The Far West is one of the least explored areas of Nepal. Its area is bounded to the east by the mighty, turquoise Karnali River that flows from Tibet’s sacred Mount Kailash. Myth and superstition remain part of the fabric of life here. Though the Nepali language originated here, it seems a distant world from ‘modern’ Nepal.One Nepali visitor described his visit as “fascinating, like travelling back to the 18th century.” Along the trails you may meet a turbaned Dhami, a shaman, with silver-bangled limbs and gold-ringed ears, who are still depended on for treating sickness.
Organised tourism has so far been limited to Khaptad National Park, the only national park in the mid-hills of Nepal and held dearly by conservationists. Gentle hills, pristine forests and abundant wildlife with a snow-covered backdrop of the Nampa, Api and Saipal peaks make for beautiful trekking. It’s also a holy place associated with Khaptad Swami, a great ascetic who was renowned for his wisdom. He lived to be 110 and people travelled from far to receive blessings from him in his cave dwelling. The Jestha Purnima (June full-moon) festival attracts thousands to Tribeni, at the confl uence of three rivers, to worship at Shiva’s shrine.
The lower route of the GHT passes just to the north of here and it will one day connect Rara with the trail in India. Trekking here is less easy than elsewhere—porters are difficult to find and current maps lack detail. With patience however, and a sense of adventure, you’ll find your journey into this forgotten world to be an experience you’ll never forget.
During the Dashain festival, bull fighting, sadey judhai, takes place with the animals fuelled with rice-wine. The loser becomes dinner and the winner enjoys a year with the cows. You’ll see only the Chamar people, close to the border with Humla, celebrate in this way. Legend says you can see all of Tibet reflected in the crystal clear waters of Rara Lake. While that might be a slight exaggeration, it has accurately been described as “a shimmering blue jewel set in a ring of snowy peaks.” Rara National Park protects rugged hills forested with ancient blue pine, spruce and cedar. Its visitors are more often birds than people and it becomes busy in November and April when ducks, cormorants and other birds land here during their seasonal migration.
In some ways, this is the ancient heart of Nepal—the nearby Sinja Valley is where the earliest examples of Nepali written script from the 13th century were found on cliff walls. The Malla or Khasa kingdom, which reigned in the 12th to 14th centuries, had its capital here and the ruins of its temples are there to be explored. You’ll see ‘Malla stones’—tall pillars of rock inscribed with images of the sun and moon— all around this area.
The Great Himalaya Trail’s lower and upper routes cross at Rara Lake. The ancient salt route to Humla and Taklakot heads northwest from here. Southwest, via the ancient royal highway, the lower route leads through the less explored far west to the border with India. To the north, and for the truly curious adventurer, lie the lost land of Mugu and the seldom travelled high route to Dolpa.
To the east, the lower route ambles through Jumla and some of Nepal’s highest red Kala Marci rice growing areas, making an enchanting entrance into lower Dolpa. It is also a cultural crossroads. A fascinating aspect of travel in this region is the ‘blurring’ between Hindu, Buddhist and ancient shamanic practices, as well as styles of living as seen in dress and architecture. While facilities are still basic, the area is an adventurer’s dream—authentic culture, a wealth of natural beauty and the trails largely to yourself.
“It was so rich. The rhododendron forests had the most vibrant colours I’ve ever seen – from scarlet and fuchsia to the purest white. It is the prettiest hike I’ve done in a long time”- Robbie Klimek, a Makalu Summiteer, USA.
“Almost from the moment we left Gamgadhi, I felt like we’d moved back not just decades, but centuries” – Ed Douglas, journalist and author.
The Annapurna range is an enormous 55km long chain of six mountains over 7,200m including Annapurna I, the world’s 10th highest mountain. These mountains receive almost double the average annual precipitation, making them some of the most dangerous to climb, and this fuels the visually stunning mighty glaciers that tumble far into the valleys below.
It is as if all this immensity is by design to protect the mystical ‘Kingdom of Lo’, or Mustang, lying hidden behind, which in contrast remains arid, untouched by the summer monsoon rains. Here is a last living example of pure Tibetan culture. The capital of this spiritual land is Lo Manthang, meaning “The Southern Plains of Aspiration” and here, vivid green fi elds, ochre-daubed monasteries burst out of the barren desert landscape. Visit this area during the demon-chasing Teej festival for a dazzling cultural experience. For independent trekkers, the Annapurnas are by far the most popular and the Annapurna Circuit is surely one of the world’s favourite treks—it’s easily accessible, the views are incredible and can be enjoyed with a delicious piece of apple pie in one of the many comfortable lodges.
