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Top 5 most popular treks in Nepal

2 Sep 2020 Santosh Gauli

In Nepal, There are many trekking trails because there are various mountain peaks and landscapes. The top 5 most popular treks in Nepal are the ideal trips to witness the delightful mountain view and Local Culture.

Additionally, Nepal offers historical and cultural tours. It is a Country of Mountains and there are so many trails where you can trek as per your desire, time, and budget. Thus, you can decide first, what types of trek you prefer to do regarding your time and budget, then you can do it in your style. Then no doubt, Trekking in Nepal will be pleased.

In Nepal, there are so many choices for hiking and trekking. You can only hike for a few hours or hike for a month that is up to your interest. However, Nepal offers so many holidays in the Himalaya but the top 5 best treks in Nepal are the most visited and incredible.

Top 1: Everest Base camp Trekking

Once people think of adventure travel, they probably add Everest base camp trek to their bucket list. Because it is Nepal’s number one most visited trekking route. The route to Everest base camp is moderate to difficult with a spectacular view along the route thus it is listed as the best trekking route in World.

The Everest region is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site and lies in Sagarmatha National park. In this National park, there are various flora and Faunas to observe. Furthermore, on this 12 days hike in Nepal, you will savor the delightful views of Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Mount Everest, Ama Dablam, Pumori, and other neighboring White Mountains.

Similarly, you will visit vantage Kalapathar hill station for the Breathtaking up-close views of the entire Khumbu region, Khumbu icefall, and Khumbu Glacier and Pumori Base camp. Additionally, beyond the Everest base camp route, you will witness the Sherpa local culture, Traditional Houses, revered Tengboche Monastery, Namche Bazaar (Hub of Everest trek), Locals farm, suspension bridges, Rivers, and splendor Alpine Forest.

Highlights:

• Lukla Flight- in and out
• Trek along Dudh Koshi river on a fresh atmosphere,
• Observe Sherpa cultivated farms,
• A different experience of crossing high suspension Bridges,
• Trek through the alpine forest and Alpine landscapes,
• Spent your relaxing time at Namche Bazaar.
• Capture the huge Everest massif in your camera from Namche hill station.
• Stop at Tengboche and Visit Tengboche Consecrated Monastery
• Hike to Nagarjun Hill and Observe huge Imja Valley),
• Spent your toughest sleeping Night at Gorakshep-5,180.
• Step your tiring legs on Everest base camp-5364m, and next to Kalapathar-5,550m

Route of Everest base camp trek:

Option one: Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla then follow the popular trails to Everest base camp and retrace the steps to Lukla then fly to Kathmandu. It is 11 Night 12 days Trek from Kathmandu to Kathmandu.

Option two: Drive from Kathmandu to Jiri, then follow the Classic Everest trek route to Everest base camp. In this option, you Don’t use flights to and from Lukla. Likewise, you will be back in the same way after visiting Base camp and Kalapthar. Following these options takes 23 days.

Option Three: Drive From Kathmandu to Sallery and trek begins. You trek to Everest base camp via Lukla and Namche. In this option, you trek back via the same route because there are no other trails. Following this option takes 18 days.

Note: There is even the shortest way to observe Mount Everest base camp. Fly from Kathmandu to Everest base camp via Lukla. Stop for the photoshoot and back to Kathmandu. It is about 3 to 4 hours of a round trip on a helicopter from to Kathmandu.

Weather and temperature:

Everest base camp is located at 5364 m high fro, sea level thus it is no doubt a clod place. Especially, in wintertime (December, January & February) is super cold. Trek to Everest base camp during winter means you have to face -20 to -30 Degree centigrade at Night and 0 to 5 degrees during the day.

Equally, In Spring season (March to May) the Temperature at Everest base camp will be 10 – 12 Degree and at Night about 5 degrees centigrade. The summer season is the hottest time when the temperature gets warm about 12 Degree at Night and 17 to 19 degrees during the day. Ultimately, the autumn season is the best for the trek to Everest base camp. the temperature at Night drops until 5 to 8 Degree and during the day.

