The hidden gems of Nepal

With centuries-old Buddhist monasteries, ancient traditions and some of the most spectacular mountain scenery on Earth, there’s nowhere quite as soul-stirring as Nepal. Many venture here for the famous ‘bucket list’ trek to Everest Base Camp, to absorb the charismatic capital Kathmandu, or to go on safari and spot tigers in Chitwan National Park. All of these things make a trip to Nepal one to remember, but for those looking to escape the tourist hotspots, our local experts have the inside knowledge, guaranteed to make your time all the more memorable. Read through this Nepal travel guide, where we share some hidden gems to include on your once-in-a-lifetime trip – from wild and remote national parks to adventurous hiking trails.

Nepal travel guide: lesser-trodden hiking trails

Nepal is a hiking Mecca. The iconic Himalayas weave through the country, boasting many of the tallest peaks on the planet, meaning the trekking trails in Nepal are second-to-none and attract adventurous travelers the world over. A day on the trails is usually punctuated by stops at traditional tea houses, where fellow climbers and local shop owners take a break and share stories.

The iconic hike to Everest Base Camp and the diverse Annapurna Trail are the most popular hiking excursions, marking the epitome of Himalayan adventure; the Langtang Trail and Ghandruk Loop also draw ample visitors. Several other routes, however, offer a more remote and undiscovered experience for keen walkers.

The Ruby Valley is in the central Ganesh Himal region, named so for the rubies and other precious stones mined in the hillsides. Despite its relative obscurity, you’ll pass through impressive panoramic vistas on this journey; rolling hills blooming with spring flowers, thick forestland and flowing rivers, with the Himalayas’ ever-present, snow-capped peaks as your backdrop. With trekking at low altitudes (mostly less than 3,000m), it’s a great choice for newcomers to Nepal or for those worried about altitude sickness.

As you hike you’ll likely come across people of the Tamung, Gurung and Ghale hill communities which are scattered across this region – just a fraction of the wide-ranging ethnic diversity in Nepal. These ‘hidden’ village people maintain a level of traditional day-to-day routines that have been continued for generations. You can stop to share a tea or home-cooked meal, but homestays are also an option. This way you can immerse yourself in mountain living and experience the local hospitality that the Nepalese are so known for. 

For those looking to push themselves, the hike to Kanchenjunga Base Camp – the world’s third highest mountain – is the best trail for truly curbing the crowds. As you’d expect, this is a tough trek which can take from two to four weeks, leading into the lower foothills of 8,586m-high Mount Kanchenjunga. It’s strenuous and for experienced hikers with good fitness, but this barely-trodden route passes through the Arun Valley and is truly stunning and remote. It also traverses the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, taking you through beautiful flora and fauna which ascends into alpine forests, then icy landscapes as you begin the ascent to the 5,143m base camp. As you reach the summit and look out at the stretching horizon, you can count yourself among only 30-50 climbers who make the climb each year.

For a less strenuous challenge? The hike to Pikey Peak in Nepal is also lesser-trodden, yet grants trekkers breathtaking views of rhododendron forests, flower-filled meadows, and Sherpa villages. It’s for intermediate hikers, culminating to 3,680m at its highest point. At the summit, one can enjoy panoramic views of Himalayan majesty; the peaks of Mounts Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Lhotse reach through the mist. 

Bardia National Park – a wildlife alternative to Chitwan

A firm favorite in our Nepal travel guide and a hidden gem for wildlife lovers, Bardia covers the largest conservation area in Nepal’s remote western region – promising a wild and rugged safari experience without the crowds of the more popular Chitwan National Park.

There’s so much to discover in Bardia’s 374 sq mi of protected grounds. A choice of immersive jungle hikes, jeep safaris or river rafting allows you to explore the rich ecosystems that inhabit these wild lands.

Bardia is a conservation stronghold for Bengal tigers and leopards; but there are also Asian elephants, wild boars, crocodiles, an array of deer species, and the endangered one-horned rhinoceros to seek out among the bushes. Birdwatchers will also be clutching their binoculars close, as the treetops and waterways draw over 400 bird species – including the great hornbill, black ibis, and the world’s tallest flying bird, the sarus crane.

It’s not only nature and animals that make Bardia fascinating, however – a cluster of Tharu villages inhabit the surrounding areas. Cycling through the town and interacting with local goings-on here is the perfect way to see ‘real Nepal’, as few tourists venture this far out.

As Bardia is home to such untamed wilderness, you’ll need a permit and a local guide to accompany you through the park, and it’s a fair distance from Kathmandu. Our local experts in Nepal know exactly how to organize the trip and will ensure you get the most out of your visit.

Bandipur – for a charming, historical pitstop

In central Nepal, easily accessible between tourist favorte Pokhara and the capital Kathmandu, sits charming Bandipur. Essentially a single road lined with old traditional wooden architecture and no cars, this town used to be an important trade stop on the route to Tibet. As it’s slowly gaining in popularity but still overlooked by visitors, take a welcome chance to meander the quiet backstreets, explore serene temples, settle in a streetside cafe, and ponder the unique history of this once-bustling merchant town.

If staying for a day or more, take advantage of the lack of traffic by cycling through the lush fields surrounding Bandipur, perhaps to one of the neighboring villages such as Ramkot. If you’re staying overnight in one of the guest houses, an early morning trek to the viewpoint at the Thani Mai Temple takes only around 30 minutes, and is worth it to watch the sun rise over stunning mountain scenery.

The Ilam district – for tea plantations and solitude

Take a break from the trekking and mountaineering that so often dominate a trip to Nepal, and head to the eastern Ilam district. Known for its verdant tea plantations (India’s Darjeeling district is just over the border), Ilam offers endlessly rolling countryside views, with peaceful Mount Kanchenjunga watching in the distance.

Those who visit the numerous scenic tea estates in Ilam can take leisurely strolls through the plantations, learn more about the cultivation process and, naturally, sample a steaming cup of the tea itself. Kanyam Tea Garden is the most renowned in the region due to its impressive vastness; but in the lush Fikkal Tea Garden you can also buy artisanal cheese, while Mai Pokhari Tea Estate resides near the lake of the same name. The lake is a sacred pilgrimage site for many Hindu and Buddhist Nepalese, and is an inviting spot for some relaxation and respite. 

Make it happen

If this Nepal travel guide has inspired you to plan a trip with a difference, get in touch with our locally-based travel experts. They can take your ideal vision for a Nepal vacation and design an itinerary that’s perfect for you.