Starting Small: The Best Beginner Treks In Nepal

Nepal is the top trekking destination worldwide promising travellers with alluring landscapes and rich cultures. From beginner to professional level, you can find a variety of treks in Nepal. In this blog, we’ll look at the best beginner treks in Nepal. 

So, what makes a trek easy or difficult? It all comes down to factors such as the duration, elevation, terrain, etc. The easy treks are especially suited for beginners having short durations with a lower altitude approach. These beginner treks are suited for first-timers or those with limited time. 

We’ve gathered a list of beginner treks below with each of the treks being unique providing the authentic trekking experience in Nepal. 

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the best beginner trek in Nepal taking you to the highest point of 3,210 meters at Poon Hill. This trek is quite easy with minimal risk of altitude sickness which makes it suitable for all age groups including senior citizens and kids. 

The trek takes place in the Annapurna region taking you through a simple route that is best suited for beginners. Trekking through lush forests of rhododendrons and terraced farmlands with mountain views in the distance is truly amazing. 

During the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, family-owned traditional teahouses are available for the overnight stay. And the best part of the trek is the mesmerizing sunrise view over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from the Poon Hill. 

Annapurna, Annapurna South, Annapurna III, Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, Hinchuli, and other Himalayan giants dominate the sky. The trek to the Poon Hill is the best option to spend your vacation with families. 

Everest Short Trek

Everest Short Trek also commonly known as Everest Panorama Trek is the best option for the short treks in the Everest region (Khumbu region). It is a pleasant experience in a short period of time where you walk through the routes which every mountaineer’s journey to Everest commences. 

The Everest Short Trek begins with a panoramic flight to Lukla Airport. Then the trek proceeds through dense forests, rivers, glaciers, and Himalayan foothills. The trekking route leads you through Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you’ll come across various wild animals and plants. 

The main highlights of the trek are visiting the Namche Bazaar and Tengboche Monastery. Namche Bazaar is inhabited mostly by Sherpa communites which is common as a doorway to Mount Everest. While Tengboche Monastery is the largest monastery in the Everest region. 

Besides, the hike to Everest View Hotel on this trek is the best way to enjoy your breakfast while taking in the panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Nuptse, and more. 

So, if you’re looking for a beginner trek, the Everest Short Trek is the best choice and a great introduction to the Everest region. 

Langtang Valley Trek

When talking about short treks that are suitable for beginner trekkers, Langtang Valley Trek is definitely the go-to trek in Nepal. With an easy to moderate level of difficulty, one can enjoy the sensational landscape and genuine culture along this trek. 

Langtang Valley Trek initiates from the small settlement of Syabru Besi which is an easy reach from Kathmandu. Here onwards, the journey follows through dense forests, yak pasture lands, and even high alpine meadows. 

Kyangjin Gompa is the highest point on this trek at an elevation of 3,860 meters. On this trek, you can even hike to the summit of Kyangin Ri and enjoy the sweeping vistas of Himalayan giants.

Visitors to Langtang Valley have gradually increased after the devastating earthquake in 2015. Because of the earthquake, people in the region had to migrate but they have settled back in completing the reconstruction and re-establishment. 

Therefore, when you’re trekking to Langtang Valley you’re not only enjoying yourself but also enhancing the development of the Langtang region economically. 

Pikey Peak Trek

Pikey Peak Trek is another best trek for beginners in the Everest Region. This trek is recently introduced allowing you to visit the lower Khumbu region. What makes this trek so great is that you get to enjoy the close-up view of Mount Everest. 

Since the trek is newly introduced, the trekking trails are serene with fewer crowds enabling you to enjoy nature at its best. 

As you advance along the trails, you’ll come across charming villages surrounded by terraced farmlands while passing through the dense forests of rhododendron, pine, and oak. In terms of culture, you’ll be amazed by the unique Sherpa culture and their warm hospitality. 

The major attraction of this trek is witnessing both the sunrise and sunset views over the majestic mountains. As you get to the top of the Pikey Peak, the panoramic views of Everest, Makalu, Dhaulagiri, and Kanchenjunga can be seen. 

Panchase Trek

One of the shorter treks surrounding Pokhara is the Panchase Trek. This trek is actually away from the trail to the Annapurna however you can still take in the exceptional beauty of the Annapurna Himalayan Range. 

Panchase Trek takes you to Panchase Hill which is the meeting point of five hills. It is the intersection between the Kaski, Parbat, and Syangja districts. 

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On this hill, you can find Mahadev temple, Pancsila Lake, Sidda Baba temple, a view tower, and statues of Buddha. The panoramic vistas of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, Dhaulagiri, Lamjung Himal, and Manaslu from the hill are truly captivating. 

The trek begins near Pokhara with a short climb. As the trek advances, the backdrop of Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu paints the sky. Moreover, you’ll pass through charming villages such as Bumdi, Panchase Bhanjyang, and Bhadaure. 

So, if you’re limited by time then the Panchase Trek is the ideal choice for anybody seeking a short trek. 

Tamang Heritage Trail

Like the Langtang Valley Trek, the Tamang Heritage Trail is another trek to the Langtang region best suited for beginners. To best describe it, this trek is the fusion of cultural discovery and the scenic beauty of the Himalayas. 

Trekkers will get a closer look at the customs and culture of Tamang communities in the Langtang region existing in pure harmony. Meanwhile, the trek follows the route through lush rhododendron forests, alpine vistas, and open meadows on the other hand. 

Additionally, you can relax your muscles in a natural hot spring at Tatopani during the trek. When you get to the vantage points like Nagthali, the stunning views of Langtang Lirung, Langtang Ri, Ganesh Himal, and other peaks truly blow your mind with its outstanding beauty. 

Tamang Heritage Trail is less popular as compared to treks like Everest Base Camp Trek, so it’s your time to explore this off-the-beaten trail.

Ghandruk Trek

Ghandruk Trek is among the best beginner treks in Nepal that only takes about 3 to 4 days. It is the ideal choice for those who are bound by time and age of all groups can undertake the trek. 

The trek begins from Phedi which is 1 hour drive away from Pokhara. As the walk advances, the route leads you through lush forests of rhododendrons, charming villages, paddy fields, and steep stone steps. 

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As you reach Ghandruk, the warm hospitality of the Gurung people is sure to melt your heart. The memory you get from the smiley faces preserving their Gurung culture and tradition will last forever. In addition, you’ll be enchanted by the incredible views of Annapurna, Hiunchuli,  and Machapuchare.  

Balthali Village Trek

Balthali Village Trek is a short and easy trek introducing you to traditional Nepalese villages near Kathmandu. 

The trailhead of this trek is Dhulikhel which follows the route to Namo Buddha. Namo Buddha is a sacred place for Buddhists. It is believed that Lord Buddha saved a hungry tigress and her cubs in this place by offering himself. 

Moving further, you’ll come across Balthali village followed by different villages inhabited by Newar, Tamang, and other ethnic groups. While on the route, the lush forests of rhododendrons, sal, and magnolia along with terraced fields make the walk more enjoyable. 

Final Say

As mentioned above, trekking in Nepal is a discovery that lets you experience the beauty of the Himalayas, the importance of culture, and whatnot. Especially these beginner treks allow first-trekkers to enjoy the essence of trekking in Nepal. 

So, what are you waiting for? Plan your first trek and explore the enriching adventure through the stunning landscapes of Nepal. Either glimpse into the iconic beauty of Annapurna ranges or immerse yourself in the culture of Langtang Valley, and just get started. 

You can contact us at High Route Adventure for a hassle-free trekking journey. We manage all the things required for the trek and aim to provide the best trekking experience.