Why are lesser-known trekking routes beneficial for you?
Off-the-beaten-path places in Nepal are for those who wish to immerse themselves in a calm environment and capture the true essence and authentic color of untouched and not-that-popular trekking territories. The route passes through untouched picturesque scenery, beautiful waterfalls, colorful forests, and fantastic vistas of the Himalayas for excellent trekking adventures.
These regions are home to extinct wildlife and biodiversity that are unaltered by human influence and offer to witness in their natural habitat. Therefore, it’s a perfect journey to relish solitude and a profound link with nature.
It will be a challenging journey, hiking steep, rugged, and remote trails, yet ideal for trekkers seeking demanding, off-the-beaten-path experiences and adventurous excursions. You can enjoy a wider area and fully enjoy the natural surroundings without any distractions. After conquering these strenuous odysseys, you will feel a sense of accomplishment.
If you plan unexplored Nepal treks with proper preparation (mentally and physically), including a licensed local guide, essential trekking gear, and crucial TIMS permits, this trek gives you incredible moments. Since these places are less commercialized, you may have to pay less for permits, guides, and accommodations than other popular trekking.
Explore Nepal's Best Offbeat Treks for Adventure Seekers
Here are more than 30 offbeat treks in Nepal. Some of them are mentioned below. Adventure seekers, culture explorers, and nature lovers can enjoy such remote trekking destinations, as these trails also offer unmatched experiences.
Tsum Valley Trek
The Tsum Valley trek is a journey in one of the most remote Himalayan valleys, situated in Manaslu’s northern region, whose elevation ranges from 2000 m to 3500 m. Up until 2008, the Tsum Valley was a restricted area that is still unexplored and less traveled than other classic trekking destinations in Nepal. In addition, inhabitants, also known as Tibetans of descent, have their own dialect, culture, and region and are friendly and provide warm hospitality for trekkers.
Because of steep trails and rugged terrain, you may see very few travelers in the valley. The valley is also known as the “ Valley of Happiness,” which offers encounters with historically significant monasteries and gompas such as Rachen Gompa and Mu Gompa. There are lots of untold secrets in the remote villages of the valley, like Chhokangparo and Nile, that await exploration by travelers. To have unparalleled experiences through lush forests, cascading waterfalls, winding rivers, and quaint villages, you need a restricted area permit before embarking on it.
It has become a perfect destination for seeking authentic and solitary experiences in the Himalayas. The hidden gem of the Himalayas. Jaw-dropping vistas of the Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Boudha Himal ranges during the trek make the Tsum Valley Trek iconic.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a thrilling odyssey in the extreme eastern region of Nepal that leads you to the lap of Mt. Kanchenjunga (8586 m), the third-highest peak on our planet, which borders Sikkim of India. Despite its difficult terrain, it offers awe-inspiring mountain views, traditional settlements, and diverse ecosystems.
You may encounter endangered species of animals such as red pandas, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, snow leopards, wild boars, Tibetan wolves, Asiatic black bears, etc. as you walk through the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. Explore the unique culture and traditions of local communities like the Rai and Limbu, who are friendly and provide warm hospitality to travelers. Moreover, this is an ideal trek for adventurers craving eco-friendly travel and secluded Himalayan trails.
In a broader sense, Kanchenjunga refers to "The Five Treasures of the Great Snow," which consists of a group of five of the highest mountains in the world, each rising at an elevation of more than 8,000 meters. Among them are Twin Peaks (8,476M), Kanchenjunga Main (8,586M), Yalongkang (8,505M), and Kanchenjunga West (8,420M). Trekkers with physical fitness and essential equipment, including a well-trained guide, can make it even if it’s moderately strenuous.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most adventurous and incredible off-the-beaten treks in the Himalayas in Nepal that allows you to relish the blend of adventure, culture, and nature. You get an opportunity to experience walking through rocky, icy, snowy, and rugged terrains. This trek will not disappoint you with the charm of nature, filled with a lush green forest of rhododendrons, oaks, junipers, windy rivers; and snow-covered mountains, glaciers, and hills.
You also have a glimpse of the fauna of the Himalayas, such as musk deer, snow leopards, yaks, Himalayan tahr, and the national bird, the monal, while traversing via forests. The journey offers a full exploration of the eco-diversity of the Annapurna Conservation Area and its diverse temperatures and weather. It is a moderate-to-challenging authentic trekking experience where it is good to remain positive and physically fit.
