Nepal is one of the most popular and sought-out destinations for travelers all over the world. Eight among the fourteen tallest mountains in the world reside in Nepal. With the dramatic view of the Himalayan chains and other major peaks, Nepal is easily the most desired option.
The glorious massifs promise adventures and great experience to trekking enthusiasts. There are numerous trekking trails that take you to different peaks, all having their own unique features. These factors are what makes trekking in Nepal exciting and thrilling.
Trekking around Himalayas means you will be spending several days at remote mountainous areas and it could be quite expensive. However, with the availability of various options you can choose the perfect trekking destination that suits your needs. For those who have budget constraint, we present the top 5 budget treks in Nepal.
As the Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to the base camp of the Mt. Everest (8848m), it is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Viewing the Everest close in front of the naked eyes is a wish many adventurers and trekkers dream of. The journey starts from Lukla airport and ends at the foot of the Everest. Starting from Lukla, the trail leads you through beautiful Sherpa dwellings of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorakshep, and finally the Everest Base Camp. A hike to Kalapatthar adds more Himalayan magic as you stand audience to the amazing sunrise over the Everest Himalayas.
This region is mostly inhabited by Sherpas and is highly influenced by Buddhism which comes from the neighboring country Tibet. Colorful rhododendron forests, sparkling glacial rivers, historical Buddhist monasteries with radiant prayer flags are sure to offer a mesmerizing experience. This trek gives you an opportunity to experience the real taste of the Himalayas.
As the Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to the base camp of the Mt. Everest (8848m), it is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Viewing the Everest close in front of the naked eyes is a wish many adventurers and trekkers dream of. The journey starts from Lukla airport and ends at the foot of the Everest. Starting from Lukla, the trail leads you through beautiful Sherpa dwellings of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorakshep, and finally the Everest Base Camp.
A hike to Kalapatthar adds more Himalayan magic as you stand audience to the amazing sunrise over the Everest Himalayas. This region is mostly inhabited by Sherpas and is highly influenced by Buddhism which comes from the neighboring country Tibet. Colorful rhododendron forests, sparkling glacial rivers, historical Buddhist monasteries with radiant prayer flags are sure to offer a mesmerizing experience. This trek gives you an opportunity to experience the real taste of the Himalayas.
As the Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to the base camp of the Mt. Everest (8848m), it is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. Viewing the Everest close in front of the naked eyes is a wish many adventurers and trekkers dream of. The journey starts from Lukla airport and ends at the foot of the Everest. Starting from Lukla, the trail leads you through beautiful Sherpa dwellings of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Gorakshep, and finally the Everest Base Camp.
A hike to Kalapatthar adds more Himalayan magic as you stand audience to the amazing sunrise over the Everest Himalayas. This region is mostly inhabited by Sherpas and is highly influenced by Buddhism which comes from the neighboring country Tibet. Colorful rhododendron forests, sparkling glacial rivers, historical Buddhist monasteries with radiant prayer flags are sure to offer a mesmerizing experience. This trek gives you an opportunity to experience the real taste of the Himalayas.
Situate in the gorge between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, Mohare Danda is a hill located at an elevation of 3300 meters. This destination is also quite near to the well-known Poonhill viewpoint. It is a newly opened route growing in popularity due to its authentic trekking trails amidst the remote villages.
The trip starts with a scenic drive to Pokhara from where the trek begins at Galeshwor and leads through Bans Kharka, Nagi, and finally Mohare Danda. While walking on the trails through the Annapurna Conservation Area, you will be surrounded by the bio-diversity of region. Upon reaching the top of Mohare Danda, you will be gifted with the view of the clustered Annapurna range with other stunning peaks such as Dhaulagiri (8167m), Manaslu (8163m), Tukuche (6920m), and Mt. Machhapuchhre (6997m).
This trek also provides you an opportunity to meet and experience the Magar culture closely. All in all, Mohare Danda Trek explores the lesser-traveled trekking trails in the Annapurna region yet offers mesmerizing natural beauty.
Khopra Trek is yet another trek in the Annapurna region which culminates at the Khopra Ridge and Khayer Lake. Located away from the busier trails of the Annapurna region, the Khopra trek is a different experience. It is ideal for families, individuals and groups who wants to experience a more peaceful and calm trekking experience.
The journey starts with a scenic flight or drive to Pokhara. One reaches the actual trailhead at Kimche with a short drive from Pokhara. Passing through lush forests and winding trails, the trek reaches the famous Gurung village of Ghandruk. Next, passing through villages like Swanta and Dhan Kharka, you finally reach the top of the Khopra hill.
Through the trekking trails, you are gifted with picturesque views of snow-clad peaks, rhododendron forests, and small ethnic settlements. The holy and turquoise Khayer Lake is the final destination on the trek which offer elegant display of the mountains in the Annapurna range. Khopra Danda Trek is one of the easier trails which ensures adventure of the highest standard.
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is next to the Everest Base Camp Trek in terms of stature and popularity. If you can spare 10 to 14 days, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek is the perfect trek for you. The trails leading to Annapurna Base Camp radiate natural beauty in every corner of the journey.
The trek starts with a scenic drive from Pokhara to Kyumi from where trekking begins through Chhomrong. Passing Himalaya along the Modi River, the trek reaches the Machhapuchhre Base Camp. Heading west from the Machhapuchhre Base Camp, the trek concludes at the Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). Upon reaching the base camp you will be blessed with a panoramic view of the Annapurna I (8091m), Annapurna South (7219m), Nilgiri (7061m), Machhapuchhre (6997m), and Gangapurna (7454m).
The ABC Trek explores around the esteemed Annapurna Conservation Area and allows you to relish the sights of some of the highest mountains in the world. The Gurung villages on the way also offer plenty of cultural interactions a well. Thus, Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the finest adventures in Nepal which is filled with a plethora of natural and cultural marvels.
Ganesh Himal Trek covers the route towards the west of the Langtang National Park. The trek leads you through lush green forests, scenic terrace farms, diverse topography and villages populated with Tamang communities. Similarly, the villages provide you an opportunity to gain a deeper insight into the lifestyle and culture of the Tamang communities. The journey begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Betrawati from where you begin your trek.
Trekking through Kispang, Thulo Chaur, and Gongga. As the Himalayas grow in their majestic display, the trail heads towards Sing La Pass (4045m), Borang, and Ri Gaon. Ganesh Himal is no less than a paradise for its unique features. With less traffic compared to other routes it is also a suitable trek for those who want to travel in isolation. The trail runs amidst lush green forests with panoramic Himalayan scenery making it a blissful experience. In addition, the picturesque Tamang villages and their immersing culture will surely put a print on your memory which you will never forget.
There are numerous treks one can do in Nepal. With such wide options, one can easily find the right trek that suits their needs. The above-mentioned treks stand out as the best budget treks in Nepal. Choosing any one of the treks will surely give you a memorable experience that will make you want to come back for more.
Anshu Thapa is the Managing Director of a Treklanders Adventures Pvt.Ltd. She is a highly experienced and accomplished trekking and mountaineering professional with ex...