Top 7 less Crowded Treks in Nepal
Nepal is famous for adventures destination. Every season many trekkers are travel Nepal for trekking and climbing mountains. There are almost the famous treks are fully crowded specially in the peak season in autumn and spring. Which is hard to manage accommodations, then why are you looking for those trek? What is the option to avoid crowd? Is there some famous trekking without huge crowed? Yes there are many trekking trails are less crowd but still very beautiful.
Are you looking/ searching less crowd treks in Nepal? If so, here are the list of less crowd trekking in Nepal, describe why less crowd, cost, itinerary and possibilities.
Why choosing less crowded treks?
- Connecting with the nature without crowd trails.
- Supporting remote region, where see fewer trekkers.
- Discovering Hidden jems untouched by heavy tourism.
- Flexible Itinerary without over booking accommodations in the mountain.
- Best experience of trekking without crowd.
Top less crowed treks in Nepal; Categorized by Ascend Hikes.
- Pikey Dudhkunda Trek, secret Holley hidden Trek.
- Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, Cultural gem, Buddhist monasteries, few trekkers
- Langtang Gosaikunda Trek, Near Kathmandu city.
- Makalu base camp Trek, High altitude, technical, amazing solitude
- Kanchenjunga Trek, Remote east, rarely visited
- Dolpo region Trek, High passes, camping, raw wilderness
- Upper Mustang Trek, Discover amazing landscape & Monasteries.
Pikey Dudhkunda Trek:
Highlight of the Pikey-Dudhkunda Trek.
Destination: Pikey Dudhkunda Trek.
Region: Lower Solukhumbu district.
Duration: 12-14 days.
Activities: Trekking, Hiking & drive.
Best season: Spring and Autumn.
Group size: 1 – 14 Pax in a group.
Trek starts and End: Dhap to Phaplu.
Accommodations: Basic Tea-houses.
Food: Basic continental and local food.
Maximum altitude: 4560m Dudhkunda Lake.
Trip grade: Easy to Moderate trekking trails.
Trip distance: 135 km from Dhap to Phaplu.
Pikey – Dudhkunda Trek overview:
Pikey Dudhkunda Trek is one of the most beautiful, cultural, scenery trek in the lower Solukhumbu district. Trek starts from Dhap danda and ending Phaplu about 135km trekking distance, 12 to 14 days, depending on your pace bring you into the great views of the Himalayan and highest elevation 4560m secrete Dudhkunda Lake.
This trek is easy to moderate trails to Saharsa beni, and hike to Holey Lake Dudhkunda is most altitude challenging. Wonderful experience of local activities, warm Sherpa culture, Khaling cultures, wonderful mountain views, alpine bushes and rhododendron forest are making your journey special.
This Pikey-Dudhkunda Lake trek is very less crowed area trek, that is best to explore the region without crowed. Why it is less crowed? Because of the lack of advertisement.
This route is budget trekking region too, because you don’t have to pay for the permit’s fees, food and accommodations are cheaper comparing Everest and Annapurna and easy access of sharing jeeps, buses, and hiring jeeps.
Why famous of the Pikey Dudhkunda Trek?
- Easy to access to the Trek starting point.
- Easily best views of the Mt. Everest
- One of the Best viewpoints Dhap Danda.
- Pikey Peak best viewpoint.
- Rich Sherpa culture to explore.
- Discover Thuptencholing Monastery.
- District Headquater Salleri & Phaplu airport.
- Landscape & hilley drive experience.
- Exploring Holley Lake Dudhkunda.
Permits:
The main advantage to do lower Solukhumbu trek is you don’t have to buy permits until the date. This region no permits require for trekking, traveling, and exploring the region, but the local activities, monasteries, views of the mountains and landscapes are amazing.
How to reach the trekking staring place?
Pikey – Dudhkunda trekking starting point both possibility fly and drive.
Flight: If you are thinking about flying then, fly to Phaplu airport 25 minets and drive 2 hours to Dhap and start our trekking to Pikey Dudhkunda.
Drive: Kathmandu to Dhap about 250km and approximately 7-9 hours driving bring you into the Himalaya, magic place from where you will have a wonderful mountains views including Mt. Everest.
