Top 10 easy treks in Nepal

Trekking is a kind of relaxation and sport at the same time. Some approach this physical activity as a hobby, some as a mind-freshening experience, and some are just after the adrenaline rush from extreme geographical terrains. Whatever the cause, I believe everyone should at least go for a trek or a hike in the Nature once a year. The industrial life and never-ending cycle of bills have taken a toll on our daily lives. Such void does not go away with materialistic pleasures and expenditure. This year, why not experience the fruits of Mother Nature in the land of Himalayas, Nepal and check an item from your decade long bucket list.

The list of Nature- blessed destinations in Nepal could go over hundreds, but since we are focusing on the comparably easier ones, the filtration is a bit easier. Here are the top 10 easy treks in Nepal according to our research and experience:

1. Langtang Trek:

Let's start with your dessert first. Langtang is for those who want to experience the overall trekking experience in a nutshell. The elevation you can expect to rise is around 2,560 meters. I would say it is not super hard to climb up to this height, but it still brings out the inner wilderness. The trek route lies in the northern part of Nepal slightly touching the Tibetan border. This particular trek has a fancy name among the adventure seekers, which is "The Valley of Glaciers". The easy but refreshing tour starts from the Syabrubesi area of the Langtang region.

While you slowly walk towards your destination, there are extended pastures, a cheese factory, and yak farms to greet you along the way. Not only this, you can experience the cultural diversity as you ascend the slopes. One can also experience the change in vegetation along with Alpine forests and mountain - based farmlands. The local cultural destinations like Gompas and monasteries (religious places like a Church for Christians) are also found abundantly.

So, what is the main attraction here? Well, it is relatively hard to describe through words, but the Mountain View from the main point is something you have never experienced. And yes, this is coming from a Nepali citizen. When the sun rays hit the mountain ranges just on the right angle, be sure to hold on to your jaws as they will involuntarily try to drop. Among the several ranges, you will have the chance to see Langtang Himal, Langtang Ri, Langtang Lirung, and Dorje Lakpa.

Also, it is not only the destination, but the paths leading to these places are exciting too. On your way to the Langtang region, you will walk through the ancient trade route that connects to Tibet. The roads will bless you with small waterfalls and glaciers with clean and natural water. Just don't drink the water without proper cleansing. Also, you will come across the Langtang National Park which will educate you on the different flora and fauna of the Himalayan Region. Keep an eye on the Red Pandas. They are rare, but you might have a chance to observe them on their natural habitat.

2. Poon Hill Sunrise Trek:  

Let's avert our eyes to the easiest trekking route of Nepal. Combining a powerful punch of natural scenery in just 4 to 5 days of climbing is the Poon Hill trekking. You might have noticed the word "Sunrise" in the name. Yes, the main attraction of this trekking is the surreal sunrise you see at the end of your journey; the perfect way to end your physical and mental aches.

Talking about the details, you can elevate up to 3210 meters. This trek route is for those who are skeptical on their climbing skills but still want to taste the sweetness of Mother Nature. Therefore, one can find people of different age groups along the route. The temperature is also within bearable range so a quality jacket can resist the winds.  The route starts from a place called Nayapul, which is just a short drive from Pokhara. Don't worry; transportation is cheap and readily available.

Trekking in Nepal means you will come across people with different ethnic groups and cultures. In this route, the Gurungs and Magars will welcome you along with the hurdles as you pass through Ulleri and Ghandruk village. A little suggestion from someone who has already gone to Poonhill, stay one night at Ghandruk village. You will not regret your decision.  You will find dense Rhododendron (national flower of Nepal) forests and terrace cultivation quite often. Just hum your way along the flora and fauna diversity connecting with nature.

At the end of your journey, you will have to trek for 45 minutes uphill. This is generally done in the morning before dawn. Remember the sunrise we mentioned earlier, yes that is your goal for that particular morning. The roads will be dark, but other tourists will guide you to the top of the mountain. You can see almost three mountain ranges from the hilltop. Relax and click some memories with a hot cup of tea or coffee and descend at your own pace.

