Are you visiting Nepal for a short period? Want to explore the country in a limited time? This blog post on short treks in Nepal will guide you.

Short treks in Nepal are ideal for travelers who are short on time but still want to experience the joy of trekking. Enjoy the picturesque beauty of verdant hills and majestic mountains while walking along trails that pass through villages, farmlands, forests, and alongside rivers. Experience warm local hospitality and gain insight into Nepal’s rich local culture.

In this guide, we will list the most popular trekking regions that are famous for short treks in Nepal. These destinations are perfect for quick and rewarding trekking experiences around the country.

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Here, we have put together a list of 6 short treks in Nepal suitable for beginners and trekkers of all ages. These listed short treks are perfect for families, the elderly, and even children. With minimal risk of altitude sickness, travelers can fully enjoy the natural beauty, culture, and lifestyle of the mountain communities.

Be ready with your camera to capture picturesque views of the Himalayas, charming hill villages, and other stunning natural scenery. All of the short treks listed below offer easy and enjoyable walks through the beautiful landscapes of Nepal.

Everest Panorama Trek

It is one of the most popular short treks in the Everest region of Nepal. The Everest Panorama Trek starts from Lukla (2,828 m / 9,278 ft) and passes through several Sherpa villages such as Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Khunde, and many other small settlements. From each village, trekkers can enjoy incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

Nepal is known as the home of Mount Everest, and many travelers dream of seeing the world’s highest peak at least once in their lifetime. This trek is popular not only for its mountain views but also for the warm hospitality of the Sherpa people. Along the trail, trekkers can experience Sherpa culture and lifestyle, visit ancient monasteries, observe local wildlife, and admire breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Everest Panorama Trek
The 6 Best Short Treks in Nepal : Everest Panorama Trek

From Namche Bazaar, a short uphill walk leads to a magnificent viewpoint at the Everest View Hotel, offering spectacular views of the surrounding snow-capped giants, including Mount Everest, and the valleys below. Khumjung is a wonderful village set against an exciting backdrop of high mountains.

Tengboche Monastery (3,867 m / 12,687 ft) is surrounded by lush rhododendron forests. It is one of the largest and most important monasteries in the Khumbu region.

How to get there?

Lukla is the main gateway to the Everest Base Camp Trek. One of the most preferred ways to reach Lukla is by taking a direct flight from Tribhuvan International Airport. The flight takes approximately 25–30 minutes. Since the travel time is short, this option is highly recommended for those on a tight schedule.

Lukla Airport is small and resembles a mountain airstrip, so travelers should be prepared for possible issues such as flight delays. It is also advisable to plan your trip during the best trekking season to minimize disruptions caused by unfavorable weather conditions.

Langtang Valley Trek

The Langtang Valley Trek is one of the most scenic and accessible treks in Nepal, located north of Kathmandu near the Tibetan border. Known for its stunning mountain views, rich Tamang culture, and diverse landscapes, this trek is ideal for beginners, families, and trekkers with limited time.

Langtang Valley Trek
Langtang Valley Trek : The 6 Best Short Treks in Nepal

The trail passes through beautiful forests of rhododendron, bamboo, and pine, along rushing rivers and traditional villages such as Lama Hotel and Langtang Village. Trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, including Langtang Lirung (7,227 m), along with glaciers and alpine meadows.

Langtang Valley is also culturally rich, offering insight into the lifestyle, traditions, and warm hospitality of the Tamang people. The trek reaches Kyanjin Gompa, a picturesque monastery village surrounded by high mountains, where trekkers can explore local cheese factories and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views.

With moderate altitude, well-marked trails, and close proximity to Kathmandu, the Langtang Valley Trek is a perfect choice for those seeking a short yet rewarding Himalayan trekking experience.

How to get there?

The Langtang Valley Trek starts from Syabrubesi, a small town north of Kathmandu.

First, travel from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi:

  • By local bus: 7–9 hours from Machhapokhari Bus Park

  • By private jeep: 6–7 hours (more comfortable and flexible)

The drive offers scenic views of hills, rivers, and rural villages, though parts of the road can be rough and bumpy, especially during the monsoon season.

From Syabrubesi, the trek begins on foot, passing through villages such as Lama Hotel and Langtang Village, and continues up to Kyanjin Gompa, the main destination of the Langtang Valley Trek.

