Trekking in Nepal: 5 Popular and Underrated Routes You Should Explore

Nepal is a trekker's paradise, offering everything from world-famous routes to hidden mountain trails waiting to be discovered. Whether you're chasing Himalayan views, cultural encounters, or off-the-grid solitude, Nepal has it all.

Here are 7 treks that include both popular routes and underrated gems, perfect for your next Himalayan adventure.

1. Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) – The Classic Himalayan Experience

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 7–10 days

Best Season: March–May, September–November

A favorite among trekkers, ABC offers a rich mix of culture, jungle trails, high mountains, and a stunning finish inside the Annapurna Sanctuary. Expect warm hospitality from Gurung and Magar villages, hot springs, and a heart-pounding 360° mountain view at 4,130 meters.

2. Mardi Himal Trek – The Hidden Ridge Trail

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 5–7 days

Best Season: March–May, September–November

Mardi Himal is an ideal short trek away from the crowds. You'll hike through enchanted forests and ridge-top trails with constant views of Machapuchare (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Despite its growing popularity, the trail remains peaceful and less commercialized.

3. Tilicho Lake Trek – From Manang to the World’s Highest Alpine Lake

Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Duration: 4–6 days (from Manang)

Best Season: March–May, September–November

Starting from the high-altitude village of Manang (3,519m), the Tilicho Lake Trek takes you on an unforgettable detour off the Annapurna Circuit. The trail winds through ancient stone-built villages, landslide-prone valleys, and into the raw alpine wilderness of the Himalayas. At 4,919 meters, Tilicho is considered one of the highest lakes in the world, resting silently beneath the icy faces of Tilicho Peak and the Grand Barrier.

From Manang, the route passes through Khangsar, Shree Kharka, and up to Tilicho Base Camp, before a pre-dawn push to the lake itself. The stark, windswept terrain and turquoise waters give the area a hauntingly beautiful, almost lunar landscape.

4. Manaslu Circuit Trek – Remote and Wild

Difficulty: Challenging

Duration: 14–18 days

Best Season: March–May, September–November

Manaslu Circuit is a dream for trekkers who want raw, untouched nature. It circles the 8th highest peak in the world and passes through Tibetan-influenced villages, deep valleys, and the awe-inspiring Larkya La Pass (5,106m). Special permits are required, which helps limit crowds.

5. Khopra Danda Trek – The Alternative to the Main Trails

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 7–9 days

Best Season: March–May, September–November

Often overshadowed by nearby Poon Hill, Khopra Ridge offers equally epic views with a more tranquil trail. You’ll walk through rhododendron forests and traditional villages before reaching a ridge with panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, and Annapurna South. Optional hike to sacred Khayer Lake adds to the adventure.

6. Upper Mustang Trek – The Last Forbidden Kingdom

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 12–14 days

Best Season: May–October (best during monsoon as it's in the rain shadow)

This trek takes you into the ancient Tibetan kingdom of Lo, once restricted to outsiders. With its desert-like landscape, cave monasteries, and walled city of Lo Manthang, Upper Mustang feels like a living museum. It's a cultural journey as much as a trekking one.

7. Langtang Valley Trek – Beauty Reborn from Tragedy

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: 7–10 days

Best Season: March–May, September–November

Just a day's drive from Kathmandu, Langtang is a rewarding trek through alpine forests, Tamang villages, and into a valley surrounded by glaciers and peaks. After being devastated by the 2015 earthquake, the region has slowly rebuilt and welcomes trekkers again with warm hospitality.

Why trek here: Less crowded, culturally rich, and helps support a community still recovering and thriving.

Final Thoughts

Trekking in Nepal isn’t just about reaching high altitudes—it’s about immersing yourself in breathtaking nature, ancient cultures, and personal transformation. Whether you go for a classic like Annapurna Base Camp or venture into the mystical Upper Mustang, Nepal’s trails are bound to leave you inspired and humbled.