Tuesday, September 3, 2019

Top 10 Best Short Treks in Nepal



Nepal has the wide varieties of trekking trails. Trekking is certainly the foremost reason for a traveler to travel Nepal. Trekking in Nepal ultimately gives you a chance to observe the hidden ancient cultures and traditions along with exquisite natural beauty. Every trails have their own specialties and characteristics. There is no doubt that each trekking destination has stunning panoramic views of the mountain ranges and very peaceful as well, for seeking inner enlightenment. For sure, Nepal offers you top destinations for trekking even you have short time. In the other sense, if you want to travel or know about Nepal in a very short period of time, here are some of short trekking advices Nature Lovers can offer to you. There are a number of choices of short treks that can meet the demand of various trekkers. The days can vary as per the choice of the short trekking regions ranging from 3 to 10 days.

1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking
Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is the most famous trekking in Nepal. This trekking is very suitable for the trekkers who want the short trek with stunning views. Poon Hill, a short hiking trail from Ghorepani, has the best mountain viewpoint you will ever see. Indeed, Poon Hill offers you the incredible sunrise view following with the surreal views of the snowcapped mountains. The majestic Mountain View includes mainly the following beautiful mountains: Dhaulagiri range, Nilgiri, Dhampus, Annapurna I, Annapurna South, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli and many more. Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is a short and easy trek offering you a unique and an amazing Himalayan trekking experience. This trekking is really famous among the first timers in Nepal. Everyday Poon Hill has tons of visitors. Poon Hill is opened almost every seasons except monsoon season. Ghorepani Poon Hill is very famous short trek and can be completed in 4 to 5 days. Ghorepani is easily accessible from Pokhara and can be reached in a couple of trekking days. Also, there is a transportation facility straight up to Ulleri for those who wish to avoid the first trekking part.
The trek starts with the short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul or you can drive direct to Ulleri and stay overnight in Ulleri. The next day, trekking leads to Ghorepani. Ghorepani which has ‘Ghore’ which is horse and ‘Pani’ which means water in Nepali language. In the past, Ghorepani was the resting spot for horses to drink water so it got its name after that. The next day is the main event of the trip, all the way to Poon Hill. You will hike to Poon Hill very early in morning for the splendid sunrise and the Himalayan views. Following the route, the trail leads to the Ghandruk village. Ghandruk village is a beautiful Gurung village, an indigenous community village. This village has its own noticeable culture, tradition, lifestyle and beautiful people.

2. Pikey Peak Trekking
Pikey peak trek is a recently introduced trekking route in the Solu region of Nepal which provides the fascinating views of the mountains. The name Pikey is derived from the Sherpa clan deity which represents the sky over the nature. This newly opened trekking route is less preferred since they don’t know but you can enjoy the best panoramic views of the Mount Everest with less crowd. Pikey peak has the unspoiled view that only the lucky ones has been able to admire so far. You can enjoy the outstanding view of mountains namely Mt Everest, Mt Dhaulagiri, Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt Makalu, Gauri Shankar, Annapurna massif, Mt Lhotse, Mt Thamserku and many more.  It is one of the best scenic short trekking of Nepal. Apart from the majestic views, you can also discover the Sherpa culture and lifestyle of Solukhumbu region. Interacting with people as you pass through many villages will help to learn more about them. Moreover, you can see many monasteries and stupas on the way. Plus, walking through the lush valleys and green forests with the amazing views, it is one of the best trekking experiences. Even Sir Edmund Hillary stated that it was his favorite spot to enjoy Mt Everest.
Pikey peak trekking is a short trekking which starts with the short scenic flight above the Himalaya of the Solukhumbu region. Then the trail passes through the settlements and rhododendron forest until it gets to the Pikey Danda. The spectacular mountainous view will follow you throughout the journey. Pikey Danda has the most spectacular sunrise and sunset views.  This the best short trekking near Kathmandu valley to admire the Mt Everest. If you are short in time but still want to encounter Mt Everest this is the best trekking to recommend for you. Trekking can be completed in a week and there is no doubt that Pikey peak trekking will make you happy in every possible ways.

