Nepal is a land of immense geographical diversity. The altitudinal range varies from 69 meters in Jhapa to 8,848 meters at the top of Everest. This variation enables hundreds of fascinating trekking routes.
However, some of the treks receive massive attention while others do not enjoy the same fame. There are several astonishing offbeat routes that are equally as thrilling as the classic and popular ones.
Here are the top 5 off the beaten path treks in Nepal. Even in the most crowded trekking seasons, these treks won’t see too many visitors. Therefore the trek suits someone seeking a quiet and peaceful trekking experience.
1. Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Manaslu Circuit Trek is one of the most popular off the beaten path treks in Nepal. The journey takes you around the world’s eighth highest mountain Manaslu.
The pathway traverses through rich and diverse subtropical forests to high Himalayan passes including the Larkya La Pass at 5,135 meters. The top of this pass offers mesmerizing views of Manaslu, Annapurna, Himalchuli, and Ganesh Himal.
The Manaslu Conservation Area is home to 33 species of mammals, 110 species of birds, 211 species of butterflies, and around 1,500 to 2,000 species of flowering plants. It also shelters exotic wildlife like snow leopards, Himalayan Tahr, and musk deer.
Highlights of this trek:
• Cross Larkya La Pass, a Himalayan pass at 5,135 meters altitude
• Relish the pristine views of Mt. Manaslu, Annapurna, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, and Larke Himal
• Trek through remote, unspoiled, and restricted parts of Manaslu Region
• Explore the Manaslu and Annapurna Conservation Area
• Explore the uninfluenced cultures and lifestyle diversity throughout the trekking route
• Get insights into Tibetan Buddhism while visiting ancient monasteries including Pungyen Gompa
2. Nar Phu Valley Trek
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is a combination of high passes, glaciers, isolated villages, dense forests, deep canyons, and unique Tibetan culture. The highest pass you need to climb in this trek is the Kang La Pass at around 5,240 meters elevation.
You can enjoy heartwarming views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Himlung Himal, among many other huge and beautiful mountain peaks.
The Nar and Phu valleys are beautiful and inhibited by uninfluenced Tibetan ethnic communities. You can get deep insights into the ancient Tibetan Buddhism while Indulging with the locals of these unique villages throughout the trek.
Sunny and dry weather bless this trekking path throughout the year. Therefore, this trek is doable even in the rainiest of seasons.
Highlights of this trek:
• Cross Kang La Pass, a Himalayan pass at 5,240 meters altitude
• Glistening views of Annapurna II, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, Himlung Himal, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak
• Explore a part of the Tibetan Plateau that extends down to Nepal
• Get chances to spot rare wildlife like snow leopard, Himalayan Tahr, and musk deer
• Get insights into the uninfluenced cultures and lifestyles of the people living in the isolated villages of Nar and Phu
3. Upper Dolpo Trek
The Upper Dolpo Trek takes you to the rain shadow regions of the Dhaulagiri mountain range.
The Kang La Pass is the highest point in this trek and also one of the best viewpoints throughout the trek. This point offers marvelous views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Kanjirowa, and many other mountain peaks.
Most of the trekking route lies in the Shey Phoksundo National Park. This is the largest National Park in Nepal covering a total area of 3,555 km2.
All the stress and challenges you go through on this trek will bear its fruit when you finally reach Phoksundo Lake, the deepest lake in Nepal. This calm and tranquil lake fills your heart with warmth and peace.
The high passes in the trail may require you to do a few weeks of adequate training exercises. These exercises not only prepare you for this particular trek but also help you to get in shape for hiking. And conversely, hiking activities also help to strengthen your body for trekking adventures.
Highlights of this trek:
• View the tranquil Phoksundo Lake
• Visit Shey Gompa, the 11th-century monastery
• Pristine mountain views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Kanjirowa
• Cross Kang La, Saldang La, and other high Himalayan passes
• Spot rare animals like the red panda, Himalayan black bear, and musk deer
4. Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an adventure around the world’s third-highest mountain Kanchenjunga. The name Kanchenjunga translates as ‘The Five Treasures of Snow’ as it comprises of five separate peaks of the summit.
The Pangpema Base Camp is the highest point in the trek which lies at an altitude of 5,160 meters. This viewpoint offers the best views of the North Face of Mount Kanchenjunga.
The trek takes you to some of the most secluded and unexplored regions of Nepal. In these regions, you get to explore untouched landscapes and uninfluenced villages. You will need to sleep in a tent most of the nights due to the remoteness of this trekking trail. This ultimately increases the difficulty of the trek.
Kanchenjunga mountain is one of the toughest expeditions in the world. However, mountaineering and trekking are different things. Some people confuse themselves about hiking vs trekking vs mountaineering and mistake one for another. So you do not need to stress too much for the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek.
With a few weeks of proper training sessions, you can comfortably do this trek.
Highlights of this trek:
• Pristine views of Mt Kanchenjunga, Kabru, Kumbakarna, Jannu, and Rathong
• Pangpema Base Camp, the highest point in the trek at 5,160 meters of altitude
• Trek past beautiful glacial lakes including Zumu, Talung, Rathong, and Yalung glaciers
• Get chances to spot exotic wildlife like snow leopards, Musk Deer, and red panda
• Visit the monasteries of Ramtang and Oktang
5. Makalu Base Camp Trek
Makalu Base Camp Trek is another of those crazily secluded and adventurous treks to the lap of the world’s fifth highest mountain, Makalu. This adventure takes you to a maximum altitude of 5,100 meters at Makalu Base Camp.
The Base Camp offers the best views of the south face of Makalu along with panoramic views of Everest and Lhotse.
You also get to witness countless rare species of flora and fauna in the Makalu Barun National Park. You may even spot wildlife like snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, wild boar, and Himalayan Tahr.
Highlights of this trek:
• Reach Makalu Base Camp at an altitude of 5,100 meters
• Trek through virgin and unspoiled landscapes of the Makalu Region
• Explore the Makalu Barun National Park, home to 3,000 species of flowering plants, 440 species of birds and 75 species of mammals
• Cross several High Himalayan Passes including Shipton Pass
• Glorious views of Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse mountain peaks
Conclusion
These offbeat treks offer quiet and peaceful trekking experiences. The remoteness also grants clean environments unaffected by the modern problems of pollution. The human settlements are scarce and far apart from one another.
You can get some of the most insane glances at the sky filled with millions of stars and constellations. Don’t forget to grab your cameras to snap the best photographs.
Choosing any one of these top 5 off the beaten path treks in Nepal will give you an adventure of a lifetime.
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