Nepal is the land for trekking and touring destinations, and it is widely popular all around the globe. Treks like Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp are renowned for adventure and are always packed with trekkers. Hence, sometimes travelers are looking for less crowded treks that are peaceful and quiet but can provide an amazing adventure.
For trekkers who want to avoid crowds, many hidden trails are ready to explore. These less-known trekking routes in Nepal allow you to experience the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in peace. You can enjoy a quieter trekking experience from remote valleys to untouched wilderness. So, let’s get to know some of these less crowded treks of Nepal.
Why Choose Less Crowded Treks
Most trekkers like visiting highly popular destinations like Everest Base Camp Trek and Annpurna Circuit Trek. However, less crowded treks are also quite attractive as there are few incentives for choosing these treks. So, let’s get into them.
Nepal’s Trekking Landscape
Nepal’s trekking landscape offers a variety of trekking options, from trekking, Himalayan peak climbing, and glacial climbing to advanced challenging treks. There is a possibility that trekkers can find something new, unique, and undiscovered if they move away from regular crowded treks and choose less crowded treks at least a few times during their trekking days.
Escape the Crowds
Explore the quieter areas of Nepal and enjoy the peace of its remote regions. Trekking in these less-crowded places lets you experience the true beauty of the Himalayas without the noise of large groups. You will find calm trails, undisturbed campsites, and the calming sounds of nature as you connect with the wilderness more deeply.
Authentic Cultural Experiences
Trekking on less crowded trails lets you connect with local communities and experience Nepalese culture. The trek takes you through remote villages; you will learn about unique traditions and enjoy warm hospitality. You will meet new people, talk with them, have dinner together, and share incredible stories of their trekking experience.
Breathtaking Views and Unique Landscapes
When you trek the less crowded treks, the trekkers will explore the beautiful trekking routes in Nepal that are not well-known. These trails will take you through stunning landscapes, lush jungles, and rhododendron forests; during this trek, you will see hidden waterfalls, pass through high mountain ranges, and enjoy stunning views of the mountains.
Eco-Tourism and Conservation
Trekking in less crowded areas helps preserve the natural environment by reducing the concentration of human impact on popular trails. This reduces soil erosion, littering, and harm to wildlife. It also helps local communities by sharing tourism money more fairly, promoting sustainable economic growth. This encourages communities to protect their natural resources and cultural heritage since they benefit directly from eco-tourism activities.
Top Less Crowded Treks in Nepal
Langtang Valley Trek, Explore Tibetan Villages
Langtang Valley Trek is one of the underrated treks in Nepal, and compared to other popular treks in Annapurna and Everest, it is not as crowded. This is mainly because it is less promoted compared to other trekking spots, remoteness, and mainly due to the earthquake and avalanches that completely wiped the valley, in such a way that local authorities, with the help of civilians, had to build up new Langtang Valley Trek.
| Heading | Information |
| Starting Place | Syabrubesi |
| Finishing Place | Kyangjin Gompa (and return to Syabrubesi) |
| Max Elevation | 5,050 meters (Kyangjin Ri) / 4,984 m (Tsergo Ri) |
| Min Duration | 7-10 days (can be extended) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Strenuous |
| Best Season | March-May & September-November |
| Trip Type | Trekking / Hiking |
| Necessary Documents | Passport, Visa (if required), TIMS Card, Langtang National Park Permit |
Pikey Peak Trek, Delve Into Unspoiled Mountain Views
Pikey Peak is a new, short trek in the Khumbu region. It is ideal for tourists or trekkers with limited time or budget and who want to see the Everest area. On this trek, you will walk through different villages and reach a viewpoint with stunning views of several mountain peaks, including Mount Everest, Makalu, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Cho-Oyu. This trek is also known as the Lower Everest Base Camp trek because you will climb to 4,000 meters.
During your trek, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn about local cultures and traditions by visiting homes and tea houses. You will explore small villages like Dhap, Jhapre, Junbesi, Salleri, and Phaplu. In these villages, you will see ancient temples, monasteries, mani walls, and chortens that reflect the culture of the local people.
| Feature | Details |
| Starting Place | Dhap or Jiri (depending on itinerary) |
| Finishing Place | Dhap or Jiri (depending on itinerary) |
| Max Elevation | 4,065 meters (13,336 ft) |
| Min Duration | 6-8 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Season | September to November, March to May |
| Trip Type | Trekking, Camping (mostly teahouses available now) |
| Necessary Documents | Passport, Visa (if required), Trekking Permits (TIMS & National Park Permit), Travel Insurance |
Tsum Valley Trek, Discover Nepal’s Hidden Wilderness
Tsum Valley Trek is one of the most mysterious treks in Nepal. This trek is so mysterious that only local people know about the location, remoteness, etc. The experienced trekkers who continuously visit Nepal for trekking will eventually learn about the Tsum Valley Trek. The Tsum Valley is one of the restricted treks in Nepal and requires restricted permits.
