PARADISE FOR TREKKERS - 6 UNPLUMBED TREKKING TRAILS IN NEPAL

 

                                   

PARADISE FOR TREKKERS - 6 UNPLUMBED TREKKING TRAILS IN NEPAL. 

 

If you are exploring your options for your next trekking destination, you have to consider NEPAL. To explore the Himalayan vicinity and it's grandeur, more than 200,000 trekkers visit Nepal each year. Nepal is not only just a country with Himalayas rich in mountain peaks, never-ending hills, valleys, and basins, but it also offers a thrilling experience - TREKKING. Here the trails will offer you definitely more than just trekking. 

Nearly 25% of the total land area is occupied by mountain region, a home of 8 mountains of the 14 highest in the world. The Great Himalayan ranges extends from East to West in the Northern part of Nepal.   This Himalayan nation offers some of the most stunning and magnificent trekking destinations with multiple options for intrepid trekkers seeking a challenge and those looking for gentle hike, while experiencing the beautiful Himalayas and culture of the country. With the spectacular views of rivers, forests, captivating landscape and mountains its the best. Overall, the experience will be beautiful, the people are nice and kind, and the weather, though rapidly changing, is quite nice.  At times during your planning stage, it can be confusing and overwhelming to know which treks you should go for. 

Most of the trekking is filled with red and pink flowers and brown leaves that have just fallen from the trees, especially if you are hitting the trail in May, which marks the end of spring, the last of colourful wildflowers decorating most of the path. As you walk along the spring flowers it will give you a royal feeling, the best feeling in the world. Trekking Nepal in May is prodigious. The temperature at lower altitudes is warm, whereas the higher Himalayan region still experiences the chill spring winds. Despite occasional thunderstorms, the climate is mostly stable. 

In my this blog, I have listed 6 not so explored trekking destinations in Nepal with trekking facts of each, if myself have missed some, then please comment it down below, so that I can include in my next blog on this subject. 

These destinations as are unplumbed, are less crowded as compared to few very popular destinations like - Everest Base Camp trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek, Annapurna Circuit, Ghorepani Poonhill Trek, Gokyo Lake Trek, Langtang Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, Journey to Upper Mustang, Manaslu Circuit Trek, Dhaulagiri Trek, Three Passes Trek, and few more.

If you are planning a trip to Nepal, or Kathmandu, or whether thinking of  best trekking experience ever, you should head towards the Himalayas in Nepal. The best part of these trails here is, it's extremely built up - there are literal small villages and towns all along the path that will provide you everything you could ever need.

Hotels, lodges or Home-stays are around $ 5-8 per night, unless you go for something fancy. Most meals are $ 10-15. and you can grab a beer as well. 

Trekking in Nepal will not only let you get in touch with nature, but will also make you to look deep into nature, you will start experiencing life in a different way. Your trek will help you experience and understand different traditional and native lifestyle. The experience thus will treat your mind and body to peace and calmness.

 

6 UNPLUMBED TREKKING TRAILS IN NEPAL

Majority of the known trekking destinations of Nepal are very crowded because of its popularity and of course increasing domestic and international tourists, which was not before. Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) , Poon Hill, and Everest Base Camp (EBC) are the most popular trekking destinations of Nepal. Other than these places, there are also other good places for trekking where only a few go. The SIX best less crowded trekking trails in Nepal are :

 

1) Tsum Valley Trek :

Very few trekkers who have explored or go for the relatively untouched Tsum Valley Trek. This trail lies between the majestic landscape of the Boudha Himal and Himal Chuli, Ganesh Himal, and Sringi Himal. If you have sufficient time, then can attempt for Tsum Valley and Manaslu at one go. Tsum Valley was open for international tourist since 2007. 

Inhabited by Tsumpas- the local people of Tsum Valley, have their own dialect, culture, and tradition which somewhat matches with those of Tibetans. This valley has many Tibetan Buddhist monasteries like Dhephyundonma Gompa, Rachen Gompa, and Gu Gompa. These people celebrate the Archery festival in Summer, same as at Manang and Mustang. With the advent of few international tourist now, many home stays with basic amenities have come up. The local traditional culture and lifestyle is worth experiencing.

During this 10-11 days trek, each day you have to walk between 5 - 8 hours, with the high point of the trek being 4000 meters. You will find accommodation in lodges and traditional home stays on this trek. Dal, Bhat, Chapatis, noodle soup are foods that you will get. If you are not prepared to 'rough it' a little bit, then this trek is probably not the one for you. 

