Travellers and mountain lovers must be craving to fly to the Himalayan country of Nepal and experience its majestic mountain peaks. In this blog, we'll explore some of the best short trekking routes in Nepal. You might have seen friends post about trekking to Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit, or other iconic locations on social media. Perhaps their posts have inspired you to explore this beautiful land. Many people worry they don't have enough time to see Everest, Annapurna, or Fishtail Mountain, but fear not! The treks we'll suggest below will give you a glimpse of these iconic peaks without requiring weeks of hiking or reaching base camps.
Short Trekking In Nepal 2024
Table of Contents
Duration:2 Days 2 Days Trekking In Pokhara Dhampus
Starting fromUS$165Pokhara AnnapurnaUS$225Duration:7 Days Everest View Trekking
Starting fromUS$1285NepalDuration:2 Days Poon Hill on Wheels
Starting fromUS$238Pokhara Ghorepani
We understand your time constraints. Therefore, the treks listed below can be customized to fit your timeframe, ranging from 2 days to 1 week in Nepal, departing from either Kathmandu or Pokhara. Most popular trekking routes offer alternative itineraries for shorter or longer durations, depending on your travel plans. So, it's important to decide where you want to trek and for how long.
How short are short treks in Nepal?
Well, treks lasting up to 7 days are considered short in Nepal. This means they can range from 2 to 7 days. Some of these treks are ideal for families and well-suited for beginners. However, keep in mind that while there won't be completely flat trails, the ascents and descents will be manageable and relatively short.
5 Best Short Trekking in Nepal From Kathmandu
Since you'll be flying into Kathmandu, your journey will likely begin there. Here are some popular short treks departing from Kathmandu: these options are generally around the Kathmandu Valley, Langtang, Pikey Peak, or Mount Everest View Trek. You will find the best short trekking destination in Nepal for 2024 and 2025 in this blog post.
"For treks in the popular Annapurna region, which typically depart from Pokhara, we've provided a separate list below."
Kathmandu Valley Trek
The Kathmandu Valley Trek is one of the most popular short treks in Nepal, lasting for 3 days and starting and ending in Kathmandu. This itinerary is perfect for those seeking a short and sweet Himalayan experience, making it ideal for beginners. The trek covers Chisapani, Nagarkot, and possibly Bhaktapur or Dhulikhel.
The panoramic mountain views, especially from Chisapani and Nagarkot, are the trek's highlights. With an average daily hike of 5 to 6 hours, it's a manageable option. On a clear day, with a good zoom lens or binoculars, you might even capture a glimpse of Mt. Everest from Nagarkot.
If you're in Kathmandu with limited time but still want to experience the beauty of the Nepal Himalayas, this trek is the perfect choice. Accommodation options range from standard hotels to luxury resorts, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences. Note: If you want to extend this trek for 1 week, then let us know; the itinerary can be extended. Nagarkot is also a popular day hiking destination from Kathmandu, so Nagarkot is for everyone.
- Trekking Days: Minimum 2 To 5 Days
- Maximum Height: 2375m
- Kathmandu Valley Trek Price: From USD 195
- Difficulty: Easy—beginners welcome.
Namobuddha Balthali Village
Another popular short trek around the Kathmandu Valley is the Namobuddha Balthali village trek. Spending a night with the monks at the monastery is a unique highlight of this 3-day adventure.
The NamoBuddha Balthali village trek offers stunning panoramic mountain views, while the time spent within the monastery provides an opportunity to find inner peace. This cultural trek is highly recommended for families and those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Accommodation options range from simple lodges and homestays to comfortable resorts, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences.
- Trekking Days: Minimum 2 To 5 Days
- Maximum Height: 1940m
- Balthali village Trek Price: From USD 185
- Difficulty: Easy—beginners welcome.
Mount Everest View Trekking
If you are looking for a week-long holiday in Nepal with a short trekking experience, then this short Everest View Trek is the best choice for you. Explore the majestic Everest on a short trek! The Everest View Trek is perfect for beginners who dream of seeing Everest and Sherpa culture but don't want a long hike. See Everest up close, explore Namche Bazaar, and experience the beauty of the Himalayas. This trek is achievable for most people with a moderate fitness level. This trek can be budget-friendly as well as a luxury trek.
