Nepal, the “Trekker’s Paradise,” is home to 8 of 14 highest mountains in the world. The mighty Everest and Annapurna (10th highest mountain in the world) call hundreds of trekkers every year. Adventure to the base camp of Annapurna and Everest are two prominent treks in Nepal. But did you know about Sikles Trek or heard about Mardi Himal Trek? I am pretty sure that you are unaware of these treks. There are many underrated treks in Nepal, apart from Annapurna Base Camp Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek. That said, let me share the top 10 most underrated treks in Nepal.
Table of Contents
Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek Overview
- Duration– 6 to 12 days
- Highest Elevation– 4,500m, Mardi Himal Base Camp
- Accommodation– Guesthouses, Camping (at lower altitudes)
- Food– Nepali, Indian and Western
- Starting Point– Kathmandu/ Pokhara
- Ending Point– Kathmandu/ Pokhara
Mardi Himal Highlights
- off-the-beaten-path and less crowded
- closest view of Fishtail, Huinchuli, Annapurna South, and Mardi Himal
- Ridgeline adventure
A trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal, Mardi Himal Trek can be done from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Mardi Himal Trek is recently gaining popularity but is still one of the top 10 underrated treks in Nepal. Walk through lush rhododendron forest, ridgeline adventure, and closest view of Machhapuchre Himal (Fishtail)are some of the highlights of Mardi Himal Trek.
Starting the trek from Pokhara (or Kathmandu), trek to Mardi Himal is an easy and short trek. Ideal for novice trekkers, the trail to Mardi Himal is least explored and beautiful. You can enjoy stunning views of mountains like Annapurna South, Huinchuli, Mardi Himal, and Fishtail on your adventure to Mardi Himal.
Khopra Danda Trek
Khopra Danda Trek Overview
- Duration– 6 to 13 days
- Highest Elevation– 3,660m, Khopra Danda
- Accommodation– Tea House
- Food– Nepali, Indian and Western
- Starting Point– Kathmandu/ Pokhara
- Ending Point– Kathmandu/ Pokhara
Khopra Danda Trek Highlights
- off-the-beaten-path and less crowded
- Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli and surrounding peaks from Khopra Ridge.
- Visit Khayer Lake, a sacred high altitude lake, at the foot of Annapurna
Khopra Danda or Khopra Ridge Trek is yet another underrated trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. Khopra Danda trail passes through off-the-beaten-path and beautiful Gurung villages with spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Annapurna Massif, Hiunchuli, and surrounding peaks. This trek is also considered a good alternative to Ghorepani Trek.
Many trekkers opt for this trek to dodge the crowded trail to Annapurna Base Camp. Khopra Danda and Khayer Lake are two significant highlights of this trek. One can enjoy the remote trail with panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Sikles Trek

Sikles Trek Overview
- Duration– 4 to 6 days
- Highest Elevation– 2,000m, Sikles
- Accommodation– Tea House, Homestay
- Food– Nepali, Indian and Western
- Starting Point– Kathmandu/ Pokhara
- Ending Point– Kathmandu/ Pokhara
Sikles Trek Highlights
- off-the-beaten-path and less crowded
- stunning views of Lamjung Himal, Annapurna III, IV and other peaks
- Gurung village- warm hospitality and enticing culture
Sikles Trek is a newly introduced trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal. If you want to embark on a short trek in Nepal, Sikles Trek is a great option – it can be completed in just a week. This trek is an opportunity to explore Gurung villages, dwell in the local lifestyle, and enjoy their enticing culture.
Popular among Nepalese youth, Sikles Trek is a shorter and easier trek. One can marvel at the beauty of Machharpuchhre, Annapurna, Manaslu ranges, and Lamjung Himal. If you’re looking for a short trek in Nepal, I recommend Sikles Trek for you.
Api Base Camp Trek