The best weather to Everest base camp trek is in autumn and spring season. in this period, there will be stable Weather, clean blue skies, war mild temperature, freshness in an air and atmosphere, lush valley view, no rain, no snow, thus from every perspective, trek to Everest base camp in September, October, November, March, April, and May is the best time. The winter and Summer season is the worse time for everest base camp trek.

Top 2: Annapurna Base Camp Trek

The Annapurna base camp is Nepal’s finest moderate trek. It is 7 to 10 days flexible trails that can customize as per your time and budget. The trails take us along the scenic valley on a classic route of the trek. On this route, you will pass Hilly traditional villages, tropical forest, terrace field, Waterfalls, Rivers, and exotic wilderness.

The route of Annapurna base camp begins from Nayapul after a 1.30-minute drive from Pokhara. As an option you may also start this trek from Phedi or Kande it will be customized. Trek route past various countryside beauty that you never saw in your life. You will have a wonderful time on this trip because every single day you have a different variation of views and atmosphere.

A couple of days, we will trek through the deep gorge then trails take us to MBC and Annapurna base camp. It is where you have mesmerizing views of Annapurna massif in a close distance and Gigantic Glacier. There are several guest Houses at Base camp and from the bed, you have such a breathtaking up-close view which will melt your heart.

Annapurna base camp trek trails is an ideal trip in the Himalaya of Nepal. It is also known as Annapurna Sanctuary Trek. After the memorable Night and Morning view at Annapurna base camp, we trek to Jhinu Danda via the same route. At Jhinu danda you can rest and relax in the Hot spring. There is a natural hot pool where you can bath and remove your all pain from the body. Our trip is still going on and descents to Kiumy. At Kiumy, you will have Transportation to Pokhara.

The lower loop of the Annapurna base camp route, there are several villages to observe distinct traditions and friendly people. The locals mostly involve in farming, few of them are in tourism, and some as a Gorkha soldier. The locals are popular as brave people thus; they work as soldiers in the U.K. And India.

Highlights:

• Pokhara city- a city of lake,
• A dense Gurung Village at Chhomrung and Sinuwa.
• Trek on a Proper trail, where locals walk,
• A lush green forest filled with Rhododendron fir, and Bamboo.
• Exotic Waterfalls, a very tall Green hill, and a strong raging river.
• Reach at Machhapuchhre and Annapurna base camp then melt your heart yourself as you can have unbelievable up-close mountain views
• Spent your Night at Annapurna base camp in the Guest House as it is situated at 4130 m.
• Observe early sunrise view over Annapurna one, fang, Hiuchuli, Annapurna south, and other several white peaks.

Route of Annapurna base camp trek:

Option one: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul then trek to Annapurna base camp via Ghorepani Poonhill. This is the most visited trails and takes 10 days. There are no alternative trails way back to Pokhara.

Option two: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul then trek to Ghandruk. Next, you trek to Chhomrung and Annapurna base camp. The way back to Pokhara is the same route. This trek takes 7 days only.

Option Three: Drive from Pokhara to Phedi or Knade, then trek to Landruk, likewise next to Annapurna base camp. After the base camp, the route is the same Until New Bridge then you take Bus, Jeep to Pokhara. It is only 6 days trek.

Weather and Temperature:

Annapurna base camp is pretty High at 4130 meters therefor it is no doubt a cold place of Nepal. Trek to Annapurna base camp is not a hard comparing with other treks in Nepal. Every single season in the year, there is diverse Weather and Temperature.

In September, October, November, March, April, and May, there is steady weather, Blue skies, clear Mountain View, and Lush forest. Thus, these months are recommended if you have planned to reach the Annapurna base camp.

According to the researchers and trekkers, Trek to Annapurna base camp during winter (December- February) is the worse time. The chances of avalanches fall in the very risky winter season. At Night, -5 degrees and day time, about 12 degrees centigrade temperatures are at ABC. 

The warmest time of the year is summer, but it is also a risk month for trekking to ABC because of the landslide. However, the best time to Annapurna base camp is in October, November falls in the autumn season, and March to May in the spring season. These two different seasons got mild temperatures. During the day is warm about 20 to 22 and at Night about 15 to 18 Degrees centigrade.

