Blog post by the guest blogger Himalayan Masters, Adventure and Travel Company from Nepal. It is the first guest blogger this year to join ChasingLifeMoments pages. And it is the second article about Nepal. Did you miss reading the previous one? Don’t worry. It is here: Nepal: nine amazing reasons you can’t miss it.
The original blog post for the below article can be found here: Top 10 Popular Short Treks In Nepal For Adventure Lover.
Nepal is naturally a beautiful small country. With its diverse topography, it offers thousands of paradise-like destinations for tourists. Many of us rarely get the holidays to cherish nature. Sometimes we let our vacation pass, not finding the right destination of their interest. This article highlights 10 popular short treks in Nepal, which become the most useful for bringing you out from the pandemic hangover or stressful working days.
Nowadays, the world revives gradually from the noble coronavirus that has been badly affecting the world. We Himalayan Masters have become ready to serve the visitors with full precautions.
Thus, Nepal can be a great destination to utilize the short holidays gaining unlimited pleasures and life-changing experiences. Below you can find the 10 best short treks in Nepal and their short description.
TOP 10 POPULAR SHORT TREKS IN NEPAL
#1 Balthali Village TreK
Balthali Village Trek is one of the best options for people having less time but eager to explore Nepal’s rural taste. This trekking route was part of Lonely Planet’s recommended list in 2016. You will get the chance to explore the amusing villages of Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, and Panauti during this short trip.
Trekkers require taking a short drive from Kathmandu to reach Dhulikhel. That is where the trek officially begins. You trek to Namobuddha, a sacred place for the Buddhists. According to the mythology, Gautam Buddha saved the life of a hungry tiger by giving the flesh from his own body at Namobuddha.
After you make a proper study of Namobuddha, you extend your trek to Balthali village. That’s where you will spend a night in one of the best lodges/guesthouses or homestays. Since those are Buddhist-dominated areas, you will cherish some of their religious activities. The next day, you will be exploring the Balthali village the whole day and trek to Panauti only on the third day. Upon arriving at Panauti, you will be driving back to Kathmandu.
#2 Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is the best trekking route in the Annapurna Sanctuary. It gives the Himalayan experience without any difficulties of altitude sickness. This trek is comparatively more challenging than the Balthali Village trek. But it is far easier than any other Himalayan trek. The most exciting point of this trail is the Poonhill peak. It is one of the best sunrise viewpoints at an elevation of 3210 meters.
The trip usually begins from Pokhara. If you take the morning flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara, you can begin the trek the same day without staying overnight in Pokhara. The trek for Poonhill begins from Nayapool, a small town nearly 2 hours drive from Pokhara. It is the busiest trail, especially in the peak season. You get the opportunity of meeting the trekkers from different corners of the world.
The panoramic views of blooming rhododendron, breath-taking landscapes, and epic views of the great mountains like Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Nilgiri, and Annapurna ranges are the major attractions of this trek.
#3 Short Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Although the Annapurna Base Camp trek is considered a long trek, it can be shortened to 5 to 10 days. If you are physically and mentally fit, having similar types of trekking experience, you can make the successful ABC trek in 5 or 6 days. Short Annapurna Base Camp trek can be the best choice for those who have less than one week for Nepal but are eager to explore the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal’s largest protected area.
Thousands of flora and fauna, unique cultures, traditions, and the locals’ lifestyles, amazing landscapes, close views of stunning mountains, etc., make you feel that you are in heaven. One of the most important highlights of the short ABC trek is 360-degree panoramic views of Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli mountains. You probably won’t miss the hot spring shower at Jhinu Danda.
Reaching the altitude of 4130 meters within 4 to 5 days is might be challenging. However, it would be also adventurous for you. Ensure your body can easily adjust to a higher altitude. So that you can fulfill your dream without any difficulties.
#4 Everest View Trek
Everest View Trek is an amazing experience for those who long to trek to Everest Base Camp but have very little time. Five to six days are enough to make the Everest view trek. The trip begins with the thrilling mountain flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. A nearly 10 hours walk from Lukla to Namche Bazaar offers you life-changing experiences. As the trail passes through Sagarmatha National Park, the highest national park in the world, you will encounter a lot of unique flora and fauna.
