Off the beaten path treks in Annapurna

Visit the pristine highland pastures, alpine lakes and viewpoints with no or very few trekkers. Follow the footsteps of the highland shepherds to enjoy the Himalayan trails going off the crowd. There are still several beaten path trails in the Himalayas which are explored by few trekkers. 'Off the beaten path' treks are mostly remote, strenuous and costly as we have to carry tent accommodations, food and other equipment. However there are few off the beaten path treks in Annapurna which could be done based on homestay and community lodges. These treks are recently opened for foreign trekkers with establishment of community lodges and homestay.

Highlights of 'off the beaten path treks' in Annapurna

• • Avoids the crowd of popular trails
  • Best sustainable tourism product supporting local economy and ecology.
  • Opportunity of exploring the hidden villages, lakes and pastures accessed by very few.
  • Opportunity of cultural immersion while enjoying meals prepared by families carrying on their day to day chores.
  • Untouched Shamanistic, animistic and Tibetan Buddhist practices.

How long are the 'off the beaten path treks' in the Annapurna?

'Off the beaten path trails' in Annapurna are alternate to popular treks. So these alternate treks could be planned from 4 days to two weeks.

Annapurna is one of the most popular trekking regions in the Himalayas. However the popular trails in Annapurna are crowded with trekkers during the peak season. Here are two newly opened ‘off the beaten path treks’ in Annapurna.

1. Khopra Danda and Khyer Lake Trek

10 days based on community lodges and homestay

The Khopra danda and Khayer Lake trekking route explore the western buttresses of Annapurna South overlooking the Dhaulagiri range across Kali Gandaki valley. The trail is a good alternative to the popular Ghorepani - Ghandruk trek. This trek could be planned from 4 days to 10 days from Pokhara and back. The view points of Mohare danda (3,313 m) and Muldai viewpoint (3,637 m) are the highlights of the trek. One can hike up to the Khayer Lake at 4,640 m on a day trip from the Khopra danda.

Trek Route

The trek starts with a drive to Beni - Galeshower from Pokhara and then climbs to Ghorepani from the western route via charming Magar (ethnic group) villages. The trail passes through the forests of Rhododendron, oak and Maple trees. Mohara danda (3,313 m) is the highest point which is just a few km away from Poon Hill. The trail then branch off from Ghorepani and climbs to Khopra danda and Khair Lakde coming down to Tadapani in the classic Ghorepani - Ghandruk trail

2. Nar Phu valley trek

Hidden in the trans-Himalayan region of Annapurna, the Nar Phu valley is a piece of medieval Tibet. Totally cut off from the southern plains and the Tibetan plateaus by the daunting peaks of the Himalayas, it survived the changes its neighbors went through until the date. Nar Phu was open for western trekkers only in 2003 with special restricted area permits. The trek is rugged and challenging with high altitude mountain pass crossing. Accommodation based on homestay makes the trek cost effective as well as cozy and full of cultural immersion opportunities. With the Buddhist Mani walls, Khani gates, stupas, prayers wheel and fluttering prayer wheels, the village reflects the medieval Tibetan Buddhist glimpse. The traditional lifestyle with trading, animal husbandry and producing almost everything they need locally make this world beyond Annapurna self-sufficient.