When planning a trek in Nepal, it’s easy to focus on reaching base camp or a high pass while squeezing the rest into as few days of precious vacation time as possible. But you might want to rethink your itinerary: some of Nepal’s most beautiful places are a few hours out of the way. Head off the main trekking trails with these worthwhile detours, and you’ll have some of the country’s most stunning scenery all to yourself.
## Unveiling Nepal’s Hidden Gems: Enhanced Detours for Unforgettable Treks
Our most valuable piece of advice for anyone embarking on a trek in Nepal is to generously pad your itinerary with a few extra days. Incorporating some of the following side trips will elevate your experience exponentially. The landscapes encountered on these detours are even more awe-inspiring, the trails feel untamed and raw, and the absence of large crowds is immediately noticeable. With a bit of luck, you might even find yourself alone, basking in the glory of these hidden gems, savoring moments of solitude and tranquility that are increasingly rare on the more popular trekking routes. This is your opportunity to truly connect with the raw beauty of Nepal and forge memories that will last a lifetime.
## Langtang Valley Trek: An Extended Sojourn in Kyangjin Gompa
The Langtang trek is a favored choice for many adventurers because it offers a rapid immersion into the heart of the towering mountains, often achievable in a mere three or four days. However, to truly appreciate the essence of this region, it’s crucial to allocate ample time to soak in the splendor that surrounds the charming village of Kyangjin Gompa. This is where the true magic of the trek unfolds, where the majestic peaks and verdant valleys converge to create an unforgettable spectacle.
Many trekkers allocate just a single day to Kyangjin Gompa, primarily to ascend to the well-trodden viewpoint at Kyangjin Ri, before commencing their descent back down the valley. However, this approach barely scratches the surface of what this remarkable area has to offer. In reality, you could easily and rewardingly spend two, or even three, full days exploring its hidden corners and breathtaking vistas. For those seeking a more challenging adventure, the full-day hike to the summit of Tsergo Ri presents an even more awe-inspiring panorama than the one from Kyangjin Ri. This demanding trek will test your endurance but reward you with unparalleled views that stretch as far as the eye can see. Then there’s the option of a full-day or overnight expedition to the Upper Langtang Valley, where picturesque alpine pastures and lush meadows abound around Langshisha Kharka. Here, you can witness the traditional lifestyle of the local communities and immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the high-altitude landscape. A shorter, more leisurely half-day excursion will lead you along the glacial moraine that flows from the imposing Langtang Lirung peak, offering unparalleled, close-up views of the magnificent Kimshung Glacier. The sheer scale and power of this natural wonder are sure to leave you in awe.
For those seeking a less physically demanding option, a gentle hour’s walk will take you to the tranquil Tsona Lakes. This idyllic chain of five forested alpine tarns, surrounded by flower-strewn meadows, provides the perfect setting to unwind, enjoy a delightful picnic, and listen to the enchanting melodies of the local birdsong. For the more adventurous, it’s even possible to continue uphill from here, for a couple of hours, to reach Nyengang Kharkha, where you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of the Upper Langtang Valley. This extended hike offers a deeper connection with the landscape and a chance to experience the raw beauty of the region.
For the truly adventurous souls, consider hiring a tent and a local guide in Kyangjin Gompa for an exhilarating two- or three-day ascent of Yala Peak, an 18,000-foot (5500 m) summit. This undertaking requires a good level of fitness and proper acclimatization, but it doesn’t demand any technical climbing skills or specialized permits. This is a truly thrilling adventure, offering a unique perspective on the Himalayas and a sense of accomplishment that is hard to match anywhere else in Nepal. The views from the summit are simply breathtaking, making all the effort worthwhile.
## Gosainkunda Trek: Discovering the Hidden Lakes
If you can only manage to add a single half-day excursion to your Gosainkunda itinerary, make it the off-trail walk to the cluster of alpine lakes that lie hidden within the tundra-like landscape above the sacred Gosainkund Lake. Head towards the captivating Dudh Kund (Milk Lake), the ethereal Chandra Kund (Moon Lake), the intriguing Ragat Kund (Blood Lake), and the nurturing Ama Kund (Mother Lake). And if these aren’t enough to satisfy your thirst for exploration, there are even more pristine lakes waiting to be discovered just below the nearby Laurebina La pass. Each of these lakes possesses its own unique character and charm, reflecting the surrounding peaks and sky in their crystal-clear waters. For the more ambitious and experienced hikers, it’s also possible to hire a local guide and embark on the adventurous scramble up to Surya Peak. However, this is a considerably more challenging undertaking and is best suited for those with a good head for heights and a willingness to push their physical limits. The reward, however, is an unparalleled panoramic view of the entire region, a truly unforgettable experience.