The artistic Sherpa settlements, their unique cultures, and lifestyles, the suspension bridge, the eternal lines of yaks, the warm hospitality of the Sherpas are the major attractions of the Namche Bazaar. It is the tourist hub of the Khumbu region. The panoramic views of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, from Namche Bazaar are likely to be lifelong memories for every visitor. More importantly, the Everest view is more stunning from the Everest View Hotel, situated at an altitude of 3880 meters.
#5 Kalinchowk Temple Trek
Kalinchowk Temple, popularly known as Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, lies nearly 170 km north of Kathmandu near the Tibetan border. It is a famous pilgrimage destination, especially for the Hindus. 4 to 5 hours drive takes you to Charikot, the district headquarters of Dolakha, where the trek begins.
If you wish, you can take a jeep to Kuri, starting the trek from there. Kuri is a small beautiful village at the bottom of the hill from where you require ascending steep uphill until you reach the top. Recently, Kalinchowk temple and Kuri have been connected with cable cars making the temple accessible for all people, regardless of age or disability.
Three to five days are enough to explore this off-the-beaten trail. The trail from Kuri to the temple is amazing. There are blooming rhododendron and chirping birds in the spring season. The winter is more astonishing to visit Kalinchowk temple, especially for snow lovers. The top of the Kalinchowk hill is the best viewpoint for stunning views of Mt. Everest, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Gaurishankar, and many more. If you wish to explore this enchanted holy place, contact Himalayan Masters, who will arrange everything for you to make the best use of your holidays.
#6 Pikey Peak Trek
Probably no trekker in the world has not included Everest view in his/her bucket list. The number of people giving top priority to view Mt. Everest from the possible nearest distance increases day and night. As a result, the trail to Everest Base Camp is getting always more crowded. Trekking to EBC does not only require long days. You might need to pay your full attention to find a space to stand on the trail.
Let alone stretch your arms to a full extent and capture the stunning vistas in your camera. Pikey Peak trek is a newly discovered destination in the lower Everest region. It offers panoramic views of towering mountains that are popular all over the world.
This route is equally amazing for families with children and beginners as there is almost no risk of altitude sickness. 3 to 4 days, or if you want to do the trek quite leisurely, 6 days are enough to cherish every opportunity reaching at an elevation of 4070 meters from sea level. It is believed to be the shortest and the unique destination of the Everest region.
The trek to Pikey Peak officially begins from the village called Dhap, which is nearly 6 hours drive from Kathmandu. The trail from Dhap to Pikey Base Camp via Jhaprre is full of natural beauties, artistic settlements of local people, their cultures, and their majestic lifestyles. The forest of rhododendron, oak, pine, terraced farmlands, waterfalls along the trail have proved this route the best alternative to the EBC trek.
Stunning views of sunrise and sunset, magical views of Everest, Dhaulagiri, Makalu, and Kanchanjunga from the Pikey Peak become life-long memory. I read somewhere on the internet that Sir Edmund Hilary claimed this peak the best place to view Mt. Everest.
#7 Lower Mustang Trek
Lower Mustang Trek is another suitable option for trekkers having a significantly short time in Nepal. The trail for the lower Mustang trek passes through the ancient trade route to Tibet along the Kali Gandaki River. The desert-like wide landscapes of Mustang, Gurung, and Tibetan Buddhist villages, their cultures, and one of the most important Hindu holy land, Muktinath, are the super attractions of this trip.
Since it is a part of the Annapurna conservation area, the stunning views of the entire Annapurna massif and Mt. Dhaulagiri are amusing from different points. The trek begins from Nayapool and heads towards Ghorepani via Ghandruk. The Gurung settlements, in Ghandruk and Ghorepani, offer the taste of local life and culture to the visitors.
If not done already, you can add a short morning hike to Poonhill to view spectacular views of sunrise and many other snow-capped mountains. The trail goes ahead towards Tatopani, where you can experience taking a shower at a natural hot spring and stroll around the apple garden of Marpha.
Hike further to Kali Gandaki valley seeing the world’s deepest gorge. Then to Muktinath, a pristine holy temple for Hindus at an elevation of 3800 meters. The trek ends with exploring the most popular destination, Jomsom. Finally, a flight back to Kathmandu.
