Best Short Trek Destination for this Dashin Vacation

Dashain is around the corner and for many of us in Nepal, more than a festival. It's the time of the year when we have some days off from our hectic lives, spend time with our family, go somewhere new or just simply rest and relax during the holiday. But many young people choose trekking during this time. But the challenging part is not having enough time. Even if you have a few days of vacation, you can enjoy the beauty of the mountains in Nepal without worrying about time.
So, in this blog, we have selected 6 of the best short treks in Nepal that you can take during your Dashain holidays. Whether it is a popular trail such as Poon Hill or Mardi Himal, a quiet trail in Langtang Valley, a spiritual trail to the Gosaikunda or an adventurous trek to Tilicho Lake, there is something for every kind of trekker as well as of varying durations.

Here' s the top 6 short destinations for trekking this Dashain

1. Ghorepani Poon Hill

Ghorepani Poonhill Trek is one of the best short and popular treks in Nepal. This hike offers an abundance of stunning mountain scenery, green forests, amazing sunrises and beautiful nepali villages.It is Located in Annapurna Conservation Area of Myagdi and Kaski District with an altitude of about 3,210 meters (10,531 feet).
The trail winds through the ancient Gurung villages, through the gorgeous rhododendron forests and numerous steep rises and falls. If you don't have many days for a long trek but still want to go for a short trek then you could definitely choose Poonhill trek. You can easily complete this trek within 4-5 days, which is an ideal getaway for your short Dashain holiday.

Trek Highlights
Perfect for: Sunrise Mountain View, first time trekkers and beginners
Duration: 4–5 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Location: Annapurna region, Nepal
Highest point: Poon Hill – 3,210 m (10,531 ft)
Main mountains: Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Hiunchuli, and others.

Poon Hill Trek – 5-Days Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu → Pokhara → Ulleri/Banthanti
Day 2: Ulleri/Banthanti → Ghorepani
Day 3: Ghorepani → Poon Hill → Tadapani
Day 4: Tadapani → Ghandruk → Pokhara
Day 5: Pokhara → Kathmandu

2. North Annapurna Base Camp Trek

For those who are interested in exploring something outside the realms of the typical trekking routes, North Annapurna Base Camp might be a best option. The trail is slightly less popular than the path to Annapurna Base Camp, but leads to the northern side of the Annapurna. This trek is a bit more remote, and less crowded.
Another best part is that the whole trek can be completed in just 4–5 days, so you don’t need a long vacation. And What adds to the charm of this trek is the Panchandakunda Lake. The breathtaking view of the lake, mountains, stunning scenery, and quiet surroundings, give you more natural experience in the Himalayas.

Trek Highlight
Perfect for: Mountain views, first-time trekkers and beginners
Duration: 4–5 Days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Location: Annapurna Region, Nepal
Highest Point: North Annapurna Base Camp(4,190 m)
Main Mountains: Annapurna I, Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Himchuli, and Dhaulagiri and surrounding Himalayan peaks

North Abc Trek – 5-Days Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 2: Pokhara→ Tatopani( Drive)→Humkhola and Trek to Guffaphat
Day 3: Gupha Phat to Panchakunda lake(North Abc Base Camp)
Day 4: Explore North Annapurna Base Camp (4,190 m) and return to Humkhola
Day 5: Drive Humkhola to Pokhara
Day 5: Pokhara to Kathmandu

3. Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is the most popular short trek among the young trekkers in Nepal.The short, beautiful, and adventurous Mardi Himal is on everyone's bucketlist.
The route begins in the scenic hills surrounding Pokhara and then passes through thick woods in the lower part. On the way you will encounter Himalayan peaks close-up view, like Machhapuchhre, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli and more.
If you have about 5-6 days to spare during Dashain and are looking for a trek that is not too long, but still feels like a mountain trek, then Mardi Himal trek is a great choice.

