Below, we have handpicked the top ten short trekking routes in Nepal in 2024. All these treks are beginner-friendly and moderate. We have made the itinerary including arrival and departure from Kathmandu. If you are already in the country, you can remove 2-4 days from all itineraries.
1) Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek:
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is one of the most popular short trekking packages in Nepal. It is a short yet beautiful trek via rhododendron forests and traditional Nepali villages. The trek starts with a quick drive from Pokhara to Nayapul.
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is an entry-level trek. The highest point is Poon Hill viewpoint, from where the trekkers get to witness breathtaking sunrises and mountain views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, etc.
Highlights of the Trek:
- A fantastic short trek from Pokhara
- Adventurous but doable trail for beginner trekkers
- Spend lifestyle of different Nepali communities
- Trek through rhododendron forests
- Enjoy stunning mountain panoramas throughout the trek
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara | 6-7 hours
Day 03: Drive to Nayapul and trek to Tikhedhunga | 1-hour drive & 4-5 hours trek
Day 04: Trek from Tikhedhunga to Ghorepani (2,870 m) | 7 hours
Day 05: Hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m), descend back to Ghorepani, and trek to Tadapani (2,600 m) | 7 hours
Day 06: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk (1,920 m) | 3 hours
Day 07: Trek from Ghandruk to Nayapul and drive back to Pokhara | 5 hours trek & 1-hour drive
Day 08: Drive back to Kathmandu | 6-7 hours
Day 09: Final departure
2) Everest Panorama Trek:
If you are looking for a short trek in the Everest region to witness views of Mount Everest, then the Everest panorama trek is a perfect option. You will start the trek with a thrilling Lukla flight and trek up to Tengboche village.
Get to see the daily life of Sherpa communities and explore the wilderness of the Sagarmatha National Park. You will spend a night in the iconic Namche Bazaar, hike to the Hotel Everest View, and also visit the Khumjung monastery.
Highlights of the trek:
- Begin the trek with a thrilling Lukla flight
- Trek through dense rhododendron forests, crossing many suspension bridges
- Get to see the lifestyle and culture of Sherpas
- Witness surreal views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt. Thamserku, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, etc
- Explore Namche Bazaar and hike to Hotel Everest View
- Visit Khumjung and Tengboche monasteries
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu and trek preparation
Day 03: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2,610 m) | 35 minutes flight & 3-4 hours trek
Day 04: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) | 6 hours
Day 05: Acclimatization day: hike to Everest View Hotel | 4-5 hours
Day 06: Trek from Namche Bazaar/Hotel Everest View to Khumjung Village (3,780 m) | 4 hours
Day 07: Trek from Khumjung Village to Tengboche Village (3,860 m) | 4 hours
Day 08: Trek from Tengboche Village to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) | 6 hours
Day 09: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,840 m) | 7 hours
Day 10: Fly Back to Kathmandu | 35 minutes flight
Day 11: Departure from Kathmandu
3) Pikey Peak Trek:
Pikey Peak Trek explores the low part of the Solu Khumbu region in Nepal. It is one of the best treks to witness Mount Everest without taking a Lukla flight or trekking in the Khumbu region. The trek starts with a long drive from Kathmandu to Dhap.
The trail follows dense forests where you will see rich vegetation. Spend nights in lovely villages along the way and follow an entry-level offbeat route. Not many travelers know about this trek route, so the trail is not crowded at all and offers a serene experience.
Highlights of the trek:
- A short trek from Kathmandu to witness views of Mt. Everest
- Trek through dense forests and terraced fields of the lower Solu Khumbu region
- A very loved route by the Sir Edmund Hillary to witness views of Everest
- The trail is not crowded and offers a serene experience
- A fantastic option for beginner trekkers
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhap (2,900 m) | 8 hours
Day 03: Trek from Dhap to Jhapre (2,830 m) | 5-6 hours
Day 04: Trek from Jhapre to Pikey Peak Base Camp (3,640 m) | 5 hours
Day 05: Climb Pikey Peak (4,065 m) and descend to Jasmane Bhanjyang (3,550 m) | 6 hours
Day 06: Trek from Jasmane Bhanjyang to Junbesi | 4 hours
Day 07: From Junbesi to Phaplu (2,475 m) | 4 hours
Day 08: Drive back to Kathmandu | 8-9 hours
Day 09: Final departure
4) Mardi Himal Trek:
The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the famous treks in the Annapurna region. This trek leads up to the base camp of Mardi Himal. The trail mostly ascends and descends via dense forests.You will spend nights in simple tea houses along the trail.
Whether you are a beginner trekker or experienced, the Mardi Himal trek will blow your mind with its adventures and surreal mountain landscapes. The terrain is a bit offbeat. You will get to see mountains like Annapurna, Fishtail, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, and many others.
