By admin 
Nepal has numerous mountains and numerous trekking trails, but a few of them are not so celebrated like Everest and Annapurna. Still they are exceptionally excellent and quiet. If you need to go to some place not numerous individuals go, at that point these treks are best. In this article we talk about three astonishing treks in Nepal which are off the beaten path – Manaslu Tsum Valley Journey, Mardi Himal Journey, and Upper Bronco Journey. These places give you experience, nature, culture and a part of joy.
Why Go Off the Beaten Path?
Sometimes popular treks are full of crowds. Many trekkers, noise, and a busy tea house. It feels like a city on a mountain. But when you go to an offbeat place, it is more real. You see how people live, you feel the silence of nature, and walk in peace. You meet less tourists and more local people. Also, this trek is not too commercial, so things are more natural and the culture is still strong.
These treks are also good for the budget. You spend less money, but your memory is very big. If you want experience, not luxury, then this kind of trekking is the best choice.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek – Wild and Sacred Land
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is one of the best hidden treks in Nepal. It has an enormous mountain, a profound valley, and an exceptionally solid culture. This region is close to Tibet, and numerous individuals speak the Tibetan dialect and have a Buddhist convention. It was closed some time recently and is presently open, but still not many go there. So, it is exceptionally crude and quiet.Starting the JourneyThe journey begins from Soti Khola. You drive from Kathmandu to Arughat or Soti Khola; the street is bumpy but full of towns and sees. From here you walk through Machha Khola, Jagat, and Philim.There is a river, forest, suspension bridge and waterfall. The path is narrow but exciting.
Into the Tsum Valley
From Lokpa, the trail goes to Tsum Valley, which is a very special place. People live a simple life here. They have a strong religion. You can see chorten, mani wall, monastery, and even yaks on the roadTowns like Chumling, Chhokang Paro, Nile, and Mu Gompa are excellent. You walk in a valley with a tall snow mountain on the side. In Mu Gompa, only monks live. They pray and smile.
Manaslu Circuit Trail
After Tsum, you come back to the main Manaslu route. The trail goes to Lho, Samagaon, Samdo. In Samagaon, you can see Manaslu Base Camp and Birendra Lake. It is a beautiful glacier lake. Samdo is the last village before the high pass. People here are very close to Tibet.
The big challenge is Larke La Pass (5,106 meters). You walk slowly, it is high, but not very steep. After I pass, the view is wow. Snow everywhere, then slowly trail go down to Bimthang and then to Dharapani. That is where the trek finishes.
Local Life and Culture
The people of Manaslu and Tsum are Buddhist. They have a cloister, they say Om Mani Padme Murmur, and they supplicate each day. You can learn from them how to live gently.
Their house is made of stone, they drink butter tea, and sleep early. They welcome you like family.
Mardi Himal Trek – Short, Sweet and High View
Mardi Himal Trek is a short trek but very amazing. It is near Pokhara, and you can see huge mountains from exceptionally close, like Machhapuchhre, Annapurna, and Hiunchuli. The path is not swarmed like Poon Slope or ABC.It goes through forest, ridge and mountain.
How to Start
You drive from Pokhara to Kande or Phedi, then the walk begins. First is a green forest, with rhododendrons and birds. You walk slowly up to Forest Camp, then to Low Camp, then High Camp. The tea house is there, and the food is okay. You eat dal bhat, noodles, pancakes, and rest.
Reaching the Top
From High Camp, you start early to go to View Point and Mardi Himal Base Camp. It is like heaven.The sky is clear, there is a mountain in front of you, and clouds below.You take photos, drink tea, and feel very happy. Not a very hard trek but the altitude is a little high, so I walk slowly.
People and Stay
Along the trail you meet Gurung people. They smile, talk nice, and give you tea. Their culture is nice. You can learn their songs and stories. The tea house is simple but clean. You sleep in a small room with a warm blanket.
Upper Mustang Trek – Desert Behind the Mountains
The Upper Mustang trek is like a different country. It is dry, brown, windy, and full of ancient Tibetan culture. Before it was a kingdom. It was not allowed for tourists. Now open, but still need a special permit and guide. It is one of the most special treks in Nepal.
