Where to Trek During this Dashain?
Dashain is just around the corner. It’s that time of year when the skies are brighter, and the weather is cooler. It’s the nation’s merry-making time, and everyone’s high on the spirits of Dashain. It is also the peak time for trekking in Nepal because of the excellent climate and visibility.
Previously, trekking was an adventure sport only undertaken by tourists. But, in just about five years, it has also successfully etched its name on the bucket list of most Nepalese people. Ask any young Nepali, and they will keenly tell you about the next trekking destination they hope to go to. It is a very unusual step forward for Nepal’s tourism sector.
So, for those aspiring trekkers who want to make the most of their long Dashain holidays, what better thing to do than trekking? Here, we have listed 6-8 excellent short treks that can be completed in 4-10 days. Read more to decide where you want to go next!
Why Trek During Dashain?
If you are planning to trek during Dashain, then you will create great memories for a lifetime. It is special for a few good reasons:
- Great Weather: Dashain usually falls between late September and early October — right after the monsoon. That means clear skies, fresh air, and stunning mountain views.
- Festive Vibes: As you walk through villages, you’ll see people celebrating Dashain with joy — wearing new clothes, flying kites, and playing traditional games. For more read blog "Festival of Nepal".
- Holiday Time: For Nepali travelers, this is one of the few times you get long holidays — perfect for trekking with friends or family.
Visit Package Page: Festival Holidays in Nepal
Best Treks to Do During Dashain
Here are some of the most popular trekking routes that will fit perfectly for your Dashain holiday:
1. Ghorepani Poonhill Trek
- Duration: 5 Days
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Maximum Altitude: 3,210 m
- Best Season: March-June and Sept-Dec
The Ghorepani Poonhill trekking is one of Nepal’s most popular short treks, loved for its stunning views and easy trails. Over just 5 days, you’ll walk through peaceful villages, terraced fields, and blooming rhododendron forests that burst with color in spring. The main highlight is reaching Poon Hill at sunrise — where the golden light hits Annapurna and Dhaulagiri in a way you’ll never forget. At the top you can go up to 3,210 meters so it is ideal during entry level and family trekking trips and the rest stops are in teahouses. This walk is actually very picturesque during March- June and September-- December because that is the time the skies are clear and the mountains gleaming.
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Poon Hill Trek begins and ends in the Lake City of Pokhara. The trek can last anywhere from between 4-6 Days. If you have more days to spare, you can add more destinations to this already excellent trek and elevate your altitude and experience even further! Poon Hill is one of the most famous viewpoints in the entire Annapurna Region. Once you reach your main vantage point, you will feel like you have entered an amphitheatre of mountains. You can have the most amazing views of the peaks from Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massif, including Annapurna South and Annapurna 1.
The trek passes through several Gurung villages like Tadapani, Ghandruk, and Ghorepani. These villages offer excellent homestay services. Thus, you will get a rare chance to live like a Gurung for a day! Their culture and lifestyle are indeed fascinating. Also, since it is a mid-level trek, it can be completed quickly. So, don’t be surprised if you meet a group of senior citizens during the trek!
Recommended Ghorepani Poonhill Trekking in Nepal
2. Mardi Himal Trek
- Duration:10 Days
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Max. Altitude: 3,700 m
- Best Season: Sept to May
The Mardi Himal Trekking is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region. It is a quiet and peaceful trail away from the crowds. You’ll hike through dense forests, walk along ridgelines, and enjoy stunning views of Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli. It is best for you if you want a mix of adventure and solitude without going too far from Pokhara.
Recommended Mardi Himal Trekking in Nepal
Mardi Himal Base Camp Short Trek - 5 Days
3. Everest View Trek
- Duration: 11 Days
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Maximum Altitude: 3,850 m
- Best Season: March-June and Sept-Dec
The Everest View Trekking is a perfect choice for you. If you want to experience the magic of the Everest region without going all the way to Base Camp. During this trek, you will experience the charming Sherpa villages, peaceful pine forests, and ancient monasteries. You will also be able to get breathtaking sights of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The trail will show you a local culture, give you a chance to spend warm nights in a teahouse and revel in the spiritual power of the Khumbu region.
