Beyond Everest & Annapurna

Everest Base Camp Trek and the Annapurna Circuit are known by hikers and alpinist from all around the world, but Nepal has so many more trekking routes that offer the same spectacular mountain scenery and rich cultural diversity, without the tourist crowds.

We recently trekked the length of Nepal, along the Great Himalaya Trail, and were lucky enough to pass through some of the most remote, beautiful and fascinating regions of the Himalayas, where you are likely to go days without seeing a single other tourist. 

From the spectacular Kanchenjunga region to the Lost Valley of Nar Phu, the unique people of Tamang or the traditional villages of the isolated Dolpo District, Nepal has so much more to offer than just the two famous trekking routes.  

Kanchenjunga 

The Kanchenjunga Trek is in one of the most remote corners of Nepal. It’s distant location has kept this stunning area a secret from most tourists, but with the recently constructed airport in Suketar, you can now access the trailhead directly from Kathmandu. This spectacular trekking route passes through a huge variety of landscapes from the Himalayan foothills, all the way up to the foot of the third highest mountain in the world, the 8586 metre Kanchenjunga.

The lower section of the trail navigates through vibrant green fields and farming villages that cling to the sides of the steep Himalayan valleys. As you continue along the trail you’ll find yourself amongst cardamon plantations, lush forests and following the dramatic Tamor River that leads you up towards the mountains. The trail slowly climbs higher up into the mountains where your surroundings change from colourful hillsides of Rhododendrons to broad alpine valleys of fragrant Juniper bushes. You’ll walk alongside a huge glacier as the trail passes through a panorama of towering peaks that lead you to the foot of the impressive mountain that is Kanchenjunga.

Nestled between these icy mountains, you’ll find remote communities of Sherpa people, who make their lives farming and grazing Yaks as they have done for centuries. These beautiful old mountain villages are dotted with colourful Buddhist prayer flags, shrines and monasteries that are monument to the long history of trading by the Sherpa’s through these high mountain passes with the neighbouring Tibet. 

If you want to experience the traditional culture of the legendary Sherpa people, whilst getting to explore one of the most spectacular and remote corners of the Himalayas, then the Kanchenjunga Trek is an unbeatable experience in Nepal. For more information about the Kanchenjunga Trek including maps, itineries and the required equipment click here.

Nar Phu 

Nar Phu is a wild and enchanting land, hidden away in a remote mountain valley on the boarder of Nepal and Tibet. As it was only opened to foreigners in 2003, and protected by both its geological isolation and ancient fortifications for over a thousand years this relatively unexplored trekking route offers visitors a taste of traditional Tibetan culture.

The Nar Phu Kingdom prospered from the trade between India and Tibet, and because of its strategic location, the villages and trails had to be heavily fortified, with city walls and watchtowers that can still be seen today. The walled villages that populate the valley are made up of stunning traditional stone homes, adorned with beautifully carved wooden doors and colourful prayer flags, and look like they have been here since the beginning of time. Nar Phu’s isolation and absence of any roads, means the local traditional culture remains intact and the people of Nar Phu live very similar lives now to what they would have hundreds of years ago. Tibetan Buddhism, that found its way into the valley centuries ago, is still very much a part of the locals daily lives, with ancient monasteries and shrines scattering the valley, you will likely be witness to a ceremony or festival during your time here. 

Not only is Nar Phu filled with fascinating history and ancient culture the landscape is also stunningly beautiful. As you follow this historic walking trail, you will pass through narrow rocky canyons, beautiful forests and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery in the world. This little-known corner of the world has so much to offer. 

To find out more about the Lost Valley of Nar Phu click here.

Dolpo

Dolpo is the most remote and arguably the most beautiful area of Nepal. This faraway region tucked between the high Himalayan mountains and the Tibetan Plateau is a fascinating place of ancient tradition, unique culture and raw natural beauty. Due to the districts extreme isolation the remote villages continue to exist as they have done forever with the few solar panels the only trace of the outside world.

What Dolpo lacks in infrastructure and roading it makes up for in wilderness and spectacular scenery. The sparsely populated landscape is exceptionally beautiful with endless rows of craggy mountain peaks, pristine river valleys, vibrant birch forests and stunning turquoise lakes. This vast natural environment is also home to wildlife such as Himalayan Pika, Marmot, Yak, Blue Sheep and the famed Snow Leopard.

The locals traditional lives revolve around the raising, grazing and trade of Yaks which provide the transport, food, clothing and even the dried dung fuel that is vital to the Dolpa-pas survival. As you trek across the Dolpo you will likely cross paths with a Yak caravan on its way back from collecting salt from Tibet or returning with supplies from the lower reaches of Nepal.

The high altitude regions sparse villages means that some routes require you to make your own camp for a night or two out in the spectacular Dolpo wilderness. Finding one of the picturesque riverside campsites and spending a night under the star filed sky makes trekking through Dolpo a true adventures paradise. As you pass the Buddhist inscriptions and monuments that mark your return to a village you will be able to look forward to the famous Dolpo hospitality and a cup of the traditional butter tea. Doplo is a truely unique and special place steeped in culture, tradition and natural beauty and is somewhere that you will feel so lucky to have had the privilege to visit. For more information about Dolpo click here.

Tamang 

The 'Tamang Heritage Trail' is a culturally rich and beautiful trekking route through the beautiful Tamang villages that occupy the mountain tributaries of the Trishuli River. The Tamang people who have made these Himalayan valleys their home for generations still lead very traditional lives which is reflected in their vibrant clothing and the unique architecture of their villages. The intricately carved wooden homes are characteristic of the Tamang region and are a highlight of this trek. Tamang people are also some of the warmest and most welcoming people in Nepal and you’ll get to experience their fascinating way of life, hospitality and good humour.

The Tamang Heritage Trail is not a difficult route as it follows the local paths that connect the hillside villages which sit well beneath the surrounding snowy peaks. Despite this “off the beaten track” region feeling a world away from Western Civilisation the Tamang trek is only a days direct bus ride from Kathmandu making it one of the most accessible treks in Nepal.  

To see a map and itinerary for a trek through the Tamang area click here.

Nepal maybe famous for Mount Everest but our modest country has so much more to offer trekkers than just Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit. If you are interested in finding out more about the huge number of other great trekking routes through our beautiful Himalayas then feel free to contact us or have a look on our website.