Nepal is a place where big mountains call people. Every trekker knows that the country is full of wonder and peace. Trekking here always gives me something big to remember. Some treks are famous for base camps of giant peaks, some for hidden valleys, and some for short days but full of beauty. Today we talk about four great treks of Nepal. Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, 5-Day Langtang Valley Trek, and Upper Mustang Trek. All are different, but all give the same joy, freedom and feel of the Himalayas.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek Overview
The Annapurna Base Camp Trek is like a dream for many people. This trek brings you inside the heart of the Annapurna range. You walk from green hill, the village, and the river bridge to the glacier base camp. The trail mixes everything. Rice field, rhododendron forest, and snowy peaks all together. It is not only a trek but also a cultural journey. Gurung and Magar villagers show hospitality and smiles.
Route Of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The route mostly starts from Pokhara. From there people drive to Nayapul or Jhinu Danda. The trail passes Ghandruk, Chhomrong, Bamboo, and Deurali, then reaches Annapurna Base Camp. Some people also go to Machhapuchhre Base Camp before ABC. Trek is not very hard, but there are many stairs to climb and descend. Every day I walk around 5 to 7 hours. You cross forest, river bridge, bamboo jungle, and high rocky valley.
Highlights Of Annapurna Base Camp Trek
The sunrise in base camp is the main highlight. The golden color on Annapurna peak looks like heaven. Walking through a big rhododendron forest in spring is another magic. The culture of Ghandruk village, traditional house and the museum is beautiful. Hot springs in Jhinu make the body relax after a trek. Every day has its own small highlight, so the trek feels full.
Best Time For Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Spring and autumn seasons are the best. From March to May flowers bloom, and the weather is clear. From September to November, the sky is blue and the mountains are sharp. Winter is also possible but snow makes it hard. Summer monsoon brings rain, landslides, and clouds—not good. So better to go in spring or autumn.
Mardi Himal Trek Overview
The Mardi Himal Trek is like a small hidden gem. It is near Annapurna Base Camp Trek but fewer people go. The trail is shorter, usually one week. But the view is not less. From Mardi Himal High Camp, Machapuchare looks very close, like touching. Forest, ridge, and cloud play all give a magical feel. This trek is good for people who want peace and fewer crowds but a strong mountain scene.
Route Of Mardi Himal Trek
The trek starts from the Pokhara side also. Many start from Kande or Dhampus. The trail climbs slowly inside the forest, reaches Australian Camp, then Pothana, then Forest Camp. From here the forest gets deep and quiet. After that you go to Low Camp, Badal Danda, and High Camp. From High Camp, a small climb to Mardi Himal Viewpoint. View of Annapurna South, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli and the whole valley. The route is like a stair from the jungle to the sky.
Highlights Of Mardi Himal Trek
The highlight is the close view of Machapuchare. It feels like mountain talk with you. The ridge walk above the clouds is amazing. Fewer people on the trail make silence, bird sounds, and wind sounds all pure. Sunset from Badal Danda is a golden painting. Local tea houses are simple but warm. Many travelers say this trek gives more heart connection than any other.
Best Time For Mardi Himal Trek
Same like Annapurna Base Camp, spring and autumn are best. Spring flower forest looks dreamlike. Autumn clear sky and good view. Winter is also possible because the trek is not too high but cold at night. Monsoon is cloudy and slippery.
5 Days Langtang Valley Trek Overview
The Langtang Valley trek is normally longer, but many people do a 5-day short version. This trek is very close to Kathmandu. In a few hours’ drive you reach Syabrubesi and start walking. Langtang valley is famous for Tamang culture, yak pasture, glacier rivers, and Kyanjin Gompa. Even in 5 days you can taste mountains, culture, and a big landscape. After the 2015 earthquake the valley rebuilt strongly, and now trekkers again came.
Route Of 5 Days Langtang Valley Trek
Day one: drive to Syabrubesi. From here the walk begins. You pass Lama Hotel, Ghoda Tabela, Langtang village, and finally Kyanjin Gompa. In short treks, many people go fast and reach Kyanjin in two or three days. Then climb small peaks like Kyanjin Ri or Tserko Ri for a big view. After that, trek back down to Syabrubesi and drive to Kathmandu.
Highlights Of 5 Days Langtang Valley Trek
The main highlight is Kyanjin Gompa village. Around it are snow peaks, glacier rivers, yak herds, and Buddhist monasteries. Climbing to Kyanjin Ri gives 360 views. The culture of Tamang people is strong, with tradition, music, and hospitality. Forest full of monkeys and red pandas if lucky. Because it is only 5 days, it is a perfect short trek with big rewards.