3. Mardi Himal Trekking
Mardi himal trek happens just east to one of the most famous trekking route of Annapurna Base Camp. This short trekking provides a picturesque and overwhelming experience of mountainous ambience. Although it is not crowded as Annapurna Base Camp but it shares the magnificent view of Machapuchare, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Mardi peak and other Annapurna ranges. Besides that, the trail offers you the panoramas of the green forests, interesting villages and valleys, rivers, terraced farms and extraordinary views of Machapuchare (Mt Fishtail). Mardi Himal trek is still an undiscovered gem. This is the ideal choice for the trekkers who want an off-beaten trail around Annapurna region. This is a short trekking destination with limited teahouses and facilities, that’s why you should ask the local tour operator whether the accommodations over there are opened or they are closed. 

The trekking duration can be from 6 to 8 days normally. Throughout the trip you can observe the Buddhist religion and culture. The trekking trail passes through lush rhododendron forest in lower elevation. This wonderful journey leads to the High Camp of Mardi Himal, which has the majestic mountainous view following with the beautiful landscapes. When it reaches to the higher elevation the trail passes through the mountainous terrains. Most of the camps in Mardi Himal trek has their own kind of views and they are magnificently beautiful in their own ways.

4. Helambu Trekking
Helambu trekking is one most popular treks of Langtang region. This trek leads you to the less trekked, remote villages and beautiful scenario regions of Langtang. This is relatively low altitude trekking route which pass through temperate forest, green valleys and rhododendron forest. Helambu trekking can be one of the favorite trekking destination for any trekkers. It can offer you the panoramic views of the Langtang range. Helambu is quickly accessible from the Kathmandu via Sundarijal. Helambu short trek can be completed within a week. The hospitality of Sherpa people is the key attraction of the trail. Also, you can observe the distinct culture and lifestyle of people out there. Helambu is the beat spot for the traveler who wants to experience local culture along with natural beauty. Amazing views of snowcapped mountains like Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal and other mountainous peaks, majestic waterfall, Buddhist monasteries and prayers flags are the main highlights of the Helambu trek. Helambu is also famous for fresh juicy apples. Helambu trekking has less trekking visitors comparing to the other classic trekking trails like Annapurna Base Camp, Everest region, langtang Valley and so on. It is the perfect short trek nearby Kathmandu. Eventhough, it is one of the closest trekking destination to the Kathmandu valley it has everything for mountainous trekking experience.

This short trekking starts from the Sundarijal, an hour drive from central Kathmandu, and passes through some renowned villages like Chisapani, Hyolmo, Kutumsang, Tharepati and Melamchi Gaun. You can also walk across rice terraces and some old monasteries. Helambu short trek is the best option for the travelers who wants to seek cultural and natural beauty in the same place. Helambu trek gives an opportunity to experience the mountains, rivers, waterfalls, glaciers, forest and meadows all in one. Also, the chief attraction of Langtang region; the encounter of Red Panda can be your lucky reward.

5. Khopra Danda Trekking
Khopra Danda trek, also known as Khopra ridge trek, is the alternative destination to Annapurna Base Camp. It is also less crowded route with amazing views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna massif, Hiunchuli, Machapuchare, Lamjung himal, Nilgiri and many more that you will never forget. The trail goes through the ancient villages where you can see different ethnic people like Gurung, Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri and Dalits. This trail is newly released trekking trail thus it looks exotic and unspoiled. In addition, the route has good facilities of accommodations and hospitality services provided by the local community. Walking through the green forest and the amazing views from the ridge, Khopra danda has almost everything that Nepal can offer. You can encounter the close view of Dhaulagiri, the 8th highest peak of the world. According to the recent travelers’ reviews from Khopra danda trek, it has the best viewpoint.  You can have the combined adventure as well, i.e. hiking to Khayar Lake 4600 meters. Khayar Lake is the highest point and has the breath taking views of snowcapped mountains and awesome landscapes.  You can also learn about the culture and way of life of the people in this very short trek. You can interact with people and share your experiences. This trail shares the magnificent views but still is unknown to many people. 

