Top 10 Off-The-Beaten Trekking Trails in Nepal
Guerrilla Trail
Region: Western Nepal
Duration: 14-20 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Highest Elevation: 3,810m (Jaljala Pass)
Best Time: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
The Guerilla Trail is unlike any other trekking trail in Nepal. It is not just about the natural beauty, but also its history. The Guerrilla Trail follows the oath once used by Maoist Guerrillas during the Nepalese Civil War (1996-2006). As you trek through the remote districts of Myagdi, Rukum, and Rolpa, you will walk on rugged paths, cross dense forests, and visit small isolated villages.
The landscapes on the Guerilla Trail are more diverse than other trails in Nepal. You will see the rolling green hills and as you climb higher, you will be rewarded with views of the majestic Dhaulagiri and Jaljala Mountain Ranges.
One of the major highlights of the trek is interacting with the locals who are living without any modern amenities while living a simple lifestyle. This challenging trek will take you from the unusual and crowded spots but promises an amazing time with a deep sense of adventure.
Basic Itinerary for Guerilla Trail in Nepal
Day 01: Drive from Kathmandu to Beni (830m)
Day 02: Trek to Takam (1,665m)
Day 03: Trek to Lamsung (2,250m)
Day 04: Trek to Gujarghat (3,020m)
Day 05: Trek to Dhorpatan (2,860m)
Day 06: Trek to Niseldhor (2,620m)
Day 07: Trek to Tallo Sera (2,090m)
Day 08: Trek to Rajhi Khola (1,540m)
Day 09: Trek to Thabang (2,050m)
Day 10: Trek to Jaljala (3,400m)
Day 11: Trek to Jelbang (1,630m)
Day 12: Trek to Sulichaur (830m)
Day 13: Drive back to Kathmandu
Nar Phu Valley Trek
Region: Annapurna Region
Duration: 8-10 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Elevation: 5,306m (Kang La Pass)
Best Time: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
The Nar Phu Valley Trek is one of the remote hidden treasures in the Annapurna Region of Nepal. This isolated trail is home to the ancient villages of Nar and Phu, where people live in ways passed down for centuries. The Tibetan Cultural impact remains unchanged, and you will feel like you have stepped in another time.
The Nar Phu Valley and Kang La Pass trek takes you through the narrow canyons, past the Buddhist Monasteries and Gompas, crossing over the challenging Kang La Pass at 5,306 meters altitude.
The trail serves wild and rugged terrain of cliffs, gorges, and high mountain deserts. You will also trek through beautiful pine forests and alpine meadows. The Nar Phu Valley is untouched by modern development, so expect to see many herders' around and local people following old customs and values. The trek offers stunning views of Annapurna, Manaslu, and the Himlung Himal Range.
Basic Itinerary for Nar Phu Valley Trek
Day 1:Drive to Besisahar Lamjung (760 m)
Day 2:Drive to Dharapani/Koto (2,620 m)
Day 3:Trek to Meta (3,560 m)
Day 4:Trek to Phu Gaun (4,085 m)
Day 5:Acclimatization Day (4,200 m)
Day 6:Trek to Nar Phedi (3,545 m)
Day 7:Trek to Nar Gaun (4,215 m)
Day 8:Trek to Ngawal Valley via Kangla Pass (5,320 m)
Day 9:Trek to Manang Village (3,519 m)
Day 10:Drive back to Besisahar (760 m)
Day 11:Drive back to Kathmandu (1,350 m)
Tsum Valley Trek
Region: Manaslu Region
Duration: 14-21 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Elevation: 3,700m (Mu Gompa)
Best Time: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
Known as the “Valley of Happiness”, Manaslu Tsum Valley is a sacred place in Nepal nestled in the northern Manaslu Region. The Tsum Valley Trek takes you into the heart of Tibetan Buddhist Culture, with its monasteries, prayer flags, and white stone walls (also known as Mani Walls). Life here in Tsum Valley is deeply spiritual and filled with ancient religious landmarks like Milarepa’s cave, Mu Gompa, Gumba Lungdang, and so on.
The Tsum Valley trek leads you through the small village settlements, where people practice traditional Tibetan Buddhism Culture. You will cross many rivers, climb high mountain passes—Larkya La Pass (5,160 meters above sea level). The majestic Ganesh Himal and Shringi Himal surround the valley, creating a peaceful atmosphere. At the end of the trek, you will visit My Gompa, the largest and oldest monastery in the region. This is a remote trek in Nepal that allows you to experience the spiritual depth of the region.