#8 Helambu Trek
Helambu Trek is a popular, short, and easy trekking route among 10 popular short treks in Nepal of the Langtang region at the northeast of Kathmandu valley. It is the best option for novice trekkers. It does not give any risk of altitude sickness and other security issues. A drive of a few from Kathmandu takes you away from the bustling city to one of the peaceful places of Nepal, Sundarijal. That’s where the trek begins for Chisapani.
As the trail passes through the Shivapuri National Park, you will have many beautiful chances of encountering some magical flora and fauna. The ancient monasteries, shrines, and stupas will be helpful for you to explore the Buddhist culture prevalent in those localities.
Tibetan, Tamang, Sherpa, and Hyolmo ethnic communities are the center of attraction for the visitors to observe and learn. The number of monasteries in the community shows how the locals believe in Buddhism. This off-the-beaten trail is mostly less crowded and heads forward through the forest of rhododendron, green meadows, beautiful waterfalls, rivers, and rivulets, giving you the impression of heaven.
From Chisapani, the trail goes towards Kutumsang and then to Thadepati. It is the highest point of this trek. Thadepati is at an elevation of 3650 meters which is just adjustable for the trekkers. The trail moves forward to the Langtang valley. It is popularly known as the valley of glaciers. The incredible views of Gaurishankar, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, and many other snowcapped peaks are unforgettable memories.
#9 Nar Phu Valley Trek
Nar Phu Valley Trek is one of the unexplored routes between two popular and most visited trekking destinations, Annapurna and Manaslu regions. Nar Phu is such a less discovered trail that offers the trekkers the best opportunity to explore the unspoiled valley, romantic Himalayan nature, and the ancient Buddhist cultures. The trek for Nar Phu valley begins from Besisahar. It is also the traditional starting point for the Annapurna circuit trek.
Although Nar Phu valley opened for visitors in 2003, it is still considered one of the less-traveled destinations in the Himalayas. Besides the panoramic views of Annapurna II, Gangapurna, Himlung Himal, and Tilicho peak, the visitors can see the extinct wildlife like Himalayan Thar, snow leopard, and Yarshagumba along the trail. Probably because of the high collection of Yarshagumba, this trail is sometimes called the Yarshagumba trail.
The pristine, Tibetan Buddhist temples, stone carve prayer walls, etc., in the valleys, are excellent ways to learn and understand Buddhism. Besides, Nar Phu valley is also the gateway for many mountain expeditions. The valley is the expedition hub. It has become the base camp, especially for Mt. Himlung and Mt. Saribung. The Kang-La Pass is the highest point of this trip at an elevation of 5300 meters. That’s where you can enjoy strolling around the apple garden and green forest before you return to Kathmandu.
# 10 Mardi Himal Trek
Among many trekking routes in Nepal’s Himalayas, the Mardi Himal base camp trek is one of the shortest treks. It has amazing views of Mardi Himal, Fishtail, Hiunchuli, and Annapurna massif. Despite being one of the shortest routes, this trail significantly gains altitude with 4500 meters at Mardi Himal Base Camp. It is higher than the Poonhill and the Annapurna base camp.
Thus, it is comparatively more challenging for trekkers who suffer from altitude sickness. However, a little attention and precaution will keep you fresh, and it will help you for the successful completion of the trek. This short trek (probably about 5 to 7 days) begins from Phedi, a few hours’ drive from Pokhara. A few days’ treks from Phedi to Mardi Himal Base Camp is a stunning experience in Nepal’s Himalayas.
Another day’s trek from base camp to Siding will conclude your trekking and return to Pokhara by jeep. The close views of Fishtail and Mardi Himal, serene walk through rhododendron and oak forest exploring hundreds of flora and fauna are the major highlights of the short Mardi Himal base camp trek.
Don’t forget to contact Himalayan Masters (info@himalayan-masters.com) to utilize your precious holidays exploring Nepal’s magical places that will remain in your mind as pleasant inspirations and memories.
Disclosure: all displayed pictures in this blog post were provided by Himalayan Masters, and presented as per their original blog article.
Amazing list, right? Which short trek in Nepal would you select from this list for your travel? Which one impressed you the most and why? Let us know in the comments. Curious to know! And remember, sharing is caring. 🙂 Hugs!
Moments that matter, no matter the trek.
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