Free · no sign-up · updated September 2026
The Nepal trekking guide, written from Pokhara
Everything we get asked before a trek — which route fits your time and fitness, day-by-day itineraries with route maps and altitude profiles, permits and the 2023 guide rule, what it really costs, and how to trek safely on your own. Most of Nepal's best treks start a short drive from Pokhara, where we are based, so that's where these guides begin.
- trek guides
- 18trek guides
- start from Pokhara
- 15start from Pokhara
- itinerary days mapped
- 139itinerary days mapped
- planning guides
- 11planning guides
Which trek should I do?
Filter by how many days you have, your fitness and the month you travel. Every route is on the map — open any guide for the full itinerary.
Green pin: our base in Pokhara. Click a route for its guide. Lines are approximate.
18 treks match
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Australian Camp & Dhampus Trek
The easiest overnight Himalayan view from Pokhara: one hour of walking from Kande to sunrise over the Annapurna range.
1–3 daysEasy▲ 2,060 mBookable with us
- Sarangkot & Peace Pagoda
Pokhara Valley · from Pokhara
Sarangkot & World Peace Pagoda Hikes
Pokhara's two classic day hikes: sunrise over the Annapurnas from Sarangkot, and a boat and climb to the Peace Pagoda.
1–2 daysEasy▲ 1,592 m
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Ghandruk Village Trek
A 3-day loop from Pokhara to the stone-lane Gurung village of Ghandruk, across the Modi Khola and out via Australian Camp.
2–4 daysEasy▲ 2,100 mBookable with us
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek
Four days from Pokhara to the most famous sunrise viewpoint in the Annapurnas, and back through Gurung villages.
3–5 daysModerate▲ 3,210 mBookable with us
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Panchase Trek
A quiet forested ridge above Phewa Lake with a 360° view from Dhaulagiri to Manaslu, walkable straight from Lakeside.
3–5 daysEasy▲ 2,517 mBookable with us
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Mardi Himal Trek
A short, steep ridge trek from Pokhara to the foot of Machhapuchhre, with the Upper View Point at 4,200 m.
4–7 daysModerate▲ 4,500 mBookable with us
- Mohare Danda
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Mohare Danda Community Eco-Lodge Trek
A short community-lodge trek through Magar villages to a 3,313 m ridge, then along the ridge to Poon Hill.
4–7 daysModerate▲ 3,313 m
Mustang · from Pokhara
Jomsom Muktinath Trek
Fly from Pokhara into the Kali Gandaki, walk to Kagbeni and the Muktinath temple (3,800 m), and back via the apple village of Marpha.
4–11 daysModerate▲ 3,900 mBookable with us
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Up the Modi Khola gorge into the Annapurna Sanctuary, a ring of 7,000–8,000 m peaks at 4,130 m.
6–12 daysModerate▲ 4,130 mBookable with us
- Langtang Valley
Langtang
Langtang Valley Trek
Eight days from Kathmandu up a glacier-carved valley to Kyanjin Gompa and a 4,984 m viewpoint, with no flights needed.
6–10 daysModerate▲ 4,984 m
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Khopra Danda (Khopra Ridge) Trek
A community-lodge ridge trek above Poon Hill, facing Dhaulagiri, with a day hike to sacred Khayar Lake at about 4,660 m.
7–11 daysChallenging▲ 4,660 m
- Nar Phu
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Nar Phu Valley Trek
A restricted side valley off the Annapurna Circuit: Tibetan villages at 4,000 m, canyons and the Kang La (5,320 m) crossing to Ngawal.
10–19 daysStrenuous▲ 5,320 mRestricted area
Everest
Gokyo Lakes & Gokyo Ri Trek
Turquoise glacier lakes and a 5,357 m summit with a view of four 8,000 m peaks, on the quieter side of the Khumbu.
10–14 daysChallenging▲ 5,357 m
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Up the Marsyangdi, over Thorong La (5,416 m) and down into the Kali Gandaki: the classic Himalayan traverse in 12 days from Pokhara.