Trek Highlights
Perfect for: First-time trekkers, beginners, mountain views & sunrise lovers
Duration: 4–5 Days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Location: Annapurna Region, Nepal
Highest Point: Mardi Himal Base Camp – approx. 4,500 m
Main Mountains Visible: Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Mardi Himal, Annapurna South, Hiunchuli & Annapurna range

Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu to Pokhara
Day 2: Pokhara → Kande → Trek to Forest Camp
Day 3: Forest Camp → High Camp
Day 4: High Camp → Mardi Viewpoint/Base Camp → Trek back to Low Camp
Day 5: Low Camp → Siding → Drive to Pokhara
Day 6: Pokhara to Kathmandu

4. Gosaikunda Trek

Gosaikunda is located in Langtang Region of Rasuwa district and is one of the best choices if you are looking for a short trek that involves mountain walks, nature, culture and spiritual aspects. On this trek you will find the natural beauty of the high-altitude lake Gosaikunda Lake, which is located at approximately 4,380 metres and its surrounding region has made it a popular spot for pilgrimages for both Hindus and Buddhists.
The trek itself is beautiful. The journey begins in the lower hills, then heads up through forests and mountain villages. The terrain shifts at elevation to be open, rugged and alpine.
It takes 4 to 5 days to complete the trek and is best for those who don’t have much time during festive seasons.

Trek Highlights
Perfect for: First-time trekkers, lake lovers & short Himalayan adventure
Duration: 3–4 Days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Location: Langtang Region, Nepal
Highest Point: Gosaikunda Lake – 4,380 m
Main Mountains: Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu & surrounding peaks

Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu → Dhunche/Syabrubesi → Trek to Deurali
Day 2: Deurali to Lauribinayak
Day 3: Trek from Lauribinayak to Gosaikunda Lake (4,380 meters, 3 hours). Return to Deurali
Day 4: Trek from Deurali to Dhunche and Drive to Kathmandu

5. Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek is one of the best treks you can go to if you want to do a short trek that is not too far from Kathmandu this Dashain.The secret of Langtang is that you receive a little of everything in one trek. This is a walk through beautiful forests, traditional Tamang villages, rivers, waterfalls and serene mountain trails.
You will get plenty of places to explore in Langtang such as Kyanjin Ri I and II, Tserko Ri, Glacier lake and Yala peak.The trail is so easy and takes approximately 6 – 7 days to complete.Therefore, Langtang can be an ideal option if you are looking for a proper Himalayan trekking experience but have short time for Dashain holidays.

Trek Highlights
Perfect for: First-time trekkers, mountain views & authentic Himalayan experience
Duration: 6–7 Days
Difficulty: Moderate
Location: Langtang Region, Nepal
Highest Point: Kyanjin Ri – 4,773 m (optional hike)
Main Mountains Visible: Langtang Lirung, Langtang II, Dorje Lakpa, Ganesh Himal & surrounding peaks

Itinerary
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
Day 2: Trek from Syabrubesi to Lama Hotel
Day 3: Trek from Lama Hotel to Langtang Village
Day 4: Langtang valley to Kyanjin Gompa and explore Kyanjin Ri
Day 5: Trek from Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel
Day 6: Lama Hotel to Syabrubesi
Day 7: Syabrubesi to Kathmandu

6. Tilicho Lake Trek

Last but not least, for those looking for a bit of adventure this Dashain, the Tilicho Lake Trek is a must. Tilicho Lake is also one of the most renowned high altitude lakes of Nepal located at approximately 4,919 metres above sea level. The trek to the lake will take you through the beautiful scenery of Annapurna region.Tilicho is certainly a more challenging trek than Poon Hill or Mardi Himal. Higher, steeper, and more volatile weather. Therefore, this is a trek that one should opt for if he or she is fairly fit and has a certain level of trekking experience.

Trek Highlights
Perfect for: Lake lovers, mountain views & adventure seekers
Duration: 5–7 Days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Location: Manang Region, Nepal
Highest Point: Tilicho Lake – 4,919 m
Main Mountains Visible: Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, Tilicho Peak & surrounding peaks

Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu → Besisahar/Chame
Day 2: Drive/Trek towards Manang
Day 3: Manang → Khangsar
Day 4: Khangsar → Tilicho Base Camp
Day 5: Tilicho Base Camp → Tilicho Lake → Base Camp
Day 6: Trek back towards Manang
Day 7: Return to Kathmandu

Dashain Vacation doesn't have to be staying at home. If you have limited time and nature lovers, a brief hike may be the best means of making your holiday memorable. Each trek in Nepal has a different experience whether it is the beautiful sunrise from Poon Hill, the restful trails of Mardi Himal, or the beautiful lakes of Gosaikunda and Tilicho. And the best part is a lot of these hikes can be done in just 4-7 days.
So, depending on how much time you have, your physical condition and the style of your experience, pick your destination. Pack your necessities, assemble friends or families and take a trip to the mountains to make this Dashain a little memorable.