It is time for you to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience at an unidentified trekking trail in Nepal, which is free from hectic day-to-day activities. These unknowing captivators are the treats that you could become fond of, after all, it is only here that you can enjoy unspoiled views and tasting true cultural interactions.
Get a chance to explore thundering waterfalls, great altitude valleys, and traditional settlements to spend an authentic Himalayan holiday.
Whether you are trekking in the popular route of Annapurna and Everest Region or the remote land of Dolpo and Rolwaling, you will get the chance to discover your true self through the connection you will have with nature that is not a routine.
All the details including the major destination, the level of difficulty, and accommodation permits will be outlined in this guide. In this way, you will be able to have a great time and to keep wonderful memories of the fantastic landscapes of Nepal for the rest of your life.
Not sure which trekking route to try? Get familiar with the less-known routes by registering at the Third Eye Adventure Trekking Agency. Here we go, do come along with us into hidden valleys, giant mountains, and cultural meltback. Do not waste additional time. Your best day has arrived. We are here to help will you make your dream become true.
Table of Contents
Kanchenjunga Trek
Quick facts
Duration: 20 to 22 days
Starting point: Taplejung
Distance hiked: Approx 210 km.
Maximum Elevation: 5143 m
Permits: Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP).
Difficulty: Demanding
Transportation: Car, Jeep, and Flight
Accommodation: Teahouse
Best Season: Spring and Autumn season
Kanchenjunga Trek takes you to one of the most underrated offbeat paths to the world’s third-highest mountain in the world, Kanchenjunga( 8,586m). Due to the long duration of more than 3 weeks very small number of travelers visit here.
Located near the border of Sikkim, these treks offer you the most beautiful mountain massif in the world. During this trek, you will get the opportunity to visit both base camps north and south. Also trekking through the Kanchenjunga Conservation area is another beautiful part of this trek.
Highlights of Kanchenjunga Trek
- Kanchenjunga North and South Base Camp, Sele Le Pass
- Discover hidden glacial lakes along the journey.
- Encounter diverse flora and fauna in the pristine wilderness.
- Meditate in ancient monasteries like Ramtang and Oktang.
- Bask in the breathtaking scenery of the Himalayas.
Read more: Kanchenjunga Trek
Pikey Peak Trek
Duration: 7-10 days
Starting point: Jiri or Salleri
Distance hiked: 70-80 kilometers round trip
Maximum Elevation: 4,065 meters
Permits: TIMS card, Sagarmatha National Park entry permit
Difficulty: Moderate
Transportation: Bus or private vehicle
Accommodation: Teahouses, guesthouses, homestays
Best Season: Spring (March to May), autumn (September to November)
Pikey Peak trek is best if you want to do a quick trek in the lower Everest region. The best part of this trek is that you don’t have to worry about taking a Lukla flight. You can comfortably reach the starting point of this trek, Dhap, by road transportation.
Since very few people knew about this trek, the trail path is less crowded. But the gorgeous landscapes and comfortable trekking will amaze you. You can get the best view of the Mt. Everest. Overall it is the best destination to witness the almighty Everest and beautiful surrounding mountain peaks in a short period of time.
Highlights of Pikey Peak Trek
- Stunning Himalayan views
- Cultural experiences
- Pikey Peak sunrise/sunset
- Bird watching
Langtang Valley Trek
Duration: 7-10 days
Starting point: Syabrubesi
Distance hiked: Approximately 70 kilometers round trip
Maximum Elevation: Kyanjin Gompa at 3,870 meters
Permits: TIMS card, Langtang National Park entry permit
Difficulty: Moderate
Transportation: Bus or private vehicle from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
Accommodation: Teahouses, guesthouses
Best Season: Spring (March to May), autumn (September to November)
Located just 37 km away from the city of Kathmandu, it has gained popularity recently, following in the footsteps of Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp. Trekkers can enjoy the unique culture and natural beauties of the Langtang Himalayas in a short duration of time.
The special thing about this trek is the unspoiled natural beauty including Kyanjin Gompa (3870m), Langtang National Park (Buffer Zone), Magnificent Panorama Scenarios of Langtang Lirung (7324m), Dorje Lakpa (6966m), Gangchempo (Langtang Ri 7205m), Porong Ri (7292), and Yala Peak (5520m).
Highlights of Langtang Valley Trek
- Scenic mountain views
- Diverse flora and fauna
- Langtang National Park
- Kyanjin Gompa Monastery,
- Langtang Glacier
- local Tamang culture.
