Top 8 Best Short Treks in Nepal

As you know already, Nepal is the country for treks and Himalayan adventures. But to do a full trek in Nepal you’ll need to manage time and budget. Luckily there is a perfect alternative. Short treks in Nepal! Yes, if you would love to go on a trek in the Himalayas, but are blocked due to time or budget. You can join up with High Route Adventure for one of the best short treks in Nepal. These can be shorter versions of a full trek, or a trekking route that takes only a few days to complete. Despite their short duration, these best short treks in Nepal offer equally some of the best views around and an overall Himalayan trekking experience! So which short trek would be the best one for you? Well, High Route Adventure has prepared a shortlist of the best 8 short treks in Nepal, with direct booking links available. Have a look below at the 8 best short treks in Nepal;

Annapurna Region Best Short Trek

Considered to be one of the most beautiful and natural areas of Nepal, the Annapurna region offers some of the best short treks! In this area, the Annapurna Conservation Area, or in short ACA requires only one permit and is easily accessible. Check out High Route Adventure’s best short treks in the Annapurna region of Nepal.

Mardi Himal Trek- 10 Days

The Mardi Himal short trek is one of the most rewarding short treks in the entire Annapurna region of Nepal. Taking place just east of the more famous Annapurna Base Camp trek, the Mardi Himal trek follows a newly opened route over mountain ridges towards the Upper View Point (4,500m/14,764ft). This viewpoint is just 2 hours away from Mardi Himal’s Base Camp and offers incredible views of the Annapurna Himalayas’ southern ridge. As one of the main highlights, the famous and iconic fishtail mountain, Mt Machhapuchhare (6,999m/22,963ft) comes closer with each step during the Mardi Himal trek.

Trek facts:

The highlights of the Mardi Himal trek:

As one of the 8 best short treks in Nepal, the Mardi Himal trek promises some amazing highlights. And this is just 6 days of light trekking! Have a look below why you should do the Mardi Himal short trek with High Route Adventure;

• A newly opened trekking trail within the Annapurna Conservation Are
• Incredible sights of the Annapurna massif including
  • Mt. Hiumchuli 6,441m/21,132ft
  • Mt. Mardi Himal 5,587m/18,330ft
  • Mt. Machhapuchhre 6,999m/22,963ft
• Superb natural trails leading through lush rhododendron, pine, and oak forests
• Traditional villages along the trail
• A unique experience
• Family-friendly and not age-limited
• Pokhara Lakeside City & Kathmandu

The itinerary of the Mardi Himal trek, as per High Route Adventure:

Direct booking link: https://highrouteadventure.com/trip/mardi-himal-trek/

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek- 9 Days

Known as the most popular short trek in the Annapurna region, and as a photographers’ paradise, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek in Nepal is a great choice if you want those incredible views! High Route Adventure has a short itinerary of only 5 days of trekking on an incredible trail. The main highlight of the trek is Poon Hill (3,200m/10,499ft), a viewpoint overlooking the southern Annapurna Range and a part of the Dhaulagiri range. You’ll get to see breathtaking views of both Mt Annapurna I (8,000m/26,247ft), Mt Dhaulagiri the 7th highest mountain in the world (8,167m/26,795ft), Mt. Machhapuchhare (6,999m/22,963ft), and Mt. Hiumchuli (6,441m/21,132ft). If that was not enough, the trek to Poon Hill gives you the chance to hike up to the viewpoint and witness an epic sunrise over the Annapurna Himalayas! Perhaps considered the number 1 best short trek in Nepal, the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek can be done the whole year round but is best done during spring or fall/autumn to get the best experience and views.

