For less experienced hikers and families with young children, the experts at Kandoo Adventures suggest some easier but still very worthwhile treks to do in Nepal.
Photo © Kandoo Adventures
While Nepal is certainly famous for treks like the Annapurna Circuit and the Everest Base Camp Trek, these are fairly long and grueling routes that require a good level of stamina and fitness.
But easier options also exist for less experienced hikers, and they will still expose you to the true spirit of the Himalayas. Here are some of the best treks in Nepal for beginners.
Langtang Valley Trek
Famously described by travel writer Bill Tilman as “one of the world’s most beautiful valleys”, the Langtang Valley Trek is one of the easiest and most popular treks in Nepal.
Located north of Kathmandu near the border with Tibet, the trek commonly takes 10-12 days, however, it can actually be completed in just one week.
Set in a wild and remote landscape that is ever-changing, the Langtang Valley Trek takes hikers through deep gorges, farming pastures, semi-arid zones and sub-tropical forests.
Trekkers are rewarded at the highest point with stunning views across the Langtang Himal range.
From here, you can also see the colossal Langtang Lirung, which stands at 23,773 feet (7,246m).
If you’re feeling up to it, then you’ll also have the option to summit Kyangjin Ri at 14,209 feet (4,330m). Needless to say, the views from the summit are nothing short of breathtaking.
The Royal Trek
The Royal Trek was named after Prince Charles and his 90-strong crew who explored the route in 1981. It was also historically used by Nepal’s royal family, adding to the namesake.
The Royal Trek is the ideal, easy option for travelers wanting to have an ‘off the beaten path’ experience.
Because it’s less well known compared to the other treks in the region, most of the time it’s practically empty. This hike takes you through terraced rice fields and lush forests, and you’ll be greeted constantly with epic views of the Annapurna Mountain Range.
Beginning at the lakeside city of Pokhara, the route is well-maintained and trekkers stay at a relatively low altitude for the duration of the trek. This means that even the most inexperienced trekkers will be able to give it a go. The most popular route takes five days and covers 7.5 to 9.5mi (12 to 15km) a day.
From the highest point, you’ll be able to see Machapuchhre (fishtail) and Langtang Mountain. The trek concludes when you arrive at the stunning Begnas Lake at the southeast end of the Pokhara valley, just in time for a nice drink!
Poon Hill Trek
Conducted over four to five days, the Poon Hill Trek in the Annapurna region is perfectly suited to beginners and families.
Although one of the easier treks in Nepal, the Poon Hill Trek packs a major punch when it comes to views. The sunrise over the rugged Annapurna Himalaya range is thought to be one of the best in the world.
The beauty and diversity of the scenery is the main draw factor of this trek.
As you ascend into the hills, the scenery is constantly changing from lush forests to arid terrain, to farming fields.
Lovely family-run teahouses are dotted along the route, so there’s no need to carry any camping gear.
After a fairly steep climb to the top of Poon Hill at 10,531 feet (3,210m), you’ll be rewarded with one of the best mountain vistas on earth. Definitely worth it!
This article was written by our partner Kandoo Adventures in collaboration with Mountain IQ.
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