short treks in Nepal in october

Hi all, I am heading to Kathmandu for business mid-october and would like to add a few extra days for a small trek, maybe 5-7 days. Anybody has any suggestions worth considering? Preferably something not too far from Kathmandu valley to keep travel time short, but I do like to walk without too much distraction in the form of fellow hikers. I do have warm gear but might not be fit enough at that time for too many big climbs. Any good suggestions and where to find information on them much appreciated. Or even which places to definitely avoid. Thanks... Otherwise if someone could suggest a nice base from which to undertake a few good daytrips near KTM valley, that could be interesting as well. Cheers

Hi

There are a number of decent trekking options within the available time.

7 days is enough for Langtang valley which has great views at the top, is reasonably accessible from KTM, albeit a long bus journey there and back. It takes 3 days tog et up the valley and 2 days down. It’s relatively easy and no guide is needed. There is the opportunity to walk up to Kyanjin Ri which is a decent view point. The caveat is the impact of potential delays on the trek or the road if you are flying out the day after planning to get back to KTM, for example.

There are a few decent short trek options out of Pokhara too: Poon Hill is the obvious one. It takes as little as 3 days for a there-and-back route and 4 days for a circuit. That leaves enough to get to P and back (fly or bus/hired car) and a little buffer time for delays. Panchase (3 days, say) is also a possibility and the advantage for you is few other trekkers.

Langtang is not as busy as Poon Hill but there will still be plenty of trekkers. A much quiter trek is the Helambu Circuit which takes 6 or 7 days and the start is a short taxi/bus ride from KTM and a 5-6 hour one back. It does not have big mountain views like Langtong but is culturally interesting.

Lastly, consider a trek on the KTM valley rim. The most popular section is from Sundarijal (same start as the HC) to Chisapani, Nagrkot and drive back to KTM (or walk down to Bhaktapur) so 3 nights. It can be extended by starting at Budhanilkantha and continuing beyond N to Dhulikhel and Panauti.

Thanks a lot for the detailed information.
Looked up on Langtang and it sounds just right, except for the bus ride.
I am hoping to maybe find people in KTM to share a car to go out that way.
Cheers