The Top 5 Treks in Nepal

I was recently asked what my favourite trek was in Nepal, which is a really difficult one as they are all awesome in my opinion. Some are super challenging, some are quite leisurely but all of them offer something a little different in terms of experience and also difficulty.

So here goes, counting down from number five to my number one trek in Nepal.

PS - I've included the guide for each trip. Just click, download and you're on your way.

5. Everest 3 Passes Trek

Also known as the Everest Three Passes Trek or the Everest Circular, this has to be the toughest trek without summiting a trekking peak in the Everest region.

Once you reach my favourite mountain village in Nepal, the beautifully positioned Namche Bazaar (nothing to do with the Irish bar of course), you will follow the eastern valley and head over Renjo La Pass at over 5500m and into the scenic Gokyo Valley with its beautiful glacial lakes.

As you would on the Gokyo Valley Trek, you would cross over the challenging Cho La Pass at over 5550m and into the Khumbu Valley

We then head to Everest Base Camp and as if your legs were not tired enough, we take you over the final pass, Kongma La, again rising to over 5500m.

This really is a real lung buster of a Nepal trek, but it’s ideal for anyone wanting to really challenge their body and their mind!

4. Annapurna Base Camp Trek

Whenever people talk about trekking in Nepal and the Himalayas, Everest is always spoken about first, and rightly so. However, there's nothing quite like seeing the Annapurna Massif rise above you like a huge wall of rock, ice, and snow as you walk towards its well-positioned base camp.

This is exactly what you get on the Annapurna Base Camp Trek.

The popular Annapurna region is based in the eastern part of Nepal.

Mt Annapurna, with its three peaks, is feared by many mountaineers. In fact, it’s often called the most dangerous mountain in the world.

Speaking to mountaineering legend Alan Hinkes — the only British man to have climbed all 14 of the Himalayan eight-thousanders — at the Keswick Mountain Festival last year, he said that no amount of money would make him want to climb that mountain again. Once was enough for him. And that says it all!

However, trekking to its beautifully placed base camp is more than achievable for any avid trekker and also a lot safer too.

In terms of scenic views, the Annapurna Base Camp Trek definitely challenges the Everest region.

To back this up, when I speak to our trekking guides and ask them about their favourite part of the country, around 75% of them say the Annapurna region.

It must be worth a look. And that's why it's at number four on my list of the best Nepal treks!

3. Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Lake Trek

The quieter trails of the Gokyo Valley en route to Everest Base Camp is somewhat of a forgotten jewel in the Everest region. If you’re fed up of waiting for yaks, donkeys, and fellow trekkers on the classic route to Everest Base Camp, then the Everest Base Camp via Gokyo Valley Trek might be for you.

The pristine Gokyo Valley boasts four breathtaking glacial lakes, and that’s what puts this one right up there on the list of the best Nepal treks for me.

It’s definitely a tougher hike than the 15-day route, and you also have to climb over Cho La Pass at almost 5,500m. However, like all Nepal treks, it’s more than doable for just about anyone with the right preparation.

This route gives you an opportunity to view another 8000m peak that you can’t view from on the classic Everest route. Cho Oyu at 8188m is the sixth highest mountain in the world and as you head towards Gokyo village, this majestic mountain will keep you company for the entire day.

The Gokyo route is growing ever popular, but is certainly one to add to your bucket list for sure.

2. Ultimate Island Peak & Everest Base Camp (Winner of the Toughest Trek)

I came up with the itinerary for the Ultimate Island Peak & Everest Base Camp Trek around 18 months ago as I wanted to create a more challenging route to Island Peak while including Everest Base Camp. EverTrekkers have loved this one ever since.

The route is a hybrid of the Island Peak Expedition and the Everest Base Camp Trek with parts of the Everest Three Peaks Three Passes Trek thrown in for good measure.

This is a toughie!

This challenging adventure includes summiting a 6000m peak, reaching the historic Everest Base Camp at 5364m, and climbing over two high passes above 5000m... all within 21 days of pure lung-busting trekking heaven.

This Nepal trek is definitely for people who like a challenge, are in good physical condition, and ideally have been on high altitude treks previously.

Scaling the ridge leading up to the summit of Island Peak certainly gets the juices flowing, and that’s why this route earns a place at number two on my list.

1. Everest Base Camp Trek

What more can be said about one of the best treks on the planet? Number one has to be The Everest Base Camp Trek.One for the bucket list, that’s for sure.

This trail winds its way along the Dudh Kosi River and into the Khumbu valley, where you follow in the footsteps of famous mountaineers like Sir Edmund Hillary, Sir Chris Bonington, and George Mallory. Not only that, but you also pass through and stay in local Sherpa villages and get to experience the hospitality of the wonderful Nepalese people.

It is one of the most beautiful parts of Nepal, and also one of the best in terms of having access to good accommodation, good food, and WiFi!

Many people think this trek in Nepal is easy. While it's not the most difficult trek on this list, it’s still a toughie and should be treated with respect all the same. The first time I went here was during winter. The weather was really difficult and the temperatures never got into the plus figures. It was -25°C at Everest Base Camp, so to say this trek is easy is not true at all.

What a journey. What an adventure.

If there is one trek in Nepal that you should do before you ‘kick the bucket’ then this is one! A real EverTrekker favourite, and my number one trek in Nepal!