Top 5 Best Treks in Nepal for Beginners (2025 Guide)

Trekking in the Himalayas of Nepal

Trekking in Nepal not only offers mountain climbing, walking around the high altitude, or crossing the passes. Some trek offers the wilderness experience, adventure, nature immersion, and a few of the leads through Nepal’s countryside or remote villages, where travelers can experience the farmers raising crops and farmland.

Since your trek in Nepal begins, food and accommodation are major attributes along the way, where local tea houses (small wooden hut lodges) provide basic food and lodging service (sharing basis or private, depending upon season).

Generally, as a top 5 budget friendly trek in Nepal can vary from a short trek, which takes 3 days, to one week, and another is a long trek, which can be over 3 months and demands strong physical and mental well-being to start and finish the Himalayas journey. The trek journey makes an average of 5-6 hours of hiking each day and requires proper acclimatization to avoid high-altitude mountain sickness.

Top 5 Beginner-Friendly Treks in Nepal

while seeking for a best trek in Nepal, thing always need to remember is Nepal is home to mountains and hills, offering dozens of short and long trekking destinations from 3 days to a few months. But by evaluating the new generation and those who love to Travel Nepal and exploring the Nepalese Himalayas, culture, and nature as beginners, here is the list of the top trekking destinations in Nepal that are highly recommended and in demand by both national and international travelers’ enthusiasts.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Located in the Annapurna Conservation area as a part of the Annapurna trekking region within the Gandaki province of Nepal. With the direction of North-central Nepal, the Annapurna Base Camp trek is approximately. 300 km west of Kathmandu valley. The major trek starting the ABC trek is Pokhara (the capital of tourism in Nepal). Within a couple of hours of driving from the city of Pokhara, trekkers will encounter their imaginary landscape of the Short Annapurna Base Camp trek route.

The hiking start point of the Annapurna Base camp trek was Nayapul (north of Pokhara), but now trekkers can drive to Ghandruk or Chhomorong village and can make a trail walk.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the best trekking experiences in Nepal for all kinds of trekkers, from beginners to solo trekkers and even experienced ones. The Annapurna Base Camp stands at an elevation of 4130m (13549 ft.) above sea level, surrounded by the towering snow-capped peaks Annapurna massif, Annapurna I (8091m), Himchuli, and Machhapuchhre (fishtail). Annapurna I is the first scaled mountain in the history of Nepal. While talking about the Annapurna Base Camp trek route typically starts from Pokhara and follows the Kande, Nayapul, Kimche, Ghandruk, Chhomorong, Bambo, Deurali, MBC, and Annapurna Base Camp Trek points.

 Annapurna Base Camp trek Itinerary 

This short itinerary of the Annapurna Circuit Trek route starts from Pokhara.

Day 1: Pokhara -Nayapul – Ghandruk,

• Drive: Pokhara (820m), Nayapul (1,070m), Kimche (1,640m) (2-3 hours)
• Trek: Kimche to Ghandruk (1,940m) (3 km, 1-1.5 hours)
• Total Walking Distance: 9 km (if starting from Nayapul)
• Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
• Trail highlight: uphill, stone steps, and scenic Gurung village.
• Overnight at Ghandruk

Day 2: Trek from Ghandruk to Chhomrong

• Altitude: 2170m
• Walking Distance: approx. 10 km
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
• Trail highlight: Gradual ascent and descent, crossing streams and forests
• Overnight at Chhomorong

Day 3: Trek from Chhomrong -Sinuwa - Bamboo

• Altitude: Sinuwa (2,340m), Bamboo (2,310m)
• Walking Distance: approx. 12 km
• Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
• Trail highlight: Steep descent to Chhomrong Khola, then a steep climb to Sinuwa, followed by a gradual ascent to Bamboo.
• Overnight at Bamboo

Day 4: Trek from Bamboo to Deurali

• Altitude Gain: Deurali (3,200m)
• Walking Distance: approx.10 km
• Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
• Trail highlight: Through dense forests, waterfalls, and alpine landscapes