| Heading | Information |
| Starting Place | Soti Khola (accessible from Kathmandu) |
| Finishing Place | Soti Khola |
| Max Elevation | 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) approximately (depending on specific route) |
| Min Duration | 10-14 days (flexible) |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Strenuous |
| Best Season | September to November (Autumn) and March to May (Spring) |
| Trip Type | Trekking, Camping, Cultural Exploration |
| Necessary Documents | Passport, Visa (if required), Trekking Permits (TIMS & ACAP), Travel Insurance |
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek, Trip to Untouched Paradise
Kanchenjunga Trek is one of Nepal’s most challenging and remote treks, and its circuits make it one of the less crowded treks. This is mainly because beginner-level trekkers, trekkers with no physical fitness, or trekkers with families won’t try the harrowing adventure of Kanchenjunga. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is in the far eastern corner of Nepal. It offers a remote and untouched wilderness experience. This unique route takes you around Mt. Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world, which is known for challenging terrains that discourage casual crowds. The trek features diverse plants and animals, traditional villages, and breathtaking mountain views. It is a hidden gem for adventurous trekkers.
| Feature | Details |
| Starting Place | Taplejung (Suketar) |
| Finishing Place | Taplejung (Suketar) or sometimes other villages, depending on the specific trek route. |
| Max Elevation | Kanchenjunga South Base Camp (Pangpema) – Approx. 5,140m (16,863 ft) or Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Kanchenjunga Glacier) – Approx. 5,200m (17,060 ft), depending on the chosen route. |
| Min Duration | 14-22 days (can vary greatly) |
| Difficulty | Strenuous/Difficult |
| Best Season | Pre-monsoon (March-May) and Post-monsoon (September-November) |
| Trip Type | Camping Trek (primarily, some teahouses are emerging in certain sections) |
| Necessary Documents | * Valid Passport with at least 6 months validity, Nepal Visa, Trekking Permit (TIMS – Trekkers’ Information Management System), Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit (KCAP), Travel Insurance (highly recommended), Flight tickets (if applicable), Passport-sized photos |
Tips for Trekking on Less Crowded Trails
The less crowded trails often have fewer trekkers, are quiet, and are peaceful because they are tough, challenging, and located in remote places. Hence, the trekkers might face serious difficulties while exploring this region. So, the trekkers might need some tips for trekking on less crowded trails.
Prepare for Isolation
When hiking on less crowded trails, it’s important to be ready for being in remote conditions. It means you should plan about the difficulty, isolation, and how you will take care of yourself if you fall ill or get sick. For example, you might need to find your way without a GPS or know how to treat minor injuries yourself, so learning a first aid kit is a good way to start.
Packing Essentials
When preparing for remote treks, pack carefully to stay safe and comfortable. Bring extra layers of clothing to adjust to changing temperatures. Include a portable water filter to clean water from natural sources. Carry a GPS device to help navigate in areas without marked trails. Furthermore, items like sleeping bags, trekking poles, etc., are important for the less crowded remote trails.
Permits and Regulations
Generally, the less crowded treks in Nepal are located in remote and restricted areas of the country. This means trekkers planning to trek in this region must familiarize themselves with the permits, regulations, etc. For this trek, ensure the issuing of several permits, such as municipality, national park permits, conservation area permits, and restricted area permits.
Health and Safety
Less Crowded treks are generally remote, so there is no infrastructure for development and medical facilities. Hence, it is important to remain healthy and trek safely to experience the best trekking adventure. Some of the ways of remaining safe can be acclimatizing, hiring experienced guides, and preparing for the right trek.
How to Choose the Right Less Crowded Trek for You
Your Experience Level
First of all, if any trekkers want to choose the right, less crowded trek, they should do this on the basis of their experience level. For example, beginner-level trekkers or trekkers with no experience should not try extremely challenging treks like Kanchenjunga Trek. They should begin with the Langtang or Annapurna trek, which are still moderately difficult but require only decent physical fitness.
Duration
Trek duration is another factor in choosing the right remote treks for travelers. The short-duration treks range from about 3-7 days, the moderate treks range from about 8-14 days, and the long-duration treks range from about 15+ treks. The beginner-level trekkers are suitable for the short-duration treks instead of the long-duration tough trekkers since they don’t have experience with it.
Interests
Choosing the right less crowded treks is also mostly based on the interests of the trekkers. Some trekkers might prefer trekking in remote areas, some prefer wildlife, while others prefer cultural immersion and meeting new people. So, trekkers have to research on what kind of trekking they prefer and choose their trekking destination
Why Book Your Trek with Us?
Hillary Step Trek is one of Nepal’s most renowned treks, providing all kinds of trekking and touring packages. Here are some reasons you might want to consider booking your trek with Hillary Step Trek.
Different Trek Package
You can choose from various adventure packages with Hillary Step treks, including short to long-duration treks, helicopter tours, overland tours, and peak climbing packages. You can also customize any trekking package you want, even until the last minute.
Amazing trekking experience
Hillary Step Treks is proud to provide its clients with an exceptional trekking experience. By collaborating with the experts, they have curated and planned some of the best trekking itineraries, other day-to-day tour packages, etc. As a worker-owned travel company, they focus on being professional, reliable, and dedicated to client satisfaction.
Safety First
Hillary Step Treks puts the safety and security of their clients first. They recommend trekking with experts, guides, and porters who will help them navigate the road easily, safely, and securely. They also have experience in first aid techniques and connections for rescue operations if needed.
Conclusion
Nepal is a great place for less crowded trekking. There are many different trails to choose from where there are few people as you can enjoy the majestic treks in peace like Langtang Valley Trek, Tsum Valley Trek, Pikey Peak Trek, and others. You don’t need a lot of experience, but you should be physically fit and have good endurance.
Less Crowded trekking has several key benefits. These treks are the ultimate peaceful adventure, where you can enjoy nature’s true beauty and calmness. If you are still wondering which less-crowd trek to choose, we hope this guide will help you.