My recommendation would be to undertake this trek during Spring and Autumn. Permit cost during September - November will be USD 40 per person for the first 8 days. During December - August it's around USD 30 per person for the first 8 days. In addition you need MCAP (Manaslu Conservation Area) permit which will cost around NPR 3000 per head. If you go with some trekking agency, this trek may cost about USD 800 - 950, which generally covers cost of your guide, porters, all meals, local ground transportation, accommodation, all necessary permits, documentation and all government taxes, and insurance and trekking gear for guide and porters.

 

2) Kanchenjunga circuit Trek :

World's third highest mountain Kanchenjunga (8586 metres) trek is rewarding not only because of its massiveness, but there are many more to experience. This circuit trek is for those who love extreme trekking, The circuit combines both Pang Pema (5140 metres) on the North and Oktong (4580 metres) on South Kanchenjunga base camp. While undertaking  this circuit you will experience the difference of northern side and the southern side of it's people's culture and lifestyles. The captivating view of the mountain and diversity of culture will make your trek worth experiencing. 

Trekkers may tryout the local popular wine made of millet seeds called Tongba. This magnificent location was opened for international trekkers since 1988. At present, many tea houses have come up at overnight halt locations, which are very much pocket friendly with all basic comforts. Trekkers here can ease their long hours of trek.

Kanchenjunga circuit trek is not for first time trekkers, you need to have good experience in trekking to successfully complete this circuit. This is one of the toughest and the most adventurous trekking trail in Nepal. It takes 21 days to complete this circuit. This circuit starts and ends at Suketar. While trekking from one rout to another, you will have to cross Mirgin La, one of the highest altitude passes of the region. On major part of the trail you have to remain higher than 4000 meters, exposing you to extreme weather conditions, with increased chances of altitude sickness. 

Kanchenjunga circuit trek costs normally between USD 1780 - USD 1900 per person, if hiring a trekking agency. The cost is including guides, porters, fooding & lodging, permits, local transport, etc. Best seasons are September to January , and March to August. 

 

3) Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek :

Considered as incredible and much dynamic trail as compared to other trails in Nepal, will certainly make your experience a rewarding Himalayan trek. This rout has been opened for international tourist since 1980. Those who are looking for trails with less crowd, love to see new culture, along with the beauty of the terrain, then this is the one. Being a controlled area, it requires a special permit of USD 500 per person for ten days. The real lifestyle of Dolpo is worth of an experience. The route lies between Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri ranges in north western Nepal, the high altitude region of Dolpo is remote, rugged and thinly populated, offering mind blowing landscape, challenging trekking experience with the opportunity to see the rich Tibetan culture.

The expedition starts from Nepalganj, in southern-western Nepal. From here you have to take a short flight to Zuppel, and from here a 3 hour trek to  Dunai - from where your actual journey will commence.

This is basically a 20 days trek program. If through trekking agency this will cost starting from USD 4300 onwards . The cost includes - Transfer from Kathmandu airport to hotel, 3 nights stay at Kathmandu, all land transportation by private vehicle, Flights in Nepal, all meals during trekking period, accommodation cost during trekking (Tea houses & camps), necessary permits & fee, guide & porter, Staff food, clothing and salary & insurance, first aid kits, Airport drop.

Eric Valli's movie "CARAVAN", and Peter Matthiessen's book "SNOW LEOPARD" has immensely made Dolpo known to the world.

 

4) Gosainkunda and Helambhu Trek :

This destination is in the northern part of Nepal and closest to the Kathmandu valley. During this trek you will witness magnificent view of the Himalayas and more than 7 sacred lakes. Among these, Holy Gosainkunda is the biggest lake and a popular pilgrimage site related to Lord Shiva, this lake is elevated at an altitude of 4380 meters at the top of Himalayas and is the origin of River Trisuli. The trail descends to the Helambu area after reaching the Laurebina Pass just next to Surya Kunda lake at an altitude of 4160 meters. Helambu is where the Buddhist Guru Rinpoche and Milerapa visited in the centuries back. This place is surrounded by the majestic mountains on northern side and hills on the southern. Trekkers will love the beautiful settlements of Sherpa, Tamang, and Hyolmo people because of their hospitality and decorated homes.