No, you don’t have to trek up to the Everest Base Camp to have splendid views of the highest peak in the world. Luckily, the topographical variation is similar in the Everest Region. Everest View Trekking is undoubtedly one of the most famous treks in Nepal, thanks to the perfect natural setting and cultural richness. The trek can be completed within five days, but you can add new destinations like Gokyo and Kala Patthar if you want. The trek is short and can be completed without any complications of altitude sickness.
Your journey will begin with an exciting 30 minutes long flight to Lukla from the capital. The route will take you through lush jungles, shaky suspension bridges over Dudh Koshi, and several traditional Sherpa villages. You can trek through famous villages like Phakding, Khumjung, and the historic town of Namche Bazaar. Throughout the trek and from some vantage points, you can have the most impressive views of peaks like Ama Dablam, Kangtega, Island Peak, Cho Oyu, and Everest.
Recommended Everest View Trek in Nepal
Everest View Trek With Gokyo Helicopter Tour-5 Days
4. Langtang Valley Trek.
- Duration: 11 Days
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Maximum Altitude: 4984m
- Best Season: March-June and Sept-Dec
The Langtang Valley Trekking is a perfect combination blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. If you love quieter trails near Kathmandu, then this trek is best for you. During this trek, you will walk through lush forests, yak pastures, and traditional Tamang villages. You will experience the views of snow-covered peaks like Langtang Lirung gradually unfold. The trail feels peaceful and authentic. You will also experience visiting Buddhist monasteries and connecting with friendly locals along the way.
Langtang Valley, also known as Himalayan’s best-kept secret, was severely impacted in 2015. But it has been three years since the dreadful event, and trekking is now in full swing here. Many may not know this, but Langtang Valley is only 19 miles north of Kathmandu. If you don’t have enough time to trek into Annapurna and Everest Region, no need to worry! During this 6-8-day trek, you will be mesmerised by the beautiful views of Langtang Lirung, Ganesh Himal, Langtang Ri, Dorje Lakpa, and some Tibetan peaks.
The journey will begin with a bus ride from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi. From here, your route will pass through the villages of Tato Pani, Chilime, Thuman, and Nagthali Gyanng. Your trekking journey will come full circle in Syabru Besi. Some of the trek's highlights are that it will take you through beautiful pastures, yak farms, and even a cheese factory! On top of that, living like a local in the culturally rich Tamang villages will elevate your experience in many ways!
Recommended Langtang Valley Trek in Nepal
5. Gosainkunda Short Trek
- Duration: 8 Days
- Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate
- Maximum Altitude: 4,336 m
- Best Season: March-June and Sept-Dec
In addition to being a sought-after trekking destination, Gosainkunda is a famous pilgrimage site for the Hindus. If you plan your trek around August, you will witness a lot of pilgrims flocking to the region to take a dip in the holy river. The trek is relatively more comfortable than the ones in Everest and Annapurna Region. On top of that, you can quickly complete it within just 6-8 days.
For the first few days, you ascend through dense forests before reaching the tree line at Cholang Paty. From here, you can also have the first glimpse of the glistening Langtang Himal and Annapurna. After spending a night in Lauri Binayak, you can hike up to the icy blue lakes the following day. Visiting the lakes is the ultimate highlight of this whole trip! From afar, the lakes look like a piece of emerald. The mountains in the back add even more to their beauty!
Recommended Gosainkunda Trek in Nepal
6. Upper Mustang Trekking
- Duration: 17 Days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Max. Altitude: 3,930 m
- Best Season: March to November
The Upper Mustang Trekking adventure feels like stepping into a living museum where Tibetan culture is preserved and set against a rugged, desert‑like backdrop. You’ll wind past red‑and‑ochre cliffs, walk beneath prayer‑flag‑draped sky caves, and eventually reach the walled kingdom of Lo Manthang, where whitewashed homes and ancient monasteries tell stories of a bygone era. Because Mustang sits in the Himalayas’ rain shadow, its dry trails are still walkable even when other regions are drenched by monsoon rains, making it a reliable choice from late spring through autumn. Add in steady but manageable climbs, wide‑open valleys, and the warm welcome of the local Lobas, and you get a trek that is as culturally rich as it is visually striking.
Looking for Quieter Trails During This Dashain? Try These Hidden Gems
If you want a peaceful trek away from the usual crowds. You must go for the Tamang Heritage Trail Trekking and the Pikey Peak Trek.