Trek facts:

The highlights of the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

As the most popular short trek, the highlights of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek are something to look out for! Despite having only 5 trekking days, the trail to Ghorepani and Poon Hill is just filled with natural beauty and wonder. Here are some of the main highlights and reasons why you should choose the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek with High Route Adventure;

• The most popular short trek in Nepal
• See some of the best parts of the southern Annapurna Conservation Area
• Ideally combinable with other treks
• Amazing views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges
• A breathtaking sunrise view from Poon Hill
• Learn about the Gurung and Magar people
• Visit Ghandruk and the Gurung museum
• Pokhara Lakeside City and Kathmandu
• Perfect for nature photographers
• Family-friendly and not age-limited

The itinerary of the Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, as per High Route Adventure

Direct booking link: https://highrouteadventure.com/trip/ghorepani-poon-hill-trek/

Khopra Ridge Trek- 11 Days

Probably the least known short trek in Nepal, the Khopra Ridge trek takes you up to Khair Lake (4,500m/14,674ft). The trail is considered off the beaten path as it goes through some virgin trails. Special about this short trek are the incredible vantage points, and of course those majestic views of the Himalayas! As the Khopra Ridge short trek runs close to popular trekking routes, it is easily accessible and even combinable with other treks in the Annapurna region. High Route Adventure organizes this special short trek within just 7 days of light trekking. Furthermore, the Khopra Ridge trek overlaps with the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, but in reverse. If you are looking for those special views, are short on time, and don’t want overcrowded trails. Then the Khopra Ridge short trek with High Route Adventure is the best choice for you!

Trek facts

The highlights of the Khopra Ridge Trek

As a less popular trekking trail, the Khopra Ridge short trek does have some amazing highlights to look forward to! Some say the views during the Khopra Ridge trek are even better than that of the more classical Poon Hill trek. Have a look below at our favorite highlights of the Khopra Ridge short trek;

• Kathmandu & Pokhara
• Trek off the beaten path
• Incredible views of Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Nilgiri, and the Annapurna peaks
• Reach Khair Lake at 4,500m/14,674ft
• Witness a breathtaking sunrise from Poon Hill at 3,200m/10,499ft
• Meet the local Gurung and Magar people
• Visit the Gurung Museum in Ghandruk
• Perfect for nature photographers
• Family-friendly and not age-limited
• Can be combined with other treks

The itinerary of the Khopra Ridge short trek, as per High Route Adventure:

Direct booking link: https://highrouteadventure.com/trip/khopra-ridge-trek/

Dhampus to Sarankot Trek- 7 Days

One of the most adventurous short and family-friendly treks in Nepal! The Dhampus to Sarankot short trek promises despite having only 3 days of light trekking an exciting experience. Dubbed as one of the best family one-week holidays in Nepal. High Route Adventure starts the Dhampus Sarankot trek off with a 2-hour rafting experience on one of Nepal’s most famous rivers, the river Trishuli. At your rafting exit, a vehicle is ready to drive you to Pokhara. This lakeside city has a lot of activities, charming lakeside BBQ restaurants, and monuments to enjoy. With a short drive to Phedi, we start the trek to Dhampus and ultimately Saragkot. This amazing hilltop community overlooks Pokhara and its mountain valley. If you want you can get up early and catch a sunrise view from the viewpoint! To head back down to Pokhara you can either trek or opt for paragliding down in style! Do note that paragliding is not included in our package and additional cost is required. But who doesn’t want to soar down like an eagle? And yes, eagles do fly around you while paragliding from Sarankot to Pokhara!

Trek facts

The highlights of the Dhampus to Sarankot short trek:

As one of the best family short treks in Nepal, the Dhampus to Sarankot short trek promises some great highlights! You’ll get to see Kathmandu and Pokhara city, raft on the Trishuli River, and see incredible Himalayan mountains and valley views. And all this in just 7 days! Have a look at the reason why and the main highlights of the Dhampus to Sarankot short trek.

• Kathmandu & Pokhara lakeside city
• Short rafting on the Trishuli River
• Enjoy incredible valley and mountain views
• See a sunrise view from Sarankot’s viewpoint
• (Optional paragliding in Pokhara)
• Family-friendly and no age restrictions
• A very short, easy, but rewarding trek

The itinerary of the Dhampus to Sarankot trek, as per High Route Adventure:

Direct booking link: https://highrouteadventure.com/trip/dhampus-sarangkot-trek/

Everest Region Best Short Trek

Who hasn’t heard of Mt. Everest? Located in Everest locally known as the Khumbu region of Nepal, the highest mountain in the world is surrounded by incredible trekking trails. Naturally, amongst these treks are also shorter treks that still offer excellent views! Here is our list of the Everest region’s best short treks with High Route Adventure.