Day 5: Trek from Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) via Machhapuchhre Base Camp (MBC)

• Altitude 4,130m (ABC) & 3,700m (MBC)
• Walking Distance: approx. 9 km
• Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
• Trail highlight: Gradual uphill with stunning glacier views
• Overnight at ABC (best sunrise view over Annapurna massif)

Day 6: Trek back to Bamboo from Annapurna Base Camp

• Altitude Bamboo (2,310m)
• Walking Distance: approx.15 km
• Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
• Trail highlight: Mostly downhill, knee support required
• Overnight at Bamboo

Day 7: Trek to Matque from Jhinu Dada and Drive to Pokhara

• Altitude Jhinu (1780m) Matque (1200m) Pokhara (820m)
• Walking Distance: approx. 10 km
• Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
• Trail highlight: Gradual descent to Jhinu (hot springs available), then trek to Matque
• Drive: Matque to Pokhara (2-3 hours)
• Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Poon Hill Trek

Poon Hill (3210m) is located as a part of Annapurna Region Trek in Nepal, Gandaki provenance. Lies inside the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP). In the trekking map, it lies about 70km northwest of Pokhara near Ghorepani, a famous Gurung village along the trails poon hill.

The trek starts from Nayapul and follows the trails upwards of Ulleri, Ghorepani, Poon Hill, Ban Thanti, Tadapani, Ghandruk, and Kimchee, then drive back to Pokhara via Nayapul. This one-week trek journey through one of the most popular Annapurna regions is the best choice for beginner-level trekkers, along with solo trekkers, who immerse themselves in natural beauty, diverse wildlife encounters, forest, and village trails, and small water rivers, cascading waterfalls, and short suspension bridges. Along this, the trek to Poon Hill offers to take the closest view of Machapuchre, Annapurna, and Dhaulagiri and the early morning best sunrise view from the top of Poon Hill, which is the outstanding glory of the trek.

 Poon Hill Trek short Itinerary 

Easy to Moderate level Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is the shortest & best trek that offers a lifetime experience and an unforgettable trekking journey in the Nepalese Himalayas. 5-day trekking itinerary for the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking.

Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul or Tikhedhunga and hike to Ulleri

• Altitude: Pokhara (820m), Nayapul (1,070m), Tikhedhunga (1,540m), Ulleri (1,960m)
• Trek Distance and time: 2 hours drive to Nayapul or Tikhedhunga, Walk: 4 to 5 hours, approx. 8km from Nayapul
• Trek Highlight: Gradual uphill with views of lush forests and villages.
• Overnight at Ulleri

Day 2: Trek from Ulleri to Ghorepani

• Altitude: Ghorepani (2,860m)
• Walking Distance & time: approx. 6-7 hours, 12 km
• Trek Highlight: Steep ascent through dense rhododendron forests, cross tea house along the trails, view of snow-capped peaks, and wildlife encounters.
• Overnight at Ghorepani

Day 3: Hike to Poon Hill, trek to Tadapani

• Early Morning Sunrise hike to Poon Hill (3,210m) offers panoramic views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, and other peaks, which take approx. 1 hour to reach the top of Poon Hill.
• After breakfast, trek to Tadapani from Ghorepani.
• Altitude: Poon Hill (3210m), Tadapani(2630m)
• Walking Distance & time: 8-9 hours, 8-9km approx.
• Trail Highlight: follow the trails upwards and downwards, descend to Banthanti, then up to Tadapani, passing through forests and small villages, crossing the bridge.
• Overnight at Tadapani.

Day 4: Trek from Tadapani to Ghandruk

• Altitude: Ghandruk (1,940m)
• Walking Distance & time: 3-4 hours, 2-3 km approx.
• Trail Highlight: follow the descending forest trails, passing through the small village, tea house along the trails, and small waterfalls while capturing the captivating view of Mt. Fishtail.
• Overnight at Ghandruk and enjoy the Gurung culture at night.

