# Off-the-Beaten-Path Treks ## Off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal If you have already walked to Everest or around the Annapurnas, or simply want trails with few other trekkers, Nepal has many **remote treks** to explore: the turquoise **Phoksundo Lake** in Dolpo, **Rara Lake** in the far west, the wild **Dhaulagiri Circuit**, the base camps of **Makalu** and **Kanchenjunga**, the hidden valleys of **Nar Phu** and **Tsum**, and the classic walk to Everest from **Jiri**. These treks need more time, simpler lodges or camping, and sometimes restricted area permits; since March 2026 solo trekkers can get these permits with a licensed guide. - **Remote:** few trekkers and traditional villages - **Permits:** some are restricted areas, all arranged by us - **Experience:** previous trekking recommended for most ## Trips - [Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek](https://himalayanhiking.com/kanchenjunga-base-camp-trek.md): 22 days, Challenging, max 5,143 m / 16,873 ft (Pangpema), from US$2,290. The Kanchenjunga Base Camp trek is a 22-day guided expedition in far-eastern Nepal to both base camps of Kanchenjunga (8,586 m), the third-highest mountain in t... - [Nar Phu Valley Trek](https://himalayanhiking.com/nar-phu-valley-trek.md): 13 days, Challenging, max 5,320 m / 17,454 ft (Kang La Pass), from US$1,490. The Nar Phu Valley trek is a 13-day restricted area trek into two hidden valleys north of the Annapurna Circuit. Deep gorges lead to the medieval Tibetan villag... - [Tsum Valley Trek](https://himalayanhiking.com/tsum-valley-trek.md): 15 days, Moderate to challenging, max 3,700 m / 12,139 ft (Mu Gompa), from US$1,390. The Tsum Valley trek is a 15-day journey into the sacred Beyul Kyimolung, the "hidden valley of happiness" in the northern Manaslu region. The trail follows the... - [Makalu Base Camp Trek](https://himalayanhiking.com/makalu-base-camp-trek.md): 18 days, Challenging, max 4,870 m / 15,978 ft (Makalu Base Camp), from US$1,990. The Makalu Base Camp trek is an 18-day guided trek in eastern Nepal to the foot of Makalu (8,485 m), the fifth-highest mountain in the world. From Tumlingtar th... - [Rara Lake Trek](https://himalayanhiking.com/rara-lake-trek.md): 11 days, Moderate, max 3,710 m / 12,172 ft (Murma Top), from US$1,390. The Rara Lake trek is an 11-day adventure to Rara Lake (2,990 m), the largest lake in Nepal, in the remote Karnali region of far-west Nepal. Fly via Nepalgunj t... - [Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek](https://himalayanhiking.com/dhaulagiri-circuit-trek.md): 18 days, Strenuous, max 5,360 m / 17,585 ft (French Pass), from US$2,790. The Dhaulagiri Circuit trek is an 18-day, fully supported camping trek around Dhaulagiri I (8,167 m), the seventh-highest mountain in the world. Walk up the Mya... - [Shey Phoksundo Lake Trek](https://himalayanhiking.com/shey-phoksundo-lake-trek.md): 12 days, Moderate, max 3,800 m / 12,467 ft (ridge above Phoksundo Lake), from US$1,890. The Shey Phoksundo Lake trek is a 12-day journey into Lower Dolpo, one of the most remote regions of Nepal, to Phoksundo Lake (3,611 m), the deepest lake in Nep... - [Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri](https://himalayanhiking.com/everest-base-camp-trek-via-jiri.md): 20 days, Strenuous, max 5,545 m / 18,192 ft (Kala Patthar), from US$1,790. The Everest Base Camp trek via Jiri follows the classic walk-in route used by the 1953 Everest expedition. Drive from Kathmandu to Bhandar, then trek for a week... - [Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek](https://himalayanhiking.com/manaslu-tsum-valley-trek.md): 22 days, Strenuous, max 5,106 m / 16,752 ft (Larkya La), from US$2,190. The Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek combines two of the most rewarding restricted-area treks in Nepal in one 22-day journey. Walk up the Budhi Gandaki gorg... - [Panchase Trek](https://himalayanhiking.com/panchase-trek.md): 3 days, Easy to moderate, max About 2,500 m / 8,202 ft (Panchase Danda), from US$220. The Panchase trek is a quiet 3-day trek from Pokhara to a sacred, forested ridge west of Phewa Lake. Cross the lake by boat, climb past the World Peace Pagoda,... ## Off-the-beaten-path treks in Nepal: the complete guide The Everest and Annapurna trails are famous for good reason, but in peak season they can be busy. If you want quiet trails, authentic villages and the feeling of real wilderness, Nepal still has plenty of **remote treks**: hidden valleys behind the Annapurnas, the base camps of Kangchenjunga and Makalu, the wild far west and Buddhist valleys that only opened to visitors in recent decades. This guide introduces Nepal's best off-the-beaten-path treks, what makes them different, and how to prepare. ## What makes a