Best Treks in Nepal for Beginners

Jun 23, 2021 11 Minutes
Best Treks in Nepal for Beginners

If you are planning to visit Nepal for trekking for the first time, then there may arise a lots of questions. 

Like, can I trek in the Himalayas? How do I plan for the trek? How do I know if I am fit? I haven't walked much in my life and what are the best treks for beginners?

The simple answers to these questions is a big "Yes" - you can trek to Nepal even though you are a beginner! 

Everyone who is fit and healthy can trek to the Himalayas and in fact, trekking or hiking makes you more healthier then ever. Flip the coin and you also get to know how beautiful Mother Earth really is regardless of country.

Some research suggests that Trekking and Hiking or Walking in the woods also works as an alternative medicine

The toughest part in trekking is the altitude which is much of a concern. People will have problems due to high altitudes like altitude sickness or people with height phobias are not suggested to trek at a high elevation at once but take a baby step. 

Likewise, people suffering from diseases like Asthma, Pneumonia, Bronchitis, etc. are advised to talk with their doctor and check if they are fit for the trek because of health hazards that can occur due to Himalayan weather and elevation. 

Other than that we are all set up.

Treks for beginners are more on the comfortable side and much shorter because it can sometimes be hard and for the first-timers on a long trek. But the below-mentioned treks are beginner-friendly and short yet full of memorable experiences in the Himalayas, enjoying the natural beauty, picturesque villages, and diverse cultures and traditions.  

1. Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani-Pooh Hill Trek also known as Annapurna Sunrise Trek is one of the easiest and most popular short treks in the Annapurna Region. Having the duration of 10 days, this trek provides trekkers the opportunity to experience the majestic view of snow-capped mountains including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna ranges, lush green forests and beautiful Rhododendron forests, natural flora and fauna, and different culture and traditions of Gurung and Magar ethnicity inhabited in Ulleri, Ghorepani and Ghandruk village. 

The highest point of the trek is in Poon Hill (3,210 m) from where you will get to see the most spellbinding sunrise making its way through the Himalayas as if mother nature is painting the sky on her canvas.

The starting and the ending point of the trek are from Nayapul which is an hour's drive from Pokhara. However, travelers who wish to shorten the trip and don’t mind off-road can drive in a private jeep up to Hille. 

Likewise, if you are starting the trip from Ghandruk then you can drive to Kimche and then start the trek enjoying the scenic landscape. The duration of the trek can be added if the trekkers are interested. 

The best time to do Ghorepani-Poon Hill Trek is spring and autumn but it can also be an all-around year.

2. Chisapani and Helambu Trek

Chisapani and Helambu Trek is perfect for beginner trekkers who are looking for experience in the Himalayas but are lacking time. This trek is of a total of 6 days that starts from a 1-hour drive to Sundarijal from Kathmandu, and then hike for 5 hours to Chisapani through Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park overlooking beautiful valley view, greenery, rivers, and streams, and if you are lucky enough you could also encounter with wild animals and birds. After 5 hours of hike, the trekkers will stay overnight in Chisapani.

Chisapani is a mesmerizing viewpoint located at 2,300m altitude above sea level. The trek towards Helambu starts from Chisapani through the paths with mani-walls, en-route lying Buddhist Chortens and stupas, green meadows, passing through Kutumgsang, Tharepati villages, and Tarkeghyang Monastery which is spiritually treasured by Buddhist people and enjoying the view of the majestic Himalayas including Mt. Gaurishankar, Mt. Langtang, Mt. Dorje Lakpa and distance view of Mt. Everest. 

After reaching Helambu, the locals of the Sherpa and Tamang community will whole-heartedly provide you a warm welcome. Helambu comes from the name Hyalmo as this region is highly influenced by the unique Sherpa culture/ethnicity called Hyalmo. After enjoying the heavenly view, looking around in the village, experiencing the Hyalmo culture, the trekkers will return back. This region can be visited at any time of the year but spring and autumn are more ideal.

The trip can be ended by hike towards either Talmarang or Melamchi-pul Bazar as per the trekkers' interest and drive back to Kathmandu from there.

3. Langtang Trek

Langtang Trek is a bit adventurous but it is the one for the trekkers who want to experience trekking on the off-beat track. It is one of the best short treks yet many people are still unknown about it. 

