Short Treks In Nepal

Nepal possesses the home of massive mountains, old cultures, and otherwise structured terrains. Although you may be aware that most popular long distance treks in Nepal such as Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit are popular, short trek routes in Nepal are also rewarding for time-starved tourists. For a short Himalayan holiday, a peaceful cultural stroll, or a short religious retreat, there are excellent 1-8 day trek routes in Nepal.

From best short treks closest Kathmandu and Pokhara to the unique off-beat trails, short trekking trails in Nepal are ideal for beginners, families, single adventurers, and experienced walkers wishing to do it all in short time frames. Short treks in Nepal bring you spectacular vistas of mountains, old-world village communities, multi-coloured terrain, and real Nepalese cultures – all in days, not weeks.

In this article, we categorized the best short trek in Nepal as follows:

1. Most Popular Short Treks (1–8 Days)
2. Short Spiritual and Cultural Visits
3. Lesser-known Short Treks

No matter which route you take, all of these top short treks in Nepal guarantee unforgettable views, Nepali hospitality, and a sample of the Himalayas that you will cherish long after you have returned home.

Let’s explore these short treks in Nepal and find the perfect one that fits your time, interest, and adventure level—so you can make the most of your next vacation.

Popular Short Treks (1-8 Days)

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

• Duration: 4-5 days
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 3,210 meters (Poon Hill)
• Region: Annapurna Region, Nepal
• Starting Point: Nayapul 
• Ending Point: Nayapul
• Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November),winter is possible but cold, monsoon is risky
• Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and TIMS CARD
• Stunning Views: Close-up views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail).
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Fly or drive to Pokhara (~30 min flight / 6–7 hr drive), then jeep/bus to Nayapul 
• Estimated Package Cost: Range from USD 249 – USD 400 per person
  Recommended Trip

  

  Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

  7 Days

  Easy

  View Detail

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

• Duration: 4-6 days
• Difficulty: Moderate (suitable for beginners with good fitness)
• Maximum Elevation: 4,500 meters (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
• Region: Annapurna Region, Nepal
• Starting Point: Kande 
• Ending Point: Siding or Lumre (depending on the route)
• Best Seasons: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November),winter is possible but cold, monsoon is risky
• Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS CARD
• Stunning Views: Close-up views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Travel to Pokhara by Flight/Drive(~30 min flight / 6–7 hr drive), then local bus/taxi to Kande/Phedi
• Estimated Package Cost: Range from USD 295 – 850 per person

Recommended Trip

Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek

7 Days

Moderate

View Detail

Short Annapurna Base Camp(ABC) Trek

• Duration: 6–8 days
• Difficulty: Moderate – suitable for beginners with good fitness
• Maximum Elevation: 4,130 m (Base Camp)
• Region: Annapurna Region, Nepal
• Starting Point: Nayapul
• Ending Point: Nayapul
• Best Seasons: Spring (Mar–May) and Autumn (Sep–Nov),winter is possible but cold, monsoon is risky
• Permits: ACAP permit + TIMS card required
• Stunning Views: Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, rhododendron forests, waterfalls, natural hot spring at Jhinu Danda
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Fly or drive to Pokhara (~30 min flight / 6–7 hr drive), then jeep/bus to Nayapul
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 500 – 1000 per person

Recommended Trip

Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek

9 Days

Moderate

View Detail

Langtang Valley Trek

• Duration: 5–7 days
• Difficulty: Moderate—4–6 hrs trekking per day
• Maximum Elevation: Kyanjin Ri: ~4,773 m or Tserko Ri: ~4,985 m
• Region: Rasuwa District, Langtang Region within Langtang National Park
• Starting Point: Syabrubesi 
• Ending Point: Syabrubesi
• Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November), winter is possible but cold, monsoon is risky
• Permits: Langtang National Park Permit
• Stunning Views: Panoramas of Langtang Lirung, Ganchenko, Langtang II; lush rhododendron forests; Buddhist monasteries; optional ascend to Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri for Himalayan vistas
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Drive 6–8 hours (shared/private jeep or bus)
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 400–900 per person
  Recommended Trip