trek "remote"? Remote treks usually share a few features: fewer trekkers, simpler lodges or camping, longer approaches by road or flight, and often a **restricted area permit** that must be arranged by a registered agency, with a licensed guide. In return, you get quiet trails, villages where tourism is still new, and mountain scenery you share with very few people. ## Kangchenjunga and Makalu: the eastern giants [Kangchenjunga Base Camp](/kanchenjunga-base-camp-trek) visits both the north and south base camps of the world's third-highest mountain, through Limbu and Sherpa villages, rhododendron forest and glacial valleys. It is long and demanding, but one of the finest treks in Nepal. Further west, the [Makalu Base Camp trek](/makalu-base-camp-trek) climbs from subtropical valleys through the Makalu Barun National Park to the foot of the fifth-highest peak. See our guides to [Kangchenjunga](/blog/kanchenjunga-base-camp-trek-guide) and [Makalu](/blog/makalu-base-camp-trek-guide). ## Hidden valleys of the Annapurna and Manaslu regions The [Nar Phu valley](/nar-phu-valley-trek), a restricted area off the Annapurna Circuit, has medieval stone villages, monasteries and dramatic canyons. The [Tsum valley](/tsum-valley-trek), a sacred Buddhist valley near the Tibetan border, is known for its nunneries and mani walls, and can be combined with the Manaslu Circuit on our [Manaslu and Tsum Valley trek](/manaslu-tsum-valley-trek). Read our guides to [Nar Phu](/blog/nar-phu-valley-trek-guide) and [Tsum](/blog/tsum-valley-trek-guide). ## Dhaulagiri: a true wilderness trek The [Dhaulagiri Circuit](/dhaulagiri-circuit-trek) is one of the toughest treks in Nepal, crossing glaciers and the high passes of French Pass and Dhampus Pass around the seventh-highest mountain in the world. It is for experienced trekkers, with camping on the high section. See our [Dhaulagiri guide](/blog/dhaulagiri-circuit-trek-guide). ## The far west: Rara and Phoksundo Western Nepal sees very few visitors. [Rara Lake](/rara-lake-trek), Nepal's largest lake, lies in a quiet national park of pine forest and meadows. In Dolpo, [Shey Phoksundo Lake](/shey-phoksundo-lake-trek) is famous for its turquoise water and the Buddhist village of Ringmo. See our guides to [Rara](/blog/rara-lake-trek-guide) and [Phoksundo](/blog/shey-phoksundo-lake-trek-guide). ## Quieter routes in famous regions You can also find quiet trails in well-known areas: the old route to Everest from [Jiri](/everest-base-camp-trek-via-jiri), as Hillary and Tenzing walked it; [Panchase](/panchase-trek) near Pokhara; and the forests and lakes around [Khopra Danda](/khopra-danda-trek). ## Accommodation and food On most remote treks, lodges are simpler than on the main routes, with basic rooms and limited menus, and on some sections, such as the high Dhaulagiri Circuit, we camp. Charging and Wi-Fi may be unavailable for days. Bring a good sleeping bag, spare batteries and a few snacks from home. ## Permits Many of these treks are in restricted areas, such as Nar Phu, Tsum, Upper Dolpo and parts of Kangchenjunga and Manaslu. These permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency and require a licensed guide. Conservation area or national park permits are also needed. We arrange everything; see our [permits guide](/blog/nepal-trekking-permits-guide). ## Fitness and experience Remote treks are often longer and harder than the classic routes, with long walking days, steep climbs and fewer facilities. Some previous trekking experience at altitude is a big advantage. Train with long hill walks and stairs for two to three months beforehand. ## Best time Autumn (late September–November) and spring (March–May) are best for most remote treks. Rain-shadow areas such as Nar Phu and Dolpo can also be trekked in the monsoon. See our [monsoon treks](/category/monsoon-treks-in-nepal). ## Book a remote trek with Himalayan Hiking Our guides know these routes well and we handle permits, flights and logistics. [Contact us](/contact-us) to choose the right remote trek for your experience and dates. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the most remote trek in Nepal? Treks in **Dolpo**, **Kanchenjunga** and **Makalu** are among the most remote. ### Do I need a special permit? Some, such as Dolpo, Nar Phu, Tsum and Kanchenjunga, are restricted areas; we arrange permits. ### Can I trek solo in restricted areas? Since March 2026, yes, with a licensed guide through a registered agency. ### Are there teahouses? Mostly simple lodges and homestays; the Dhaulagiri Circuit involves camping. ### When is the best time? Usually **October–November** and **April–May**; Dolpo and Mustang also suit the monsoon. Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/category/off-the-beaten-path-treks