village is not just about the nature exploration but also about the comeback story of the locals.
Poon Hill Trek
Poon Hill Trek represents Nepal's most popular trek for short distances which welcomes both novices and those traveling with families, immersing in the Annapurna region for 4-5 days which presents breathtaking mountain vistas. Nayapul serves as the starting point of the trek to which visitors can reach through a 1-hour drive from Pokhara.
From starting in Ulleri, you will climb through a series of Gurung villages to reach Ghorepani and finally Ghandruk villages. The trail features stone staircases that guide you inside forests of rhododendron whose flowers bloom with red, white and pink colors. A visit to Poon Hill (3,210m) during sunrise stands out as the journey's most significant feature because it provides viewers with panoramic Himalayan views as you can spot multiple mountains from Poon Hill such as Dhaulagiri (8,167m), Annapurna I (8,091m), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) during sunrise while these peaks turn gold in the first rays of sunlight. The lower elevation of this area makes altitude sickness a rare case!
Several tea houses along the well-kept trails provide both comfortable accommodations and delicious dining options. The options are vast! The trek can be completed clockwise or counterclockwise, and it leads hikers to Ghandruk village, where you can experience the Gurung museum, stone-roof houses with local traditions.
Khopra Danda Trek
The Khopra Danda Trek in the Annapurna region is a secluded experience with breathtaking views through its hidden paths. The journey covers between 5 and 7 days while showing you open ridges from where you can view large mountains. Just like in the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek the hiking path starts either from Nayapul or Ghandruk.
The ascent through Tadapani leads trekkers up to Dobato then to Chistibung before reaching the Khopra Ridge summit at 3,660 meters. The Magar and Gurung inhabitants of the area extend genuine hospitality to all visitors. At Khopra Ridge, you can see stunning views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Nilgiri, Fang, and Baraha Shikhar which appear within reach. If the day is clear, you can see the Kali Gandaki Gorge too! You can visit sacred Khayer Lake at 4,600 meters for spiritual significance while enjoying even grander views.
Khopra Danda Trekis a perfect adventure if you want to escape heavy crowds while enjoying the natural beauty without reaching very high elevations.
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The short Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek lets you journey to the Annapurna Sanctuary area within 5-7 days. This shorter version of the ABC trek provides stunning views leading to the base of the tenth-tallest mountain in the world within a limited timeframe. The starting point is Nayapul, then using jeep,s the travelers reach their destinations between Jhinu Danda and Chhomron,g which shortens their journey duration.
From Chhomrong, the trail commences its descent into the Annapurna Sanctuary as it travels up through forests packed with rhododendron trees and bamboo. Your trek includes passes through the Himalaya Hotel to Deurali while en route from Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC) to Annapurna Base Camp (4,130m). The mountainous valley where ABC exists contains Annapurna I as its main peak, together with Annapurna South and Machapuchhre and Hiunchuli, and Gangapurna forming its surrounding peaks.
The descent from ABC ends at the Jhinu Danda hot springs, where you can soak in water to rest tired bodies. Perfect way to unwind! The best part is! If you are in Pokhara, then you can complete the short ABC Trek in 5 days.
Short Manaslu Circuit Trek
The abbreviated Manaslu Circuit Trek enables travelers to experience one of Nepal's distant trekking locations. Going on a Manaslu Trek lasts between seven and ten days while journeying to the world's eighth-tallest mountain peak, which stands at 8,163 meters. The trek commences after an 8-hour journey by car leads you to Arughat or Soti Khola. However, the classic one takes a bit, long duration, so if you are a fast-paced walker, then you should go for the Short Manaslu Trek.
The path extends along the Budhi Gandaki River next to subtropical forests and agricultural farming areas. The rising altitude transforms Hindu traditions into Tibetan Buddhist culture while moving from villages like Jagat through Deng and Namrung. Ancient monasteries, prayer wheels, and mani walls all over the trail!.
Starting from the banana forest until reaching alpine meadows, followed by glacial valleys, you reach the highest location on the route Larkya La Pass stands at 5,160m and provides panoramic views that include Manaslu, Himlung, Cheo Himal, and Annapurna II.
Remember, a restricted area permit along with two trekkers and their guide is necessary for this trek. A shorter trail finishes at Dharapani, which connects to the Annapurna Circuit trek trail. The tea houses across the path are being upgraded but still serve simpler facilities than busier trekking trails. People who want authentic mountain adventures away from tourist areas will find the ideal experience in this trek.
Short Annapurna Circuit Trek
The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek enables you to visit major sites from the famous Annapurna Circuit while completing the journey in just 7-10 days. Jeep transportation begins in Chame or Dharapani to skip the first sections of the path which eventually leads to Jomsom, before the journey finishes at Pokhara with air travel.
