Top 5 Hidden Treks in Nepal

If you have ever been to Nepal, you have seen the capital city of Kathmandu. Chances are you have even been to Pokhara or Mustang or Lukla too.

Most of the tourists that come to Nepal have been to these places. And even if they haven’t, they have at least heard about these famous destinations. You too may have seen a lot of pictures of these places featured in the Instagram feeds and magazines. They are beautiful, no doubt!

So how about The Indigenous People Trail? Or some other hidden treks in Nepal?

The joy in exploring new places is a thousand times more intriguing than going to the same one, repeatedly.

You feel me, right?

So instead of visiting the same old treks in Nepal, you can opt for those that are less known and unexplored like I did. Not only they offer you virgin landscapes, but they are also less crowded.

Follow my list to get trustworthy information on the top 5 hidden treks in Nepal!

1. Tsum Valley Trek

High mountains bordering the valley, roaring rivers, cascading waterfalls along the way, and fascinating lifestyle and culture to experience! Tsum valley Trek has it all.

The maximum altitude is 3,700 meters, meaning you will not have to worry about altitude sickness.

What does the name mean?

Well, the name Tsum is derived from the Tibetan word ‘Tsompo’ which means ‘Holy hidden valley of happiness.’

As the name suggests, you can opt for this 17-day trek and experience the ancient Himalayan civilization with unique culture, art, beliefs, and traditions.

One of the best things about this trek is that you don’t have to be a professional hiker. Anyone with relatively low experience on hikes can enjoy the trek. Your only worry during the trek will be- ‘Where is the next best view?’ You can also combine Tsum Valley Trek with Manaslu Circuit which is another popular trek of Nepal.

Highlights

• Deeper insight into the less explored Tsum Valley and less explored tracks
• Chances to visit different chortens, monasteries, and Gompas
• Beautiful views of Hiunchuli, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Churke Himal, and Poshyop glacier.
• The cascading rivers, waterfalls, and many suspension bridges
• The locals of the region and their unique way of life

2. Indigenous People Trail

If your bucket list includes homestays and exploring different lifestyles within a single trek, then this trek is for you!

This gentle trek is suitable for trekkers of all fitness levels.

This trek takes you to Ramechhap District, 130 km east of Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu. The chances of altitude sickness are rare to none as the trail stands at relatively low elevation, at 3,126 meters.

Ramechhap, the village of 6 different ethnic backgrounds is bordered by the golden Sunkoshi river in the south, Tamakoshi in the East and Thulo Sailung Peak in the north.

The village lies against the magnificent Himalayan backdrop featuring some of the world’s highest peaks. You won’t have to look for other vlog ideas, we assure you. The trail is also decorated with pictures and idols of various deities in the numerous temples and monasteries all over.

Highlights

1. Panoramic view of the world’s highest mountains like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Numburchuili, Gaurishanker, and Kanchenjunga
2. Walkthrough uninhabited areas with very few fellow travelers.
3. Numerous temples, stupas, and monasteries of religious significance.
4. Incomparable combination of cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity.
5. Unique practices of animal sacrifices in temples and meditation schools along the way.

3. Nar Phu Valley Trek

If you consider yourself physically fit and keen enough to walk through narrow canyons, rocky landscapes and steep slopes, book a ticket to Nar Phu.

This gem of a trek starts at Jagat and follows the same popular route of Annapurna Circuit Trail and then branches off at Koto. The track then follows the exotic Kang La pass to reach your destination – Enthralling valley of Nar Phu.

The valley offers you beautiful mountain views, undisturbed Tibetan culture, traditional lifestyle and insight on unique valley systems.

Don’t forget to try the homemade rice wine and Tibetan bread. Buying water will break the bank and drinking straight from the streams isn’t an option. So learn how to purify water, it will help you save some bucks.

Also, the valley opens up to a huge expanse of high snow-peaks, ancient villages, and high altitude grazing settlements. From here, you will head west over the Thorong La Pass and down through lower Mustang before heading to Jomsom, the last point of the trek.

Highlights

1. The previously restricted area still untouched by modernization
2. Nar Phu valley, the combination between Nar and Phu village with unique specialties
3. Natural landscape and panorama of Annapurna range
4. Tibetans inhabitants and their unique lifestyle

4. Kanchenjunga Trek

Kanchenjunga Trek translates to  ‘Five Treasures of the Great Snow’ in the Tibetan language.

Kanchenjunga Trek is a strenuous trek in a restricted area that requires a local guide and one another trekker to accompany you. Also, make sure you are physically as well as mentally prepared before the trek as the mental exhaustion often takes over somewhere during the middle of the trek.

This is the doorway to the third highest mountain in the world, Mount Annapurna.

You will be sleeping in tea houses as well as camping on some routes where other accommodations are not available. Be advised that not all tea-houses have electricity. So pack a power bank to charge your phone during trekking.

The best time to trek in Kanchenjunga is Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, and November).

The trek reaches its highest at Pang Pema Base Camp at 5,100 meters and takes 25 days to complete.

Highlights

• Beautiful views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Jannu and Mera Peak
• Exploration of both Kanchenjunga Base Camps
• Rhododendron forest and the high passes covered in snow
• Tibetan refugees on the Kanchenjunga Trekking Routes and their lifestyle
• Rare and native wildlife like musk deer, snow leopard, and blue sheep.

5. Makalu Trek

If you’re a solo traveler willing to experience solitude among the beautiful landscapes with an awesome view of the Himalayas, Makalu Trek is for you.

Makalu Base Camp Trip is one of the most remote and unfrequented trekking areas of Trekking in Nepal.

Makalu trek takes you through the area of Makalu Barun national park and conservation area in Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha districts.

The best time to schedule Makalu trekking is between September-November and March-May when the passes are less likely to be covered in snow.

Formerly a restricted area, the Makalu region offers you a unique experience of walking in five major ecological zones. Tropical Arun valley offers a hot and humid climate whereas the Barun glacier requires thick down jackets.

The walk through the blooming rhododendron forest featuring fir and alpine meadows with Himalayan backdrop is definitely a mesmerizing one.

Highlights

• Makalu Barun National Park
• Camping hikes to Makalu Base Camp
• Nepal’s most remote and unspoiled trekking destination
• World top 5 highest peak base camp
• Kulung Valley with a unique mix of a different culture
• Flight to Tumlingtar airline offers a beautiful mountain view

Note: I highly recommend you to check with the local authorities before planning the trek as some of these treks are unavailable during the monsoon. 

Conclusion

So there you have it! These are the top 5 hidden trekking destinations in Nepal.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there are lots of other hidden treks in Nepal that are equally as beautiful. Some of them include Manaslu Trek, Phoksundo Lake Trek, Upper Mustang trek and Gokyo Valley Trek.

Pack your gear, book a ticket and plan a trip to remote Nepal. These treks will not disappoint you.

Happy traveling!