My husband has really taken to the idea of hiking in Nepal and had originally planned to hike the Annapurna circuit next October. However, he has heard that it is a popular trek and would want to do something a little less 'busy'. I guess he would consider somewhere around the Himalayan region and being 10-20 days in length. We don't have much experience of high altitude hiking but did the Inca Trail with no problems. Does anyone have any suggestions for alternative hikes which may meet his requirements ie less busy, varied scenery, spectacular mountains.? Many thanks
1
gabbs
I did the Annapurna and also the Helambu trek. In my opinion, the Annapurna is so touisty for a reason: its probably the best. Good combination of difficulty level, scenery, culture, etc. Altough many people do it, you'll have most of the day hours with your partners alone, hiking, youll just cross bye fellow travelers or meet them at the lodges....I would do it again anytime!
contact me if you want a few pics I have to share....
2
sharonna
I have been 3 times, the Langtang Gosaikunda trek, around manaslu and 2 weeks in the Ganesh Himal. I think you have to remember that trekking in Nepal is not the wilderness experience you get in Canada. Even in the Ganesh Himal where I never saw another foreign trekker in 2 weeks some days the trail was very busy. The trails are in fact the highway system of Nepal. The Annapurna circut is reputed to be one of the best treks in the world. Go enjoy and have an open mind. Sometimes it will be busy and other times you will be alone in the mountains...enjoy the Nepali people as they are the unexpected joy of a trip to Nepal.
3
akdug
Do the annapurna circuit. I did it last October and it wasnt that crowded. The maoists have kept the tourist numbers down but dont present much of a problem.
4
daveontrek
That’s the problem with great scenery, word gets out and you find your not on your own any more. The Circuit is a classic trek and well worth doing! Okay there may be more people around than other places and as one post says the locals to get around too use the routes. Just try counting the mules you will come across.
If you want to get a bit of a flavour of the Circuit whilst also going somewhere less popular and wildly different, try flying up to Jomsom then trek to Lo Manthang in Mustang before coming back down to Jomsom and then doing the lower part of the Circuit trek to Birethanti. Two contrasting areas, Mustang is more like Tibet and has wild rugged landscapes that are barren, the people and house are also different to what you will find on the Circuit, but it will cost you a bit for a permit to Mustang.
I have images of both areas on my web site should you want to get an idea of the terrain.
Dave
My images from trekking in the Himalayas
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