Best 4-Day Treks in Nepal for 2025/26
Planning a Himalayan trek but don’t have weeks to spare? Many travellers like you are looking for shorter trekking adventures that still deliver stunning views, rich culture, and that heart-pumping sense of accomplishment. Nepal’s 4-day treks are a perfect match.
Whether you want a quick mountain escape, a peaceful ridge walk, or a hidden gem far from the crowds, there’s a short route waiting. These compact yet powerful treks fit into tight schedules without compromising on beauty or experience. You’ll hike through traditional villages, encounter diverse landscapes, and stand before world-famous peaks, all in just four days.
Top Reasons to Pick a 4-Day Trek in Nepal
Four-day treks give you the magic of Nepal in a shorter window. These treks are ideal for travelers with limited time, offering a condensed yet immersive experience in the Himalayas.
They are generally more accessible, requiring less strenuous physical preparation compared to longer, high-altitude expeditions. You can also explore other short treks in Nepal if you’re comparing durations and experiences. This makes them perfect for beginners, families, and those looking to enjoy the mountain scenery at a more relaxed pace.
Financially, shorter treks are more budget-friendly, as they involve lower costs for permits, guides, accommodations, and food. Despite their shorter duration, these routes do not compromise on views, often leading to spectacular vantage points, such as Poon Hill and Mardi Himal, which showcase panoramic vistas of some of the world’s tallest peaks. They also offer a rich cultural immersion, passing through traditional Gurung and Magar villages where you can experience warm local hospitality.
Top Routes for 4-Day Treks Across Nepal
From tranquil lakes to panoramic ridges, here are the premier 4-day trekking routes that offer a full-scale Himalayan experience in a compact timeframe. These hand-picked routes combine incredible scenery, cultural moments, and efficient travel plans.
Sikles Kapuche – The Hidden Glacial Lake Route
This lesser-known route takes you to Kapuche Lake, one of Nepal’s lowest-altitude glacial lakes. Located northeast of Pokhara, the trail runs through the traditional Gurung village of Sikles and passes dense rhododendron forests, terraced farmlands, and peaceful alpine landscapes.
You’ll trek through Hugu Goth, a quiet shepherd’s settlement, and reach the turquoise Kapuche Lake surrounded by cliffs and snowy ridges. The atmosphere is remote and pure, offering a tranquil contrast to busier trails. If you’re seeking raw natural beauty and cultural charm in a short span, the Sikles-Kapuche trek is an excellent pick.
The Perfect 4-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Sikles via Taprang
- Day 2: Trek from Sikles to Hugu Goth
- Day 3: Visit Kapuche Lake and Return to Sikles
- Day 4: Drive Back to Pokhara
Mardi Himal – Ridge Views Without the Crowds
Mardi Himal Trek for 4 days is a top choice if you’re looking for sweeping views of Annapurna and Machapuchare but want to avoid crowded trails. This ridge trek begins near Pokhara and ascends through diverse ecosystems from subtropical forests to alpine ridges.
It’s quiet, intimate, and scenic throughout. The trail is perfect for those wanting high viewpoints in a short duration. Clear mornings reward you with unforgettable sunrise views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and the sacred Machapuchare. Despite its accessibility, Mardi Himal feels adventurous and wild.
4-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Drive to Kande, Trek to Forest Camp (2,520m)
- Day 2: Forest Camp to High Camp (3,780m)
- Day 3: Hike to Mardi Viewpoint or Base Camp, Descend to Middle Camp
- Day 4: Middle Camp to Siding, Drive to Pokhara
Poon Hill – Nepal’s Most Iconic Sunrise Spot
Poon Hill is perhaps the most famous short trek in Nepal, known for its unforgettable sunrise views. You’ll climb stone steps, pass through rhododendron forests, and stay in traditional teahouses.
From the top of Poon Hill (3,210m), you’ll see Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machapuchare glowing in the early morning light. The route passes through charming villages like Ulleri, Ghorepani, and Ghandruk, giving a full taste of Gurung hospitality and mountain culture in just four days.
Classic 4-Day Route
- Day 1: Drive to Thikhedhunga, Trek to Ulleri
- Day 2: Trek to Ghorepani
- Day 3: Sunrise at Poon Hill, Trek to Tadapani
- Day 4: Tadapani to Ghandruk, Drive to Pokhara
Khopra Danda – A Scenic Ridge Above the Crowd
Khopra Danda offers an off-the-beaten-path ridge trek with striking mountain views. Less crowded than Poon Hill, it provides expansive sights of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
You’ll travel through quiet villages and alpine meadows, staying in local lodges managed by community initiatives. This condensed version of the short Khopra trek is a rewarding alternative for those seeking a ridge experience away from the main tourist trails.
Khopra Short 4-Day Option
- Day 1: Jeep to Tatopani, Trek to Paudwar
- Day 2: Ascend to Khopra Danda (3,640m)
- Day 3: Trek to Dobato
- Day 4: Trek to Ghandruk, Return to Pokhara
Dhampus–Australian Camp – Easy, Peaceful, and Short
If you’re short on time or new to trekking, Dhampus and Australian Camp is a gentle trail with big rewards. Located near Pokhara, this area offers fantastic views of Annapurna South and Machapuchare.