The duration of Langtang Trek is a week and it starts from a small but beautiful town called Syabru Besi. You will begin the trek through spectacular rhododendron forests, high alpine meadows, yak pastures, rocky hills, milky white rivers, streams and waterfalls, steep terraces, and farms. Langtang Valley itself is a National Park it is no surprise that this valley is blessed with natural flora and fauna.

After spending the night in Lama Hotel and Langtang village, the trekkers will proceed towards Kyangjin Gompa which is a popular Buddhist monastery and one of the major attractions of the trek. It is situated at 3,800 m altitude above sea level. 

Prepare yourself to be amazed by the enthralling view of the all-mighty Himalayas like Langtang Ri, Yala Peak, Langtang Himal, Langshisa, Ganjala Peak, and many more popular peaks. This place will also help you to acclimatize for the further trek. You can also visit a local cheese factory where cheese from pure yak milk is made. The trekkers will then visit Kyangjin Ri, the highest point of the trip, at 4,700 m altitude. 

This place is so majestic it will make you want to stay there forever. Likewise, this region is inhabited by people of Tamang, Bhotiya, and Sherpa community who are so pure to their soul, and you will also find the influence of Buddhism and a little bit of Hinduism here.

To make the trip more worth it, the trekkers can take a day trip to major attractions Tsergo Ri (5,000 m), Langshisa Kharka and surrounding from where you can see glaciers, crystal-clear lake, Himalayan rangers, the border between Nepal and Tibetan plateau, beautiful landscape, and Langtang Valley view from the top. But if the trekkers wish to do so, 1 week will not be enough for the trek. The best seasons to do the trek are Spring and Autumn.

4. Ruby Valley Trek

Ruby Valley Trek is an unexplored beauty in Ganesh Himal Region lying between Langtang National Park and Manaslu Conservation Area. This newly opened trekking route is flourished by natural flora and fauna. The name Ruby Valley comes from the gem Ruby which highly mined in this region and apart from it, other minerals like zinc and crystals are also found. 

This trek has everything to offer from high passes like Pangsang Pass and Singla Pass, diverse geography, biodiversity, pristine nature view, dense Rhododendron Forest, breathtaking Himalayan view including Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu, Paldor Peak, Pabel Peak, Dorje Lakpa, etc., Kalo Seto Kunda (pond), Ganga Jamuna (twin cascades), Tripurasundari Temple, and many more.

Not only in terms of nature, but Ruby Valley is also popular for Tamang and Gurung culture. The locals of this region will welcome you so heartily that you do not once feel homesick. 

This destination is perfect for travelers who want to experience a homestay in Nepal. Similarly, the starting point of the trek is Syabrubesi but these days even public buses go to Gatlang. But if you still have a limited timeframe, then you can take a private jeep and reach Somdang and trek further to Pangsang La, Tipling, Sertung, Chalish, Borang, Jharlang, Lapa, Darkha, and other villages then end the trip in Dhading Besi and drive towards Kathmandu from there.

Likewise, shamanism is prevailing in Ruby Valley. This region is highly believed for its spiritual values and also known as a holy trekking trail. If trekkers are interested in Shamanism trips, then this destination can be one of the best ones.

5. The Annapurna Royal Trek

The Annapurna Royal Trek is a less crowded trekking route in the Annapurna region that offers the trekkers to be close and relish the tranquility of nature. 

Its name originated after Prince Charles of Wales along with his 90 people crew explored the trail in the eighties. The maximum altitude of the trek is 1,540 m above sea level perfect for beginners. And since the trek is only 8 days long, it is one of the best options for the trekkers having very less timeframe but still want to spend their quality time by the lake, enjoying the alluring beauty of the Himalayas, landscape, exotic flora, and fauna, experiencing the diverse culture and tradition of the people of Gurung community.

The trek will begin from Bijaypur, Pokhara. After 5 hours of walking, the trekkers will stay overnight in Syaklung. The next day you will trek towards Chisopani, stay there overnight and trek to Begnas Lake. The ending point of the trek is Begnas Lake. 

During the Royal Trek, the travelers will get the opportunity to look around Pokhara, the lake paradise, see amazing lakes like Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, and others, enjoy the green meadows, bamboo fields, and terrace farms. Stunning view of Annapurna Range, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Fishtail, Mt. Langtang, and the other Himalayas.  