Short Itinerary for the Pikey Dudhkunda Trek:
- Day – 01: Drive to Dhap
- Day – 02: Trek to Jhapre
- Day – 03: Trek to Pikey Base camp.
- Day – 04: Trek to Junbesi
- Day – 05: Hike to Thuptenchiling monastery.
- Day – 06: Trek to Ringmo village.
- Day – 07: Trek to Kamu Danda
- Day – 08: Trek to Saharsa Beni
- Day – 09: Hike Dudhkunda lake and trek back Kamu Danda.
- Day – 10: Trek to Takdindo.
- Day -12: Trek to Phaplu
- Day – 13: Drive back to Kathmandu.
Costing for the Pikey-Dudhkunda Trek.
- 1 Pax …………….…… USD $ 1495/-
- 2 Pax …….…………… USD $ 1175/-
- 3 Pax ……………….… USD $ 1099/-
- 4 Pax …….….……..… USD $ 999/-
- 5 Pax …………….…….USD $ 975/-
- 6 Pax and 6 + ……….USD $ 955/-
Details Itinerary, Include, Exclude, weather information, best time and for more details please log on Pikey – dudhkunda Trek.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek:
Destination: Tsum valley & manaslu Trek.
Region: Manaslu, Gorkha Nepal.
Duration: 16 – 19 days.
Activities: Trekking, Hiking & drive.
Best season: Spring and autumn.
Group size: 1 – 14 Pax in a group.
Trek starts and End: Machhakhola to Tilje.
Drive start: Kathmandu to Machhakhola.
Drive back from: Tilje to Kathmandu.
Accommodations: basic tea – houses.
Food: Basic continental & Nepali food.
Maximum altitude: 5106m Larke-La.
Trip grade: Moderate to Challenging.
Trip distance: 225 – 230km altogether.
Manaslu Tsum valley trekking is restricted area trekking. This trekking brings you to the nonviolence area, Tsum valley, were
Recently in 2023 calibrate 50th nonviolence ceremony. Tsum and Manaslu trails are the most famous cultural trails. Chumling – Chekamparo -Nile – Mugompa and Rachen monastery are the famous village and place to explore in Tsum valley trek.
Similarly Manaslu circuits treks is also very famous trekking destination among the trekkers, but still less crowd comparing others route in Nepal. Namrung – Lhow – Shyala – Pungyen Monastery, Sama – Manaslu base camp Dharmashala and larke-la pass are the main highlights of the trek.
Trekking starting from Machhakhola – Jagat – Mugompa – Sama – Larke and tilje route about 230km walking distance, 16 – 19 days and maximum altitude 5106m larkela. Drive from Kathmandu to Machhakhola and from Tilje to drive back Kathmandu, is wonderful less crowd trekking route in Nepal.
Permits require and cost:
This both trekking routes, Tsum valley and Manaslu circuit are restricted area trek and need special permit seperately, and always group trekking allowed. No chance to do solo trekking in this region. So, how much is the Manaslu and Tsum valley permits cost? Here we are explaining all the permits what need for Manaslu Tsum valley trek. This permits are per person in usd currency.
Tsum-valley (special Permits) for a week:
- September to November: $ 40/-
- December to August: $35/-
- Beyond a week each day $7/-
Manaslu circuit Trek Special Permits for a week:
- September to November: $ 100/-
- Additional per day $15/-
- December to August: $ 70/-
- Additional per day $10/-
Local government permits Per Person
- All the season single entry: $10/-
- Manaslu conservation Permit: $25/-
- Annapurna conservation permit: $ 25/-
- TIMS: $20/-
It means for a trekker in the autumn 2 weeks trekking in the restricted area need $220/- only for the permits.
How to reach the trekking starting place:
From Kathmandu, then possible with local transportation and privet jeep. If you are from another place please let us know about the local transportation, we will check and find out, the privet transportation available from any place. For more details about the transportation log on here…
Short Itinerary for Tsum valley & round Manaslu:
- Day – 01: drive to Machhakhola.
