Short Treks in Nepal: 11 Treks You Can Do in a Week or Less (2026)

• Treks covered11, from 1 to 7 days
• EasiestShivapuri, Dhulikhel to Balthali, Royal Trek
• HighestMardi Himal Base Camp, about 4,500 m
• Best Pokhara pickPoon Hill, 4 days, from USD 300
• Best Kathmandu pickChisapani and Nagarkot, 2 to 3 days
• Best monthsMar to May, Oct to Nov

This guide is part of our treks-by-duration series: a week or less · under 14 days · two weeks · three weeks or more. Not sure where to start? Read which trek should I do in Nepal.

You don't have much time, but do you still want to do a trek in Nepal? So where can you go hiking in Nepal for 1 to 7 days? 

If you are basing yourself in Kathmandu (maybe you came for work or had a short time to explore the country), there are some interesting short treks around Kathmandu. If you are venturing further afield to relax in the lakeside town of Pokhara, there are also short treks around Pokhara.

Please note that the number of days shown here reflects the number on the trail and does not include pre/post days in Kathmandu or Pokhara, which may be included in your trek package. 

The 11 Short Treks Compared

Days are walking days on the trail, the way the writer counts them below. Add a day either side for getting to and from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Bars show each trek's highest point, scaled to Mardi Himal Base Camp at about 4,500 m.

Permit notes: Shivapuri and the Sundarijal to Chisapani stretch sit inside Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, which charges foreigners an entry fee at the gate (about NPR 565 in 2025 listings, so carry cash). Poon Hill, Jomsom and Mardi Himal need the ACAP permit (NPR 3,000) and a TIMS card (NPR 2,000) arranged by your agency. The Everest loop needs the Khumbu municipality card and the Sagarmatha National Park fee, NPR 3,000 each, and no TIMS. Full details are in our trekking permits guide.

Short treks around Kathmandu

Shivapuri Hike: 1 to 2 days

This hike can be done in one day or stay overnight in a handful of lodges to make the most of your trip. Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is just outside Kathmandu, yet you get great views of the mountains and Rhododendron forests from here. The usual way up starts at the Panimuhan gate above Budhanilkantha and climbs about 1,300 m through forest to the summit at 2,732 m, which makes for a long day if you go up and down without stopping. Most people manage it in 6 to 7 hours. The perfect getaway gets you out of the city and gives you a taste of trekking in Nepal.

Sundarijal, Chisapani and Nagarkot Hike: 2 to 3 days

This short hike suits families with teenagers and older walkers. A short drive takes you to Sundarijal, and from there a 4 to 5 hour hike climbs through Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park to Chisapani (about 2,200 m), where you stay overnight. From here, it's a bit of a long hike (7 hours) to Nagarkot. On both days, you will be forest-bathing, so there are plenty of opportunities to take short breaks to soak in the atmosphere.  

Nagarkot (about 2,175 m) is a small village on a hilltop with a panoramic view of the Langtang Range. Way off in the distance, on a clear morning, you can also spot Mount Everest! Perhaps dream of your next trek to Everest Base Camp! You can end your hike in Nagarkot or extend it another day, explore the village, and spend another night in one of the many hotels there. Don't forget to stop at Bhaktapur on your return journey to Kathmandu, with its UNESCO-listed, largely car-free Durbar Square and old streets. Allow at least 5 or 6 hours to explore this beautiful town. 

Dhulikhel to Balthali Hike: 1 to 2 days

Another short hike from Kathmandu is the Dhulikhel-Balthali Hike. Drive to Dhulikhel (approx 2 hours from Kathmandu, depending on traffic). After lunch in Dhulikhel overlooking the mountain range, and perhaps a little exploring the old town, hike to Balthali village via Namo Buddha Monastery. Swotah runs this as the Dhulikhel Balthali Hike. It can be extended by an overnight in Dhulikhel, spending more time exploring Dhulikhel's old town or perhaps stopping off at Panauti, with its old town, ghats, and temples. Please ask about tailoring this hike, perhaps combining it with Nagarkot and Bhaktapur! Small group tours in Nepal can often be tailor-made to your specifications! 

Chitlang and Daman Hike: 3 to 4 days

Only about 22 km from Kathmandu, this is a less visited short trek with fine scenery that takes you to the village of Daman, home to a botanical garden and wide mountain views. The first part of the journey is a noisy drive out of the city to Thankot, where the hike starts. About 3 hours of walking gets us to the Newar town of Chitlang. 

The walking time the following day is much the same, around 3 hours. Again passing through exciting villages of mainly Newar people. The second night is spent in Markhu, where the trail takes us to Daman. First you cross the Kulekhani Dam. From Daman (about 2,300 m), the mountains open up before us, and on a clear day the view runs from Dhaulagiri in the west to Everest in the east. 

On the final day, we drive back to Kathmandu from Daman. This is also the perfect choice if you have those in your group who do not want to trek. 

