Nepal, the land of the Himalayas, is a trekking paradise. The country’s rugged landscapes, high-altitude terrains, and spectacular mountain ranges attract trekkers from all corners of the globe. While the iconic trekking routes, such as the Annapurna Circuit, Everest Base Camp, and Langtang Valley, have earned global fame, there’s a growing interest in exploring new, less-trodden paths. These new trekking routes provide adventurers with the opportunity to experience the raw beauty of Nepal, away from the crowds and commercialized routes.
In recent years, the Nepal Tourism Board, in collaboration with local authorities and trekking organizations, has been promoting new trekking destinations that offer equally stunning vistas, cultural experiences, and trekking challenges. This article delves into some of these exciting new trekking routes in Nepal, highlighting their unique features, accessibility, and what trekkers can expect on these journeys.
1. Tsum Valley Trek: A Journey into the Hidden Valley
Tsum Valley, located in the Manaslu region of Nepal, is a recently opened trekking route that has captured the imagination of many trekkers seeking something off the beaten track. This area was previously restricted for foreigners, but now it is gradually gaining recognition for its untouched beauty and rich cultural heritage.
The trek to Tsum Valley takes you through a secluded area that has remained largely unaffected by mass tourism. The valley is surrounded by high peaks like Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Sringi Himal, offering panoramic views at every turn. What sets Tsum Valley apart is its deep-rooted Tibetan Buddhist culture, with ancient monasteries, prayer wheels, and shrines scattered throughout the trek.
The Tsum Valley trek takes around 14 to 16 days and is considered moderate in difficulty. The trek begins at the village of Soti Khola and passes through picturesque villages, dense forests, and high-altitude meadows. Along the way, trekkers can explore traditional stone houses, interact with the friendly locals, and gain insight into the spiritual and cultural practices of the Tibetan-influenced communities.
Highlights of the trek include the famous Mu Gompa, one of the largest monasteries in the valley, and the village of Chhekamparo, where trekkers can observe the authentic way of life of the local people. The Tsum Valley is a perfect destination for those seeking a combination of natural beauty, spiritual experiences, and cultural immersion.
2. The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek: A Remote and Challenging Adventure
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is one of Nepal’s more remote and less-explored trekking routes, making it a thrilling option for experienced trekkers. Located in the western part of Nepal, this trek takes you around the mighty Dhaulagiri mountain, the seventh-highest peak in the world. The trek offers breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and other surrounding peaks, such as Annapurna I, Machapuchare, and Nilgiri.
What makes the Dhaulagiri Circuit special is its challenging terrain and the remoteness of the trail. The trek involves crossing several high passes, including the French Pass (5,360 meters) and the Dhampus Pass (5,200 meters), offering awe-inspiring views of glaciers, icefalls, and snow-capped mountains. The route takes you through isolated villages, alpine meadows, and dense forests, where trekkers can experience the natural beauty of Nepal without the crowds.
This trek requires a high level of physical fitness and experience, as it involves long days of hiking, crossing high-altitude passes, and camping in remote areas. The trek typically takes 14 to 18 days, depending on the route chosen. The Dhaulagiri Circuit is perfect for trekkers who want to challenge themselves while exploring a lesser-known corner of Nepal.
3. The Rara Lake Trek: A Tranquil Escape to the Hidden Gem of Nepal
For those seeking a more peaceful and scenic trekking experience, the Rara Lake Trek is an ideal choice. Located in the far northwest region of Nepal, Rara Lake is the largest lake in Nepal and is often referred to as the “Gem of the Himalayas.” The lake is situated at an altitude of 2,990 meters, surrounded by lush forests, snow-capped peaks, and serene landscapes.
Rara Lake is relatively less-visited compared to other trekking destinations in Nepal, making it an ideal location for those who prefer solitude and tranquility. The Rara Lake Trek offers stunning views of the lake, as well as the snow-capped peaks of the Rara and Kanjiroba mountains. The trekking route passes through remote villages, where trekkers can interact with local communities and experience the lifestyle of the people in this part of Nepal.
The trek to Rara Lake takes around 10 to 12 days and is considered moderate in difficulty. The route can be accessed from Jumla, a remote town in western Nepal. During the trek, trekkers will cross deep valleys, forests of pine and juniper, and experience the breathtaking beauty of the lake. Rara Lake is also a great spot for birdwatching, with a variety of species inhabiting the area, including the Himalayan griffon vulture and the red-headed vulture.
The Rara Lake Trek is an excellent choice for trekkers who want to explore Nepal’s lesser-known gems while enjoying a peaceful and scenic journey.
4. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: A Journey to the Foot of the World’s Third-Highest Peak
The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is another thrilling new trekking route that offers trekkers the chance to visit the base camp of Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world. Located in the eastern part of Nepal, Kanchenjunga is a remote and untouched region, offering some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in Nepal.
The trek to Kanchenjunga Base Camp takes you through beautiful landscapes, including subtropical forests, terraced fields, and alpine meadows, all while offering stunning views of Kanchenjunga and the surrounding peaks. The route is far less crowded than other popular treks like the Everest Base Camp, providing trekkers with an opportunity to experience the pristine wilderness and remote cultures of the region.
The trek begins from the town of Taplejung and takes approximately 18 to 20 days to complete. The journey involves walking through isolated villages and high-altitude meadows, providing a chance to interact with the indigenous people of the region, such as the Rai and Limbu communities. The trek is physically demanding due to its remote nature and high-altitude trekking, but the rewards are immense.
Trekkers will be rewarded with incredible views of Kanchenjunga, as well as its surrounding peaks like Jannu, Kabru, and Rathong. The trek also offers a chance to explore the region’s rich biodiversity, as Kanchenjunga is home to a variety of wildlife, including red pandas, snow leopards, and Himalayan tahr. For those looking for a remote, challenging, and rewarding adventure, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is an outstanding option.
5. The Makalu Base Camp Trek: A Journey into the Remote Eastern Himalayas
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is another relatively new trekking route that takes trekkers to the base camp of Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Located in the eastern part of Nepal, this trek offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Nepal’s least-explored and most remote regions.
The trek to Makalu Base Camp takes around 18 to 22 days, and it is a challenging journey that involves traversing deep valleys, dense forests, and high-altitude passes. The route takes trekkers through traditional villages, where they can interact with the local Sherpa and Rai communities. The trekking experience is complemented by stunning views of Makalu, Lhotse, and other peaks in the Everest region.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is perfect for those who seek solitude, adventure, and pristine landscapes. The trail is relatively untouched by commercialization, making it an ideal destination for trekkers who want to explore Nepal’s natural beauty and remote cultures.
Conclusion
Nepal continues to be a top destination for trekking enthusiasts, offering both iconic routes and newly discovered paths. These new trekking routes, such as Tsum Valley, Dhaulagiri Circuit, Rara Lake, Kanchenjunga Base Camp, and Makalu Base Camp, provide trekkers with unique opportunities to explore remote regions, interact with local cultures, and experience the untouched beauty of Nepal’s rugged landscapes.
Whether you’re looking for a challenging adventure, a cultural journey, or a peaceful escape, Nepal’s new trekking routes offer something for every type of adventurer. With fewer crowds, pristine nature, and authentic cultural experiences, these lesser-known paths promise to be the next big thing in Nepal’s trekking tourism. So, if you’re ready for a journey off the beaten track, these new routes should definitely be on your radar.