- Day – 02: Trek to Jagat
- Day – 03: Trek to Lokpa
- Day – 04: trek to Chumling
- Day – 05: Trek to Chekamparo
- Day – 06: Trek to Nile
- Day – 07: hike Mugompa and trek back to Chekamparo
- Day – 08: Trek back to Lokpa
- Day – 09: Trek to Dyang
- Day – 10: Trek to Namrung
- Day – 11; Trek to Lho/ Shyala
- Day – 12; hike to Pungyen monastery and trek to Sama
- Day – 13: discover day in Sama.
- Day – 14: trek to Samdo
- Day – 15: trek to Dharmashala
- Day – 16: trek to Bhimthaqng
- Day – 17: Trek to Goa
- Day – 18: trek to Tilje and drive back kathmandu.
Cost & group discount for Manaslu trek:
- 2 Pax …….………..… USD $ 1675/-
- 3 Pax ………………… USD $ 1550/-
- 4 Pax …………..….….USD $ 1395/-
- 5 Pax ………..…….….USD $ 1350/-
- 6 Pax and 6 + ………USD $ 1275/-
Langtang Gosaikunda Trek
Destination: Langtang – Gosaikunda Trek.
Region: Langtang National Park, rasuwa.
Duration: 12 – 14 days trekking.
Activities: Trekking, Hiking and drive.
Best season: Spring and autumn.
Group size: 1 – 14 Pax in a group.
Trek starts and End: Syabrubesi to Kutumsang.
Drive start: Kathmandu to Syabrubesi.
Drive back from: Kutumsang to Kathmandu.
Accommodations: Basic Tea-houses.
Food: Basic continental, Indian & Nepali food.
Maximum altitude: 4960m Terkuri hike.
Trip grade: Moderate trekking trails.
Trip distance: 130 – 140km trekking.
Welcome to the Langtang national park trekking. Trekking to langtang -Gosaikunda is one of the best trekking routes in Nepal. Just near Kathmandu depending on route, normally start from Syabrubesi – Langtang – Kyanjin – Gosaikunda and Lauribinayak Pass to Helambu Kutumdang and drive back Kathmandu. A best trekking if you are looking near Kathmandu.
Permits:
Permits are required for the Langtang – Gosaikunda Trekking. Langtang National Park entry fees and trekking management permits need for the trek. Here are explain all the permits what need in the Langtang trekking.
- National Park permits: Npr. 3000/-
- TIMS: USD $ 20/-
How to reach the trekking?
For the Langtang trekking, there are possible to sharing transportation and privet transportation. For more details about transportation to Syabrubesi click on here for all information.
Short Itinerary for Langtang Gosaikunda Trek:
- Day – 01: Drive to Syabrubesi.
- Day – 02: Trek to Lama Hotel.
- Day – 03: Trek to Langtang.
- Day – 04: Trek to Kyanjin.
- Day – 05: Hiking day.
- Day – 06: Trek back Lama hotel.
- Day – 07: Trek to Thulo Syabru.
- Day – 08: Trek to Sing – Gompa.
- Day – 09: Trek to Gosaikunda.
- Day – 10: Trek to Ghopte.
- Day – 11: Trek to Tharepati.
- Day – 12: Trek to Kutumsang.
- Day – 13: Drive to Kathmandu.
Cost of Langtang Gosaikunda Trek & Group Discount:
- 1 Pax ………………… USD $ 1595/-
- 2 Pax …….……..…… USD $ 1175/-
- 3 Pax ………………… USD $ 1099/-
- 4 Pax ………………… USD $ 999/-
- 5 Pax ………………….USD $ 975/-
- 6 Pax and 6 + …..….USD $ 955/-
Makalu base camp Trek
Destination: Makalu Base Camp Trek.
Region: Barun Makalu national Park.
Duration: 16 – 18 days ktm to Ktm.
Activities: Trekking, hiking and flight.
Best season: Spring and autumn.
Group size: 1 – 14 Pax in a group.
Trek starts and End: Tumlingtar to Tumlingtar.
Flight from: Kathmandu to Tumlingtar.
Drive from and end: Tumlingtar to Num.
Drive back from: from Num to Tumlingtar.
Flight back from: Tumlingtar to kathmandu.
Accommodations: Basic tea – houses.
Food: Basic Italian, continental & Nepal.
Maximum altitude: 4870m, Makalu base camp.
Trip grade: Moderate to Challenging.
Trip distance: 140 – 150km from Num.