They can drive to Daman and meet you there! I would also recommend you spend another night in Daman, if your time allows, to enjoy the atmosphere, explore the area and take in the mountain views.  

What about Langtang?

Langtang Valley is the classic one-week trek from Kathmandu, normally 7 to 8 days with the drive. It is left out here on purpose. On 26 August 2026 a flood in Rasuwa took out the bridges at Betrawati and Syabrubesi. A Bailey bridge at Betrawati has since reconnected the road to Thulo Syabru, and the trek now starts there. TAAN reopened Langtang for trekking on 22 October 2026, and our Langtang departures are running again. Our flood update has the latest. The Sundarijal start of the Chisapani hike above is on the Helambu side and is not affected.

Short Treks from Pokhara

Pokhara is definitely on most visitors' itineraries! Whether doing a luxury tour in Nepal, a Nepal yoga retreat, or looking for homestay treks in Nepal, Pokhara and the surrounding area have it all!

All the treks mentioned below can be extended to the more standard lengths, but if you don't have much time, they are available as described. Just ask us! 

Please note that the days given for these treks are from Pokhara to Pokhara. 

Day Hikes Around Pokhara

Of course, it all starts at Pokhara, but if you cannot go further afield, why don't you do some day hikes around the area? Boat across Fewa Lake and hike up to the Peace Pagoda, for example. Or drive to Begnas Lake and explore the surrounding forests. Don't forget to take a sail on that lake also! Hike up to Sarangkot to watch the sunrise. Or better still, watch the sunrise after an overnight in one of the hotels on top of Sarangkot and hike back down (or both ways) at your own pace. 

Royal Trek: 4 to 5 days

This is a low-altitude trek through Gurung villages, with fine views of the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhre and Lamjung Himal. It follows the route Prince Charles (now King Charles III) walked in 1980 and never climbs much above 1,700 m. Our Royal Trek package includes days in Kathmandu and Pokhara, so it runs longer than the walking itself.

But it is often forgotten as a trek as those hardened trekkers head off to higher elevations! You will walk around 6 hours daily, so a good fitness level is necessary. But since it is at a low altitude, most people will not find this too strenuous. Aside from the mountains, the best part is staying the last night at Begnas Lake – a much quieter environment than its big sister, Fewa Lake. 

Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek: 4 to 5 days

This is one of the iconic short treks from Pokhara. Poon Hill at 3,210 m is a viewpoint like no other! Setting off by vehicle from Pokhara, the first day sees you walking for around 4 hours to reach the village of Ulleri. This name you will never forget! Why? Because about 3,000 stone steps await you between Tikhedhunga and Ulleri! If you fancy a challenge, please follow this route. If you are less enthusiastic about the steps, ask us about the alternative route. Our 4-day trek goes the other way round: a jeep to Ghandruk (1,940 m) on day 1, Ghorepani (2,860 m) on day 2, Poon Hill at dawn on day 3, then down the steps to Tikhedhunga. At Ghandruk village you can visit the Gurung Museum. Educational as well as fun, particularly if you have kids with you. 

Poon Hill is the highlight of this trek with its incredible sunrise and sunset over the Annapurnas. 

It's an all-year trek with plenty of trekkers, but the views are worth it! From June to mid-September the mornings are often cloudy and the steps get slippery, so autumn and spring are far better for the sunrise.

• Days4 from Pokhara
• Highest pointPoon Hill, 3,210 m
• Sleeps atGhandruk 1,940 m, Ghorepani 2,860 m
• PermitsACAP + TIMS
• Swotah tripFrom USD 300 / person

Jomsom, Marpha and Muktinath (Lower Mustang): 3 to 5 days

Lower Mustang is the Kali Gandaki valley around Jomsom (2,720 m), north of the main Annapurna range. Poon Hill, for comparison, sits further south in Myagdi district. If you don't have the time to trek longer, you might want to fly into Jomsom from Pokhara (about 20 minutes) and explore Lower Mustang. You could base yourself in Jomsom and hike down to the cobblestone village of Marpha, famous for its apples. Then you can hike out of Jomsom uphill towards the village of Kagbeni, on to Jharkot and the temple complex at Muktinath (about 3,710 m), sacred to Hindus and Buddhists, with its natural gas flame.

This is also an ideal way to experience the mountains and trekking life in Nepal if you cannot walk far because out of Jomsom, jeeps are available to take you to Muktinath. Muktinath is high enough for altitude to bite, so don't rush straight up from Pokhara in a day. Around Jomsom, there are fewer trees. It's a stark landscape, which gets starker if you venture into Upper Mustang (your next trip, perhaps!). And it is very windy from late morning as the wind rushes up the gorge! Of course, you can extend your hike, enjoy the Jomsom and Muktinath trek, and then fly or trek out. Or extend it further and head to the Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Ask us!

