7 REMOTE TREKKING DESTINATION IN NEPAL

Everest base camp and Annapurna region treks have rightly become one of the most popular trekking choices for travelers visiting Nepal. Why wouldn't it be? Firstly it's the charm of the world's greatest Himalayan ranges and secondly, it is easier to access these areas via flights to Lukla for all Everest trails and from Pokhara for all Annapurna trails. The momentum has only been building with rising adventure travelers coming to Nepal. 2018 was a great year for Nepal with the highest arrival to date of 1.2M travelers.

Visit Nepal 2020 is just around the corner and Nepal is seeking to welcome 2 million travelers which will be the first time in the history of Nepal's inbound tourism. With, Everest and Annapurna being the charm for most travelers we expect to see a significant rise of trekkers particularly in these trekking areas. I would say Everest base camp will be the most overcrowded and then following up to Annapurna base camp. In 2018, the Everest region saw 57,000 trekkers and the Annapurna region welcomed 1,73,000 trekkers, bearing in mind that the Annapurna region holds 5 major trekking trails. Annapurna circuit issued 28,060 permits in 2018. Annapurna base camp and Poonhill trek are the popular choices for most travelers.

So, it is only self-evident that the trajectory will rise and If I had to choose a trek in the Annapurna region then I would choose the Annapurna circuit. There are still fewer travelers compared to Annapurna base camp or Poon hill even with the rise in numbers in 2018. The traveler ratio is still half that of Everest trails. The landscapes are vast and the trail host beautiful diverse landscapes, challenging routes with the world's highest pass and the highest lake, culturally rich, and very welcoming people. If you are one for varieties in nature then this definitely is the one. Having said that if you really opt for a trek that is remote and with fewer people and you want the whole of nature to yourself then, we recommend the five remote, with no queue or even no people for several days. Just amazing nature all around you.

(Click on the images to find more about the tour info)

Manaslu Circuit trek - 17 days

2017 travelers: 6600 | 2018 travelers: 7300

The Manaslu Circuit sees fewer trekkers compared to the established trekking routes in the Annapurna region. The circuit is a stunning trek with spectacular views of Mount Manaslu (8163 m) and the Ganesh Himal Range, among others. Along the trail, you encounter an interesting mix of authentic Hindu and Tibetan-style Buddhist villages. The trail follows the spectacular Budhi Gandaki River all the way from Arugath to its source just below the Larkya Pass (5125 m). As you start low, at around 700 m, the landscapes are incredibly varied ranging from the green countryside and lush forests to spectacular high altitude landscapes skirting huge glaciers.

Upper Dolpo region and Phoksundo - 12-30 days

2017 travelers: 1500 | 2018 travelers: 1800

Trekking the Dolpa Circuit is an experience you'll never forget. You'll have the opportunity to experience life in the remote highlands. The trail passes through a variety of landscapes ranging from green pastures (in some ways resemblant of the European Alps) to barren rocks that extend into the Tibetan plateau. The Phoksundo Lake is of incomparable beauty, with its deep blue and emerald colors surrounded by steep bold rocks. On the way, you'll encounter small authentic villages steeped in Tibetan culture and tradition. Buddhism and Bonpo are very important for the people living in these villages and interwoven in everyday life.

Makalu BC trek - 21 Days

2017 travelers: 1550 | 2018 travelers: 1250

Makalu Barun National Park offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Himalayas. The rewards of trekking here are fantastic but hard-won - this is remote wilderness trekking for the experienced. The trail to Makalu Base Camp takes you deep into the high Himalayas with the giant of Makalu, The Great Black, looming above you and Everest, Lhotse, and Baruntse in view. The verdant Arun and Barun river valleys lead to Makalu Base Camp.

Upper Mustang - 17 Days

2017 travelers: 4250 | 2018 travelers: 4,100

Website link: (Upper Mustang, click here)

The Upper Mustang trek brings you into the hidden world of the old Buddhist kingdom of Mustang, also called Lo. Lo used to be part of the Tibetan empire and is therefore closely tied to Tibet in culture, language and geography.

The region’s isolation from the outside world has contributed to a highly preserved Tibetan culture and unspoiled nature. Mustang lies in the rain shadow of the Dhaulagiri massif creating a ruggedly arid land surrounded by rocks in all kinds of colors and impressive formations. This barren landscape is dotted with settlements of whitewashed houses, barley fields, and Chorten festooned with prayer flags which add a splash of color to the landscape.

Langtang trekking - 11 Days

2017 travelers: 8500 | 2018 travelers: 10,650

Langtang trekking takes us through a dense deciduous forest of oak, maple, spruce, fir, and blue pine and bamboo havens, the agricultural lands of the Sherpa and Tamang-Tibetan people until we reach the spectacular panoramic view of Dorje Larpa (6990m.), Langtang Ri (6370m.), Langtang Lirung (7245m.). Here, in the cusp, lies the resurrected village of Langtang, a beautiful sight for sore eyes, especially when under the veil of the night and its starry skies.

Kanchenjunga Trek - 22 Days

2017 travelers: 470 | 2018 travelers: 970

Please email us at namas@namasadventure.com for Kanchenjunga details

Trekking in Kanchenjunga offers the most beautiful Himalayan scenery. You will see the best views of Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu, and Jahnu Himal. You will also see towering heights of Mt. Rothang and Kabru above a moraine on the Nepal-Sikkim border.

TSUM Valley Trek - 19 Days

2017 travelers: 1690 | 2018 travelers: 2050

Please email us at namas@namasadventure.com for Tsum Valley trek details

Tsum Valley was a restricted area until it was opened for trekking in 2008. The Tsum Valley is a sacred Himalayan pilgrimage valley situated in northern Gorkha, Nepal. Literally “Tsum” means vivid. Against the majestic backdrop of the Ganesh Himal and Sringi Himal, and Boudha ranges, this serene Himalayan valley is rich in ancient art, culture, and religion. The local people are mostly of Tibetan origin and speak unique dialects. Trails are strewn with artistic Chortens and lined with mani walls made of thousands of stone slabs carved with drawings of deities and inscribed with prayers. The famous Kyimu Lung, a pilgrimage circuit in the central Trans-Himalaya, is well known for its center of learning and meditation. This circuit traverses the Tsum Valley the Manaslu area in Nepal, and southern parts of Tibet.

If you are the kind of traveler who is seeking a more remote pristine adventure, want to stay off the grid, and just enjoy the pure joy of silence, amazing landscapes, and pristine wilder trek then these are definitely the choices for you. Nepal holds so much more beauty and the focus has been on the Everest region mostly, so if you want to travel away from the crowd, visiting these destinations won’t disappoint you. We at Namas Adventure can organize these trekking tours for you, please email us if you want to travel to these amazing pristine beautiful destinations.

If you do have any more questions, please ask us below in the comment section or you can email us at bookings@namasadventure.com and our team will get back to you as soon as they can.

Stay well. Challenge yourself. Dare great things and live your story.

Reference:

Nepal tourism data - http://www.tourism.gov.np/

Annapurna circuit - https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/annapurna-circuit-witnesses-highest-number-of-tourists-in-2018/

7 remote trekking destination in Nepal - Namas Adventure