Basic Itinerary for Tsum Valley Trek
Day 1:Drive to Machha Khola/Dovan (1,110 m)
Day 2:Trek to Jagat Village (1,300 m)
Day 3:Trek to Lokpa (2,240 m)
Day 4:Trek to Chumling Village (2,386 m)
Day 5:Trek to Chekampar Village (3,031 m)
Day 6:Trek to Nile Village (3,360 m)
Day 7:Trek to Mu Gompa (3,700 m) & trek back to Chekampar
Day 8:Trek back to Lokpa Village
Day 9:Trek back to Jagat
Day 10:Trek back to Machha Khola
Day 11:Drive back to Kathmandu
Day 12:Departure Day
Makalu Barun Trek
Region: Eastern Nepal
Duration: 20-24 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Highest Elevation: 6,146m (Sherpani Col)
Best Time: Pre-Monsoon (April-May) and Post-Monsoon (September-November)
The Makalu Barun Trek is one of the most remote treks in Nepal with physically challenging isolated trails in Makalu Barun National Park. This trek is generally recommended for an experienced trekker looking for a raw and wild adventure. The trail offers majestic views of Mount Makalu (8,485 m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world. On the other hand, the Barun Valley is widely known for its rich biodiversity and pristine landscapes.
The route to Majalu Barun involves crossing high mountain passes like Sherpani Col (6,146 meters) and West Col (6,135 meters), making it a physically demanding trek. The trek takes you through the dense forests, alpine meadows and remote Shera Villages where the traditional way of life has remained largely unchanged for decades. The dramatic combination of the landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and high altitude challenges makes this trek an unforgettable journey into one of the demanded isolated wilderness places.
Basic Itinerary for Makalu Barun Trek
Day 1: Fly to Tumlingtar (285m) and drive to Chichila (1,980m)
Day 2: Trek to Num (1,560m)
Day 3: Trek to Seduwa (1,500m)
Day 4: Trek to Tashigaon (2,100m)
Day 5: Trek to Khongma Danda (3,500m)
Day 6: Acclimatization day at Khongma Danda
Day 7: Cross Shipton La Pass (4,220m) and trek to Dobate (3,650m)
Day 8: Trek to Yangle Kharka (3,600m)
Day 9: Trek to Langmale Kharka (4,410m)
Day 10: Trek to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)
Day 11: Explore Makalu Base Camp
Day 12: Trek to Swiss Base Camp (5,150m)
Day 13: Cross Sherpani Col (6,146m) to Baruntse Base Camp (5,700m)
Day 14: Trek to Amphu Labtsa Base Camp (5,400m)
Day 15: Cross Amphu Labtsa Pass (5,845m) and trek to Chhukung (4,730m)
Day 16: Trek to Tengboche (3,860m)
Day 17: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440m)
Day 18: Trek to Lukla (2,860m)
Day 19: Fly back to Kathmandu
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Region: Western Nepal
Duration: 15-20 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Highest Elevation: 5,360m (French Pass)
Best Time: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a true Himalayan Adventure offering an exhilarating journey around the untouched trails of the seven highest mountains in the world, Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). The Dhaulagiri Round Trek is gaining popularity due to its challenging routes, crossing glaciers and high mountain passes like the French Pass (5,360 m). The trek takes you through the remote and rugged terrain in Nepal, few with ancient villages and some with no signs of civilizations along the way.
The trek can lead to no accommodations which results in camping and a much more fascinating and thrilling experience in the Himalayas of Nepal.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit offers some of the most dramatic mountain views with towering peaks like Tukuche, and Niligiri forming a stunning backdrop. This trek is ideal for experienced trekkers and mountaineers as it requires navigating through difficult trails. However, the sense of accomplishment and the breathtaking scenery make it one of the most rewarding treks in Nepal.
Basic Itinerary for Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Day 1: Drive to Darbang (1,180m)
Day 2: Trek to Dharapani (1,560m)
Day 3: Trek to Muri (1,850m)
Day 4: Trek to Boghara (2,080m)
Day 5: Trek to Dobang (2,520m)
Day 6: Trek to Italian Base Camp (3,660m)
Day 7: Rest day at Italian Base Camp
Day 8: Trek to Glacier Camp (4,200m)
Day 9: Trek to Dhaulagiri Base Camp (4,740m)
Day 10: Cross French Pass (5,360m) to Hidden Valley (5,200m)
Day 11: Rest day at Hidden Valley
Day 12: Cross Dhampus Pass (5,250m) and descend to Yak Kharka (3,680m)
Day 13: Trek to Marpha (2,670m)
Day 14: Drive to Pokhara
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Region: Eastern Nepal
Duration: 20-26 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Highest Elevation: 5,143m (Lapsang La Pass)
Best Time: Pre-Monsoon (April-May) and Post-Monsoon (September-November)
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek takes you to the base of the third highest mountain in the world, Mount Kanchenjunga. This remote and unexplored trek in far eastern Nepal is a true wilderness experience. This trek is an adventure into one of the most remote and least visited regions of Nepal offering unparalleled views of the Kanchenjunga Massif and its surrounding peaks. You will get to encounter traditional villages, home to Limbu and Rai ethnic groups. Experience their unique cultures and lifestyles.