Top 3: Langtang Valley Trek

In Nepal, if you are looking for a short week holiday near Kathmandu, the Langtang valley trek route is the one. It is a stunning Nepal’s classic trek route located in the Northeast of Kathmandu. Langtang trekking region is also a popular place to observe More than 70 Glaciers.

Langtang trek is probably the easy trek route and it can be fit for all age trekker’s for instance Family trekkers, students, researchers, and adventure. Thus, thousands of tourists trek to Langtang valley.

The Langtang trek is in Langtang National park and it is a first registered National park of Nepal. On this route, you will find the world’s rare animals if you are lucky. Further, the wilderness and well mixed cultural is the most attractive part of this trek. The locals are very friendly and helpful at each settlement and the villages are colorful with Buddhist flags. It is a short trek but within a short time, you have so much collection culturally and naturally.

Compare with other popular trekking routes of Nepal Langtang valley trek is less touristy, easy, AMS free, and Natural. There are several guest houses, Gompa and lodges along the route. There are no dense villages or crowded stations thus you may see some wild animals such as Musk Deer, Red Panda, Black Bear, Mountain Goat, and Snow leopard if you are lucky.

After you 4 days of walk, you reach Langtang village and Kyanjin gompa. These two are the major attractions of this trek because you have the entire Langtang Mountain View from here. Especially the view of Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri, Dorje Lakpa, and T-serko Ri. At Kyanjin Gompa you can visit the yak cheese factory as it is pure and tasty.

Many articles and blogs are saying Langtang valley is still a risky cause of the devastating earthquake in 2015 which is not true now (2020). The trekking route is rebuilt and recovered so that you cannot go to Langtang. If you have a big heart and wish to help the locals then your short days of Langtang valley trek contribute to locals who were almost disappeared by an earthquake in 2015.

Highlights:

• The zigzag and picturesque drive to and from Syabrubeshi.
• Trek in a tranquil route of the trek.
• Green lush valley filled with Bamboo and pine trees,
• observe More than 70 Glacier,
• Colorful Langtang Gaun and surrounded Mountain views,
• Step into Kyangin Gompa(Monastery) and sunrise view from T-serko Ri.
• Sit and enjoy the entire Langtang Massif,
• Introduce with Tamang and Tibetan people,
• You may try some Local proper meal on request at Guest House,
• Wilde animals in Langtang National park( Bleak bear, Musk deer, Red Panda, Snow Leopard, etc.)

Weather and Temperature:

In Nepal, we have mainly 4 different seasons on the base of the weather and temperature. Lantang trek weather is different as per the season you visit. Winter season is the coldest season for trekking when Temperature drops until zero at Night and 7 to 9 degrees centigrade during the day. Similarly, trekking in the summer season to Lantang valley is not good because of Landslides.

In summer, you may have problems with landslides and the weather is cloudy. So, autumn (Sep. – Nov) and spring (March to May) are the best for Langtang trek. In autumn and spring, you will have similar weather and Temperature. While you are on the trail at day time, you have about 21 to 24 Degree centigrade and at Night about 12 to 15 degrees centigrade.

In the spring season, the rates are even filled with Rhododendron flowers so that looks amazing and the temperature is moderate. The weather is stable, mild, and clean in the skies during these seasons. You trek to Langtang valley trails during the spring or autumn season you never regret your trip.

Top 4: Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal is a hidden trail of The Annapurna conservation area. It is a deep hidden gem where there are abundant natural attractions. The route of the Mardi Himal trek was not so popular before 2012. When these trails officially launched in 2012 then rapidly it became more popular.

It is a short trek in the Annapurna region. The route of Mardi Himal is moderate goes through the Rhododendron forest and the Ridge Mountains. Within a few days, you will be welcomed by massif Annapurna and fishtail Mountains. From Pokhara, you just walk 3 days to reach High camp and Mardi Himal viewpoint. It is where many people step on and enjoy the view of massif Himalayan panorama.

Mountain sickness or any high latitude related disease is not allowed in these trails because we don’t trek over 3500 meters and we have a forested route. The trail through the forest means you have plenty of oxygen thus it is a free zone of Mountain sickness.

