Nepal, the land of the Himalayas, offers some of the most breathtaking trekking routes in the world. Since you might be interested in a trekking holiday in Nepal during your next trip, here is a brief description of Nepal, its awe-inspiring peaks, and trekking trails that cater to trekkers of all levels. It is difficult to select the correct trek for first-time trekkers.
Fortunately, several options in Nepal can provide the best balance of adventure and accessibility for beginners. Here are some popular and feasible treks for beginners in Nepal.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Although an Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour does not involve a climb to the peak, it is a relaxed way to experience Everest from the magic window of a helicopter.
For travelers who want to enjoy the Everest region without traversing for days on foot, there is more than enough why the Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour is amazing for you. This tour offers spectacular views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse from the aerial view, while they can hardly be seen without treks for days.
It takes about 3 to 4 hours, there will be a brief halt for a quick break and some pictures at a high altitude viewpoint. First-time trekkers, or those with physical limitations, can take a helicopter tour and get a glimpse of Everest’s grandeur from a distance and with far fewer demands of the body.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
If you are looking for a very less crowded trek with beautiful views, these are Manaslu Circuit Trek. Manaslu Trek is slightly more challenging than compared to the Everest Base Camp trek, but still doable for first-time trekkers with a good level of fitness and few treks under their belt. Trekking is the only combination that can satisfy all these at the same time.
It is the trek around Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world. From beautiful villages, old monasteries (Pungyen Gompa), and green forests, the route runs through. The landscape changes gradually from big snow-covered peaks, glaciers, and high-altitude meadows as the trekkers climb higher and higher. With the right acclimatization, beginners can even achieve the highest point of the trek (Larkya La Pass) at a height of 5,160 meters.
Known as the lesser-known trek compared with the popular treks of the Everest and Annapurna region, the Manaslu Circuit Trek usually takes 14 to 16 days of walking and provides a more authentic trekking experience with fewer crowds. Trekkers would agree that this is a great choice without being overwhelmed by the number of tourists.
Everest Base Camp Trek
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most iconic treks in the world and is ideal for those who are starting their trekking career in Nepal. An amazing blend of culture, panoramas of mountains, and reaching the base of the world’s highest mountain, this trek provides all. Although it’s physically tough, it is within the capacity of first-timers, especially if you’re fit, and if you want an adventure.
It can be started from Lukla and entails trekking through Sherpa villages, Buddhist monasteries, and pretty rhododendron forests. When the trekkers get higher, they are rewarded with beautiful views of Mount Everest and Lhotse, along with Nuptse and Ama Dablam. Everest Base Camp stands at 5,364 meters, the highest point of the trek, and gives the trekkers an outstanding wide view of Everest and its surrounding peaks.
The trek usually takes 12 to 14 days and includes some scheduled acclimatization days to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. The trail is well established and there’s good teahouse accommodation which makes this a great choice for first-time trekkers.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The Annapurna Base Camp trek is also a popular beginner trek. The trek enters the heart of the Annapurna region with great views of some of the world’s highest mountains Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machapuchare (Fishtail), and Hiunchuli. Its trek is short and usually takes around 7 to 10 days, making it perfect for first-timers to the Himalayas who wish to enjoy trekking for a short period.
The trek begins from Nayapul and goes through traditional Gurung villages, forests, and terraced fields. Trekking is possible as trekkers move up, through several climatic zones from subtropical forests to alpine meadows. The final destination is Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters altitude. Trekkers here are so lucky to find a 360-degree view of the Annapurna massif, one of the most monumental things to see in Nepal.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek is a moderately easy one with varying elevations and well-trodden trails. The trek is suitable for relatively fit trekkers looking for a trek to explore the beauty of the Himalayas in a short time.
Langtang Valley Trek
If you are a first-time trekker and want to be mesmerized by the beauty of the Himalayas but do not want to accomplish a difficult high altitude trek, then the Langtang Valley Trek is a great option. The Langtang Valley is just few hours drive away from Kathmandu and provides you spectacular mountain views, cultural experiences and a variety of landscapes within a more accessible altitude range.
The trek begins from Syabrubesi and traverses across dense forest of rhododendron, oak and pine. Trekkers also get the chance to experience the local culture including the hospitable Tamang people along the way traveling through traditional Tamang villages. As we continue on the trek, the valley increases in size and the sight of Langtang Lirung, the highest peak in the area, and other mountains around start appearing.
The highest point of the trek is Kyanjin Ri at 4,773m giving captivating views of Langtang range. The trek is rated as a moderate one and usually takes 7 to 9 days making it an ideal hike for first timers seeking a shorter attempt to explore the Himalayas.
Conclusion
Nepal is home to various trekking options for first time trekkers who have various fascinating experiences in splendid nature. There are numerous attractions that each of the Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour has to offer which varies from cultural encounters, majestic mountain viewpoints to moderate degrees of difficulty.
Regardless of which trek you take, you will always unravel the splendor of Himalayas as it stays with you forever. From a classic trek to a quieter more remote route, you will find everything in Nepal that first time trekker is looking for.