6. Everest Short Trek

If you have a limited timeframe but really want to spend your quality time overlooking the highest peak in the world, then Everest Short Trek is made for you. Besides the all-mighty Mt. Everest, majestic view of Mt. Tawache, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Kongde, Mt. Pumori, Mt. Naya Kanga, Mt. Khumbila, and other alluring high mountains can be seen. 

The journey of the trek starts from a thrilling flight from Kathmandu to the famous Luka Airport. The trekkers will trek overlooking the elegant Himalayan ranges through the Rhododendron, pine, and oak forests, small Sherpa villages, terraced farms and pastures, gorgeous landscape, mani walls, and Chortens along the path.

The major attractions of the Short Everest Trek are Tengboche Monastery, the largest and oldest significant monastery of Khumbu region located at the alleviation of 3,860 meters, the famous Tourist Hub of Khumbu Region Namche Bazar (3,440 m), UNESCO listed Sagarmatha National Park where endangered species like snow leopard, red panda, Impeyan, Pikas, and others can be encountered if you are lucky enough. 

Another most popular viewpoint is Syangboche from where landscape and Himalayan view can be seen. The inhabitants of this region are the brave Sherpa people. You will get the opportunity to experience their warm hospitality, rich culture, cuisine, and traditions.

Many travelers trek in the region during the Mani Rimdu Festival, one of the most important festivals of the Sherpa community celebrated for 19 days. The duration of the trek is of total 5 days but this region has a lot to offer and if the trekkers wish to observe more things, then a few days can be added. Except for the monsoon, this trek can be done any time of the year but of course Spring and Autumn are the best time.  

7. Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is the less-touristic trek in the Annapurna region. This newly-opened trek is perfect for the enthusiastic adventure-lovers who want to enjoy the tranquility of the wilderness. 

During the 6 days of the trek, the trekkers will walk through the enchanted woods, small villages, terraced farms, sparkly rivers, and waterfalls with the backdrop of majestic Himalayan ranges including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna, and Hiunchuli. 

The serenity of this trek is what makes it unique. Because there is less influence of foreigners in Mardi Himal, you will get to experience the authentic culture, tradition, cuisine, and hospitality of the local Gurungs with rosy cheeks and a big bright smile.

Mardi Himal Short Trek is also considered as an alternative trekking route for Annapurna Circuit Trek. The journey of the trek embarks from Phedi/Kande after driving from Pokhara. But if the travelers have limited time, then you could drive from Pokhara to Dhampus and further start hiking. 

The trek can be ended from wherever it is started. But if the trekkers wish to explore more then the trek can be ended in Hyanja.  

8. Khopra Ridge Trek

Khopra Ridge Trek also known as Khopra Danda Trek is a classic 12 days trek that features the immense beauty of nature, unique culture, and adventure. It is one of the best off-the-beaten treks in Nepal allowing the trekkers to enjoy the serenity of nature. Khopra Ridge Trek is also one of the newly opened treks of the Annapurna region.

During the trek, you will get to witness the sublime views of Annapurna ranges, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Hiunchuli, Mt. Fishtail, Lamjung Himal, and Bharha Shikhar. Along with the Himalayan view, trekkers will also get to see and experience the diverse geography, exotic flora, and fauna, local lifestyle, cuisine, and culture. The starting and ending point of the trek is Phedi/Kande but it could be also ended in Tatopani and the timeframe is the same as well.  

9. Panchase Trek

Panchase Trek is the hidden gem of the Annapurna Region of Nepal. This 4 days long trek is the perfect blend of nature, culture, and adventure. It is also very ideal for travelers who want to experience the rural villages and their cultures in Nepal. The highest point of the trek is 2,500 m above sea level so no need to worry about altitude sickness. 

Panchase is rich in biodiversity consisting of lush green forests, diverse species of flora, and fauna along the trail. 

The trek starts from Lakeside, Pokhara and ends in Bhadaure/Naudanda. Although located very close to Pokhara, this region is rich in an untouched culture of varied ethnicities of Nepal. 

You will walk through the meadows, moon-lit waterfalls, Rhododendron forests, dense woods, villages, terraced fields, and basically the picture-perfect landscape. The locals of this region, yet far from modern society and technology, are very welcoming and provide you heart-warming hospitality.

You will end the trek in Bhadaure/Naudanda with lots of lifetime unforgettable memories and endeavors. 

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