Best Time For 5 Days Langtang Valley Trek
Spring and autumn are still best. But because the valley is close to Kathmandu, many also go in winter. Sky blue, snow covered, very pretty. Monsoon is not good because of rain and landslides.
Upper Mustang Trek Overview
The Upper Mustang Trek is a different world. It is a desert mountain, dry land, a cave, and an old kingdom. Many call it “Last Forbidden Kingdom.” It was closed to foreigners until 1992. Still, a special permit is needed. The culture here is more Tibetan than Nepali. Lo Manthang, the walled city, is the heart of the trek. This trek is not only about green forest or snow but also about history, culture, and desert mountains.
Route Of Upper Mustang Trek
Trek usually starts from Jomsom after a flight from Pokhara. You pass Kagbeni, the entry point of Upper Mustang. The trail follows the Kali Gandaki river valley. Villages like Chele, Ghami, and Tsarang come one by one. After some days you reach Lo Manthang. Explore palace, monastery, cave, and local life. On the way back, either the same trail or a different route through Dhakmar with a red cliff. The route mixes a wide barren valley, cliff cave, and colorful dry hills.
Highlights Of the Upper Mustang Trek
The highlight is Lo Manthang itself. Old wall, narrow street, monastery with old painting. Festivals like Tiji make the whole place alive. A cave with old Buddhist script, art, and meditation sites are treasures. The desert mountain with snow peaks behind looks unreal. Horse riding in the valley is special. Upper Mustang is a cultural jewel, not only a trek but a journey to another time.
Best Time For Upper Mustang Trek
Monsoon is actually good here. Because the region is in the rain shadow, while other parts of Nepal get rain, the Mustang is dry and good. May to October is best. Spring is also nice. Winter is very cold and snow blocks, so it’s not the best.
Compare Four Treks Together
Each trek has a different flavor. Annapurna Base Camp is a mix of everything, one of the most classic treks. Mardi Himal is short but has a very close view and fewer people. Langtang Valley 5 days is perfect for a short holiday near Kathmandu. Upper Mustang is a cultural, desert, and special permit trek. Some treks are easy, some long, some expensive, and some budget. But all four show the heart of the Nepal mountain in different colors.
Culture And People In Treks
On the Annapurna trek you meet Gurung and Magar. Mardi Himal is also similar. In the Langtang valley, Tamang culture is strong. In Upper Mustang, Tibetan-style monasteries and lama culture are strong. Every trek gives cultural learning, not only mountain views. People smile, share food, and give a warm welcome.
Accommodation And Food In Treks
Annapurna and Mardi Himal have many tea houses, and food choices are big. Langtang is also a tea house but simple. Upper Mustang tea houses exist but are more basic and cost more because they are remote. The food is dal bhat, noodles, momo, bread, and tea. Simple but enough.
Difficulty Level Of Treks
Annapurna Base Camp is moderate and can be done by a normal trekker with fitness. Mardi Himal is shorter but has some steep climbs. Langtang: 5 days, easy to moderate, not very high. Upper Mustang is a long trek, but not too high altitude, so medium. Permits and long days make it more demanding.
Why These Treks Are Great
They all represent different faces of Nepal. One green, one hidden, one short, and one desert. All give story, view, and culture. That is why they are called great treks.
Tips For Trekking In Nepal
Always carry warm clothes. The weather changes fast. Drink enough water. Respect local culture. Don’t rush, walk slowly, and enjoy. Hire a guide or porter if needed. In Upper Mustang, special permits are arranged early. Langtang: support local lodges because they were rebuilt after the earthquake. In Annapurna and Mardi Himal, take care not to litter.
Conclusion
Nepal is heaven for trekking. Four treks we talk about are only examples. Annapurna Base Camp, Mardi Himal, Langtang Valley (5 days), Upper Mustang. All different but all great. If someone wants a short one, go to Langtang. If you want a peaceful ridge, go to Mardi. If you want a classic big mountain, go to Annapurna Base Camp. If you want history and desert culture, go to the Upper Mustang. In the end, the mountain, the people, the culture, and the trail all make Nepal special. Treks finish but memory never finishes.
Contact Details
———————
Company address: Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd.
16 Khumbu, Nayabazaar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Mobile : +977-9843467921 (Rabin)
Email: [email protected]
URL:- www.everesttrekkingroutes.com