A wonderful trekking trail towards Makalu base camp. Remote Himalayan region, 16 to 18 days trekking Kathmandu to Kathmandu and about 150km round trip from Num to back Num village. Flying from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Num about 3-4 hours and start our trekking to Makalu base camp.
Permits:
The Makalu Base Camp trekking require permits. National Park and the local government permits are required for this trek:
- National Park fee: Npr, 3000/-
- Local government: Npr. 3000/-
This is the permits fee for Makalu base camp trek.
How to reach the trekking?
Kathmandu to Tumlingtar flight about 35minutes and drive to Num about 3-4 hours, from Num start our Trekking to Makalu base camp for 14-16 days in the Himalayan valley with wonderful views.
Short Itinerary for Makalu base camp Trek.
- Day – 01: Flight to Tumlingtar and drive to Num
- Day – 02: Trekking to Seduwa
- Day – 03: Trek to Tashi Gau
- Day – 04: Trek to Khongma
- Day – 05: Trek to Dobate
- Day – 06: Trek to Yangla Kharka
- Day – 07: Trek to Langmale Kharka
- Day – 08: Trek to Makalu Base camp
- Day – 09: Hike to Swiss camp
- Day – 10: Hike to view point and trek back to Langmale kharka
- Day – 11: Trek back to Dobate
- Day – 12: Trek back to Danda Kharka
- Day – 13: Trek back to Seduwa
- Day – 14: Trek to Num and drive to Tumlingtar
- Day – 15: fly back to Kathmandu.
- Day – 16: Extra day incase…
Cost for Makalu Base Camp & Group discount:
- 1 Pax ……….……….… USD $ 2495/-
- 2 Pax …….……..…..… USD $ 1975/-
- 3 Pax ………………..… USD $ 1799/-
- 4 Pax ………………..… USD $ 1699/-
- 5 Pax ……………….…. USD $ 1650/-
- 6 Pax and 6 + ………. USD $ 1635/-
Kanchenjunga Trek
Destination: Kanchenjunga Trek.
Region: East part of Nepal.
Duration: 15- 19 days.
Activities: flight, Drive, Trekking & hikes.
Best season: Spring and autumn.
Group size: 2 – 14 Pax in a group.
Trek starts and End: Ranipul to Ranipul.
Accommodations: Basic Tra- houses.
Food: Basic Continental and Nepali.
Maximum altitude: 5144m Pangpema base camp.
Trip grade: moderate and challenging.
Trip distance: 235 – 240km trekking.
Kanchenjunga trek is located in the east part of Nepal along the Sikkim and Tibet border. There are 2 different base camps, the north base camp Pangpema 5143m altitude and south base camp Oktang is 4730 m. for both base camp trek complete need 22-26 days. Require good physical fitness at the altitude, long days, above 4000m trekking experience.
Kanchenjunga Trekking is one of the remote trails where less trekkers treks. High alpine yaks pastures, rhododendron forest, beautiful views of Kanchenjunga (8586m), Everest (the top of the world), Mt. Makalu, Janu Himal and Lhotse. Also the rich Limbu rai Tibetan influence cultures experience with flora and fauna are the main highlights of the trek. This trek mandatory organized with licensed guide and minimum 2 trekkers with basic tea – houses trekking.
Permits:
Kanchenjunga trek also the restricted region trek in the remote valley. Special permits require to complete this trek through register company and mandatory licensed guide. The cost of the Permits are like this:
- Special Permit: usd $ 20/- per week.
- KCAP: usd 30/-
- Local Government: $10/-
For complete Kanchenjunga trek you need to take 4 weeks permits, so its mean $ 120/- need.
How to reach the trekking?
Fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Taplejung – Ranipul and start trek into the mountain valley. Kathmandu to Bhadrapur flight about 40minutes and same day drive to Taplejung about 4-6 hours and stay overnight, next day drive continue to Ranipul about 5-7 housr and start trekking.
Short Itinerary for Kanchenjunga Trek.
- Day 01: Flight to Bhadrapur and Drive to Taplejung.
- Day 02: Drive to Ranipul and trek to Lamatar
- Day 03: Trek to Gyabla (kyapra) 2730 meters.