  

  Langtang Valley Trek

  8 Days

  Moderate

  View Detail

Short Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Duration: 8 Days( cutting acclimatization days)
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Maximum Elevation: Larkya La Pass (~5,106 m)
• Region: Manaslu Conservation Area
• Starting Point: Machha Khola/Jagat
• Ending Point: Besisahar
• Best Seasons: Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November)
• Permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit
• Stunning Views: Majestic sights of Mount Manaslu (8,163 m), along with lesser peaks like Cheo Himal, Himlung, and panoramas from Larkya La Pass
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: 7–9 hr by local bus/jeep
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 950–1,200 per person
  Recommended Trip

  

  Manaslu Circuit Trek

  12 Days

  Moderate

  View Detail

Nagarkot to Dhulikhel Trek

• Duration: 2-3 Days
• Difficulty: Easy
• Maximum Elevation: 2100
• Region: Eastern rim of Kathmandu Valley, crossing rural ridge trails through Bhaktapur, Kavrepalanchok District, and nearby hills
• Starting Point: Nagarkot
• Ending Point: Dhulikhel
• Best Seasons: April- May, Jun, and Sep-Oct-Nov
• Permits: Not Required
• Stunning Views: Panoramic Himalayan vistas—including Everest, Ganesh, Langtang, Gauri Shankar, Annapurna & Manaslu on clear days. Also, lush forests, traditional villages, sunrise/sunset over Nagarkot and Dhulikhel heritage towns.
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: 1–1.5 hrs to Nagarkot (taxi or local bus)
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 200- 350 per person
  Recommended Trip

  

  Nagarkot Dhulikhel Hiking

  2 Days

  Easy

  View Detail

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

• Duration: 2–3 days
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Maximum Elevation: Around 2,175 m at Nagarkot; Chisapani sits nearby at ~2,165 m
• Region: Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, on the northeast rim of Kathmandu Valley
• Starting Point: Sundarijal
• Ending Point: Changunarayan or Bhaktapur
• Best Seasons: April- May, Jun, and Sep-Oct-Nov
• Permits: Shivapuri National Park permit, Changunarayan Temple entry (~NPR 350 for foreigners)
• Stunning Views: Panoramas of the Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu, and Everest ranges from Chisapani and Nagarkot. Sunrise/sunset views over the Himalayas, lush forest, rural culture, and heritage sites like Changunarayan/Bhaktapur Durbar.
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Drive (~40 mins–1 hr) to Sundarijal via taxi or public bus
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 200- 250 per person

Recommended Trip

Chisapani Nagarkot Hike

3 Days

Easy

View Detail

Helambu Trek

• Duration: 5–7 days
• Difficulty: Easy–moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 3,650 m (Thadepati)
• Region: Langtang & Shivapuri‑Nagarjun
• Starting Point: Sundarijal 
• Ending Point: Melamchi Pul Bazar
• Best Seasons: Sep to Jan, March to Aug
• Permits: Shivapuri National Park entrance permit, Helambu National Park permits, and TIMS card.
• Stunning Views: Langtang peaks, rhododendrons, villages
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Drive (~40 mins–1 hr) to Sundarijal via taxi or public bus
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 350-500 per person

Dhampus Sarangkot Trek

• Duration: 2-3 Days
• Difficulty: Easy
• Maximum Elevation: 1650m
• Region: Annapurna Conservation Area (Pokhara)
• Starting Point: Phedi
• Ending Point: Sarangkot
• Best Seasons: All Round Year
• Permits: None required
• Stunning Views: Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre & Gurung villages
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Fly or drive to Pokhara (~30 min flight / 6–7 hr drive)
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 250-350 per person

