Nepal has hundreds of treks, from a 4-day sunrise walk to a 27-day expedition. That’s great news, but it also makes choosing hard. Which one fits your fitness? Your holiday? Your budget? And which one will you still be talking about in ten years?
This guide helps you pick. We sort our treks three ways: by how many days you have, by how hard they are, and by what they cost. We also match treks to what you want most, whether that’s mountain views, quiet trails, culture, or a high-pass challenge.
Quick Answer: Pick by the Days You Have
| Your time | Good fits | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 4–6 days | Poon Hill, short Annapurna Base Camp, Gosaikunda | Short, scenic, and easy to reach from Pokhara or Kathmandu |
| 7–10 days | Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Nar Phu Valley | The classic “one week plus” treks with big mountain payoffs |
| 11–15 days | Langtang Valley, Tsum Valley, Everest Base Camp | Deeper treks with culture, high altitude, or both |
| 16+ days | Manaslu Circuit, Kang La Pass, Annapurna Circuit | Long, remote routes with high passes |
How to Choose: Four Questions
1. How many days do you have?
Count your trekking days only. Add 1 to 2 spare days for weather, especially if the trek starts with a flight.
2. How fit and experienced are you?
Be honest. First-timers do best on lower treks like Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp. Experienced trekkers can take on high passes.
3. What’s your budget?
Price rises with days, remoteness, flights, and permits. Our guide to why Everest Base Camp costs what it does explains where the money goes.
4. What do you want most?
Views, solitude, culture, or a challenge? The answer points to different treks, as you’ll see below.
Our Treks at a Glance
Prices shown are the starting prices listed on each package page. They change with group size and season, so check the page before you plan.
| Trek | Days | Highest point | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ghorepani Poon Hill Sunrise Trek | 4 | About 3,210 m | Easy to moderate | First-timers, sunrise views |
| Annapurna Base Camp Trek | 10 (also 6, 12, 15) | 4,130 m | Moderate | Mountain views, first Himalayan trek, from $879 |
| Mardi Himal Trek | 10 | About 4,200–4,500 m | Moderate | Quiet ridge walk |
| Langtang Valley Trek | 11 | About 3,870 m | Moderate | Culture, close to Kathmandu |
| Tsum Valley Trek | 12 | About 3,700 m | Moderate | Buddhist culture, from $1,099 |
| Nar Phu Valley Trek | 10 | Villages near 4,100 m | Moderate to challenging | Hidden valley, from $1,180 |
| Everest Base Camp Trek | 15 | 5,364 m (Kala Patthar 5,545 m) | Moderate to challenging | The classic, from $1,499 |
| Nar Phu Valley and Kang La Pass | 18 | About 5,320 m | Challenging | Remote high pass, from $1,349 |
| Manaslu Circuit | 16 | Larkya La, about 5,106–5,160 m | Challenging | Quiet circuit, 8,000 m peak |
| Annapurna Circuit | 21 | Thorong La, about 5,416 m | Challenging | Variety, famous pass |
Heights vary slightly by source, so treat them as close estimates.
Choose by Difficulty
Easy to moderate (good for first-timers)
- Poon Hill reaches about 3,210 m and is the gentlest of the classics. See our Poon Hill trek guide.
- Annapurna Base Camp is longer, but its climb is gradual.
- Tsum Valley and Langtang Valley stay under about 3,900 m, with fewer altitude worries.
Moderate to challenging (some experience helps)
- Mardi Himal gains height quickly, so it feels harder than its short length suggests.
- Everest Base Camp reaches 5,364 m, with thin air and long days.
- Nar Phu Valley is remote, with villages around 4,100 m.
Challenging (best with trekking experience)
- Kang La Pass, Larkya La (Manaslu), and Thorong La (Annapurna Circuit) all cross passes above 5,000 m and need strong fitness and proper acclimatization.
Choose by Budget
Starting prices from our package pages. For full details, see each page.
