29 Mar 2024 7 min to read
Nepal is renowned as a trekking paradise which is true as there are abundant trekking destinations for all types of trekkers. The introduction of new trekking routes adds more excitement among the trek enthusiasts. Today, we shall discuss on ‘Best 8 Trek Destinations for Beginners in Nepal’. There are some popular as well as newly established trek destinations on our list.
Mainly the trek destinations for beginners in Nepal are selected from 3 popular regions i.e. Annapurna, Langtang, and Everest. All the listed destinations have uniqueness and are sure to mesmerize and impress you. The trek duration is between 4-12 days and most are short that can be done in a week. The maximum elevation gain for this trek destination is below 5,000m. The trek difficulty can be termed as easy to moderate. Spring (Mar-May) and Autumn (Sep-Nov) are the best seasons for this trek. So, let’s delve deeper and provide you with some insights to choose the trek destinations that best fit you.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (4 days)
Trek Start: Tikhedhunga
Trek End: Ghandruk
Max Elevation: 3,210 m (Poon Hill)
Required Permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Trek Route:
Tikhedhunga-Ulleri-Ghorepani-Poon Hill-Tadapani-Ghandruk
Highlights:
- Stunning Sunrise view over snow-capped Annapurna Ranges
- Terraced farmlands, lush greenery, and beautiful landscapes
- Panoramic views of mountain ranges such as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and more.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the easiest and best trek for the beginners. Pass through terraced farmlands, lush greenery, beautiful landscapes, and forested trails. The authentic Gurung villages and their warm hospitality are very pleasant. From the vantage Poon Hill viewpoint, relish the stunning sunrise view over the snow-capped Annapurna Ranges, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and more.
Mardi Himal Trek (6 days)
Trek Start/End: Phedi
Trek End: Siding
Max. Elevation: 3,600 m (High Camp)
Required Permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
- Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Permit
Trek Route:
Phedi-Pothana Deurali-Forest Camp-Low Camp-High Camp-Siding
Highlights:
- Lush valleys, alpine meadows, and lichen-laden dense forests
- Traverse through beautiful settlements of diverse ethnic groups
- Panoramic views of mountain ranges and peaks (Mardi, Annapurna, Lamjung, Himchuli, and more.)
Mardi Himal Trek is the least explored trek in the Annapurna region that takes you through the lush valleys, alpine meadows, and lichen-laden dense forests. Traverse through beautiful settlements of diverse ethnic groups. Witness the panoramic views of Mardi, Annapurna, Lamjung, Himchuli, and more. The unspoiled nature and surrounding beauty throughout the Mardi trek is sure to create unforgettable memories.
Khumai Danda Trek (4 days)
Trek Start: Hemja
Trek End: Ghachwok
Max. Elevation: 3,660 m (Korchan Danda)
Required Permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
- Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Permit
Trek Route:
Hemja-Hile Kharka-Khumai Danda-Khorchan Danda Hike-Ghachowk
Highlights:
- Fascinating sunrise view from Khorchan Danda
- Ethnic local villages, people and their culture and lifestyle
- Outstanding views of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and Nilgiri (7,061 m)
Khumai Danda trek is the recently introduced trail in the Annapurna region which is also known as Machhapuchhre Model Trek. Since this is a new hiking trail, it is less crowded and the pristine natural beauty of this region is enthralling. The trail traverses through ethnic local villages and witnesses the local culture and lifestyle. The sunrise view from Khorchan Danda is fascinating. Relish the outstanding views of Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), Annapurna South (7,219 m), Annapurna I (8,091 m), Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), and Nilgiri (7,061 m) during this trek.
Khopra Danda Trek (8 days)
Trek Start: Nayapul or Tikhedhunga
Trek End: Nayapul
Max. Elevation: 4,600 m (Khayer Lake)
Required Permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Trek Route:
Tikhedhunga-Ulleri-Ghorepani-Swanta-Dhankharka-Khopra Danda-Khayer Lake-Khopra-Dobato-Ghandruk-Nayapul
Highlights:
- Awesome sunrise and sunset views from Khopra Danda
- Holy Khayer Lake
- Panoramic views of 23 major peaks such as Annapurna (I, II, III, and South), Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Himchuli, Nilgiris, and others.
Khopra Danda Trek is a newly developed route that is slowly gaining popularity in the vicinity of the Annapurna region. Pass dense forests, rhododendron woods, and lush meadows adorned with grazing yaks. Experience local hospitality by staying in community lodges. Khayer Lake is a holy lake at an elevation of 4,600m. It is the highest point of this trek and its natural beauty is enchanting. This trek offers astonishing views of the 23 major mountain peaks. This trek is a great combination of culture and nature.