Khopra Danda Trek

• Duration: 5-7 days
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Maximum Elevation: 3660m,Khopra Danda
• Region: Annapurna Region
• Starting Point: Nayapul/Ghandruk
• Ending Point: Ghandruk/Nayapul
• Best Seasons: Feb, Mar, Apri, May, June, Sep, Oct, Nov & Dec
• Permits: ACAP + TIMS required
• Stunning Views: Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, ridges, forests
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Fly or drive to Pokhara (~30 min flight / 6–7 hr drive), then Nayapul/Ghandruk by jeep or bus (~1–1.5 hrs)
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 500–565 per person

Panchase Trek

• Duration: 2–4 days
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 2030
• Region: Annapurna Conservation Area near Pokhara
• Starting Point: Phedi/Kande
• Ending Point: Pokhara
• Best Seasons: Autumn, spring, winter
• Permits: ACAP + TIMS
• Stunning Views: Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, forest & sunrise
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Fly or drive to Pokhara (~30 min flight / 6–7 hr drive)
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 350–550 per person

Jomsom Muktinath Trek

• Duration: 5-7 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 3,800 m
• Region: Annapurna Conservation Area, Mustang
• Starting Point: Jomsom 
• Ending Point: Muktinath
• Best Seasons: September – December & February to June
• Permits: ACAP + TIMS
• Stunning Views: Himalayan peaks, Tibetan villages, sacred temple
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Fly or drive to Pokhara (~30 min flight / 6–7 hr drive)
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 600-900 per person

Gosaikunda Trek

• Duration: 5–7 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 4380 M
• Region: Langtang National Park
• Starting Point: Dhunche
• Ending Point: Dhunche
• Best Seasons: Sep to Dec And Jan To May
• Permits: Langtang Park
• Stunning Views: Panoramic views of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and nearby peaks, Gosaikunda Lake, Spiritual Surya Kunda (hot spring lake), rhododendron forests, remote Tamang villages
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: 6–7 hr bus/jeep from KTM
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 400 – 500 per person

Sacred and Cultural Treks

Tamang Heritage Trail

• Duration: 5–7 days
• Difficulty: Easy, Moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 3,165 m (Nagthali Danda)
• Region: Langtang National Park, Rasuwa District
• Starting Point: Syabrubesi
• Ending Point: Syabrubesi
• Best Seasons: Autumn / Spring
• Permits: Langtang National Park + TIMS Card
• Stunning Views: Panoramic Himalayan vistas of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, etc. Traditional Tamang villages, monasteries, Hot springs at Tatopani
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: 6–8 hrs drive bus/jeep from KTM
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 600 – 800 per person

Short tamagang Heritage Trail

Everest View Trek

• Duration: 5-7 Days
• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 3440 M
• Region: Everest/Khumbu
• Starting Point: Lukla
• Ending Point: Lukla
• Best Seasons: April- May, Sep-Oct-Nov
• Permits: Sagarmatha Park & Khumbu Municipality (no TIMS)
• Stunning Views: Close view of Everest, Ama Dablam and immerse in Sherpa culture
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: 25-35 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 800 – 1200 per person

Rara Lake Trek

• Duration: 5–7 days trekking (+ travel)
• Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 2,990 m
• Region: Mugu district, within the remote Rara National Park
• Starting Point: Jumla
• Ending Point: Rara
• Best Seasons: Sep-Dec & Mar-May
• Permits: National park + TIMS
• Stunning Views: Crystal-clear lake reflecting snow-capped peaks (like Saipal), dense pine/spruce forests, endemic flora/fauna, hiking to Murma and Chuchemara ridges.
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Fly Kathmandu→Nepalgunj airport→Talcha airport
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 1,500–2,500 per person

Rara Lake

Chepang Hill Trek

• Duration: 2–3 days
• Difficulty: Easy–moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 1,945 m
• Region: Dhading/Makwanpur/Chitwan
• Starting Point: Hugdi/Hattiban
• Ending Point: Kathmandu
• Best Seasons: Spring & Autumn
• Permits: Local trail permit
• Stunning Views: Panoramic Himalayan vistas (Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal) from Siraichuli
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: 3–4 hours by private jeep or bus to Hugdi Bazaar/Hattiban (Dhading)
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 200–300 per person

