Here’s the list of trekking destinations that you can complete and celebrate Dashain/Tihar festival with family as well during the vacation.
Dashain and Tihar are the two biggest festivals with maximum number of holidays throughout the year in Nepal. So lots of people want to utilize this time to explore the country and enjoy themselves.
This is also the perfect time for trekking as the weather is clear. By now rain has completely stopped (no more floods, landslides, slippery trails and leeches), sun is shining bright but the air is cold, and the locals are happy as they’re in a festive mood.
So, based on my trekking experiences and the number of days you might have (5-7 days) as most of you also need to celebrate the festival with the family, here’s the trekking destinations I suggest.
Gosaikunda Trek
Gosaikunda Trek is one of the shortest treks near Kathmandu. You can complete this trek within 4-5 days and reach at a maximum altitude of 4,380m.
From the top you can enjoy the views of mountains like Langtang Ri, Dorje Lhakpa, Gauri Shankar, Gang Chhenpo, Jugal Himal, Nayagang Himal, etc.
Also the sunset view from Laurebina in Magical.
Along with the Gosaikunda lake, there are 3 other lakes Saraswati Kunda, Bhairav Kunda and Surya Kunda. And Surya Kunda lies at the top at an altitude of 4,600m.
As much as it’s popular for its adventurous beauty, it's an equally important place for Hindus and devotees of Shiva.
The trail takes you through the green lush forests full of Rhododendrons (Laligurans), wild flowers, different species of Birds and wild animals.
You will also get to know the lifestyle of indigenous Tamang people and also explore the Yak Cheese factory at Chandanbari.
There are lots of tea houses and lodges on the trail. So you don’t need to worry.
The trek is short but not easy as it has many steep climbs and you’ll also gain altitudes in a short time, so you also need to be careful of altitude sickness.
CLICK HERE to Read the detailed itineraries of Gosaikunda Trek.
Duration: 4-5 Days
Maximum Altitude: 4,600m (Surya Kunda)
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Tea Houses/Lodges
Trek Type: Friends, Family, Solo
Panch Pokhari Trek
This is another short trek near Kathmandu. In just 2 days you can reach the top at an altitude above 4,000m.
The highest point of Panch Pokhari is at an altitude of 4,200m above sea level. From here you can have the magnificent views of Jugal Himal range which includes Dorje Lakpa (6,966m) and Madiya (6,257m). Also the view of Five points at a place is magical.
Panch Pokhari is also an important religious place for both Hindus and Buddhists. Thousands of devotees visit there during Janai Purnima festival.
Apart from religious visits, very few people go trekking on this trail. But the scenario is changing and more people are visiting these days.
There are tea houses and lodges on the trail, so you don’t need to plan for camping (but don’t expect the best facilities like on langtang, annapurna or everest).
The trek can be completed in 4-5 days total.
I recommend this place if you’re looking for a less crowded and less commercialized trekking trail.
You’ll also get to see the nomadic lifestyle of people living on Bhedi Goths (Shepherds Lifestyle) along the trails.
CLICK HERE to Read More Detail About The Panch Pokhari Trek.
Duration: 4-5 Days
Maximum Altitude: 4,200m (Panch Pokhari View Point)
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Tea Houses/Lodges, Homestays
Trek Type: Friends, Family, Solo
Langtang Trek
"One of the most beautiful valleys." - Bill Tilman
Langtang is the most popular trek in the region (among Gosaikunda, Panch Pokhari and Langtang). It is also another short and easy trek near Kathmandu.
The trek is ideal for both experienced trekkers as well as novice travel enthusiasts. This trek provides an incredible opportunity to traverse through beautiful Tamang villages, diverse landscapes, eye-catching waterfalls, high Himalayan valleys, monasteries, and densely forested areas.
On this trek you can get the majestic views of glaciers and mountains including Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Ganja La Pass.
You can complete the trek in 4-5 days and reach at a maximum altitude of 5,033m (at Tsergo Ri).