Everest Short Trek- 8 Days

Ever wanted to see Mt Everest in real life, but can’t as most treks to Mt Everest take up a lot of budget and time? Well, High Route Adventure’s Everest short trek is the solution for you! With our carefully planned itinerary, we’ll guide you through the Everest region and back in just 5 days of trekking. You’ll enter the Sagarmatha National Park and visit iconic Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,287ft). Views of Mt. Amadablam (6,812m/22,349ft), Mt Everest (8,849m/29,032ft), and others can be seen during clear days during the Everest short trek. Furthermore, at the highest point of this short trek, we visit the Tengboche Monastery, one of the main Buddhist pilgrimage sites of the Khumbu region. Explore the Everest region of Nepal with the Everest short trek and experience the Himalayas with High Route Adventure!

Trek facts:

The highlights of the Everest short trek:

As a short version of the Everest Base Camp trek, the Everest short trek has equally half the highlights. But besides a visit to Everest Base Camp, the main highlights stay the same! Have a look below to see the main highlight of the Everest short trek and why

• A scenic 2-way flight to the world’s 38^th highest airport Lukla
• Experience the Everest Himalayas in just 5 days of trekking
• Visit traditional and cultural villages such as Phakding, and Namche Bazaar
• Enjoy some of the best views in a short time
• Meet with local Sherpa’s and visit the Sherpa Museum
• Follow a part of the same trail as Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay
• Family-friendly and no age restrictions

The Itinerary of the Everest short trek, as per High Route Adventure:

Direct booking link: https://highrouteadventure.com/trip/everest-short-trek/

Pikey Peak Trek- 9 Days

The best short trek in the lower Everest region is the Pikey Peak trek! Overlooked due to it being a short trek, the Pikey Peak trek has some of the best views of the Rolwaling and Everest Himalayan ranges! The trail goes uphill through lush forests home to the endangered Red Panda and traverses through Sherpa villages like Phaplu (2,470m/8,104ft) and Junbesi (2,700m/8,858ft). Here you’ll get to see the traditional lifestyles and culture of the Sherpa people, known as masters of the Himalayas! The main target is Pikey Peak (4,065m/13,337ft). An amazing hill, or a rather small peak with incredible views of the surrounding mountains and the lower Khumbu Valley. For the best experience we recommend you to wake up early and catch a sunrise view from on top of Pikey Peak, you won’t regret it! Head out on an adventure, discover a less crowded but rewarding trekking trail, and book today High Route Adventure’s Pikey Peak trek.

Short trek facts:

The highlights of the Pikey Peak trek:

This trek is one of a kind, and one of the 8 best short treks in Nepal offers some special highlights! From an amazing jungle/hill trail to traditional and cultural villages, here are some of the highlights of the Pikey Peak trek, and some reasons why you should choose the Pikey Peak trek for your short trek in Nepal with High Route Adventure;

• An adventurous drive from and to Kathmandu
• Visit traditional Sherpa villages Phaplu and Junbesi
• Enter a jungle trail filled with fauna and flora
• Family-friendly and any age can participate
• Viewpoint from Pikey Peak/sunrise view from Pikey Peak
• Amazing views during the entire trek

The itinerary of the Pikey Peak trek, as per High Route Adventure:

Direct booking link: https://highrouteadventure.com/trip/pikey-peak-trek/

Other Best Short Treks in Nepal

Besides the Annapurna and Everest regions, there are some other best short treks in Nepal that we feel are worth mentioning in this list of the 8 best short treks in Nepal. Both of these are easy to do and offer some rewarding views! Take a closer look at High Route Adventure’s other best short treks in Nepal and what they can offer you.