The trail is part of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, home to rare wildlife like the Red Panda and Snow Leopards. The Kanchenjunga Round Trek is challenging, but its remoteness and beauty make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience for adventure lovers.
Basic Itinerary for Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Day 1: Fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung (1,820m)
Day 2: Trek to Mitlung (921m)
Day 3: Trek to Chirwa (1,270m)
Day 4: Trek to Sekathum (1,660m)
Day 5: Trek to Amjilosa (2,510m)
Day 6: Trek to Gyabla (2,730m)
Day 7: Trek to Ghunsa (3,595m)
Day 8: Acclimatization day in Ghunsa
Day 9: Trek to Kambachen (4,100m)
Day 10: Trek to Lhonak (4,780m)
Day 11: Trek to Pangpema (5,143m) and return to Lhonak
Day 12: Trek back to Ghunsa
Day 13: Trek to Sele La (4,290m)
Day 14: Cross Chele La Pass (4,720m) to Tseram (3,870m)
Day 15: Trek to Ramche (4,610m)
Day 16: Explore Yalung Glacier (4,500m) and return to Tseram
Day 17: Trek to Torongding (2,990m)
Day 18: Trek to Yamphudin (2,080m)
Day 19: Trek to Khebang (1,910m)
Day 20: Trek to Taplejung and drive back to Bhadrapur
Ruby Valley Trek
Region: Ganesh Himal Region
Duration: 7-14 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Highest Elevation: 4,000m (Pangsang Pass)
Best Time: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
The Ruby Valley Trek is an isolated and less-known trekking destination in the Ganesh Himal Region. This trek takes place through the Traditional Tamang and Gurung Villages where you will experience local customs and hospitality. Named after the precious stones found in the area, the trek offers stunning views of the Ganesh Himal, Langtang and Manaslu Himalayan Ranges.
This moderately challenging trek includes a mix of terraced forests and mountain ridges. You will trek through lush green valleys and climb to Pansang La Pass for panoramic views. This peaceful and less crowded trek is perfect for those seeking a quieter cultural trekking experience.
Basic Itinerary for Ruby Valley Trek
Day 1: Drive from Kathmandu to Dhading Besi
Day 2: Trek to Borang Village (1,500 m)
Day 3: Trek to Chalish Village (1,674 m)
Day 4: Rest Day
Day 5: Trek from Chalish Village to Tipling (2,084 m)
Day 6: Trek to Pasang La Pass (3,850 m) and then to Somdang Village (3,320 m)
Day 7: Trek from Somdang Village to Gatlang (3,320 m)
Day 8: Trek from Gatlang to Syabrubesi (2,380 m)
Day9: Drive back to Kathmandu
Upper Dolpo
Region: Mid-Western Nepal
Duration: 25-30 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Highest Elevation: 5,115m (Numa La Pass)
Best Time: Summer (May-October)
The Upper Dolpo Trek takes trekkers into one of the most isolated and culturally rich regions of Nepal. Upper Dolpo is a land of high-altitude deserts, ancient monasteries, and traditional Tibetan culture. The trek passes through the remote Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to the stunning Phoksundo Lake, a turquoise jewel surrounded by rugged mountains.
The Dolpo region has been largely untouched by modern development, and the local people still follow ancient Buddhist and Bonpo practices. Trekkers will visit sacred monasteries like Shey Gompa and encounter nomadic herders who live in yak-hair tents. The arid landscapes, combined with the region’s mystical atmosphere, make Upper Dolpo one of Nepal’s most fascinating and off-the-beaten trekking destinations.