Khopra Danda trekking starts from the Pokhara. Pokhara is also gateway to many trekking routes of western regions. The trekking starts from the Ghandruk village which is about three hours of drive from Pokhara. Ghandruk village is a beautiful village with majestic views of Annapurna south, Hiunchuli and Machapuchare. You can take an overnight stop in Ghandruk or you can continue to Tadapani. Tadapani is the place which leads to the Khopra danda trekking route. This newly discovered trail will fulfill your desire to explore off-beaten trail with great mixture of charming locals, hilly landscapes, snowcapped mountains and wild lives.

6. The Royal Trekking
There is no doubt that The Royal trek is one of the best short treks of Nepal. The trek can be easile accomplished in 4 to 5 days. Located on the North East of Pokhara city, The Royal Trek gained its name after the passage of Prince Charles of England through this route. The Royal trek is one of the shortest trekking filled with the ethnic villages of rich and diverse cultures. The trekking trail stays at the moderate elevation and is very easier than other classic trekking trails. This trekking provides an opportunity to experience meaningful diverse people and culture. It also offers the panoramic views of the Annapurna range, Mt Machapuchare, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri and even Pokhara valley. It is the best combination of cultural diversity and natural beauty. The Royal trek is the least crowded trail which passes through Gurung settlement and terraced farming. The culture and life style of people is unchanged for the thousands of years. The trail is extremely enjoyable and requires no technical experience. It is excellent trek for beginners as well as elderly people too. Apart from culture and natural beauty, there might be an opportunity to see fascinating floras and faunas. The Royal trek is very suitable for the peace seeker and nature lovers. 

The journey of the Royal trek begins from the lakeside of Pokhara city and passes through the small settlement of Gurung people.  The trek begins from the Bijaypur River and ends in Chisapani. The advantage of being easy trail, quiet environment and panoramic views; anyone can enjoy this trekking route. This off-beaten trail allows you to get closer to nature and the local cultures. In a nutshell, the Royal trek is the best short trek that has pretty much everything that one trekker seeks from a trekking.

7. Kalinchowk Trekking
Kalinchowk is the perfect short trekking destination, which can be done within 3 days. It lies in the Dolakha district of Nepal and is an increasingly popular trekking destination. It is comparatively closer to Kathmandu valley and gains its elevation pretty quick. The altitude of the hilltop is 3842 meters.  Kalinchowk got its name after the hilltop temple known as Kalinchowk Bhagawati dedicated to a Hindu goddess Kali. The Kalinchowk Bhagawati temple is situated at the top of the hill which is the central attraction. Also, most importantly the hilltop offers you the splendid views of Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, Langtang, Gauri Shankar and many more. This short trekking has no season limitation and can trek there anytime you want. Specially, Kalinchowk is very famous for enjoying snowfall during winter. It is really crowded with international as well as domestic visitors in the winter season. 

Kalinchowk trekking starts with the short drive from Kathmandu. It can take 6 hours of scenic long drive from the Kathmandu to Charikot, the headquarter of Dolakha district. You can have overnight stay in Charikot when you can get to explore local market, the local lifestyle, custom, culture and tradition of people. Then the next day, the trekking starts towards the Kuri, which almost takes 4 hours of walking. On the way to Kuri, you can observe stunning mountain views, charming locals, temples and monasteries and beautiful terraced farming fields. The next morning one and half hour of the hike leads to the hilltop of Kalinchowk Bhagawati temple. As mentioned before, it has one of the best sceneries that Nepal can offer. You can also watch the people worshipping in the temple. Interacting with people and admiring natural beauty, Kalinchowk short trek, gives you different energy, inspiration and relaxation.

8. Chisapani to Nagarkot Trekking
Chisapani to Nagarkot is one of the popular treks around the Kathmandu valley. It is easily accessible and an short route. Chisapani and Nagarkot is the main points of the trekking. This is a short and sweet 3 days trekking with sufficient teahouses filled with Tamang people’s hospitality and accommodations. Extra 1 to 2 days can be extended to trek to Namo Buddha and Dhulikhel. It is the perfect trekking for those who have limited time but still want to do multi days walking. En route, you will pass through the evergreen forest and hillock of Shivapuri National Park. On the way, you can also witness beautiful watershed and village-walk experience with majestic views of Mt Manaslu, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar and many other peaks. Chisapani is where you can admire the amazing sunrise along with pristine Chisapani lake view. And about Nagarkot, it is the popular hill station of the valley with spectacular view of the mountains. The combination of best of nature with surreal mountain views alongside with typical local lives plus appealing sunrise and sunset, 3 days trekking can be spent in a blink of the eyes. 

