Discover the less-crowded offbeat treks in Nepal
Home to eight out of fourteen highest peaks in the world, Nepal is most sought and at the same time most elusive trekking destination in the world. Trekkers and expedition-er from all around the world have been exploring the Nepalese Himalayas to discover new routes, climb a new and unknown mountain; and this has resulted in discovery of new routes.
Enjoy the grandeur of whiffing valleys, snow-capped peaks and beautiful grassland along with intact culture. Though Himalayas are famous for trekking activities, these still exist some handful walking trails, which are untouched and are yet to be discovered. Nestling majestically at the lap of Himalayas, these off-beat Himalayan treks is the home to high mountain passes, peaks and gushing rivers.
There are many offbeat treks in Nepal that unveils the hidden beauty of nature but have not yet been famous. Delve the most amazing off-beat treks in Nepal through this article and opt one for your next holiday adventure.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is full of snows, high passes, mountain peaks, sparkling water bodies, green pastures and rhododendron forest. It is one of the ever fascinating, less-visited Himalayan treks in Nepal. This magical journey will lead you on a trip of your life, where you will discover the unbelievable and opulent splendor of Himalayan ranges. However, for its difficult terrain, isolated and un-marked trail and lack of proper accommodation facility, this trek is suitable for those who have high fitness level and endurance capacity.
Mt. Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest peak in the world, stands majestically at an elevation of 8,167m and Dhaulagiri Circuit trek makes a loop of this gigantic peak. The trek starts from a small village located at the confluence of Myagdi River and Kali Gandaki gorge. Gradually, the trek takes you to the less travelled region where the natural beauty and cultural charm is still intact.
Trekkers have to spend an obligatory camping night for three days, beyond Italian base camp. Likewise, you will walk across 4500 – 5,000m on remote Himalayan terrain for several days. Some part of trail is still unmarked; so we strongly suggest you to follow the footprint of your guides.
The magnificent landscape, hidden valley, high passes along with numbers of snowy peaks like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Ma naslu, Mt. Annapurna and 23 other peaking makes this trip really an amazing experience.
Max Elevation
French Pass at an elevation of 5,360m is the highest elevation of the trek.
Difficulty Level
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a challenging trek in Nepal, having a total distance of about 50km.
Best Season for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
April – June and August – October are the best time of the year for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek. The weather during these months is excellent and so are the views. The excessive snowfall in winter makes it impossible to cross the high pass. Likewise, the heavy downpours in monsoon invites the risk of flood and landslide.
Location
Dhaulagiri Circuit lies in Dhaulagiri Range at mid-western part of Nepal. It is close to the Tibetan border; so the region is highly influenced by Tibetan culture and tradition.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one of very less-trodden trekking trail in Himalayas of Nepal. It means it is less crowed and still remote. Trekkers will have opportunity to discover the tantalizing peaks, wilder geography and the life it supports.
The word Kanchenjunga is derived from Tibetan dialects meaning – “Five Great Treasure in the Snow”. It demonstrates its five peaks – as gold, silver, precious stones, grain and Holy Scriptures.
Standing at straggling height of 8,585m, this peak is third highest peak in the world.
If you are seeking for complete solitudes then Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is perfect for you. For its remoteness and fragile ecology, this region is restricted for trekking for foreigners. It means you need to purchase special trekking permits to enter the region.
Gaze the amazing Kanchenjunga range and its impressive glaciers along with plenty of wildlife and natural heritage. The natural wonders of Kanchenjunga will mesmerize you throughout the journey with least human influence.
The trek initiates from Taplejung and after few days of trek, you will witness the gradual change in the landscapes. The sub-tropical forest gives way to alpine scrub. You will stay at local teahouse which allows you to get deeper insight of local culture and traditions. Teahouse along the trail is very simple offering basic facilities. But the hospitality is really intriguing.