The walk is mild and well-marked, passing through farmlands and pine forests. It’s an excellent trek for families, beginners, or anyone who wants peaceful scenery and cultural stops without strenuous climbs.
Suggested Dhampus-Australian Camp 4-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Drive from Pokhara to Kande, Trek to Australian Camp (2,060m).
- Day 2: Trek to Dhampus Village (1,650m).
- Day 3: Explore Dhampus and trek to Phedi.
- Day 4: Drive back to Pokhara.
Honourable Mention – Annapurna Base Camp in 5 Days
While a classic Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) is not feasible, a compressed 5-day ABC itinerary is possible for exceptionally fit, well-acclimatized trekkers with limited time.
This challenging sprint takes you into the heart of the Annapurna Sanctuary, a natural amphitheater of towering peaks.
ABC Short Trek Itinerary
- Day 1: Pokhara to Jhinu Danda via Nayapul – Trek to Sinwa
- Day 2: Sinwa to Deurali Trek
- Day 3: Deurali to Annapurna Base Camp (via MBC)
- Day 4: ABC Return to Upper Sinwa
- Day 5: Sinwa to Jhinu Danda – Return to Pokhara
Why It Stands Out
- Close-up views of Annapurna I, Machapuchare, Hiunchuli
- High-altitude adventure with fewer travel days
- Requires good fitness and acclimatization prep
If you’re still deciding how many days you need to trek in Nepal, understanding the time commitment can help you choose the right route.
How to Choose the Right 4-Day Trek?
Selecting the perfect 4-day trek depends on your fitness level, interests, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Here’s a quick guide to help you decide:
For the Easiest Access and Best for Beginners
The Dhampus-Australian Camp trek is the most accessible and least strenuous option, perfect for families and first-time trekkers. The Poon Hill Trek is also a classic choice for beginners, offering iconic views with a moderate level of challenge.
For the Best Sunrise and Classic Views
Poon Hill is world-renowned for its spectacular sunrise panorama over the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
For Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure
If you want to avoid crowds and experience a more pristine trail, the Sikles Kapuche Trek to the glacial lake or the Khopra Danda Trek are excellent choices.
For Jaw-Dropping Ridge Views
The Mardi Himal Trek is unmatched for its dramatic ridgeline path that brings you incredibly close to Machapuchare and the Annapurna South face.
For Cultural Immersion
While all treks offer cultural experiences, the Sikles Kapuche trek begins in one of the largest and most traditional Gurung villages, providing a deep cultural immersion.
How Much Does it Cost for 4-Day Treks?
The cost of a 4-day trek in Nepal is relatively affordable. On average, you can expect to budget between $250 $450 per person. This price typically includes permits, a guide, a porter, basic teahouse accommodation, and meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) on the trail.
The final cost can vary depending on the level of service, whether you hire a guide and/or porter independently or through an agency, and your personal spending on snacks and drinks.
Ready to Explore the Himalayas?
A 4-day trek is a fantastic way to witness the majesty of Nepal’s mountains without a long-term commitment. Each trail offers a unique story, a different perspective, and the same promise of adventure.
Whether you choose the iconic sunrise from Poon Hill or the hidden tranquility of Kapuche Lake, the Himalayas are waiting.
At Mountain Routes, we specialise in crafting unforgettable trekking experiences tailored to your time and interests. Our expert guides, local insights, and carefully curated itineraries ensure you make the most of your short Himalayan escape.
FAQs
What is the easiest 4-day trek in Nepal?
The Dhampus-Australian Camp Trek is widely regarded as one of the easiest 4-day treks. It involves lower altitudes and less strenuous climbing compared to other options, making it highly suitable for beginners and families.
Do I need permits for short treks?
Yes, permits are required for almost all treks in Nepal, including even the shortest ones. For most treks in the Annapurna region (like Poon Hill, Mardi Himal, etc.), you will need the Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) and a Trekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card. These can be obtained in Pokhara or Kathmandu.
Can beginners join these treks?
Absolutely. Most 4-day treks, particularly those to Poon Hill and Dhampus-Australian Camp, are well-suited for beginners with a standard level of fitness. Treks like Mardi Himal and Khopra Danda are moderately more challenging but are still achievable for determined novices.
How cold does it get on these treks?
Temperatures vary by season and altitude. During the peak seasons of spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), daytime temperatures at lower elevations (below 2,500m) are pleasant (15-25°C).
However, at higher altitudes (above 3,500m), like on the Mardi Himal or Khopra Danda treks, temperatures can drop to near freezing or below, especially during the night and early morning.
Are guides required for short treks?
Yes. As of April 2023, the Nepal Tourism Board has made it mandatory for all foreign trekkers to hire a licensed guide for their treks in Nepal’s national parks. This rule was implemented to enhance trekker safety and create local employment. Therefore, you cannot trek independently on these routes.
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