Nestled within Nepal's towering peaks of the Himalayas lies a region that has captured the hearts of adventurers and trekkers for decades – the Everest Base Camp (EBC). The iconic trek to Everest Base Camp has long been a top trekking destination in the Himalayas, with breathtaking landscapes, rich Sherpa culture, and the allure of standing beneath the world's highest peak.
However, those seeking a different, less-trodden path that promises equally breathtaking views and cultural encounters can go through this blog. In this blog, we have introduced the best alternative to the EBC trek, including some lesser-known trails. Both beginner and experienced trekkers will find something for themselves.
Nepal has numerous trekking routes all over the Himalayas, and among them, we have hand-picked six treks that offer a lifetime experience. Do note that the options are beyond these six packages. If you wish to customize a trek in Nepal as per your requirement, we highly suggest you talk to our team at [email protected].
So, if you're an intrepid traveler seeking an alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek in Nepal 2024 – one that promises the thrill of discovery and a more intimate connection with the stunning Himalayan landscape – stay tuned. This blog will unfold the narrative of a trekking adventure beyond Everest, allowing you to explore the less-visited trails of the Himalayas.
Top 8 Alternatives to Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal
Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake Trek
Price: USD 1,190 per person
Duration: 11 days
Maximum altitude: 5,033 m/16,500 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Trek starting/ending point: Syabrubesi/ Dhunche
Best time: Spring & Autumn
The Langtang Valley and Gosaikunda Lake trek is a popular trekking route in the Langtang region of Nepal and a great alternative to the EBC trek. This trekking region is located near Kathmandu, making the trailhead very accessible. The trek offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush green forests and terraced fields to alpine meadows and towering peaks.
Kyanjin Gumpa Before Earthquake
The Langtang Valley is known for its rich cultural heritage and friendly Tamang community. You will be trekking through dense rhododendrons and bamboo forests, enjoying picturesque backdrops. The Langtang River accompanies trekkers, and the valley is surrounded by snow-capped peaks like Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Dorje Lhakpa, Sishapangma, etc.
It is an 11-day trek in Nepal, and on the mountains, you will spend nights in the villages along the trail. Kyanjin Gompa (3,860 m/12,664 ft) is the highest settlement, and Tserko Ri (5,033 m/16,500 ft) is the highest point in the Langtang Valley. From here, the trail continues to the holy Gosaikunda Lake, situated at 4,380 meters (14,370 m). The lake was created by the Hindu Lord Shiva.
During the Janai Purnima festival, many pilgrims visit this lake to take a bath and worship. Likewise, the beauty of the lake also attracts a good number of trekkers every year. To make the Langtang Gosaikunda Lake trek adventurous, you can extend the itinerary to the Helambu region via the Laurebina pass.
Annapurna Base Camp Trek
Price: USD 1,190 per person
Duration: 13 Days
Maximum altitude: 4,130 m/13,550 ft
Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult
Trek starting/ending point: Hile/Siwa
Best time: Spring & Autumn
The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC) trek is one of the most popular and scenic treks in Nepal after Everest Base Camp. This trek explores the Annapurna region and presents stunning mountain panoramas and intimate interactions with the locals. The Annapurna Base Camp trekking route is well established, with ample lodges to cater to the trekkers, making it the best alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek.
The Annapurna Base Camp trek often begins from Nayapul or Phedi, both accessible by road from Pokhara. The trek offers a variety of landscapes, from lowland villages with terraced fields to dense forests of rhododendron and bamboo. As you ascend, the scenery transforms into alpine meadows surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Annapurna Base Camp, 4130m
Along the way, you'll encounter diverse ethnic communities, including Gurungs and Magars, and have the opportunity to experience their unique cultures and traditions. Many ABC treks include a side trip to Ghorepani and Poon Hill. You can select the itinerary as per your wish. We organize a short 7-day ABC trek to 15 days.
At 4,130 meters, Annapurna Base Camp is the base of the tenth-highest mountain in the world, and trekking to this point is a huge achievement!
Annapurna Circuit Trek
Price: USD 1,530 per person
Duration: 12 Days
Maximum altitude: 5,416 m/17,769 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trek starting/ending point: Dharapani/Jomsom
Best time: Spring & Autumn
The Annapurna Circuit Trek is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, cultural diversity, and challenging yet rewarding trails. For Trekkers who are looking for a comprehensive Himalayan experience, Annapurna Circuit is the best option. This trek lets you experience a little bit of everything, and you can extend the trek to gorgeous Tilicho Lake.
