Top 10 underrated Trekking routes in Nepal
Nepal is one of the beautiful countries in south Asia where we get to explore the breath taking views of the mountain and very rich in natural resources as well. Around 1.5 million tourist visits every year as they were highly attracted by the natural beauty of Nepal. If you are adventure lover Nepal can be your next destination. Out of 14 highest mountains in the world 8 highest peaks are located in Nepal.AS a culture wise also Nepal is very rich that’s the reason traveller like to visit Nepal and explore the country. There are many famous and beautiful routes in Nepal however they have been underrated by everyone. Though they are underrated by the trekkers but offers breath taking views of the mountain and filled with natural beauty. Everest Base camp and Annapurna Base Camp is two most famous routes in Nepal. So in this blog we will write some of the top 10 underrated trekking routes in Nepal.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Kanchenjunga is one of the least explore trekking routes of Nepal located at the elevation of 8, 5863 meters. It is one of the third highest mountains in the world. The routes offer the breath-taking views of the mountain, remote trails and very rich in cultural encounters.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is located in far eastern region of Nepal. The route passes through alpine meadow and green forest and gets to see many waterfalls and flora and fauna during the trek which added beauty in the trek. Along the routes you get to explore the stunning views of Kanchenjunga, Jannu and many other peaks. Limbu, rai Sherpa communities have been living there for their decade and protecting their culture and the beauty of the region. So, during trek you get to interact with the people of the region and understand their culture and lifestyle. Some of the house in the village are made with the mud, stone and Wood which reflects the culture and traditional of the region. The people of the region are very much proud of their culture and traditional. There are many Tea house and home stay in the region where you can experience best hospitality, so it added charm to the trek. The main highlight of the Kanchenjunga is that you can experience panoramic view of the mountain like Makalu, Lhotse and Everest. So, if you don’t want hustle and love fewer crowds during the trek Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is one the best route for the trekking. March to May and September to November is the best time for the trek as the sky seems to be very clear and you can get clear and best view of the mountain.
Makalu Base camp Trek
Makalu Base Camp is located in the eastern region of Nepal with the elevation of 8,485meter. It is one of the fifth highest peak in the world which offers the breathtaking views of the Mount Makalu. The trek offers the beautiful landscapes, diverse eco system and authentic wilderness experience. If you are lucky enough you will encounter wildlife snow leopard, red pandas and Himalayan monals. The trek passes though lush forest, alpine meadows and some beautiful village of Sherpa along the trail make it more worth it. The Makalu region is highly influenced by Tibetan, Sherpa and Rai communities so you can experience unique culture. The people of this region are very much loyal, and they have been running Tea house and restaurant where you can experience best hospitality of a lifetime making trek more fun and exciting. Most of the people of this region are engaged in farming, Yak herding. The Trek usually completed in 18-22 days starting from Tumlingtar and ascending to Makalu Base Camp at 5000m.
It is one of the challenging treks due to its landscapes, high altitude and fewer tea houses available. So before starting of the trek it is very much essential to have a good fitness and strong mindset making the trek more fun and adventurous. Makalu Base Camp treks usually suitable for the experienced trekkers and for those who loves Himalayan adventure. For those who prefer to escape crowds Makalu Base camp Trek can be the best trekking routes. The best time to trek for Makalu base camp trek is during spring March to May and during autumn season September to November so during this season sky is very clear as result you get to see the clear view of the mountain.
Manaslu Round Trek
Manaslu Round Trek is also known as Manaslu circuit. It is one of the world eight highest peaks in the world with the elevation of 8,163 meters. The trek offers the remote village, tough landscapes with stunning views of the mountain making it more adventurous. The trek usually completed in 14 to 18 days however you need to put lots of physical effort in such elevation. Larkya La pass is the main highlight of Manaslu Round Trek making it more challenging but rewarding experience. For the Manaslu round trek you need to have a special permit like Annapurna Base Camp ,Manaslu conservation area permit,Manaslu Restricted area permit. The best season for this trekking is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) so during this time the weather will be very clear as a result you will get to see the best view of the mountain.
Upper Dolpo Trek
Upper dolpo is located in western region of Nepal and it is one of the toughest treks. It is tough because it is located in remote area of Nepal and because of the rough and tough landscape. It is located at the elevation of 5,350metre and the trek usually completed in 20-27days so because of long days this trek is least popular among the trekkers however you will get to see different landscapes in there with breath taking views of the mountain like Kang La and Saldang La.The trek takes you to the shey Phoksundo National park and Phoksundo Lake which is most beautiful and pristine lakes of Nepal. The lake is very much famous in the world as it is located at the elevation of 3611 meter.
It is one of the deepest lakes located in Nepal and the turquoise color and crystal-clear water makes this lake even more stunning. Shey Gompa is one of the famous monasteries located in this region which is often known as the heart of Dolpo. Upper Dolpo is paradise for trekkers who love to enjoy and connect with the nature closely and for the photography it is best trekking routes in Nepal. The best time to go for upper dolpo is during pre-monsoon May and June and post monsoon September to October so during this time the weather will be very good as you get to see the clear skies resulting clear view of the mountain and the landscapes.
Rara Lake Trek
Rara Lake is located in northern part of Nepal i.e. Mugu district of Nepal. It is one of the largest lakes in Nepal and it lies at the elevation of 2990 meters covering 10.8 square kilometers .Rara Lake Trek is one of the most underrated routes of Nepal however it is thrilled with the natural beauty, diverse wildlife and peaceful environment. There are only few tea houses in between the routes which make these treks even more difficult and this treks usually completed in 7 to 12 days. It is considered as moderate trek as maximum elevation is 3710 meter and Chuchermara Hill is the last point of the route from where you can get the best view of the landscapes. March to May, September to November is the best time for the trekking as you get to see the clear view and on sunny days the lakes looks more stunning as it filled with turquoise and clear water. Compared to Annapurna and Everest Base Camp Trek this trek is less popular so if you want to avoid the crowd and want to enjoy with the nature Rare Lake Trek is more worth it. Along the routes you can also visit Rara National Park which is home to red pandas, musk deer and Himalayan black bears and various bird species.
