8 Must Do Short Treks in Nepal

Nepal, a small yet beautiful nation tucked in the lap of the Himalayas, is a renowned trekking destination for trekkers all over the world. The northern part of the nation is embellished by the presence of the Himalayan Mountain range extending from the easter tip of Taplejung to the western tip of Darchula. On this stretch of the Himalayas, 8 out of 10 highest peaks can be found, which includes Mt. Everest.

The rugged mountainous landscape of the Himalayas brings with it a geographical marvel that can not be observed anywhere in the world. The awe-inspiring nature, distinct and unique ecosystems, and flourishing biodiversity coherently exist with people with fascinating cultures, traditions, and lifestyles in these crevasses and valleys of the Himalayas. These mesmerizing geographical and socio-economic aspects, which have arisen thanks to the Himalayas, of Nepal, make it one of the best if not the best destination to trek.

What are Short Treks in the Himalayas?

Simply put, Short Trek are treks that can be completed within a week. These treks, in most cases, will not observe significant elevation gain (4,500 m and above) in comparison to High Elevation Treks. These treks are concise and often don’t take trekkers deep inside the Himalayas. Even if they are deep inside the Himalayas, the trail will be shorter with road access to the starting points.

The short treks recently have garnered much attention from the trekking community for several reasons. To begin with, short treks are less physically demanding and exert less strain on the body. This means even novice trekkers can do short treks. Additionally, short treks are significantly less expensive than high-elevation long treks as trekkers spend less time on the trail. Finally, and the most important reason is its duration, short treks can be finished in a very short duration. Some of these short treks can be completed over a weekend, without compromising adventure and exploration experience. That means you don’t have to ask your boss for an extended period of leave to embark on these treks.

What are the 8 Must Do Best Short Trek you can do in Nepal?

They are as follow:

1. Mardi Himal Trek
2. Khumai Danda Trek
3. Panch Pokhari Trek
4. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
5. Dhampus Sarangkot Trek
6. Nagarkot Trek
7. Ghalegaun Trek

1. Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is a short off-the-beaten-path trek that has lately been gaining considerable attention. This trek is done in the Annapurna Region, Northwest of Pokhara city. Though short, this trek takes trekkers to the close vicinity of Annapurna Massif, to be more precise, to the base of Mardi Himal. The trek provides magnificent views of mountain peaks like Hiunchuli, Machhapuchhare, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Gangapurna, and many more. This trek is appropriate for novices.

Duration: 4 Days

Outlined Itinerary

1. Day 1: Pokhara to Kande Drive, and hike to Forest Camp
2. Day 2: Forest Camp to High Camp Hike
3. Day 3: High Camp to Mardi Himal View Point/Mardi Himal Base Camp & back to Badal Danda
4. Day 4: Badal Danda to Sidhing

Difficulty: Moderate

Max Elevation: 4300 m/4500 m or 14107 ft/14764 ft

Permits: Foreigners – Annapurna Conservation Area Project Fee ($30) & Trekkers Information Management System Card (Nrs. 1000 or Nrs. 2000), Nepalese – Local Government Tax Fee Rs. 100

2. Khumai Danda Trek

Khumai Danda Trek, also known as Machhapuchhare Model Trek, is a newly opened short trek trail in the Annapurna region. The trek culminates after reaching Khumai Danda situated on the southern hill ridge originating from Machhapuchhare Massif. The trek is fairly easy and novice trekkers can also do this trek; however, determination and perseverance are essential.

Duration: 3 days

Outlined Itinerary

1. Day 1: Pokhara to Hemja Drive & Hike to Hile
2. Day 2: Hile to Khumai Danda Hike
3. Day 3: Hike from Khumai Danda to Korchan Danda and Drive to Pokhara

Difficulty: Easy

Max Elevation: 3245 m or 10646 ft

Permits: Foreigners – Annapurna Conservation Area Project Fee ($30 USD) and TIMS (Rs. 1000/2000), No permits Required for Nepalese

3. Panch Pokhari Trek

Panch Pokhari is a beautiful collection of 5 sacred lakes, situated inside Langtang National Park of Sindhupalchowk district. During Janai Purnima, Hindus and Buddhists make pilgrimage tour to Paanch Pokhari. Adulated for the beauty and adventure that the trek endows, the Panch Pokhari Trek is an indeed perfect short trek is indeed a perfect short trek for anyone who loves to indulge in nature. The trek is fairly easy, yet provides an unforgettable experience.

Duration: 4 days

Outlined Itinerary

1. Day 1: Kathmandu to Chimti Drive then Hike to Deurali
2. Day 2: Deurali to Noshyampati Hike
3. Day 3: Noshyampati – Paanch Pokhari & View Point – Back to Noshyampati
4. Day 4: Noshyampati to Chimti and drive back to Kathmandu.

Difficulty: Easy

Max Elevation: 4300 m or 14107 ft.

