Nepal is home to an impressive eight out of the world’s ten tallest mountains, so it’s no surprise that the hiking is legendary. The Himalayas are a rambler’s dream, with thriving forests, glistening glaciers, perilous mountain passes and thrilling panoramas. But trekking in Nepal isn’t for the fainthearted. High altitudes, steep ascents, changeable weather, and tricky terrain are all part of the challenge (and fun). Still, you won’t be going solo, as, since 2023, all hikers must be accompanied by a trekking guide. Head for the Himalayas in spring or autumn to enjoy optimal conditions for teahouse trekking (hiking and staying in lodges along the way). Read on for our guide to some of the best hikes in Nepal…
1. Gokyo Lakes
2. Manaslu Circuit
3. Langtang Valley
4. Mardi Himal
5. Upper Mustang
6. Kanchenjunga Circuit
Gokyo Lakes
Want to experience the best of the world-famous Everest Base Camp trek without the hordes of tourists? May we suggest the Gokyo Lakes trek, an equally spectacular Himalayan hike in Sagarmatha National Park, eastern Nepal. Along the way, traverse pine forests, deep valleys, mountain passes, and the largest glacier in the Himalayas, Ngozumpa, to reach a string of six glacial-fed turquoise lakes. From here, climb to the peak of Gokyo Ri, poking the sky at an altitude of 17,575ft. At the summit, drink in the uninterrupted 360-degree views of enormous Everest and the other gargantuan mountains jostling for supremacy. The Gokyo Lakes trek takes between 14 and 16 days (including acclimatisation time), depending on how much walking you do each day.
Manaslu Circuit
Next up on our roundup of the best hikes in Nepal is the mesmerising Manaslu circuit. This 110-plus-mile trek is a quieter alternative to another of Nepal’s most famous, the Annapurna circuit. Taking around two weeks to complete, it encircles the eight-tallest peak in the world, Manaslu, which stands proud at 26,781ft. You’ll encounter subtropical jungle, steep gorges and suspension bridge crossings in the rice paddy-laced Himalayan foothills, then the scenery becomes more dramatic as you gain elevation. The highest point of the hike is one of the longest mountain passes in the Himalayas, Larkya La. As you ascend to almost 17,000ft, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of majestic mountains, including Annapurna II, Cheo Himal and Himlung Himal.
Image by Amit Machamasi/ZUMA Press Wire
Langtang Valley
Epic scenery isn’t in short supply in Nepal. Nowhere is that more apparent than on the Langtang Valley trek, located in the beautiful Langtang National Park bordering Tibet. This lovely route is a (relatively) short hike, taking seven to eight days, and is conveniently close to the capital, Kathmandu. It’s the ideal option for visitors hoping to tack on a taste of the Himalayas to their Nepal adventure. Follow the trail along the tumbling Langtang Khola River; pass through lush forests and bamboo groves; look for resident flora and fauna, including adorable red pandas and langur monkeys; and enjoy views over alpine pastures populated with yaks. Along the way, you can also meet the indigenous Tamang people in villages such as Kyanjin Gompa, which houses an ancient Buddhist monastery.
Mardi Himal
By Nepalese standards, the next contender in our best hikes in Nepal roundup sits at the ‘easier’ end of the trekking scale. This short four- or five-day hike isn’t without its steep, challenging sections, however. Boasting a diverse terrain of rugged mountain ridges, terraced fields and rhododendron forests, Mardi Himal sits within the biodiverse Annapurna Conservation Area, where musk deer, monkeys and porcupines roam. You’ll also encounter a variety of ethnic communities in the traditional stone-built villages where you’ll rest your head at night. Revel in the sweeping sights of Himalayan giants such as Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre and Hiunchuli as you gradually gain elevation; arriving at Mardi Himal base camp – the highest point of your trek at almost 13,800ft – you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping views of the jagged peak.
Image by Julia Volk/Stocksy
Upper Mustang
If you fancy trekking back in time, the Upper Mustang hike could be for you. Following the ancient salt caravan trail through the foothills, this route traverses the historic Kingdom of Lo, which has only been open to foreign visitors since 1991. In a region home to rich Tibetan Buddhist and Thakali culture, highlights of the moderate 15-day trek include the ancient walled capital city, Lo Manthang, Medieval hermit caves, otherworldly sights of snow-capped Himalayan peaks, and the barren Pa Pass, which is over 13,000ft high. With its location in the rain shadow region of the Himalayas (an area which receives reduced rainfall) it has an arid climate that is accessible year-round. Still, we recommend timing your trek to coincide with the annual Tiji Festival, a vibrant celebration of the region’s distinct cultures in Lo Manthang.
Kanchenjunga Circuit
Keen to get off the beaten track? The Kanchenjunga Circuit is just the ticket. Nestled near the border with India in Nepal’s far east, this challenging trek is almost 137 miles long and takes between 14 and 28 days to complete. Kanchenjunga Circuit is one of the best hikes in Nepal for adventure seekers hoping to discover a wild corner of the country. Encounter scenery replete with thick forests, gushing rivers, thundering waterfalls, alpine meadows, vast glaciers and high-altitude mountain lakes. Upon reaching the base camp of the colossal Kanchenjunga mountain, the third-highest peak in the world, bask among the towering peaks amid the flutter of prayer flags. Enjoy relative quiet in a region that only opened its doors to trekking tourists in 1988.
Written by Hannah Whitehall | Header image by Aryan Dhimal/ZUMA Wire