Tsum Valley Trek
Tsum valley is also one of the most underrated trekking routes which is located in Northern part of Gorkha district in Nepal. It is one of the hidden gems of Nepal which offers the thrilling view of the mountain like Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal and Boudha Himal. The Tsum valley is very rich in Tibetan Buddhist culture, ancient monasteries. It is located in the Manaslu region of Nepal which is often known as Valley of Happiness because you get to explore different culture and get close connect with the nature.
Tsum valley is one of the moderate treks and it usually completed in 14-18 days making it more adventurous for the trekkers. There are many Tea houses and Home stay in Tsum valley where you can get to experience Local Nepali cuisine and get to understand the lifestyle of the people. Mu Gompa and Rachen Gompa are two most famous ancient monasteries which is highly influence by Buddhist culture. The best time to go for Tsum valley Trek is March to May and September to November so during this time the sky seems to be very clear as a result you will get to see the best view of the mountain. Milarepa Cave is one of the famous caves in Tsum valley where lots of Buddhist mediates for the peace and Harmony.
Ganesh Himal Trek
Ganesh Himal Trek is one of most underrated trekking routes which are located in Central Nepal in between Langtang and Manaslu regions. The treks begin from Syabrubesi and come to end from Dhading Besi so usually it is completed in 8days. It is one of the moderate to challenging trek depending upon the route chosen. Compared to Annapurna Base Camp and Everest Base Camp this route is less crowded and lies at lower altitude making it easier in terms of acclimatization. Many trekkers are unknown about this trek because of Lack of awareness and promotion however it offers the breath-taking views of the mountain Ganesh Himal and other peaks like Lang tang, Annapurna and Manaslu.
Along the routes you can view different ancient landscapes and get to enjoy the Hot Spring water which helps to heal your body and mind. During the trek you will pass through gurung and Tamang village where they have been living traditional lifestyle and the villages are very rich in culture. One hand you get to explore the stunning Ganesh Himal and the other hand you will get to see the beautiful village that offers a splendid mix of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Khopra Ridge Trek
Khopra Ridge Trek is one of the Hidden gems of Annapurna region which offers the stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Those who love to escape crowd Khopra Ridge Trek can be the best choice as it offers the stunning views same as of Annapurna and Everest Base Camp. Apart from viewing the stunning views of the mountain you get to visit Khayer Lake making it unique and spiritual journey to your adventure. This route is less popular among the trekkers because of lack of awareness and promotion however it is more worth it because you get to view the panoramic view of the Mt.Dhaulagiri, Annapurna South, Fang and Nilgiri mountains. The best to go Khopra Ridge Trek is during spring season March to May and autumn September to November so during this month sky seems to very clear and stable weather condition making it ideal for the trekking and for the adventure.
Limi Valley
Limi Valley is one of the most beautiful and underrated trekking routes located in the northwest corner of Humal district, Nepal. It is one of the most hidden gems of Nepal which offers the scenic natural beauty of the Himalaya and the landscapes making it more worth it for the trek however it is less known to the trekkers because of lack of awareness and less promotion from the Tourism Board of Nepal. The region is highly influenced by the Tibetan culture, so they are lots of Tibetan village like Til,Haliji and Jang which is known by their traditional stone houses and ancient monasteries.Limi valley is home to different wildlife so if you are lucky enough you get to see snow leopard, blue sheep and different birds species. Rinchenling Gompa is one of the ancient monasteries located in Limi valley so during trek you get to visit the Buddhist monasteries. From top of the Limi valley you get to see the magnificent view of Mt .Kailash on clear day making the trek more adventurous and worth it as it is offers the breath-taking views of the Kailash.
Panch Pokhari Trek
Panch pokhari trek is the pilgrimage site for the Hindu and Buddhist which is located in Sindhupalchowk district of Nepal. Panch pokhari refers to a group of five different sacred lakes and the treks offers the stunning views of Langtang ,Jugal and Rolwaling Himalayan range and if you want to avoid the hectic crowds and want peaceful trek panch pokhari trek is one of the most recommended trek .The trek is ideal for those who want to explore the spiritual and cultural exploration .It is one of the moderate trek with the maximum elevation of 4100 meter and usually the trek is completed in 8-12days depend upon the itineraries and routes. Along the routes you can enjoy the hot spring and waterfall which makes the treks more adventurous. Tamang and the Sherpa’s are the local people of this region and they owns the Tea house and some have been working as a guide and porter. So during the trek you can see many traditional villages, monasteries and Buddhist chortens as well .The ideal time to trek panch pokhari is during spring March to May and Autumn September to November seasons so in these seasons the weather will be stable, and sky seems to be very clear as a result you will get to experience the best of the mountain and the nature.
Things to consider for Top underrated Trekking routes in Nepal
While trekking to the above trekking routes of Nepal it is very important to have proper fitness and strong mindset as a result you will have more fun and can plan accordingly. Proper trekking gear is very much essential for the trekking so never compromise on quality and the price. For memorable and adventurous trekking it is very much important to choose right season and time otherwise you can have several issue along the route. As a tourist you may not the right route for the trekking so it is important to have professional guides and porter so that you don’t have to face any obstacles along the routes and carry all the permit required for the trekking.
