If you have limited time in Nepal, these three unforgettable short treks will get you to the heart of the wilderness and can be done in less than three days.
Photo © Mark Whitman, Kandoo Adventures
Even if you’re just passing through or visiting for a long weekend, trekking in Nepal is an essential experience.
Luckily, there are plenty of short trekking options that get you off the beaten path and into the very heart of the wilderness. Perfect for the travelers on the move.
Here are the best hikes in Nepal that can be completed in less than three days.
Kathmandu Valley Trek
Located just 40 miles from the capital, the Kathmandu valley trek is the perfect option if you’re just passing through the city.
Don’t think you’re missing out on anything though – the valley trek offers stunning scenery, cultural heritage, and spectacular views – all rolled into just three days.
You begin in the town of Sundarijal before trekking up into the hills. You pass through several traditional villages, taking in the terraced rice fields and lush forests.
Once you arrive at Jhule village, you’re greeted with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Everest.
You stay overnight in the village of Nagarkot, famous for its incredible sunrise views over the Himalayas.
The trek ends at the stunning Changu Narayan temple - a UNESCO World Heritage listed site. The temple dates back to the 5th century AD and is considered to be the oldest temple in the Kathmandu Valley.
Ghandruk Trek
One of the best short treks in Nepal, the Ghandruk Trek is a 3-day hike that leads you through stunning rice paddies, beautiful villages, and ancient stone stairs.
The views along the trek are simply gorgeous, including the view towards Annapurna South.
The trek is also ideal as it never ascends above 2,000 meters, making it less risky if you’re prone to altitude sickness and perfect for the less-experienced hiker.
The trail begins just an hour’s drive from Pokhara, the trekking capital of Nepal.
Hikers make their way up dense forests of rhododendrons before coming upon a series of vegetable paddies on their way to the village of Ghandruk. The village is the highlight of the trek, with its bustling streets and cultural heritage.
From here, you’ll get spectacular views of some of the giants of the Himalayas including Annapurna, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare.
Ghorepani Trek
Probably Nepal’s most famous short hike, the Ghorepani Trek takes hikers to the picturesque village of Ghandruk via one of the most unforgettable views in the Himalayas - Poon Hill.
The trek is considered fairly easy, however, there’s a steep climb section on day two that consists of 3,381 stone steps.
Like the Ghandruk Trek, the Ghorepani Trek is located in the Annapurna region near Pokhara. Set off from Nayapul and ascend through lush forests of rhododendrons and rice paddies.
The highlight of the trek is the view from Poon Hill (3,210m) where some of the world’s most famous peaks can be seen in one magnificent panorama. These include Dhaulagiri, Annapurna I and Annapurna South.
Make sure you bring your camera to capture this incredible view! In the early morning light, this is often considered the best view in the Himalayas.
This trek is the ideal option for travelers wanting to experience epic views without the long distances. It’s even family-friendly!
This article was written by our partner Kandoo Adventures in collaboration with Mountain IQ.
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3 Comments
Can you please send me more details on this
Hi, a friend and I are traveling to Nepal. We were looking for a 3 day 2 night trek. I see you have a few options are you able to share details on cost and dates? We arrive into KTM on 8/30 and depart 9/7
thanks
Nicola
We do offer short and easy trekking/hiking in Nepal. join us. we are ready to assist you.
Thanks
Madhav