Known as a paradise for trekkers with bustling variety of landscapes, rich cultural interactions, and some of the most iconic trekking trails, the Everest region is home to a treasure trove of trekking routes.
Synonymous with adventure, thrilling trekking routes, awe inspiring landscapes, and the tallest peak in the world, the Everest region is most likely the best area for any trekking enthusiast to explore.
And while the majesty of this region is often associated with and limited to the classic trekking route, i.e. the iconic Everest Base Camp Trek, there are many more treks that remain underrated beyond the massive shadows of Mt. Everest.
Exploring these off the beaten path trails around the Everest region can open up an entirely new world for you and can possibly change the way you view trekking in general. However, these routes are quite unexplored as the name suggests.
But worry not, as in this blog, we will be covering everything about some of the most off-the-beaten-path trekking routes around the Everest region. So, continue reading so that you can have a unique trekking bucket list by the end of this blog.
Why explore the off the beaten path trails around Everest Region?
Globally known as the home to Mt. Everest, the Everest region offers a lot more than just the Everest Base Camp Trek. There are many off-the-beaten-path trails around the Everest region.
And it is imperative for you to explore these treks as a trekker as they can give you the most unique experience. It allows you to experience the most fascinating Sherpa culture in its entirety.
As you venture beyond the well explored trekking trails, you get a chance to experience the Everest region in its purest form. These off-the-beaten-path treks promise solitude, pristine nature, and authentic experiences.
All the major highlights of any trek, i.e. authenticity, challenge and adventure, and stunning scenery are enhanced ten folds in these underrated trekking trails around the Everest region.
You should explore these trails as they not only push your boundaries but also allow you to discover hidden gems like off-the-grid lakes, remote monasteries, and breathtaking viewpoints as you enjoy panoramic vistas of the Himalayas with fewer distractions.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Treks in the Everest Region
While the Everest region features a wide variety of treks, both well-known and underrated, below are some of the most rewarding off-the-beaten-path treks in the Everest region.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
For trekkers wanting a unique perspective of the Everest region, the Gokyo Lakes Trek is the best chance as it takes you through the pristine Gokyo Valley as you pass through a shimmering lake system up in the Himalayas.
You will get a chance to explore the shimmering glacial lakes which is also the highest freshwater lake system in the world. This collection of six major and 19 smaller lakes sits between 4,700 m and 5,000 m, covering an area of 485 acres.
The Gokyo Lakes, a chain of six stunning freshwater lakes in the Gokyo Valley, are a highlight of the Everest region. The most famous of these is the third lake, Gokyo Tsho, also known as Dudh Pokhari.
This emerald beauty lies at the heart of the Gokyo Valley and is surrounded by towering peaks, including Cho Oyu and Gyachung Kang. Its shimmering waters reflect the dramatic landscapes, creating a picture-perfect scene.
Nearby, trekkers can climb Gokyo Ri (5,357 meters), which is widely regarded as one of the best viewpoints in the Everest region.
From its summit, you’re treated to unparalleled panoramic views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the Ngozumpa Glacier, making it a must-visit for anyone exploring the area.
The other lakes in the system—Longpanga Tsho (1st Lake), Taujung Tsho (2nd Lake), Thonak Tsho (4th Lake), Ngozumpa Tsho (5th Lake), and Gyazumpa Tsho (6th Lake)—each have their own unique charm, from sacred stones and mirror-like reflections to turquoise waters and peaceful isolation.
Together, these lakes make the Gokyo Valley a must-visit destination for trekkers in the Everest region.
Embarking on the Gokyo Lakes Trek can also open up an entirely unique world of spirituality for people as the lakes here hold a high spiritual significance across religions including Hinduism and Buddhism.
Unlike the EBC trek, which is always bustling with trekkers, the Gokyo Lake Trek offers a quieter, equally rewarding alternative with more areas to explore including spirituality and glacial beauties.
Renjo La Pass Trek
This underrated trekking route in the Everest region focuses on the ascent towards the challenging Renjo La Pass located at an altitude of challenging 5,360 meters. It is one of the three high passes in the Everest region, alongside Cho La and Kongma La
Mostly known in the trekking world for its less-traveled routes and stunning panoramas, the Renjo La Pass Trek provides the perfect Himalayan escape as it combines the raw beauty of the Everest region with thrilling high-altitude trekking.
While it is usually done as a part of the more elaborate Everest Three Passes Trek, it can also be done independently. The views from Renjo La Pass can be considered some of the finest in the Everest region.
The pass provides breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, along with the turquoise Gokyo Lakes shimmering below. Just imagine the surreal view, oh and not to miss- the once in a lifetime photography opportunity.
The villages and traditional places that you will cross during your ascent will further add spiritual and cultural depth to your trek, including villages like Thame and Lungden, and the Thame monastery. You will see lots of traditional houses, ancient gompas, and Buddhist relics.
Overall, the Renjo La Pass Trek is a great option for those seeking solitude in their unique Himalayan getaway as it offers a unique combination of solitude, adventure, and cultural discovery.
Cho La Pass Trek
A thrilling high-altitude adventure, the Cho La Pass trek is another adventure that you cannot miss. This pass connects the Gokyo Valley to the Everest region making it more elaborate and well connected.
Renowned for its challenging terrain and spectacular landscapes, the Cho La Pass trek offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and physical challenge.
