Follow this guide to discover the Top Less Crowded Treks in Nepal, featuring peaceful, off-the-beaten-path trekking routes like the Manaslu Circuit, Upper Dolpo, Kanchenjunga Base Camp, and more. Ideal for adventure seekers, solitude lovers, and culture enthusiasts, these crowd-free treks offer breathtaking views, authentic local interactions, diverse biodiversity, and spiritual serenity away from the popular Everest and Annapurna. Whether you are exploring remote valleys, glacier crossings, or high Himalayan passes, this guide unveils Nepal's best-kept trekking secrets, tailored for those craving raw wilderness and meaningful journeys. Plan your next less crowded trek in Nepal and experience the purest form of Himalayan adventure.
Top Less Crowded Treks in Nepal, Explore Hidden Gem of Nepal
Explore the Hidden Trekking Trails of Nepal
Do you know that recently, many travelers are seeking the top less crowded treks in Nepal? This is because travelers want to immerse themselves deeply in the Himalayas, avoiding the traffic. Recently, the demand for less-crowded trekking routes in Nepal is soaring among trekkers. Although Everest and Annapurna remain the top favorites for many over the years, recently, travelers are seeking an authentic and serene trekking experience that provides a typical remote Himalayan Experience.
When it comes to remote and isolated places, the trekking paradise of Nepal never fails. It offers many off-the-beaten-path and less-crowded trekking routes that provide solitude to visitors. This blog will uncover some physically and mentally demanding trekking routes of Nepal, where infrastructure is lacking, modernization is hard to reach, and visitors face certain restrictions. These hidden trekking trails are ideal for travelers looking to escape the masses and experience Nepal in its purest form.
Do you know, almost all the less crowded treks in Nepal are restricted area that requires a special permit to enter the region.
Why join the less-crowded trekking trail?
While trekking to the popular trekking destinations of Nepal, like Everest Base Camp Trek or Annapurna Base Camp Trek, you may find a lot of traffic. However, picking a less crowded trek in Nepal allows you to connect with the remote valleys, the Himalayas, and raw nature. Here is why you should join the less-crowded trekking trail of Nepal:
- Tranquil Mountain Atmosphere with no hustle and bustle of other trekkers.
- Encounter the Authentic culture of the local villages and their hospitality.
- Discover the wildlife of the Himalayas while passing through several national parks.
- A Peaceful Trekking trail that gives mental peace.
- The off-the-beaten trekking route of Nepal is always physically demanding. It gives a sense of achievement after completing the trek.
- Paradise for the Photographers who want to capture the hidden treks of Nepal.
Must do a Less Crowded Venture in the Himalayas of Nepal
Manaslu Circuit Trek: A secluded Trail of Nepal
Quick Facts:
- Highest Altitude: 5106 meters.
- Duration: 12-16 Days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- Best time to Trek Manaslu: Spring and Autumn seasons.
Permit Card for the Manaslu Circuit Trek: Restricted Area Permit for Manaslu, Manaslu Conservation Area Permit & Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
Recently, the Manaslu Circuit Trekkinghas been the center of attraction among many travelers. It surrounds the 8th-highest peak in the world, Mt. Manaslu. The Manaslu Circuit Trek Route rewards you with the Himalayan Panoramas, ethnic diversity, and an authentic Tibetan-influenced traditional Village. Plus, being a restricted region of Nepal, the traffic of visitors is very low, which makes it a less-crowded trekking route in Nepal. Moreover, this remote Himalayan Trek takes you to the highest point of 5106 meters at Larkya La Pass. In Addition, the Manaslu Circuit Trek costs somewhere between USD 1399 to USD 1899 per person, depending on the group size.
Tsum Valley Trek: An alternative trek to the Manaslu Region
Quick Facts:
- Highest Altitude: 5106 meters
- Duration: 12-15 Days
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Best time to do the Tsum Valley Trek: Spring and Autumn Seasons
- Required Permit Card for Tsum Valley: Tsum Valley Restricted Area Permit & Manaslu Conservation Area Project Permit.
Another rewarding adventure in the Manaslu Region after the Manaslu Trek is the Tsum Valley Trek that connects the Manaslu Circuit Trek route. Enjoy the panoramic views of the Ganesh and Siringi Himal traversing through the terrace field, high-altitude meadows, and traditional villages. Besides, it offers a unique cultural experience, ancient monasteries, and deep knowledge of the local community. The exotic sight of the Himalayas, culture, landscapes, and monasteries makes this trek a must-do do less-crowded trek in Nepal. Lastly, to join this trek, the average Tsum Valley Trek costs start from USD 1299 per person.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: Nepal’s Most Remote Base Camp Trek
Quick Facts:
- Highest Altitude: 5134 meters
- Duration: 18-24 Days
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Best time to do the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: Spring and Autumn seasons.
- Permit card for the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: Kanchenjunga Restricted Area Permit and Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Project Permit.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek is among the top less-crowded treks in Nepal that offers an exhilarating trekking experience with its dazzling landscapes and mountains. Moreover, the trek provides majestic views of Mount Kanchenjunga, 8586m (the 3rd-highest peak in the world), dramatic landscapes, and isolated villages. Plus, the high-altitude trail, rugged terrain, remote wilderness, and Himalayan wildlife make this trekking route hard to beat. Reaching up to 5134 meters of altitude, the Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek covers the price around USD 2000 to 2400 per person.