Highlights of the trek:
- A popular offbeat trekking route in the Annapurna region
- An adventurous trek that takes you close to greenery
- Ideal for both beginner and experienced trekkers
- The trail goes through dense forests and offers fantastic mountain views
- Get to see a simple mountain lifestyle upon descending to Siding village
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara | 6-7 hours
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Dhampus (1,640 m) and trek to Deurali (2,100 m) | 2 hours drive & 3-4 hours trek
Day 04: Trek from Deurali to Forest Camp (2,600 m) | 5-6 hours
Day 05: Trek from Forest Camp to High Camp (3,600 m) | 4-5 hours
Day 06: Trek from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp (4,500 m) and descend to Low Camp (3,050 m) | 7 hours
Day 07: Trek from Low Camp to Jhinu Danda (1,780 m) | 6-7 hours
Day 08: Trek from Jhinu Danda to Siwa (1,150 m) and drive to Pokhara | 3-4 hours trek & 2-3 hours drive
Day 09: Drive back to Kathmandu | 6-7 hours
Day 10: Final departure
5) Mohare Danda Trek:
Mohare Danda Trek is a newly introduced community trek in the Annapurna region. It is one of the excellent alternatives for the famous Poon Hill trek that we talked about earlier. The trek is short and ideal for beginners. This trek is also known as the Annapurna Dhaulagiri Community Trek.
The highest point you reach on this trek is Mohare Danda itself, which offers a beautiful sunrise and breathtaking mountain views. The trail does not have many trekkers, so you will get to enjoy the tranquility of the region. You will be hugely contributing to the local community by doing this trek.
Highlights of the trek:
- A perfect alternative to the Poon Hill trek
- Not crowded, serene trekking route via beautiful villages
- Contribute to local communities by doing this trek
- Visit organic farms, paper factories, and other social projects on the way
- Explore lush forests, free WiFi, and the rich cultural heritage of the locals
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara | 6-7 hours
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Galeshwor (1,170 m) and trek to Bans Kharka (1,450 m | 1-2 hours drive & 3-4 hours trek
Day 04: Trek from Bans Kharka to Naangi (2,300 m) | 5-6 hours
Day 05: Trek from Naangi to Mohare Danda (3,300 m) | 7 hours
Day 06: Trek from Mohare Danda to Deurali (3,090 m) | 6 hours
Day 07: Trek from Deurali to Ghandruk village (1,950 m) | 6 hours
Day 08: Trek from Ghandruk village to Kimche (1,784m) and drive to Pokhara | 3 hours trek & 1.5 hours drive
Day 09: Drive back to Kathmandu | 6-7 hours
Day 10: Final departure
6) Chisapani Nagarkot Trek:
Chisapani Nagarkot trek is a short trek from Kathmandu. You can start the trek in 45 minutes of driving from Kathmandu. The trail is within Shivapuri National Park. You will start the trek from Sundarijal and follow a lush forest that ascends to Chisapani.
From Chisapani, follow terraced fields and a forested route to Nagarkot. Both Chisapani and Nagarkot are famous for Himalayan mountain views on a clear day. This trek offers you a quick break from the city. You will explore the Bhaktapur Durbar Square while returning.
Highlights of the trek:
- A quick getaway from Kathmandu
- Easy trek via lush forests and small villages
- Explore the Chisapani and Nagarkot
- Witness gorgeous sunrises and sunsets with jaw-dropping distant mountain views
- Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square while returning to Kathmandu
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal and trek to Chisapani (2,115 m) | 45 minutes drive & 4-5 hours trek
Day 03: Hike to Nagarkot (2,195 m) | 7 to 8 hours
Day 04: Drive back to Kathmandu via Bhaktapur Durbar Square | 5 hours
Day 05: Final departure
7) Khumai Danda Trek:
The Khumai Danda Trek has gotten crazy hype in recent years or so in Nepal. It is mostly loved by national travelers for its incredible beauty and gorgeous trekking route. The trek starts from Pokhara. The trekking route is not difficult, so ideal for first-time trekkers.
It is a short and unspoiled trek route. If you love peace and a serene environment, then we highly recommend the Khumai Danda trek. The trek offers stunning views of Annapurna, Fishtail, Mardi Himal, and many other snow-capped mountains.
Highlights of the trek:
- A no crowded, beautiful trekking route from Pokhara
- Get to see stunning views of Annapurna, Fishtail, Mardi Himal, etc
- Follow lush forests and spend nights in lovely villages
- Experience the warm hospitality of the locals and see their daily lifestyle
- Full of adventure and immersive experience
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara | 6-7 hours
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Hemja and trek to Hile Kharka (2,160 m) via Ghachowk | 30 minutes drive & 6 hours trek
Day 04: Trek from Hile to Khumai Danda (3,245 m) | 4-5 hours
Day 05: Hike to Korchan Danda (3,700 m) and hike down to Ghachowk and drive to Pokhara | 6 hours
Day 06: Drive back to Kathmandu | 6-7 hours
Day 07: Final departure
8) Khopra Danda Trek:
The Khopra Danda trek is another fantastic short trek in the Annapurna region. It is also a great alternative to the Poon Hill trek if you are in search of a less crowded trail. This trek is designed to support and uplift the local communities residing along the trail.