## Everest Base Camp Trek: Venturing Beyond the Well-Trodden Path
While the vast majority of people trekking in the Khumbu region are single-mindedly focused on reaching the iconic Everest Base Camp, seasoned return trekkers know that some of the most spectacular scenery and rewarding experiences lie hidden away, off the bustling main trail. Venturing off the beaten path allows you to escape the crowds and discover the hidden gems that make this region so special.
The undisputed scenic highlight is the breathtaking Gokyo Valley, where the viewpoint at Gokyo Ri offers absolutely stunning views over the valley’s immense glacier and the mesmerizing chain of impossibly picturesque turquoise lakes. This is a vista that will stay with you long after you’ve left Nepal, a testament to the raw beauty and power of the Himalayas. For fit and adventurous hikers, a less commonly undertaken trip is the long day hike to the icy alpine lakes nestled at the base of the massive Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth highest peak. The sheer scale of this mountain is truly awe-inspiring, and the feeling of standing at its base is an experience that you will never forget. You’ll need a minimum of four days for a return trip to Gokyo from the Everest Base Camp trail, either on your way back down from Everest Base Camp or, even better, via the challenging high crossing of the Cho La pass. This pass offers stunning views of its own and a sense of accomplishment that comes from overcoming a significant physical challenge.
Adequate acclimatization is absolutely essential if you’re planning to trek to Everest Base Camp, and one of the best ways to achieve this is to spend an extra night in the vibrant town of Namche Bazaar and embark on a loop day hike up to the charming Sherpa communities of Khunde and Khumjung. Both of these traditional villages boast breathtaking views of Ama Dablam, arguably the region’s most beautiful and iconic peak. From there, you can detour to even better views at the Hillary Memorial Viewpoint, where three stupas stand as a poignant memorial to Ed Hillary’s wife and daughter, who tragically died in a plane crash nearby. This is a place for quiet reflection and a reminder of the fragility of life in the face of such immense natural beauty.
## Annapurna Circuit Trek: Enhanced Routes To and From Manang
The trails around the majestic Annapurna range are known to be busy during the peak trekking season, and the ongoing road construction continues to encroach upon the landscape at both ends of the classic Annapurna Circuit trek. This makes the alternative trails and detours in this region even more crucial than in other parts of Nepal. The very best way to avoid the busy main road to Manang is to take the alternative high trail from Pisang via the picturesque village of Ngawal. Not only does this detour aid in the acclimatization process, preparing your body for the higher altitudes ahead, but an overnight stay in the charming stone village of Ngawal offers truly epic views of the entire Annapurna range. The views from Ngawal are simply breathtaking, offering a perspective that is unmatched anywhere else on the circuit.
There are also several excellent acclimatization day hikes that can be undertaken from the bustling town of Manang. From the beautiful and traditional village of Bragha (which is itself well worth a detour), you can embark on a two-hour hike up to the revered Milarepa’s Cave, an important Buddhist pilgrimage site that is almost completely hidden within a mass of colorful prayer flags. This is a place of profound spiritual significance and a chance to connect with the local culture.
From the sacred site of Muktinath, located on the western side of the circuit, there are two adventurous detours that are well worth considering. One is a half-day hike to the photogenic and historically significant Mustang-style villages of Jhong and Purang. The other is a hike down past the intriguing Bon monastery at Lubra, where you can rejoin the Annapurna Circuit further down the valley. Both of these hikes provide an escape from the paved road and the constant stream of jeeps, allowing you to experience the peace and tranquility of the surrounding landscape.
## Manaslu Circuit Trek: The Allure of Pungyen Glacier and Pungkar Tal Lake
There are several truly excellent side trips that can be made from the increasingly popular Manaslu Circuit trek. Our personal favorite is the Pungyen Glacier detour from the village of Sama, a half-day hike that offers absolutely fabulous views of the towering 25,820-foot (7870 m) Ngadi Chuli and the majestic 26,760-foot (8156 m) Manaslu peaks. The sheer scale and beauty of these mountains are sure to leave you speechless.
The other great side trip to consider is located on the far side of the challenging Larke La pass, where a side trail from the village of Bimthang leads to the serene and beautiful Pungkar Tal lake. This lake offers truly dramatic views of the imposing, wall-like Cheo Himal range, a sight that will remain etched in your memory long after you’ve completed the trek. The crystal-clear waters of the lake reflect the surrounding peaks, creating a scene of unparalleled beauty and tranquility.
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