Nepal has many famous treks like Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Circuit, but many people don’t go to some treks that are also very beautiful and full of adventure. These treks do not get as much attention as others, but when you go, you will find peace, culture, and nature more than on a busy route. The Upper Mustang Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek are those that people do not talk much about but should go on because they give a real Himalayan feel and experience. If you want to go where there are fewer people and more silence, these three treks are for you.
Why Go to Underrated Treks?
Mostly people go on the same treks, and that makes those places very crowded. But Nepal has many trails that are quiet and full of culture, mountains, and natural beauty. You can walk peacefully, meet local people, and enjoy life without rushing. Also, these treks help to support local villages that do not get many tourists. These treks are also not so expensive, and you can get a real Nepal experience. So now we see the top 3 best underrated treks, which are not famous but are very beautiful.
1. Upper Mustang Trek—Forbidden Kingdom Waiting for You
The Upper Mustang Trek is like walking in old Tibet. This place was closed before for many years. Now people can go, but still few tourists go there. The trail is in the rain shadow, so you can go even in monsoon. The land looks dry and brown but very attractive. The village is old-style, and people follow Tibetan culture. The king of Mustang lived there before, and the capital, Lo Manthang, is like old times.
What Makes It Special?
The Upper Mustang is not like other treks. There are not many trees, but the rocks, canyons, and desert valleys look very amazing. The sky is always blue, and you feel like you are on a different planet. There is an old cave where monks lived before and a monastery with colorful flags and friendly people.
Route and Days
You start from Jomsom after a short flight from Pokhara. also go to Kagbeni, which is the gate of Upper Mustang. After that you go to Chele, Syanbochen, Ghami, and Tsarang before reaching Lo Manthang. It takes 10 to 14 days depending on how important you walk.. Coming back, you can return the same way or via a different trail.
Culture and People
Here the people are Lobas, Tibetan people who follow Buddhism. They wear warm dresses, and they love it when you come. They offer butter tea and tell stories of old Mustang times. The houses are made from mud and stone, and every village has a big chorten and prayer wheels.
Permit and Cost
Because it’s a restricted area, you need a special permit, which is $500 for 10 days. But the experience is worth it. A guide is compulsory, and you cannot go alone. It is not a cheap trek, but it gives a different feel than other places.
2. Mardi Himal Trek—Hidden Trail Behind Annapurna
The Mardi Himal Trek is not far from Pokhara, and still many people did not know about it before. Now a little bit more popular but still much more peaceful than Poon Hill or Annapurna Base Camp. This trek takes you just below Machhapuchhre, the fishtail mountain, and gives an amazing close-up view.
Why Is It So Amazing?
It is a short trek, but the view is like a big trek. You walk inside a green forest of rhododendron trees and then come out to a high ridge. From there, you see Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Fishtail Mountain. It feels like a dream when you wake up in the morning and see the sun hitting the mountain.
Trail and Days
You can start from Kande or Dhampus. Then go to Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp, High Camp, and Mardi Base Camp. The whole trek takes 5 to 7 days, so it is perfect if you have a short time. The path is good, and there are few teahouses for sleeping and food.
Nature and Silence
In the spring season, the trail is full of rhododendron flowers. The red, pink, and white colors make the trail magical. You see many birds and sometimes Himalayan animals. Because there are fewer people, you can walk quietly and enjoy the wind and clouds moving around.
Cheap and Easy
The Mardi Himal Trek is budget-friendly. No special permit, just TIMS and ACAP. The lodge and food are cheap, and you don’t need a guide if you have some experience. It is not a very hard trek, so many beginners can also try it at a slow pace.
3. Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek – Culture, Mountains, and Real Adventure
This trek is not just about one place. You go to Tsum Valley, which is very remote, and then also go to Manaslu Circuit. It is like 2 treks together. Many people still have not gone because it was closed for a long time and is now open, but still not many know. But if you go, you see something very special.
Two Trek in One
First you walk to Tsum Valley. This valley is hidden between big mountains. People here are like the Tibetan, and they follow a very old style of living. There are monasteries like Mu Gompa where you can stay with monks. After Tsum, you come back and go up to Manaslu Circuit. Then you cross Larke La Pass which is 5,160 meters high.
Beauty and Culture
Tsum is full of chorten, mani wall, and monastery. You feel like you are back in history. People still use yak, and grow potatoes and barley. There are festivals, mask dances and chanting in the monastery. Then on the Manaslu side, the mountain view is unbelievable. You see Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ngadi Chuli and many more.
Trail and Difficulty
This trek takes 18 to 21 days. It is long and a bit hard. You need a guide because it’s a restricted area. The trail is a mix of forest, river, rocky path and snowy pass. But I do not need climbing skills. You just need to walk slowly and adjust to altitude.
Permit and Rule
For this trek, you need a Manaslu and Tsum special permit. It is around $70 to $100 depending on the season. You also need a MCAP and ACAP permit. Guide compulsory. No solo allowed.
Best Time to Go These Treks
These three treks all can be done in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). At that time the weather was clear, and the mountain view was very nice. Upper Mustang can also be done in monsoon because it is a dry area. Mardi Himal even can be tried in winter with good gear. Manaslu Tsum is better to avoid in heavy snow.
Food and Sleep on These Trails
All these treks have tea houses now. You get simple food like dal bhat, noodle, soup, and sometimes momo. In Upper Mustang, the food is little different, more Tibetan style like thukpa and tsampa. In Mardi, many lodges are new and cozy. In Manaslu Tsum, the lodge is basic but the people are very friendly.
You sleep in a rustic room with a binary bed. In some places, you need to bring a resting bag because it’s cold at night. In high places, there’s no heating, so it’s better to wear warm clothes and carry thermos for hot water.
What to Pack?
You don’t need fancy gear but must have a warm jacket, sleeping bag, hiking boots, sunblock, water bottle, medicine for altitude, and headlamp. For Upper Mustang and Manaslu, permit paper, passport copy and some dollar for permit is a must. Bring a power bank because in remote places, there is always no electricity.
Tips Before You Go
- Always walk slowly and drink water to avoid altitude problems.
- Talk with locals and learn some Nepali words; they will be happy.
- Don’t throw plastic; keep the trail clean.
- In the monastery, respect the rule and take off your shoes.
- Don’t take photos without asking.
- Carry cash, because ATMs are not available on the trail.
Always check the weather and carry a rain jacket.
Conclusion: Find Real Nepal in Hidden Trails
So, if you want a real trek experience, not just a photo but a feeling, these underrated treks are best for you. Upper Mustang shows you different land and Tibetan culture. Mardi Himal gives you a short trek with a big mountain view. Manaslu Tsum Valley is a journey of peace, prayer and pure nature.
All these treks make you tired in body but fresh in heart. When you come back, you not just have a photo, but a story to tell. Nepal has more than famous treks. Sometimes the best thing is hidden. And these 3 treks are like that. They are waiting for you. Go and feel it yourself.
FAQ
1. Can a beginner go on a Mardi Himal Trek?
Yes, Mardi Himal is good for beginners with little preparation.
2. Do I need a guide for the Upper Mustang?
Yes, a guide is compulsory for Upper Mustang and also a special permit is needed.
3. How long does Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek take?
It takes around 18 to 21 days depending on your pace.
4. Is Upper Mustang good for monsoon?
Yes, it is in the rain shadow so monsoon time is also good.
5. Is Tsum Valley safe for solo trekkers?
Solo is not allowed, but with a guide and group it is safe and very peaceful.
Contact Details
Company address: Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd.
16 Khumbu, Nayabazaar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Mobile : +977-9843467921 (Rabin)
Email: [email protected]
