Nepal presents a diverse variety of trekking opportunities to mountain enthusiasts. Nepal is blessed with diverse flora fauna and varied terrain. Nepal offers several amazing short trekking trails that are fit for every traveler and all seasons. Basically, a minimum of two weeks is recommended to explore the mountains & major Himalayan attractions in Nepal such as Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, and Langtang Gosaikunda Trek. However, if you have a short holiday time and looking for short treks between 3-7 days; we here present the 5 best short treks that can be done within a week in Nepal.
Trek Starts: Nayapul
Trek Ends: Ghandruk
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is considered one of the shortest adventure trekking routes for those who have a short visit to Nepal. You start your trek from Nayapul and end at Ghandruk. The Poohnill (3210m) is the viewpoint from where several mountains such as Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Tukuche, and Nilgiri. Hiunchuli, Dhaulagiri, and glaciers can be seen visibly. You visit the Ghandruk which is considered to be the second-largest village in Nepal. Gurung ethnic people inhabit this area and many of them are British ex-Gurkha soldiers. You will take a Jeep ride from near Ghandruk and drive to Pokhara. This Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk trek can be finished in 4-5 days. However, you will need 2-3 more days to spend in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Trek Starts: Sundarijal
Trek Ends: ChanguNarayan
This is one of the shortest treks near Kathmandu Valley and is fit for all types of trekkers. More importantly, this is the best trek near the Kathmandu Valley for amazing mountain views. You can experience spectacular northern Himalayan views while hiking through alpine forests and oak trees on this 3-Day Kathmandu Sundarijal Nagarkot Trek via Chisapani. On this short trek in Nepal, you start your day hike from the lush landscape of the Shivapuri National Park and trek through the dense forest of rhododendrons, pine, and oak trees. Your first halt will be at Chisapani (2300m/7545ft) after hiking for about 5 hours from Sundarijal. The next day, you will trek for about 4 hours to get to Nagarkot (2100m/6889m). On the third day, you wake up early in the morning to enjoy the breathtaking sunrise view over the majestic Himalayas. Your last day of trekking ends at Changunarayan after about 3-4 hours of walking. Transfer to Kathmandu visit beautiful Bhaktapur Durbar Square; one of the popular things to do in Kathmandu valley.
Trek Starts: Pattale (2840m)
Trek Ends: Phaplu (2470m)
Pikey Trail has become so much popular in recent days in Everest Region. This trail is now easily accessible after the motor road connects to the Solukhumbu region. The Pikey Danda (4065m) is a popular destination to observe the most stunning Himalayas on Earth. The Sunrise and sunset views of the majestic Himalayas including Mount Everest from the Pikey Danda are just amazing!
The trekking trail starts from Salleri via Okhaldhunga (it is about an 8-9 hours drive from Kathmandu via BP Highway) and concludes in Phaplu from where you can take a flight back to Kathmandu. You will trek through amazing Sherpa, Tamang, and Magar communities and also you will have a complete glimpse of the beautiful scenery of the mountains and landscapes. Including the stunning views of the Himalayas, you can also observe centuries-old monasteries, Mani Stones, and Buddhists Stupas. For those who want to explore the region by skipping the renowned trails, we recommend you explore the Pikey Trail in Khumbu Region. This trip can be done within a week and is best for those who have a short time period.
Trek Stars: Syabrubensi
Trek Ends: Syabru/Dhunche
This Langtang Trek can be done in less than a week from Kathmandu. You will drive to Syabrubesi from where the trek initiates. The drive is about 7 hours through the remote hilly countryside. The trek directs you through the beautiful Langtang Khola and several pine forests. Langtang Lirung (7227m) is seen on the way to Kyangin Gompa, in the morning you will hike to Kyangin Ri (4775m) for stunning views of several peaks, icefalls, and Glaciers in the Langtang range. Langtang is the most impacted region from the 2015 earthquake in Nepal; this is why, we would suggest keeping this trip on your bucket list if you have a short holiday time for Nepal. Highly Recommended!
Trek Starts/Ends: Lukla
If your holiday time doesn’t allow trek up to EBC & you don’t want to miss a close view of Mount Everest. Don’t worry, here is the best option, you can feel the taste of Everest and can visibly see Mount Everest and Mount Ama Dablam from the closest. You can enjoy the complete view of Mt. Everest (8848m) from Everest View Hotel; after a couple of hours’ hike from Namche Bazar.
Well, You start your short trip to Everest flying to Lukla (35 minutes) from Kathmandu and trek to Phakding. The next day, you will trek up to Namche bazaar; the busiest Sherpa town in Khumbu Region. Alternatively, you can also do a Chopper Everest day tour from Kathmandu if Lukla weather has less visibility for the planes to land.
All of these above treks are short and easily accessible in Nepal. That is why you don’t need to be well prepared to carry several trekking gear and stuff. Accommodation will be at normal route tea houses and food is locally made. Feel free to contact us for more information or check out our web page to learn more in terms of getting some other itineraries and details.
Happy Trekking in Nepal!
*This blog was originally published on 18 January 2017 and updated on 13 May 2023.
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