The Khopra Danda trek offers breathtaking mountain views. You will trek via terraced fields, lush forests, and picturesque villages. Khopra Danda is the last settlement on this trek, and you will also hike to the holy Khayer lake.
Our Khopra Danda trek itinerary also includes an excursion to Ghorepani village and Poon Hill, but you can remove them from the itinerary if you wish. Meet with friendly and welcoming locals and experience their simple mountain lifestyle.
Highlights of the trek:
- Enjoy an amazing sunrise over Dhaulagiri and the Annapurnas
- Stay at a teahouse with one of Nepal's best panoramic views
- Descend through pastoral villages to Tatopani
- Hike to sacred Khayer Lake at the foot of Annapurna South
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara | 6-7 hours
Day 03: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul /Syauli Bazar/Kimche (1,784m) and trek to Ghandruk | 2.5 hours drive & 3 hours trek
Day 04: Trek from Ghandruk to Bayeli Kharka (3,450 m/11,318 ft) | 6-7 hours
Day 05: Trek from Bayli Kharka to Khopra Danda (3,660 m/11,811 ft) | 5 hours
Day 06: Trek from Khopra Danda to Swanta (2,214 m/7,874f t) | 5 hours
Day 07: Trek from Swanta to Ghorepani (2,880 m/9,350 ft) | 5 hours
Day 08: Early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m/10,525 ft), trek to Birethanti (1,039 m/3,250 ft), and drive to Pokhara | 5 hours trek & 2 hours drive
Day 09: Drive back to Kathmandu | 6-7 hours
Day 10: Final departure
9) Kori Trek:
Kori trek is a new trekking destination in the heart of the Annapurna region. It is an unspoiled route with superb natural beauty and wonderful mountain panoramas. The Kore trek promises an unforgettable trip in the Himalayas without gaining much elevation.
You will trek through lush rhododendron forests. It is an eco-community trek. On the way, you will come across pastures, cattle, and locals doing their daily chores. You will explore the Dudh Pokhari and Kapuche lakes on this trek. Both of these lakes are holy.
Highlights of the trek:
- A new trekking destination in the Annapurna region
- Witness superb natural beauty and wonderful mountain panoramas without gaining much elevation
- Spend nights in beautiful villages and get to see the lifestyle of the locals
- Follow a serene and unspoiled trekking route
- Explore stunning alpine lakes like Kapuche
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara | 6-7 hours
Day 03: Drive to Sikles | 3 hours
Day 04: Trek from Sikles to Hugu Goth (2,026 m) | 5-6 hours
Day 05: Hike to Kapuche Lake (2,450 m) and back to Hugu Goth | 2-3 hours
Day 06: Trek from Hugu Goth to Nohtha (3,050 m) | 5-6 hours
Day 07: Trek to Kori Danda (3,800 m) and hike to Thulek (4,115 m) | 5 hours
Day 08: Trek from Thulek to Sikles | 6 hours
Day 09: Drive to Pokhara
Day 10: Drive back to Kathmandu | 6-7 hours
Day 11: Final departure
10) Panch Pokhari Trek:
The Panch Pokhari trek is one of our last picks for this blog. It is a short trek near Kathmandu in the Langtang region. Panch Pokhari is a holy lake. The trekking route is not explored by foreign trekkers but is loved by the locals.
It is one of the best-kept secrets of the local trekkers. The trek is not that hard and can be done by all age groups. You will witness pristine landscapes and outstanding mountain views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Shishapangma, etc, on this trek.
Highlights of the trek:
- A short and quick trekking option from Kathmandu
- Explore the wilderness of the Langtang National Park
- Witness beautiful landscapes and superb mountain views
- Trek via the villages of Tamang and Sherpa communities
- The trail is not crowded and goes via lush rhododendron forests
Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu to Chimti and trek Deurali | 2 hours trek
Day 03: Trek from Chimti to Nasimpati (3,700 m) | 6-7 hours trek
Day 04: Trek from Nasimpati to Panch Pokhari (4,100 m) to Viewpoint (4,300 m) and back to Nasimpati for the night stay | 7 hours trek
Day 05: Trek from Nasimpati to Deurali and drive back to Kathmandu | 8 hours trek
Day 06: Final departure
Conclusion:
If you wish to do any of the above treks in Nepal or want to learn more about these treks, feel free to contact us at info@nepalguidetrekking.com or +977 9851229400 (WhatsApp/Viber). We, Trekking Guide Team Adventure, will help you make you organize your dream trek in Nepal, whether it is short or long.