Lykkers, ready to trade routine for ridgelines? Nepal delivers the world’s most iconic Himalayan hikes—snow-draped passes, glacier views, alpine villages, and cozy teahouses.

Whether you’ve got five days or three weeks, this guide pinpoints standout treks with practical details on permits, transport, costs, and best seasons so you can match the right route to your time, budget, and fitness.

Everest Base Camp

- Elevation: 5,643 m (Kala Patthar) | 12–14 days | Moderate | Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov - Permits: Sagarmatha NP ~$30 + Khumbu local fee ~$20 (≈$50 total). - Costs: Kathmandu–Lukla flight $180–$230 one way; teahouse rooms $8–$15; meals $7–$12; guide $30–$35/day; porter $25–$30/day. - Why go: Namche Bazaar, Khumbu Glacier, and Everest panoramas from Kala Patthar.

Annapurna Circuit

- Elevation: 5,416 m (Thorong La) | ~14 days | Moderate | Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov - Permits: ACAP $30 + TIMS $20. - Logistics: Bus/jeep Kathmandu→Besisahar $10–$20; optional jeep from Muktinath/Jomsom to shorten. - Why go: Big-mountain scenery, high pass challenge, varied landscapes across an entire massif.

Langtang Valley

- Elevation: 4,984 m (Tserko Ri) | 7–10 days | Moderate | Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov - Permits: Langtang NP $30 + TIMS $20. - Transport: Bus Kathmandu→Syabrubesi $8–$12 (8–9 hrs) or shared jeep $25–$35. - Why go: Close to Kathmandu, glacier views, welcoming highland settlements, and a stellar sunrise summit.

Upper Mustang

- Elevation: 3,810 m (Lo Manthang) | ~14 days | Moderate–Difficult | Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov - Permits: Restricted Area Permit $500 (first 10 days) + $50/day extra; ACAP $30; licensed guide and agency required. - Access: Flight/jeep Pokhara→Jomsom ($100–$140 one way). - Why go: Wind-carved canyons, walled desert towns, and stark trans-Himalayan landscapes unlike anywhere else in Nepal.

Manaslu Circuit

- Elevation: 5,125 m (Larkya La) | ~15 days | Hard | Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov - Permits: RAP $100 (first week Sep–Nov, $75 other seasons) + MCAP $30 + (often) ACAP $30; guide/agency required. - Access: Bus/jeep Kathmandu→Soti Khola or Machha Khola $10–$25. - Why go: A wilder circuit with fewer crowds, massive peaks, and a dramatic high pass.

Upper Dolpo

- Elevation: ~5,250 m | 18–24 days | Moderate–Hard | Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov - Permits: RAP $500 (first 10 days) + $50/day extra; Shey Phoksundo NP ~$30. - Access: Flights Kathmandu→Nepalgunj ($150–$180) then Nepalgunj→Juphal ($170–$200). - Why go: Remote, cinematic terrain and luminous high lakes; mostly camping with support crew (cook/porters from ~$35–$45/day).

Annapurna Base

- Elevation: 4,130 m | 7–10 days | Moderate | Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov - Permits: ACAP $30 + TIMS $20. - Access: From Pokhara via Nayapul or shorter jeep approaches (extra $20–$40). - Why go: Close-up amphitheater of giant peaks, diverse forests, and optional hot springs near Jhinu.

Gokyo Valley

- Elevation: 5,357 m (Gokyo Ri) | 12 days | Moderate | Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov - Permits: Sagarmatha NP ~$30 + Khumbu fee ~$20. - Access: Kathmandu–Lukla flight $180–$230 one way. - Why go: Chain of emerald lakes, quieter trails than classic EBC, and sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Rara Lake

- Elevation: 4,039 m (viewpoint) | 10–17 days | Moderate | Best: Mar–May, Sep–Nov - Permits: Rara NP ~$30. - Access: Flights Kathmandu→Nepalgunj ($150–$180) then Nepalgunj→Talcha ($170–$200) plus short trek to the lake. - Why go: Nepal’s “Queen of Lakes,” mirrored reflections, and peaceful forest walks far from crowded corridors.

Mardi Himal

- Elevation: 4,500 m (Base Camp) | 4–7 days | Easy–Moderate | Best: Mar–May, Sep–Dec - Permits: ACAP $30 + TIMS $20. - Access: From Pokhara via Kande/Phedi; quick trail to ridge panoramas. - Why go: A short, quieter ridge trek with front-row views of Machhapuchhre and the Annapurnas.

Costs & Tips

- Daily budget on teahouse treks: $35–$55 (room $8–$15; meals $20–$30; extras: hot shower/Wi‑Fi $2–$5 each). - Guides/porters: Guide $30–$35/day; porter $25–$30/day (one porter carries ~20–22 kg). - Water: Purification tabs/filter save money—bottles cost $1–$3 and rise with altitude. - Insurance: Ensure trekking coverage above 5,000 m and helicopter evacuation. - Altitude: Add acclimatization days; ascend slowly; hydrate often.

Conclusion

From swift sunrise circuits to multi-week expeditions over wind-whipped passes, Nepal offers a trek for every timeline and appetite for challenge. With permits, transport, and realistic costs in hand, you’re set to choose confidently and hike smart. Friends, which route calls first—EBC’s glacier views, Mustang’s desert canyons, or a swift Mardi ridge run with giant peaks at arm’s length?