Low-Altitude Treks in Nepal
Swiss Family Treks Blog Posting
Trekking is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Nepal. Over 200,000 tourists visit the country solely for trekking activities. Most of these outdoor enthusiasts choose to trek in the Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp, and Langtang Valley Trek.
Ever since Col. Jimmy Roberts, known as "the father of trekking" in Nepal, started trekking in the 1950s, millions of others have visited Nepal. One of the best trekking destinations in the world, Nepal is truly a paradise for all kinds of trekkers.
Low Altitude Treks (Short Treks)
Low altitude treks, also known as short treks, amass the excitement, cultural observation, sightseeing, and outdoor adventure in a short period. Unlike lengthy trekking journeys, low altitude treks take one close to mountains in a short time while offering the same astounding moments amid nature.
Almost every major trekking region around Nepal offers short trek adventures such as Everest Foothill Teahouse Trek, Annapurna Panorama View Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, and Pikey Peak Trek. These are well-suited for tourists with a limited stay in Nepal, elderly travelers, and those prone to altitude sickness.
One can experience the adventure along with an opportunity to observe the rich culture, lifestyle, cuisines, and traditions of the native Himalayan tribes such as Sherpa, Tamang, Gurung, Magar, and Hyolmo. Most low-altitude treks span six to ten days, making them one of Nepal's most undertaken outdoor activities.
Everest Foothill Tea House Trek, 10 Days
Everest Foothill Teahouse Trek is one of the most undertaken short treks in Nepal. Located on the foothills of the highest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest (8848m) the Everest Foothill Trek journey up from Lukla until Tengboche Monastery situated at the sheer altitude of 3,860 meters.
The short length of the trek offers enough time to explore the surroundings, observe the local Sherpa culture and lifestyle, and witness the mountainous panorama. Some of the highest peaks visible during this trek are Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Ama Dablam.
The trek commences at the mountainous town of Lukla and gradually advances upstream alongside the Dudh Koshi River. Witness the majestic Sherpa villages of Phakding, Monjo, Tok-Tok, and Namche Bazaar en route to Tengboche. Namche is the largest Sherpa village in the region.
A lengthy hike via Phungi Thanga takes one to Tengboche, which is home to the Tengboche Monastery. Enjoying the magnificent view of Mt. Ama Dablam, trekkers visit the century-old monastery that is home to thousands of young Buddhist monks. Retrace the usual trail back to Namche and climb down to Lukla.
The itinerary facilitates two days of acclimatization along the trek. Some of the key features of this trek include visiting Tengboche Monastery, exploring Sagarmatha National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site), observing ethnic Sherpa culture, and witnessing the highest peak on Earth. The 10-day Everest Foothill Trek comes at the cost of USD 1,395.
Annapurna Panorama View Trek, 10 Days
Annapurna Panorama View Trek assimilates a short trekking experience along the foothills of Annapurna I (8091m), one of Nepal's highest peaks. Witness the beauty of the Annapurna Conservation Area as you explore the unique biodiversity and culturally rich Gurung villages.
Located 2-hour's ride away from Pokhara, the Annapurna region remains easily accessible to travelers. The trek commences at Dhampus, a rural yet beautiful village located in the outskirts of Annapurna Conservation Area. The trail continues through lush forests and small hamlets through Landruk towards Ghandruk.
After a long downhill and uphill hike, Ghandruk offers a sign of relief from the treacherous hike. Enjoy the beautiful setting of the Gurung village before climbing further towards Tadapani, which opens access to Ghorepani. An hour-long hike from Ghorepani brings trekkers to Poon Hill, a popular hilltop destination for viewing the sunrise. Here on, it's a continuous descent until Nayapul followed by a short drive back to Pokhara.
The entire journey lasts ten days and comes at the cost of USD 1,525 per person. Some of the highlights of Annapurna Panorama Trek include visiting the culturally rich villages of Gurung inhabitants, witnessing the majestic peaks of Annapurna I and Machhapuchhre, and enjoying a magical sunrise from Poon Hill.
Pikey Peak Trek in Lower Khumbu Region/Solu, 9 Days
Pikey Peak is a local landmark in the Solukhumbu District of Eastern Nepal. Located at the sheer altitude of 4,065 meters, Pikey Peak offers the vibrant panoramic view of some of the highest mountains, including Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8586m), Lhotse (8414m), and Makalu (8463m). One can also witness the beautiful sight of the sunrise and sunset from Pikey Peak.
