The short answer
Pick by time and fitness. Poon Hill and Mardi Himal suit 4 to 6 days; Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp and Langtang suit 8 to 14; the Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu and Gokyo suit 12 to 20. Remote regions such as Upper Mustang and Dolpo need special permits.
Key facts
- Short
- Poon Hill, Mardi Himal
- Classic
- EBC, ABC, Langtang
- Long
- Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu
- Restricted
- Upper Mustang, Dolpo
How it works
- Count your daysSubtract arrival, departure and one buffer day; the rest is trekking time.
- Match your fitnessIf you walk or hike regularly, 6 to 8 hours a day is fine. If not, choose a shorter, lower trek.
- Pick the sceneryEverest is high and stark; Annapurna is varied and green; Langtang is close to Kathmandu; Manaslu is remote.
- Check the seasonAutumn and spring are the clear windows; winter suits low treks.
- Request a day-by-day planLook at daily altitude gain and rest days.
Comparing the options
Short treks such as Poon Hill and Mardi Himal give mountain views in four to six days and suit beginners and people with limited time. Classic treks like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Base Camp and Langtang take eight to fourteen days and need good fitness and acclimatisation.
Long treks such as the Annapurna Circuit, Manaslu and Gokyo suit experienced walkers with twelve to twenty days to spare. Remote regions like Upper Mustang and Dolpo need special permits and a registered agency.
How to decide
Start with the days you have and your fitness, then pick the scenery you love: forests and villages, high deserts, glaciers or sacred lakes. Check the best season for the route and the permits you will need.
Ask your operator for a day-by-day plan with the height you sleep at each night, and choose a trek that gives enough rest days. A shorter trek done well is better than a long one that leaves you struggling.
Insider tip
Choose the trek that fits your days, not the famous name.
Avoid this
Do not book a high trek without checking how you handle altitude.
Related questions
Which trek is best for beginners?
Poon Hill, Ghandruk or Mardi Himal for short routes; Langtang or Annapurna Base Camp for a first longer trek if fit.
Can I trek without experience?
Yes, if you choose a lower, shorter trek and walk regularly before you go.
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