Times are changing though and road construction, welcome for local communities, is bringing modernity and dust into the landscape. However, creative guides are taking the curious back in time to the magical medieval villages of Nar and Phu, over the high trail of Kang La with its breathtaking views, and up to the frozen Tilicho Lake. Even in Nepal’s most trekked places, a trail less travelled is never far away.
“Phu is a tiny settlement just near the border with Tibet. When I fi rst walked towards this little village it felt almost like magic” Billi Bierling, climber.
On a clear day in Kathmandu, bright white peaks rise over the forested ridges of the Shivapuri National Park as if curious to see what is going on in the bustling city. You can literally walk out of the Kathmandu valley towards these mountains and into the Helambu and Langtang trekking areas. Helambu, is a beyul (hidden valley) one of 108 sacred Himalayan valleys, places of peace and refuge revered by Tibetan Buddhists. The welcoming Sherpas, distance relatives of the Sherpas of Everest, call themselves Hyalmo after the name of their beyul.
Here is a green and pleasant land of quiet villages, terraced slopes and pine forests leading upto the Langtang National Park. It’s perfect for relaxed trekking. Many small and secluded holy lakes are found around here. At Gosainkunda, under August’s full moon, you can witness Hindu followers of Shiva bathing in its icy waters before changing their sacred Janai thread. The Great Himalaya Trail passes over into Langtang, via the challenging 5308m Tilman Pass from where you can see right into Tibet. The descent delivers you into another, very different beyul, of glaciers and majestic snowy peaks of which Langtang Lirung at 7227m is the shining star. Take time to explore this stunning landscape and keep alert for signs ofsnow leopard. If it’s autumn, stop in Kanjin Gompa or Langtang and sample delicious locally-made cheese, Then plunge homeward into the verdant forested gorge of the Langtang Khola, home to families of playful grey langur monkeys and the elusive red panda.
“Langtang is fantastic. It’s a quick route up into the high mountains, through an area of great cultural interest and spectacular scenery, and most of the time it’s completely tourist-free! Not only that, but the yak curd is simply world class. Highly recommended!” Laurie MacGregor, UK.
“I think Humla is honestly one of the most culturally fascinating places in all of Nepal, a cultural tapestry woven from ancient Khasa kingdoms, ancestors of the grand Zhangzhung kingdom of the north, with a mix of Rajput and Thakuri blended into themix” – Carol Dunham, anthropologist.
“Here in Limi, I felt as if I’d dropped through a trap door into another time, into a place where the world of Tibetan myth, of Shangri- La was still alive” – BBC historian Michael Wood. Welcome to Limi, a hidden valley encircled by mountains in the far north western reaches of Nepal in Humla. It is Tibet in all but name. The Tibetan-speaking people of Limi’s three well-kept, medieval-looking villages are friendly, proud and very welcoming. Halji’s Rinchenling Gompa is a fascinating structure over 800 years old. The ancient Kagyupa sect of Tibetan Buddhism is practiced here. Life here is for the hardy, sustained by simple agriculture and traditional wooden handicrafts for trading in Tibet. Only recently did local collaboration with Nepal Trust bring solar lighting and a health post to Limi. Now, residents are looking at how responsible tourism can benefi t their communities. “We need to tell the world about Humla so they will want to come here,” Lama Padma Riksal told National Geographic’s James Vlahos. “We need more tourists.” While the final section of the GHT in Nepal and the route to Mount Kailash follows the roaring, turquoise Karnali River, ‘the pulse of the earth’, make the detour to Limi for a unique and unforgettable experience. You’ll be welcomed and your journey will make a difference. “For some well-travelled and trekked people, myself included, Humla and the Limi Valley are simply the most beautiful places they have ever visited” – Jamie McGuiness, guide.
Dolpa – one of the highest inhabited places on earth, with scattered fortress-like villages and monasteries nestling amongst mountains of stark, ascetic beauty. With the beautiful azure of Phoksundo Lake, authentic culture and few visitors, it makes for an extraordinary trekking experience. While Tibetan Buddhism is prevalent, the Dolpo-pa, the people of Dolpo, still practice both the Bön religions of Tibet, which pre-dates Buddhism. This mix of spirituality is visible everywhere—from the pilgrims on the trail to the sacred Crystal Mountain, to the many monasteries where monks carefully depict stories in intricate Thangka paintings, to the wooden dolls (dokpas) placed on bridges and roofs tasked with keeping evil spirits at bay. The Dolpa district’s southern fringes lie among green hills, but the further north you travel, into the rain shadow of the 8,000m high Dhaulagiri and Annapurna peaks, the more barren the landscape becomes. Here, in Inner Dolpo, lie Shey Gompa and Dho Tarap, some of the highest permanently inhabited villages on earth, reached only over high passes which, when snow-covered, leave Inner Dolpo isolated for many months of the year.
