Nepal, nestled in the lap of the Himalayas, is a trekking paradise offering a wide range of trails for adventure enthusiasts of all levels. Short and easy treks in Nepal are perfect for trekkers concerned about age and physical strength, designed to provide a fulfilling experience within a limited timeframe. These routes cover low elevations and involve more hiking than long hours of trekking, allowing trekkers to enjoy picturesque vistas of natural and cultural landscapes. Along the way, journey through attractive villages, observe rich flora and fauna, and witness breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, creating unforgettable memories of Nepal’s beauty. Here are a few options to consider:
Chisapani Nagarkot Hike, also known as Kathmandu Rim Valley Trek, is a famous and easily accessible hiking trail near Kathmandu Valley. It starts from Kathmandu and proceeds to Chisapani via Sundarijal. This hike allows you to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. The trail offers spectacular mountain scenery, glimpses of charming village lifestyles, and insights into the local culture and traditions. It’s a perfect choice for first-time visitors to the Himalayas or those seeking a shorter trek that still showcases the essence of trekking in the region. The hike also provides opportunities to visit historically and culturally significant sites and enjoy panoramic mountain views, including Mount Everest.
Drive to Changu Narayan and visit the ancient Changu Narayana Temple, located on a hilltop surrounded by forests and the village of Changu. This admired temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is considered the oldest in Nepal. Begin a gentle hike from the village towards Telkot near Nagarkot Hill, passing through lush deciduous forests and terraced fields. Nagarkot, situated at 2175 m above sea level, offers panoramic views of the world’s tallest mountains, including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Manaslu. Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Nagarkot’s terraced hillsides and captivating landscapes.
Balthali Village Hike is a short and convenient trek, ideal for those with limited time who still desire to experience the higher Himalayan region. It caters to a diverse range of individuals, including businessmen, elderly people, and families looking for a unique trip to Nepal. The hike offers a picturesque journey through typical Nepali countryside, with terraced rice fields, thatched farmhouses, and stunning green hill views. Situated at an altitude of 1730 m, Balthali Village is a charming settlement at the confluence of the Roshi and Ladkhu Rivers. The village showcases traditional pagoda-style houses in vibrant colors, surrounded by lush farmlands, forests, and the majestic Mahabharat Range. The trek also takes you to Dhulikhel, a popular tourist destination, and the historic Namo Buddha monastery, adding to the allure of this hiking adventure.
The Dhampus Sarangkot Trek is a short hiking trek in the vicinity of Pokhara Valley, known for its natural beauty. Sarangkot, situated above Pokhara, offers stunning views of the Himalayas. It is famous for its sunrise, sunset, and mountain vistas. At an elevation of 1590 m, Sarangkot provides panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range, Manaslu, and the Pokhara Valley. Dhampus, a charming village mainly inhabited by the Gurung community, serves as the gateway to the popular Annapurna Circuit. This trek is ideal for first-time visitors, inexperienced trekkers, and those with limited time, showcasing the Annapurna mountain range, diverse landscapes, cultural experiences, Gurung villages, and Buddhist monasteries. Accommodation and meals are readily available in the region.
The Panchase Trek is a short and easy camping trek located west of Pokhara. Starting and ending in the picturesque city of Pokhara, this trek offers magnificent mountain views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Ganesh, Fishtail (Machhapuchhre), Himchuli, and more. The trail takes you through charming villages and provides a glimpse into the mid-hill cultural life of Nepal. This family-friendly trek is suitable for hikers of all ages and is a popular choice for those seeking a shorter adventure in the Annapurna region. The Panchase Trek combines scenic trails with paddy fields, forests, and grasslands, and offers opportunities for bird watching and stunning photography.
The Royal Trek, named after Prince Charles’ exploration in 1981, offers stunning views of the Annapurna, Fishtail, and Manaslu mountains. Starting with a half-hour drive from Pokhara, the trek begins at Kalikastan. It takes you through picturesque Gurung villages, terraced farms, and lush forests. The trek concludes at Begnas Lake, approximately 30 km from Pokhara. This easy trek is ideal for those with limited time and a basic level of fitness. Camping is recommended as there are no tea houses available along the route.
Embark on the Everest Short Trek, which offers breathtaking views of Everest and surrounding peaks while providing insights into the Sherpa culture. A 35-minute flight from Kathmandu takes you to Lukla, the gateway to Everest Base Camp. Following the EBC trail, the trek passes through forests, farmlands, and Sherpa villages, allowing for acclimatization at a lower altitude in Phakding. The journey continues to Namche Bazaar, the vibrant hub of the region, where you can enjoy stunning views of Thamserku and Khumbila. Exploring the Sherpa village of Khumjung offers a unique glimpse into their traditional way of life, amidst the backdrop of majestic peaks such as Kangtega, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse.
The Ruby Valley is a newly opened trekking destination in Nepal, offering a diverse range of landscapes and walking conditions. The trek showcases flatlands, terraced farms, steep climbs, lush green forests, and magnificent views of snow-capped peaks like Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, and Bouddha Himal. The region is mostly inhabited by the Tamang and Gurung communities, following Buddhism, and their rich cultures and traditions are fascinating to explore. Starting from Dhading Besi, the trek takes you to the Pangsang Pass, a stunning viewpoint at an altitude of 3850 m. The Ruby Valley Ganesh Himal trek also promotes homestays, supporting the local economy and allowing visitors to experience the authentic lifestyle of the area.
The Gosainkunda Lake Trek offers a fascinating journey through terraced slopes, Tamang settlements, diverse wildlife, and stunning views of the mountains. Situated at an altitude of 4,380 m, Gosainkunda Lake holds great religious significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. It is believed that bathing in the holy lake cleanses one’s pain, sorrows, and sins. This sacred frozen lake in the Langtang region is visited by domestic and Indian pilgrims during the Janai Purnima festival in early September, while trekkers can explore it throughout the year via the Langtang and Helambu treks. The trek can be completed as a short trip from Kathmandu and back.
There are many short and easy treks in Nepal, but it’s important to prepare well and have a basic level of fitness. Altitude-related challenges should also be taken into consideration. It’s advisable to hire a knowledgeable guide or join a trekking group for safety, cultural insights, and local expertise.