The major challenge of this Manaslu circuit trek is the high altitude, especially around the Manaslu Base Camp and the spectacular Larkya La Pass, where the weather is unpredictable.
Dolpo region
Dolpo region trekking is one of the most offbeat treks in Nepal, which is popular even for the monsoon season as it falls under the rain shadow of the Annapurna Range and Dhaulagiri Range. When all parts of Nepal receive heavy rainfall, the region becomes brighter with sunlight. It was closed until 1989 for foreigners, and still, you need permits for restricted areas that preserve pure characteristics of nature and local way of life, culture, and art. Several villages are influenced by Tibetan culture and religions, where you can encounter the authenticity of locals.
Major highlights of the region are the 800-year-old Shey Gompa, Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal, and its natural allure. Eric Valli’s cinema “ Himalayan Caravan” and Peter Matthiessen’s book “ The Snow Leopard” have shown the typical lifestyle of the Dolpo people and its enthralling beauty, including spiritual depth.
As these less touristy trekking areas, the Lower and Upper Dolpo regions cover Shy Phoksundu National Park, where you may witness rare wildlife such as Himalayan griffons, snow leopards, musk deer, jackals, and other vegetation like rhododendrons, pines, junipers, birches, firs, thorny bushes, etc. Along the way, you enjoy astonishing panoramas of mountains for instance, Mt. Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range, Mt. Nilgiri, Kagmara Ri, Mt. Api, etc.
Makalu Base Camp Trek
TheMakalu Base Camp Trek is one of the hidden routes in Nepal in the remote and less-traveled eastern region of Nepal that takes you to the foothills of Mt. Makalu (8,485 m), the fifth-highest mountain on earth, making it perfect for both nature and culture lovers. This trek is moderately strenuous and requires physical fitness and a restricted area permit to embark on it.
After indulging in the Sherpa culture of the region, you find them friendly and kind to you. One of the key features of this trekking is Makalu Barun National, home to wind ranges of flora and fauna, including unique and rare wildlife such as snow leopards and red pandas. Besides wildlife, it is also popular for its serene scenery, crystal-clear glaciers, great waterfalls, winding rivers, and pristine woodlands.
It’s a perfect trip in pristine wilderness suitable for both seasoned adventurers and novice trekkers seeking challenging and adventurous trekking with proper preparation. Despite its isolation, biodiverse landscapes and spectacular views, like Mount Everest, Baruntse, Lhotse, and Chamlang, make it worthwhile. The most demanding session of the trek is passing three high mountain passes: Kongma La Pass, Keke La Pass, and Shipton La Pass, yet rewarding with heart-pumping views from the summit of the passes.
Upper Mustang Trek
The Upper Mustang is one of the secluded Himalayan trails that especially offers a glimpse into authentic Tibetan Buddhist faith and culture in Nepal’s trans-Himalayan area, as it’s home to hidden monarchies. As it falls under the rain shadow region of the Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges, trekkers can enjoy it here even in the monsoon season.
Lomanthang, a hidden Buddhist world of the Kingdom of Mustang, has pilgrimage sites such as Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar, including the palace of the King. Stunning mountain views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri, etc. make it a perfect excursion.
Upper Mustang was closed until 1992. Now, it has been designated as a restricted area to preserve the originality of the terrain, culture, and customs of the region. You need a restricted area permit to relish a mixture of nature and culture.
Practical Tips for Adventurers
Because of the length, duration, high altitude, varied terrain, and other natural occurrences on the trails, both experienced and inexperienced trekkers should adequately prepare before planning to embark on off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal. Below are some doable suggestions for adventurers to do it and realize their once-in-a-lifetime ambition.
Physical and mental preparation
Physical preparation
Off-the-beaten-path treks are moderately strenuous and require physical fitness, as hiking ranges from lower to higher points. Before involving yourself in a trek, you can do some cardiovascular activities like running, cycling, swimming, hiking, jumping, etc., to improve your stamina for high-elevated regions. In addition, you should practice climbing at higher altitudes and adapting to the environment to prepare for walking in thin air to avoid acute mountain sickness.
Especially, do exercises to make your legs, core, and back stronger to handle steep ascents and rugged landscapes. Do training to carry heavier bags that assist you in walking with your essential trekking gear needed for your odyssey. If you prepare by following all these tips, you can make it easy.
