The best treks in Nepal for beginners are not always about the easy trail or short distance. It’s more about the experience of first-time tasting Nepal’s mountains, culture, and natural grandeur without pushing yourself too hard.
Whether you are trying to aim for a beautiful sunrise view or want to escape into nature, Nepal has a plethora of trekking routes that can be utmost rewarding and easy to complete, even for a first-timer. Thinking about many routes for Nepal trekking for beginners, you may get confused. But worry not. We are here to help you pick the perfect destination for your journey.
Why is Nepal a Paradise for Beginner Trekkers?
You may be thinking, there are many trekking routes in the world, so why Nepal? Well, why not Nepal? Known as the land of mountains, Nepal has trekking routes catering to all trekkers. Apart from that, the cultural heritage and other natural beauty add more magical delights to your journey.
Wide Range of Trekking Trails
With more than 300 mountains for climbing in Nepal, there are many trekking routes that are open for trekking in Nepal. The list for treks is quite long, ranging from easy, moderate to challenging treks. We usually recommend that you choose easy to moderate treks if you are a beginner. Easy treks such as Ghandruk Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill trek, etc, offer you great Himalayan views and warm hospitality without the need to cope with high passes, difficult
terrain and high elevation.
Well Marked Trails
Most of the treks in Nepal are well-marked and well maintained so that trekkers have safe navigation. The signboards and marked guidelines on the trails provide you with a general idea of the direction to your destination, which can be really helpful in a remote setting. This will help novice trekkers to enjoy the scenery rather than worrying about the direction and the probability of getting lost.
Availability of Teahouses
When it comes to trekking for the first time, you may not want the hassle of camping and cooking on your own. Usually, all the treks in Nepal have teahouses and lodges that can provide accommodation for multi-day treks.. The services and availability of luxurious infrastructures may not be available, but you can get basic to moderate levels of services. Hence, the logistical convenience provided by these teahouses in the trekking route makes
Year-Round Trekking Options
Nepal is open for trekking for all 12 months. If you want to enjoy the clear mountain views under a clear sky, then you can opt for spring and autumn trekking. If you are a beginner who does not like crowds and enjoys solitude, then off-season trekking, like monsoon and winter, can be a great option for you. However, you have to prepare yourself accordingly if you want the best treks in Nepal for beginners in winter and monsoon.
Best Treks in Nepal for Beginners
1. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
- Duration: 5 to 8 Days
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best Time: Spring(March to May) and Autumn(September to November)
The Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is one of the best beginner-friendly treks in Nepal. The sunrise view over the snow-capped mountains from Poon Hill steals the spotlight. The well-marked trail, along with numerous tea houses, makes this trek more accessible and easy for first-timers.
You can soak in the panorama of Himalayan views and stunning countryside landscapes, along with a touch of warm hospitality, in just a few days. Hence, this rewarding trek is perfect for you if you are searching for easy trekking routes in Nepal.
2. Ghanduk Trek
- Duration: 5 to 8 days
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best Time: Spring(March to May) and Autumn(September to November)
When it comes to easy treks in Nepal, the list is not complete without the Ghandruk trek. This trek is a perfect introduction to Nepal’s natural grandeur and cultural richness for first-timers, which can be achieved just in 4-5 days.
Walking through the forested trail, terraced fields, charming villages, and a stone staircase, you will arrive at the beautiful Gurung village of Ghandruk. This heritage village offers you great insights into the local way of living and the unique Gurung culture.
3. Langtang Valley Trek
- Duration: 8-10 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time: Spring(March to May) and Autumn(September to November)
One of the closest destinations from Kathmandu for beginner trekking in Nepal is the Langtang Valley trek. This short trek provides you with the best of everything from natural beauty, expansive Himalayan views, to ancient culture and tradition.
Inhabited by the Tamang people, you will witness the rich Tamang folk cultures on this journey. Passing by the Langtang National Park, you can get a small glimpse of the rich biodiversity in Nepal. If you are lucky enough, you can even see endangered red pandas. What a great start for Nepal treks, isn’t it?
4. Annapurna Base Camp Trek
- Duration: 10-15 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time: Spring(March to May) and Autumn(September to November)
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the mainstream and beginner-friendly treks in Nepal. If you are novice trekkers opting for this amazing trek, then it can take you anywhere between 10 to 15 days to complete.
