The best 5-day treks in Nepal are Poon Hill and Mardi Himal from Pokhara, Helambu from Kathmandu, the Tamang Heritage Trail from Syabrubesi and Pikey Peak in lower Solukhumbu. Poon Hill is the easiest and most reliable; Mardi Himal goes highest. Five days means five days of trekking, so allow a day at each end for travel.
The short list
- Poon Hill: 4 to 5 days, high point 3,210 m. The classic short trek.
- Mardi Himal: 5 days, high point about 4,200 m. The highest in five days.
- Helambu: 5 days, high point about 3,690 m. From the edge of Kathmandu.
- Tamang Heritage Trail: 5 days, high point about 3,165 m. Homestays and culture.
- Pikey Peak: 5 days, high point 4,065 m. A wide view of the Everest range.
- Ghandruk and Landruk loop: 3 to 5 days, high point about 2,000 m. Gentle and low.
The treks in detail
Poon Hill. Day 1: drive from Pokhara and walk to Tikhedhunga or Ulleri. Day 2: Ghorepani. Day 3: sunrise on Poon Hill, then Tadapani. Day 4: Ghandruk. Day 5: walk out and drive to Pokhara.
Mardi Himal. Day 1: Kande to Forest Camp. Day 2: Low Camp. Day 3: High Camp. Day 4: viewpoint at dawn, descend to Low Camp or Siding. Day 5: drive to Pokhara.
Helambu. Sundarijal, Chisapani, Kutumsang, Tharepati, Sermathang and out, through forest and Hyolmo villages.
Tamang Heritage Trail. Gatlang, Tatopani, Nagthali, Thuman and Briddim, with a day's drive at each end.
Pikey Peak. Jeep to Dhap, two days to the base of the peak, sunrise on top and two days out via Junbesi or Phaplu.
Ghandruk and Landruk loop. A relaxed circuit of Gurung villages, ideal with children.
Can you do Langtang or Annapurna Base Camp in five days?
Not comfortably. Langtang Valley needs six to seven days including the drives, and Annapurna Base Camp needs at least six trekking days for fit walkers. Squeezing either into five means long days and too fast an ascent. If five days is all you have, pick a trek designed for it.
Travel days
From Kathmandu, treks around Pokhara need a travel day each way by road, or a 25-minute flight. Helambu needs no travel day at all, which is why it suits a one-week holiday so well. The Tamang Heritage Trail and Pikey Peak each need a day's drive at both ends.
Altitude on a short trek
Short does not always mean low. Mardi Himal and Pikey Peak both pass 4,000 m within three days, and a headache at the top is common. Poon Hill, Helambu and the heritage trail stay lower and rarely cause trouble.
What to pack
For five days you need very little: walking shoes, two sets of walking clothes, a fleece and down jacket, a rain shell, a hat and gloves, a head torch and a water bottle with treatment. A porter can carry a shared bag for two people.
Season
October to April for all of them, with Poon Hill, Helambu and the Ghandruk loop good in mid-winter. April adds rhododendron on Poon Hill, Mardi and Pikey.
Cost
Short treks are the cheapest way to experience the mountains. The main costs are the guide, a porter if you want one, permits, food and lodging, and transport. With no mountain flights involved, prices are predictable.
Which should you pick?
With family or as a first trek: Poon Hill. Fit and wanting height: Mardi Himal. Flying into Kathmandu with exactly a week: Helambu. Interested in village life: the Tamang Heritage Trail. Wanting Everest in view without the Lukla flight: Pikey Peak.
Adding a sixth or seventh day
One or two extra days change what is possible. With six days Poon Hill can include a night at the Jhinu Danda hot springs, and Mardi Himal can reach base camp without rushing. With seven, Langtang Valley and a fast Annapurna Base Camp come within reach for fit walkers. If your leave is flexible by even a day, tell us and we will show you what it adds.
Guide and permits
All of these lie in conservation or national park areas, so you need the relevant entry permit and a licensed guide. On a short trek the guide's value is mostly in logistics: transport to and from the trailhead, rooms booked ahead in busy weeks and a sensible pace so that nobody arrives exhausted on day one.
Common questions
What is the best 5-day trek in Nepal?
Poon Hill for most people; Mardi Himal for fit walkers who want height.
Can beginners do a 5-day trek?
Yes. All of these suit beginners with ordinary fitness.
Is five days enough to see the Himalaya?
Yes. You will see several peaks above 7,000 m at close range.
Which 5-day trek is closest to Kathmandu?
Helambu.
Heights, days, fees and rules are approximate and can change, so confirm the current details with us before you book.