Mental preparation
Besides physical fitness, mental preparation is crucial to accomplishing hidden trekking routes in Nepal. The most important thing is building confidence and being determined and flexible to overcome trial difficulties.
While trekking on lesser-known trekking routes in Nepal, you will encounter unexpected terrain, including steep ascents and descents that require patience and resilience.
Involve yourself in endurance activities like meditation and yoga that help you to be calm and keep continuing your journey even in challenging circumstances.Take some books and gaming tools with you to keep you busy with activities so that you don't feel bored.
Permits for offbeat Treks in Nepal
Most of the trekking in Nepal requires a permit card, especially on off-the-beaten routes, which are considered restricted areas. Here are mentioned below some crucial permits.
Trekking Permits (TIMS)
All trekking routes in Nepal require aTrekker’s Information Management System (TIMS) card, except for a few famous destinations, which are available through the Nepal Tourism Board or registered trekking companies. The procedure to obtain a card varies by region and the card is generally achieved for both individuals and groups. Trekking group.
National Park Permits
Most of the off-the-beaten trails in Nepal pass through national parks or conservation areas, for instance, Langtang National Park, Makalu Barun National Park, Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, and Annapurna Conservation Area, which require an entrance permit to step into them, which are issued at park entry points and differ in price depending of the area.
Special Area Permits
Nepal has some special areas, such as Kanchenjunga, the Upper Mustang, Dolpo, and Manaslu, that have been preserving local culture, historical monuments, and environmental states that require special area permits. These permits are usually issued through registered trekking companies and can be more expensive than other permits.
In addition, Manaslu and Tsum Valley require both a special permit and a TIMS card. Similarly, Kanchenjunga also requires a special permit along with a conservation area entry permit.
Guides and Porters
Before embarking on a trek, you should ensure that your guide has expert, in-depth knowledge of hidden destinations in Nepal, including cultural heritage and path conditions. The guide should be trained in first aid, acute mountain sickness management, and mountain rescue.
In addition, they should be fluent in English, Nepali, and local dialects to communicate with local inhabitants, which makes the journey exciting. In a similar vein, an expert guide can provide valuable information about the culture, tradition, festivals, and history of remote ethnic communities that enriches adventure. It will be easier to navigate trekking trails through dense woodlands, demanding altitudes, and rugged terrains with a professional guide.
Moreover, porters are your right hand during walking in less touristy trekking areas in Nepal, as you should traverse through high passes and steep terrains with essential trekking gear. Porters often come from local communities and share their experiences with the region’s geography, wildlife, and people. They are trained to walk with heavy backpacks on difficult trails that allow you to focus on the odyssey without heavy loads.
Challenges and Rewards during Off-the-beaten Treks in Nepal
In contrast to other popular trekking destinations in Nepal, you should walk through more strenuous terrain and steep and narrower paths. Adjusting to limited accessibility and fewer amenities may create obstacles and finding comfortable accommodations is quite difficult in remote areas.
Sometimes you might have to camp underneath the blanket of starry skies. Weather conditions are unpredictable in remote trekking destinations with high altitudes like Dolpo or Kanchenjunga, and navigating trails with a lack of well-marked paths is another challenge. Without special area permits, you can’t be admitted into restricted areas, such as Upper Mustang and Manaslu, which may be more expensive than other permits and only available through registered agencies.
Despite these challenges, you are rewarded with spectacular scenes of a pristine region, including striking vistas of majestic Himalayas, high waterfalls, serene traditional villages, green woodlands, rivers, great hills, and historical heritages.
Conclusion
To sum up, adventurers can go on off-the-beaten routes in Nepal with well-preparedness and make their dream true in a remote region, facing every challenge. Embarking on Offbeat Nepal treks is more than traveling the way most people do; it is something more profound: it is the closest to a fantasy. Despite all that tries your patience and your determination, rewards—a close friendship with gems, breathtaking vistas, and true cultural gems that you will find on the road—make the trip perfect.
Dolpo is in remote terrain with great scenery where the upper Mustang’s mysterious history and spiritual aura of Tsum Valley make a trip last a lifetime. Do you want to have these unique experiences with such eco-friendly travel?
Hurry up and plan for your next trip with us. We are here at Adventure Treks Nepal to serve you in making your dream journey easy. Choose your package at the best price with well-trained guides.