Upper Dolpo Trek: Adventure into the Mysterious Trans-Himalayas
Quick Facts:
- Highest Altitude: 5550 meters.
- Duration: 20-24 Days
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Best time to do the Upper Dolpo Trek: Spring, Autumn, and Monsoon Season.
- Requires Permit for the Dolpo Trek: Restricted Area Permit Card & Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit Card.
Upper Dolpo Trek is a more mystical and dynamic trekking destination in Nepal than other less-crowded trekking trails. It takes you to the Midwestern part of Nepal, which is filled with mysterious landscapes, lakes, high passes, and a national park. Plus, explore the Bon and Buddhist Culture of the local people. Nangdala Pass, Niwar La Pass, Jugen La, and Mo La Pass are the dramatic landscapes this trek offers. Overall, the remoteness and lack of accessibility make this trail less crowded in Nepal. The total cost to do the Upper Dolpo Trek is around USD 3000 to 3500 per person.
Nar Phu Valley Trek: Discover Tibetan Culture and Hidden Valleys of Annapurna
Quick Facts:
- Highest Altitude: 5306 meters
- Duration: 14-18 Days
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Best time to visit Nar Phu Valley: Spring and Autumn seasons.
- Required Permits: Narphu Restricted Area Permit & Annapurna Conservation Area Project Permit.
Wondering if there is a less-crowded trek in the Annapurna Region? The Nar Phu Valley Trek takes you to the untouched villages of Nar and Phu that are rich in Tibetan culture, secluded valleys, and high passes. Nestled between two popular trekking regions of Nepal, the Manaslu and Annapurna regions, the trek delivers stunning views of Gangapurna, Annapurna Range, Himlung Himal, and Tilicho Peak. This journey can also be combined with the Annapurna Circuit Trek if you want it to be more adventurous and test your limits. The average price for the Nar Phu Valley Trek is approximately USD 1200 to 1500 per person.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Quick Facts:
- Highest Altitude: 5360 meters.
- Duration: 18-22 Days
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Best season to trek to Dhaulagiri: Autumn and Spring seasons
- Permit Card Requirement for the Dhaulagiri Trek: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit & Trekkers Management System Permit Card.
The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is among the best and top less-crowded treks in Nepal, if not the best isolated trekking route. Surrounding the Mount Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), the seventh-highest mountain in the world, the route traverses extreme alpine landscapes, remote valleys, and hidden glaciers. You will experience several high Himalayan Passes like French Col (5360m) and Dhampus Pass (5200m), making the journey more challenging and mentally demanding. That’s why trekking on this route is not a walk in the park for all people. Therefore, only a few visitors seeking the ultimate wilderness, this trek is an ideal option. This Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek costs USD 2500 to 3500 per person.
Tips to know before embarking on the less-crowded treks in Nepal
- Prepare for the High Altitude and acclimatize properly during the trek.
- Pack your trekking gear wisely, forecasting the weather. In remote areas, it is rare to find a trekking gear shop.
- Trek with an experienced guide who is familiar with the trail and knows how to tackle emergencies.
- Always choose the best time to trek in Nepal, i.e., the Spring and Autumn seasons.
- Get necessary documents like Travel insurance and trekking permits.
- Partner with a local Trekking Agency like Overland Trek Nepal, which can organize the necessary logistics during the trek.
FAQs of the Top Less Crowded Treks in Nepal
Which is the best less-crowded trek in Nepal?
The best less-crowded trek in Nepal is arguably the Manaslu Circuit Trek. However, other isolated trekking regions in Nepal include Kanchenjunga Trek, Dhaulagiri, Nar Phu Valley Trek, Dolpo Trek, etc.
Can I do the off-the-beaten trekking trail alone?
Most of the off-the-beaten trekking in Nepal falls under the restricted region, which requires a mandatory trekking guide.
Is Manaslu Circuit Trek the easiest trek among the remote trekking routes in Nepal?
Yes, the Manaslu Circuit Trek is somewhat easier to complete than other remote trekking routes in Nepal.
What is the most remote trek in Nepal?
The most remote trek in Nepal starts from the Manaslu Circuit Trek and goes up to the Dolpo Trek in the West and the Kanchenjunga Trek in the East of Nepal.
Conclusion
Nepal claims to have several hiking and trekking places with unique highlights at each destination. Thousands of visitors arrive in Nepal to explore some of the best trekking destinations of Nepal, including Annapurna, Everest, and Langtang. However, only a few travelers know about the top less crowded treks in Nepal that provide a different and unique trekking experience.
Overall, if you want to embark on a quite unique place to avoid the visitors’ traffic and solely enjoy the trekking trail, then you can choose from the treks listed above. Plus, Overland Trek Nepal is an expert and the best local trekking company in Nepal that arranges customized trips to these trekking destinations. Reach out to us via email or WhatsApp at +977985138871.