On these short and sweet trekking trails, you have a magical up-close view of Fishtail, Annapurna south, Hiuchuli, and other white icy peaks. The next beauty of this trek is countless rolling hills in the south. Additionally, the thickness of the cloud in the valley makes your trek even more beautiful. The Mardi Himal viewpoint is the heart of this trip from where you can see a golden view of the Mountains.

The route of the Mardi Himal trek is almost without proper village but there are plenty of seasonal Guesthouses to stay. Pre-booking is required if you are trekking in a group during the autumn and spring season. The local’s people made some lodges but sometimes the volume of trekkers is overestimated thus, pre-booking is the best option. At the begging, at Dhampus, Pothana, and the end of the trek in Siding and Kalimati village you have a chance to observe several local houses and farming.

However, Mardi Himal is a newly made trekking route, where you mostly obtain Natural Beauty regarding the High snow Cap Mountains.

Highlights:

• Explore the city of the lake- Pokhara
• Religiously and ethnically well mixed Dhampus and Pothana village,
• Enjoy your time at Pitam Deurali and the gorgeous view of Mount Dhaulagiri, which is the 7th highest peak in the world.
• Enjoy the breathtaking up-close view of fishtail, Annapurna South, Hiuchuli, and Mardi Himal.
• Locally made different tastes of foods and drinks.
• Enchanted Green rolling Hills and deep gorge valley view,
• Hike up to Mardi Himal viewpoint and get busy with your camera, it is where you can spend a long time with the photoshoot.
• Observe local farmlands while walking

Weather and Temperature:

To make your successful travel, the weather is the main key, without the best and suitable weather your trip or travel can take you to your goal and you just lose your time and Budget.

The Mardi Himal trek is a short trek in the Annapurna region. The Weather is really important to know before you begin your journey to Mardi Himal. Because each season there are different weather and Temperatures. In winter (Dec. – Feb) is the coldest time and it is not a good time for the trek.

Mardi Himal trails temperature during the winter season drop until -2 Degree centigrade and during the day about 15 degrees centigrade. The lower part of Mardi Himal is relatively warmer so the temperature which I mentioned above is based on Badal danda and High camp.

Trek to Mardi Himal route during the Months is September, October, November, March, April, and May is the best time. Because, you have no chance of snowfall, less chance of rain, no leeches on the trails, clear blue skies, no humidity, and Clear mountain views without clouds, so what do you need more……

In the summer season, you are not advised to trek because there si almost every day heavy rain. Winter is cold and risk of Avalanches, so spring and autumn season is the best time for your Mardi Himal trek.

Top 5: Annapurna Circuit Trek

Annapurna circuit trek overview:

Trek permits: Annapurna conservation area project (ACAP) permit and TIMS card
Trek starting point: Besisahar Lamjung
Trek ending point: Nayapul
Highest Point: Thorong La pass- 5416 m
Food: Local, Western, Indian, Chinese and some Italian
Best Time: September to November & March to May
Minimum Pax: One

Introduction:

Annapurna circuit trek is a world-class adventure trek located in the central north of Nepal. It is a classical route that takes nearly three weeks. For a few years, this trek provides options for you and you can customize the itinerary. However, the Annapurna circuit or round trek can minimum takes 10 days and a maximum of 18 days.

The 18 days Annapurna round trek passing by Ghorepani poon hill is the great option and you feel, you did not miss anything to see.it is a complete trekking journey in the Himalaya of Nepal. The well-mixed of different ethnicity, Customs, Traditions, various landscapes, and myriad Gaint Mountains are the major things to observe in this trek.

Throughout the trek, you will have much extra information related to country life and exotic wilderness.

The trails we begin from a lower elevation from Beshisahar or Bulbhule then we trek as per the pre-plan itinerary. After several walking days, we are already higher up and reach Thorong La pass- 5416m. it is the major climax of this trek. The view is just indescribable from this top. Now, the trails steep descents to Muktinath passes arid land of the mustang area. However, within a few days of walk, we will get a brilliant chance to experience the local life in lower elevation and local life in higher elevation (Himalayan area).