10–18 daysChallenging▲ 5,416 m
Mustang · from Pokhara
Upper Mustang Trek
Into the former Kingdom of Lo: red cliffs, cave monasteries and the walled city of Lo Manthang, 12 days from Pokhara.
9–16 daysChallenging▲ 4,230 mRestricted area
Everest
Everest Base Camp Trek
Fly to Lukla and walk 12 days through Sherpa villages to the foot of Everest, with Kala Patthar (5,545 m) at sunrise.
11–16 daysChallenging▲ 5,545 mBookable with us
Annapurna · from Pokhara
Tilicho Lake Trek
A side trip from Manang to Tilicho Lake (4,919 m), one of the highest large lakes in the world, and on over Thorong La.
10–16 daysStrenuous▲ 5,416 mBookable with us
Manaslu · from Pokhara
Manaslu Circuit Trek
A 14-day loop around the world's eighth-highest mountain, up the Budhi Gandaki gorge and over the 5,106 m Larkya La.
12–18 daysChallenging▲ 5,106 mRestricted areaBookable with us
Plan your trek: the essentials
The questions that apply to every trek in Nepal, answered once and properly.
Travelling alone?
Can you still trek solo in Nepal?
Since April 2023 most foreign trekkers need a licensed guide in Nepal's national parks and conservation areas. Our solo guide explains where the rule applies, the Everest exception, how to keep costs down, and how to trek safely as a solo woman.
What people ask most
All 83 questions →What is the best time to trek in Nepal?
The two main seasons are autumn (late September to November) and spring (March to May). October and November have the clearest, most stable weather, and April brings the rhododendrons into flower. Winter suits lower treks, and the monsoon (June to mid-September) is best spent in rain-shadow areas such as Upper Mustang.
Can you trek in Nepal without a guide in 2026?
In most national parks and conservation areas, including Annapurna and Langtang, no. Since 1 April 2023, foreign trekkers must have a licensed guide arranged through a registered agency. The Everest (Khumbu) region didn't adopt the rule, so independent trekking is still possible there. Mantra Mountain in Pokhara can arrange a licensed guide or porter-guide.
Is Nepal safe for solo female travellers?
Generally yes. Nepal is welcoming, and teahouse trails are busy and sociable in season. The main risk is unlicensed freelance guides, so book through a registered agency and check the guide's licence card. Female guides are available if you ask early.
Which trek is best for beginners in Nepal?
Ghorepani Poon Hill is the classic first trek. It takes 4–5 days from Pokhara, reaches a maximum of 3,210 m, and has good teahouses throughout. Australian Camp (2–3 days) and Ghandruk (3–4 days) are even gentler.
At what altitude does altitude sickness start?
Mild AMS can begin around 2,500 m and becomes common above 3,000 m, particularly with a fast ascent. Above 3,000 m, guides aim to raise sleeping altitude by only 300–500 m a night, with a rest day every 3–4 days.
How much does it cost to trek in Nepal per day?
Room and three meals cost about USD 25–40 a day on lower Annapurna treks, USD 30–50 at ABC or on the Circuit, and USD 35–65 in the Everest region. A licensed guide adds USD 25–35 a day and a porter USD 18–25. Permits, transport and tips are extra.
What is a teahouse in Nepal?
A family-run lodge on a trekking route with simple twin rooms and a heated dining room that serves meals. Teahouses are spaced every few hours on the main trails, so you don't need a tent or cooking gear.
What should I pack for trekking in Nepal?
Layers (base layer, fleece, down jacket, waterproof shell), broken-in boots, a sleeping bag suited to the altitude, a head torch, sun protection, water purification, a first-aid kit, cash and your permits. Aim for about 10 kg in a porter bag plus a daypack.
Ready to go? Trek with us from Pokhara
These guides are free and always will be. When you're ready, Mantra Mountain can arrange a licensed guide, permits and transport for any of these treks — or answer a question by email, no strings.