- Day 04: Trek Ghunsa (3595 meters)
- Day 05: Trek to Khangpachen 4050 meters.
- Day 06: Acclimatization (Side trip to Janu Himal Base Camp)
- Day 07: Trek to Lhonak (4780 meters)
- Day 08: Trek to Pangpema(5143 meters)
- Day 09: Day hike to Dhomo Ri View Point & Lonak
- Day 10: Trek back to
- Day 11: Trek back to Ghunsa.
- Day 12: Trek to Sele La (4290 meters)
- Day 13: Trek to Cheram (Tseram ) 3870 meters.
- Day 14: Trek to Ramche (4580 meters)
- Day 15: Hike to Oktan viewpoint and trek back to Cheram.
- Day 16: Trek to Torondin
- Day 17: Trek to Yarsang – Helek.
- Day 18: Trek to Ranipul & drive to Ilam
- Day 19: drive to Badrapur & fly
Cost and group discount:
- 2 Pax …….………..… USD $ 2299/-
- 3 Pax ………………… USD $ 2199/-
- 4 Pax ………………… USD $ 2099/-
- 5 Pax ………………… USD $ 1999/-
- 6 Pax and 6 + ..…… USD $ 1950/-
Dolpo region Trek:
Destination: Dolpo Trek
Region: West part of Nepal.
Duration: 16 days
Activities: drive/flight/trek/hikes.
Best season: spring /autumn/ monsoon.
Group size: 2 – 14 in a group.
Trek starts and End: Juphal to Juphal.
Accommodations: Basic tea – shops and camping.
Food: continental, American and Nepali.
Maximum altitude: 5310m Numa-La Pass.
Trip grade: moderate and challenging.
Trip distance: 130 – 140km Trekking.
Overview: Lower part of Dolpo is one of the last untouched trekking trails offering Himalayan beauty and ancient Tibetan culture. A beautiful deepest lake Phoksundo, rich Tibetan culture, over 5000 passes Numa-la and Baga-la, with dramatic landscapes and old monasteries make Dolpo trek unbelievable and memorable. Dolpo trails take you through Yak caravans, old traditional villages, wonderful valleys where you fixed your tent camping are the unforgettable memories in lifetime.
Permits:
There are 2 permits need for the Dolpo Trekking, which is in details here:
| S.N. | Permits | Cost in (USD) |
| 01. | Special Permits per week | $ 20/- |
| 02 | National Park Permits | $ 25/- |
How to reach the trekking?
Trekking to Dolpo start point possibility both flight and drive. Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and further flight to Juphal or changing bus and Jeeps drive about 3 days will be in Juphal and start trekking to the Himalaya.
Short Itinerary for Dolpo Trek.
- Day – 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
- Day – 02: Fly to Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel.
- Day – 03: Fly to Juphal and (2140 meters).
- Day – 04: Trek to Tarakot (2537 meters).
- Day – 05: Trek to Laina Odhar (3370 meters).
- Day – 06: Trek to Nawarpani (3475 meters).
- Day – 07: Trek to Dho Tarap (3944 meters).
- Day – 08: Trek to Numala base camp (4440 meters).
- Day – 09: Trek to Bagala Base Camp (4631 meters).
- Day – 10: Trek to Yak Kharka (3982 meters).
- Day – 11: Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3733 meters).
- Day – 12: Rest and Explore day.
- Day – 13: Trek to Chhepka (2838 meters).
- Day – 14: Trek to Juphal (2475 meters).
- Day – 15: Fly to Nepalgunj and Another flight to Kathmandu.
- Day – 16: Final departure.
Cost and group discount:
- 2 Pax ………………… USD $ 3595/-
- 3 Pax ………………… USD $ 2999/-
- 4 Pax …………..….… USD $ 2699/-
- 5 Pax ………………….USD $ 2599/-
- 6 Pax and 6 + …..….USD $ 2555/-
Upper Mustang Trek:
- Destination: Upper Mustang Trek.
- Region: Mustang Nepal.
- Duration: 13-14 days.
- Activities: Drive/ Flight/trek & Hikes.
- Best season: Monsoon / Spring & autumn.
- Group size: 2 – 14 in a group.
- Trek starts and End: Jomsom to Jomsom.