Api Base Camp Trek Overview
- Duration– 13 to 16 days
- Highest Elevation– 4,200m, Kalidunga
- Accommodation– Tea House, Camping
- Food– Nepali
- Starting Point– Kathmandu, Dhangadi
- Ending Point– Kathmandu, Dhangadi
Api Base Camp Trek Highlights
- lesser crowded
- remote and untouched trekking area in western Nepal
- stunning views of Mt. Nandadevi, Thado Dhunga Tuppa, Api Himal, Rajamba, Kapchuli and other peaks
Api Base Camp Trek is one of the top 10 underrated treks in Nepal. Api Nampa Conservation Area and Api Himal at 7,132m are the highlights of this trek. Trek to Api Base Camp and enjoy the sheer pleasure of discovering remote landscapes, Mahakali Valley, pristine sub-tropical forests, cascading waterfalls, and alpine pasture areas.
Venture to Api Himal Base Camp to explore Api Nampa Conservation Area and marvel at the Api Himal, the highest mountain in the western region of Nepal. This trek is perfect for those of us who love to trek through secluded trails. This trek is suitable for novice as well as experienced trekkers.
Nar Phu Valley Trek
Nar Phu Valley Trek Overview
- Duration– 12 to 16 days
- Highest Elevation– 5,416m
- Accommodation– Lodge, Camping
- Food– Nepali
- Starting Point– Kathmandu
- Ending Point– Kathmandu
Nar Phu Valley Trek Highlights
- Spectacular views of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, Tilicho Peak, and Gangapurna
- Experience Tibetan culture and lifestyle
- Remote trek in Annapurna and Manaslu regions
Nar Phu Valley Trek offers unique trekking experience through the untouched valleys of Nar and Phu, to the north of Annapurna. Only a handful of trekkers venture to the valleys of Nar and Phu. The dramatic landscape, Tibetan culture, distinct Himalayan aura, quaint villages, and high passes are some of the accountable features of Nar Phu Valley Trek.
Besides, the rugged trail to Nar and Phu valleys offers impressive views of Annapurna II, Himlung Himal, and Tilicho Peak. You will come across several monasteries adorned with prayer flags amidst Himalayan landscapes. Prepare and plan for this trek, only if you want to enjoy the off-the-beaten-path trek.
Tsum Valley Trek
Tsum Valley Trek Overview
- Duration– 15 to 19 days
- Highest Elevation– 3,700m, Mu Gumba
- Accommodation– Tea House, Homestay
- Food– Nepali
- Starting Point– Kathmandu
- Ending Point– Kathmandu
Tsum Valley Trek Highlights
- Spectacular views of Hiunchuli, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Churke Himal, and surrounding peaks
- Experience Tibetan culture and lifestyle
- Remote trek in Manaslu regions (One of the remotest Himalayan valleys)
Trek to Tsum Valley, one of the remotest Himalayan Valleys in the world, and discover Tibetan land brimming with ancient monasteries, chortens, and gompas. Tsum valley in the Manaslu region of Nepal was recently opened to foreigners. The lifestyle and culture in the Tsum valley remain intact and untouched by modern civilization.
While on this trek, you will have to walk above 2,200m through the rugged trail. Admire Himalayan views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and surrounding peaks. The highest altitude on this trek is 3,700m (Mu Gumba) and hence no hassle of dealing with altitude sickness.
Pikey Peak Trek

Pikey Peak Trek Overview
- Duration– 6 to 10 days
- Highest Elevation– 3,640m, Pikey Base Camp
- Accommodation– Tea House
- Food– Nepali, Indian and Western
- Starting Point– Kathmandu
- Ending Point– Kathmandu
Pikey Peak Trek Highlights
- Spectacular views of Everest, Dhaulagiri, and Kanchenjunga
- sunrise and sunset view of Everest and other Himalayas range
- Experience local Sherpa Culture and lifestyle
If you have done Everest Base Camp Trek and Gokyo Lakes Trek, chances are you’ve had heard of Pikey Peak Trek. Pikey Peak Trek (a newly introduced trek) is a short trek in the lower Everest region that offers astounding views of the Everest including Mt. Kanchanjunga, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Ama Dablam, Makalu, Gaurishankar, Langtang, etc.
This trek to Pikey peak is also regarded as one of the best short-treks in the Everest region. The views of Everest, as seen from Pikey Hill, is considered the best view. This trek should be on your bucket list if you want to enjoy a short trek and a view of Everest.
Ama Yangri Trek

