Nepal is a land of mountains and valleys, where each way is full of stories. Numerous individuals go for popular treks like Everest and Annapurna, but a few valleys and peaks are still covered up, holding up to be investigated. These places do not have swarms but have more excellence and soul.
These treks take you to a different world, full of old culture, peaceful people, holy land, and silent trails. It is not easy like city life, but it gives you something you will never forget.
Why These Treks?
People now like quiet places, real nature, and local culture. These treks are not touristy, not spoiled. You feel like you are the first one to go there. The landscape is raw. The people are kind. The sky is big. These treks do not need to be famous to be the best. This is for those who want real adventure and a peaceful heart.
1.Upper Mustang Trek—The Forbidden Kingdom Open Now
The Upper Mustang trek is like nowhere else. It was part of Tibet before and still looks like that. For many years it was closed for foreign people. Now it is open but still a controlled area. That is why it keeps culture, tradition, and silence.
What do you see?
The land is dry and looks like a desert. Rock makes different shapes. Caves are inside cliffs.The sky is exceptionally blue, and the wind continuously whispers something. You walk past a little town where individuals live the same way as a hundred a long time ago.
The primary fascination is Lo Manthang, the ancient capital. It has dividers, a religious community, an ancient royal residence, and basic houses. You too see ministers chanting, kids playing with yaks, and ladies turning wool.
Route and Time
The trip starts from Jomsom, which you reach by flight from Pokhara. From there you go to Kagbeni, Chele, Syanbochen, Dhakmar, and Lo Manthang.. It takes almost 12 to 14 days on a circular trip. You walk 5-7 hours every day.
Culture and Religion
People take after Tibetan BuddhismYou see supplication wheels, stupas, chortens, and devout communities. Celebrations like the Tiji Celebration in Lo Manthang are especially colorful and full of meaning.
Permit and Rule
Need a special permit—$500for 10 days. Also need an Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP). Must go with a guide and at least 2 people in the group. No solo allowed.
2.Mardi Himal Trek – Small Trail, Big Mountains
Mardi Himal is near Pokhara, but many people don’t know about this trail. It was an animal trail before; now it has a small tea house and path for trekkers.
Mardi Himal trek is a brief journey but gives an exceptionally near sea of huge peaks like Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, and Hiunchuli.
Why So Beautiful?
The trail starts from a green forest, then climbs to a ridge. From the ridge you see both sides—valley down and peaks up.
You feel like you’re floating in the mountains. In spring, rhododendron blooms are all over.. In the morning, daylight touches the blanketed peaks, and my heart gets calm.
You feel distant from the world indeed if you walk for a few days.
Trail Plan
Start from Kande or Dhampus, and walk to Deurali, Woodland Camp, Moo Camp, and Tall Camp. From Tall Camp go to Mardi Base Camp (4,500 m) and come back the same way or go down to Siding village. Total 5- to 7-day trek.
Tea House and Food
The lodge is basic but clean. The food is dal bhat, noodles, egg, and soup. Hot drinks available. No luxury but very peaceful. Sunset and sunrise from High Camp are some of the best.
Permit and Cost
Only the TIMS card and ACAP are needed. No guide required, but it’s good if you have one. The cost is low compared to other treks. Good for people with a short time but who want a real mountain experience.
3. Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek – Sacred Land of Hidden People
Manaslu Tsum Valley trek is still untouched. It was a restricted area and still needed a special permit. But now more people start going, still it is less crowded. It gives an experience like old Everest or Annapurna before it becomes busy.
This trek is a combination of Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley, which is a hidden place full of monasteries, caves, and kind people.
What is in Tsum Valley?
Tsum Valley is a peaceful place. People follow Buddhism, no hunting allowed. They live simple lives. You see Mu Gompa, an old monastery at high place, and Rachen Gompa. There are caves where saints meditate. Prayer flags flying in the wind, make you feel spiritual.
What is in Manaslu Circuit?
After Tsum, you go to the Manaslu trail. Walk through forest, cross rivers, see glaciers and go to Samagaon, where you see the big mountain Mt. Manaslu (8,163 m). You also go to Birendra Lake, and then cross high Larke La Pass (5,160 m). The view from the top is amazing.
