Five Destinations is the best trek for autumn

The autumn trekking season has begun in Nepal. Spring and autumn are generally considered the best seasons to trek since the weather is pleasant and the skies clear. Add to that the scenic landscapes and vibrant communities that the country’s hills and mountains feature in abundance. Here every trail winds through valleys where the mist clings to terraced fields, remote villages, deep gorges and waterfalls. Each trek unfolds like a story, and your footsteps sync with the pulse of the land.

Here are five trekking destinations around Nepal that make your journey an indelible experience.

Annapurna Base Camp (ABC)

Annapurna Base Camp, is one of the most popular trek in the world. The ABC trek starts from Pokhara at 900 meters altitude and ends at Annapurna Base Camp at 4,130 meters. The trek starts from Nayapul, a scenic one and half anhour drive from Pokhara. Nayapul is the gateway to the Annapurna region. Thereafter, one is recommended to walk for an average of 15 km in about 5-6 hours daily. The walk lasts seven days for slow trekkers and five days for those who can walk fast. The week-long trek would not require a prior trekking experience. The ABC hike does not have so much risk of potentially getting altitude sickness and is affordable compared to other treks. The hike’s main draws include Gangapurna (7,455 metres), Machapuchhare (6,993 meters), Himalchuli (7,893 meters), Annapurna I (8,091 meters), Annapurna III (7,555 metres) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 metres). Featuring exotic mountains and picturesque landscapes, Annapurna Base Camp trek promises to be one that you will remember for a long time after the trekking is completed.

Mardi Himal Trekking

Mardi Himal Trek is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region of Nepal. It is an increasingly popular trek known for its pristine trails, breathtaking mountain views, and tranquil atmosphere, offering an alternative to the more crowded Annapurna Circuit or Base Camp treks. The trek offers exceptional panoramic views of several prominent peaks, including Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. Mardi Himal itself is a lesser-known peak (5,587 meters), but the trek offers spectacular close-up views. Mardi Himal trail is quieter compared to other popular treks in the Annapurna region, allowing trekkers to experience the serenity of nature with fewer crowds. The trek takes you through varied landscapes, including lush rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and alpine

Manaslu Circuit trekking

The Manaslu Circuit or Larkya pass trek has gained traction in recent years. Nestled in the heart of Gorkha, it provides a breathtaking panoramic view of Mt Manaslu, the eighth-highest mountain in the world at 8,163 meters above sea level. This less-trodden trail gives you an unspoiled and tranquil experience. It’s an adventurous trek along the Nepal-Tibet border that takes you to an elevation of 5,215 metres at the Larkya La pass. The pass offers stunning views of peaks like Kanguru, Himlung, and Annapurna II. It’s the closest trek from Kathmandu which passes through Budi Gandaki and traverses picturesque villages like Deng, Ghap, Lho and Samagaon. After a day of acclimatisation at Samagaon, the trek ascends to higher elevations crossing Samdo and Dharamsala as the trail meanders through a desert-like landscape with a captivating backdrop and reach Larkya La pass, the highest point of the trek. The Manaslu trekking is appealing due to its controlled tourism. The Manaslu region is restricted due to its proximity to Tibet and the presence of rare animals like snow leopards. A special permit is required for foreigners., A week permit cost US$ 100 and per day US$ 15 per person. You need Annapurna and Manalu conservation permit NRS 3000 as well respectively.

Upper Mustang

Mustang is a high-altitude desert of multi-hued gorges, green oases, fairy-tale gompas, prayer flags, and blood-red fortified monasteries. It was long shrouded in mystery and closed to outsiders until 1992. This land is rich in traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture. The standard 10-day trek is straight up and down from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang. The standard route takes you up the western side of the Kali Gandaki river. It takes four days to walk from Kagbeni to Lo Manthang, and the same time to return. Upper Mustang is a restricted area, and the government charges foreigners $500 per person for ten days. Additional days after day ten are charged at $50 per day. Upper Mustang is totally within the Himalayan rain shadow, which means that, unlike most other parts of the country, the best time to trek is May to October.

Langtang Trek

Langtang trekking is a popular trekking destination in Nepal, known for its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and relatively easy access from Kathmandu. It is located in the Langtang National Park, which lies to the north of Kathmandu near the Tibetan border. The Langtang region offers breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, including Langtang Lirung (7,227 m), Ganesh Himal, and other surrounding mountains. The trek takes you through the Langtang National Park, home to diverse flora and fauna. You may encounter red pandas, Himalayan black bears, and a variety of birds. The region is primarily inhabited by Tamang and Sherpa communities, with a strong influence from Tibetan Buddhism. You’ll pass through traditional villages, monasteries, and chortens. Known as the "Valley of Glaciers," Langtang Valley offers expansive meadows, yak pastures, and opportunities to explore local villages like Langtang Village and Kyanjin Gompa. This is a popular stop on the trek, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The monastery and a cheese factory here are worth visiting. Langtang trek starts from Syabrubesi, about a 7-hour drive from Kathmandu, making it easier to reach compared to other trekking routes in Nepal like Annapurna or Everest.