In the Annapurna round trek, you have soul-stirring magical view especially, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna, which are over 8000 m high peaks. Nest, the walk into the valley of Kali Gandaki is just fresh and pure; it is the world’s deepest valley. While you are walking around Thorang pass, Muktinath, and kali Gandaki, you feel like you are trekking in different highland. Even the way of lifestyle on that highland area is very similar to Tibetans.

The Annapurna circuit trek is the best route with various reasons and compares with other popular treks route in Nepal it is different, you have top to bottom information in this route so that it is a complete package trek for trekkers.

Highlights:

• Several waterfalls and valley view,
• Passes some colorful villages,
• Buddhist old Monastery, traditional houses, Tibetan living, and farming,
• Thorong La pass- 5416m
• Muktinath and Kagbeni village- a historical and cultural village
• Trek through the kali Gandaki Windy valley
• Visit Jomsom, Marpha, Tukuche and Larjung Thakali villages,
• Apple orchid at Marpha and also the distillery of local drink product,
• Get a bath in the pool at Tatopani.

Trek route Options:

Option one: Kathmandu- Besisahar- Thorong- La pass – Jomsom – Pokhara – Kathmandu. (It is 13 days Annapurna circuit trek.)

Option Two: Kathmandu – Besisahar – Thorong La pass – Jomsom – Tatopani – Pokhara – Kathmandu (It is 15 days Annapurna circuit trek.)

Option Three: Kathmandu – Besisahar – Thorong- La pass – Jomsom – Tatopani – Ghorepani – Nayapul – Pokhara – Kathmandu (It is 18 days Annapurna circuit trek)

Weather and Temperature:

There are four different seasons in a year and among them, two seasons are suitable for the trek to Annapurna circuit / Round Annapurna. The autumn and spring two seasons are perfect for trekking in Nepal. Not only to Annapurna circuit area, in whole Nepal where ever you go for trekking autumn (Sep. to Nov.) and spring seasons(March to May) are the best on the base of weather and Temperature.

The weather gets very clear during the autumn and spring seasons in Nepal. The skies get very clean and blue, No Clouds, no humidity, Clean visibilities, lush forest and landscapes, picturesque valley, magical Mountains view can be seen during the spring and autumn season.

Furthermore, in the summer and winter season, you can still trek to the Annapurna circuit but there are many obstacles you may face such as landscapes, avalanche, Flooding, and full of clouds every day in winter and summer.

If you are not able to manage your trekking time during the spring and autumn season in Nepal, then you are advised to visit in early winter or early summer.

Temperature is another important factor while trekking in different regions.

Annapurna circuit trek begins from very low altitude to very high until 5416 meters, thus, we can estimate the average temperatures. In the lower loop of the Annapurna circuit trek, the temperature is about 17-23°C during the day similarly at night is 10-12°C In the spring and autumn seasons. In winter is super cold that the temperature drops until – 12 °C in the higher region (Above 4000 m) and in summer (15 °C) at night and 22 to 25 °C during the day.

Annapurna circuit trek related FAQs

Where is the Annapurna circuit trek route?

The Annapurna circuit trek is located in the Central North of Nepal. This trek begins from Besisahar of Lamjung District and ends at Nayapul. This trek leads you until 5,416 M at Thorong – La pass and takes 13 days up to 18 days to complete it.

When is the best time to go on the Annapurna circuit trek?

The Weather and temperature is a major factor while you are trekking in the Mountains. Therefore, the Annapurna circuit trek is suitably from every perspective, if you trek in Sep. – Nov. And March to May. You may try this trek during summer and winter, but you have to be super adventurous and may arise problems. So, plan your trek to the Annapurna circuit in Sep. In Nov or March to May is the best time.

What about Physical fitness to do Annapurna circuit trek?

The Annapurna circuit trek is moderate to Difficult. But, if you are mentally prepared and simple then, you can complete it. You don’t need to exercise for a year to do this trek. However, if you have prior trekking experiences or 3 weeks of workout before you trek, the Annapurna circuit trek will easy.

Within your 3 weeks of workout period, you are recommended to do cycling, running, swimming, cardio-related exercise, etc. It will help a lot.

How long do we have to walk every day?