Langtang Gosaikunda Trek (12 days)
Trek Start: Syabrubesi
Trek End: Sundarijal
Max. Elevation: 4,610 m (Lauribina Pass)
Required Permits:
- Langtang National Park Permit
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Trek Route:
Syabrubesi-Lama Hotel-Langtang Village-Kyanjing Gompa-Lama Hotel-Thulo Syabru-Sing Gompa-Gosaikunda-Lauribina-Tharepati-Kutumsang-Chisopani-Sundarijal
Highlights:
- Impressive Kyanjing Gompa and other ancient monasteries
- Holy Gosaikunda Lake
- Phenomenal views of snow-capped peaks (Ganesh, Jugal, Langtang)
Langtang Gosaikunda Trek is a great combination of nature and culture. The trek to the naturally beautiful Langtang region and the hike to the holy Gosaikunda Lake is blissful. A visit to Kyanjing Gompa and other ancient monasteries is impressive. Traverse through beautiful Tamang settlements and immerse in their local culture and lifestyle. Witness the phenomenal views of snow-capped peaks such as Ganesh, Jugal, Langtang, etc. throughout this trek.
Panch Pokhari Trek (4 days)
Trek Start: Bhotang
Trek End: Deurali
Max. Elevation: 4,300 m (Panch Pokhari Hill Viewpoint)
Required Permits:
- Langtang National Park Permit
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Trek Route:
Bhotang-Deurali-Nasimpati-Laure Bhanjyang-Panch Pokhari Viewpoint-Tangu-Deurali
Highlights:
- Mesmerizing five lakes
- Unspoiled Natural Beauty
- Attractive Tamang villages
Panch Pokhari is a new popular trekking destination on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. Panch Pokhari is an amazing destination with mesmerizing five lakes in its vicinity. It is a holy lake which is also the 9th altitude wetland in the world. The unspoiled natural beauty of this region makes it a hidden destination. Pass through attractive Tamang villages admiring the picturesque beauty and diverse flora in the surroundings. Relish the fabulous views of the Jugal Himal range which consists of Dorje Lakpa, Madiya, and Phurbi Chhyachu.
Ama Yangri Trek (3 days)
Trek Start: Timbu
Trek End: Timbu
Max. Elevation: 3,771 m (Ama Yangri Peak)
Required Permits:
- Langtang National Park Permit
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS)
Trek Route:
Timbu-Tarke Ghyang-Ama Yangri Hike-Trake Ghyang-Timbu
Highlights:
- Unspoiled nature and beautiful landscapes
- Magnificent Ama Yangri Peak
- Stunning view of Langtang Range, the Annapurna, Manaslu, and surrounding peaks
Ama Yangri Trek in the Helambu region is one of the closest and shortest treks from Kathmandu Valley. This trek is a hidden gem that can be completed in just 4 days. If done on a motorbike, within 2 days it can be completed. This trek takes you past the unspoiled nature of the region where beautiful landscapes await you. Hiking to the magnificent Ama Yangri Peak is a wonderful experience. The stunning view of Langtang Range, the Annapurna, Manaslu, and surrounding peaks from the top is exceptional.
Pikey Peak Trek (7 days)
Trek Start: Dhap Bazaar
Trek End: Phaplu
Max. Elevation: 4,067 m (Pikey Peak)
Required Permits:
- Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit
Trek Route:
Dhap Bazaar-Jhapre-Pikey Base Camp-Junbesi-Phaplu
Highlights:
- Splendid sunrise and sunset views
- Local Sherpa culture, and ancient Buddhist monasteries
- Awesome views of the Himalayan ranges such as Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, Numbur range, and Kanchenjunga
Pikey Peak Trek is a newly discovered best alternative for short treks in the Everest region. It is a less crowded trek that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, Makalu, Numbur range, and Kanchenjunga. The local Sherpa culture, ancient Buddhist monasteries, and friendly Sherpa interactions make this trek a memorable one. Don’t miss to experience splendid sunrise and sunset views over the majestic snow-capped mountains during this trek.
Essential Permits Required and their Costs
| Region | Permits Required |
| Annapurna Region Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Mardi Himal Trek Khumai Danda Trek Khopra Danda Trek | 1. Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) Foreigners- NPR 3000/person SAARC- NPR 1000/person 2.Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Foreigners- NPR 2000/person SAARC- NPR 1000/person Diplomats/Foreign Officials- NPR 500/person 3. Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality Permit (only for Mardi and Khumai Danda Trek) Foreigners- NPR 500/person |
| Langtang Region Langtang Gosaikunda Trek Panch Pokhari Trek Ama Yangri Trek | 1. Langtang National Park (LNP) Foreigners- USD 30/person SAARC- USD 15/person 2.Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Foreigners- NPR 2000/person SAARC- NPR 1000/person Diplomats/Foreign Officials- NPR 500/person |
| Everest Region Pikey Peak Trek | 1. Khumbu Rural Municipality Foreigners- NPR 2000/person SAARC- NPR 1000/person 2. Sagarmatha National Park (SNP) Foreigners- NPR 3000/person SAARC- NPR 1500/person |
Note: These trek packages are flexible and can be customizable to the trekker’s preferences.
