Your first Himalayan trek should be challenging enough to be memorable, and gentle enough on altitude to be safe and enjoyable. Here’s how our treks compare for beginners.
Our picks
| Trek | Days | Highest point | Why it suits beginners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poon Hill | 5 | 3,210 m | Short, low and close to Pokhara. The gentlest start |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 8 | 4,130 m | A first trek above 4,000 m, with no flights |
| Langtang Valley | 8 | 3,870 m (4,600 m optional) | Quiet, no flights, close to Kathmandu |
Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit are better as a second trek, or for fit beginners who train well and accept many nights at high altitude. See the compare page.
How to prepare
- Train for six to eight weeks: hill walks or stairs, two or three times a week.
- Break in your boots before you go.
- Learn the altitude rules. Read altitude sickness: the simple rules.
- Pack light. Use our packing lists for each trek.
What first-timers worry about
- Fitness: if you can walk four to six hours with breaks, you can train for Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp.
- Toilets and showers: basic, especially higher up. See teahouse trekking.
- Getting lost: with a licensed guide, you won’t.