There are tons of Hotels and Lodges along the trail.
The famed British mountaineer and travel writer, Bill Tilman (1898-1977), called this “one of the world’s most beautiful valleys.”
Duration: 4-5 Days
Maximum Altitude: 5,033m (at Tsergo Ri)
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Tea Houses/Lodges
Trek Type: Friends, Family, Solo
Mardi Himal Trek
Though Mardi Himal Trek is a newer trekking route in Annapurna region, it’s gained a lot of popularity and has become an alternate trekking destination to Annapurna Base Camp Trek.
The trek is short and near Pokhara city.
The trek offers magnificent views of the world’s famous and most majestic mountains including Annapurna I (8091m), Dhaulagiri (8167m), Hiunchuli (6441m), Annapurna II (7937m), Annapurna III (7555m), Annapurna South (7219m), Fishtail (6988m).
The trail takes you through rhododendron forests, charming villages, and serene landscapes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the Himalayas.
On this trek you can try local delicacies, appreciate the excellent hills and mountain landscapes, and enjoy the pristine views of the mountains.
The trek can be completed in around 5 days and takes you to the maximum altitude of 4,500m.
CLICK HERE to read details of Mardi Himal Trek.
Duration: 5 Days
Maximum Altitude: 4,500m (at Mardi Himal Base Camp)
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Tea Houses/Lodges
Trek Type: Friends, Family, Solo
Gurung Heritage Trail Trek (Ghale Gaun, Ghan Pokhara, Bhujung and Pasgaun)
If you’re looking for an easy and cultural trek, then I highly recommend Gurung Heritage Trail trek. The trail takes you through the best homestays in south asia, Ghale Gaun and you can experience the authentic Gurung culture.
During this trek you’ll visit 4 major Gurung villages of Lamjung district i.e. Ghale Gaun, Ghanpokhara, Bhujung and Pas Gaun. Among them Bhujung is one of the largest Gurung villages in Nepal with more than 500 households in one place (really big).
You’ll be living with the locals in their homes, eating their food and experiencing the Gurung Hospitality.
Till today, you can experience the original lifestyle, culture and traditions in these villages.
It’s a really great trek to understand the real lifestyle of people living in Nepal.
Along with the historical cultures and traditions, you will get the view of mountains like Buddha Himal (6673m), Himalchuli, and Manaslu (8156m) to the northeast Mt. Lamjung and Annapurna II to the north, and Mt. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna South to the Northwest.
You don’t have to worry about food and accommodations, as you’ll be staying in homestays in all of these villages who will take the best care of you. And it’s cheaper than staying in hotels or lodges.
The Gurung Heritage Trail can be completed within 4-5 days.
It starts from Besisahar and Ends in Pokhara.
CLICK HERE To Read Detail About Gurung Heritage Trail Trek.
Duration: 4-5 Days
Maximum Altitude: 5,033m (at Tsergo Ri)
Trip Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Homestays
Trek Type: Friends, Family, Solo
Poon Hill - Ghorepani - Ghandruk Trek
Poon Hill Trek is one of the easiest treks in Annapurna Sanctuary which is near Pokhara City. It’s a great route to walk for inexperienced hikers and for those who want to get a taste of trekking in Nepal.
The trails are well-marked and you can find tons of hotels, tea houses and homestays.
During this trek, you will get to see the magnificent scenery of Waterfalls, Rice Terraces, Suspension Bridges and Mountains.
You will also get the good opportunity to observe Gurung and Magar Culture & Traditions in villages like Ghandruk (Gurung Village) and Ulleri (Magar Village).
And from the Poon Hill you will get the magical sunrise view with the mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhre.
Duration: 3-4 Days
Maximum Altitude: 3,210m (at Poon Hill View Point)
Trip Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodges, Homestays
Trek Type: Friends, Family, Solo
Sikles - Kapuche Lake Trek
Sikles is a large Gurung Village (more than 400 households) on the foothills of snow capped mountains in Annapurna Region.
