Top 5 Short Treks in Nepal for Beginners (No Experience Needed) Detailed 2026 Guide
A small number of places around the world exist that let visitors see breathtaking Himalayan high peaks from different perspectives (without needing to obtain some sort of technical climbing skills). Short comparative treks are very easy to do as a beginner, because the surrounding area provides beautiful scenery, rich culture and history, and ample opportunity for easy walking or riding on paths.
This hiking guide will explain in depth five short and beginner-friendly treks in Nepal; we will also provide you with details on how to hike, what you might see along the way, various highlights to be aware of while on these trails, and lots of tips to help prepare you for your first time hiking.
1. Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek – An Excellent First Trek
Nepal's famous Annapurna region contains the renowned Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek. Many people consider this trek to be an excellent choice for novice trekkers, as it represents an excellent mix of comfort, stunning scenery, and ease of access. Thus, it makes it an ideal first-time trekker destination for your first trek.
The trek takes you from Nayapul (only a short distance from Pokhara) before continually ascending through the rolling hills, terraced fields, and dense forest. In spring, a highlight of this trek is walking through the magnificent rhododendron trees when the hill sides will be covered with red and pink flowers.
The highlight of the entire trek is the awesome early morning trek to Poon Hill (3,210 m). Hikers wake up before dawn to hike to the top of the hill in total darkness (headlamps or flashlights) and when they arrive at the top, they experience one of the most incredible sunrises imaginable. The first rays of
The sun shines down on the Annapoorna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges and turn the mountains from an ashen grey to a brilliant golden colour. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience according to most people who have been there.
There are numerous villages along throughout the trek including Ghorepani and Tadapani where hikers can experience the culture of the Gurung and Magar and sample delicious local food in the tea houses. The tea houses are very comfortable, offer hot meals, warm lodging and host many wonderful, kind people. The trail along the entire hike is very well maintained with lots of stone steps facilitating a long-distance hike.
For those wanting to begin trekking:
The gradual ascent to the altitudes reduces your risk of altitude sickness & sleeping at your overnight halt gives you a great way to enjoy the previous days trek.
The trek will be challenging enough for you to enjoy or appreciate, without being out of reach, while still being achievable if you have never been trekking before.
Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Nayapul 1.5 hours, trek in approx 4 – 5 hours through villages and river valleys.
Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani (uphill most of the way, with some passages of steep uphill, and through rhododendron trees). Allow approx 5 – 6 hours for this trek.
Day 3: First light on Poon Hill and trek to Tadapani. This early morning hike provides stunning views. Approx 5 – 6 hours trek to Tadapani.
Day 4: Trek to Ghandruk & return to Pokhara (short trek downhill).
2.Nagarkot – Chisapani Trek
The Nawagakot Chisapani Trek is one of Kathmandu's easiest & most rewarding trekking options, regardless of whether you are already based in Kathmandu, or flying directly into Kathmandu.
The trek starts in Nagarkot, which is a well-known viewpoint in Nepal for the panoramic views, especially after an early morning! If the weather is clear and there is no fog you will also be able to see Mount Everest! You will continue trekking through the scenic forest area on this trek.
An amazing blend of town living and the outdoors, this trek takes you through different areas of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park where there are many species of birds and butterflies, along with many forms of animal life in secluded regions of thick woods. If you can get to Chisapani on a clear day, you will have an awesome view of the Langtang mountains.
This trek is suitable for beginning runners due to its lower altitude thus you will have less chance of developing altitude sickness while doing this trek. You can complete this trek in two to three days due to excellent trail conditions, making this a good option for people looking to hike on the weekend.
Your itinerary for this trek will include:
Day 1 - You will be transported from Kathmandu to Nagarkot to visit (approximately 1 and ½ hours).
Day 2 - You will hike from Nagarkot to Chisapani through the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park and through the woods (Approximately 5-6 hours total hiking).
Day 3 - You will hike from Chisapani back to Sundarijal and return to Kathmandu (Approximately 3-4 total hours).
3. Dhampus Village & Australian Camp Trek
Dhampus is one of Nepal’s simple and easy treks that provides an enjoyable experience for new trekkers, families, and older trekkers. The first part of the trek begins just outside of Pokhara and gradually ascends the mountain on a trail consisting of stone stairs and beautiful scenery until you reach the traditional village of Dhampus. The village of Dhampus has a relaxed atmosphere and incredible views of the Annapurna mountain range.
From Dhampus, you will continue to the Australian Camp, which is a small hilltop with sweeping views of Annapurna South, Machhapuchhre, and Hiunchuli. The mountain sunsets and sunrises at the Australian Camp are exquisite, as they change the appearance and colour of the mountains as they glow in the changing light.
This trek features short, light (non-physically demanding) days, so the trek is more geared toward relaxation and enjoying the scenery than toward endurance. You will also savour the culture of the local Gurung community, experience their traditional methods of building homes, and taste their organic methods of preparing food.
Features of this trek that make it suitable for beginners:
The low altitude, short hours of walking, and relatively comfortable lodges make this a very simple trek. If you are looking for maximum views with minimum effort, this is by far the best option!
