Nepal is a trekker's paradise because of its high peaks and stunning scenery. The well-known treks are the Annapurna Circuit and Everest Base Camp attract adventurers from all over the world. However, there are a number of less popular trekking routes that provide breathtaking views and interesting cultural encounters, too.
These less well-known trekking destination offer a chance to experience the magic of the Himalayas without the crowds.
However, while Nepal's well-travelled trekking routes are undoubtedly breathtaking, the less-visited trekking routes are equally remarkable. Each trekking route offers a special fusion of nature, culture, and adventure, giving intrepid travelers lifelong memories.
Consider traveling to one of these top 8 less popular trekking destinations to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in Nepal's serene beauty.
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek takes place in the heart of the majestic Himalayas. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises breathtaking scenery and the chance to interact with locals. Kanchenjunga region offers a close relationship with nature.
This trek is one of the less-travelled routes, and it gives adventurous travellers the opportunity to experience distinctive cultures. You'll see the pristine beauty of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest peak in the world (8,586 meters).
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek takes trekkers through the remote and pristine landscapes of the eastern Himalayas. It is a strenuous trekking trail in Nepal but an enriching journey. This trek offers a variety of experiences, from high-altitude terrain to lush green forests. Usually, the trek starts in Taplejung, a town in Nepal's eastern hills.
The Arun Valley, one of Nepal's most picturesque trekking locales, is traversed on the trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp. During this stunning circuit trek, you'll reach The Pang Pema (5,140 m) and Oktong (4,580 m) base camps of Kanchenjunga. You'll see the breathtaking views of the Kanchenjunga range, Januu Himal, Chang Himal, and many other peaks covered with ice and snow.
The Kanchenjunga region is home to a diverse array of cultures. Trekkers have the opportunity to interact with the local communities throughout the journey. They can experience their customs firsthand, sample their cuisine, and discover their way of life. The welcoming nature of these communities gives the trekking experience a deeper meaning.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of Nepal's least-crowded, most demanding, and most challenging treks. You'll see the seventh-highest mountain in the world, Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), also known as "The White Mountain.
This high-altitude challenging trek is the perfect adventure for highly experienced and great physical shape trekkers. It is a tranquil, pristine natural beauty with an off-the-beaten-path experience through remote trails.
The high-altitude treks lead to Mount Dhaulagiri's (4748 meters) Base Camp. One of Nepal's most rewarding and challenging treks was crossing the French Pass (5360 meters) and Dhampus Pass (5244 meters).
The trek starts from Beni and follows the Kali Gandaki River. It then flows through the stunning scenery of the Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, before starting to descend. The route passes through a variety of landscapes, including glacial moraines, high alpine valleys, terraced fields, and lush forests.
You'll pass through traditional villages along the way. The villages are home to various ethnic groups like Gurungs and Magars. You'll experience the local way of life and hospitality while passing those beautiful settlement villages.
The Ultimate Checklist: Essential Things To Pack for Trekking Adventure in Nepal
The Tsum Valley, also known as the "hidden valley," is a valley in Nepal's Gorkha district that is close to the Tibetan border. This isolated and restricted valley has allowed trekkers to visit since 2008. Since then, it has become more well-known as a place for trekkers to get a truly authentic Himalayan experience.
The village of Machha Khola is the starting point of the Tsum Valley Trek. Along the trail, you'll see Boudha Himal (6,672 m) and Himal Chuli (7893 m) in the west. The Ganesh Himal (7,422 m) in the south and Siring Himal (7187 m) in the north are stunning. It ranges from lush green forests along the Budhi Gandaki River to high alpine meadows.
Chumling (Lower Tsum) and Chhaikampar (Upper Tsum) are the two significant villages in the area. Milarepa's Cave, gompas, monasteries, mani walls, and stupas are remarkable to experience, along with fascinating villages. The route is abundant with historic Buddhist monasteries, including Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa. The trail goes through pine forests, raging rivers with cascading waterfalls, and amazing suspension bridges.
The Tsumba people, a Tibetan Buddhist group with a distinctive culture and way of life, reside in Tsum Valley. You'll explore many monasteries, chortens (Buddhist shrines), and mani walls decorated with ornately carved prayer stones. If you have more time, combine the Tsum Valley Trek with Manaslu Circuit via Larke Pass.