If you want to experience the lifestyle of Gurung people and enjoy the majestic views of mountains like Lamjung Himal, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre, then this place is highly recommended as it’s near Pokhara and you can stay in homestays with the locals.
Sikles village remains an unspoiled, authentic Nepalese village culture, immersing visitors in the rural life of the Himalayas.
Along with the Culture, Traditions and mountains, you can also visit the lowest altitude glacier lake in Nepal, Kapuche Glacier Lake (2,546m).
Although the trekking route was recently discovered and opened for visitors, it has been slowly gaining popularity due to its natural beauty and unique trekking experience.
Even if you’re a non-trekker, you’ll enjoy this trek.
Duration: 5-6 Days
Maximum Altitude: 2,546m (at Kapuche Lake)
Trip Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodges, Homestays
Trek Type: Friends, Family, Solo
Budget: Around 8-10k
Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) Trek
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular treks in Nepal. It is quite an easy and shorter trek than other high altitude treks in Nepal which incorporates diverse terrain, culture, and wildlife. Along with the most spectacular and close up view of Annapurna range, Machhapuchhre, Hiunchuli, and Dhaulagiri.
The route goes up and down several valleys which means you are going up a lot of stairs.
The trek is highly commercialized, so you will get almost all the facilities (for food and accommodation) and you may also have to pay higher prices during the season.
Duration: 6-7 Days
Maximum Altitude: 4,130m (at Annapurna Base Camp)
Trip Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodges
Trek Type: Friends, Family, Solo
Tsho Rolpa Trek
Tsho Rolpa Trek is one of the less known treks in Nepal. The trail is located in the Rolwaling region. And the lake is Nepal’s largest glacier lake located at an altitude of 4,580m above sea level.
Apart from the pristine lake Tsho Rolpa itself, the trek features a continuous panorama of Gaurishankar Himal (7134m) and Melungtse (7,181m) adding beauty to the trek. The remote trek to Tsho Rolpa Lake may be challenging, but it is full of amazing facets of nature to make it a trip worth heading for.
Not only the lake, but the Rolwaling valley itself, majestic waterfalls, wide varieties of plants & animals and celestial villages like Simi Gaun, Dongang, Bedding and Na Village makes it feel like you’re in paradise.
Duration: 7-9 Days
Maximum Altitude: 4,580m (at Tsho Rolpa Lake)
Trip Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodges
Trek Type: Friends, Family, Solo
Phoksundo Lake Trek
Phoksundo Lake is one of the most beautiful alpine fresh water aquamarine blue color lakes in Nepal.
The trekking trail ascends and descends through a densely forested path filled with oaks, pines, and fir trees with a view of several waterfalls along the way. The route also passes through several picturesque traditional villages like Dunai, Chhepka, Jharana Hotel, and Shyanta.
You will also get the view of a magnificent 330m high waterfall.
The area is also equally rich in wildlife which gives you an opportunity to get sight of some endangered species like musk deer, snow leopard, blue sheep, Tibetan sheep, Himalayan tahr, and so on.
Along with the beautiful blue water lake, you will also get the view of Kanjirowa Himal (6612m) and visit to the various monasteries surrounding the lake
Since the region lies in the western Nepal and not so good transportation, it takes more time to reach the trek start point and come back which increases the cost as well.
So, the trek is only recommended if you have around 11 days and a good budget then.
Duration: 9-11 Days
Maximum Altitude: 3,611m (at Kapuche Lake)
Trip Difficulty: Easy
Accommodation: Hotel/Lodges, Homestays
Trek Type: Friends, Family, Solo
Apart from these trekking trails, some other off the beaten trekking trails worth mentioning are Kori Trek, Khumai Danda Trek, Kokhe Danda Trek, Khopra Danda Trek, Ama Yangri Trek, etc.