Read more: Langtang Valley Trek
Mardi Himal Trek
Duration: 5-7 days
Starting point: Kande or Phedi
Distance hiked: Approximately 40-50 kilometers round trip
Maximum Elevation: Mardi Himal Base Camp at around 4,500 meters
Permits: TIMS card, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
Difficulty: Moderate
Transportation: Bus or private vehicle from Pokhara to Kande or Phedi
Accommodation: Teahouses, basic lodges
Best Season: Spring (March to May), autumn (September to November)
Another short-duration and less visited trekking destination is the Mardi himal base camp. Trekkers can complete this within a week. Recently it has become famous for national and international visitors.
Located in the Annapurna region this trek is best for beginners due to well maintained trail path. For the regular trekkers, the stunning natural beauty will truly amaze you. This trek promises unforgettable memories to whoever visits here.
Highlights Mardi Himal Trek
- Spectacular views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre (Fishtail) ranges
- Lush rhododendron forests
- Panoramic vistas from Mardi Himal Base Camp
- Off-the-beaten-path trekking experience.
Read more: Mardi Himal Trek
Tamang Heritage Trail
Duration: 5-7 days
Starting point: Syabrubesi
Distance hiked: Around 50-70 kilometers
Maximum Elevation: Nagthali Danda at 3,165 meters
Permits: TIMS card, Langtang National Park entry permit
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Transportation: Bus or private vehicle from Kathmandu to Syabrubesi
Accommodation: Homestays, guesthouses
Best Season: Spring (March to May), autumn (September to November)
This newly introduced trek takes you to the Tamang settlement village where you can see and learn the living style of the Tamang people. This beautiful village is covered by the stunning mountains.
Historically constructed stone homes, Beautiful Parvati Kunda Lake, Old Buddhist Monasteries, hot springs, endangered species, and beautiful mountain scenery this trek is a complete package for the trekkers.
Highlights Tamang Heritage Trail
- Tamang culture and lifestyle
- Traditional villages
- Panoramic mountain views
- Hot springs
- Monasteries and local hospitality.
Read more: Tamang Heritage Trail
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Duration: 14-18 days
Starting point: Soti Khola or Arughat
Distance hiked: Approximately 170-230 kilometers round trip
Maximum Elevation: Larkya La Pass at around 5,160 meters
Permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit, Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS card
Difficulty: Strenuous
Transportation: Bus or private vehicle from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Arughat
Accommodation: Teahouses, basic lodges
Best Season: Spring (March to May), autumn (September to November)
Manalsu which lies in the Annapurna Region of Nepal is one of the popular offbeat treks in Nepal. This trek presents the natural beauty and exciting challenges that make this trek more adventurous.
This trek takes trekkers away from the hustle and bustle of city life, allowing them to immerse themselves in pure nature. It gives a feeling like traveling in heaven. This palace is a must-visit palace whether you are searching for natural beauty, culture, or traditions.
Highlights of Manaslu Circuit Trek
- Majestic views of Manaslu
- Crossing Larkya La Pass
- Diverse landscapes from subtropical to alpine
- Tibetan Buddhist culture
- Remote villages
- Tsum Valley side trip and pristine natural surroundings.
Read more: Manaslu Circuit Trek
Tsum Valley Trek
Duration: 10-14 days
Starting point: Soti Khola or Arughat
Distance hiked: Approximately 150 kilometers round trip
Maximum Elevation: Mu Gompa at 3,700 meters
Permits: Restricted Area Permit, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit, TIMS card
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Transportation: Bus or private vehicle from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Arughat
Accommodation: Teahouses, lodges, homestays
Best Season: Spring (March to May), autumn (September to November)
Tsum Valley is one of the restricted and remote trekking destinations located in the northern Gorkha of Nepal. This trek offers magnificent views of several mountains, including Ganesh Himal, Shringi Himal, and Boudha Himal.
Along with the beautiful scenery, several prominent monasteries are located in this valley. While hiking, you will be surrounded by rhododendron forests, rivers, and caves, making this valley worth visiting. This place is also a must-visit for trekkers once in their lifetime if you are seeking rich ancient art, culture, and religion.
Highlights of Tsum Valley Trek
- Remote and pristine landscapes
- Buddhist monasteries
- Ancient culture and traditions
- Tsum Valley’s unique Tibetan-influenced culture
- Stunning mountain views, and wildlife sightings including the elusive snow leopard.