Trek Plan
Start from Soti Khola, go to Machha Khola, at that point Tsum Valley (Chumling, Chhekamparo, Mu Gompa), come back to Lokpa, at that point to Manaslu side (Samagaon, Samdo, Dharmasala, Larke Pass), wrap up at Dharapani.
Total 18 to 21 days trek. I need to be strong but not an expert. Walk slow and acclimatize well.
Permit and Rule
Need Manaslu and Tsum restricted permit, about $100 to $150 depending on season. I also need MCAP and ACAP. Guide and 2 trekkers minimum required. Solo not allowed.
Best Time to Go
- Spring (March–May): Flowers bloom, sky clear, good temperature
- Autumn (Sept–Nov): After monsoon, fresh air, clear mountain view
- Winter (Dec–Feb): Mardi possible, but cold. Upper Mustang and Manaslu very cold
- Monsoon (June–Aug): Mustang okay because it is a dry area. Other treks not good
Food and Sleep in Trek
Food is basic but fresh. Local dal bhat gives energy. In Upper Mustang, eat thukpa, tsampa, and Tibetan bread. In Tsum, try yak cheese and butter tea. In Mardi, pancakes and fried rice are also available.
Lodges are simple. The room has two bed, blanket. Carry a sleeping bag for cold nights. The toilet is mostly shared. In high camps or remote places, electricity is weak. Use solar light and carry a power bank.
What to Bring?
- Warm jacket and sleeping bag
- Trekking boot, slipper for tea house
- Water bottle with purifier
- First aid kit and medicine for altitude
- Headlamp, rain jacket, hat, gloves
- Passport, permit copy, Nepali cash
- Snacks like chocolate and nuts
- Camera or phone for photo
- Respect for mountain and local people
Safety Tips
- Walk slow and rest often
- Drink water and eat well
- Talk to guide if feel headache or sick
- Don’t go too high too fast
- Follow trail, don’t shortcut
- Don’t throw garbage, keep mountain clean
- Don’t disturb animal or monk
- Respect local rule, remove shoe in monastery
Real Trek, Real Heart
These three treks are more than travel. It teaches patience, silence, and joy. You not only see mountains, but feel a connection. In Upper Mustang, you walk in the desert and meet monks. In Mardi, you climb above clouds and see stars. In Tsum Valley and Manaslu, you pass a prayer wall and cross a high pass with a prayer flag flying.
Each trek gives a different feel. Mustang is ancient and dry. Mardi is short and green. Tsum is peaceful and spiritual. Manaslu is wild and giant. You choose what to call you, but all three give memory forever.
You meet people who smile with eyes. You sleep under millions of stars. You listen to the wind singing in the valley. This is not just a holiday — it is a journey to yourself.
Conclusion: Where Mountains Meet Soul
In Nepal, not all beauty is famous. Some beauty is lost in the valley, hidden in the peak, waiting for the heart that searches for it. Upper Mustang, Mardi Himal, Manaslu Tsum Valley — these are not popular like Everest, but they give deeper experience.
They take you where silence speaks louder. Where rock tells a story. Where snow and sky shake hands. Where people live simple but happy lives.
So if you want a trek that is not just hard but holy… not just trail but tale… go to these lost valleys and sacred peaks.
FAQ
- How long is Upper Mustang Trek?
Around 12–14 days. I need a special permit and guide. - Is Mardi Himal good for beginners?
Yes. It is short and not too hard. Can do in 5–7 days. - Can solo trekkers go to Manaslu Tsum?
No. Must go with a guide and at least one partner. - What is the highest point in Manaslu Tsum trek?
Larke La Pass – 5,160 meters. - Which trek is cheapest among the three?
Mardi Himal is the cheapest. No special permit, short days.
Contact Details
Company address: Everest Trekking Routes Pvt. Ltd.
16 Khumbu, Nayabazaar, Kathmandu, Nepal
Mobile : +977-9843467921 (Rabin)
Email: [email protected]
URL:- www.everesttrekkingroutes.com