Nepal is a paradise and a dream destination for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. Nepal boasts some of the most stunning landscapes, lush forests, pristine lakes, rivers, and scenic Himalayan snow-capped peaks. It offers some of the world’s most breathtaking routes amongst the Himalayan mountains.
Nepal has a wide range of trekking routes suitable for all levels of trekkers, from short and easy to challenging high-altitude.
However, the classic treks in Nepal like the Everest Base Camp trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, etc. are not suitable for busy travelers as they can range from a couple of days to months.
For those who want to explore the stunning landscapes and witness the glory of Mount Everest and other surrounding Himalayan peaks in the Everest Region, without extensive time commitment, there are shorter variations.
In this blog, we will explore a selection of short Everest View treks in Nepal, each with its own charm and appeal.
Here are some of the popular short treks in Nepal.
Mardi Himal trek
Difficulty: Moderate.
Starting Point: Kande or Phedi (near Pokhara)
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 4,500 meters (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
Duration: 5-7 days
Permit: TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System) and ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
Main Highlights: Dense rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung villages, stunning mountain views, and a serene alpine landscape.
Mountain Views: Annapurna, Machhapuchare, and Hiunchuli.
Best Time: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November).
Mardi Himal Trek is located on the eastern side of Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It is a lesser-known route compared to the classic and popular Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Circuit trek. This trek offers a more serene experience compared to other popular treks as it was opened to tourists only in 2012.
This region is still isolated and full of wilderness as modernization has not been able to touch its beauty.
Mardi Himal trek is one of the shortest treks in the Annapurna Region. The trekking trail takes you to Mardi Base Camp and offers you clear visibility of the entire Annapurna Range.
Khumai Danda trek
Difficulty: Easy.
Starting Point: Sankhu (near Kathmandu)
Maximum Altitude: 3,700 meters (Korchan Danda)
Duration: 3-4 days
Permit: TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System) and ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
Main Highlights: Picturesque villages, terraced farmland, cultural experiences with local communities.
Mountain Views: Panoramic views of the Machhapuchre, Annapurna, and Mardi Himal.
Best Time: All year round, but spring and autumn are ideal.
Khumai Danda is located on the North side of Pokhara. This hill lies on the base of the south face of Machhapuchre.
Since it is located at the base of Machhapuchre, Korchan Danda is without a doubt the major highlight as it is a perfect viewpoint to witness astonishing sunrise and majestic views of Mardi Himal, Annapurna, and Machhapuchre.
Khumai Danda is a relatively new route therefore, it is a magical trekking destination for anyone looking for a peaceful, solitary, and wonderful time amongst nature.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Difficulty: Moderate.
Starting Point: Nayapul (near Pokhara)
Maximum Altitude: Poon Hill at 3,210 meters
Duration: 4-5 days
Permit: TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System) and ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
Main Highlights: Lush rhododendron forests, traditional Gurung and Magar villages, sunrise views from Poon Hill.
Mountain Views: Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchre, Hiunchuli, Nilgiri, Mardi.
Best Time: Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May).
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is one of the best short treks and is even considered perfect for novice trekkers. This trek is perfect for those who crave to capture the spectacular views of the Himalayas and awe-inspiring sunrise.
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a short journey that offers an immaculate package of natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Gosaikunda Trek
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
Starting Point: Dhunche (from Kathmandu) or Syabrubesi
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 4,380 meters (Gosaikunda Lake)
Duration: 5-6 days
Permits: TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System), Langtang National Park Entry Permit.
Main Highlights: Sacred alpine lakes, diverse landscapes, and the unique culture of the Tamang people.
Mountain Views: Langtang Lirung, Lantang Ri, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna and many more
Best Time: Late April to early June, and September to November.
The Gosaikunda Trek is named after the sacred and famous Gosaikunda Lake. It is situated in the Langtang Region, north of Kathmandu (Nepals’s capital city).
The holy Gosaikunda lake is the main attraction of the trek. This lake is a high-altitude, glacier-fed lake. It introduces you to 108 holy lakes.
Gosaikunda Trek is the perfect blend of cultural and natural beauty. This trek is one of the most magnificent trekking trails.
Ama Yangri Trek
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: (a bus to Tarkeghyang from Narayantar bus park Kathmandu)
Maximum Altitude: 3,771 meters (Ama Yangri peak)
Duration: 3-4 days
Permits: TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System), Langtang National Park Entry Permit
Main Highlights: Stunning Himalayan views, pristine forests, and serene monasteries.
Mountain Views: Langtang Range, Annapurna, Manaslu, etc
Best Time: All year round, with clear skies in autumn and spring.