- Trekking Days: Minimum 5 To 7 Days
- Maximum Height: 3880m
- Everest View Trek Price: From USD 999
- Difficulty: Moderate—beginners welcome.
Pikey Peak Trekking
Explore the beauty of the Himalayas on a short trek! The Pikey Peak Trek is a perfect week-long trek in Nepal for everyone. This easy trek offers stunning views of Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and other Himalayan peaks. Walk through villages, experience Sherpa culture, and enjoy the colourful rhododendron flowers in spring or wildflowers during monsoon season. On this Pikey Peak trek, we don't need to take any domestic flights, so you don't need to worry about flight delays or cancellations. You will be trekking just below the Khumbu region and still be able to see the world's tallest mountain peaks clearly.
- Trekking Days: Minimum 5 To 7 Days
- Maximum Height: 4,065m
- Pikey Peak Trek Price: From USD 675
- Difficulty: Easy—beginners welcome.
Helambu Trekking: Below Lantang
Explore the beauty of Nepal on a short trek! The Helambu Trek is a hidden gem, perfect for those seeking a peaceful adventure near Kathmandu (5-7 days). Trek through stunning valleys, discover traditional Tamang and Sherpa villages, and witness breathtaking views of the Himalayas - all below Langtang National Park. This moderate trek is ideal for most fitness levels and offers a taste of Nepal's rich culture and nature.
- Trekking Days: Minimum 5 Days
- Maximum Height: 3,690 M
- Helambu Valley Trek Price: From USD 475
- Difficulty: Easy—beginners welcome.
5 Best Short Treks in Nepal From Pokhara
We've updated our list of the most popular short trekking routes from Pokhara for 2024 and 2025. Pokhara is a beautiful town that many travelers visit, even after exploring Everest or Langtang. Nearly all Nepal tour packages lasting 4 days to a week or longer include Pokhara in their itinerary. Here, we'll list the most scenic and rewarding short day hikes and treks with viewpoints that depart from Pokhara. The Annapurna region's treks either begin or end in Pokhara, so we've compiled the best short routes ideal for beginners, families, solo travellers, groups, and students.
Getting to Pokhara from Kathmandu is easy. You can take a 25-minute flight or a scenic 5-6 hour road trip (210 km).
Ghorepani Poon Hill Ghandruk Trek.
Looking for a taste of the majestic Annapurna region without a long commitment? Look no further than the popular short treks departing from Pokhara.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (2-4 days): This is the quintessential short Annapurna trek, perfect for beginners. While the shortest option reaches Ghorepani in 2 days, the 3-4 day Ghorepani Poon Hill trek with Ghandruk is the most popular choice. Witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets from Poon Hill (3210 m), with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Spot iconic peaks like Manaslu (8163 m), Annapurna I (8091 m), and Machhapuchhre (6993 m), along with numerous other Himalayan giants.
Unwind in the charming mountain village of Ghandruk, a must-visit on international travel lists. This trek offers a perfect balance of stunning mountain vistas, cultural immersion, and manageable difficulty – ideal for families, solo travellers, and groups alike.
- Trekking Days: Minimum 2 Days
- Maximum Height: 3210 m
- Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek Price: From USD 225
- Difficulty: Easy—beginners welcome.
Australian Camp Dhampus Sarangkot Trek.
Craving a taste of the Annapurna magic but short on time? Look no further than theDhampus Sarangkot Trek – a delightful 2-day adventure from Pokhara, perfect for beginners and families. Immerse yourself in breathtaking Himalayan panoramas featuring the mighty Annapurna range, including the iconic Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) and Dhaulagiri peaks. This short 2 days or extended 3 days trek is perfect in all seasons from Pokhara.
- Trekking Days: Minimum 2 Days
- Maximum Height: 1890 m
- Australian Camp Dhampus Trek Price: From USD 185
- Difficulty: Easy—beginners welcome.