Max Elevation
Pang Pema Base Camp at 5,160 is the highest point of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Level of Difficulty
For its remoteness and difficulty topography, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is challenging plus trek in Nepal. You need to physically fit and must acquire strong determination and endurance capabilities. But technical skills and experience are required.
Best season for Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Kanchenjunga trekking trail is possible to visit throughout the year except for monsoons. However, the tantalizing views and excellent weather make spring and autumn perfect season to visit Kanchenjunga.
Location
Kanchenjunga is located at far-eastern Nepal bordering Tibet to the north and India to the east. It is about 275km east of Kathmandu.
Read out Kanchenjunga Base camp trek complete guide for more information
Langtang Tilman Pass Trek
One of the best offbeat treks in Nepal, Langtang Tilman Pass Trek boasts astounding Himalayan beauty and ravishing camping sites. Trekking to Tilman Pass provides amazing view of Langsisha glacier, five sacred lakes of Panch Pokhari and Jugal Himal. Moreover, you can discover an exotic wildlife which includes blue sheep and the red panda.
Langtang Tilman Pass climbs high to the cliff sides and pass quaint village that have changed little over the centuries. This trek is suitable for those who wants to experience offbeat treks and enjoy the intact nature in the remote area. This trek connects you with two different Himalayan region – Langtang and Panch Pokhari. Langtang Lirung, Langtang Himal, Naya Kanga, Yala Peak, Ganesh HImal, Langshisa, Gaurishanker and Dorjelakpa are some peaks seen during the trek.
Max Elevation
Tilman Pass at 5,130m is the higher elevation of the trek
Level of Difficulty
Challenging Plus
Best Season for Langtang Tilman Pass Trek
March – May during spring and September – November during autumn are the best time to trek Tilman Pass.
Location
Tilman Pass is located right north of Kathmandu in Langtang Region of Nepal.
Ganja La Pass Trek
Ganja La Pass Trek is one of the challenging offbeat treks in Nepal. This trek is a great extension to Langtang valley trek. It allows you to unfold the true wilderness of Himalayas with three nights of unavoidable camping.
Scaling at an altitude of 5,130m, Ganja La Pass Trek offers dramatic view of Tresko Ri (5,000m) and Langtang Himalayan range. On the clear day, the summit of pass presents superb view of 150km long Himalayan panorama – stretching from Annapurna region to Langtang Lirung and Shisapangama.
Ganja La Pass Trek start with an adventurous drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche. The trek goes through the Langtang Khola and climbs through the dense forest of bamboo, maple, oak and pine. The forest is home to numerous wildlife; among them Langurs, Musk Deer, Himalayan Black Bears and Red Panda are common species.
Max Elevation
Ganja La Pass at 5,130m is the highest elevation of the trek
Level of Difficulty
Challenging even for seasoned trekkers
Best Season
Spring and autumn are the best time of the year to trek Ganja La Pass.
Location
About 60km north of Kathmandu valley
Upper Dolpo Trek
Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most remote and wild offbeat treks in Nepal. This trek features each and every aspects that Himalayan trekking in Nepal offers. Starting from lush sub-tropical forest to alpine landscapes and desert terrain, this trek is compete Himalayan experience. Moreover, the presence of pristine Phoksunko Lake, snowy peaks and highly preserved Tibetan culture adds more charm to the trek.
Due to its relative inaccessibility and remoteness, Upper Dolpo trail is less-visited and yet to be popularized among the trekkers. For its fragile ecology and culture, trekkers have to obtain special trekking permit to enter the region. You can explore a per-Buddhist culture (Bon-Po) in Dolpo Region. In Bon Po culture, all the bothers of the family are married to a single girl.
Max Elevation
5,360m at Kang La Pass is the highest point of the trek
Level of Difficulty
Challenging Plus Trek – Needs previous hiking experience with sound health
Best Season
Upper Dolpo Trek is possible to conduct throughout the year but spring and autumn are considered as the best season for the trek.
Location
It is located at far-western Nepal in remote part of Dolpo Region.