Permits: Foreigners – Langtang National Park Entry Fee (USD 30) and TIMS (Rs. 1000/2000), No permits Required for Nepali

4. Pikey Peak Trek

Pikey Peak, based on personal writings, is the favorite sightseeing location of Sir Edmund Hilary, the first person along with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa to successfully carry out the Everest Climbing Expedition. Cherished for the mesmerizing view of awe-inspiring mountain panorama, which includes Kanchenjunga, Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Annapurna, Langtang, Gauri Shanker, Annapurna, and many more, Pikey Peak is situated at Okhaldhunga, the lower elevation parts of Everest Region. Though the standard Pikey Peak Trek itinerary is quite long, trekkers can do Pikey Peak Trek with below-mentioned trek itinerary. Pikey Peak Trek is fairly easy and short with beautiful sightseeing pleasure and unforgettable adventure.

Duration: 4 Days

Outlined Itinerary:

1. Day 1: Kathmandu To Dhap Drive, and Hike to Jhapre
2. Day 2: Jhapre to Pikey Peak Base Camp
3. Day 3: Sunrise at Pikey Peak and back to Jhapre
4. Day 4: Jhapre to Dhap trek and Drive to Kathmandu

Difficulty: Easy

Max Elevation: 4,065 m/ 13,336 ft

Permits: Foreigners – Trekkers Information Management System Card (TIMS) (Rs 1000/2000), No permits for Nepali

5. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, though short is an amalgamation of cultural and sightseeing trek. The trek can be completed in just 4 days. Trekkers will get to Poonhill an ultimate vantage point to observe the majestic beauty of Annapurna Massif and surrounding landscape. The trek will also take trekkers to Ghorepani and Ghandruk village exhibiting its cultural affluence.

Duration: 4 Days

Otulined Itinerary:

1. Day 1: Pokhara to Nayapul Drive, Hike to Ulleri.
2. Day 2: Ulleri to Ghorepani Village.
3. Day 3: Hike to Poonhill for Sunrise and trek to Tadapani.
4. Day 4: Trek to Ghandruk and Drive Back to Pokhara.

Difficulty: Easy

Max Elevation: 3,210 m or 10,531 ft.

Permits: Foreigners – Annapurna Conservation Area Project Fee (USD 30), Poon Hill View Point Entry Fee ($1.15), and TIMS Card (Rs. 1000/2000). No permits are Required for Nepalese.

6. Dhampus Sarangkot Trek

Dhampus Sarangkot Trek takes trekkers to the beautiful villages in the western region of Pokhara; Dhampus and Sarangkot. Dhampus is a pristine Gurung village, visited by thousands of tourists to observe Gurung culture and tradition. Similarly, Sarangkot is yet another tourist hub that bestows travelers breathtaking sightseeing pleasure. This easy village trek can be completed in rather a short duration and is a must-do trek if you are in and around Pokhara.

Duration: 3 Days

Outlined Itinerary:

1. Day 01: Drive to Hyanja from Pokhara (30 min drive) & trek to Dhampus [1,550m/5,085ft] 2-3 hours hike
2. Day 02: Trek Dhampus to Sarangkot [1600m] 4-5 hours hike
3. Day 03: Trek Sarangkot to Pokhara [820 m] 3 hours hike

Difficulty: Easy

Max Elevation: 1600 m/5,249 ft

Permits: TIMS Card (Rs. 1000/2000). No permits are required for Nepalese.

7. Nagarkot Trek

Nagarkot Trek is a short trek done in and around Kathmandu Valley. The trek moves around the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu valley. The regions of Kathmandu’s outskirts are often overlooked and have remained unvisited, but these are some of the most fascinating places where one can experience the confluence of the modern world and rural Nepal. This easy 3-day trek allows trekkers to experience the evolution and adaptation of culture and tradition to modern influence.

Duration: 3 Days

Outlined Itinerary:

1. Day 1: Drive to Sundarijal and Hike to Chisapani
2. Day 2: Chisapani to Nagarkot Hike
3. Day 3: Nagarkot to Changunarayan

Difficulty: Easy

Max Elevation: 2,175m/7,135ft

Permits: Foreigner- TIMS Card (Rs. 1000/2000). No permits are required for Nepali.

8. Ghale Gaun Trek

Ghale Gaun Trek is yet another mesmerizing village trek, done on a hill ridge originating from the eastern part of Annapurna Mountain Range. Ghale Gaun is an unblemished Gurung village which has successfully preserved its beautiful culture and tradition. This short trek allows tourists to lodge and dine on the traditional Gurung Homes and experience the lifestyle of the Gurung community.

Duration: 5 Days

Outlined Itinerary:

1. Day 1: Drive to Khudi
2. Day 2: Khudi to Ghalegaun Hike
3. Day 3: Exploration Day, Ghalegaun-Bhujung-Ghalegaun
4. Ghalegaun to Besisahar Hike
5. Besisahar to Kathmandu Hike

Difficulty: Easy

Max Elevation: 2,100 m/6,890 m

Permits: TIMS Card (Rs. 1000/2000), No permits for Nepali.

Above mentioned treks are must-do treks if you are in Nepal. Different offerings provided by every trek bestow trekkers an enriching trekking experiences in a relatively short period.

However, if you are in no hurry and want to experience the thrill and adventure of High Altitude Long Trek then we have compiled a list of Must Do High Altitude Treks in Nepal.