Why to choose Short Treks?
Nepal is the perfect place for short treks. The country has many great trekking trails surrounded by snowy peaks, green forests, and diverse landscapes. Treks in Nepal can last from a few days to a few months. Long treks like Everest Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, and Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek are unsuitable for busy travelers with limited time. Therefore, short treks are the best option for those who want to explore the beautiful Himalayas quickly.
Each trek in Nepal is unique. Some treks offer views of huge mountains, while others let you experience the cultural and religious life of the local people. As a trekker, consider your fitness level, the activities you want, and your time when choosing a trek. We recommend short treks if you are visiting Nepal for the first time. Short treks are usually easy and suitable for families, couples, and groups of friends.
Popular Short Treks Treks
Annapurna Base Camp Trek: 5 Days Short Trek – Starts at $595
- Maximum Elevation: 4130 meters
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Duration: 5 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Season: Spring and Autumn
The Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek is perfect if you don’t have much time but want a challenging mountain adventure in Nepal. With new rads in the foothills of the Himalayas, you can now experience one of Nepal’s best treks in a short time. This trek is more challenging than others but incredibly rewarding. You’ll be surrounded by giant, ice-covered peaks at Base Camp, about 4130 meters high.
The views of Annapurna I, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Machhapuchhre are amazing. On your back, you can relax and soothe your muscles in the hot springs of Tatopani.
Mardi Himal Trek – Starts at $420
- Maximum Elevation: 4500 meters
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Duration: 12 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Season: Spring and Autumn
The Mardi Himal trek, near the Annapurna region, is one of Nepal’s hidden gems. Opened to trekkers in 2012, it is still mostly unknown outside Nepal. The trek starts with a 30-minute car ride from Pokhara, leading to a popular Annapurna trail. After a day, leave the main trail near Pothana and head through colorful rhododendron forests to reach Forest Camp.
Above the tree line, you’ll enjoy stunning, uninterrupted views in peaceful isolation. As you go higher, the mountains seem to grow bigger. At Base Camp, the views are as good as, or even better than, those on the main Annapurna trail, with Machhapuchhre being particularly beautiful. The trek forms a small loop, and on your return to Pokhara, you can stay in traditional villages to experience the local mountain culture and lifestyle.
Poon Hill Trek – Starts at $570
- Maximum Elevation: 3210 meters
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Duration: 3 to 4 days
- Difficulty: Easy
Poon Hill Trek is a short and easy trek in the Himalayas. It’s popular because it offers some of the best mountain views in Nepal. This trek is great for families and people who have limited time. The trail has excellent facilities, with well-established lodges and tea houses. Many lodges offer home comforts you wouldn’t expect in the mountains, including Wi-Fi and en suite double rooms if you’re willing to pay a bit more. Despite being Nepal’s most developed trail, local culture is still strong, and you can interact with the Gurungs and Magars, the region’s main ethnic groups.
One of the trek’s highlights is getting up before dawn to see the sunrise from Poon Hill. The view is fantastic as the sun slowly lights up the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Ghandruk is known for its stunning mountain views and well-preserved culture. Spend a day exploring the ancient houses and experiencing a mountain lifestyle that hasn’t changed much over the centuries.
Manaslu Circuit Trek – Starts at $895
- Maximum Elevation: 5106 meters
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Duration: 9 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Best Season: Spring and Autumn
The Manaslu Circuit Trek takes you to a less-traveled area of the Himalayan Mountains. Locally, Manaslu is called “The Spirit Mountain.” The trek circles Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), the world’s eighth-highest mountain, and is becoming more popular compared to the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang treks. This remote area attracts travelers who want to explore quieter trails.
Larkya La Pass (5,106m) is the highest point of this trek and is challenging, especially at high altitudes. The trail goes close to the Neppal/Tibetan border, where you will see many signs of Tibetan Buddhist culture in the houses and villages. You will often see Tibetan prayer flags, Mani stones with Sanskrit mantras, and chortens. The trail moves from the subtropical foothills to the rocky terrain at the pass. A highlight of this trek is experiencing the unique and simple lifestyle of villagers in the remote mountain areas.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Via Poon Hill – Starts at $945
- Maximum Elevation: 4130 meters
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Duration: 10 days
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Season: Spring and Autumn
The Annapurna Base Camp with Poon Hill Trek is a walk through the beautiful Annapurna region. You’ll see amazing views of the Annapurna Himalaya Mountains, including sunrise at Poon Hill over snow-covered peaks. The trek’s highest point is 4130m at Annapurna Base Camp, the world’s 10th tallest peak, surrounded by many other tall peaks and glaciers. You can see the breathtaking views of snowy mountains and green hills. The trail takes you through charming traditional villages with rich farming heritage and vibrant culture.
Langtang Valley Trek – Starts at $715
- Maximum Elevation: 4985 meters
- Accommodation: Teahouse
- Duration: 5 to 7 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Season: Spring and Autumn
The Langtang Valley trek is one of the best short treks in Nepal. It takes about 7 to 8 hours by car to reach the start of the trail. Langtang Village was hit hard by the April 2015 earthquake, but a lot of work has been done to rebuild it since then. The area reopened for trekking in 2018, thanks mainly to the local Tamang people. Langtang Valley culture has roots in Tibet, and they are known for their welcoming nature, traditional stone houses, and beautifully carved wooden porches, all of which highlight their unique heritage.
The Langtang Valley Trek is great if you want a shorter trek with amazing views of the Himalayas. You can hike up to Kyanjin Gompa for close-up views of the Langtang range. Spend a day or two exploring the upper valley, and consider hiking to the top of Kyanjin Ri for a panoramic view of the Langtang massif and its glacier. There is also a large glacial system further up the valley that makes for a great day hike.
Best Season For Short Treks
Spring is the best time for short treks in Nepal. It’s perfect for both trekking and climbing because the weather is mild. Beautiful wildflowers bloom above 3,000 meters, making higher-altitude treks more enjoyable. Temperatures are pleasantly warm at lower elevations and moderate at higher altitudes above 4,000 meters, offering great mountain views. March, April, and May are the top months for trekking in Nepal.
Autumn is also an excellent season for trekking in Nepal, with clear skies and great weather. This season runs from mid-September to late November. Autumn provides fantastic weather and stunning mountain views, making it ideal for adventurous treks. The temperatures are comfortable, and the skies are generally clear, though occasional short storms may bring snow at higher elevations.
Preparation for the Short Treks
- Plan Your Route: Know where you’re going and how long it will take.
- Check the Weather: Look at the weather forecast for your trek days.
- Pack Light: Only bring essentials like water, snacks, a first aid kit, and extra clothes.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes: Make sure your shoes are suitable for walking.
- Dress in Layers: Wear clothes you can ass or remove as er temperature changes.
- Bring a Map or GPS: Know how to navigate your route.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water before and during the trek.