Millennium Homestay Trek: 5 to 6 days

A more unusual trek in the Annapurna foothills is the Millennium Homestay Trek.

This hike is a low-altitude trek that lets you stay in people's homes and experience village life first-hand. No need to worry much about the best season to visit Nepal, for this trek can be done most of the year. The trail stays below about 1,800 m. Perhaps avoid the height of the monsoon (July and August), as the trails will be slippery and it will rain!   

Mardi Himal Trek: 6 days

This is another trek for those who like something different, with fewer crowds. It is still classified as a moderate trek, because the last climb to base camp is steep and high. This trek is full of diversity of flora and fauna and incredible mountain ranges – the Annapurnas, Mardi Himal, Hiunchuli and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail, 6,993 m) at close range.   

This trek starts at Kande, about an hour's drive from Pokhara, and climbs to Australian Camp (2,060 m) on the first day. High Camp is at 3,580 m and is the highest sleeping altitude. Mardi Himal Base Camp is at about 4,500 m (some sources say 4,450 m), but we will only be at that altitude for a short time, returning to sleep at High Camp or lower.

• Days6 from Pokhara
• Highest pointMardi Himal Base Camp, about 4,500 m
• Highest sleepHigh Camp, 3,580 m
• PermitsACAP + TIMS
• Swotah trip6-day trek, from USD 550 / person

Short Treks in the Everest Region

So you have come to Nepal and want to go to Mount Everest. But you don't have much time. And the Everest flight doesn't seem adventurous enough for you. Are there any treks you can do that get you into the Everest Region but won't take too much time? Yes! 

Everest Region: Lukla to Namche and Tengboche, 6 to 7 days

Unless you are a superhuman, born-in-the-mountains type, you won't reach Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) on foot and get back within a week. Our Everest Base Camp Trek takes 14 days, and the acclimatisation days are there for a reason. Of course, there are heli tours in Nepal, allowing you to fly into Everest Base Camp, land for a few minutes, and take iconic pictures. But that's another trip…

Most treks into this region start with a hair-raising flight into Lukla (2,860 m) on day 1. In spring and autumn that flight usually leaves from Manthali (Ramechhap), a 4 to 5 hour drive from Kathmandu. 

By the evening of day 2, you have reached Namche Bazaar (3,440 m). Unfortunately for those on a tight schedule who are not high-altitude mountain goats, everyone needs to acclimatize for an extra day in Namche. 

At this point, you can head off to Khumjung village to visit the school Sir Edmund Hillary set up in 1961, through his Himalayan Trust. Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first two climbers on the summit of Everest, in 1953. On the way, the Hotel Everest View (about 3,880 m) is a good spot for a tea with Everest in front of you. You can trek up to Tengboche Monastery the next day once you have acclimatized. From here, the views of Ama Dablam and Everest are amazing, fitting for the largest monastery in the Khumbu. Then you walk back down to Namche and to Lukla, where you overnight before your early morning flight. With two or three more days you could go on to Dingboche (4,410 m), but that takes you past a week. I must warn you that the weather often delays flights out of Lukla. So please leave a few days between departing Everest and your international flight home. Permits for this loop are the Khumbu municipality card and the Sagarmatha National Park fee, NPR 3,000 each, and no TIMS card is needed. 

Pikey Peak Trek: 7 days minimum

So this might be pushing things a bit to complete within seven days, but it's such an exciting trek I wanted to include it here. Pikey Peak (about 4,065 m) is often said to have been Sir Edmund Hillary's favourite view of Everest! If that's not enough reason to include here, I don't know what is. On a clear morning guides point out a long row of peaks, including Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Gauri Shankar, Lhotse Shar, Numbur, Khatang, Karyolung, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Thamserku and Mera Peak.

This trek starts at Phaplu, next to the district headquarters of Salleri, which you reach by a short flight or a long jeep ride from Kathmandu. Our Pikey Peak trek runs longer than seven days with the travel days included. The days on this trek are 6 to 8 hours long, but the yak pastures and grazing yaks, the ethnic villages, and the monasteries you can visit make up for this. If you are around at the right time of year, you might witness an annual mountain biking race in this area. Something to aim for participating in in the future, perhaps? You will also pass the old trail from Jiri to Everest Base Camp. Before the days of flights, anyone attempting to scale Everest had several weeks to trek in from Kathmandu. Exhausting, before the climbing even started!

 

Other Short Treks

Fit trekkers who want real altitude can do Annapurna Base Camp (4,130 m) in seven days on our 7-day ABC trek, from USD 565 per person. It is a fast itinerary with long days, so it suits people who have trekked before and are happy to turn back if a headache won't go away.

I suggest you select your trek – to help you, please see my earlier blog, Which Trek Should I do in Nepal? Then get in touch with Swotah Travel and ask us if it's possible to tailor your chosen trek to your available timeframe.  

Happy Trekking!

Short Treks in Nepal: FAQs