Everest day, you have to walk 4 to 6 hours but there are several days when we have to walk longer than average day walking. For example, the day of crossing throng – la pass and other few days we have to walk more than 6 hours.

What do I need to make Annapurna circuit trek Permits?

There is two way to make permits. If you are trekking through a travel agency, you just give them your pp size photo (3 each) and they will make all your permits. The second Option is trek without guide and porter, just you. In this option, you have to go to the Nepal Tourism Board at Brikuti Mandap in Kathmandu or Damside in Pokhara. There, you get a form to fill up your details, give them pp size photos (2 each), then you obtain your ACAP permits and TIMS Card. The cost of the permit is 10 USD if you trek through the agency and 20 USD trek yourself.

Do I have to bring all my trekking gear?

You can bring only a few trekking gears if you have already with you but not every gear. While traveling, you may have limited space in your bag thus bring only those gears which will take small space. When you arrive in Nepal, you can hire all gears you need for the trek on a low budget.

Who will help to carry my big bag during the trek?

Your bag will be carrying by Porters and the daypack is carrying by you. In your daypack, you carry only Light snacks, a Camera, Mobile, Electrical devices, water bottles, basic medicine, and your passport.

 How much can a porter carry?

Porter carries about 25 Kg maximum and will generally carry a bag of two clients. Either one or two clients, the weight limit are 25 kg maximum. If you have extra weight, you can store it in Kathmandu Hotel, it is safe.

What kind of food, can I buy in the trek?

In the guest and Lodge, they have a Food menu managed by Local Hotels. They serve almost all types of food such as Nepali, Western, Chinese, and Indian.

But, the most popular local Nepali food is Dhal Bhat in the Mountain. All Nepali guides, Porters eat this meal twice a day and it is served with rice, salad, vegetable curry, Papad, lentil soup, and pickle. On top of it, if you order Egg, chicken, or buffalo meat they will serve them. Dhal Bhat is heavy and got so many carbohydrates thus; in the mountain it is good.

In the Mountain, meat item dishes are not recommended because most of the lodges sale unfreeze meats, which are not safe for your stomachs.

How much do I tip for Guides and Porters?

Tipping is not compulsory but it is highly expected from Field staff (Guide & Porters). There is no rule about tipping systems in Nepal so, it is only a way of showing Thankfulness for their hospitalities and care. For a rough idea through the research, per clients per day 8 USD for Guide and 5 USD for Porters, But if they made your incredible trip then you can give any amount you want.

What is the highest point in the Annapurna circuit trek?

The Highest point is Thorong La pass which is situated at 5416 m/17,769 feet. When you walk 8 to 9 days from Besisahar you will reach to Thorong La top and it is a heart of Annapurna circuit trek.

Can I get a hot shower, Wi-Fi, and Charging plunge?

There are specific places, where you can charge your electrical devices but bring your ow charger. Next is a hot shower that is available in the lodge but it is sharing not in your private room. The hot shower cost extra money from 2 to 5 USD. I the lower loop of the trek you may have a free shower sometime. Wi-Fi service is being common now for a few years. Most of the lodges got this service but in peak season there are many people in the lodge and it working very slowly. However, you can have Wi-Fi services in most of the lodges.

If I want to hire a guide or Porters what is the Cost like?

To hire a Guide for Annapurna circuit trek is not so much. It cost 25 to 30 USD a day and to hire porters costs 18 to 20 USD a day. There is no fixed price to hire a guide or porter so, with your pleasure you may pay them more or slightly less, it is your concern. But the price which I mentioned above is the average daily salary for them.

What should I take with me for the Annapurna circuit trek?

You can bring only the most essential gears that are listed bellows:

1. Trekking shoes( Water Proof is better)

2. Down jacket and sleeping bag,

3. Base Layer and Fleece Jacket,

4. 2 pair of Trekking paints

5. Rain cover jacket, warm hat, a pair of T-shirts and a cap

6. Sunglass, sun cream and gloves

7. Medicines,

8. Beanie

9. Sandals, pair of sucks

10. Backpack and daypack

11. Walking sticks

12. Toiletries and hand sanitizers

13. Water purification liquid or Tablets,

14. Oximeter

15. Extra Batteries and Charger

16. Dry snacks

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