3. Annapurna Base Camp trek:

Moving on to a trip that lasts more than a week, Annapurna Base Camp trekking is for those with Mountain fondness. Annapurna is the name of a mountain range which consists of several small peaks. So, reaching its base camp means you get a scale closer to the natural sources of glaciers. Specifically speaking, the trek is 8 to 10 days of complete exploration and at the end; you will be standing at the height of 4310 meters. And let me tell you, this elevation is no joke.

There is a reason I mentioned this route just after the Poon Hill trekking. The Annapurna base camp trek is the destination that passes through Ghorepani Poon Hill route. Since the journey is long, it takes a little more patience and experience to complete this trail. There is an alternative route too which includes walking past Syuli Bazaar or Dhampus. Choose the route in accordance with your comfort and planning. Whatever your choice of route, you will end up at Chhomrong.

So, what are the things to enjoy? Basically everything I must say. Trekkers who complete this trail often describe the beautiful mountain views and cultural blending with villagers. You can find the descendents of Gurkhas along the way living their lives normally as you struggle to keep your runny noses warm. Also, extreme landscapes and bamboo forests of the Alpine vegetation are some of the companions along the route.

Trust me, the final view after you reach the Annapurna base will be a whole new experience. A panoramic view of the ranges like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Machhapuchhre, and other southern peaks will heal your trekking fatigue. This route falls under the modern difficulty range so you will find many friends along the way. The best months to consider these routes are spring and autumn if you like travelling in peace. Avoid winters as much as possible as it makes the routes slippery and the weather is unfriendly.

4. Mardi Himal Trek:

Another Mountain expenditure for the thrill lovers and snow chasers. Pack your stuff as this might be the next destination of your choice. Mardi Himal trek is one of the recently discovered treks and has its purity intact. The total trip can extend up to 10 days taking an average trekker into consideration.  You will also experience a top-notch altitude range of 4500 meters. So, let's dive into the details of this amazing trekking route.

First, the initial meeting place is a place called Phedi. You can easily reach there after a 45 minutes drive from Pokhara. Like the previous mountain routes, the roads are going to get scary as you elevate towards the peak altitude. Luckily, Rhododendron forests will welcome you along the routes and rugged mountain structures will make you wonder the extremities of nature. One thing you can experience here is the chance to stay with local hosts and watch them go through their normal daily lives. Who knows, they might let you in on their cultural activities.

Along the way, you will come across a place called Deurali which is kind of like a milestone. Deurali in Nepali refers to a place at the top of a hill. So, you might come across this term several times during trekking.  The fun fact about this trek is that you will get to see the beautiful sunrise and sunset in every destination. This route is available for all seasons including the winter. During spring, the roads are filled with Magnolia and Rhododendron almost like somebody planned your arrival and decorated the routes. Winters have a touch of their own when it comes to trekking trails. The skies are clearer and the nights are bit tougher due to increased cold. The trek is also fit for those with intermediate cardiovascular endurance. Just don't overthink things. If you have a plan in mind, act on it without getting reckless.

5. Dolakha Kalinchowk Trek:

Enough of the long and stretched tours. Let's take a step back and explore some easy routes, shall we? The Dolakha Kalinchowk trek is a fun trip that elongates up to 4 days of maximum travelling. You might be surprised but you will reach a total height of 3842 meters even if you lazily drag your feet along this easy route. I might have caught the attention of some novice trekkers by now. Anyways, Kalinchowk is famous as a Hindu destination that lies in the Dolakha district of Nepal. This does not mean there are religious restrictions or anything; we are secular states when it comes to boundaries and hearts.

This particular trek is a 150 kilometer (93 miles) adventure from the capital city of Kathmandu. For those who like to experience the thrill of mountain climbing but have time restrictions, this is the one you are looking for. You can easily plan this trek among peers and enjoy the vacation with minimal requirements. The directions are so easy that you might want to consider not spending your money on guides. Just take a local, private, or rented vehicle to the district headquarter of Dolakha district called Charikot. Depending on your level of fatigue, you can rest the night there. If you are a little impatient for the trek, you can walk from Charikot to a place called Kuri village. This journey is a 19 kilometer walk from Charikot and has a graveled road for most of the part.