Muldai Khopra Danda Ghorepani Trek
Calling all adventure seekers! The Mulde Khopra Ghorepani Trek is a fantastic week-long journey through the foothills of the Annapurna region. This trek is ideal for those who want to venture beyond the usual short routes and be rewarded with stunning mountain views every single day.
Combining the Best Viewpoints: This trek combines three popular viewpoints: Mulde, a renowned viewpoint offering breathtaking panoramas; Khopra Danda, another vantage point with incredible sights; and finally, the ever-popular Ghorepani Poon Hill. Moderate Challenge, Big Rewards: While not considered an easy trek, the Mulde Khopra Ghorepani Trek falls more into the moderate category. It's a perfect choice for those who love hiking and challenging themselves with beautiful scenery as their constant companion. If you just want to cover Muldai viewpoint and Ghorepani Poon Hill, then we have set an itinerary for the Muldai Ghorepani Trek.
- Trekking Days: Minimum 5 Days
- Maximum Height: 3660 m
- Muldai Khopra Trek Price: From USD 625
- Difficulty: Moderate—beginners welcome.
Mardi Himal Trekking
Calling all adventure seekers looking to get closer to the Himalayas! The Mardi Himal Trek, a moderately easy 3-day trek with optional extensions for beginners (4-5 days), offers a glimpse into the lesser-known eastern Annapurna region. This short and sweet loop trail boasts breathtaking mountain vistas, charming villages, and diverse landscapes teeming with rhododendron forests. Hike through serene landscapes, encounter welcoming locals, and witness dramatic changes in scenery – from dense sub-tropical jungles to open meadows with panoramic Himalayan views.
- Trekking Days: Minimum 3 Days
- Maximum Height: 4200 m
- Mardi Himal Trek Price: From USD 395
- Difficulty: Moderate—beginners welcome.
Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Craving the majestic Annapurna Base Camp experience but short on time? This 5-day trek offers a thrilling alternative, focusing on reaching the base camp in the shortest possible way. Embrace the breathtaking mountain vistas of Machapuchhre, Annapurna I, and Hiunchuli without sacrificing the iconic sights.
While this trek skips Ghorepani and Poon Hill to save time, it delivers an unforgettable journey through diverse landscapes. Trek through charming villages, lush rice terraces, and deep forests before reaching the sacred Annapurna Sanctuary. Immerse yourself in the local culture of the Gurung and Magar communities along the way.
Experience the serenity of the Annapurna Sanctuary and capture panoramic views during sunrise and sunset. Relax in the natural hot springs of Jhinu Danda and enjoy the comfort of teahouse accommodations. This challenging yet rewarding adventure is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking a swift Annapurna Base Camp conquest.
- Trekking Days: Minimum 5 Days
- Maximum Height: 4130 m
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek Price: From USD 625
- Difficulty: Moderate—beginners welcome.
Ready to craft your perfect Himalayan escape?
Day Tours Nepal specializes in crafting personalized trekking experiences in Nepal. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a curious first-timer, we'll guide you to the ideal short trek that matches your fitness level, interests, and timeframe.
Here's a glimpse of what awaits:
- Treks from Kathmandu: Explore the stunning Kathmandu Valley on the classic Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, or delve deeper into Sherpa culture with the Everest View Trek.
- Treks from Pokhara: Witness the Annapurna sunrise from Poon Hill, discover hidden villages on the Dhampus Sarangkot Trek, or embark on a challenging yet rewarding journey to Mardi Himal.
Short Treks: Big Rewards
These treks offer a taste of Nepal's magic without requiring weeks of commitment. Imagine waking up to snow-capped peaks, trekking through vibrant rhododendron forests, and immersing yourself in the warmth of local hospitality.
Contact Day Tours Nepal Today! +977-9813952417 (Call - WhatsApp)
Let's turn your dream into reality! Contact Day Tours Nepal today and speak to our trekking specialists. We'll help you choose the perfect short trek and craft a personalized itinerary that ensures an unforgettable Himalayan experience.