Trekking is the heart of tourism in Nepal. There are hundreds of amazing trails, most of which take you up to the mountains at the height of thousands of meters. Colorful flowers, fresh air, white mountains and clear waters; who wouldn’t want to go to the beautiful untouched side of the earth? But not all of us may be capable of the efforts required or have the luxury of time. So here are 5 short and easy treks in Nepal that anyone can undertake.
These short and easy trails in Nepal require 3-5 days of walking. It is much shorter than the more popular treks like Everest Base Camp trek or Annapurna Circuit trek that requires from 10-21 days of walking. If you are not already in this country, you will have to add arrival day, maybe a day to arrive at the starting place, rest day at the end and such.
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek is the most popular short trek in Annapurna region. It is famous for the view of some of the highest peaks and the sunrise that turns them red and golden in the morning. It is a 4-5 days of hike through the rhododendron forest and some villages inhabited by Gurung people. It is also loved by bird watchers as this conservation area has a number of bird and plant species. The end destination is Poon Hill from where you get a spectacular view of Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Himchuli and other peaks. People lodge here for the night to witness the famed sunrise early next day. This trek is also part of Annapurna base Camp trek and Annapurna Circuit trek.You can also extend the trek to beautiful Ghandruk Village with Ghorepani Poonhill Ghandruk trek.
Nagarkot- Dhulikhel Trekking
This is one of the nearest trails from the capital city Kathmandu. The trail is really easy. It can be done anytime of the year, maybe not monsoon if you want to avoid leeches. At other times, it offers forests of rhododendron, oak and beech, minus the leeches. You can spot animals like spot deer, jackals and monkeys along the way. Then, from Nagarkot, you can enjoy the most dramatic view of the mountains. It is also considered one of the best spot to watch sunrise. It is the same in Dhulikhel except that Everest is comparatively closer from here. You will be walking for 3-4 days.
Shivapuri Hill Trek
This trek is a part of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. You will be walking for 3-4 days through woodland that leopards, Himalayan black bears, deer, wild bores, rhesus monkey and others call home. However, it is not easy to spot them. Other than the monkeys, if you are lucky, you may see some deer. It also houses numerous rare orchids and 177 species of birds. As such, it is the best place to be for the bird watchers.
Other than the wildlife, this area has religious importance and is the main source of water for Kathmandu as well. You will be visiting Nagi Gompa (a Tibetan nunnery), Budhanilkantha and Bagdwar. Budhanilkantha and Bagdwar are places revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. Then, from the top of the hill, you can enjoy a view of Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal Himal.
Panchase Hill Trek
Panchase is actually a trip to lowland of Annapurna Region. You will climb from subtropical valleys with banana trees to rice paddies to higher grounds where rhododendrons grow. Quite a few trails run to Panchas. All of them are easy and comfortable and takes around 4 days. It is growing popular among the trekker for the best panoramic view of Annapurna range, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Lamjung and Manaslu.
Royal Trek
Also in Annapurna Region, Royal Trek was named so after Prince Charles and his 90 person explored the route in the eighties. It is an enjoyable trek that begins from the beautiful lakeside city in Pokhara, takes you through the terraced farms and ethnic villages with the grand peaks like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre etc. in the backdrop and ends at the scenic Begnas Lake. It is an easy trek that can be done by children as well as elders. The hiking days is about 4 days. this is a great trek in the Annapurna region, if you cannot do the longer and higher altitude treks like Annapurna circuit Trek and Annapurna base camp trek
There are many other beautiful short and easy treks in Nepal that may even be less than a days’ worth of hike. However, remember that the time mentioned in each trek is the trekking time only. Arrival day, sightseeing around the valley, in Kathmandu and/ or in Pokhara, will make this 6-8 days long. Plan accordingly. Also, one contingency day is recommended.