Pikey Peak Trek is a recently introduced trekking option that begins with a drive to Dhap Bazaar in Eastern Nepal. The trail continues to traverse through forested ridges and small settlements. Climb through Sigane and Jhapre to reach Pikey Peak Base Camp. A short hike from the base camp brings trekkers to Pikey Peak.
From the summit, catch the marvelous sight of Everest, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Khatang, and Gaurishankar before climbing down to Junbesi. Visit the 19th Century Thupten Choling Monastery before climbing down to Phaplu. A short flight from Phaplu brings one back to Kathmandu.
The entire trek lasts not more than five days and comes at the cost of USD 1,525 per person. Some of the major highlights of Pikey Peak Trek include visiting the ethnic Sherpa villages in Eastern Nepal, witnessing the magnificent sights of some of the highest peaks in the country, and exploring the century-old Thupten Choling Monastery.
Annapurna Poon Hill Trek combined Mohare Danda, 9 Days
Annapurna Poon Hill Trek is probably one of the most famous short treks in Nepal. The easy access to the Annapurna region and fairly easy hiking experience makes it a popular choice. The trek advances along the foothills of the Annapurna massif. One will get to explore the vibrant Himalayan lifestyle at Ghorepani and Poon Hill before taking a detour through the quaint setting to reach Mohare Danda.
Unlike Poon Hill, Mohare Danda remains the least visited destination. Located at a remote section of Annapurna, Mohare Danda boasts a beautiful lake, magnificent sights of Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri, and beautiful Magar villages.
The short trek begins with a short drive from Pokhara to Nayapul. Traversing through the lush fields towards Tikhedhunga, trekkers climb the mighty 3200 steps to reach Ghorepani. A Gurung village, there are many teahouses in Ghorepani. A short hike from Ghorepani takes one to Poon Hill where they can enjoy the sunrise and the magnificent view of the mountains.
The trek doesn't end here. Instead, it takes a detour and begins climbing towards Mohare Danda. A relatively moderate trek, trekkers observe the majestic beauty of nature and culture at Mohare Danda. Trekkers retrace their path and climb down Galeshwor via Nangi and Banskharka.
The trek ends with a short drive back to Pokhara. The 9-day trek comes at the cost of USD 1,495 per person.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek, 12 Days
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal. Located at the base of Annapurna I (8091m), trekkers can enjoy a moderate trek through the lush forests of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The entire trek lasts 12 days. Within this short period, one can explore the majestic mountain vistas of Annapurna I-IV, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Himalchuli. The trek commences with a short drive from Pokhara to Phedi village located on the outskirts of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
The trail climbs along with the Gurung settlements towards Deurali and Jhinu Danda. A rather difficult uphill hike brings one to Chhomrong and later to Sinuwa. The trail crosses lush bamboo forests before climbing uphill towards Himalaya. Here on, the trail continues to climb upstream alongside Modi Khola towards Machhapuchhre Base Camp and later Annapurna Base Camp.
After enjoying the sight of the majestic mountain vistas, trekkers begin to climb down along the usual trail towards Ghandruk. A short descent along the stone-paved steps brings one to Nayapul. The trek ends with a short drive back to Pokhara.
The 12-day trek comes at the cost of USD 1,705 per person. Some of the trek highlights include visiting Annapurna Conservation Area, exploring the Gurung villages of Ghandruk and Chhomrong, and witnessing the majestic scenery of Annapurna I Machhapuchhre.
Everest Short Trek, 7 Days
Everest Short Trek is a delightful trek along the foothills of Mt. Everest (8848m). Unlike the classic Everest Base Camp (EBC) Trek, this trek reaches only up to Namche Bazaar (3440m).
This trek is much suited for trekkers who have less time in hand but are looking to visit the Everest region. Get a chance to explore the culture, lifestyle, occupation, and cuisine of the ethnic Sherpa tribe in this short but unforgettable trek.
The trek commences at Lukla and advances alongside the Dudh Koshi River to reach Phakding. A short uphill hike towards Monjo opens up the access to Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The trail goes through coniferous forests and crosses few suspension bridges to reach Namche Bazaar overlooking the majestic Kongde Ri Peak.
Trekkers enjoy a day of acclimatization at Namche while hiking to the neighboring Khumjung and Khunde villages. Khumjung Monastery at Khumjung has preserved the Yeti's scalp inside a glass box, which remains one of the major tourist highlights. Here on, the trail retraces the usual path back to Lukla via Namche Bazaar.
The entire trek completes in a week and comes at the cost of USD 1,205 per person. Some of Everest Short Trek highlights include visiting ethnic Sherpa villages, witnessing the majestic peak of Everest, and visiting the prized Khumjung Monastery.
Back To Overview