Day 5: Trek to Kimche and drive back to Pokhara

• Walking Distance & time: 2-3 hours of walk (4-5 km), 2-3 hours of drive.
• Trail highlight: Easy descent through forests and terraced fields, passing by the village of Ghandruk, walking through the road, encounters small waterfalls, big hanging rocks, wild bees and a kimchee village, and a bumpy drive.
• Overnight in Pokhara

Mardi Himal Trek

One of Nepal's most famous treks, it is a perfect escape for solo, beginners, and even experienced trekkers. The 8-day Luxury Mardi Trek is one of the iconic destinations that you encounter. Mardi Himal Trek around the shadow of the sacred mountain Machapuchhre (Fishtail) is a trek below 4300m in altitude, but it offers breathtaking mountain views, local culture, the experience of a tea house trek, and diverse wildlife, including more than 20 different varieties of rhododendron during its season. This trek offers multiple activities within a few days. At the same time, the trek offers a breathtaking view of Mt. Fishtail, Himchuli, Annapurna, and Mardi Peak. In a short time, this destination has become the dream destination of many travel enthusiasts.

Mardi Himal Trek Itinerary

This short Mardi Trek itinerary shows the altitude, walking time, and distance of the trek.

• Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Phedi and trek to Pothana.
• Altitude: Phedi (1130m), Pothana (1900m)
• Trek Highlight: start the journey with a beautiful view of Pokhara Valley and gradually ascend through the villages and forest. Experiencing the local culture and trekking permit checking at Pothana.
• Walking time and distance: 3-4 hours (5-6 km)
• Overnight: Overnight at Pothana

Day 2: Trek to Forest Camp

• Altitude: Forest Camp (2550m)
• Trek Highlight: trek through the dense rhododendron forest, enjoying the peaceful nature and potentially encountering wildlife.
• Walking time and distance: 5-6 hours (7-8km)
• Overnight: Overnight at a Tea house in Forest Camp

Day 3: Trek to High Camp

• Altitude: 3580m
• Trek Highlight: trek above the tree line at a high altitude zone, with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks like Annapurna, Himchuli, Fishtail, Mardi, and other iconic peaks.
• Walking time and distance: 5-6 hours. (6-7km)
• Overnight: overnight at High Camp

Day 4: Early morning Hike to the Viewpoint and trek back to the Low camp

• Altitude: Mardi View Point (4200m), Low camp (2970m)
• Trek Highlight: early morning hike for a stunning sunrise view from the upper viewpoint of Mardi, Mardi Base Camp
• Walking time and distance: 7-8 hours (10-12 km) – including upper viewpoint and trek down to Low Camp.
• Overnight: overnight at Low Camp

Day 5: Trek down to Siding and drive back to Pokhara

• Altitude: Siding (1700m)
• Trek Highlight: descend through the landscape forest, totally downhill trails, and experience the local lifestyle of Siding and the last moment of of trek.
• Walking time and distance: 2-3 hours (5-6 km) and 2 hours drive to Pokhara
• Overnight: Overnight at Pokhara

Manaslu Circuit Trek

Manaslu Circuit Trek, Renowned as the best remote trek in Nepal. The choice of many travelers and one of the demanding off-the-beaten budget friendly trails of the Manaslu Circuit is a lifetime experience. The moderate to challenging level nature of the trek is impressive and rewarding for both beginners and experienced. It provides equal experience to all. Due to its restricted trek nature, it requires a couple of trekking permits. The Magical Manaslu Circuit Trek 11 Days of Adventure is a perfect escape and offers a blend of adventure, cultural exploration, natural beauty, wildlife, flora and fauna, and iconic snow-capped peaks.

Soti Khola or Machha Khola stands as the gateway of the Manaslu Circuit Trek that leads trekkers through the beautiful village, and ancient salt trading route of Nepal- Tibet, old monasteries, Mani wheels, and old Buddhist monuments to the famous Larkya Pass (the highest point of Manaslu trek) are the rewarding glory of the Manaslu Region. Whereas, trekkers can expand their journey to Tsum Valley Trek , that  provide a experience of  mix adventure of  Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. 

