Dalai Lama once said, “Once a year, travel somewhere you’ve never been to.”
In fact, if you travel often, travel somewhere no one has ever been to. While it’s an absolutely enticing experience to visit places that make it to the mainstream, it’s a whole new thing to explore the unchartered territories only a few have marked their presence in. Nepal is one of those only places where new trekking trails open up so frequently that there are a number of off beaten paths to choose from. Here is a selection of some of the best off the beaten treks in Nepal:
1. Rolwaling Valley Trek
Lying in east-central Nepal along the Tibet border is a section of the Himalayas, all situated along the Rolwaling village, home to the Gaurishankar Himal (7134m). Along with Gaurishankar, the Himalayan range includes Melungtse l and Melungtse ll in the Tibetan side with almost 50 other peaks, all over 6000m. The trekking trail follows the Daldung La Pass which reaches up to Na, almost 4200m above sea level. One would not only be accompanied by the flawless architecture of nature over the course of the journey but would get to connect with the enormity of the Himalayan range and relish the sensation of relaxation through the eye-pleasing vistas in a constant state. Suitable in the months of March-May and September-November, this trek falls on the level of moderately difficult but easily accomplishable by anyone with reasonable activeness and stamina. What sets this trail apart from others is the fact that very few people have ever taken it up due to its slightly tricky geography, but then again, there are only a few people who dare to explore this hidden valley encompassing hundreds of square kilometers.
2. Manaslu Circuit Trek
The eighth highest mountain in the world, the Manaslu, standing proudly at 8163m is the main attraction of the Manaslu Circuit Trek and yet isn’t the only thing that it offers. The trail starting from Machha Khola and reaching up to the height of over 5000m in the Larkya La provides one of the best off the beaten trekking experiences due to its diverse natural terrains. It is one of those trails that consists of all kind of plains and hills along the path, making it fall into the strenuous level of trekking. While experience is a necessity for this 19 days long trek, it is important to select the best time to start on, for the harsh weather affects the journey pretty quickly and intensely. To avoid such mishaps, the springtime of March-May and late fall of September-November with the teahouse and lodging mode of accommodation is the best approach. They say any difficult journey will lead to the perfect destination. Indeed, once you finish the hard bits of the trek, the breathtaking scenes will mesmerize you to the point your mind cleanses itself of any impurity and encompasses the highest level of spiritual clarity, all by just the sight of the gorgeous Manaslu, aptly termed as “the mountain of the spirit”.
3. Tsum Valley Trek
A full-fledged moderate trek with the trail going along the base of Mount Manaslu (8163m), the eighth highest peak in the world, Tsum Valley Trek is beguiling in its own way. One of the only valleys with preserved traditions due to the late opening to foreign tourists, Tsum Valley is a silent land where the wind blows through the remote areas where the rural families have prevailed in their true essence without a single attack from the foreign culture. Protected by the mountain deity Manaslu, the valley overlooks four other Himalayan ranges namely the Shringi, Himal Chuli, Buddha Himal, and Ganesh Himal. The trail that leads up to 4000m is generally open for March-May with trekkers requiring to opt for fully tented camping methods in order to rest.
The trail starting from Khesewa Bhanjyang after the short flight to Suketar from Biratnagar is truly one of the longest and hardest to conquer. Situated along the base of the stunning Kanchenjunga (8586m), the second highest mountain of Nepal, the Kanchenjunga trek offers the best scenic vistas of not only one but the several Himalayas including the Mount Everest (8848 m). This 28 days long trek, suitable in the months of March-May, is in the strenuous level of treks and might reach up to 4000m. Although the journey is a bit tricky, the end result is the best.
4. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The trail starting from Khesewa Bhanjyang after the short flight to Suketar from Biratnagar is truly one of the longest and hardest to conquer. Situated along the base of the stunning Kanchenjunga (8586m), the second highest mountain of Nepal, the Kanchenjunga trek offers the best scenic vistas of not only one but the several Himalayas including the Mount Everest (8848 m). This long trek, suitable in the months of March-May, is in the strenuous level of treks and might reach up to 4000m. Although the journey is a bit tricky, the end result is the best.
5. Makalu Base Camp Trek
Standing at 8463 m and located in the Mahalangur Himalayan Range, the Makalu trek of about of the strenuous level of difficulty offers one of the closest encounters with Mount Makalu (8463m), Mount Everest (8848 m), Mount Lhotse (8414 m), and Mount Baruntse (7152 m). The trail leads to the Makalu Base Camp at about 4800 m elevation, showcasing one of the rarest sides of the Makalu region. Perfect during the time of spring and autumn, the trail features Makalu Barun National Park with the diverse nature of flora and fauna found in this region. The red rhododendron and the availability of the endangered species of red pandas are also parts of this off beaten experience. Not only it makes you susceptible to some fun and vigorous walking but pleases your eyes and soul with the fragrance of ever-blooming nature and its magnificent creation of mountains, hills, and plains. Considering the traditional norms, it is one of the culturally diverse areas as well.
6. Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek
Numbur Cheese Circuit Trek in mid Nepal is camping trekking into “Off the beaten trail”.
Numbur Cheese Circuit route offers exceptional and great view of majestic Himalayan peaks including Everest range, Numbur Chuli, Gaurishankar, Jugal and Langtang Himal range combined with the still unexplored and lively Sherpa cultural attractions. The Himalayan peaks seen during the trek are: Numbur Chuli (6959m), Sarmoche (5255m), Ramdung (5930m), Chukyima Go(6259m), Pharchamo (6273m), Bigphrea Go Nup (6666m), Paniyo Tippa (6696m) and Paniyo Shar(6549m). It is also home to stunning glacier and rubble such as Likhu Nup Glacier, Bigphere Go Glacier, Sarmoche Glacier, Likhu Glacier and other different tiny glaciers . The circuit also provides the ample opportunity to observe the rich bio – diversity along the Khimti and Likhu river valleys, ranging from temperate to alpine vegetation. Visitors can also enjoy the flourishing rhododendrons, folded alpine forests , dispersed bamboo patches and colorful meadows that provide a habitat to beautiful and endangered species, such as the red panda, musk deer, exotic birds, Himalayan Thar and sometimes the exclusive snow leopard.
The trek encompasses a variety of terrain- deep river gorges, glacial lakes, and terraced rice fields, temperate to alpine vegetation, and Sherpa villages to the towering peaks of Bigphera Go Nup (Pathibarra) and Numbur Chuli. One can also see the Yak Cheese factories and the renowned Thodung Monastery on the way. In March and April, rhododendrons bloom in excess and eagles, musk deer and Himalayan Tare are a regular sighting! And with a lot of luck, you can have a glimpse of the intangible snow leopard.
Apart from the above-mentioned the best off the beaten treks in Nepal, there are many other off the beaten treks in Nepal that wait to be explored by keen adventurers. Nepal, in the truest sense, is the land of adventure after all.
AlpineTrav Treks & Expeditions is an adventure travel company in Kathmandu, Nepal founded by local alpine experts with experience in Himalayan trekking and mountaineering.