Top 5 Hidden Gems in Nepal: Unreal Places to Visit in Himalayas
24 Nov 2024 Chandra Gurung
Our ancestors famously said, “The mountains hide secrets deeper than oceans.” Very few people are actually aware of the truth beyond the mountains, the real treasures are hidden. Nepal is a tiny country but it is sure indeed home to some of the world’s most enchanting places and discovering these places causes spine-tingling experience.
The Himalayan range has perhaps retained immemorial countless secrets. In addition, glaciers and rivers, animal and plant habitats, and even the history behind them have secrets! This means there is a further need for someone to comprehend their message and learn it.
1. Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek
Tucked away in the extreme North region of Nepal, the Kanchenjunga trek happens to be one of the most difficult explorations that leads you to some of the remotest and untouched parts of the Himalayas.
If you’ve gone trekking before and want to enjoy something different experience accept this trek. The feeling is so unreal when you are at the top of KBC.
You don’t just get to witness the grandeur of the Himalayan region but also embrace the wilderness that surrounds and adds to its beauty.
What does Kanchanjunga symbolize?
At a height of an astounding 8,586 meters, Kanchenjunga translates to ’Five Treasures of Snow.’ The name solely refers to its five high peaks. The diverse landscapes, from lush rhododendron forests to high-altitude passes and glaciers make the trek extremely challenging. But with that comes a sense of victory and fulfillment.
For Hindus and Buddhists, these five peaks of Kanchenjunga are often said to be the manifestations of the five elements that make up life: earth, water, air, fire, and space. Many also believe the mountains to be the abode of various spiritual beings (many people find it unreal).
What views can we get from the Kanchenjunga circuit trek?
Here one will be greeted with roaring views of the Yalung Glaciers. The homely charm and peace of the Kanchenjunga region will invigorate a bizarre nostalgia of a bygone age. There is a certain charm to the Kanchenjunga trek that is, thankfully, it is still not in contact with modernity.
The day hikes through this extraordinary landscape are expected to give enviable views of some rare wildlife, including three kinds of bears-mountainous black bears, musk deer, and numerous others, including the infamous” snow leopards,” “red pandas,” etc. Various kinds of endangered bird species may also be seen.
What mountains can we see during the Kanchenjunga Trek?
Views of the Himalayas are guaranteed once you are there. The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek offers the best views and scenery of mountain peaks notably
- Tent Peak (5663 m/18684 ft),
- Mt. Kambachen (7902 m/25925 ft),
- Mt. Janu (7710 m/25300 ft).
- Not to forget the eight thousand ranges like Mt Everest (8849m / 29032ft),
- Mt. Makalu (8463 m/27,765 ft),
- Mt.Lhotse (8516 m/27940 ft) and many others.
2. Tsum Valley Manaslu Circuit Trek
The Tsum Valley Trek is the clear undefeated gem of trekking in the central Himalayas for the expedition lasting sixteen days. The beautiful landscape, amazing mountains, rich culture, and traditions of Tsum located in the Manasalu region will melt your heart.
This trek has been opened to the outer world since 2008. Recently, you might expect the unexpected here. However, Tibetan art and its influence on the culture and life in the mountains are unique experiences worth enjoying.
The clothing, bright ornaments, mystique arts, warm hospitality, and smiling faces of the local inhabitants will be etched in your memory forever. Yet at each destination, the streets, the great monasteries, and Mt. Manaslu rise high on the horizon.
Tsum Valley trekking- that’s a fabulous story to tell back home. An ancient world still untouched by the modern hand. The Tsum Valley of the Manaslu region bears this sacred relationship with the art of living handed down through its generations, which is a heavenly treat.
Why do you need help to trek to the Tsum Valley?
Any much-anticipated trip along the Tsum Valley must be undertaken by a group of at least 2 persons, with an official guide licensed for trekking. It requires a Manaslu restricted area permit, a TIMS card, an MCAP permit, and a licensed trekking instructor to march into the Manaslu Tsum valley. The best time to trek is between October and November.
Besides enjoying the peculiar Tsum Valley specialty cuisine, upon arrival, the exhilarating Tibetan tea (butter tea from yak) will not escape enjoyment. The Milarepa Cave, also called Namkading Cave, lies along the trekking circuit. This unreal meditation and introspection place is where the sage of Buddhism and spiritual poet Milarepa spent years of enlightenment.
Some famous monasteries of Tsum Valley
1. Mu Gompa
The ancient Mu Gompa signifies the valley’s cultural and religious importance in Chhokangparo. In addition to being a special place for prayers and meditation, this monastery also houses very old Buddhist scriptures and arts.
2. Rachen Gompa
The abode of only nuns, Rachen Gompa provided stunning scenic beauty from the height of 3240 meters. The serene gompa is a perfect place for meditation, prayers, and reflection.
3. Phire Monastery
Another important religious site in the isolated Tsum Valley is the Phire monastery from where you can also get a glimpse of Manaslu. It is one important place to indulge in the beautiful Buddhist architecture and culture of this region.