Dhulikhel Namobuddha Balthali Trek

• Duration: 3 days (extends to 4 if including Panauti or extra cultural stops)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 1,750–1,982 m
• Region: Eastern rim of Kathmandu Valley
• Starting Point: Dhulikhel
• Ending Point: Kathmandu
• Best Seasons: All Round Year
• Permits: Not required
• Stunning Views: Broad Himalayan panoramas: Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishankar, Manaslu, and possibly Everest on clear days.
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: 1–1.5 hr to Dhulikhel by public bus private vehicle
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 250–440 per person

Namobuddha Trek

Recommended Trip

Stay in Namobuddha Monastery: Live like a Monk

3 Days

Easy

View Detail

Kalinchowk Trek

• Duration: 4–6 days
• Difficulty: Easy 
• Maximum Elevation: 3842 m
• Region: Dolakha district, Gaurishankar Conservation Area
• Starting Point: Kathmandu
• Ending Point: Kathmandu
• Best Seasons: Winter (snow), Spring, Autumn
• Permits: Gaurishankar Conservation Area permit + TIMS
• Stunning Views: Majestic view of Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Shisha Pangma, Dorje Lakpa and Gauri Shankar from Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Bus, Taxi or Private Jeep
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 50 – 100 per person

Sundarijal to Chisapani Trek

• Duration: 2–4 days (common: 3 days)
• Difficulty: Easy–moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 3,842 m (Kalinchowk Temple)
• Region: Dolakha District, Gaurishankar Conservation Area
• Starting Point: Kathmandu
• Ending Point: Kathmandu
• Best Seasons: Winter (snow), Spring, Autumn
• Permits: Not Required
• Stunning Views: Panoramas of Everest, Langtang, Gaurishankar, Ganesh Himal, etc. Scenic Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, Kuri village, rhododendron forests, and opportunities for snow play and skiing in winter.
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Drive 5–6 hrs (150 km) to Charikot by bus, jeep, or private vehicle
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 100-200 per person

Tsum Valley Short Trek (8 days)

• Duration: min 8 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 3700m
• Region: Tsum Valley, Manaslu Conservation
• Starting Point: Jagat/Machha Khola
• Ending Point: Jagat and drive Pokhara/Kathmandu
• Best Seasons: Spring & Autumn
• Permits: Restricted Area + MCAP + TIMS; guide mandatory
• Stunning Views: Hidden Buddhist villages (Chumling, Chhekampar), meditation caves, gompas such as Mu Gompa (3,700 m). Mountains: Ganesh Himal, Himal Chuli, Baudha Himal, Manaslu range. Panoramas from Nile, Chhokangparo (3,500 m), and viewpoints above.
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Drive/jeep to Soti Khola/Jagat/Arughat (~6–8 hours)
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 1,050–1,600 (guided)

Off-the-Beaten-Path Treks

Mohare Danda Trek (4-6 days)

• Duration: 4–6 Days
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 3,300 m
• Region: Annapurna Conservation Area
• Starting Point: Pokhara
• Ending Point: Pokhara
• Best Seasons: Spring & Autumn (Winter & Monsoon possible)
• Permits: ACAP + TIMS
• Stunning Views: Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Machhapuchhre panoramas
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Fly or drive to Pokhara (~30 min flight / 6–7 hr drive)
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 400-600 per person

Ruby Valley Trek

• Duration: 5–7 days (common: 7 days/6 nights)
• Difficulty: Easy–moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 3,900 m (Pangsang La)
• Region: Ruby Valley (Ganesh Himal region)
• Starting Point: Syabrubesi
• Ending Point: Syabrubesi
• Best Seasons: Spring & Autumn
• Permits: Langtang National Park + TIMS
• Stunning Views: Dramatic panoramas of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Manaslu Himal, plus rhododendron and pine forests, high ridges, rivers, waterfalls, rugged passes, and remote Tamang/Gurung villages
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Drive (~6–7 hrs) to Syabrubesi by bus or Jeep
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 550-800 per person

