Accessible Treks in Nepal – A Guide to Easy Himalayan Trails

Nepal has an undeniable reputation as a land of beautiful mountains and beautiful scenery, and more better as a host for some of the highest altitude adventure. Many people dream of trekking to Everest Base Camp trek, or even better, completing the Annapurna Circuit, which is highly commendable. Yet for those waiting for a relaxing trip, or those spending less intense adventure, all this trekking might seem a bit much.

Despite all the challenging treks in the Himalayas, there are plenty of laid-back and layup trekking routes in Nepal that will put you right in the middle of some unbelievable scenery and unique sensory experiences without all the hard work and complaining about the lack of oxygen at higher altitudes. This article will help you discover the best laid-back treks in Nepal to show that everyone can access the depth of the Himalayan experience!

Why Take an Easier Trek in Nepal?

Choosing an beginner friendly trek in Nepal has numerous benefits. First, an easier trek offers more individuals, such as party groups of the family, senior travelers, and physically disabled individuals or novice hikers, a chance to enjoy the Himalayan trek. These treks are of lower altitude, lower day walking distances, and better maintained trek trails, hence lower chances of altitude sickness and physical suffering. 

Second, easier treks have better chances of getting closer to the Nepalese countryside and immersing yourself in Nepalese culture. You have more time to visit around villages, reach out to people's lives, and experience their culture. 

Third, easier treks provide beautiful views of the greater Himalayas, and you get to experience the beauty of these mountains without subjecting yourselves to severe physical endurance.

Popular Easy Trekking Trails

Some of the trekking routes of Nepal are easily accessible and moderately strenuous. The best of these are given below:

Poon Hill Trek

The Poon Hill Trek is the most popular and most accessible short trek in Nepal. The trek site is in the Annapurna Region and at elevations from 1,000m-3,100m, with the trek lasting typically around 3 - 5 days and finishing at Poon Hill (3,210m). Poon Hill is considered one of the best places to experience spectacular sunrises while overlooking both the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri ranges. 

The hiking trails are open and clearly marked, with mostly easy walking conditions, bringing trekkers through gorgeous Gurung villages, rhododendron forests, and terraced agriculture. Since the trek is at low elevations, there is not a real chance of altitude sickness. For novice trekkers and families or anyone looking for a shorter trek, the Poon Hill Trek is a good option.

Balthali Village Trek

For optimal cultural exposure and soft trekking, the best choice is the Balthali Village Trek around Kathmandu Valley. It normally takes 2-3 days with trekking across impressive countryside hills, Nepali villages, and jungles. You have chances of being in close proximity with the country people, observing them working, and experiencing the beauty of countryside. The trek never climbs to an incredible altitude, and hence the soft trekking experience prevails in the course.

Shivapuri National Park Hike

Situated on the northern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, Shivapuri National Park is easily accessible from a range of day walks and short treks and an ideal retreat from city life. The treks go through some of the more dense forest, with wildlife vistas and excellent hilltop views and, on a good day, the white tops of the Himalayas. You should have options from easy nature walks up to more challenging treks to the viewpoints such as Chisapani to suit varying levels of fitness.

Nagarkot Hike

Nagarkot, an eastern hill resort of Kathmandu, is renowned for Himalayan sunrises and sunsets. While group bus or private vehicle is an option, some great trekking routes connect Nagarkot to villages and viewpoints around the area. The most popular among trekking adventurers is the trek from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel, which passes through villages and countryside in a delightful manner. These treks, although not particularly difficult, are great treks with nice views of the Himalayas without stepping too deep into the mountains.

What about Manaslu Circuit Trek?

While ranked in general as a medium to difficult trek because of greater altitudes and more days on trek, some parts or alternate treks into the region of Manaslu are less strenuous and better suited to trekkers who desire a less demanding trek. Lower parts of the region of Manaslu, and particularly the first few days along the Budi Gandaki River, are walked easily and are in nice landscape and village countryside.

For those who do not want to take on the entire circuit,  shorter treks with emphasis in these lower altitude areas may be available providing an experience of Manaslu's beauty and culture, with less strenuous climbing and minimal high altitude struggle. Or even taking a more comfortable lodge-based perspective, where some tour operators take on certain sections with tents so carrying around a massive backpack and potentially camping is reduced. Of course, one could not make this awesome journey without enduring the exhausting Larkya La pass (5,106m) on the exhaustive Manaslu Circuit Trek requiring an extreme level of getting fit and being acclimatized. For a smooth trip then, if you stick to the lower altitudes or a short tailor-made trek, in the Manaslu region, of course, with medical advice from a licensed trek agency.

Tips For an Accessible Trek

In order to have a good and enjoyable easy trek in Nepal, keep these tips in mind:

• Pick the right time of year: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the optimal times of year to trek in Nepal since they are the best times of year and have good weather during which to trek and good visibility. 
• Pack appropriately: Even with lower-level treks, pack a pair of layers of clothing, a great pair of hiking boots, a first-aid kit in the case of emergencies, sunscreen, and a hat.
• Hydrate: During the hike, you don't want to dehydrate, so drink plenty of water.
• Listen to your body: Do not overdo it and rest as needed. 
• Think about using a guide or porter: Even on lower level treks, using a local guide will make your trip that much better in regard to learning about the area and the culture. Also, using a porter will carry your luggage and make your trek an easier journey. 
• Respect for cultural traditions: Be decently attired when going through villages and monasteries and always ask permission when taking pictures of people. 
• Travel insurance: Make sure you have decent travel insurance that covers medical concerns and evacuations etc.

Conclusion 

The glorious Himalayas in Nepal is not only for the seasoned mountaineer at all levels and ages, there are many easy trekking opportunities for anyone to experience the incredible scenery and diverse culture in this wonderful country.

Easy trekking in Nepal spans from the panoramic views of Poon Hill, friendly cultural experiences in the Balthali villages, and an easy walk in Shivapuri National Park, and many easy trekking options in Nepal provide wonderful scenery and friendly faces!

So, pack your backpack, select your trek, and get ready for an easy adventure in the Nepalese Himalayas!