Top 7 Easy and Beginner Friendly Treks in Nepal
Nepal is the land of towering peaks and breathtaking landscapes, offers several trekking opportunities suitable for both newbies as well as experienced trekkers. That being said, with its diverse terrain, rich cultural heritage, and awe-inspiring natural beauty, for anyone looking to step into the world of trekking, Nepal is the perfect place to start. Beginners looking to explore the stunning mountains of Nepal, without the intense challenge of walking strenuous routes, you will find a plethora of accessible trails with spectacular views. So, to kick-start your Himalayan odyssey, here are seven easy and beginner-friendly treks in Nepal, meticulously curated for those new to trekking yet eager to experience the country’s natural splendor.
Here are the best short treks for beginners in Nepal.
Table of Contents
- Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
- Khopra Ridge Trek
- Pikey Peak Trek
- Langtang Valley Trek
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Mardi Himal Trek
- Everest View Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
The Annapurna region offers a wide array of treks, many of which provide breathtaking mountain views. However, not all trails are suitable for beginners or easy to navigate. For those new to trekking and eager to explore the captivating trails of the Annapurna region, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is an excellent starting point.
The highest elevation on this trek is 3210 meters at the Poon Hill Viewpoint, an achievable height by Nepal’s trekking standards. The trek involves about 4-5 hours of hiking each day and can be completed in 3-4 days. There’s minimal risk of altitude sickness since the destination is not excessively high. While some sections of the trail feature steep ascents and descents, which can be challenging for beginners, the trek remains accessible even to those with no prior trekking or hiking experience.
In addition to being beginner-friendly, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is also famous for its stunning scenery and cultural experiences. Ghorepani being the iconic village of Nepal, travelers can experience the authentic Gurung culture and their rich heritage. Similarly, the majestic sunrise from Poon Hill is just a fantastic feature of the trip as you are granted a 360-degree view of the giant Annapurna range along with Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre. All in all, it is a perfect introductory trek if you want a quick trip that offers the cultural and natural essence of trekking in Nepal.
Khopra Ridge Trek
Another outstanding choice for an easy and beginner-friendly trekking trail is Khopra Ridge Trek. Also in the Annapurna region, but lesser known, it is a crowd-free trail, perfect for those who prefer little tourists. On this trail, trekkers can enjoy the tranquility of the Himalayas while enjoying the panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Also, the path leads through lush rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and traditional villages providing a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural immersion.
Khopra Ridge Trek is completed in about 9 days and covers about 70 kilometers. With an average daily distance of around 8 kilometers, the trek offers a comfortable pace, allowing trekkers to savor the journey without feeling overwhelmed. The well-defined paths and moderate pace ensure that even novice trekkers can comfortably cover the stunning height of 3660 meters and fully appreciate the spectacular landscape.
The Khopra Ridge Trek goes beyond scenic beauty as it offers a chance to have a glimpse into Nepalese culture and traditions as you navigate the quaint parishes. Similarly, the serene trail, coupled with the breathtaking sights of the Himalayas, creates a perfect setting for relaxation and reflection. Henceforth, it is not just a trekking adventure but also a cultural journey, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a well-rounded trekking experience in the heart of the Himalayas.
Pikey Peak Trek
A hidden trek in the Everest Region, Pikey Peak Trek is an off-the-beaten path for trekkers who wants to start their trekking journey with a non-commercial trail. It is a rewarding trail offering majestic panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam along with other giants. Moreover, this lesser-known path takes you to the heart of the Khumbu region, where you can have genuine interactions with the people living under the shadows of the world’s tallest mountain. Everest.
This trek typically spans 6-7 days or longer and ascends a glorious height of 4.65 meters that rewards jaw-dropping views of Everest massif. With daily hikes ranging from 4-6 hrs, trekkers despite having no previous trekking experience can smoothly scale the journey. The trekking path indeed is a rugged yet mesmerizing mountain and enchanting interactions with the locals will make all the challenges worthwhile.
Similarly, it is an ideal introduction to trekking in the Everest region for novice trekking as there is no risk of altitude sickness. Hence with this trek, trekkers can familiarize themselves to the high-altitude trekking regions of Nepal. All in all, it is a beautiful journey to kickstart trekking in one of the most trekked regions in the world.
Langtang Valley Trek
The Langtang Valley Trek is a true gem in the Himalayan trekking realm, offering a beginner-friendly adventure that promises unforgettable experiences. Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, the journey winds through lush rhododendron forests, past ancient monasteries, and alongside glaciers, providing ample opportunities to immerse oneself in the region’s diverse landscapes. Additionally, the trek offers a chance to spot rare wildlife, including the elusive red panda, further enhancing the overall experience.