Ama Yangri Trek Overview
- Duration– 3 to 6 days
- Highest Elevation– 3,771m, Ama Yangri Peak
- Accommodation– Hotel, Lodge
- Food– Nepali, Indian and Western
- Starting Point– Kathmandu
- Ending Point– Kathmandu
Ama Yangri Trek Highlights
- Spectacular views of Langtang range, Annapurna, Manaslu and more
- peaceful hike on the less-crowded trails
- one of the shortest and easiest treks ( a day (or two) trek from Kathmandu)
Ama Yangri Trek is a never-heard trek to many of us. This trek is a recently explored or opened trek in the close proximity of Kathmandu- you can complete this trek in about 2 or 3 days from Kathmandu. What makes this trek special is the remarkable panoramic views of the Himalayas.
Also considered Hidden gems in the Helambu region, Ama Yangri Hill station at 3,771m is popular for the 360-degree views of the Himalayas. You can go on a motorcycle or by bus to Ama Yangri Peak from Kathmandu. Many trekkers acknowledge this trek as a good alternative to Poon Hill Trek.
Helambu Trek
Helambu Trek Overview
- Duration– 6 to 9 days
- Highest Elevation– 3,490m, Tharepati
- Accommodation– Hotel, Lodge
- Food– Nepali, Indian and Western
- Starting Point– Kathmandu (Sundarijal)
- Ending Point– Kathmandu (Sundarijal)
Helambu Trek Highlights
- Spectacular views of view of Langtang Lirung, Rolwaling, Gauri Shankar and Ganesh Himal
- Explore Shivapuri National Park
- Visit the Tibetan, Tamang, and Hyolmo ethnic community
Helambu Trek is one of the shortest and underrated treks in Nepal. This trek passes through rhododendron and bamboo forests and unfolds the amazing views of Langtang Lirung, Rolwaling, Gauri Shankar and Ganesh Himal. Your trek to Helambu encompasses a beautiful walk through Tamang and Sherpa villages.
Embark on this adventure to explore Shivapuri National Park, monasteries, and stupas, and Hyolmo ethnic community. On this trek, you don’t have to worry about Altitude Sickness. If you are a novice trekker, Helambu Valley awaits you to explore its grandiosity.
Mohare Danda Trek

Mohare Danda Trek Overview
- Duration– 7 to 11 days
- Highest Elevation– 3,300m, Mohare Danda
- Accommodation– Lodge, Tea House
- Food– Nepali, Indian and Western
- Starting Point– Kathmandu, Pokhara
- Ending Point– Kathmandu, Pokhara
Mohare Danda Trek Highlights
- Spectacular views of view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Himalayan range
- Astounding view from Mohare Danda
- Indulge in Gurung and Magar culture and lifestyle
I have Mohare Danda Trek on the list of lesser-known treks in Nepal for many reasons. Many international trekkers are still unaware of this trek. The most sought- after treks like Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Poon Hill Trek, Gokyo Lakes Trek and Everest Base Camp Trek has overshadowed treks like Mohare Danda Trek.
A short and rewarding trek from Pokhara, Mohare Danda Trek, is a beautiful journey to the Mohare Hill Station (Ridge) where you can revel in the breathtaking views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. You can also admire the sunrise view over the Himalayas from Mohare Danda. This fantastic trek is, without a doubt, ideal for all trekkers.
If you think I miss out any trek on the list of most underrated treks in Nepal, than please comment.
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Great Articles with all in detail of the Annapurna region trek