The inhabitants are semi-nomadic, and trade with Tibet forms a necessary part of their existence, as depicted in Eric Valli’s beautiful fi lm Himalaya. The stunning combination of arid slopes backed by endless snowy peaks requires a certain amount of quiet contemplation. After such arid countryside, the stunning Phoksundo Lake seems like a miracle. Unusually clear, turquoise waters are bound by rocky cliffs traversed by frightening trails. From the right viewpoint, this picture is perfectly framed by snow-capped peaks. This is a must-see place—pictures can’t do it justice. The GHT section that crosses Dolpa mixes unique culture and an amazing diversity of nature with tough terrain that has challenged generations of nomads before you. It’s certainly one of the more difficult sections, but perhaps the most rewarding.
“The view from the Larkya La is just astonishing. It looks straight out over four converging glaciers to the huge wall of 7,000m and 8000m peaks of Himal Chuli and the Annapurnas” – Alex Treadway, Adventure photographer.
Tiru Danda ridge often brings you above the clouds. It’s been described as ‘a walk in the sky’ giving great views of the Annapurnas, Manaslu and nearby Ganesh peaks.
Manaslu, the world’s 8th highest mountain, marks the halfway point of the Great Himalaya Trail. Its Sanskrit name means Mountain of the Spirit and this spirit certainly reflects into the peaceful villages and valleys around it. Neighbouring to the east is the Ganesh Himal, named after the elephantheaded Hindu god of good fortune – a ridge on the south face of Ganesh IV is reminiscent of an elephant’s trunk. The dramatic scenery on this section of the GHT is as diverse as its numerous ethnic groups living along it, and there are many magical trekking options that are easy to reach from Kathmandu.
The Tamang Heritage Trail is a real colourful, cultural experience where you can experience Tamang life by staying with Tamang families in their own homes. The adventurous could continue higher and walk the famous Tiru Danda ridge.
An all-round gem on the GHT is the Manaslu Circuit Trek and it’s tempting to compare it with the popular Annapurna Circuit. While the Annapurna round has lost much of its authenticity due to the crowds, and the roads, Manaslu remains as it has always been and offers a personal and truly authentic cultural experience. Trails are immaculate and grassy and are devoid of dusty yak caravans hauling provisions for tea-house trekkers. The villages have wonderful character.
Kholabensi, with its majestic backdrop of Ganesh Himal, picturesque Jagat, with its old paved square; and nearby Tatopani, where hot spring water issues from stone spouts are tipical villages you will see along the way. You may hear villagers singing together as they work in the fi elds. You may even be asked to join in and lend a hand! Eventually, the valleys open up to reveal stunning mountain panoramas. Samagaon enjoys heavenly views of Manaslu towering above—nowhere else will you get up so close to an 8000m peak. Enjoy some days exploring and acclimatizing here—the scenery is simply amazing. Eventually, the valleys open up to reveal stunning mountain panoramas. Samagaon enjoys heavenly views of Manaslu towering above—nowhere else will you get up so close to an 8000m peak. Enjoy some days exploring and acclimatizing here—the scenery is simply amazing.
This park offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Himalayas. The rewards of trekking here are great, but hard won – it’s remote, wilderness country and for the experienced trekker. The trail to Makalu base camp takes you deep into the high Himalaya and while the giant of Makalu, The Great Black, looms above you, Everest, Lhotse and Baruntse are all in view. While the GHT links directly with the Kanchenjunga section via the remote Lumbha Sambha, and to the Everest section via the challenging three cols, most will experience the Makalu section of the trail via the verdant Arun and Barun river valleys. The trail from Tumlingtar is either ascending or descending, there are really no fl at walking sections. It’s arduous trekking. However, the natural surroundings are stunning. The upper reaches of the trail resemble the Yosemite Valley – towering polished granite cliffs capped by hanging glaciers, overfl owing with waterfalls. “Breathtaking—it made you stop, I was in awe, the landscape was just that dynamic.” The lower reaches of the trail are renowned for their lushness. “It was so rich. The rhododendron forests had the most vibrant colours I’ve ever seen– from scarlet and fuchsia to the purest white. It is the prettiest hike I’ve done in a long time,” says Robbie Klimek, a Makalu summiteer from USA. There are plans to dam the Arun River for hydropower. If the Makalu section sounds appealing, trek it now before it changes.