Under about $900
- Panch Pokhari Trek, 8 days, from $399
- Khopra Danda with Khayer Lake, 12 days, from $749
- Mundum Short Trek, 11 days, from $799
- Pikey Peak Trek, 7 days, from about $825–$840
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek, 10 days, from $879
About $900 to $1,500
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek with Heli Return, 5 days, from $1,099
- Tsum Valley Trek, 12 days, from $1,099
- Nar Phu Valley Trek, 10 days, from $1,180
- Kang La Pass and Thorang La Pass Trek, 18 days, from $1,309
- Nar Phu Valley and Kang La Pass, 18 days, from $1,349
- Dhaulagiri Sanctuary and South Base Camp, 10 days, from $1,399
- Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake, 16 days, from $1,449
- Everest Base Camp Trek, 15 days, from $1,499
Over about $1,500
- Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, 17 days, from $1,799
- Api Himal Base Camp, 14 days, from $2,049
- Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return, 12 days, from $2,199
- Nar Phu Valley, Kang La Pass and Tilicho Lake, 21 days, from $2,249
Permits are part of the cost, and restricted areas like Tsum Valley, Nar Phu, and Manaslu cost more. See our Nepal trekking permits guide for details.
Choose by What You Want Most
Mountain views and classic scenery Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill, and Everest Base Camp. See our best viewpoints on the ABC trek and our guide to Everest Base Camp vs Annapurna Base Camp .
Quiet trails and fewer crowds Mardi Himal, Manaslu Circuit, Nar Phu Valley, and Tsum Valley. These routes see far fewer trekkers than the big names. Compare two of them in our guide to Nar Phu Valley vs Tsum Valley.
Culture and local life Tsum Valley, Nar Phu Valley, Langtang Valley, and the Tamang Heritage Trail. Read about Tsum Valley’s culture and Nar Phu Valley’s culture.
A real high-pass challenge Kang La Pass, Larkya La, Thorong La, and the Everest Three High Passes. See what makes Larkya La so demanding .
Short and easy Poon Hill, the short Annapurna Base Camp trek, Gosaikunda, and Panch Pokhari. See our Poon Hill trek guide and Mardi Himal vs Annapurna Base Camp for short-trek help.
Less walking, more flying Everest Base Camp with Helicopter Return (12 days) or Annapurna Base Camp with Heli Return (5 days). See how the EBC helicopter return works.
When to Go
For almost every trek, spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are best, with clear skies and stable weather. Winter and monsoon work for some treks, with trade-offs. See our season guides for Langtang Valley , Tsum Valley , and Kang La Pass .
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Trek
- Choosing by fame alone. A famous trek isn’t always the best fit for you.
- Ignoring altitude. Fast itineraries leave less time to adjust. Take acclimatization days seriously.
- Forgetting the spare day. Weather can delay flights and passes.
- Comparing prices without checking what’s included. Flights, permits, a porter, and meals change the real cost.
- Skipping travel insurance. Get cover for high-altitude trekking and helicopter rescue.
How to Decide in Three Steps
- Pick your days. Use the first table to narrow your list.
- Pick your level. Match difficulty to your experience, not your ambition.
- Pick your priority. Views, quiet, culture, or challenge. Then choose the trek that fits it best.
Still stuck? Send us your dates, fitness level, and budget, and we’ll suggest a trek.
FAQs
What is the best trek in Nepal for beginners?
Poon Hill and Annapurna Base Camp are the best choices for first-timers. Both are non-technical, and neither reaches extreme altitude.
Which trek is best for a short holiday?
For 4 to 6 days, try Poon Hill, the short Annapurna Base Camp trek, or Gosaikunda. For about 10 days, Annapurna Base Camp or Mardi Himal works well.
What is the most famous trek in Nepal?
Everest Base Camp. It reaches 5,364 m, and our trek takes 15 days.
Which trek has the fewest crowds?
Quieter options include Mardi Himal, Nar Phu Valley, Tsum Valley, and the Manaslu Circuit.
How hard are the treks in Nepal?
It varies. Poon Hill is easy to moderate, while passes like Kang La, Larkya La, and Thorong La are challenging because they climb above 5,000 m.
How much does a trek in Nepal cost?
Our guided packages range from about $399 for short treks to over $2,000 for long or remote ones. Price depends on days, remoteness, flights, and permits.
Do I need experience to trek in Nepal?
Not for lower treks like Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp. For high passes, some prior trekking experience helps a lot.
When is the best time to trek in Nepal?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) for most treks. Check each trek’s season guide for details.
Do I need a guide?
A licensed guide is required in national parks, conservation areas, and restricted areas.
What permits do I need?
It depends on the route. Most need a conservation or park permit, and restricted areas need an extra permit. Our permits guide explains each.
Can I combine two treks?
Yes. Popular combinations include Nar Phu Valley with Tilicho Lake, and Tsum Valley with the Manaslu Circuit.
Ready to pick your trek? Browse all Snowbank Adventure treks or contact us for a plan that fits your time, fitness, and budget. For official information, see the Nepal Tourism Board and the Department of Immigration .