Best 5 Short Treks in Nepal

Nepal, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is a trekker’s paradise with its breathtaking landscapes, diverse cultures, and towering peaks. While the country offers epic long treks like the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp, not everyone has the luxury of time to undertake these extensive journeys. Fortunately, Nepal also boasts an array of short treks that pack a punch in terms of scenery and cultural experiences.

Here are the top 5 short treks in Nepal that promise unforgettable adventures:

1. Short Everest Base Camp Trek

Duration: 9 Days

The Short Everest Base Camp Trek is a best way to explore Everest region, perfect for those with limited time but a burning desire to witness the world’s highest peak, Mt.Everest. The journey takes you through picturesque Sherpa villages, dense rhododendron forests, and showcases panoramic views of iconic peaks like Ama Dablam, Pumori, Thamserkhu and Lhotse. The trek culminates at Everest Base Camp, offering a close-up view of the mighty Everest and the Khumbu Icefall.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla (2860M) Flight and Trek to Phakding (2610M)

Day 2: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3440M)

Day 3: Acclimatization Day (Hike to Everest View Hotel) – 3880M

Day 4: Trek to Tengbuche (3867M)

Day 5: Trek to Dingbuche (4410M)

Day 6: Acclimatization Day (Hike to NagtsarHill) – 5091M

Day 7: Trek to Lobuche (4910M)

Day 8: Trek to Gorakshep (5160M) and Day Tour to Everest Base Camp (5364M)

Day 9: Hike to Kalapattar (5545M) and descend to Gorakshep for Breakfast and Helicopter to Kathmandu (1350M)

2. Namche Bazaar Trekking

Duration: 5 Days

Namche Bazaar, the “Gateway to Everest,” is an old sherpa market town and a central hub for trekkers. The trek to Namche Bazaar is a shorter option that provides a taste of the Everest region’s culture and scenery. Trekkers can explore the vibrant Sherpa culture, visit the Hillary Suspension Bridge, and enjoy stunning views of Everest from Everest View Hotel and its neighboring peaks.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Manthali (Ramechhap) and flight to Lukla 2840m and trek to Phakding 2610m

Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche  Bazaar – 3440m

Day 3: Day tour to Hotel Everest View 3880m for stunning mount Everest view and range.

Day 4: Trek back to Lukla – 2840m
Day 5: Flight from Lukla to Manthali and drive back to Kathmandu.

3. Short Annapurna Circuit Trekking

Duration: 6 Days

The Annapurna Circuit is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from subtropical forests to high-altitude deserts. The Short Annapurna Circuit Trek condenses this experience into a 6-day adventure. The trek takes you through lush rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung villages, and offers spectacular views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. The trek’s climax is reaching the Thorong La Pass, one of the highest trekking passes in the world, providing breathtaking 360-degree mountain views.

Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar (Tourist Bus) and Jeep to Chame (2,710M)

Day 2: Trek to Pisang (3,310M)

Day 3: Trek to Manang (3,519M)

Day 4: Trek to Thorong Phedi (4,540M)

Day 5: Trek to Thorong La Pass (5,416M), Descend to Muktinath (3,800M), and Drive to Jomsom (2,743M)

Day 6: Flight to Pokhara (8,50M)

4. Short Manaslu Circuit Trekking

Duration: 10 Days

For a taste of remote and less-trodden paths, the Short Manaslu Circuit Trek is an ideal choice. This trek circles the eighth highest mountain in the world, Mt. Manaslu, showcasing diverse landscapes, from terraced fields to alpine meadows. Trekkers traverse through authentic Tibetan-influenced villages, explore ancient monasteries, and cross the challenging Larkya La Pass 5,106m. The trek offers an off-the-beaten-path experience with stunning mountain scenery.

Recommended Itinerary 

Day 1:  Drive from Kathmandu to Machha Khola

Day 2: Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat (1,430m)

Day 3: Trek from Jagat to Deng (1,860m)

Day 4: Trek from Deng to Lho (3,180m)

Day 5:  Trek from Lho to Samagaun (3530m) (Optional Side trek to Punggyen Gompa ) 8-9 hrs

Day 6: Trek from Samgaun to Samdo ( 3,700m) 4 to 05hrs

Day 7: Trek from Samdo to Dharamsala (4,460m) 04 to 05hrs

Day 8: Trek from Dharamshala to Larkya la pass (5,106m) overnight at Bhimtang (3,700m/)

Day 9:  Trek from Bhimtang to Dharapani (1,920m)

Day 10: Drive to Kathmandu via Besisahar

5. Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking

Duration: 4 Days

The Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is a short and unique trek in the Annapurna region. This trek leads you through vibrant rhododendron forests, charming gurung villages, and to the famed Poonhill viewpoint 3,210m, where a stunning sunrise unveils the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Its short duration makes it an ideal choice for a quick Himalayan escape without compromising on breathtaking scenery.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Tikhe Dhunga and trek to Ulleri

Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani 2,840m

Day 3: Hike to Poonhill 3,200m for sunrise view and 180-degree stunning Himalayas view

And trek to Tadapani 2,600m

Day 4: Trek to Ghandruk and drive back to Pokhara

Nepal’s short treks, offered by Discover Altitude Treks, provide a perfect mix of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you opt for Everest’s towering peaks, Annapurna’s high passes, or Manaslu’s remote trails, each trek organized by Discover Altitude Treks ensures a unique and unforgettable experience in the heart of the Himalayas. Lace up your boots, breathe in the mountain air, and prepare for a lifetime adventure with Discover Altitude Treks in Nepal. Get in touch with us at +977 9851149890 (WhatsApp) / hellodiscoveraltitude@gmail.com