Your trip will bring you to traditional settlements such as Upper Pisang and Manang and Kagbeni where you can experience Thakali and Manangba cultural heritage. During your trek through Manang valley, you will have stunning views of Annapurna II, III and Gangapurna peaks while going over Thorong La Pass (5,416m) which stands as one of the world's highest mountain passages.
Crossing Thorong La leads you to the Muktinath temple with an eternal flame surrounded by 108 sacred water spouts.
You will witness the deepest chasm which is known as the Kali Gandaki gorge. Passing through the trekking areas, you will encounter comfortable tea houses that provide warm delicious meals and offer famous apple pie in Manang followed by Tibetan bread in the higher elevations. Short Annapurna Circuit Trek serves travelers who have limited time but wish to discover cultural and landscape diversity while uniting the Manang and Mustang districts in their journey.
Gosaikunda Lake Trek
You can reach a sacred high-altitude lake within the Langtang regionduring the Gosaikunda Lake Trek. The trek takes 5 to 6 days to explore its combination of natural vistas along with historic sites. Starting from Dhunche or Syabrubesi takes 7-8 hours by bus or jeep from Kathmandu to initiate the journey.
Pine and rhododendron forest paths eventually reveal high ridge views that display both the Langtang Mountains and the Ganesh Himal ranges. Your travels will take you to Sherpa and Tamang settlements such as Chandanbari (Sing Gompa), where you can visit a cheese factory alongside a historical Buddhist monastery.
Gosaikunda Lake rests at 4,380 meters in height as it nestles in a stunning setting protected by mountain peaks. Thousands of pilgrims attend the Janai Purnima festival at the full moon to perform sacred ceremonies while bathing in the pure lake waters.
The Langtang National Park encompasses 108 lakes, which surround the main Gosaikunda lake. Lauribina Pass reaches 4,610 meters above sea level with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Besides Gosaikunda, there are additional trekking options that lead to Helambu or Langtang Valley.
Gosaikunda Helambu Trek
Gosaikunda Helambu Trek stands as a short accessible trek starting from Kathmandu that spans 4-5 days and leads you through enchanting forest while you visit traditional settlements as well as capture breathtaking viewpoints. The trek starts from Sundarijal, situated twelve kilometers away from downtown Kathmandu, then follows a trail which passes through Shivapuri National Park leading through oak and rhododendron forests.
Clear days from Chisapani and Kutumsang observation points provide panoramas extending to Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal along with Dorje Lakpa peaks with Everest Peak visible in the distance. The point at 3,640 meters marks the highest altitude of the trail which poses minimal risks for developing altitude sickness.
You will traverse the Tamang and Hyolmo heritage areas in villages of Chisapani, Kutumsang and Sermathang which preserve their traditional architectural styles alongside their distinctive cultures.
The trail has fewer crowds than standard pathways so you can connect with authentic local communities and the best part? The trek remains accessible to travelers throughout the year including the wintertime because snow does not pose any challenge. You will finish your adventure at the town of Melamchi Pul Bazaar, where you can board a connecting bus to Kathmandu.
Everest View Trek
Everest View Trek provides everyone with panoramic views of the world's tallest mountain while demanding less time and effort than completing the entire Everest Base Camp Trek. The 5-7 day expedition allows participants to experience traditional Sherpa customs along with famous Everest vistas. The journey starts off with an exhilarating 35-minute flight which drops you at Lukla (2,840m).
The route after Lukla guides travelers along the Dudh Koshi River toward various Sherpa villages surrounded by pine forests as you pass through flag-decorated bridges and by the side of ancient mani stones and rotating prayer wheels. Namche Bazaar sits at 3,440 meters and serves as the Sherpa capital, where you can find its vibrant market and shops, and local cafes.
During your acclimatization day in Namche, you can explore two villages such as Khumjung which maintains a famous monastery along with Tengboche which hosts daily religious activities at its vital Buddhist sanctuary. The Mountain View Hotel provides breathtaking perspectives of Everest (8,848m) alongside Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Khanga, Nuptse and Lhotse mountain peaks.
The trek offers Everest region experiences at accessible elevations that suit travelers who dream about mountains yet have limited time availability.
Conclusion: Final Say
Short trekking routes across Nepal suit every type of traveler, including both novices and experienced hikers, as you do not require weeks of time allocation or a strong level of fitness to view spectacular views of the Himalayas. A visit to any of these 10 trails will unlock Nepal's splendid highlights within 4-10 days. The most favorable periods to visit Nepal span from springtime (March-May) to autumn (September-November) when the climate remains pleasant, but since these treks are best, short, and easy, visit anytime!
The mountainous landscape of Nepal invites, so strap on your boots and head out!