While this region is famous for its high peaks and its Sherpa inhabitants, just to the south is a wonderful opportunity to swap mountain experiences for cultural ones. There is an Indigenous People’s Trail here where you can try to play the Tamang’s ‘damphoo’, consult a Thami shaman or fi sh with Majhi peoples and enjoy a fresh fi sh BBQ on a sandy riverbank. This is also a good place to experience the festivals of Saune Sakranti (middle of July), Sorha Shradda (middle of September), Janai-Purnima (end of June), Maghi (middle of February) and Lhosar (February).
The trek to Everest’s base camp is a popular classic and it’s easy to reach its starting point by a short fl ight. However the beautiful walk in from Jiri is highly recommended. Jagged white peaks surround you from day one and comfortable, well-stocked lodges run by friendly Sherpanis are sprinkled along the wide and even trails. And busy! In peak season, you could be sharing the trails with hundreds of others. If you add a little of the GHT route to your journey, you can fi nd a little solitude and enjoy a more intimate experience of Sherpa culture. The ‘Three Passes Trek’ will take you on an adventure across the heart of the Sagarmatha National Park—with its quiet monasteries and turquoise glacial lakes, it has arguably the most stunning viewpoint of Everest atop the Renjo La. Plan your trip carefully to coincide with the colourful Mani Rimdu festival in Thame after October’s full moon.
True GHT adventurers will look further east and west. Shipton and Hillary first trekked to the east in their exploratory 1952 expedition via the formidable ‘three cols’ into the Makalu region. This must certainly rank among the greatest mountain walks in the world. To the west, the trail exits to Rolwaling valley via the challenging Tashi Labsta (5,760m), which, diffi cult as it is, used to be the Sherpa’s fastest route to Kathmandu. The trail skirts along Rolwaling’s wide glaciated valley and leads on to the picturesque villages of Bigu Gompa and Beding, giving occasional views of the imposing face of Gauri Shakar (7,121m). With only a few visitors passing here each season, those who do are assured of a friendly welcome from Rolwaling’s Sherpa, Tamang and Gurung communities.
“I love the Kanchenjunga region because there is still so much exploring to do. Even the main route feels un-trekked” – Jamie
McGuiness, mountain guide.
Accomplished 8,000m mountaineer Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner says Kanchenjunga is her favorite place in Nepal, “I love it because it’s so wild.”
This corner of Nepal is a protected area. The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, managed by local and indigenous communities in partnership with WWF, is one of the least densely populated in Nepal. It contains tracts of pristine forests, alpine meadows and high altitude wetlands that are home to the endangered snow leopard and red panda, and the vulnerable Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard and Assamese macaque. Like the neighboring Makalu Barun, the region feels the full force of the monsoon and is consequently bursting with fl ora—2000 species of fl owering plants have been recorded here, and you’ll see some of the richest rhododendron forests in Nepal. It is a long and challenging trek just to reach the beginning of the GHT in Nepal near the Kanchenjunga base camp. Starting from Tumlingtar, you pass through agricultural areas and friendly Rai and Limbu communities before encountering, lush but steepsided valleys. In these higher reaches you meet the Buddhist communities of Sherpas, Tamangs and Bhotias, the trading nomads from Tibet. Further on, the lake-dotted Milke Danda ridge brings exhilarating views of Kanchenjunga and Jannu. Makalu and Everest are equally spectacular to the northwest. This will be enough of a destination for many but for those who continue, the views just get grander.
GHT enthusiasts will venture north of Kanchenjunga, past the base camp at Pangpema, to get as close as they can to the Jhinsang La, the starting point of the GHT in Nepal. The route backtracks before heading west in earnest via Olanchung Gola, the largest of the fi ve stone and wood villages of the Walung people. Constrained by time, most will bring their adventure to a close here and head south, while free spirits will bravely cross the uninhabited Lumbha Sambha towards Makalu.
Kanchenjunga (8,586m), the world’s third highest mountain, forms Nepal’s eastern border with India’s Sikkim. In Tibetan, the name Kanchenjunga means ‘fi ve great treasure houses of snow’ which hints at the mountain spectacle that awaits should you visit this area.
Article by: Richard Bull
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