- Accommodations: basic teahouses.
- Food: Basic Continental, American and Nepali.
- Maximum altitude: 3840 Lomanthang.
- Trip grade: Moderate trekking trails.
- Trip distance: 125 – 130km trekking.
Overview:
Upper Mustang trek is striking semi-arid landscape and unique Tibetan traditions set it different even though it borders one of the most popular hiking destinations in the nation. This is also a unique Mustang trek in Nepal, emphasizing cultural discovery among breathtaking landscapes. This is the origin of adventure travel! We have been using authentic, engaging, and immersive experiences to connect travelers with the world since our inaugural Upper Mustang Trek in 1994.
Nothing is more satisfying to us than being outside, exploring the outdoors, discovering hidden locations, and interacting with the locals. Let us share our passion with you; it’s what we do best. Mustang Trekking offers a variety of distinctive and well-paced Mustang itineraries guided by amazing native experts to satisfy your passion of adventure. We travel in small groups—typically no more than 15—and look for excellent dining options and unique lodging wherever we go. Our goal is to create a venue for genuinely special moments in locations that will stay with you forever, beyond the flawless logistics and meticulous attention to detail.
Permits:
Upper Mustang is restricted area trekking and required special permits to enter Upper Mustang. It is mandatory guide and group trek at-least 2trekkrs in a group. The Permits cost per head is.
- Special permit cost: usd $ 500/- for 10 days and additional $50 each day.
- Annapurna conservation Permit: Npr. 3000/-
These are the permit fees for Upper Mustang trek.
How to reach the trekking?
There are both Drive and flight possible to reach in the trekking starting point. For more details about transportation from Kathmandu to Jomsom- kagbeni – Muktinath, log on here..
Short Itinerary for Mustang Trek:
- Day – 01: Drive to Pokhara.
- Day – 02: Drive/fly to Jomsom.
- Day – 03: Trek to Kagbeni.
- Day – 04: Trek to Chaile.
- Day – 05: Trek to Syangboche.
- Day – 06: Trek to Ghami/ Dhakmar.
- Day – 07: Trek to Lomanthang.
- Day – 08: Explore day.
- Day – 09: Trek to Yara.
- Day – 10: Explore Yara.
- Day – 11: Trek to Tangbe
- Day – 12: trek to Tetang
- Day – 13: Trek to Muktinath.
- Day – 14: Drive back to Pokhara.
- Day – 15: Drive back to Kathmandu.
Cost and Group discount:
- 2 Pax ………………… USD $ 2899/-
- 3 Pax ………………… USD $ 2699/-
- 4 Pax …………..….… USD $ 2599/-
- 5 Pax ………………….USD $ 2499/-
- 6 Pax and 6 + …..….USD $ 2399/-
What is the most peaceful trek in Nepal?
Those above mentions are the peaceful trekking route in Nepal Himalayas without crowed and still beautiful route.
Can I do a remote trek without a guide?
Some of the route you can do trek without guide but most of the place you should hire a guide for the restricted area trek, Like Manaslu – Kanchenjunga, Dolpo, Upper Mustang.
Do I need special permits for offbeat treks in Nepal?
There are not all the routes need special permit; only restricted area needs special permits. Langtang- Pikey Dudhkunda trail no need special permits.
Which Nepal trek has no crowds?
Above lists are mostly less crowed trekking routes in Nepal but still very beautiful and nice views of the mountains.
Key Notes:
- Permits: Upper Mustang, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga, Dolpo are the restricted area so need special permits.
- Guide Requirement: It is mandatory guides for restricted regions.
- Best Season: Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November). usually clear and stable weather conditions and best time for the trekking and hiking to discover the area.
Final Thought:
Nepal offers many different trekking beyond the crowds in the Himalaya. Those less crowd trekking route also provide the same magnificence of the Himalayas with peace and adventure. This experience is for your next trek in Nepal Himalayas.
For Booking and Enquiry:
Are you looking less crowed treks in Nepal? If you need help organizing your safe and adventure trek, contact us for a customized itinerary. We are always available in,
Contact Person: Niru Magar
Call: +977 – 98512-32566
WhatsApp: +977 – 98512 32566
E-mail: guideniru@gmail.com / info@ascendhikes.com