This trek is incredibly beautiful to view the Langtang Himalayan range, Mansalu, and Ganesh Himal. Langtang National Park is the home of endangered species like red panda, Musk deer, Himalayan mountain deer, Himalayan mountain goat, and snow Leopards. We will be captivated by its flora and fona. Rhododendron, orchids, magnolia, and numerous other botanical species while trek to Gosainkunda lake. 

October is a great month for trekking in this region. Basically there are two best seasons for a trek - Autumn (October & November) and Spring season (March to May), as the weather and temperatures suit the trekking activity. For Langtang National Park permit you have to pay NPR 3000. Also TIMS permits are required which you can get from Kathmandu by registered trekking agencies or Tourism Board. 

This trek requires normally 15 - 21 days. Accommodation can be availed at Tea Houses. This trek will cost you approx NPR 16000 - NPR 35000 per person, depending on the number of days and rout you opt for.

 

5) Pikey Peak Trek :

In the eastern part of Nepal in Ramechap district lies Pikey Peak. This destination considered the best for the panoramic view some popular peaks - Everest, Makalu, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Gairishankar, Dudkunda, and few others. This trail offers you Monasteries, beautiful Sherpa culture, and the captivating Himalayas. 

This 6-7 days trek commences from Jiri or Dhap Bazar, where you have to reach by driving from Kathmandu. The trek ends at Salleri, where is located Phaplu airport. From Phaplu you can catch a flight ot drive to Kathmandu. There are few good tea houses where you can spend your nights comfortably with pocket friendly budget. 

 

6) Nar Phu Valley Trek :

This less explored remote and exotic trekking destination in Annapurna area is untouched by modernisation and a less crowded place, is my favourite. This magnificent destination lies in the northeast part of  Thrang La. Those of you have done Saribung Pass Trek from Upper Mustang, must be familiar with this place.

Nar Phu was restricted for international tourist until 2002. Agriculture and Yak herding are the major occupation of the local people. You will be greeted with colourful prayer flags, hundred years old Mani wall, Monasteries while entering the Nar and Phu villages. This trek starts and ends at Besi Sahar. For a smooth and successful trek, acclimatisation is highly recommended, as this trail leads above 5000 meters (Kang La passes).

This trek is a real Himalayan wilderness experience that will be as memorable as it is spectacular. Positioned between the most visited Annapurna and Manaslu regions, Nar Phu is a true hidden gem offering trekkers a rare chance to explore unspoiled valleys that feature a mix of raw Himalayan nature and ancient Buddhist culture. You will enjoy magnificent views of Annapurna II , Himlung Himal, Gangapurna, and Tilicho Peak. Experience a part of the Tibetan plateau that extends down into Nepal.

The Nar Phu valleys combines high peaks and passes, glaciers, remote villages, narrow canyons, beautiful forests, spectacular rock formations, yaks, gompas and ethnically Tibetan cultures. Very few outsiders have explored these virtually untouched villages or climbed the many 7000 meter peaks surrounding them.

This trek is possible in the monsoon (June-August) as well as the two peak tourist seasons (March - May & September - November). The trek is still enjoyable in the monsoon, although the road access in the mountains to and from Besisahar could be disrupted by mud and landslides. In the winter (December - February) the high pass could be impassable with snow.

This trek is a challenging due to the long days and steep ascents in altitude. Due to limited accommodation options on the way, there is less flexibility in the distances that must be covered each day, hence the long days of walking. The gains in altitude each day are quite steep, and it is always unpredictable how one's body will react to altitude. This trek could best suit those who have a lot of experience trekking in the Himalayas or other high altitude mountains, and who are trek-fit and have good health condition.

From September to November, the permit costs $ 90 USD per week per person. From December to August, it's $ 75 USD. This trek will consume nearly 12 -16 days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu).  This trek cost will vary from approx $1100 USD to $1300 USD per person if you hire a trekking agency who will take care of all your permits, fooding, lodging, guide and porters.  

 

In case of solo trek you may save about 30 - 40% depending on the destination, accommodation choice, type of food and utilisation of other amenities. But, it is always advisable to go through an registered trekking agency, or with a qualified licensed guide, especially if you are new on these mentioned trails.

Hope my this blog will motivate you to explore any one of these unplumbed trekking destinations for your next trip, pack your backpack and hit the trail !! 

I can assure you that these 6 destinations "Paradise For Trekkers" will open up for you a new face of the mighty magnificent Himalayas, giving you a memorable life time experience which you never must have expected.

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