Even though it is a small landlocked country, Nepal is known in the whole world as the country of Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world. Many people visit Nepal every year, especially in summer, with the exclusive goal of succeeding in the Himalayas. This astonishing mountain range attracts adventurers like a magnet, and is frequently mentioned among the most popular tourist destinations, such as the Kerid crater lake in Iceland or the Grand Canyon in the USA.
However, the Himalayas are not just Mount Everest, as it also features plenty of other spectacular trekking routes. The Nepalese government takes significant measures to shelter its highest peaks, but there’s still a lot to choose from with the proper research and preparation. Continue reading to find out more information about Nepal’s best treks that will help you decide which one is best for you.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is another route that is not as technically challenging as other routes in the Nepalese Himalayas. It is also one of the most popular treks in Nepal due to its breathtaking beauty and low technicality.
The trail is not too demanding, but if you are up for an adventure, it will be an excellent experience for you. There are different views of the Annapurna Mountains along the trail, and if you are lucky, you might even see endangered species like snow leopards here.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek trail passes through villages that are typically located in the Himalayas, and it is not crowded at all. You can breathe clean air, listen to birds singing, and relax in the cool shade of trees along the trail.
Some Annapurna Base Camp Treks also offer the opportunity to visit the famous Annapurna Sanctuary. If you would love to see the Sanctuary up close, you can also opt for another type of trek specifically created to pass through this magical place. With a little bit of research, you should find best Annapurna Sanctuary trek for you without any problem.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is probably the most popular trekking route in the world. Among several routes to get to Everest Base Camp, this trek is the most scenic one. Additionally, it is the easiest of them all and less crowded than other routes.
Everest Base Camp Trek trail is tranquil, as you pass through small villages with simple houses. You can meet locals that are very friendly and open to foreigners. Moreover, there’s no shortage of viewpoints offering breathtaking views on the way. Everest Base Camp Trek is perfect for those who want to explore the Everest region while avoiding more difficult and risky parts of the Himalayas.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Manaslu Circuit Trek is another stunning trek in Nepal that offers you a fantastic opportunity to admire nature at its best. It crosses through Manaslu Conservation Area and can take you through beautiful birch forests and high alpine ridges with spectacular views of the Manaslu Mountain.
If you are interested in ethnology, this trial will surely be a great experience for you. The journey takes you through villages where local people are of Nepalese and Tibetan origins. Hence, their culture is quite different from Nepal’s major ethnic communities. On the other hand, if you are interested in photography, this trail will also be an excellent option for you, as there are plenty of viewpoints along the way where you can capture superb pictures.
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Annapurna Circuit Trek is one of the most famous treks in Nepal, and this trail takes you along the Annapurna Mountain Range. The trail is not technically demanding; however, it is quite long.
To complete Annapurna Circuit Trek, you need at least three weeks and maybe even more time, depending on your physical condition and trekking demands. Annapurna Circuit Trek passes through many villages and towns, and if you feel like visiting some places en route, it will be easily possible.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
Gokyo Lakes Trek is another popular hiking route. It offers terrific views over Cho Oyu and Everest Mountains and their surrounding peaks and valleys. It crosses through Gokyo Valley and Khumbu Valley along the way. The trail takes you through beautiful forests and high alpine meadows with panoramic views of snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and lakes. It’s a challenging trek that takes around fifteen days to complete, but it’s definitely worth the time and effort.
Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley Trek doesn’t take long to complete from end to end. As such, it can be an unforgettable experience for those who want to enjoy every moment of the trip at a slower pace after escaping a fast-paced life in big cities.
Langtang Valley Trek offers a lovely opportunity to admire Langtang Ri, Langtang Himal, and Ganjala Peak along the way. This route passes through beautiful rice terraces and lush green forests. If you decide to complete this trek from Syabru Besi to Gosaikunda Lake, you will have a pleasant journey.
If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, you might be interested in joining wildlife tracking programs that take place from May to mid-June every year to track red pandas in Langtang National Park. Trained volunteers are always welcome to join.
Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang Trek is another popular trekking route in Nepal that offers you a unique opportunity to admire Tibetan culture and architecture at its best in the Upper Mustang region in Nepal. This trek passes through several different villages with Buddhist monasteries where monks teach young boys the Sanskrit language and Tibetan children learn how to read and write their language.
Conclusion
Nepal is the land of endless opportunities and tourist destinations. However, you must do proper research before deciding which trek is best for you. When trekking in Nepal, you should prepare yourself to be flexible, as it’s not all about the highest mountain peaks, but also the wonderful experiences you will gather.
For most trekkers, climbing up the mountains is about enjoying the beauty of nature and getting to know more about the culture and traditions of people living in the Himalayan region. If you are one of them, we hope this article on the best treks in Nepal will help you decide which trekking route is best for you.
