Trekking in Nepal:Mountain Expedition, Climbing and Hiking

Here are short routes, Long routes and challenging routes, bus routes, and remote routes. There are routes for young trekkers and families, as well as routes for veteran trekkers and adventure-seekers.

Nowadays, there are even routes that offer healthy living experiences that encompass meditation, yoga, and cultural tours to traditional Nepalese villages.

Below is an overview of Nepal trekking routes by region.

Nepal Trekking Routes By Region

1.Far West Region

The Far West Region of Nepal is often overlooked due to its rather remote geographic location and poor infrastructure. However, this is fast changing due to a large investment and promotion effort that began in 2008.

The region offers an authentic trekking experience that is hard to match in any of the other regions. Covering just over 25% of the (if you include Rara National Park), the region is the largest in Nepal.

The region is home to the second-largest district in Nepal, Humla, in the North and Darchula, Bajura, and Bajhang in the South.

Trekking routes are still undeveloped and rustic in the region, with little in the way of established accommodation and availability of foodstuffs. However, these characteristics give the region a charm and wonder reminiscent of what early 1950s explorers must have experienced when Nepal first opened up to foreigners.

If you are looking to escape the crowds and experience an untouched environment, then the Far West region is for you. The Limi Valley Trek is the most popular in the region.

2.Rara National Park

Established in 1976, Rara National Park is an area of incredible natural beauty. It lies in the North-west of the country in a remote area called Karnali and houses Rara Lake – Nepal’s largest lake.

Like treks in the Far Western Region, there are several trek variations, but the most popular is the Rara Lake Trek; a 10-14 day hike that provides an ‘off-the-beaten-track experience characterized by pristine natural beauty, snow-capped Himalaya peaks that reflect off the glassy Rara Lake and the best opportunity to view wildlife like musk deer, tahr, Himalayan black bear, leopards, ghoral and, if you are lucky, the red panda.

3.Dolpo Region

The Dolpo region is another remote and incredibly beautiful part of Nepal. It runs from the border of the Tibetan Plateau in the North, often referred to as the Upper Dolpo, to the large east-west valley system that sits in the South, or Lower Dolpo.

To the east are the Khyaklum and Dhaulagiri Himal which create a border with the Mustang and Annapurna region respectively, and give Dolpo a sense of isolation from the rest of Nepal

Most trekkers enter the Dolpo via Juphal and then follow various routes either in the Lower Dolpo region or further North and West in the Upper Dolpo or Mustang.

4.Dhaulagiri Region

The Dhaulagiri Region houses the seventh highest mountain in the world, Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,137 meters), and is one of the more remote areas of Nepal.

The region is ideal for experienced high-altitude trekkers who are looking to avoid the crowds that are common in the Annapurna, Langtang, and Khumba regions. Treks in the region are only available in the Autumn months (October through December) as heavy snow and ice conditions in the winter and spring make the region inhospitable.

The most popular hike in the region is the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek (15-18 days). The trek is not for the faint-hearted. It includes strenuous hiking at high altitudes and the potential use of ropes on the moraines near Dhaulagiri Base Camp. Traversing the awe-inspiring French and Dhampus passes, the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is, in our opinion, one of the finest in Nepal!

5.Annapurna Region

The Annapurna region is one of the most popular trekking areas in Nepal. It is situated just north of the trekking city of Pokhara and encompasses Annapurna I, the 10th highest mountain in the world at 8,091 meters, as well as 13 mountain peaks over 7,000 meters and 16 more peaks over 6,000 meters.

The area is characterised by alpine meadows, glaciers and moraines.

The main trekking routes in the Annapurna region can be seen below – use the links to find detailed route information and itineraries.

Annapurna Circuit
(up to three weeks)

One of the most iconic treks in the world, although road development in recent years has led to lots of negative publicity. The trek follows a counter-clockwise route, passing through the Lamjung, Manang, Mustang, and Myagdi regions. Perfect for trekkers with lots of spare time on their hands.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek (7-14 days)

A popular trek as it can be reached via various routes including the sanctuary trek above.

short-treks-in-nepal-view-from-poon-hill

Annapurna Sanctuary Trek (~14 days)

A classic trek that starts either at Phedi or Nayapul, north of Pokhara, and traverses the Annapurna Sanctuary via Chomrong to Annapurna Base Camp.

Jomsom Muktinath Trek
(5-13 days)

A moderate to easy trek in the Mustang region, north of the Annapurna Range. The trek includes awe-inspiring views of Annapurna I and traverses the Kali Gandaki River – the world’s deepest gorge.

The Royal Trek
(3-4 days)

One of the shortest and easiest treks in Nepal, the Royal trek follows the same path taken by Prince Charles in the 1980s and takes its name from this excursion. Great for trekkers who have limited time and are looking for a light and easy trekking experience.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
(3-5 days)

A short, but beautiful trek that typically starts at Nayapul which is one hours drive from Pokhara. A relatively easy trek, with a maximum elevation of 3,200 meters.

6.Mustang Region

Mustang lies North-west of Annapurna and extends north onto the Tibetan Plateau. The Upper Mustang region is still home to ancient Mustang-Tibetan communities that sit in stark contrast to the advancing modernization of Nepal.

The main trail in Mustang runs North-South from Lo Monthang to Jomsom, and all treks require restricted access permits.

Below are the two most popular trekking routes:

Mustang Circuit
(12-14 days)

Begins in Jomsom and can be combined with various trails to Naar, Damodar Kund, Saribung, and Muktinath. The highest point is Mui La at 4,170 meters and the difficulty is easy to moderate.

Upper Mustang Trek
(18-20 days)

Typically the Upper Mustang Trek is a continuation of the Mustang Circuit to the Northern communities of the Upper Mustang region. Ideal for those looking to experience the fascinating lives of ancient Mustang communities.

7.Manaslu Region

Situated in the center of Nepal, the Manaslu Region encompasses both the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal. The latter consists of seven major peaks which form a natural border with Tibet in the North. Further south-west is the massive summit of Manaslu (8,163 meters), the eighth highest mountain in the world.

Apart from the striking natural beauty of the region, the area is also culturally diverse offering trekkers rich insight into the various groups of Nepalese people that inhabit the regions hills and valleys.

A number of trek variations and trails are available, but the most popular is the Manaslu Circuit Trek, a 12-14 day hike that provides an unbeatable mix of incredible scenery and cultural diversity. Some consider the Manaslu Circuit the finest trek in Nepal. Ideal for the intermediate trekker or anyone with a good degree of fitness.