Trek comparison tool
Nepal trek comparison: a data table, not a ranking
This page is a side-by-side data table of the lodge treks and camping expeditions covered on NepalPick, built directly from the same itinerary records that power each destination page. It does not rank or recommend — for narrative, experience-based comparisons of the best options for different travellers, see Best treks in Nepal.
How to use this table
Scan for a column that matters most to your planning — recommended days, effort, or permit type — and compare across rows before opening individual destination pages for full logistics, day-by-day plans, and sourcing. Every figure below comes from NepalPick's itinerary data module, reviewed 31 August 2026, and each destination page shows its ownlastReviewed date.
| Trek | Recommended days | Highest point | Style | Effort | Permit character | Guided cost (from) | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panch Pokhari | 9 days | Panch Pokhari lakes basin, approximately 4,100 m | Lodge trek | Moderate | Park/conservation entry | $650–850 (NPR 100,000–130,000) | Oct–Nov · Apr–May |
| Rara via Jumla | 10 days | Passes en route approximately 3,500–3,700 m; the lake at 2,990 m | Lodge trek | Moderate | Park/conservation entry | $750–1000 (NPR 115,000–153,000) | Apr–Jun · Sep–Nov |
| Shey Phoksundo | 12 days | Phoksundo Lake, approximately 3,611 m; viewpoint walks somewhat higher | Lodge trek | Challenging | Restricted — agency + guide mandatory | $1400–2000 (NPR 215,000–307,000) | May–Oct |
| Nar & Phu | 13 days | Kang La, approximately 5,320 m | Lodge trek | Challenging | Restricted — agency + guide mandatory | $1200–1800 (NPR 184,000–276,000) | May–Oct |
| Jagdulla Valley | 14 days | Camp and pass country approximately 4,500–5,000 m depending on route taken | Camping expedition | Challenging | Restricted — agency + guide mandatory | $1800–2700 (NPR 276,000–414,000) | May–Oct |
| Tsum Valley | 16 days | Mu Gompa, approximately 3,700 m | Lodge trek | Challenging | Restricted — agency + guide mandatory | $1500–2100 (NPR 230,000–322,000) | Oct–Nov · Mar–May |
| Api Nampa | 16 days | Api Base Camp area, approximately 3,900–4,100 m; viewpoint ridges higher | Camping expedition | Challenging | Park/conservation entry | $1600–2400 (NPR 245,000–368,000) | Apr–May · Oct–Nov |
| Makalu Base Camp | 20 days | Makalu Base Camp, approximately 4,870 m; Shipton La system approx. 4,229 m | Lodge trek | Challenging | Park/conservation entry | $1900–2800 (NPR 291,000–429,000) | Oct–Nov · Apr–May |
| Limi Valley | 20 days | Nyalu La, approximately 4,940 m | Camping expedition | Challenging | Restricted — agency + guide mandatory | $2400–3400 (NPR 368,000–521,000) | Jun–Sep |
| Kanchenjunga North & South | 22 days | Pangpema (north base camp), approximately 5,143 m | Lodge trek | Challenging | Restricted — agency + guide mandatory | $1800–2600 (NPR 276,000–399,000) | Oct–Nov · Apr–May |
Guided cost shows each trek's lowest listed band only — a planning estimate, not a quote, and it excludes international airfare, visa, insurance, Kathmandu hotels, and tips. Restricted-area treks never carry an independent-budget alternative, since agency-guided travel is the only legal option on those routes.
Matching duration to available time
If you are working backward from a fixed trip length rather than a specific trek, start from the Nepal two-week itinerary guide or the general Nepal itinerary framework to see how a trek fits alongside travel days, acclimatisation, and contingency — the recommended-days column above does not include international travel to and from Nepal.
What the permit column means
"Restricted" treks require a registered trekking agency, a licensed guide, and a restricted-area permit with no independent-trekking option — this is a legal requirement, not a recommendation. "Park/conservation entry" treks still commonly use a guide for safety and route-finding even where one is not always mandatory. Several restricted-area permits in this collection (Tsum Valley, Nar-Phu) carry a higher weekly rate in the September–November peak season than in the December–August off-season — see each destination's own page for its current per-week figure. Permit categories, fees, and minimum party rules change; verify current requirements on the Nepal trekking permits guide before booking.
New to trekking in Nepal?
This table assumes you already have a shortlist. If you are choosing your first trek, start with Nepal trekking for beginners for fitness, altitude, and preparation guidance before comparing routes by name.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nepal trek is right for 10 days?
Filter the table below by recommended days close to 10 — several lodge treks in this collection fit an 8–10 day window from Kathmandu. Check the flexible-range figure on each destination's own page, since weather and travel days can push it either way.
Which treks require a registered guide?
Every trek marked "Restricted — agency + guide mandatory" in the permit column has no independent-trekking option under current rules. Several open-area treks also recommend a guide even where not legally required; verify current guide requirements before booking.
Which is the hardest trek in this collection?
Compare the effort column together with highest point and recommended days rather than picking by name alone — a shorter trek to a high pass can be harder day-to-day than a longer, lower-altitude route. The Nepal trekking for beginners guide explains how to judge fitness fit.
Can I compare trek costs side by side?
The cost column shows each trek's lowest guided cost band from NepalPick's itinerary data, in USD and an NPR estimate. Restricted-area treks never carry an independent-budget option, since agency-guided travel is the only legal route. Treat every figure as a planning estimate, not a quote.
Official sources and what to reconfirm
Use NepalPick for planning ideas, then verify entry rules, trekking requirements, protected-area details, and current conditions with official sources before booking.