The Khopra Danda Trek, also known as the Mulde Hill Trek, is spectacular. This Khopra Ridge Trek is across various landscapes, attractive villages, and a tranquil environment. It is a less crowded trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. This Khayer Lake trek offers a spectacular, environmentally friendly, natural alternative trip.
Highlights of the Khopra Danda Trek
The Khopra Danda viewpoint offers a fantastic panoramic view of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. You'll see Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), as well as the famous peaks Fishtail, Annapurna South, and Nilgiri.
The Khopra Danda route includes the picturesque Magar and Gurung villages. It also includes rhododendron-forested ridge lines that offer breathtaking vantage points for views of the highest peaks. The route also offers the Pokhara Valley with its panoramic views of Machhapuchhare (Fish Tail) and the Annapurna massif.
With stunning views of the tall, snow-covered Himalayas, the trail winds through a dense, profoundly lush forest of pine, oak, rhododendron, and bamboo. You can also see some of the local wildlife.
The trek begins from Pokhara. First, you will take in the peaceful surroundings before continuing to climb Khopra Ridge. This ridge is a picturesque location with an amazing view of the Himalayas. Once you reach Khopra Ridge, you can visit Khayar Lake.
Khayar Lake is a holy lake, and pilgrims come to take a dip in it. The trek to Lake Khayar is arduous and lengthy, and one may have to cross frozen mountain rivers.
The Nar Phu Valley is a hidden gem of the Annapurna region, located just behind the north face of Mount Annapurna.
Highlights of Nar Phu Valley Trek
The less-crowded, beautiful trek offers an uncommon and culturally immersive experience. It offers a captivating journey through uninhabited villages, breathtaking scenery, and a rich cultural heritage. The Nar Phu Valley Trek passes through two distinct valleys: Nar (4,110 meters) and Phu (4,250 meters).
While passing the trail, you'll see a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains, verdant forests, and desolate landscapes. The trail also creates a striking contrast that is sure to arouse your senses. Along the route, you watch the region's spiritual essence in the monasteries, prayer flags, and intricately carved Mani walls
The People inhabiting the villages of Nar and Phu are mainly Tibetan. They migrated from Tibet long ago. Their culture and traditions are a fascinating fusion of Tibetan and Nepali influences.
Nowadays, you can drive to Koto via Chamje and Dharapani, the starting point for the Nar Phu Valley Trek. The trail quickly deviates into the Nar and Phu valleys and away from more heavily travelled paths.
The trek's final two days take you over the high Kang La Pass and back down to Nawal. Nawal is a well-liked rest stop on the main Annapurna Circuit route. You can follow the Annapurna Circuit trail to the Hindu pilgrimage town of Muktinath, crossing over Thorong La Pass.
Compared to the Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Circuit, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is a lesser-known gem. However, its pristine landscapes and remote charm attract trekkers seeking a more unspoiled and genuine experience. It is one of the most challenging and exciting treks in Nepal.
The trek offers a tantalizing combination of lush forests, alpine meadows, and cascading waterfalls. Besides these, it provides imposing glaciers located in the eastern region of Nepal, close to the border with Tibet. The fifth-highest peak in the world, Mount Makalu (8,463 m), towers above all others, is incredible.
The Makalu Base Camp trek is excellent for seeing diverse landscapes, cultures, flora, fauna, and beautiful valleys. It also offers unusual views of some of the highest mountains in the world, including Everest. The trail has a variety of ecologies, from the lush lowland Arun Valley to the desolate high-altitude landscapes.
The trail passes rhododendron forests, terraced fields, and charming villages. You can see the environment change from a subtropical to an alpine one. A treat for nature lovers and wildlife lovers is Makalu Barun National Park. Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m) is a part of Makalu Barun National park.
Makalu Barun National Park is home to various species of flora and fauna. There are more than 3,000 species of flowering plants, 440 species of birds, and 75 species of mammals. The region is famous for the snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, wild boar, wild yak, and the Himalayan Thar.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek starts from Tumlingtar. You'll ascend the Arun River valley to Sedua and Num village. You'll cross the Shipton La Pass (4210 m) and enter the upper Barun River valley to get a close-up view of Makalu. Arun Valley and Barun Valley are Nepal's most inaccessible and rarely travelled regions.