Basic Itinerary for Upper Dolpo Trek
Day 1:Kathmandu arrival and hotel transfer
Day 2: Kathmandu city tour and trek briefing
Day 3: Flight to Nepalgunj
Day 4:Arrival at Juphal and trek to Dunai
Day 5: Dunai to Laina Odar
Day 6:Journey continues to Nawarpani
Day 7: Nawarpani to Langa Camp
Day 8:Trek to Dho Tarap
Day 9: Rest day at Dho Trap
Day 10:Dho Tarap to Chhoila Khola Camp
Day 11:Chhoila Bhanjyang (Pass) to Sulung Khola Camp
Day 12: Sulung Khola Camp to Tinjegaon
Day 13:Tingegaon to Shimengaon
Day 14:Shimengaon to Nisalgaon
Day 15:Rest day at Nisalgaon
Day 16:Nisalgaon to Saldang
Day 17:Saldang to Namgung
Day 18:Namgung to Sheygaon via Sela Pass
Day 19:Rest day at Sheygaon
Day 20:Sheygaon to Phoksundo River Camp
Day 21: River Camp I to River Camp II
Day 22:River Camp II to Ringmo Village
Day 23: Rest day at Ringmo Village
Day 24:Ringmo to Chhepka
Day 25:Chhepka to Juphal
Day 26: Flight back to Nepalgunj
Limi Valley
Region: Humla, Far Western Nepal
Duration: 18-22 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Highest Elevation: 4,990m (Nyalu La Pass)
Best Time: Pre-Monsoon (April-May) and Post-Monsoon (September-October)
Located in the far western region, near the Tibetan Border, Limi Valley offers a glimpse into an untouched trail of Nepal. It is one of the most remote and least visited routes and has a high impact of the Tibetan Culture.
Exploring the Limi Valley trail takes you through the deep gorges, across the high passes and into wide, peaceful deserted valleys. You will definitely enjoy the incredible views of Mount Kailash and the distant Himalayan Range. The cultural richness, combined with the pristine beauty of the valley makes it a unique and rewarding journey.
Basic Itinerary for Limi Valley Trek
Day 1: Fly to Simikot (2,910m) and trek to Dharapuri (2,300m)
Day 2: Trek to Kermi (2,670m)
Day 3: Trek to Yalbang (3,020m)
Day 4: Trek to Tumkot (3,380m)
Day 5: Trek to Thado Dhunga (4,000m)
Day 6: Trek to Hilsa (3,720m)
Day 7: Trek to Manepeme (3,990m)
Day 8: Trek to Til (4,000m)
Day 9: Trek to Halji (3,660m)
Day 10: Trek to Jang (4,000m)
Day 11: Trek to Talung (4,370m)
Day 12: Cross Nyalu La Pass (4,990m) to Shinjungma (3,620m)
Day 13: Trek to Kermi
Day 14: Trek to Simikot
Day 15: Fly back to Nepalgunj
Day 16: Return back to Kathmandu
Tamang Heritage Trail
Region: Langtang Region
Duration: 7-10 days
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Highest Elevation: 3,165m (Nagthali Ghyang)
Best Time: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
The Tamang Heritage Trail is a cultural trek that takes you through the traditional Tamang villages of Langtang Valley. The Tamang Heritage trek is less about high altitudes and more about the local culture you indulge and explore. You will walk through the terraced fields, forests and mountain ridges with beautiful views of the whole Langtang Himal Range to the right and Ganesh Himal Range to the left respectively.
The Tamang People are known for their rich history and unique cultures. Along the Tamang Heritage Trail, you will have the chance to experience their costumes and traditional dances, and delicious local cuisines. The trek also passes by natural hot springs, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Basic Itinerary for Tamang Heritage Trail
Day 1: Drive to Syabrubesi (1,460m)
Day 2: Trek to Gatlang (2,238m)
Day 3: Trek to Tatopani (2,607m)
Day 4: Trek to Thuman (2,338m)
Day 5: Trek to Nagthali Ghyang (3,165m)
Day 6: Trek to Briddim (2,230m)
Day 7: Trek back to Syabrubesi
Conclusion
The Off-the-Beaten Trails of Nepal offer a truly unique and rewarding trekking experience for those seeking adventure beyond the usual trekking routes. These remote and less explored trails take you deep into the heart of Nepal’s diverse landscapes from high altitude deserts to lush green valleys.
Whether you are looking to explore ancient cultures, experience untouched natural beauty or challenge yourself with high altitude treks, these trails provide a perfect escape for you.
While some of the treks are physically demanding and require a high level of fitness, the rewards are exceptional— breathtaking mountain views, rich cultural experiences and the opportunity to reconnect with nature in its unrest form. If you are eagerly waiting to explore the hidden gems of Nepal, these top 10 off-the-beaten trails will take you on an unforgettable journey that not everyone get to experience.
