When viewing trekking experiences in Nepal, many people view trekking in the Everest and Annapurna regions. Nepal does have trekking routes just as spectacular (and less travelled to) as the trekking areas mentioned. These misfit trekking areas offer the same important cultural experiences, beautiful nature, and wilderness experience we are losing to day. Whether you are searching for holy lakes, high mountain passes, or indigenous culture, you are sure to find your new adventure trail among these misfit trekking routes.

Here are some of the top trekking routes outside of the Everest and Annapurna regions:

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1. Manaslu Circuit Trek

• 🏞️ Region: Manaslu Conservation Area
• ⛰️ Max Altitude: 5,160m (Larke La Pass)
• 🕓 Duration: 14–18 days
• ⭐ Highlights: Remote tibetan villages, larke pass, views of Mount Manaslu (8,163m)
• 🔒 Permits: Restricted Area Permit + MCAP + ACAP + Guide mandatory
• 🧭 Difficulty: Strenuously tiring

This trek rivals the Annapurna Circuit in terms of scenery and cultural diversity but with far fewer trekkers. It’s ideal for experienced hikers seeking an adventurous route.

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2. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

• 🏞️ Region: Eastern Nepal
• ⛰️ Max Altitude: 5,143m (Pangpema/KBC)
• 🕓 Duration: 20–26 days
• ⭐ Highlights: Wild terrain, Rai/Limbu culture, views of the world’s 3rd highest mountain
• 🔒 Permits: Restricted Area Permit + Guide required
• 🧭 Difficulty: Strenuously tiring

This is one of Nepal’s most remote and wildest treks, taking you to the base of the majestic Kanchenjunga.

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3. Upper Mustang Trek

• 🏞️ Region: Mustang District (Trans-Himalaya)
• ⛰️ Max Altitude: 3,810m (Lo Manthang)
• 🕓 Duration: 12–15 days
• ⭐ Highlights: Walled city of Lo Manthang, Tibetan Buddhist culture, desert-like scenery
• 🔒 Permits: Restricted Area Permit (USD 500 for 10 days) + ACAP + Guide required
• 🧭 Difficulty: Moderate

A cultural and historical journey through the former Kingdom of Mustang—perfect for those intrigued by Tibetan Buddhism and Himalayan heritage.

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4. Rolwaling Valley Trek

• 🏞️ Region: Gauri Shankar region (between Everest and Langtang)
• ⛰️ Max Altitude: 4,580m (Tsho Rolpa Lake); 5,755m (Tashi Lapcha Pass – optional)
• 🕓 Duration: 10–18 days
• ⭐ Highlights: Tsho Rolpa Lake, remote Sherpa villages, Gauri Shankar
• 🔒 Permits: GCAP + TIMS (+ climbing permit for Tashi Lapcha)
• 🧭 Difficulty: Moderate to Technical

A rugged, spiritual, and isolated trek ideal for adventurous souls.

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5. Upper Dolpo Trek

• 🏞️ Region: Far Western Nepal
• ⛰️ Max Altitude: 5,190m (Kang La Pass)
• 🕓 Duration: 20–27 days
• ⭐ Highlights: Shey Gompa, Phoksundo Lake, Bonpo and Tibetan culture
• 🔒 Permits: Expensive RAP (~USD 500+) + Guide mandatory
• 🧭 Difficulty: Strenuously tiring

Remote and starkly beautiful, this is Nepal’s most isolated high-altitude trek through semi-arid wilderness and ancient monasteries.

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6. Makalu Base Camp Trek

• 🏞️ Region: Eastern Nepal (Makalu Barun National Park)
• ⛰️ Max Altitude: 5,000m+
• 🕓 Duration: 18–22 days
• ⭐ Highlights: Makalu (8,485m), Barun Valley, rarely seen wildlife, alpine wilderness
• 🔒 Permits: Makalu Barun National Park Entry + TIMS
• 🧭 Difficulty: Strenuously tiring

For nature lovers and solitude seekers, this trek offers vast biodiversity and exceptional mountain vistas.

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7. Langtang Valley + Gosaikunda + Helambu Trek

• 🏞️ Region: Langtang National Park
• ⛰️ Max Altitude: 4,610m (Lauribina Pass)
• 🕓 Duration: 10–14 days
• ⭐ Highlights: Glacial valleys, sacred lakes, Tamang and Sherpa culture
• 🔒 Permits: Langtang National Park + TIMS
• 🧭 Difficulty: Moderate

Closer to Kathmandu, this circuit blends natural splendor with cultural insight—ideal for shorter treks with high rewards.

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8. Nar Phu Valley Trek

• 🏞️ Region: Manang (north of Annapurna)
• ⛰️ Max Altitude: 5,320m (Kang La Pass)
• 🕓 Duration: 9–12 days
• ⭐ Highlights: Isolated Tibetan villages, ancient monasteries, restricted area charm
• 🔒 Permits: RAP + ACAP + Guide required
• 🧭 Difficulty: Moderate to Exhausting

This hidden Himalayan valley offers a remote trekking experience without the crowds of Annapurna.

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9. Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek

• 🏞️ Region: Dhaulagiri Range
• ⛰️ Max Altitude: 5,360m (French Pass)
• 🕓 Duration: 17–21 days
• ⭐ Highlights: Remote glacier crossings, Dhaulagiri Base Camp, high passes
• 🔒 Permits: ACAP + TIMS
• 🧭 Difficulty: Strenuously tiring (requires technical support and camping)

An expedition-style trek for seasoned hikers craving a remote alpine adventure.

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🔚 Summary Comparison Table

Trek	Region	Max Altitude	Duration	Difficulty	Special Permits
Manaslu Circuit	Central	5,160m	14–18 days	Strenuous	Yes (RAP)
Kanchenjunga BC	East	5,143m	20–26 days	Very Strenuous	Yes (RAP)
Upper Mustang	North	3,810m	12–15 days	Moderate	Yes (RAP)
Rolwaling	Central	5,755m*	10–18 days	Moderate–Tech	Yes
Upper Dolpo	West	5,190m	20–27 days	Very Strenuous	Yes (RAP)
Makalu BC	East	5,000m+	18–22 days	Strenuous	Yes
Langtang–Gosaikunda	Central	4,610m	10–14 days	Moderate	No RAP
Nar Phu Valley	Annapurna	5,320m	9–12 days	Moderate+	Yes (RAP)
Dhaulagiri Circuit	West	5,360m	17–21 days	Very Strenuous	No RAP