7. Tamang Heritage Trail Trekking
- Duration: 11 Days
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Maximum Altitude: 2,607 m
- Best Season: Feb to June and Sept to Dec
In the Tamang Heritage Trail Trekking, you will experience the immersive culture of the Tamang Community. As you trek through traditional villages, terraced farmlands, and peaceful forests, you will be welcomed by warm locals., You will see colorful prayer flags and age-old customs influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. This trek is perfect for those who want to enjoy mountain views and local hospitality without the crowds, all while learning about one of Nepal’s most vibrant hill cultures.
8. Pikey Peak Trek
- Duration: 10 Days
- Maximum Altitude: 4,067 meters
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Best Season: December to February and June to August
The Pikey Peak Trek is a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path journey that offers some of the best panoramic views of Everest and the surrounding peaks. As you walk through quiet villages, ancient monasteries, and lush forests, you’ll get a real sense of rural life in the Solu region. It’s a great choice for trekkers looking for a short yet rewarding adventure with both cultural charm and stunning sunrise mountain vistas.
Celebrate Dashain on the Trail
One of the best things about trekking during Dashain is that you can still enjoy the festival. During your trek, you will be welcomed by locals. You might even get invited to join a Tika ceremony or share a festive meal.
Dashain in the Mountains: Many trekking routes pass through villages where locals celebrate Dashain with joy and tradition, giving you a unique cultural experience on the trail.
Witness Local Rituals: You might see people offering puja, receiving tika and jamara, and gathering with family — all surrounded by stunning mountain scenery.
Share a Festive Meal: Some teahouses and homestays may invite you to enjoy traditional Dashain food, making you feel like part of the local celebration.
See Festive Decor: Villages are often decorated with prayer flags, kites in the sky, and even bamboo swings (ping) for kids and adults to enjoy.
Feel the Warm Hospitality: Dashain brings out the best of Nepali hospitality — expect extra smiles, festive music, and a genuine sense of togetherness.
A Unique Way to Celebrate: Trekking during Dashain lets you celebrate in nature, reflect in peaceful surroundings, and make new connections along the way.
Explore Festival Blogs:
Holi the Festival of Color
Festivals and Holidays in Nepal
Tips for Trekking During Dashain
Book Early: Flights and hotels get booked fast during Dashain. Plan ahead.
Pack Light but Right: Bring warm clothes, snacks, and basic medicines.
Go with a Guide: Especially helpful if you’re trekking in unfamiliar regions or want to learn more about local traditions.
FAQs
Is it a good idea to trek during Dashain?
Yes, it’s actually one of the best times to trek in Nepal. The weather is clear, the mountains look beautiful, and there’s a festive energy in the air. Plus, the trails are alive with both locals and international travelers enjoying the holiday.
Will I miss Dashain celebrations if I go trekking?
By no means, because you can even experience Dashain in the trail. Villages are celebrated with tika, jamar, and traditional food, and are even be invited by trekkers. It is an excellent opportunity to keep the local culture and immerse in nature.
Are teahouses and lodges open during Dashain?
Yes, most teahouses along popular routes stay open during the festival. Some staff may briefly go home to celebrate, but you’ll still find food, shelter, and a warm welcome. It’s a good idea to book in advance if you're going with a group.
Which treks are best for a short Dashain holiday?
Ghorepani Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, and Langtang Valley are great short treks for the Dashain break. They offer stunning views, cultural villages, and fit well into a 5 to 7-day plan. These routes also give you time to return home for Tika if needed.
Can Nepali families go trekking during Dashain?
Yes, Dashain is a great time for Nepali families to go on a short adventure together. Easy trails such as the Poon Hill or Gosaikunda are a good path for a novice or a child. It is a wonderful bonding experience, a loving experience, and a relief to the city.
What should I pack if I am trekking during Dashain?
Bring warm clothes for chilly mornings and evenings, plus light layers for daytime hiking. Don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, water purification tablets, and a headlamp. If you plan to join local celebrations, a clean outfit for Tika might be nice too.
Do I need a guide to trek during Dashain?
It depends on where you're going and your experience. For well-marked routes like Poon Hill, you might manage without one, but having a guide adds safety and helps with local interactions — especially during festivals. Guided treks also support local jobs during the holiday season.