3. Upper Mustang
Did you know the Upper Mustang region is called the Last Forbidden Kingdom? It is because of its extremely remote location and restricted areas. Formerly known as the Kingdom of Lo, this deserted place on the Tibetan border speaks Tibetan and follows Tibetan culture.
Talking about the historical and religious aspects, the monasteries of this ancient walled city carry great religious importance. And not to forget the nearby caves with artifacts that carry a history of thousands of years.
The moment you step into Upper Mustang, you immediately get immersed in the incredible landscape, surrounded by never-ending mountains, and the charm of local rituals and traditions.
What is the Upper Mustang famous for?
Upper Mustang once used to be the ancient trade route, a part of the Silk Road that connects Nepal and India. Above all, this region of the Himalayas is well-known for helping people stay away from modernization in terms of both culture and way of living.
In 1992 however, this region was one of the most remote, harshest, and as such untapped regions that protected its enviable natural and cultural heritage. The inhabitants of that place have their own culture and way of living and even the traditional Tibetan language is used.
Moreover, there is the famous Muktinath Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Mustang which is equally worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists alike during their pilgrimage to the Thorong La Pass of Mustang.
Things to do in Mustang
- Explore Upper Mustang
- Visit the Lo Mangthang, the royal palace, and the Chossar cave
- Visit Kagbeni village
- Roam around Marpha, apple farm, and taste the local wine
- Visit the Dumba Lake in Jomsom
- Trek through the land beyond the mountains and trans-Himalayan deserted land near the Tibet border.
4. Rara Lake
Rara Lake which is the biggest freshwater lake in Nepal, astonishes everyone with its beauty. Also, most people look for trekking destinations where fewer people are present and thus Rara seems to be the best one for them. The lake stands in between the national park which has rare and precious plants and animals along with other fauna.
In current years, Rara is ranked among the top few trekking locations for numerous. Mind that as beautiful as it is, the routes to reach there are equally rough and tough. The views of the snowy mountains increase the beauty and attraction of the trek.
Reasons to visit Rara Lake
1. Biggest lake in Nepal
As we mentioned above, Rara is the biggest freshwater lake in Nepal spanning over 10.8 sq km and at a height of 2990 meters. It is worth visiting once as it lies in the middle of the extremely beautiful Rara National Park. The lake drains into the Karnali River of Mugu. Also, the natural beauty of this region is unbeatable.
2. Hiking on hills nearby
If you have seen photos of this pristine lake, it is surrounded by lush hills and mountains. So, after enjoying a fun time near the lake, if visitors are interested in hiking, they do have options. You can also enjoy the view of the lake from atop a hill that will make it look even more beautiful.
3. The town of Jumla
You can explore Jumla town which lies on the banks of the Tila River. A fun fact about Jumla is that it is one of the highest rice-growing areas in the world. The ancient royal family of Nepal apparently used to import red rice from this town. If you ever visit this place, make sure to try the local red rice with ghee.
5. Langtang Trek
For those planning a short trek from Kathmandu, you will not get a better option than Langtang. This 11-day trek gives you the best traveling experience: from visiting the Langtang National Park through some difficult terrain with amazing natural views to learning about the rich Tamang community and culture.
The deciduous forests that border the Langtang mountain create a magical sight. Besides Everest and Annapurna, Langtang has become the third most famous trekking destination. Remember that you need some sort of physical fitness since it reaches the highest elevation of 4984 meters in the glacial terrain.
Why go on a Langtang Trek?
1. Stunning scenery
Whether it’s snowy mountains like the Langtang Lirung, lush forests, or glacial lakes, the scenic beauty of Langtang will linger in your mind as long as you live.
2. Cultural experience
The trek takes you through some charming villages with ancient traditional stone houses and prayer flags. Also, you get to visit ancient Buddhist monasteries like Kyanjin Gompa and understand Buddhism better.
3. Challenging Trek
Some individuals want to take on a challenging trek and Langtang offers all of that. The steep ascents and descents, high altitude, and remote location are as challenging as one can think of.
Conclusion
There are so many hidden gems beyond the Himalayas in Nepal eagerly waiting to be discovered. Within the Himalayas lies a history, spiritual legends, nature as old as the earth, and places that resemble ones from mythical stories. Undiscovering these gems will allow you to have an entirely different perspective about Nepal; and how this tiny country houses such enigma.
After learning about these places, you might want to know more about such hidden gems of Nepal. If you do, please contact Manaslu Guide where we will explain to you about more such amazing places.
FAQs
1. What is Kagbeni in Mustang famous for?
Ans: Kagbeni, a small village in Mustang is considered a very important religious site for Hindus. The river bank in this village is famous for ‘pitri-puja’ or ‘pitri-moksastala’ (meaning performing puja in the name of dead ancestors to help them attain salvation). Many believe that doing so will remove the lost souls of ancestors from hell and take them to heaven which will result in the goodness of all the family members.
2. What is the easiest option to get to Rara Lake?
Ans: Taking a flight will be the easiest option for anyone wanting to go to Rara but can not trek. You can take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Talcha or Jumla. Alternatively, you can also get a flight from Surkhet Airport to Talcha. From, there, it is an easy way to get to your destination, Rara Lake.