I know, this was supposed to be easy, right? But the reason I recommended walking the distance is for you to experience the joy of travelling. There is always an option for transportation, but walking has its own way of doubling the fun. Once you reach Kuri village again, you can stay the night there if you feel tired. The final destination is just a short hike to the top of a hill. The next day, ask a local for direction and climb up the steep hill to reach the Kalinchowk temple. The temple is called Kalinchowk Bhagwati and offers a view of some mountain ranges like Mt. Gaurishankar, Jugal, Annapurna, and even Mount Everest.

Good news for the hard climbers, the steep walk atop the hill has an alternate option nowadays. They have a cable car that takes you directly to the temple. I would suggest this option for the elderly people and those with injury. True, riding a cable car is a privilege and an adventure, but walking is an experience on its own.  Along with these fun activities, you can stroll around the Gaurishankar Conservation Area and feast your eyes on the cultural heritages.

As a bonus for our travelers, I would recommend visiting "Shaillung Dada". Just ask any local personnel and they can guide you through the exact route. For this, you need to return back to Charikot and walk around 10 kilometers to reach the destination. Shailung is famous as a Pasteur area for yaks and Himalayan bison. There are almost a hundred small hills covered in green grass or snow according to the season you visit.

6. Sarangkot Dhampus hill hiking:

Sarangkot hill is a short trek from the beautiful Pokhara valley. I would call this trekking as an addition to the Pokhara visit program. We can extend this trip up to 5 days for maximum enjoyment. And you don't have to brood over the elevation problem because you only go up to a maximum height of 1600 meters. The initial point is Phedi, a 45 minute drive from Pokhara. Again, vehicle choice is on your shoulders. You can rent it or take the local bus.

The route slowly passes through the sloppy rims of the Pokhara valley along with the places Sarang Kot, Dhampus, and Naudanda.  Since the destination lies in the western part of the valley, the place holds its worth on the beautiful sunrise scenery. Of course, there are several other spots for sunrise watching experience, but tourists mainly go after the best choice possible. I mean, you travel hundreds of miles for the view so choosing second options might seem a bit odd.

The Sarangkot hill is the best possible point for watching the sunrise. When the sun rays gently escape from the mountain peaks and slowly rise vertically towards the sky, a different kind of positivity engulfs your system. The former line might have sounded a bit cheesy, but you will feel my words when you experience it in person.  You can gaze on multiple Himalayan peaks like the Machapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Hiunchuli, and many more.

On the cultural side, you will come across Gurung and mixed ethnical groups in Dhampus area. While stopping for a drink or lunch, communicate with locals to maximize your experience and try sharing your thoughts. Motivation and positive energy come from surprising sources, you just have to keep your eyes and ears open.

7. Everest Panorama Trek:

The name Everest brings a different kind of excitement, doesn't it? Well, Everest Panorama trek is a short but fun touring which typically lasts between 5 to 6 days. At the most, you will reach the height of 3860 meters. So why Panorama trek, not the Everest Base Camp? As it happens, this is the tour you would like to consider if you have a time shortage for the whole base camp expedition.  The starting point is Lukla which is a direct flight from Kathmandu. Lukla airport is one of the most extreme airports in the world. I will not spoil you the details, but you will surely experience a thrill.

The trek includes roaming and exploring Namche Bazaar which is often regarded as the gateway to Mount Everest. The place has remained untouched from all the industrialization and urbanization. This provides a perfect opportunity for travelers to experience the cultural and religious side of Nepal in its purest form. The place is mostly populated with Sherpas, who are the oldest tribe living there and manage the trekking for adventurers.

There's more, tourists can interact with the locals residing in the Khumbu region and even blend in with their culture. There are several icy paths in this region and the view of Khumbu glacier is magnificent. The roads are filled with rhododendron and lush forests of pine which makes this destination a must for nature lovers. Feel free to explore the unique vegetation and wildlife which have flourished in such an extreme environment.  As a bonus to your trek, visit the Tengboche monastery and the civilization at the Khumjung village.

8. Lower Mustang Trek:

When you choose the lower Mustang trek, be ready to dive into a different religious aspect of Nepal. The Mustang region is a resemblance of an old Buddhist kingdom. This place is closely related to Tibet, be it geographically or culturally. You can clearly see the Tibetan influence in this part of Nepal where the people are genuinely following Tibetan Buddhism. Even their houses are built in the Tibetan style which consists of a whitewashed house and firewood tucked roofs.

