Nepal is not just Everest and Annapurna. Some trails hiding in corners of the Himalayas got more magic, fewer people, and stories in the air. These treks are not very famous, but they are full of nature, culture, and tough beauty. We talk here about three treks: Upper Mustang Trek, Mardi Himal Trek, and Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek. They are all different, like the mood of a mountain. We start from easy and go to extremes.
Mardi Himal Trek:
The Mardi Himal Trek is not a long one, but it still has a big feel. This trek hides on the side of the famous Annapurna, but not so many people have walked here before. Now it is getting a little popular but is still a quiet place.
The trail starts from Kande, near Pokhara. The first day was already nice. Through the forest, rhododendrons bloom in spring. The path is clear, lodges are there, and it’s not too hard to climb. Each day you see the mountain come closer, like it is walking toward you.
Mardi Himal Base Camp is not like Everest Base Camp, but the view is booming! Machapuchare (Fishtail) mountain stands tall and proud. Snow shines everywhere. It feels like heaven on earth but is easy to reach.
This trek is good for first-timers who want a Himalayan view but not a heavy climb. It’s short, usually 5 to 7 days. And altitude is also not too high, around 4,500 meters. So not too much worry about sickness.
Things to Love
- Green forest and red rhododendron.
- Close-up mountain without a crowd.
- Can do solo or with a guide.
- Lodges with dal bhat and smile.
Mardi Himal Trek is a good start. It makes you fall in love with Nepal, and then you want more.
Upper Mustang Trek:
Now we go deeper. Upper Mustang Trek is not hard like Manaslu, but it is far and feels like another world. It was closed before, like a secret. Now people can go but need special permits, which are also expensive. But worth every rupee.
The upper Mustang is dry and desert-like, not like the green side of Nepal. It is near Tibet, and the culture is the same. People speak the Tibetan language, live in white houses, and pray with big wheels.
Start from Jomsom after flying from Pokhara. Lo Manthang is the main place, an old kingdom with a king and a palace. It feels like time stops here.
Mountains are there, but different. People live simple lives, still doing prayer every morning, spinning wheels, and burning incense.
Walking here is not super tough, but wind and dry air make it tiring. The trail is open sky, sometimes with no trees at all. The best time is spring and autumn, when there is no rain and it is not too cold.
Things to Love
- Culture like Tibet but in Nepal.
- Lo Manthang with an old wall and monastery.
- Caves in cliffs with mystery.
- Wind, silence, space to think.
It is not just about walking but learning. About people who live on the edge of the world and smile without reason.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek:
Now comes the hard one. The Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek is the real deal. Long days, high altitude, wild trails. But also peace, kindness, and deep meaning.
Tsum Valley is a secret place inside the Manaslu region. It opened not many years ago. People there follow Buddhism strongly. Monks live in caves and meditate for years.
Start the trek from Arughat or Soti Khola. The first few days were hot, jungle, river crossing, and rocky paths. Slowly go up, and you enter Tsum Valley. Villages like Chhokangparo and Nile are simple and silent.
Gumba Lungdang is a special place—a monastery on top with a prayer flag and nuns chanting. From there, you can go to Ganesh Himal Base Camp if you want. Not many people go.
After Tsum, rejoined the Manaslu Circuit. The trail goes up to Larke Pass—5,106meters. That part is tough. Snow, wind, and a long day. But the view from the top is mad good—Himalayas everywhere.
This trek takes 18 to 22 days. Long, but you see so much—jungle, river, snow, culture, prayer. And people are so kind.
Things to Love
- Tsum Valley monasteries and monks.
- Larke Pass crossing is like an adventure.
- Fewer people, more peace.
- Wild nature, pure and raw.
This trek is for those who want a challenge but also a spiritual journey. Not easy, but life-changing. You leave behind your phone and rush and come back to a new person.
Ranking from Easy to Extreme
Now let’s say it straight:
- Mardi Himal Trek – Easy to Moderate
Good for the first trekker. Not high risk. Short time. Big mountain view.
- Upper Mustang Trek – Moderate
It’s not a very hard walk, but the dry wind and sun make it tiring. Permits cost a lot. Culture and nature are very unique.
- Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek – Hard
Long, remote, altitude problem possible. But most rewarding. Mix of spiritual and physical challenge.
Why Choose Hidden Treks?
Because Everest is crowded. Annapurna is famous. But these treks are different. You walk in silence. You meet locals who are not tired of tourists. You feel the mountain, not just look at it.
Also, these treks are still pure. Trails are wild. Villages are original. You do not see a menu with pizza but real dal bhat from a farmer’s hand.
For those who want real Nepal—go to hidden treks. Walk with an open heart. Smile at strangers. Breathe cold air. Watch stars without noise.
Tips for Trekking These Routes
- Go with a guide for Manaslu and Upper Mustang—because of permits and remoteness.
- Mardi Himal can be done solo—the trail is marked and short.
- Pack warm even in spring—mountains don’t care about the season.
- Drink safe water—use filters or buy boiled.
- Walk slowly in high places—no need to rush. Altitude is a patient killer.
- Eat well, sleep early, and listen to the mountain.
When to Go
The best seasons for all are March to May and September to November. Spring has flowers. Autumn has a clear sky. Mustang is also okay in monsoon because it is a dry region.
Conclusion
Mardi Himal, Upper Mustang, and Manaslu Tsum Valley—all three are not the same, but all give something strong. One is fresh and pretty. One is ancient and quiet. One is tough and deep.
You can start from Mardi Himal. Taste the mountain. Then go to Mustang—see the mystery. Then prepare and take on Manaslu and Tsum—walk to silence.
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