Daily Itinerary (3 Days)
Day 1: Drive to Phedi → Trek to Dhampus
2–3 hours walking from Pokhara, this walk is short and easy.
Day 2: Trek to Australian Camp
2–3 hours of walking with mountains in the background (gentle hike).
Day 3: Trek down to Kande → Drive back to Pokhara
4. Ghandruk Trek– Culture Meets the Himalayas
The Ghandruk Trek delivers one of Nepal's most culturally rich short adventure treks in Nepal. It is situated at a high altitude in the Annapurna region, Ghandruk is a typical Gurung village that features stone homes, its main streets, and an abundance of friendly locals who will offer you nothing but hospitality as you walk through the village's narrow streets. The people of Ghandruk's homes, museums, and entire family-oriented way of living reflect the history and culture of the Gurung people, which goes back centuries.
Although this trek may not be long, it is very rewarding once you complete it. The course of the trek will take you through the forest and many rivers, with one of the highlights being the ability to view Machhapuchhre (Fishtail Mountain) from such a close distance that you could almost grasp it.
The uniqueness of this trek is that you will experience Natural Beauty and Cultural Immersion at one time. Unlike other treks that are primarily based on views of the landscape, the Ghandruk Trek will allow you to interact with locals, allowing for a little more than just hiking.
For those that are new to hiking, the Ghandruk trek can be done with little to no worry about your physical limitations. The trail itself is short, with minimal elevation changes and copious amounts of rest stops. Therefore, the Ghandruk trek is an excellent way for individuals to enjoy a memorable travel experience without significantly taxing their bodies.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Catch transportation to Nayapul and trek up to Ghandruk (5-6 hour trek).
Day 2 - Explore Ghandruk village, the Gurung Museum and admire views of Machhapuchhre.
Day 3 - Trek down to Jhinu Danda (Hot Springs) and take time for relaxation at the natural hot springs.
Day 4 - Trek back down to Nayapul and transportation back to the hotel in Pokhara.
5. Mardi Himal Trek
The Mardi Himal Trek is a great choice for novice trekkers looking for something adventurous. The beginning of the trek starts just outside of Pokhara, as the terrain gently climbs up through lush forest, and then opens up to incredible views on the ridgelines as you get higher up in elevation. Since this trail is not nearly as busy as most of the other popular treks (such as Poon Hill) it generally provides a more peaceful trekking experience.
One of the most incredible things about this trek is how close you get to Machhapuchhre, the mountain that takes up a very prominent space in the skyline. As you increase your elevation the views of Machhapuchhre become progressively more foreboding.
The route consists of Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp. Each consists of its own distinctive types of landscapes, these include dense forest and tundra-like terrain. The altitude of this trek is higher than many of the other novice level treks, but due to the gradual elevation gain and overall short duration of the trek it still remains an achievable trek for novice level trekkers.
Why is the Mardi Himal Trek good for you (if you are careful):
It is a somewhat more challenging trek; however it is still suitable for novice level trekkers, so trekking at your own pace will allow you to be successful at this trek. This trek is good for trekkers that want to be able to challenge themselves without providing themselves with an extreme level of risk while completing the trek.
Day-by-Day Itinerary (5 Days)
Beginner Trekkers in Nepal: 5 Days of Adventure! (Trek Low & High Camp):
Day 1 - Drive to Kande, then Hike from Kande to Forest Camp
Starting Point: Pokhara (5-6 hour hike)
Day 2 - Hike from Forest Camp to Low Camp
(4-5 Hours)
Day 3 - Hike from Low Camp to High Camp
(Ridge Walk with Incredible Views)
(4-5 Hours)
Day 4 - Hike from High Camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp, then back down to Low Camp
(Early Morning Hike Approximately 4500m)
Day 5 - Hike from Low Camp to Siding, then drive from Siding back to Pokhara
What You Should Know About Beginner Trekkers in Nepal
Plan Out Your Trip
Plan your trek based upon the duration, fitness level, and comfort level of yourself alone; DO NOT attempt a higher elevation trek than you feel like doing.
Acclimatization is Important
When you undertake a multi-day trek, listen to your body, and do not push yourself too hard.
Light and Smart Packing
Take with you the following items:
- Comfortable shoes for trekking
- Warm clothes
- Reusable bottle of water
- Basic first aid kit
Hotel and Food - You Should Drink Plenty Of Water And Eat Well!
Dal Bhat is one of the most common meal choices for those trekking, as it is nutritious and gives you an abundance of energy for your next trekking adventure.
Conclusion
The short treks of Nepal prove that you don’t have to be an expert to experience the wonders of The Himalayas. Each short trek has its own unique characteristics. From the spectacular sunrise view at Poon hill to the peaceful hills of Mardi Himal. These short treks not only provide an introduction to the world’s tourism attractions but also to the culture and language of the people of Nepal.
Your Next Weekend Getaway, Trip For Cultural Tourism, Or Scenic Mountain Adventure!