Short Manaslu Circuit Trek itinerary

Get detailed Manaslu Circuit Trek Guide & Itinerary. 

Day 1: Drive to Machha Khola via Soti Khola

• Altitude: Machha Khola (890m), Soti Khola (720m)
• Walking time and distance: 8-9 hours of drive (approx. 160km)
• Trail Highlight: scenic drive alongside rivers and local villages, and experience the challenging, unique landscapes as you leave the Kathmandu Valley.
• Overnight: Overnight at Tea house Machha Khola

Day 2: Trek to Jagat

• Altitude: 1400m
• Walking time and distance: 6-7 hours (19-20km)
• Trail Highlight: trek alongside the Budh Gandaki River, passing through a village and crossing a suspension bridge.
• Overnight: Overnight at Jagat

Day 3: Trek to Deng

• Altitude: 1804m
• Walking time and distance: 6-7 hours (approx. 20km)
• Trail Highlight: entering the Manaslu conservation area, challenging trails, and scenic views.
• Overnight: Overnight at Deng

Day 4: Trek to Namrung

• Altitude: 2630m
• Walking time and distance: 6- 7 hours (approx. 19km)
• Trail Highlight: Trek through the rhododendron, pine, and oak forest. Prominent view of surrounding peaks, including Mt. Manaslu.
• Overnight: Overnight at Namrung

Day 5: Trek to Samagaon

• Altitude: 3530m
• Walking time and distance: 5-6 hours (approx. 18m)
• Trail Highlights: dramatic mountain scenery, Tibetan cultural village, high altitude.
• Overnight: Overnight at Sama Gaon

Day 6: Rest Day

• Trail Highlight: can hike to Manaslu Base Camp (8 hours) or Pun Gyen Gompa (3- 4 hours)
• Overnight: at Samagaon

Day 7: Trek to Samdo

• Altitude: 3875m
• Walking time and distance: 4-5 hours (approx. 15km)
• Trail Highlight: barren landscape, view of snow-capped peak, landscape, walk near the border.
• Overnight: at Samdo

Day 8: Trek to Dharmasala (larkya Phedi)

• Altitude: 4460m
• Walking time and distance: 4-5 hours (approx. 14km)
• Trail Highlight: a base camp of Larkya Pass, with more rugged and challenging terrains. Limited tea house, preparation for Larkya Pass.
• Overnight: at Dharmasala

Day 9: Cross Larkya Pass, trek to Bhimtang

• Altitude: Larkya Pass (5106m), Bhimtang (3590m)
• Walking time and distance: 9-10 hours (approx. 23km)
• Trail Highlight: challenging Larkya pass, closer view of Mt. Manaslu, glaciers, valley, and rugged landscape and forest descending trails to Bhimtang.
• Overnight: at Bhimtang

Day 10: Trek to Dharapani via Tilje

• Altitude: Dharapani (1860m), Tilje (2300m)
• Walking time and distance: 6-7 hours. (approx.20km)
• Trail Highlight: descend through the forest and village trails, crossing the cultural Tilje village, view of the Annapurna range and some cascading waterfalls.
• Overnight: at Bhimtang

Day 11: Drive Back to Kathmandu

• Altitude: 1345m
• Walking time and distance: 8-9 hours drive (approx. 175km)
• Trail Highlight: drive alongside a river, Besi Sahar- gateway for Annapurna Circuit Trek, view of Manakamana cable car, Muglin, and Famous Malekhu.
• Overnight: in Kathmandu

Langtang Valley Trek

A delightful adventure and paradise for trekkers. A short and best trek in Nepal located in the Langtang region. Located in northern Kathmandu bordering Tibet with Langtang National Park, it is known for its stunning Mountain View, beautiful landscape, and an easily reachable moderate level of the trek.

