Easy hikes to do in Nepal?

Hello, I’ll be in Nepal from March 6th to 29th (we’re flying into Kathmandu via Varanasi and leaving via Delhi). I’m a bit confused about the regulations requiring a guide.

My wife and I (we’re 63 and 64) aren’t experienced trekkers—we’re more used to walking on terrain with very moderate elevation changes. I’m looking for fairly easy hikes, possibly day trips. Here are my questions: - Does the Poon Hill trek from Pokhara require a guide, or is it better to go through a local agency? (I’ve seen a lot of them offering 4-day packages) - I’d like to do a few multi-day hikes around Jomsom (Kagbeni, Mukitinath, Lupra, Marpha)... Do you need a guide for those, and can you find accommodations easily without booking in advance?

Last question—I’m really hesitant to lug around a sleeping bag or down jacket during our 6 weeks in India. Can you easily find these kinds of items at reasonable prices in Pokhara?

Thanks in advance for any tips you can share! Yann

Hello,

The Ghorepani/Poon Hill trek isn’t that easy for beginners. There are a lot of steps on the trail, and the elevation gain is pretty significant if you’re not used to it.

Around the Jomsom/Kagbeni area, though, it’s much less of an issue. You can explore at a relaxed pace without necessarily dealing with tough trails for your knees or major elevation changes. You can easily spend a week in Lower Mustang.

If you’re not familiar with the local customs, it’s a good idea to hire a guide, but it’s not mandatory (despite what the authorities always claim). A guide can help you navigate the trails, handle guesthouse bookings, negotiate jeep rides if needed, and more. If you prefer to explore on your own, that’s no problem either. It’s pretty easy to find accommodations without booking in advance.

For a sleeping bag, you can buy or rent one in Pokhara.

Hi there, Thanks for your reply. I’m keeping your idea of spending a week in lower Mustang. In your opinion, what are the easiest treks starting from Pokhara? I’m also thinking of wandering around Gorkha and Bandipur. Yann

I’d recommend the Panchase trek (just west of Pokhara and Lake Phewa), or the Tanting trek (northeast of Pokhara, around Sikles—you can also check out Kapuche Lake).

Bandipur is gorgeous to visit, but Gorkha, I’m not so sure about. :)

Thanks for all this info. yann

Hi there,

Personally, for an easier trek or for fairly easy day hikes around Pokhara, I’d recommend Sarangkot, Australian Camp, Dhampus, Phedi, and Pokhara itself. The altitude hardly ever exceeds 1,750 m, and the views of the Himalayan ranges are stunning.

The Lower Mustang trek—spots like Marpha, Kagbeni, Muktinath, Lupra, and Jomsom—is also great, but keep in mind that Jomsom sits at 2,800 m and Muktinath at 3,850 m. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start the trek while respecting altitude acclimatization. That said, you can always find transport to descend if you run into any issues.

For a sleeping bag or down jacket, you can easily rent one in Pokhara.

The trek to Muktinath will also let you glimpse part of Upper Mustang, where people practice the Bon-po religion. A guide isn’t officially required, but if you do hire one, they’ll be proud to show you their country.

Safe travels, Adventure!!!

Hi there, I just posted an update in the travel journals with some feedback from our trip last March. You should be able to find the info you're looking for. Happy travels!!!

good evening

Not being experienced trekkers with my wife (we're 63 and 64 and are more used to walking on terrain with very moderate elevation changes), I'm looking for fairly easy hikes, possibly day trips.

Nepal is a country of rather high mountains (an understatement) There's a solution: the downhill trek😉 Take a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom (for example). On the first day, go to the Upper Mustang border (Kagbeni), a typical village... 2.5 hours of walking with very little elevation change (you follow the river) to start. The next day, head up to Muktinath—this is also possible by making a stop in the surrounding villages, whose names I’ve forgotten. Then descend back to Jomsom and over several days, follow the Kali Gandaki River along the old Annapurna Circuit trekking paths, called "alternative routes." These paths, on the left bank of the river, are hardly used anymore since the drivable road exists on the right bank. You can descend this way all the way to Tatopani (after that, it gets tougher uphill), and from there take a bus back to Pokhara.

There’s also the "Indigenous People Trail," which I did a long time ago. It’s a fairly easy trek, and you stay with locals every night. It’s close to KTM. willemspie explains it very well here: voyageforum.com/...ins-battus-d8334524/

Unless conditions have completely changed, you don’t need a sleeping bag—there are thick duvets in all the lodges. Just bring a fitted sheet (for hygiene!)

PS: On the alternative routes (NATT) on the left bank of the Kali Gandaki, I forgot to recommend the little loop near Larjung toward Sekong Lake! (Gorgeous!)

I also confirm what Citipati said: On the trek to Ghorepani Poon Hill from Pokhara, the last leg is 1,000m+ of elevation gain (or more), mostly stairs!