Every adventure enthusiast when arriving in Nepal for the first time always wonders about the best short trekking destination to choose from. With the endless opportunities of trekking destinations and boundless range of the Himalayas, the end of one trekking season intrigues plans for the next. Also with the ever growing civilization, the limitless possibilities of living one’s life are bound to be confined inside a timeline. For the same we Cordial Trek have combined a travel glossary for all adventurers and thrill seekers to quench their thirst in the following seven best short (3-10 Days) treks in Nepal.
1. Everest Base Camp Short Trek – 7 Days
Everest Base Camp (EBC) Short Trek is one of the best short trek package available in Nepal. Moreover, it is for those travelers seeking a quick and adventurous trek to the base camp (5364 m / 17599 ft) of Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world at 8848 m. The trip allows you to witness the spectacular view of the Himalayas, experience the trails to Everest Base Camp, get an historic insight into the Sherpa Culture as well as a chance to unveil the ever mysterious existence of ‘Yeti’, the abominable snowman.
Highlights:
- Scenic flight to Lukla airport
- Explore Namche Bazaar
- Hike to Kala Patthar (5,644.5 m / 18,519 ft)
- Experience of a lifetime, a visit to Everest Base Camp
- Pass via many of the world’s highest suspension bridges
2. ABC Short Trek – 7 Days
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Short Trek is another Cordial exclusive best seven days short trek package available in Nepal. It features a journey to the base camp (4130 m / 13550 ft) of the Annapurna I (8091 m / 26545 ft), the tenth highest mountain in the world above sea level.
The unique combination of this 7 day trek into the Annapurna Sanctuary will thus give an insight into an extraordinary variety of ecosystems. The Annapurna Sanctuary is now a part of the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), which places restrictions on number of outside travelers, gathering of firewood, and domestic animal grazing. During your journey you will also be experiencing a diverse range of flora and fauna while exploring the ethnic Gurung cultures and their hospitality while visiting the famous ‘Ghandruk’ village. It is therefore voted as the best short trek in Nepal by the travelers themselves.
Highlights:
- Visit to Annapurna Sanctuary
- Explore Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
- A never like before, experience the Annapurna Base Camp
- A visit to Ghandruk, a traditional Gurung village
- A visit to the beautiful city of Pokhara
- Scenic view of mountain ranges including Mt. Macchapucchre, Mt. Dhaulagiri & Mt. Himchuli
3. Annapurna Circuit Short Trek – 7 Days
Annapurna Circuit Short Trek within the central mountain ranges of Nepal has comparatively the best short trek length than the classic trail. It depends upon where motor transportation is used and where the trek ends. This trek will be crossing via two different river valleys including Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki River valley. The trip also encircles the Annapurna Massif (Annapurna I-IV) via Thorong La High Pass (5416m / 17769 ft).
The trek actually begins on the fourth day of your journey and passes via Lader and Phedi to Thorong La Pass. The trail takes you along many paddy fields, subtropical forests, several waterfalls and gigantic cliffs and various villages. On your journey you will be passing through the Annapurna Massif, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak with numerous other peaks that fall in the range of 6000 – 8000 m. Your journey will then conclude in Jomsom with a final flight to Pokhara. This trek package furthermore includes the exploration of the very famous ‘Muktinath Temple’ as well.
Highlights:
- A Thrilling Jeep ride to Manang
- Adventurous hike inside ACAP
- Explore the ancient Tibetan Civilization
- Hike via Thorong La High Pass (5416 m)
- Visit Lower Mustang
- Visit to Muktinath Temple
- A scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara
4. Ghorepani Poon Hill Short Trek – 3 Days
Ghorepani-Poon Hill Short Trek is comparatively the best short (3 days) trek package suiting the needs of all kinds of travelers visiting Nepal. It highlights the very popular Poon Hill Trek which combines a spectacular view of the sunrise with majestic mountains in the foreground. The mountains in sight include the very famous Fishtail Mountain, Annapurna-I, Dhaulagiri, Tukuche, Himchuli, Lamjung Himal and many more.