Due to its close proximity to Kathmandu and the absence of domestic flights, Langtang Valley is one of the most easily accessible trekking regions in Nepal.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the most popular and shortest treks in Nepal, especially ideal for beginners, families, and trekkers of all ages. Located in the Annapurna region, this trek is famous for its breathtaking sunrise views over the Himalayan range and its rich cultural experience.

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: The 6 Best Short Treks in Nepal

The trail passes through charming Gurung and Magar villages, terraced farmlands, and lush rhododendron forests, which are especially beautiful during the spring season. The highlight of the trek is the early morning hike to Poon Hill (3,210 m), where trekkers are rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of snow-capped peaks such as Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli.

In addition to stunning mountain scenery, the trek offers warm local hospitality and an opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle, culture, and customs of the local communities. With well-maintained trails, comfortable teahouses, and moderate altitude, the Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is a perfect short trekking adventure in Nepal.

How to get there?

The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is easily accessible from Pokhara. If you are starting your journey from Kathmandu, you will first need to travel to Pokhara. There are several options available to reach Pokhara, with a domestic flight being one of the best choices. The flight takes approximately 30 minutes.

From Pokhara, the next destination is Ulleri, which serves as the starting point of the Poon Hill Trek. We highly recommend traveling by private car or jeep, as this allows you to reach Ulleri directly from Pokhara without the hassle of changing buses. Starting the trek from Nayapul is not advised, as the road is often dusty and muddy.

The road condition from Pokhara to Nayapul is good and easily drivable. However, after crossing Nayapul, the road becomes rough and bumpy, as the section from Nayapul to Ulleri is unpaved.

Mardi Himal Trek

The Mardi Himal Trek is one of the newest and most scenic trekking routes in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is ideal for travelers seeking a less crowded trail with stunning mountain views, lush forests, and a mix of cultural experiences. This trek is suitable for beginners, intermediate trekkers, and those looking for a short yet rewarding Himalayan adventure.

Mardi Himal Trekking
Mardi Himal Trekking

The trek begins from Pokhara, winding through terraced farmlands, traditional Gurung villages, and dense rhododendron and oak forests. Trekkers pass through scenic villages such as Deurali, Low Camp, and High Camp, gradually ascending toward the Mardi Himal Base Camp at 4,500 meters. From here, you are treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli.

The Mardi Himal Trek offers a unique combination of natural beauty and cultural experiences, including encounters with local Gurung communities, their traditional lifestyle, and warm hospitality. The trail is less crowded than the popular Annapurna Base Camp Trek, making it a peaceful and immersive trekking experience.

With well-marked trails, moderate difficulty, and incredible scenery, the Mardi Himal Trek is perfect for those looking for an off-the-beaten-path Himalayan adventure in Nepal.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek

The Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is one of the most popular short treks near Kathmandu, ideal for beginners, families, and travelers with limited time. It offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, traditional villages, and stunning Himalayan views, making it a great escape from the city.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
Chisapani Nagarkot Trek: The 6 Best Short Treks in Nepal

The trek typically starts from Sundarijal or Nagarkot, passing through lush forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak, as well as terraced farmlands and small traditional villages. Key stops along the trail include Chisapani, a peaceful village offering panoramic views of the Langtang, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal ranges. From there, trekkers continue to Nagarkot, famous for its spectacular sunrise and sunset views over the Himalayan mountains.

This trek is not only scenic but also culturally enriching, as it passes through Newari and Tamang villages where trekkers can experience local traditions, lifestyle, and hospitality. With moderate trails and easily accessible routes, the Chisapani Nagarkot Trek is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a short but memorable Himalayan adventure.

Kathmandu Day Hiking

Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is not only rich in culture and history but also offers excellent opportunities for day hikes. These short hikes are perfect for travelers with limited time who want to explore the scenic hills, temples, and surrounding landscapes without committing to multi-day trekking.

Chisapani Nagarkot Trek
Kathmandu Day Hiking: The 6 Best Short Treks in Nepal

Popular day hiking destinations around Kathmandu include:

  • Nagarkot – Famous for panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, especially at sunrise.

  • Dhulikhel – Offers peaceful trails through small villages and terraced farmlands with stunning mountain vistas.

  • Chisapani – A serene forest trail that passes through pine and rhododendron forests with views of Langtang, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal ranges.

  • Sankhu & Panauti – Explore traditional Newari villages, ancient temples, and scenic valley walks.

Kathmandu day hikes are ideal for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers who want a taste of Nepal’s natural beauty and local culture without leaving the Kathmandu Valley. These trails are generally easy to moderate, suitable for beginners, families, and trekkers of all ages.