Unheard Trials of Nepal - Part I
Nepal holds hundreds of trails and routes leading to its majestic wonders, some of which have gained international popularity through time and numerous expeditions. Whereas some trails lay hidden under the mountains and forests. They hold various arcane treasures such as traditional villages, lush pasture and beautiful smiles. The process of discovery is a captivating adventure.
Royal Trek
The Royal trek starts at the stunning city of Pokhara, also known as lakeside and ends at the beautiful Begnas Lake. In 1980, Prince Charles, Prince of Wales, with his 90 men, walked this trail. Post which, this pathway became a non-strenuous option to explore the Annapurna region.
It is an easy 4-day trek through the terrace farms and forests of Northern Pokhara. It is a short path that runs across the foothills of the Annapurna range with the scenic view of Mount Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Langtang, and many more. The convenient and graceful trail will lead you to charming Gurung villages. Here, you will get to discover old traditions that have been kept alive by the people. The trial ends with a stunning view of Begnas Lake.
October to November and March to June are best to take this path in the Annapurna foothills. As the skies are clear, you get to witness the panoramic mountain view.
Guerilla Trek
The nation experienced a civil war that lasted for more than ten years. The Guerilla Trek follows the trails taken by the revolutionaries during their fight. Today, it is one of many remains of a long lost decade of turmoil in Nepal.
The Guerilla Trek is a 17-day trekking trail that begins from the city of Beni Bazar at Myagdi district and ends at Sulphur, Rukkum District. This ‘road not taken’ pathway offers the unique experience of exploring multi-culture and multi-ethnic lifestyles of the people of this region along with the magnificent view of the hilly terrains, fields, and the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range to the east and Api, Saipal mountains to the west. The trials continue through the forests and fields of Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve. This path comprises rare encounters and places that shine out of the spotlight with nature’s allure and a series of waterfalls, caves, rivers, lakes such as Kamala Daha and Solar Daha.
The trail is best from March to May and September to December.
Manjushree Trail
The Manjushree Trail circles the Kathmandu Valley through adventures in semi-urban paths exploring the hidden spark of the Kathmandu Valley.
The trail gets its name from the Boddhisatva Manushree, credited for draining the Nagdaha and creating Manjupatana, the first city in the new land. Over the years, various other cities came into existence in this valley, such as Kantipur, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.
The trek lasts for 12 days. During the adventure, one gets to experience the unseen lives of rural parts of this valley and natural elements. It starts in the Hattiban area leading to the uphill climbs of Deurali Bhanjyang, Chandragiri, Chitlang Bhanjyang, Naubise, and many more.
The trail touches the breath of the highest hills that hug the valley. Some of the treks features are natural yonder, mesmerizing warm hospitality of the people, scenic waterfalls, and a view of the valley.
The expedition ends at Hattiban after multiple stops that lead to the forests of Godawari. Every stop hills carry their significance and spread out the magic of nature blended with the green lifestyle of the local people outside the crowded city.
In the next part of this article, we shall look into the trails of Sikles, Limi Valley and the Millennium trek.