How to Reach
First you go to Jomsom, by jeep or flight from Pokhara. Then you go to Kagbeni, where you check your permit. After Kagbeni, it is Upper Mustang. You walk through Chhusang, Chele, Syangboche, Geling, Ghami, and reach Lo Manthang. All villages have old houses, prayer walls, and big skies.
The trail is dusty, but the view is amazing. You see a red cliff, an old cave, and a long river. The sun is strong but the wind is cold.
Lo Manthang – The Walled City
Lo Manthang is the old capital. It has a big wall, a small gate, and a king palace inside. Many monasteries are here like Thubchen, Jampa, and Chode Gompa. You walk around, see monks, horses, and local people in traditional dress.
You can go to Chhoser, where there is a sky cave and Nyphu Gompa. This cave is very high, and people have lived inside it for many years. It is like a secret place. It is a very quiet and powerful feeling.
People and Culture
People here are Loba, like the Tibetan. They wear chuba (long coats), they keep yak, sheep, and do farming. They eat tsampa, butter tea, and meat. Their festivals are very colorful, like the Tiji Festival in May. Mask dance, drum sound, and story of good win evil.
Compare the Three Treks
| Trek | Time | Difficulty | Culture | View | Crowded |
| Manaslu Tsum | Long (16–21 days) | Medium–Hard | Strong Buddhist | Big mountains | Very less |
| Mardi Himal | Short (4–7 days) | Easy–Medium | Gurung | Close Mountain View | Less |
| Upper Mustang | Medium (10–14 days) | Medium | Tibetan Kingdom | Desert + Mountains | Not crowded |
Each trek gives a different taste. Manaslu is wild and deep. Mardi is green and fresh. Mustang is old and dry but very rich with culture.
Food and Tea House
All the treks have tea houses. Simple but enough. You eat dal bhat, noodle, chapati, egg, momo. In Mustang you try dry meat, yak milk, and roasted barley flour.
The tea house has a room with 2 beds. Toilet sometimes inside, sometimes outside. Hot shower you pay extra. Food prices go higher when you go high.
Bring a water bottle and water purification, because bottled water is costly. Drink plenty of water.
Permits and Guide
- Manaslu Tsum Valley – need special permit, MCAP, ACAP, and guide
- Mardi Himal – only ACAP and TIMS.
- No direct is obligatory, but it is great to take.Upper Mustang—needs an extraordinary allowance ($500 for 10 days), and a direct is moreover compulsory.All treks you can book from a neighborhood office in Kathmandu or Pokhara. They offer assistance and you get grants, guides, and porters.When to GoSpring (March–May)—rhododendron blossom, warm day, clear view.
Autumn (Sept–Nov) – best time, clear sky, mountain view perfect.
Winter (Dec–Feb) – very cold, tea houses closed in high places.
Monsoon (June–Aug) – muddy in Manaslu and Mardi. Mustang is okay (less rain).
Plan your trek in the right season for the best time.
What to Pack
- Trekking boots
- Sleeping bag
- Warm jacket
- Raincoat or poncho
- Trekking pole
- Headlamp
- Gloves and hat
- Toiletries
- First aid
- Snacks and water purification
Don’t carry heavy things. Pack light but smart. Bring a camera for sure.
Real Experience Not Just Picture
These treks are not for show off. It is for feeling. It touches your heart. It teaches you how to be happy with less.A lot of people go to Everest. But if you go to Manaslu, Mardi, or Bronco, you come back a distinctive person.Conclusion: Take the Path Less WalkedIn the covered up corner, there is treasure. Manaslu Tsum Valley, Mardi Himal, and Upper Mustang—they are genuine jewels. Not many people, but a big experience.When you are tired of busy life, take a backpack and go to these places. No noise, no internet, only mountains and sky. You walk, you smile, you live.
Sometimes, the best place is not on the map. You have to go to know.
FAQs
- Can I go solo?
Mardi yes. Manaslu and Mustang no, need a guide. - How much does it cost per day?
Mardi around $30. Manaslu and Mustang $50–$70 with permit and guide. - Is it safe?
Yes, but follow the guide, go slow, and respect nature. - What is the best trek among these?
All are best. If you want culture – go Manaslu. If short – Mardi. If different – Mustang. - Do I need to be very fit?
Not super fit. But I need to walk 5–7 hours daily. Prepare a little before the trek.
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