You can do the Annapurna Circuit trek in 12 to 15 days and extend the trek further if you wish to spend more time in the mountains and explore the hidden corners. The trek often begins in Besisahar and follows the Marsyangdi River valley before gradually ascending to higher elevations.
Trekkers at Throng-La Pass, 5416m
Traversing terraced fields, subtropical forests, alpine meadows, and rocky gorges, ascend to Thorong La pass (5,416 m/17,769 ft). Thorong La is the highest point of the Annapurna Circuit trek. It requires a challenging but exhilarating ascent and offers a captivating mountain panorama of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges from the top.
After crossing the pass, the trek descends to Muktinath (3,762 m/12,343 ft), a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and Buddhists. Further, descend through the windy Kali Gandaki Gorge, known as the world's deepest gorge, and reach Jomsom (2,743 m/8,999 ft), where the trek ends and fly back to Pokhara.
Khopra Danda Trek
Price: USD 980 per person
Duration: 10 Days
Maximum altitude: 4,500 m/14,760 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Trek starting/ending point: Nayapul/Hile
Best time: Spring & Autumn
The Khopra Danda Trek is a relatively lesser-known but stunning trekking route in the Annapurna region. The highlight of the trek is reaching Khopra Ridge and the holy Khayer Lake, which provides one of the best vantage points for observing the surrounding peaks. Our Khopra Danda trek itinerary also includes Poon Hill, which makes the journey more fantastic.
You also have the option to only trek to Khopra Danda. The trail passes through terraced fields, rhododendron forests, and lovely villages, offering a mix of cultural and natural experiences. Enjoy magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trekking route is not crowded at all.
Annapurna and Nilgiri Mountain View
The Khopra Danda trek promotes community-based tourism, and accommodations along the route are often in community lodges, contributing to the local economy. Khayer Lake, at 4,500 meters (14,760 ft), is the highest point of this trek and offers serene surroundings and an incredible mountain landscape from here.
Manaslu Circuit Trek
Price: USD 919
Duration: 15 Days
Maximum altitude: 5,106 m/ 16,752 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trek starting/ending point: Machha Khola/Chamje
Best time: Spring & Autumn
The Manaslu Circuit Trek provides a less crowded alternative to the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek. It is a 15-day trek, and you also have an option to extend the trek to hidden Tsum Valley. The trail traverses a variety of landscapes, including lush subtropical forests, terraced fields, alpine meadows, and high mountain gorges.
The Manaslu Circuit trek circumnavigates Mount Manaslu, the eighth-highest peak in the world, offering stunning landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and encounters with traditional Tibetan-influenced villages. Following the Budhi Gandaki River, you will trek, crossing suspension bridges and passing through picturesque villages.
Explore remote villages like Lho and Samagun. Hike to ancient Pun Gyen Gompa and Manaslu Base Camp via Birendra Lake. And ultimately cross the challenging Larkya La pass (5,106 m/ 16,752 ft), the highest point of the Manaslu Circuit trek. Do note that the Manaslu Circuit is a strenuous trek and is only recommended to experienced trekkers.
Also, it is a restricted area trek in Nepal, so the permits are a bit more expensive than famous trekking routes in Nepal. The Manaslu Circuit trek route does not get crowded even during the peak trekking seasons. You have to follow some special rules to do this trek.
Upper Mustang Trek
Price: USD 2,365 per person
Duration: 15 Days
Maximum altitude: 3,950 m/12,959 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Trek starting/ending point: Jomsom
Best time: Spring, Summer/Monsoon & Autumn
If you are looking for a culturally rich trekking route, then the Upper Mustang trek in Nepal is your answer. Known as the Last Forbidden Kingdom, Upper Mustang was restricted to foreigners until 1992, contributing to its preserved Tibetan culture and ancient traditions.
The Upper Mustang trek offers a captivating journey through arid landscapes, medieval villages, and ancient monasteries, providing a glimpse into a world that seems frozen in time. The trek typically starts in Jomsom, which is accessible by a short flight from Pokhara.
The Upper Mustang trail takes trekkers through the high-altitude desert landscape of the Mustang region, featuring eroded canyons, colorful rock formations, and barren hills. The trek's main destination is Lo Manthang (3,840 m/12,598 ft), the Walled City. It is adorned with ancient monasteries, palaces, and traditional mud-brick houses.
The Upper Mustang region is home to numerous Buddhist monasteries, including Ghar Gompa, Lo Gekar, and Jampa Gompa, with ancient wall paintings and sacred artifacts. Likewise, you will explore sky caves and follow the Kali Gandaki River gorge towards the end of the trek to reach Jomsom, where the journey ends.
