November 6, 2024

The moments spent looking at iconic trails just as the Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna circuit sound familiar to Nepal as a trekkers’ holiday spot. It is, however, when one moves further from these common routes that some other treasures are located at the core of the Himalayas.

Those who like to go out and seek adventure without being exposed to the throng of trekkers need not worry as here are five Off-the-Beaten-Path treks in Nepal that offer spectacular vistas, absolute peace, and intriguing culture.

These Off-the-Beaten-Path treks in Nepal, which are less frequently traveled, still hold Nepal’s pristine beauty and make it possible to spend quality time outdoors with the locals.

1. Makalu Base Camp Trek

Overview

The trail to Makalu Base Camp Trek leads you up to the base of Makalu, which is the 5th highest mountain in the world (8485 m). In the present, one those trekkers will appreciate some measure of solitude and serenity as the demography and willingness of people create and the number of such trekkers is very very small.

The trail goes through the untouched wilderness of the Makalu Barun National Park providing an untouched area and marvelous sights of not just Makalu but also the other high peaks of Baruntse, Chamlang, and Everest as well.

For those who thrive on the thrill of climbing mountainous terrains in un-maintained and less-traveled paths, the Makalu Base Camp Trek provides an unadulterated experience.

Highlights

• Breathtaking Scenery: The trek gives the impression of magnificent views of Makalu, Barun, and their other peaks as well. For a photographer, capturing winter’s stark contrast over the blue tropical heavens in the form of clouds could be very inspiring.
• Conserved Flora and Fauna: The direction traversed using the trekkers additionally is going through the Makalu Barun National Park and this vicinity is thought for the rich sort of plant life and animals. The trekkers could be able to have a glimpse of various varieties of the natural world including purple pandas and snow leopards, or even several types of pheasants. The vegetation levels from large and leafy rhododendron forests to high-altitude alpine grasses and flowers, which form an ever-warming weather.
• Close Local Interactions: In the trail of your journey, you will go through minor center locations where the operations of Rai and Sherpa people take place. These remote villages are a place to visit to experience real life in the Himalayas, people, traditions, and the pace of life but less hectic.

Trek Details

• Duration: 18-22 days
• Best Season: April to May and October to November
• Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Itinerary Highlights

• Day 1-3: From Kathmandu to Tumlingtar by Flight, Trek to Chichila. For the initiation of your journey, rather begin from small settlements and lush green forests wherein pine trees linger in the air and rivers course through the region.
• Day 4-8: This begins with an ascent through terraced pounding, oak jam-packed forests, and pretty settlements. One of the toughest climbs on this trek is crossing the Shipton La Pass (4,216 meters), however, this also features some of the best views of the surrounding peaks.
• Day 9-15: Trekking over Mount Makalu to reach Makalu Base Camp Height 4,870 meters. Gaze at the magnificent scenes surrounding you and admire Makalu which is the 5th highest mountain in the world at the newly made Makalu Base Camp. It may take a bit to get accustomed to this particular weather but it is very much worth it for the somber beauty of the place.

2. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

Overview

If anyone is looking to step out for any of the most thrilling undertakings in their life then the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is what you can do. Although the Kanchenjunga base camp trek is situated in the eastern part of the Nepal region, very few trekkers go to this region – very very few out of many.

At 8,586 meters, Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain in the world and getting to its base camp entails a long tedious trek in beautiful scenic regions of Nepal. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trekking isn’t such a simple trek. Natural and cultural attractions are also observed as the trekkers pass through the villages of Limbu, Rai, and Sherpas.

The summit of the trek is a visit to both the north and south base camps of Kanchenjunga with some detours.

Highlights

• Remote Wilderness: Within the world of remote trekking, space: occupies little public and practically none, while rewarding visitors with scenic mountain areas. There is a low human density in the Kanchenjunga region, so this means that there will not be a lot of other trekkers around too. The region itself is virgin and the feelings of remoteness are truly stupendous.
• Cultural Richness: The Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa communities found in the different landscapes along the trekking trail have their customs and traditions intact. The physical nature of the trek has been complemented by the incomparable cultural aspects that include festivals, local music, and dressing among others.
• Diverse Ecosystems: The climatic shocks during the treks are numerous and include walking across subtropical humid forests, temperate forests, alpine meadows, high-altitude glaciers, and other novel environments. Francolin and other ornithologists will rejoice in the Kanchenjunga conservation benefits due to the bird-rich area.

Trek Details

• Duration: 22-28 days
• Best Season: March to May and September to November
• Difficulty: Challenging

Itinerary Highlights

• Day 1-3: Go to Suketar by flight from Kathmandu: this place marks the way you start your trek. Let’s explore the trekkers’ part as they go to ghunsa around the green cud and lovely scenery of the Sherpa village.
• Day 4-10: Navigate along the rhododendron forests and further up in the alpine background till the base northeast camp is reached. You will proceed along ice-laden rocks of the glaciers and green pastures where lucky chances will yield views of Kanchenjunga and more.
• Day 11-17: Move around the northern base camp and return through a different route for the sake of trying other faces of this beautiful circle. Although this trek is long and difficult, it compensates for those who like adventure by contact with nature, with its deeper facets.

3. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

Overview

Trekking around Dhaulagiri Circuit or Kingdom of Dhaulagiri is considered one of the adventure treks in Dhaulagiri region which is the 7th tallest mountain on earth standing tall with an elevation of 8,167 meters. This Off-the-Beaten-Path trek in Nepal, therefore, says that the trek takes thrill seekers around some of the most adventurous nature wild and rough terrains of Nepal.
What is physically striking when trekking in these Off-the-Beaten-Path treks in Nepal is the rather extreme climatic changes and landscape changes with increasing altitude. One can easily get a feeling of complete remoteness where there are no villages or few people on the way, meaning that it is wonderful for those who want peace.