The highest point of the Langtang Valley Trek is Kyangjin Ri (4773m). Typically, it takes 7 -10 days to complete the round-trip, which is the most demanding and shortest in comparison to other destinations. The trek offers a breathtaking view of Langtang Lirung, glaciers, and the alpine zone. At the same time, the Valley is known for its beauty of rhododendrons and other flowering plants. The trek provides insight into the culture and lifestyle of the Tamang community, where you get opportunities to explore local villages and monasteries. Besides Gosaikunda Trek and Tamang Heritage Trail Trek stand as a best mix of culture and advenure trekking trails. 

Langtang Valley Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Drive to Shyabrubesi

• Altitude:1500m
• Walking time and distance: 7-8 hours drive (approx.120km)
• Trail Highlight: A scenic drive through the valley, alongside the river, provides a glimpse of a Nepalese village.
• Overnight: at Shyabrubesi

Day 2: Trek to Lama Hotel

• Altitude: 2470m
• Walking time and distance: 5-6 hrs.(approx.10km)
• Trail Highlight: crossing the suspension bridge of Langtang Khola, passing through the rhododendron and bamboo forest. Experiencing the scenic route of the Langtang region.
• Overnight: at Llama Hotel

Day 3: Trek to Langtang Village

• Altitude:3430m
• Walking time and distance: 6-7 hours (approx. 12km)
• Trail Highlight: ascend trails offer a stunning vista of Langtang Lirung and other snow-capped peaks. Trek through the village of Thyangsyap and Gumba.
• Overnight: at Langtang Village.

Day 4: Trek to Kyanjin Gompa

• Altitude:3870m
• Walking time and distance: 3-4 hrs. (approx.7 km)
• Trail Highlight: A short hike offers enough acclimatization. The ascending trails show the peak and beautiful Kyangjin Gompa (a Buddhist monastery in Langtang).
• Overnight: at Kyanjin Gompa

Day 5: Hike to Tserko RI Viewpoint (Optional)

• Altitude:5000m
• Walking time and distance: 6-7 hrs. For a round trip.
• Trail Highlight: view of Langtang Himal range, including Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lakpa, and others. This is a challenging but rewarding hike.
• Overnight: at Kyanjin Gompa

Day 7: Trek to Lama Hotel

• Altitude:2460m
• Walking time and distance: 6-7 hrs.( approx. 13 Km)
• Trail Highlight: walk through the various landscapes and trek back through the village and forest trails.
• Overnight: at Lama Hotel

Day 8: Back to Shyabrubesi

• Altitude:1460m
• Walking time and distance: 5-6 hrs. (approx. 11km)
• Trail Highlight: The final trek point, passing through a lush forest and charming village, retrace your footsteps to the trek beginning point.
• Overnight: at Shyabrubesi

Day 9: Drive back to Kathmandu

• Altitude:1345m
• Walking time and distance: 7-9 hrs. drive
• Trail Highlight: scenic drive through a beautiful landscape, bumpy road.
• Overnight: in Kathmandu

Best Season to trekking in Nepal for first time beginner trekkers 

While choosing the perfect season and weather for trekking in Nepal, spring and autumn are ideal times for all. Spring and autumn offer clear weather, mild, warm temperatures, predictable weather, and the best view of the mountains and blooming nature.

Trek difficulty for Beginners in Nepal

All these five treks for beginners are easy, moderate, and challenging. Manaslu Trekking seems a little bit challenging compared to others, but beginners with proper fitness and preparation can accomplish the trek easily. These are rewarding trek journeys in Nepal that can be done with a budget or Luxury trek.

What kind of permits are needed for these five beginner trekkers in Nepal?

To conservation area protection rules, a trekking permit is necessary for trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas. For trekking in the Annapurna region, we need to obtain an ACAP and a TIMS card, and for the Langtang Valley trek, we need a TIMS card and a Langtang National Park Permit. Due to its restricted nature, the Manaslu Circuit Trek requires MCAP, ACAP, and a restricted permit, which costs more than other treks.