Sikles Trek (4-5 days)

• Duration: 4–5 days (up to 6)
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 2,800 m
• Region: Annapurna Conservation Area
• Starting Point: Pokhara 
• Ending Point: Pokhara 
• Best Seasons: Spring & Autumn
• Permits: ACAP + TIMS
• Stunning Views: Scenic panoramas of Annapurna II, IV, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Lamjung Himal, birdlife, river valleys, and village landscapes. Includes immersive Gurung cultural experiences
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Fly or drive to Pokhara (~30 min flight / 6–7 hr drive)
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 350-450 per person

Lower Mustang Trek

• Duration: 5-7 Days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 3,800 m (Muktinath)
• Region: Lower Mustang, Annapurna 
• Starting Point: Pokhara
• Ending Point: Pokhara
• Best Seasons: Spring & Autumn (monsoon possible)
• Permits: ACAP + TIMS
• Stunning Views: Arid Kaligandaki Gorge flanked by Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Scenic villages: Marpha, Kagbeni, Tukuche, Tatopani hot springs. Sacred Muktinath Temple with 108 water spouts and panoramic mountain views
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Fly or drive to Pokhara (~30 min flight / 6–7 hr drive) and Pokhara to Jomsom: 20-min flight or 6–8 hr jeep ride passing through Beni and Tatopani
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 1,000–1,500 per person

Barpak Village Home Stay Trek

• Duration: 4-5 Days
• Difficulty: Easy
• Maximum Elevation: 1,900 m
• Region: Gorkha District (Barpak)
• Starting Point: Kathmandu
• Ending Point: Kathmandu
• Best Seasons: Spring & Autumn; year-round possible
• Permits: TIMS
• Stunning Views: Ganesh, Manaslu, Buddha Himal ranges
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Drive or bus for 5–6 hrs to Gorkha Bazaar, then jeep/bus to Barpak (~1–2 hrs)
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 250–1,100

Yama Yangri trek

• Duration: 3-7 day
• Difficulty: moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 3,771m
• Region: Helambu region
• Starting Point: Kathmandu 
• Ending Point: Kathmandu
• Best Seasons: Spring & Autumn (Winter & Monsoon possible)
• Permits: Langtang National Park Permit
• Stunning Views: Langtang, Ganesh, Everest panoramas
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Drive (~4–7 hrs) to Tarkeghyang/Timbu by bus or Jeep hire
• Estimated Package Cost: around USD 900 per person

Pikey Peak Trek

• Duration: 5–7 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Maximum Elevation: 4,065 M
• Region: Lower Solu–Khumbu
• Starting Point: Dhap Bazaar
• Ending Point: Dhap, Jhapre, or Jiri/Shivalaya
• Best Seasons: Spring & Autumn
• Permits: Sagarmatha National Park Entry Permit, a Gaurishankar Conservation Area Permit (GCAP), and a Local Area Permit
• Stunning Views: 360° panorama including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, as well as Himalayas from Dhaulagiri through Kanchenjunga
• How To Reach From Kathmandu: Drive or take a local bus to Dhap, or travel by jeep/bus to Jiri or Shivalaya (~6–8 hrs)
• Estimated Package Cost: USD 450-1000 per person

Final Say

Regardless of whether you prefer gentle nature walks, sightseeing tours, or Himalayan views in a short timeframe, short treks in Nepal are ideal options. These treks offer great rewards in a short amount of time—perfect for beginners, children, or those with limited time. From Himalayan sunrise treks to religious and off-the-beaten-path trails, there’s a short trek for every type of traveler.

Join us in finding the short treks in Nepal and picking the best one for you in time, interest, and adventure level—so you can make the most out of your next excursion.