Which trek should I choose?
The right trek depends on how many days you have, how fit you are, and how high you are happy to go. Below I compare the six treks I guide so you can match one to you.
The six treks side by side
I am Lopsang, a licensed Nepal trekking guide. I have walked every one of these routes. The prices below are all-inclusive, as of September 2026. That means your lodging and three meals a day on the trek. Flights are included only where the route needs them. All six share the same best months, September to November and March to May, so season is not what sets them apart. What sets them apart is length, height, how busy the trail is, and how remote it feels.
| Trek | Days | Difficulty | Max altitude | Best months | From USD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Langtang Valley | 8 | Moderate | 4,773m | Sept to Nov, Mar to May | 580 |
| Langtang Gosaikunda | 12 | Moderate to Hard | 4,600m | Sept to Nov, Mar to May | 860 |
| Annapurna Base Camp | 13 | Moderate | 4,130m | Sept to Nov, Mar to May | 950 |
| Manaslu Circuit | 13 | Hard | 5,106m | Sept to Nov, Mar to May | 960 |
| Annapurna Circuit | 16 | Moderate to Hard | 5,416m | Sept to Nov, Mar to May | 950 |
| Everest Base Camp | 16 | Hard | 5,545m | Sept to Nov, Mar to May | 1,200 |
Langtang Valley
This is the shortest of the six at 8 days, and the cheapest at USD 580 as of September 2026. It suits you if your holiday is tight or if you want a first Himalayan trek that stays moderate. The valley is close to Kathmandu, so you save travel time, though the road in is rough and the drive is long. It does not suit you if you have come a long way and want the biggest, highest days. It is quieter than Everest or Annapurna, which many people count as a plus.
Langtang Gosaikunda
This adds the sacred lakes of Gosaikunda to the Langtang valley over 12 days. It costs USD 860 as of September 2026. It suits you if you liked the sound of Langtang but want more, and if you are ready for a harder crossing. I rate it moderate to hard. The days near the lakes are long and can be very cold, and the lodges up there are basic. It does not suit you if you want the easiest option. The reward is a high, quiet trail with pilgrims rather than crowds.
Annapurna Base Camp
At 13 days and moderate, this is one of the friendliest of the big treks. It costs USD 950 as of September 2026. It has the lowest maximum height of the six at 4,130m, which helps if altitude worries you. It suits you if you want a classic teahouse trek into the heart of the mountains without going as high as Everest. It does not suit you if you want the most remote route. The trail is popular, the lodges fill up in October, and there are a lot of stone steps.
Manaslu Circuit
This is my favourite for people who want somewhere wilder. It is 13 days, hard, and costs USD 960 as of September 2026. There are no flights on this route. It crosses the Larkya La at 5,106m, a long, cold day. Manaslu is a restricted area, so you must trek with a licensed guide and the permit goes through a registered agency. I arrange that for you. It suits you if you want fewer crowds and a real sense of remoteness. It does not suit you if you want the most lodges and the busiest trails.
Annapurna Circuit
This ties with Everest Base Camp as the longest of these treks at 16 days, and it costs USD 950 as of September 2026. It is moderate to hard and crosses the Thorong La at 5,416m, a demanding high pass that snow can close in winter. It suits you if you want variety, from green valleys to dry high country, and if you have the days to spare. The road now reaches high up the valley, so the lower days are less quiet. It does not suit you if your time is short.
Everest Base Camp
This is the trek most people dream about. It is 16 days, hard, and the highest of the six at 5,545m. It costs USD 1,200 as of September 2026, and that includes the mountain flight to Lukla. That flight depends on the weather and can be delayed for days, so you need spare time and patience. The trail is busy in the main seasons and the nights get very cold high up. It suits you if standing at Base Camp is the goal itself. It does not suit you if you want quiet trails.
How to pick
Start with your days. Eight days means Langtang Valley. Twelve or thirteen means Gosaikunda, Annapurna Base Camp or Manaslu. Sixteen means Annapurna Circuit or Everest. Then think about height. If you have never slept high before, the lower routes are kinder. Then be honest about crowds. If you like company and busy lodges, Everest and Annapurna are fine. If you want quiet, choose Manaslu or Langtang. Last, think about the flight. If a delayed flight would wreck your plans, avoid Everest. Tell me your dates and fitness and I will help.
What I'd suggest
If you are unsure, I would start with Annapurna Base Camp or Langtang Valley. They are moderate, the views are big, and you will find out if you enjoy trekking at altitude. Come back for Manaslu or Everest once you know you like it. Message me and I will help you choose.