Five best autumn treks in Nepal

Planning on where to go for trekking in Nepal this autumn/fall? Read below to find out the five best autumn treks in Nepal.

Autumn, the season between summer and winter, is the peak season for trekking and alpine adventures in Nepal. Although the days are relatively shorter, the weather is just perfect in the Nepalese Himalayan. Everything in sight turns a bright orange colour, lifting the region’s beauty by leaps and bounds.

In Nepal, Autumn stretches from September to November. September marks the end of monsoon, with clouds exhausting themselves and dissipating – leading to an endless blanket of blue sky. The remote trekking trails are not too slippery or wet. Similarly, the weather is dry – neither too scorching nor freezing. However, the main slice is that the visibility is extremely clear, with the most surreal and gratifying views of the awesome Himalayans. By now, we hope you’re convinced that autumn is the best time of the year for trekking.

Here’s a list of the five best autumn treks in Nepal

1. Everest Base Camp Trek

 

Everest Base Camp is the most famous trekking destination in the whole 2,400km stretch of the Himalayans. It is the holy grail of all trekking destinations in Nepal since it leads you to the base camp of the world’s highest summit. EBC is also one of the best tea house trekking trails in the country, boasting hotels and teahouses ranging from cosy, inexpensive ones to those with unbelievable luxuries.

One of the highlights of the trek is that you will be following in the footsteps of legendary mountaineers like Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. During the trek and from basecamp, you can have the best views of peaks including Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Nuptse, and AmaDablam. 

2. Annapurna Circuit Trek

It is safe to say that Annapurna Circuit Trek is the most wholesome and versatile trekking journey in Western Nepal. The trek fully encircles the Annapurna region and links two of the most famous trekking destinations: Manang and Mustang. The trek grants you with outstanding views of eight-thousanders like Mt. Nilgiri, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Gangapurna and so on.

Crossing the very high Thorung La Pass at a height of 5,416m, trekking through picturesque Gurung settlements, visiting the holy Muktinath Temple, and trekking to the beautiful Tilicho Lake are just some of many highlights of this beautiful trek.

3. Annapurna Base Camp/Sanctuary Trek

One of the most popular base camp treks in Nepal doesn’t go higher than 4130m as compared to other base camp treks in Nepal. Annapurna Base Camp/Sanctuary Trek is a 2-week long trek that takes you to the south base camp of the world’s 10th highest mountain (Mt. Annapurna). Home to several 7000m peaks, along the trail, you will be rewarded with the views of mountains notably Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Huinchuli, Fishtail and many more.

The trek in terms of altitude is moderate as it doesn’t go higher than 4130m but involves long ascent and descent for multiple days. 

4. Langtang Valley Trek

If you are short of time, it is the perfect choice of destination for you. Langtang, just 30 km north of Kathmandu, is also known as ‘Nepal’s best-kept secret’. The trails of Langtang will slowly unfold the historic and ancient culture of Tibetan Buddhism, well-guarded by different ethnic groups like Tamangs and Hyolmos. Moreover, this trekking trail has a peculiar but perfect combination of variations in topography, elevation, and geology.

During the trek, you can enjoy splendid views of Mt. Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Massif, and Yangra Peak including some from the Tibetan side, too. The journey is enriched even more by several icy lakes and glaciers that you will encounter during the journey.

5. Manaslu Circuit Trek

This one is for experienced trekkers and for those who prefer less crowded trails. Although it doesn’t top the popularity chart on our best autumn treks in Nepal as the Everest Base Camp does, it is far more enriching and adventurous too. Mt. Manaslu, situated in the Manaslu region of Nepal, is the eighth-highest peak on the earth. The trekking route has become more popular these days, the trails are still very remote and off-the-beaten. Since very few trekkers embark on this journey, you will find an ample amount of peace and solitude compared to other trekking trails in Nepal.

Manaslu Circuit trek features a high mountainous pass, Larkya La providing panoramic views and a sense of self-achievement. However, you need to be a part of an organized trekking group to trek here as free individual trekkers are not allowed to trek in this region.