It takes you high up to an altitude of 5,420 meters and the pass itself remains one of the most challenging mountain passes in the Everest region as the crossing involves navigating steep ascents, icy trails, and rocky terrain.
Now while navigating it is a true test of skills and patience, the rewards from top of this pass are absolutely worth it as trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of towering peaks like Ama Dablam, Cholatse, and Lobuche East.
The best part about the Cho La Pass trek is that you can combine it with the Gokyo Lakes Trek, forming the Gokyo to Everest Base Camp Trek.
This adventure begins in the Gokyo Valley, where trekkers explore the stunning Gokyo Lakes and climb Gokyo Ri for panoramic Himalayan views.
From Gokyo, the trail crosses the challenging Cho La Pass (5,420 meters), descending to Dzongla and continuing to Lobuche, where it joins the regular Everest Base Camp trail.
You can explore the stunning beauty of the turquoise lakes before you make your way to Gokyo Ri as you prepare to take on the Cho La Pass. You can also cross parts of the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest glacier in the Himalayas, with its stark, rugged beauty and surreal ice formations.
All in all, the Cho La Pass trek is the perfect choice for trekkers seeking a lot of diversity within the same adventure as from the pristine beauty of the Gokyo Lakes to the rugged trails of the Khumbu region, the Cho La Pass Trek encapsulates the essence of Himalayan exploration.
Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek
As the name suggests, the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek is yet another unique adventure across the Everest region which takes you to the foot of Mt. Ama Dablam, which is often regarded as the most beautiful mountain in the Himalayas.
While the entire idea of trekking to a basecamp in the Everest region might sound pretty similar to that of the Everest Base Camp Trek, this trek is completely unique and offers much more.
Yes, you will be reaching a base camp by travelling through the Everest region, but it will be the base camp of a peak which is often known as the ‘Matterhorn of the Himalayas’.
Starting from a scenic flight to Lukla, you will make your way through the EBC route before changing it at Pangboche after which you will be passing through vibrant Sherpa villages, suspension bridges draped with prayer flags, and dense rhododendron forests.
This trek will take you up to an altitude of 4,600 meters in a serene alpine meadow. Here, the base camp provides breathtaking close-up views of Ama Dablam (6,812 meters).
Traversing across the Sagarmatha National Park, the Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek offers a quieter and more intimate trekking experience as compared to the Everest Base Camp Trek.
This makes it a great option for trekkers who want to experience the grandeur of the Everest region, minus the crowd of EBC trek. It can also be done as an acclimatization trek for mountaineering enthusiasts.
Mera Peak Trek
The last and most adventurous option on this list of off-the-beaten-path trails around Everest region, the Mera Peak Trek is hands down one of the most exhilarating adventures in the Everest region, especially for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
This trek will take you to the summit of Mera Peak, which is the highest trekking peak in Nepal at an altitude of 6,476 meters. And it definitely allows you to push your limits as you explore the remote Himalayan landscapes.
Combining high altitude trekking with the thrill of climbing, the Mera Peak trail takes you through isolated valleys, dense rhododendron forests, and alpine meadows.
Along the way, you will pass through some of the remote Sherpa villages like Khare and Thuli Kharka where you can experience the hospitality and bravery of the guardians of the Himalayas first hand.
You will need immense physical fitness for the Mera Peak Trek, even more than the Everest Base Camp Trek, which is something that you must keep in mind before you embark on the trek.
This is because you need to scale a peak and reach an altitude beyond 6,400 meters, not to forget that you will also be crossing some challenging high altitude mountain passes of the Everest region like the Zartwa La Pass at 4,610 meters.
While the climb to the summit is non-technical, it sure demands physical fitness and determination. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of five of the world’s highest peaks—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Kangchenjunga, and Cho Oyu.
So, for those who are physically fit, have been on trekking trails before, have confidence in their body for acclimatization, and would like to push their boundaries, the Mera Peak Trek is the perfect adventure, with an added bonus of the stunning photographs that you will get.
Preparation tips for off the beaten path treks in the Everest Region
As these trekking routes are quite off-the-beaten-path, accessibility might not be as easy as other popular treks of the Everest region. Therefore, you should be prepared better in all terms. Stick to some of these insider tips from Ace the Himalaya:
- Pack well and pack smartly. Add in all the essentials, but do not carry anything extra as it will only weigh you down.
- Opt for layering when it comes to clothing. It is best to carry convertible and quick drying clothing.
- For expensive and heavy gear like zero degree sleeping bag and a fleece jacket, renting can be a smart option instead of purchasing a new one.
- Get insured and make sure your trekking insurance covers all the adventurous and dangerous aspects of your trek while also covering an emergency helicopter evacuation.
- Learn basic first aid procedures including dealing with altitude sickness and CPR. Also carry a well-stocked first aid kit while embarking on the trek.
- Do not take physical preparation lightly. Engage in regular cardio, strength training, and endurance exercises at least 2-3 months before your trek.
- Practice hiking with a loaded backpack to simulate trekking conditions.
- Learn to recognize symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and take measures to prevent altitude sickness, such as staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol.
- Check the best seasons for trekking, typically spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Be prepared for sudden weather changes with waterproof and windproof clothing.
- Consider hiring an experienced guide or porter to help with navigation and carrying heavy loads. Choose a reliable local trekking agency like Ace the Himalaya for logistical support and safety.