Ghorepani is a modern village in Myagdi District of north-central Nepal. It lies 17 kilometers from the district capital of Beni at an elevation of approximately 2850 m /9350 ft. The village lies within the Annapurna Conservation Area (ACAP), requiring a national park permit to visit, and contains a number of guest houses that provide lodging and fooding to trekkers, many of whom spend the night before a pre-dawn trek to the top of nearby Poon Hill (3210 m / 10531 ft) to watch the sunrise.
Highlights:
- Hike inside the ACAP
- Visit to Poonhill
- Spectacular view of the mountains
- Mesmerizing view of the sunrise
- Explore Ghorepani, a modern Magar village
- Hike via Rhododendron forest
- Scenic views including many waterfalls
5. Langtang Valley Short Trek – 10 Days
Langtang Valley Trek is a comparatively short and elementary level trek package best suited for all kinds of travelers in Nepal. It is available all year long except for monsoon seasons. The scenic trail here features wildflowers and rhododendrons blooming in the foreground while Langtang Mountains and Glaciers cover the background.
The Langtang valley lies in the Rasuwa district, some 80 kilometers north of the Kathmandu Valley. The valley itself lies within the Langtang National Park that borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The park is covered with dense forest with wide varieties of flora and fauna including the deciduous oak and maple, evergreens like pine, and various types of rhododendron. Animal life here includes the Himalayan Black Bear, Himalayan Tahr, Assam Macaque, Snow Leopard, Yak, Red Panda and more than 250 species of birds.
Highlights:
- A hike inside Langtang National Park
- Visit to Kyanjin Gompa, an ancient monastery
- Hike to Tsergo Ri (5000 m / 16404 ft), a viewpoint famous for its sunrise
- Mesmerizing view of the Langtang range
- A peek through wildlife with a chance to sight the Snow Leopard
6. Manaslu Short Trek – 10 Days
Manaslu Short Trek or better known as ‘Manaslu Circuit Trek’ is a Cordial exclusive best High-Pass short trek package available in Nepal. Besides, it also unveils you with newer unbeaten routes and trails. It is a 10-Days Tea-House Trek which circumnavigates Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m / 26781 ft), the eighth highest peak in the world with Larkya La Pass (5106 m / 16752 ft). Here you will be witnessing a diverse range of flora and fauna into two conservation areas viz. Manaslu Conservation Area and Annapurna Conservation Area.
During your trip, you will be passing through many of the restricted areas with a special permit issued to you. The trip however requires a minimum of two or more members to have been registered with trekking guides accompanying the group in order to obtain the special permit slip.
Highlights:
- Scenic drive to Soti Khola
- Hike inside MCA, a restricted area
- Hike inside ACAP
- Explore ancient Tibetan Culture
- Hike through Larkya La High Pass (5106 m)
- Circumnavigate Mt. Manaslu
- Explore the historic city of Kathmandu
7. Ruby Valley Short Trek – 10 Days
Ruby Valley Trek, also known as Ganesh Himal Trek is the most recent addition to the best short trekking trails of Nepal that passes via Langtang National Park. Named after precious gem Ruby, the trek offers mesmerizing views of the mountains with breathtaking meadows in the foreground, sacred ponds and waterfalls. During the trek you will also experience the culture of different ethnic groups as well.
Also known as Ganesh Himal Trek, (named after the elephant headed Hindu God Ganesh, son of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parbati) the trail unveils the peaks Ganesh I, Ganesh II, Ganesh III and Ganesh IV together known as Ganesh Himalayan Range. Ganesh I is called Yangra (7422 m), the highest peak of the range.
Highlights:
- Visit to Chalisgaon, an ancient Tamang village
- Trek to Parbati Kunda and Tatopani Hot Spring
- A chance to witness the precious gemstone Ruby
- Hike to Kalo Daha
- Scenic views of Langtang, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal
- Hike via Pangsang Pass (3842 m)
- An insight into the traditional Tamang Culture and lifestyle