The journey of the Chisapani to Nagarkot trek starts with 1 hour of drive from the center of Kathmandu. Then the trek continues to Chisapani which almost takes around 5 hours of walk. Chisapani stands for cold water in Nepali language; the spot is really famous for the outstanding views of Annapurna and Langtang ranges. It has the mixed settlements of Brahmin, Gurung and Tamang people. The next day after enjoying the surreal sunrise, you will head to Nagarkot. Nagarkot is the famous vantage point to watch Kathmandu valley and on the other hand, you can enjoy the great mountain views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang , Ganesh Himal, Dorje lakpa and many more with the far view of Everest if the weather is clear enough. The sunrise view from Nagarkot is so captivating as well. Once sun begins to rise you can observe the spectacular view of the Himalayas changing its color. However, you need to get early for this dramatic view. Also, the trip is not over yet. The trip follows to the hiking towards Changu Narayan Temple, one of the oldest UNESCO world heritage sites in Nepal. Only 3 days of trekking yet lot of things to do within a short time. It is the most preferred short trekking of Nepal.

9. Sailung Trekking
Sailung is the short as well as a camping trek which offers you the glimpses of rural villages and great Himalayan landscapes. This place gained its name Sailung as it has around hundreds of hillocks rolling over the whole place like the meadows of heaven.  This trekking yet falls under the non-touristic region. That means it is less crowded but it offers the majestic views of multiple mountains like Mt Everest, Ama Dablam, Mt Makalu, Mt Lhotse, Ganesh Himal, Annapurna range and more other peaks. Sailung is the only spot where you can admire the views of five different mountain ranges. In addition to this, you can peek into social and cultural sides of local Tamang people. There is no doubt that it is the easiest trek but due to becoming the non-touristic, it is hard to find proper accommodations. 

You will see 600 years old monastery after walking through the rhododendron, oak and pine forest. You will encounter rare animals like barking deers if luck favors you. Sailung trek has the dramatic 360 degree views of the Himalayas. Moreover, this place offers an unique experience of wilderness, unusual landscapes, amazing people and the lush rhododendron forests. Lastly, there is a famous Hindu religious site, locally popular as Sailungeshwor Mahadev.

10. Balthali Trekking
Balthali trekking is one of the best trekking destinations nearby Kathmandu valley. Balthali trekking offers a different and a unique taste for the trekkers. This trail has different taste in rural culture, religion and lifestyle of local people. People still follows the traditional way of life besides it is still untouched with the modern lifestyle. As you walk from one village to another village crossing the farms and steams, breathing fresh air, meeting charming people and tasting delicious local foods, you will see the purest lifestyle of Nepalese people.  The small settlements of the old villages is just perfect for the isolation and relaxation. Apparently 3 days of short trek covers Nagarkot, Dhulikhel and Panauti village that is nearby Kathmandu. Similarly like in other trekking it has also got skyline view of the mountains but most importantly main attraction of this trail is the beauty of green lush forest, ancient temples and terraced farming fields. Unlike other route, it is an undisturbed and unique trail. 

Balthali trekking starts from the eastern rim of Kathmandu valley from Changu Narayan, one of the oldest UNSECO world heritage sites. Then the trek continues to Nagarkot, one of the best view point hill stations with extraordinary sunrise and sunset view. As you leave Nagarkot, the trail descends to Dhulikhel. Especially famous for natural as well as historical reasons full of Newar settlement, Dhulikhel is a wonderful town which offer you the panoramic Himalayan views in most of the seasons. After Dhulikhel, 4 hours of trek leads to the Namo Buddha. Namo Buddha is the famous ancient Tibetan monastery surrounded by the Tamang settlement. Move on to Balthali village and rest overnight in the resort. Finally the trek ends with hiking down to Khopasi and driving back to your hotel.


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