Trekking, an adventurous outdoor journey to discover the diversity of nature and culture by walking on the high mountain areas. You travel observing nature, rural communities and beautiful mountain panoramas.
In this 21st century, we have got into a hectic lifestyle where we don’t have time for ourselves. You have to manage time between professional and personal activities and hence the need for relaxing is felt. Hence, traveling the beautiful places of the world has been the best option to relax and offers a fantastic break from our daily routine. Trekking is the best way to keep you relax from your hectic lifestyle.
Nepal, the paradise for trekking for both short trekking and long trekking, with different kinds of adventure options to perform. The huge variety of options allows for people of different ages and capabilities to attempt a trek in Nepal. Many trekkers are confused with the hard choice of selecting the right trek destination in Nepal.
Trekking usually consists of a series of ascents and descents walking 5 to 7 hours. Trekking in Nepal is not only about adventure but is like exploring yourself with an amazing feeling of nature which explores that we are a very small part of nature and yet our existence makes a much difference in nature.
Either you go for a short trek or long trek in Nepal, you will never regret your decision.
Is Trekking similar to Meditation?
You can say this because when you climb up to a mountain peak, it calms you down. The amazing feeling that you are with yourself for that moment can match that calmness and nearness to oneself.
Here are some of the best short trekking places in Nepal that you must visit once in your lifetime.
Here is some 12 most popular short trekking destination in Nepal.
1.Nagarkot Trek
Trip Duration: 4- 5 hours
Elevation: 2195m
Nagarkot, very popular as a viewpoint. Walking through the Tamang village up to the Nagarkot 360 view tower is an amazing experience with the joy of watching birds and jungle walk.
This will provide you with an opportunity to observe the countryside lifestyle but it will also enable you to get close up views of snow-capped mountains. From here you can see the panorama of the Himalayas ranging from the Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. You can also see the Langtang, Dorje Lakpa and the Gaurishankar ranges. The sunrise and sunset on the Himalayas seen from Nagarkot could be a lifetime memory.
Nagarkot Trekking route begins from the ancient Newari town of Sankhu and continues via the holy Sali River, Pine forest, Lush valley and paddy fields to the top of Nagarkot hill that lies at the height of 2195m. You can visit here at any season, just make sure you won’t miss the sunrise and sunset view. Finally, you will feel that this is the best short trek in Nepal.
2. Chisapani Trekking
Trip Duration: 4- 5 hours
Elevation: 2215m
Chisapani trekking is one of the shortest (5 to 6 hour) trekking routes to the north of Kathmandu city. This trek is interesting for the spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and beautiful Nepali villages with green terraces. We pass through the 112-sq-km Shivapuri National Park and large Tamang village of Mulkharka (1800m) from where we can view Kathmandu valley. In this trek, we also can feel the peaceful forest of brown oak and the beauty of rhododendron.
During this short trekking, we get an opportunity to experience trekking in Nepal in a very short time and view fantastic snow mountains. This is a transition zone between subtropical and temperature climates.
3. Sundarijal Nagarkot Trekking
Trip Duration: 5- 6 hours
Elevation: 2075m
Sundarijal trekking is one of the shortest trekking location located near to Kathmandu. A drive after 45 minutes from Kathmandu you can walk up hills into the lush jungle and hospitable village.
During this short trekking, you will enjoy the view of the waterfall. Since it is dangerous going out there in the water you must take care of yourself.
4. Chandragiri Trek
Trip Duration: 6- 7 hours
Elevation: 2540m
Chandragiri Hill is a scenic viewpoint of Kathmandu valley that has been recently opened for tourism purposes. From Chandragiri we can see the whole evergreen Kathmandu valley, Himalayas covered with snow.
After walking for 6 to 7 hours, there is a temple of Lord Shiva, named Bileshwar Mahadev Temple which has great mythology in the Hindu religion. From there you can see the mesmerizing view of Mt.Api, Saipal to Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himal, Dorje Lakpa and Gaurishankar. While trekking you will get to know the people of this region who follows mostly Buddhism. During this short trekking, you can see the cable car, the different spices of birds.
5. Chitlang Trek
Trip Duration: 5- 6 hours
Elevation: 2250m
Trekking for Chitlang is one of the best trekking which goes through the southwestern region of Kathmandu. The treks start at Thankot and stretch to Godam Village which has their natural and artificial beauty.
After walking for a while, the road leads to the forest around Chandragiri from where we can see the Chandragiri Temple on one side and the whole of the Kathmandu valley on the other side. After a walk of about 5 hours from Thankot, you can reach the Chitlang.
Chitlang trekking offers the view of High Mountains, Indrasarobar Lake which is the largest human-made lake in Nepal, the old village enrich with culture, religion, custom, art, and craft.
6. Phulchoki Dada
Trip Duration: 6- 7 hours
Elevation: 2782m
Phulchoki Hill is situated south-east part of Kathmandu valley, which is the highest hill around. In Phulchowki hill we can find different plants including Rhododendron of different colors, including pure white and dark red. Because of these beautiful flowers and dense forest different species of birds and butterflies can be found.
Moreover, you will get the view from Annapurna range to Gaurishanker. At the top of the hill, there is a shrine of Phulchowki Mai which is surrounded by prayer flags and many devotees go there to worship. We can also visit a botanical garden.
7. Namobuddha Trek
Trip Duration: 3 hours
Elevation: 1750m
The name “Namo Buddha” literally means “Greetings to Buddha.” Namobuddha trekking is surely a great experience around Kathmandu even if you just have a day for the adventure activities. With only 2 hours drive from Kathmandu, you will reach the trekkings starting point, Dhulikhel.
