Overview:

Located in the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal is a trekker’s paradise, offering many mountainous trails. Home to eight of the fourteen highest peaks, including the famous Mount Everest, this nation attracts tourists from all over the world. There are many trails you can choose from. Each of these treks provides a unique blend of nature and culture. All trails are unique and have their own highlights that make them different.

Nepal’s diverse landscape has many trails suitable for everyone. From the well-known Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit trek to the lesser-known Dolpa and Kanchenjunga region, each trail promises a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. In this article, we will look into some of the best mountainous trails in Nepal that are less famous. These underrated gems are ones you wouldn’t want to miss.

Upper Mustang Trek

This trek is one of Nepal’s most fascinating and culturally rich experiences. Mustang borders Tibet’s autonomous region and is considered part of the ancient Tibetan Kingdom of Lo. It takes you through a unique and isolated region that was restricted to the outside world until 1992. Thakalis, Gurung, and Tibetans are the majority ethnic groups in Mustang. This region provides breathtaking views of the mountains. The influence of the Tibetans around this region is quite evident. The final destination of the trek is Lo Manthang.

Upper Mustang
Upper Mustang (Source: KTMGuide)

 

Here are some of the highlights of Upper Mustang Trek:

  1. Lo Manthang: This walled city of Lo Manthang is the capital of the Kingdom of Lo. This place is the highlight of this trek. The city has ancient monasteries, Buddhist shrines, and palaces that glimpse Tibetan Buddhist culture.
  2. Barren Landscape: Unlike the lush green forests of other trekking regions in Nepal, Upper Mustang offers barren, desert-like landscapes. The deep canyons and colorful rock formations create a surreal trekking experience.
  3. Caves and Monasteries: This region has numerous caves on high cliffs containing ancient relics and paintings.
  4. Kali Gandaki River: The famous Kali Gandaki River flows right through the Valleys of Mustang. The river’s opening perfectly views the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains.

Here are some of the facts of this trek:

  1. Trek Duration: 10-12 days
  2. Maximum Elevation: 3840 meters
  3. Difficulty: Moderate

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

This is one of Nepal’s longest treks. It is a remote and adventurous trek in eastern Nepal that takes trekkers to the base of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. Kanchenjunga is a well-protected hidden treasure in Nepal, located in the far eastern part of the country and bordering Sikkim, India. This is not an easy trek and demands previous trekking experience. Due to its location, this trek is even more remote than most of the treks in Nepal.

Kanchenjunga
Kanchenjunga’s North Base Camp (Source: Wiki Commons)

 

Here are some of the highlights of Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek:

  1. Mt. Kanchenjunga: One of the trek’s highlights is an up-close view of the mighty Kanchenjunga. The south base camp offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains of the region as well.
  2. Less explored trails: Unlike other famous treks in Nepal, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek remains untouched by mass tourism. Which allows the trekkers to enjoy the serenity and tranquility of this place even more.
  3. Biodiversity: The Kanchenjunga region is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including rhododendron, oak, and pine woods. Some of the animals in this region include the Himalayan black bear, red panda, and the rare snow leopard.
  4. Challenging Terrain: As the landscape and the weather change, the higher you go, the more challenging it becomes. This trek can be physically demanding, with steep ascents and rocky climbs, but it is definitely worthwhile.

Here are some of the facts of this trek:

  1. Trek Duration: 15-19 days
  2. Maximum Elevation: 5143 meters
  3. Difficulty: Strenuous/ requires previous trekking experiences

Upper Dolpo Trek

By far the most remote trek in Nepal, the Upper Dolpo Trek is a journey into the mystical region. Located in far-west Nepal, Upper Dolpo is often considered a hidden gem of Tibetan Buddhist culture. Due to its isolation, this trek takes more than 20 days to complete. The trek starts from the town of Juphal and takes you to the isolated village of Shey Phoksundo. You will be able to see blue sheep, Himalayan black bears, and snow leopards, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.

SheyPhoksundo
Shey Phoksundo Lake (Source: Wiki Commons)

 

Here are some of the highlights of Upper Dolpo Trek:

  1. Shey Phoksundo Lake: This turquoise-blue-colored lake is the main highlight of this trek. It’s the deepest lake in Nepal, and it sits at an altitude of 3611 meters above sea level. Surrounded by lush forests and cliffs, this is one of the most picturesque lakes in Nepal.
  2. Remote and Unexplored Wilderness: The nature around this region is very rarely explored. Trekkers can enjoy pristine landscapes perfect for solitude and tranquility.
  3. High Passes: The trek involves crossing several high-altitude passes, such as Kang La Pass, Saldang La Pass, and Jeng La Pass.

Here are some of the facts of this trek:

  1. Trek Duration: 23-28 days
  2. Maximum Elevation: 5360 meters
  3. Difficulty: Strenuous/ requires previous trekking experiences

Conclusion

Trekking to these remote places requires previous experiences to enhance your experience. Some places are pretty remote, so it is advised to trek in groups and monitor your route thoroughly. Careful planning and execution will ensure you enjoy exploring these majestic places. As you trek through these trails, you’ll not only connect with nature but also gain insight into the culture and traditions of the locals. For adventure seekers, Nepal’s mountainous trails are unmatched.

Also Read: A Complete Guide To Winter Treks In Nepal