ABC Trek promises you an amazing journey in the lush rhododendron and pine forests with breathtaking natural beauty. The gradual elevation gain, accessibility of the teahouses, and well-maintained trek make Annapurna Base Camp Trek one of the best treks in Nepal for beginners.
5. Khopra Ridge Trek
- Duration: 10-14 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time: Spring(March to May) and Autumn(September to November)
If you are searching for quieter trails in the Annapurna region, then Khopra Ridge Trek awaits your presence. The remote setting and cozy teahouses make this trail one of the beautiful beginner trekking routes in Nepal.
6. Everest Panorama Trek
- Duration: 9-12 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time: Spring(March to May) and Autumn(September to November)
Everest Panorama Treks is a great introduction to easy Himalayan treks for beginners in Nepal. This Khumbu region trek offers you expansive mountain views, including Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and many more.
This rewarding trek can be quite long compared to other short treks in Nepal for first-timers. However, the natural beauty of the Khumbu region, glowing beneath the towering mountains, is worth every effort.
7. Tamang Heritage Trek
- Duration: 7-8 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time: Spring(March to May) and Autumn(September to November)
The Tamang Heritage Trek is a newly introduced trekking route in the Langtang region. Open for trekkers only from 2004, this route has been gaining popularity, especially for beginner trekkers. Living up to its name, this trek offers you a firsthand experience of the well-preserved Tamang heritage of the region.
The ancient monasteries, prayer wheels, mani walls, and colorful prayer flags reflect their culture and beliefs. Not only a glimpse into Tibetan culture, this Short trek in Nepal for first-timers offers stunning mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Langtang Kerung, Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and many more.
8. Annapurna Circuit Trek
- Duration: 10 to 15 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best Time: Spring(March to May) and Autumn(September to November)
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is a different experience of Himalayan that takes you to diverse landscapes winding through charming villages, verdant forest and alpine vegetation. This trekking route has been popular for decades among seasoned and even beginner trekkers.
With clearly marked trails, cozy teahouses, local culture and stunning scenery, this trekking route is an excellent choice for first-time trekkers who want adventure.
Best Time for Trekking in Nepal for First Timers
Nepal trekking is possible all year round. However, if you are a first-time trekker, then spring and autumn are considered the best times to embark on a trek. The clear skies and great visibility promise stunning mountain views. Moreover, the mild temperature and dry trails offer you comfortable conditions to bear the long hours of trekking
However, it doesn’t mean monsoon and winter seasons aren’t feasible for trekking. They are perfectly doable with their own seasonable charms and right preparation, especially if you are first-time trekkers.
Foods and Accommodations
There are many teahouses and lodges alongside the trails that can provide you a place to stay and food to eat. Usually, most of the teahouses make money from meals rather than accommodations. So, if you dine at the same teahouse where you will be staying, then it can be more economical for you.
You can expect basic to moderate rooms, mostly provided on a twin-sharing basis. Likewise, when it comes to food, you can expect a diverse range of food from Nepalese staple Daal Bhaat Tarkari, momo, to some foreign cuisines like spaghetti, pasta, etc.
Nepal Trekking Tips for Beginners
1. Choose Trek Wisely
When it comes to trekking for the first time, there are various factors you should consider before choosing your ultimate destination. You should analyze your fitness level and pick the trails that match your pace and preference.
2. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well
During the trek, you must stay hydrated and eat well. These are the key factors that will boost acclimatization. It is normal that you don’t feel like eating, but you should force-feed yourself for a few meals to replenish your energy and make yourself adapted.
3. Ascend Gradually
You have to remember that you are trekking, not participating in any marathon or race. You should walk at your own pace and ascend gradually. You can try matching your stride with your breathing so you don’t overexert yourself. Likewise, take small breaks to catch a quick breath and soak in the natural beauty while trekking in the Himalayas.
4. Prepare Yourself Physically and Mentally
Before you embark on your trekking journey, it is important to prepare yourself both physically and mentally. Try incorporating exercises that will increase your overall fitness and endurance. Similarly, you should learn about the routes, highlights, etc, from blogs or videos so that you have a general idea about the trek. This will help you set realistic expectations about the journey.
5. Hire Guides and Porters
When you are novice trekkers, you may not be aware of the routes and other information. So, hiring a guide will be really helpful for navigation, emergency first aid, and providing information about the region, culture, etc. Likewise, you may not be habituated to carrying heavy weights and walking several hours on difficult terrain. So porters will help you carry luggage so that you can enjoy your journey more freely.