Chisopani to Nagarkot Short Trek- 5 Days

As the shortest and cheapest trek in this list, the Chisopani to Nagarkot trek does not require any long transportation or any type of permit. Starting from Kathmandu’s Sundarijal the Chisopani to Nagarkot trek begins with a light hike through the farmlands of Kathmandu and into the jungle forests of the Shivapuri National Park. The first overnight point is at the village of Chisopani. The village got its name due to the cold atmosphere that generates a part of the water supply for the Kathmandu valley. Chisopani means literally “cold water”. Continue on the next day we trek upwards to Nagarkot, a hill station with some incredible views of the Manaslu and Langtang Mountain Ranges, and the Ganesh and Jugal Himal! To make your experience worthwhile, you can choose to catch an incredible sunset and sunrise view from Nagarkot’s viewpoint! It doesn’t take long to trek back downwards and visit the Changunarayan Hindu Temple. From here a vehicle drives you back to Kathmandu to conclude the Chisopani to Nagarkot short trek with High Route Adventure.

Trek facts

The highlights of the Chisopani to Nagarkot short trek:

Despite being the shortest trek among these 8 best short treks in Nepal, the Chisopani to Nagarkot trek can be very rewarding! While the highlights of the Chisopani to Nagarkot trek are few they are special and definitely a reason why to do this short trek!

• A trekking experience in Nepal in just 5 days
• Trek through farmlands and jungle trails up and downhill
• Interact with local communities and their unique culture
• Incredible views from Nagarkot
• Sunset/sunrise views of the Manaslu and Langtang Mountain Ranges    
• Very family-friendly and with no age restrictions
• No permits required

The itinerary of the Chisopani to Nagarkot short trek, as per High Route Adventure:

Direct booking link: https://highrouteadventure.com/trip/chisapani-nagarkot-trek/

Langtang Valley Trek- 11 Days

Taking place just next to the Kathmandu Valley and to the Tibetan border is the Langtang Valley short trek. This amazing short trek in Nepal offers some of the most rewarding views and easy-going trekking trails. Perfect for families, groups, or even solo travelers the Langtang Valley short trek takes you through the Langtang Valley up to the Kyanjin Gompa at 3,830m/12,566ft. As a main highlight of the trek a climb up to Tsergo Ri (5,033m/16,513ft) rewards you with panoramic views of two over 7,000m/22,967ft mountains; the Langtang Lirung (7,227m/23,711ft) and the Langtang Ri (7,205m/23,639ft)! Besides the amazing mountain views, the Langtang Valley short trek has also a cultural part. Influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, the entire valley is filled with chortens, stupas, and monasteries. All awaiting your visit! High Route Adventure’s Langtang Valley short trek is specially designed to give the best experience in a short time of trekking.

Short trek facts:

The highlights of the Langtang Valley short trek:

If you are interested in what to expect or why to do the Langtang Valley short trek. We prepared some of the best highlights during the Langtang Valley short trek and things to look out for during the trek;

• Near to Kathmandu
• Incredible views of the Langtang and Dorje Lakpa mountain ranges
• Trek in the Langtang National Park (Nepal’s first Himalayan National Park)
• Visit famous landmarks such as the Kyanjin Gompa and Tsergo Ri
• Family-friendly and no age restrictions
• Can be done the whole year around but is best done during spring/fall (autumn)

The itinerary of the Langtang Valley short trek, as per High Route Adventure:

Direct booking link: https://highrouteadventure.com/trip/langtang-valley-trek/

Conclusion:

Now that you have a better idea of the 8 best short treks in Nepal, you can get ready for the trip of a lifetime with High Route Adventure. Of course, there are many more trekking or short hiking options in Kathmandu. But if you are looking for a short trek, then one of these 8 short treks is your best bet! If you have any more questions or want to book one of our short treks, please make use of our website and direct booking links. The Himalayas are just one step away, choose one of the 8 best short treks and get ready for a real Himalayan experience with High Route Adventure!