The trek reaches a maximum height of about 3,870 meters at Kyanjin Gompa, which is manageable for those new to high-altitude trekking. With daily hiking hours averaging around 5-6 hours, the trek offers a comfortable pace, allowing trekkers to acclimate gradually and enjoy the stunning surroundings without tiring themselves. To add, the follows a well-established path through Langtang National Park, offering a mix of gentle ascents and descents. The availability of teahouses along the way ensures trekkers have ample rest stops and access to food and shelter.
With its walkable terrain, the trek also provides an enriching experience with opportunities to interact with the local Tamang and Tibetan communities. These communities are quite famous for their unique culture and traditional lifestyle. Henceforth, the combination of beginner-friendly trails, and rich cultural and natural resources makes the Langtang Valley Trek an excellent choice as a first-time trekking destination.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Another superb option for an easy and beginner-friendly trek would be the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. It slightly leans more towards a moderately difficult trekking destination but it is a doable trek even for novice trekkers with no past trekking or hiking experience. In this trek, you reach the maximum elevation of 4130 meters and you will complete the hike in 8-9 days or you can do a 14 days trek also. With daily hiking hours averaging 5-6 hours, you are in for gradual yet scenic ascents and descents in this trek.
It is a classic Himalayan trekking trail that takes you to the heart of the Annapurna region. The trek navigates the lush rhododendron forest and traditional villages. It is a well-trodden trail so you will meet a lot of experience as well as no experience. However, it is very important to approach this trail gently. Many steep ascents might be intense but all the challenges are worth it. Not to forget the diverse landscapes, you will encounter throughout the journey, it is a feast for scenery admirers.
Similarly, the unique Gurung culture that permeates the region adds an extra layer of richness to the experience, allowing trekkers to immerse themselves in the local traditions and way of life. Hiking Annapurna Base Camp is a challenge, but this challenge will grant you an unforgettable lifetime memory in the Himalayas and insightful cultural immersion.
Mardi Himal Trek
Another great adventure in the Annapurna region for new trekkers is the Mardi Himal Trek. It is a great introductory trekking destination where one can experience the perfect blend of quaint trails and marvelous vistas. The journey traverses’ pristine woods, terraced fields, and rocky landscapes, ultimately leading to Mardi Himal Base Camp at an elevation of 4500 meters at Mardi Himal View Point. The journey requires walking for 5-6 hours daily with stunning vistas of Machhapuchhre shadowing you.
Because of its great elevation coverage, one may think, that trekking Mardi Himal would be tough and we wouldn’t deny it as well. However, it doesn’t mean it can’t be completed by a beginner. It indeed is a highly elevated trekking destination, nevertheless, with the right training and guidance, one will easily scale the trail with no hesitation.
Similarly, it is more of an off-the-beaten trek so the trail is serene with fewer hikers. It is a rugged path but a well-built one that mostly trails lush rhododendron forests and thin villages. Beyond the peaceful ambiance of the trail, the interaction and the chance to glance at the rural lifestyle in the middle of nowhere is quite an interesting highlight of trekking Mardi Himal.
The Everest View Trek
Much like the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a shorter version of the Annapurna Panorama Trek. The Everest View Trek is also like a shorter vision of the Everest Panorama Trek. It lasts or nine days and follows much the same route and trail of Everest Panorama. It starts with the flight to Lukla from the capital- which, by the by, is considered one of the most adventurous/dramatic flights in the world because the airport at Lukla is located on a cliff with a short runway that abruptly ends with a gaping valley below. From Lukla, the trail follows villages like Namche Bazaar, Phakding, Monjo, and Tengboche. The Everest View Trek is ideal for people who have an exact amount of time to spend here and want to taste the Himalayan pulchritude of the country. The villages of Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, the Sagarmatha National Park, and the diverse topography of the Khumbu offer the best taste of trekking appeals. Elements like the wild biodiversity of the region, its Himalayan tapestry, and its cultural prominence are incorporated beautifully in the short trekking package that is easy to do.
There are a lot shorter treks in Nepal that can be done and that offer good trekking experiences. Nepal is full of trekking destinations that contain both man-made and natural wonders that demand a visit at least once in life. With elements and preferences that appeal to people of all demographics, Nepal is the perfect country for an authentic and exotic vacation with the whole family, with friends, or even solo! There are many off-the-beaten-paths trekking destinations to choose from as well, for people who do not want crowds. The country is a melting pot of unique multi-culturist facets and diverse biodiversity’s developed at the ever-changing topography and exceptional Himalayan beauty that is both hauntingly beautiful and naturally appealing to travel and trekking enthusiasts all around the world.
Lastly, these treks in Nepal offer a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural insight, and adventure, making them suitable for all levels of trekkers. Whether you are a novice seeking a taste of the Himalayas or an experienced hiker looking for a new challenge, these Nepal’s beginner’s friendly treks will leave you awestruck and wanting for more.