Trekking in Nepal

Easy treks in Nepal: a gentle first trek

An easy trek in Nepal is still a walk in the mountains: stone steps, long descents, a few hours a day on your feet. But it doesn't need thin air, cold nights or a high pass at dawn. These are the walks I suggest for a first trek.

Written by Rujan Neupane, licensed trekking guide from the Kathmandu Valley

What easy means here

I call a walk easy or moderate when the days are about 4 to 6 hours on good paths and the highest point stays below about 4,000 m. Easy is not flat: Nepal is a country of stairs. How I grade a walk explains each grade.

Gentle walks for a first trek

Easy, or moderate with every night below 4,000 m. Shortest first.

Khaptad

Far West 4 to 6 a day · 1 rest day
9days
3,300 mSahasra Linga (about 3,300 m)
Moderate
The walk

Rara Lake

Far West 4 to 6 a day · 1 rest day
10days
3,600 mThe ridge above Rara (about 3,600 m)
Moderate
The walk

A step up

When you feel ready for more: moderate walks that go a little higher, with rest days built in.

Getting ready for your first trek

  • Walk hills at home with a light pack, two or three times a week, for a month or two before you come. A simple training plan.
  • Practise stairs. Your knees work hardest on the way down, so bring trekking poles.
  • Wear your boots in before the trip. New boots on day one bring blisters on day two.
  • Choose October to November or March to April. In winter the low walks are clear, quiet and cold in the evenings.
  • Bring a warm layer even on a low walk: the evenings are cold at 2,500 m. What to pack.

Questions people ask me

What is the easiest trek in Nepal?

The shortest, lowest walks on this page, usually 3 to 5 days below about 3,300 m. Which one suits you depends on what you want to see: mountain views, villages or forest.

Can a beginner trek in Nepal?

Yes. You don't need experience, only regular walking at home and a slow pace on the trail. A guide sets the pace for you and knows the way down if you need it. Your first trek in Nepal.

Do easy treks have mountain views?

Yes. The lower ridges are often the best places to see the big peaks in one long line, at sunrise and in the evening.

Do I need a guide on an easy trek?

In the national parks and conservation areas, yes: the rule applies to every trek inside them, easy or not. The guide rule, explained.

Are easy treks good for older walkers and families?

Often, yes. Short days and lower nights suit many ages. Tell me about your group and I'll suggest a walk.

Not sure which trek suits you? Tell me your dates and what you hope for, and I will say honestly.

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Write to me

Tell me a little about the walk you have in mind. I read every message myself and usually reply within a day; from the trail, where there is often no network, it can take a few days.

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