Read more about Makalu Base Camp Trek.
The jewel of Dolpo is Shey Phoksundo Lake, a surreal and mesmerizing scene. The Lake has deep blue waters and a view of surrounding snow-capped peaks. It is a sacred location for the locals and one of the world's highest lakes.
Dolpo is an area of unmatched natural beauty, distinguished by its rocky landscape, deep valleys, and clear alpine lakes. The region is famous for ancient villages, the Tortoise Lake of Phoksundo, and the holy crystal mountain (Shey). Besides these, the mystic Shey Gompa and old Bon Monasteries are gems of the Dolpo region. Only the Dolpo district is home to the elusive snow leopard and the valuable Yarsagumba crop.
The trail starts from Juphal, a tiny airstrip in the Dolpo region. You'll feel Dolpo's pristine beauty once you start The Upper Dolpo Trek. Forest views and tall, snow-capped mountains surround the deepest Shey Phoksundo Lake. The Kang-La Pass connects Shey Gompa and the Phoksundo Valley.
The highest point of the trek is the Kang-La Pass. The top of Kang La offers stunning mountain ranges and spectacular scenery. Dolpo trekking is an adventure and a chance to see Nepal's secluded and enchanting region.
The Ruby Valley trek is named after the precious local stones locals dispersed throughout the area. It is similar to rubies dispersed throughout the land. The valley offers a stunning view of the Ganga Jamuna waterfalls, a sacred place in Nepal.
A relatively new and less travelled trekking route in Nepal is Ruby Valley Trek, known as Ganesh Himal Ruby Trek. It is located between the Manaslu Conservation Area and Langtang National Park. This valley is named for the magnificent Ganesh Himal range, which dominates the skyline.
The Syabrubesi (1,503m) starting point for the Ruby Valley trek is a charming village in the Langtang region. From here, hikers travel through a variety of landscapes, including glacial moraines, terraced fields, and dense forests. The trail has a profusion of plants and animals. It is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
The trek leads to the Pangsang Pass, which is 3,842 meters above sea level and offers a breathtaking view of the Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal, Langtang Lirung (7,300m), and other nearby peaks. The scenery drastically changes as you ascend and descend, keeping the trekking experience exciting and engaging. You'll fully immerse yourself in the diverse cultural heritage of the Tamang and Gurung communities and isolated villages.
Ans - Yes, trekking in these less crowded areas of Nepal is generally safe. However, it's essential to prepare well and hire experienced guides and porters to ensure a safe experience.
Ans - The best time for trekking in Nepal is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is generally stable, and the clear skies offer the best views of the mountains and landscapes. You can also trek in the Monsoon (June to August) because the region gets very little rainfall.
Ans - You must organize this trek with a registered trekking company in Nepal. Immigration only issues permits to registered trekking companies.
Ans - Accommodations in these less crowded trekking areas can range from basic teahouses and guesthouses to camping in remote regions. While teahouses are available on many routes, facilities may be more limited in remote areas.
Ans - The difficulty level of these treks varies. Some, like the Khopra Danda Trek, are relatively moderate, while others, like the Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek, are more challenging. Assessing your fitness level and choosing a trek that suits your abilities is essential.
Ans - Altitude sickness can affect trekkers in any high-altitude region. Proper acclimatization and following the guidance of experienced guides are crucial, as is being aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness.
Ans - Physical fitness, proper gear, acclimatization, and mental preparedness are crucial. Training before the trek and understanding your challenges will contribute to a successful experience.
Ans - While some trekkers might choose to trek independently, hiring a local guide and/or porter is highly recommended. They are familiar with the trails, can provide cultural insights, assist with language barriers, and ensure safety.
Ans - Mobile network connectivity varies along these treks. In more remote areas, you might have limited or no signal.
Ans - Packing essentials is vital for trekking to Dolpo. You must pack warm clothing, trekking boots, a good-quality backpack, a sleeping bag, and rain gear. You should also bring water purification tablets and other personal items. Packaging according to your chosen trek's specific requirements is important.