Namobuddha trekking offers you mesmerizing views of Himalayan including the Mt. Everest, Gaurishanker, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Himalayan range, etc in Nepal. Namobuddha lies in between Banepa and Panauti, which is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site for especially those who want to know more about Buddhism. Rows of Buddhist stupas with fluttering prayer flags are its main attraction scenario for trekkers.
There is a story about Buddhist legend, King Mahasattva offering his body to a hungry tigress at this very place which makes Namo Buddha a holy site for Buddhist people. Not only the Namo Budhha is famous for pilgrims and Himalayas but it is also famous for growing rice, mustard, and millet. You’ll also be surprised by the number of temples, variation in landscapes and diversity of people living in harmony.
8. Kulekhani Trek
Trip Duration: 1- 2 days
Elevation: 1534m
The journey for Kulekhani starts from Thankot which stretches to Chitlang for 4 hours and further to Markhu for 1.5 hours and finally to Kulekhani Dam for 1 hour. This journey unveils a stunning view of nature, villages, diverse wildlife, and dense forest.
It is famous for fishing, trekking, boating, and hiking so it has a great prospect of adventure tourism. In Nepal, trekking here is also the best place for some barbecue, fire camp.
Kulekhani s also known as Indra Sarobar, which can store 85300000m3 of water. The dam was built with the purpose of generating electricity. The view of Kulekhani Lake steals our heart when seen from the top of the dame dam.
9. Kakani Trek
Trip Duration: 3 hours
Elevation: 2030m
Kakani trekking is a relaxing travel adventure for trekkers who want to dive in nature for relaxation. The picture of hills, oak and pine forests is wonderful. Through Kakani hill, we can see the spectacular beauty of Annapurna Himalayan range, the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range including Ganesh Himal.
During this period you can see the stunning view of different colored Rhododendrons growing wild on the mountain slopes giving the village even more charm. Thai Airways Memorial Park and the century-old villa used by the British Embassy are the best spots to visit in Kakani. Thai airways memorial park is built in the memory of the 113 passengers who died in an airplane crash nearby in 1992.
Kakani is also famous for picnics, family get together and cycling. The highlights of Kakani can be explored when you will see the view that unravels the beauty of nature.
10. Helambu Trek
Trip Duration: 1-2 days
Elevation: 3600m
Helambu, which is inhabited by Sherpa’s is situated in the northern part of the country; about 75km from Kathmandu. The languages, culture, and dress of Helambu Sherpa are different from those of Solokhumbu Sherpa.
An hour’s drive, from Kathmandu, the Helambu Trek begins from Sundarijal (1350m). After walking for some hours you will enter Shivapuri National Park. Continuing the walk along the Chisopani, the trek ends at the Melamchi Pul Bazar in the Helambu region.
Helambu trekking offers scenery through villages of various ethnic high- mountain views. In the way of Helambu, there is a surprising amount of forest, and rhododendrons flowers, some beautiful rice terraces and a number of Buddhist monasteries. The splendid varieties of wildflowers, snow-covered peaks, make your journey remarkable.
People there celebrate the ancient Hyolmo Nepali culture, being the descendant of the Tibetan origin. The company of green rhododendron and bamboo forests, waterfalls, and the snow-covered Himalayas make the trek one of the best treks near Kathmandu. The beautiful Himalayan scenery at the border with Tibet and monasteries make a trek an enthralling experience.
11. Kalinchok Trek.
Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Elevation: 3790m
For Kalinchok trekking, you have to drive 4 hours from Kathmandu to Charikot passing through rivers, streams, hills, mountains, etc. It is situated in Dolkha district. On the way, you can enjoy
KhareDhunga, a cool breeze. After reaching Charikot, you have to walk for 5-6 hours to Kuri. Kuri is a small village which is right below the Kalinchok hill. During the walk, you will encounter a beautiful forest with a number of wild flora and fauna.
From Kalinchok, you can enjoy the superb view of Langtang Himal, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri Shankar, Ganesh Himal, etc. The pilgrimage site (Kalinchok Bhagwati) is for Hindus and as well as Buddhists. In this trekking, you can explore the culture, lifestyle, and diversity of people living there.
12. Sarangkot Trek
Trip Duration: 2-3 days
Elevation: 1610m
Sarangkot is one of the most popular hill stations on Pokhara, which is about 3 hours of uphill walk from Fewa Lake Side. You will be able to see the breathtaking views from the top of Sarangkot.
An unobstructed view of the Himalayan Mountains Of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Fishtail, Machhapuchhare, and green hills can be seen from the top of Sarangkot. It is also famous for the paragliding spot. Sarangkot tower will amaze you with the view of sunrise over the white snow-covered mountains.
What is trekking?
Trekking, an adventurous outdoor journey to discover the diversity of nature and culture by walking on the high mountain areas.
Is trekking similar to meditation?
Yes of course, you can say this because when you climb up to a mountain peak, it calms you down. The amazing feeling that you are with yourself for that moment can match that calmness and nearness to oneself.
Which places are the best for short trekking in Nepal?
1. Nagarkot Trek
2. Chisapani Trek
3. Sundarijal Nagarkot Trek
4. Chandragiri Trek
5. Chitlang Trek
6. Pulchoki Dada Trek
7. Namobuddha Trek
8. Kulekhani Trek
9. Kakani Trek
10. Helambu Trek
11. Kalinchok Trek
12. Sarangkot Trek