Highlights

Breathtaking Sceneries: The journey consists of such diverse features that it ranges from thick and lush green forests inhabited by various animals to the cold and dry mountain region with glaciers and high mountains. The unusual relief and sharp contrast are astounding.

Not As Busy: In contrast to other more famous treks in Nepal, such as Annapurna or Everest, the Dhaulagiri Circuit is unbusy and thus can be described as having a soothing experience away from the crowds. Because of the isolation of this trek, one is guaranteed an adventure in the wilderness.

Coming Across New Things: Even in such secluded areas, you will meet the local stretching Magar and Thakali communities who have inhabited the region for ages. Such interesting and unique cultures and people contribute to the enhancement of the trekking experience.

Trek Details

• Duration: 16-20 days
• Best Season: April to May and October to November
• Difficulty: Challenging

Itinerary Highlights

• Day 1-3: Start your vacation in Nepal by flying to Pokhara and after that renting a car to go to Beni, the start point of the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. The trek from Beni starts as one takes a slow ascent passing through villages and forested hills.
• Day 4-10: Air tour around Dhaulagiri and move over both the French Pass 5,360m and the Dhampus Pass 5,200m which are the highest points of the trek These mountain passes are awash in magnificent views of the very high Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna, and the surrounding mountain ranges.
• Day 11-16: The next stretch is a downhill walk through secluded villages, Hidden Valley and finally ending up in Jomsom. The final days of the trek provide satisfaction when you accomplish completing a circuit around one of the highest mountain peaks in the world.

 

4. Tsum Valley Trek

Overview

Tsum Valley, or the Valley of Happiness as it is also referred to, is a breath of happiness blended with culture, background history, and wistful landscapes. It is located north of Gorkha and is famous for its well-preserved Tibetan Buddhist culture, old stupas, and impressive Himalayas.
This Off-the-Beaten-Path trek in Nepal allows enjoying the peaceful beauty of the valley and interacting with the people.

Highlights

• Cultural Immersion: The Tsum Valley is inhabited and influenced by Tibetan people who also have some ancient monasteries and very interesting ways of life. One could see the old Rongbook Monastery and participate in the local festivities for a deeper appreciation of the culture and way of life in that region.
• Stunning Landscapes: In this valley, tourists can enjoy the grandeur of stunning mountain sceneries including the Ganesh and Shringi Himal ranges. The green lush crops, terrace farming land, and the scenery of the countryside are good places for photo taking and contemplation.
• Less Touristy: Unlike the more well-known destinations for trekking, in Tsum Valley, the number of trekkers is lower and this is great for those who like a distance from the hubbub of civilization and would like to go back to nature.

Trek Details

• Duration: 12-14 days
• Best Season: March to May and September to November
• Difficulty: Moderate

Itinerary Highlights

• Day 1-3: We travel via flight from Kathmandu to Arughat Then we hike to Tsum Valley. The path consists of pristine forests and inhabited countryside offering an insight into local culture.
• Day 4-9: We walk through the valley, visit some kuzongs (forts or castles) and dikhangs (upper circular halls with shrines) of older monasteries, meet with locals, and enjoy picturesque sceneries.
• Day 10-12: Retake the trek through lovely sceneries back to Arughat and then drive down to Kathmandu with fond memories of Tan Jupp through Tsum Valley.

 

5. Upper Dolpo Trek

Overview

Upper Dolpo Trek is a very Off-the-Beaten-Path trek in Nepal in which it is often referred to as the last paradise of the mountains. Dolpo lies in the far western region of Nepal. Nepal is popularly known as home to numerous mountain ranges. The allure of the unpopulated deep valleys, the high-altitude green lakes and the Tibetan style of Buddhism make Dolpo attractive for tourists. This, however, enables one to grasp more about trekking with nature, especially in the mountains.

Highlights

• Appreciative Views: While on the Off-the-Beaten-Path treks in Nepal, it is possible to have views of cold mountains and nice valleys with vegetation and lakes; you can go via Phoksundo Lake which is very deep blue-green and surrounded by high cliffs.
• Rich Culture: Upper Dolpo is inhabited by a population whose culture is a mix of Tibetan and local influences. The trekkers will get to see centuries-old stupas and monasteries, the native communities involved in their festivals, and local festivities that emphasize the history of the place.
• Wildlife: The area forms part of the Shey Phoksundo National Park, which harbors a variety of wild animals including blue sheep, and musk deer – as well the rare snow leopard.

Trek Details

• Duration: 20-25 days
• Best Season: April to May and September to November
• Difficulty: Challenging

Itinerary Highlights

• Day 1-3: On proceeding to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu by air, take another flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal which is in the Upper Dolpo area. Leave for the trek passing through beautiful settlements and terrace farmlands.
• Day 4-15: Proceed on the trek to Lake Phoksundo, visiting old monasteries and settlements as you go along. Soak in the magnificent view of the lake with the majestic mountains around it.
• Day 16-25: Keep moving through secret valleys and later threading several high passes like the Numa La and Baga La finishing your trek on Juphal and thereafter taking a flight to Kathmandu.

Conclusion

Trekking in Nepal is probably like nowhere else in the world and this is even more true on the less popular trekking trails. For example, climbing the Makalu Base Camp, going to the faraway Kanchenjunga region, or just having a great time in the Tsum Valley – every Off-the-Beaten-Path treks in Nepal is special.

Mountain landscapes, various habitats, and cultures, without the crowds that another side of the coin attracts, are the reasons why people go to these trails. And for the trekkers planning such Off-the-Beaten-Path treks in Nepal, do come prepared and perhaps hire a local guide for added safety and interest. All the best for your trekking!