Geographically speaking, Mustang lies at the base of Dhaulagiri and Tukuche Mountain ranges and falls in the rain shadow area. Thus, the lower Mustang has a barren type of landscape where you can find cultivation fields with different colored crops. This type of arrangement almost gives an oasis type of vibe in the middle of the desert.  Another main attraction of this route is the Muktinath temple which is an important pilgrimage site for both the Hindus and Buddhist communities. The main temple has a traditional pagoda-shaped architecture surrounded by 108 waterspouts. It is believed to be the resting place of Lord Vishnu, one of the three vital gods of the Hindu religion.

Similarly, you can visit another Hindu temple called the Jwala Mai temple. The main focus of this visit is a nearby spring and an eternal flame that never goes out. The flame is considered holy and devotees worship the flame as a goddess called Jwaladevi. Nothing unnatural here, the flame keeps burning as it has a natural source of gas underneath. As a whole, this trekking route is filled with excitement and diversity. You can have a closer look at the Hindu and Buddhist communities and the difference in their ethnicity.

9. Namobuddha and Balthali Village hike:

Balthali Village is a simple day hiking which starts from Namobuddha. I would recommend this route only for the ones that are too skeptical to climb the extreme terrains and looking for a slight sweat-tearing walk. The destination is just 40 kilometers away from Kathmandu valley. The specialities along the way are the beautiful view of hills, the sunrise, and the sunsets they enhance. Due to the easy terrains, you can consider a family hike to Balthali Village along with kids and elderly members.

So, what's so special about Balthali Village anyways? Balthali is a traditional settlement away from the modern urbanization of the capital city. The houses are built according to pagoda based architecture and have different colors to enhance its beauty. Moreover, the surrounding environment is densely filled with forest and terraced farmlands. All these combine to give the best natural package for visitors. The trek has different locations along the way to quench your natural thirst. You can visit Dhulikhel, another popular tourist spot both for national and international tourists. Also, be sure to offer your prayers at the historical Namobuddha monastery, a sacred place for the Buddhists.

10. Gosaikunda Lake:

Finally, we have a recommendation of a different kind for our lovely hikers and adventurers. Lakes are magnificent sources of water that captures and often elevates the total natural beauty of the place.  A great and easy trek for our daredevils is a 7 day journey to one of the most beautiful looking lakes of Nepal. Gosaikunda Lake is seated at an elevation of 4380 meters. Trekking your way to this lake is an extension of the Langtang trekking, a route we discussed in our former recommendation. Your journey starts from Dhunche and ends at the lake with rocky geographical terrains to test your willingness. Kind of like a test from Mother Nature with a surreal view as the main prize.

You might be surprised to know, but this alpine freshwater lake is the major source of one of Nepal's biggest rivers called the Trishuli River. As for suggestions for the perfect time, I would say somewhere during Monsoon and autumn. During this time, the roads are filled with thin snow and the temperature is a bit less cold. So, you will get the chance to enjoy the scenery without having to wipe your runny nose every 10 seconds. If you happen to visit the place during off seasons, the lake is covered with ice. This might bum out some of the visitors, but it's still majestic to watch a whole lake covered with a icy blanket.

As for the route, I would say it is kind of challenging. Since this is a top 10 easy treks in Nepal list, we have considered all the facts and still want you to challenge you for this trek. The roads are filled with lush forests, rugged landscapes, and civilization at certain distances. The tranquility in this route will surely help you bond with the nature and heal your mental aches. You will come across cheese factories that derive their milk from yaks and a lot of yak farms to support the system.

Trek to Gosaikunda has a different kind of natural bonus too. You can feast your eyes on the different lakes surrounding the main lake. Some of them are- Vairav Kunda, Saraswati Kunda, Surya Kunda, Naagkunda, etc. All of them combine to give a boost to the overall visual quality of this destination.

So, these are some of the top picked destinations among the top 10 easy treks in Nepal. The places and the number of their order in this article are completely non-relevant. Each of these places maintains a beauty of its own and importance in the tourism industry of Nepal. Trekking is only for the nature lovers and for those with an unexplainable attraction to the beauties of Mother Nature. Every once in a while, take time from the busy schedules of your life and refresh your mind with the healing powers of Nature.