Read more: Tsum Valley Trek
Nar Phu Valley Trek
Duration: 10-14 days
Starting point: Koto
Distance hiked: Approximately 70-80 kilometers round trip
Maximum Elevation: Kang La Pass at 5,320 meters
Permits: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit, Nar Phu Restricted Area Permit, TIMS card
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Transportation: Bus or private vehicle from Kathmandu to Koto (via Besisahar and Chame)
Accommodation: Teahouses, homestays
Best Season: Spring (March to May), autumn (September to November)
The word Nar Phu Valley trek is the combination of two beautiful villages Nar and Phu located in the Annapurna region. It is one of the most challenging treks in the Annapurna region as it takes several weeks to complete this trek.
This trek offers a breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountain peaks including deep gorges, narrow canyons, lush forests, stunning glaciers, Kang la (5,200m), and Thorong la (5,416m) high passes.
Also, trekkers will have the opportunity to visit the highly religious site, Muktinath Temple, revered by both Hindu and Buddhist people. Additionally, they can explore the popular 108 water spouts, and hot springs, and experience spending a night in Jomsom, making it an amazing place to visit.
Highlights of Nar Phu Valley Trek
- Remote and untouched landscapes
- Ancient Tibetan culture and traditions, traditional villages, monasteries
- Stunning mountain views, crossing high passes
- Encounters with wildlife such as blue sheep and snow leopards.
Read more: Nar Phu Valley Trek
Dolpo Trek
Duration: 20-30 days
Starting point: Juphal
Distance hiked: Approximately 250-350 kilometers round trip
Maximum Elevation: Shey Gompa at around 4,500 meters
Permits: Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit, TIMS card, Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
Difficulty: Strenuous
Transportation: Flight from Kathmandu to Juphal, then trekking
Accommodation: Camping, basic lodges, teahouses
Best Season: Late spring (May to June), early autumn (September to October)
There are two main trekking destinations in the Dolpo district, the upper Dolpo trek and the lower Dolpo trek. Located in the remote western part of Nepal, trekkers can enjoy stunning landscapes and peaceful beauty that feel like paradise.
The upper dolpo is more strenuous compared to the lower dolpo. It is because upper Dolpo takes you to the maximum altitude and trekkers need to pass three high passes above 5000m.
Even though trekking in Dolpo is challenging, this mythical land will still amaze you. With its breathtaking mountain peaks, stunning lakes, remote traditional villages, and Shey Phoksundo National Park, it is one of the best places to visit in this untouched land.
Highlights of Dolpo Trek
- Remote and untouched landscapes
- Phoksundo Lake, Shey Gompa, and monasteries
- Tibetan Buddhist culture, Bon religion,
- Challenging high passes
- Encounters with yaks and nomadic communities
- Unique flora and fauna
- Cultural immersion in Dolpo’s ancient way of life.
Read more: Dolpo Trek
Rolwaling Valley Trek
Duration: 15-25 days
Starting point: Juphal or Dunai
Distance hiked: Approximately 200-300 kilometers round trip
Maximum Elevation: Shey Gompa at around 4,500 meters
Permits: Shey Phoksundo National Park entry permit, TIMS card, Dolpo Restricted Area Permit
Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
Transportation: Flight from Kathmandu to Juphal or bus from Kathmandu to Dunai, then trekking
Accommodation: Camping, basic lodges, teahouses
Best Season: Late spring (May to June), early autumn (September to October)
The Rolwaling Valley Trek offers an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the eastern part of Nepal, away from tourist crowds and nestled near the famous Everest trekking trails. This wild and remote mountain valley, cradled by the towering Gaurishankar Himal (7134m), provides a magical setting for trekkers seeking solitude and natural beauty.
journey leads through traditional villages, culminating in the daring crossing of the Tashi Lapcha Pass (5755m), known as one of Nepal’s most challenging high-altitude mountain trails. Along with trekking, the Rolwaling trek gives you a full camping experience also.
Highlights of Rolwaling Valley Trek
- Phoksundo Lake, Shey Gompa, and monasteries
- Tibetan Buddhist culture, Bon religion, challenging high passes
- Encounters with yaks and nomadic communities
- Unique flora and fauna,
- Remote and untouched landscapes.
Final Say
It does not matter if you take the famous trail or go for an unexplored path, the beautiful nature of the place will never cease to amaze you visiting Nepal. The less crowded routes might be harder to access, but they provide quietness and untouched scenes that simply need to be found.
It is like the hidden treasures which need to be unearthed. All the trails have their uniqueness, and Nepal’s natural features provide moments of solitude and the chance to admire gorgeous scenery.
