Off The Beaten Path Treks In Nepal

By Author: iTourNepal
Total Articles: 26
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Himalayas have the most intricate landscape and weather on the face of the planet. The steep mountains, gushing rivers and harsh weather kept the Himalayan valleys aloof from the outside world until the date. These self-sufficient happy valleys practicing rich cultural and spiritual philosophies still don’t have any region to connect with the modern world.

The only access to these hidden Shangri-la is by moving off the beaten path following the footsteps of the pilgrims and shepherds. More rugged and austere the journey is, it rewards with unlimited happiness, dreamlike sceneries and the legendary medieval world.
However, visiting these Himalayan Shangri-la valleys is not easy. One may need to go off the map with a caravan of porters carrying tents and supplies for weeks and also pay a big amount for restricted area permits. After paying a huge amount of money and putting in a lot of effort, you will always find yourself surrounded by a bunch of porters and guides spoiling your tranquility and opportunities of cultural immersion.

So isn’t it possible to visit the less crowded Himalayan trails with a ...
... small crew with more opportunities for cultural experiences ?

The answer is yes. Few treks have been recently opened for foreign trekkers with the establishment of community lodges and homestay. These off the beaten path treks explore the charming villages, alpine lakes and pastures avoiding the crowd. The rugged landscape, high altitude, simple accommodations and special permits keeps away the crowd.

Here are the two off the beaten path treks in Nepal which could be done based on community lodges and homestay.

Nar Phu Valley Trek

Nar Phu is a hidden valley bordering Tibet in the trans-Himalayan region of Annapurna. Opened only in 2003, Nar Phu Trek is the most unspoiled trek in Nepal. Its charming Tibetan Buddhist villages with age-old monasteries, long Mani walls and fluttering prayer flags accessed by very few foreigners make it the best off the beaten path trek in Nepal.

A requirement of a special restricted area permit and sustainable tourism initiatives taken, help to preserve its self-sufficient medieval Tibetan lifestyle and culture.

Khair Lake Trek

Khopra ridge trekking route dwells in the southern slopes of the Annapurna Himalayas. The trail passes through the untouched Rhododendron forests coming to the brilliant view points. Charming self-sufficient villages open their doors for the foreign trekkers with ever smiling faces. The trail avoids the popular Ghorepani – Ghandruk villages and follows the shepherds path to highland pastures and alpine lakes coming to the undisturbed viewpoints Mohare danda (3,313 m) and Muldai viewpoint (3,637 m). One can hike up to the Khayer Lake at 4,640 m on a day trip from the Khopra danda.

I am an adventurer from the Himalayas of Nepal. I like trekking and discovering new places. I have a degree in culture and love to read non fiction books. I also write travel journals and blogs.