The Upper Mustang trek is also a restricted area trek in Nepal. It is a difficult trek and can also be done in the rainy season as the upper part of the region falls under the rain shadow area. The trail crosses many 3,000-meter to 3,500-meter mountain passes, including Lo La Pass (3,950 m/12,959 ft).
Gokyo Lakes Trek
Price: USD 1,460 per person
Duration: 12 Days
Maximum altitude: 5,357 m/17,575 ft
Difficulty: Difficult
Trek starting/ending point: Lukla
Best time: Spring & Autumn
Gokyo Lakes trek is a fantastic trekking package in the Khumbu region (Everest region) if you are looking to avoid the mainstream EBC trail and trek in a less crowded area. Like any other trek in the Khumbu region, the Gokyo Lakes trek also starts with a thrilling flight to Lukla (2,860 m/9,383 ft) and ascends to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m/11,286 ft) before following a different route to Gokyo Valley.
The trail takes trekkers through lush forests, picturesque Sherpa villages, and across high suspension bridges. You will get to witness stunning views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Thamserku, Cholatse, Cho Oy, and many other mountains.
Gokyo Lake, Everest
You will encounter a series of beautiful glacial lakes, known as the Gokyo Lakes (4,500 m to 5,000 m), towards the upper part of the trail. Spend the night in beautiful Gokyo Village and hike to Gokyo Ri (5,357 m/17,575 ft), a vantage point. To make the trek more adventurous and challenging, you can combine the Cho La or Renjo La pass in the itinerary or even extend the trail to EBC.
Our Gokyo Lakes trek itinerary involves gradual acclimatization, with strategic rest days and altitude gains to minimize the risk of altitude sickness. You can complete the trek in 12 days. It is a bit of an offbeat trek, so we recommend having previous hiking or trekking experience.
Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek
Price: USD 2,365 per person
Duration: 22 days
Maximum altitude: 5,143 m/16,73 ft
Difficulty: Strenuous
Trek starting/ending point: Taplejung/Khebang
Best time: Spring & Autumn
The Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek is an adventurous and remote trekking route in the eastern part of Nepal. It is one of the less explored trekking routes in the Himalayas and is very demanding. Likewise, the Kanchenjunga Circuit is a long trek and takes up to 22 days to complete. This trek is for true adventure lovers who are up for a real Himalayan challenge and push their limits.
You will begin the Kanchenjunga Circuit trekking via dense forests and ascend to the base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga. It is the third-highest mountain in the world. On the way, spend nights in a remote village with very limited facilities. As the Kanchenjunga Circuit is a teahouse trek and rarely visited by travelers, facilities are very low.
You will be trekking within the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, which is home to a rich biodiversity, including unique flora and fauna. Moreover, Kanchenjunga is also a restricted area in Nepal as it shares a border with India. The trek involves crossing high mountain passes, including the Sele La Pass and Sinion La Pass, which provide spectacular views of the surrounding landscapes.
Overall, the Kanchenjunga Circuit trek is a challenging yet rewarding adventure for those seeking a wilderness experience, diverse landscapes, and cultural immersion in a less-explored region of the Himalayas.
Why Trek in Nepal with Green Society Adventure?
At Green Society Adventure, we bring to you a legacy of experience spanning decades in the mountains. Our friendly team of guides and staff members are not just professionals; they are passionate trekkers and climbers with an intimate knowledge of Nepal's diverse terrain, ensuring that every trek is well-guided and safe.
We believe in making the magic of the mountains accessible to all. We offer the best cost for our treks without compromising on the quality of service. Our transparent pricing ensures that you get the most value for your investment.
We take pride in providing a top-notch service that goes beyond expectations. From well-planned itineraries and comfortable accommodations to delicious meals prepared with care, our attention to detail ensures that every aspect of your trek is seamlessly arranged.
Likewise, our guides are certified professionals with extensive first-aid training, and our equipment is regularly inspected to meet the highest safety standards. We assure you a safe trekking journey in Nepal with no hidden costs or policies.
Whether you are looking for an alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek or wish to do the Everest Base Camp trek, we will help you make your dream trekking adventure in the Himalayas true with our team's solid support.
Choose Green Society Adventure for a trekking experience that transcends the ordinary. Let us be your gateway to the majestic landscapes, vibrant cultures, and unmatched adventures that await in the heart of the Himalayas in Nepal!
Raj is an enthusiastic traveler who enjoys discovering new places and breathtaking natural beauty. He was born and raised in the mountain town of Gorkha, and he has done most of the trekking routes in Nepal. Follow him on Facebook