Ama Yangri Peak is located in the Helambu region of Sindhupalchowk District. This peak is one of the highest peaks around the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu and it is believed that Ama Yangri is a deity who protects the entire Hyolmo Valley.
The Ama Yangri trekking route is spectacular, with diverse landscapes, beautiful villages, and lush forests. It is a perfect trek for those looking for an easy and short trek near Kathmandu.
Everest View Trek
Difficulty: Moderate.
Starting Point: Lukla (via a short flight from Kathmandu)
Permit: TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) Card, a Sagarmatha National Park permit, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit
Maximum Altitude: 3,860 meters (Tengboche Monastery)
Duration: 5-6 days
Main Highlights: The famous Tengboche Monastery, views of Mount Everest and neighboring peaks, and Sherpa culture.
Mountain Views: Mount Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, and more.
Best Time: Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May).
The Everest View Trek is designed for travelers with limited time to explore the Everest Base Camp. So, it is basically a shorter version of Everest Base Camp Trek.
This short 5 days trek offers you a remarkable experience with panoramic views of Mount Everest and other Himalayan mountains in the Everest region.
The Everest view trek is not only a pleasing to the eyes experience it also offers you to experience warm Sherpa hospitality, a way of life, and a glimpse of their rich cultural heritage.
Langtang Trek
Difficulty: Moderate.
Starting Point: Syabrubesi
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 3,860 meters (Kyanjin Gompa)
Duration: 7-9 days
Permits: TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System), Langtang National Park Entry Permit
Main Highlights: local cheese factory, Tamang culture, lush forests, the serene Langtang Valley, high mountain landscapes, and old Buddhist monastery
Mountain Views: Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Lantang Ri etc
Best Time: Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May).
Langtang Valley trek is an off-the-beaten-path as to many other well-known treks. This area is still unknown to most trekkers.
It is an extremely beautiful and fascinating destination with stunning mountain vistas and rich native culture. The trek passes through Langtang National Park- a pristine countryside with majestic flora and fauna, yak pastures, and local cheese factories.
Langtang trek is perfect for those who want a peaceful and serene trekking experience.
Khopra Danda trek
Difficulty: Moderate.
Starting Point: Tirkhedhunga, Nayapul (near Pokhara)
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 3,640 meters (Khopra Danda)
Duration: 6-7 days
Permits: TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System) and ACAP permit (Annapurna Conservation Area Project)
Main Highlights: Rhododendron forests, traditional Magar villages, and the remote beauty of Khopra Ridge.
Mountain Views: Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Best Time: Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May).
The Khopra Danda trek is a great alternative to the Ghorepani Poon hill trek but without the crowds. It is a relatively lesser-known trekking route located in the Annapurna Region.
Khopra Danda trek offers breathtaking views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountain ranges, it also takes you through lush forests, picturesque villages, and terraced fields.
Nagarkot Trek
Difficulty: Easy.
Starting Point: Sankhu (near Kathmandu)
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 2,195 meters (Nagarkot)
Duration: 2-3 days
Permits: not required
Main Highlights: Breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, terraced farmlands, and traditional villages.
Mountain Views: Views of the Langtang and Everest ranges on clear days.
Best Time: All year round, with clear skies in autumn and spring.
Nagarkot trek is a popular short trekking route in Nepal.
This trek allows you to experience typical Nepali hospitality while enjoying panoramic sunrise views and several stunning snow-capped mountains, without long and strenuous trek.
Nagarkot has a range of accommodation options ranging from luxurious hotels, to budget guesthouses. The trek to Nagarkot is relatively easy and suitable for trekkers of all levels, including beginners and families. The trails are well-marked, and you won’t face steep ascents or challenging terrain.
Sikles Trek
Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
Starting Point: Pokhara (via a short drive)
Maximum Altitude: Approximately 1,980 meters (Sikles Village)
Duration: 4-5 days
Permits: TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card and an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Main Highlights: Off-the-beaten-path trek, Gurung culture, terraced fields, and pristine forests.
Mountain Views: Annapurna and Lamjung ranges.
Best Time: Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May).
Sikles trek is a less explored and one of the largest Gurung villages in the Annapurna region.
This newly introduced trek has gained popularity recently because of its beautiful landscape, charming village, and stunning view of the Annapurna and Lamjung Himalayan ranges. Sikles trek also provides an opportunity to experience the culture and lifestyle of the local Gurung community.
Compared to more popular treks like the Annapurna Base Camp trek and Everest Base Camp trek, the Sikles trek is relatively peaceful, and less crowded which provides a more tranquil experience.
Nepal offers a variety of short treks that cater to a wide range of preferences. These treks allow you to savor the essence of the Himalayas without committing to an extended trip.
These short treks give you the opportunity to experience the stunning nature, rich culture, and warm Nepali hospitality in a shorter timeframe.