Nepal is home to many trekking adventures. While neither are easy, some are even more challenging to complete.
Despite being Nepal’s most challenging trek, the adventure attracts even more trekkers and climbers as they fully know the reward of conquering the challenge is even sweeter.
Generally, what makes trekking difficult is the need for adaptation and learning to be satisfied with the inconvenience. These trekking do not provide hot meals, coffee, or a lovely warm beach; instead, you must climb steep mountains in the cold and walk over 8-9 hours a day without much energy.
In this article, you will learn about some of the most challenging trekking in Nepal in 2023.
Nepal’s Most Challenging Trekking for 2023
Manaslu Trekking Circuit
One of Nepal’s most popular but dangerous trekking adventures is the Manaslu trekking circuit. The trekking circuit generally lasts 13 to 18 days, depending on the itinerary.
Manaslu Circuit Trekking provides one of the most thrilling and challenging treks that is certain to keep you on edge.
Apart from other treks, Manaslu circuit trekking is less crowded and peaceful and is mainly for experienced trekkers who have some experience in mountain climbing and hiking.
Challenges
- Unpredictable and Unreliable weather.
- Altitude Sickness
- Difficult roads and terrains
- Lack of hospitality and healthcare
- Exhausting long treks of about 9 hours a day
- Unreliable food and accommodation
- You must have a local guide compulsorily for the Manaslu circuit trek.
Kanchenjunga Trek
Kanchenjunga is among the most underrated mountain in the world, which lies above 8500m. The trek is considered among the most challenging trekking in Nepal as you have to find your way from one of the most remote villages and acute mountains.
Many trekkers are always excited by the stunning beauty and views; however, the challenges in Kanchenjunga trekking are also relatively high.
The constant change in terrains, such as rivers, turquoise lakes, streams, stunning waterfalls, and alpine forests, will keep you on your feet.
The Kanchenjunga trek is among Nepal’s most complex and challenging, so the minimum requirement is decent fitness and stamina.
Some more aspects of the Kanchenjunga trek are far more challenging than others.
Challenges
- The trek will lead you to some of Nepal’s most remote and empty locations without hospitality.
- There are no high-end hotels and lodges on this trek, so you will only get basic hospitality and simple meals, mainly local Dhal Bhat.
- One of the critical challenges in the Kanchenjunga trek is to be protected from acute mountain sickness, which can create stoppage on the trek at any time.
- Dynamic and changing weather causes enormous challenges for trekkers determined to climb Mt Kanchenjunga.
- Another challenge that trekkers mostly face is the long trek duration. You have to trek for at least seven hours, about 8-10 km daily.
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is another desirable and among Nepal’s most challenging circuits. The trek will take you from Kathmandu to the beautiful Hidden valley altitude of over 5000m, and if you are an experienced trekker and climber, you can even reach 6200m in Dhampus Peak.
The complete Dhaulagiri circuit trek lasts 18 to 21 days, so there is no shortage of adventure. However, this trekking is not advisable for beginners as there are too many challenges you may have to face.
Challenges
- You must explore the highly remote areas, so you will not get help or hospitality.
- Rugged, slippery roads covered in rocky terrains and steep snowy mountains will make moving difficult.
- Another unique challenge trekkers face during the Kanchenjunga trek is restricted areas. So you must be prepared and take all the necessary permits before trekking.
- The food and accommodation are basic as you will spend most of your trek in camp. Hence essential equipment and provisions must be carried every time.
- Since the trek typically ends at an altitude of over 5000m or even 6000m in the case of Dhampus peak, the chances of cough, sickness, and illness are quite frequent.
Everest Three Pass
Everest Three Pass Trek is also among the most challenging trek in Nepal. In this trekking program, you will trek toward Everest Base Camp and three major regional passes: Renjo La Pass, Cho La Pass, and Kongma La Pass.
Most trekking takes place above 3000m, so that you will get the most challenging aspect of the cold climate, rough and harsh terrain, and very slippery, sloppy roads.
Here are some challenges you will face during the Everest Three Pass trek.
Challenges
- One of the most common and real challenges for trekkers during the Everest three passes is the dynamic weather.
- The trek is quite exhaustive as you have to walk for about 7-8 hours, and the cold climate and rugged terrains make it even more challenging.
- As you spend days at a higher altitude, Khumbu cough and altitude sickness are even more frequent in Everest Three Pass.
- Everest Three Pass is also among the most expensive trek in Nepal. As an itinerary can go up to 21 days, you will have to bear the trek cost and additional personal costs, which can be out of your budget.
Upper Doplo Trek
Another popular and challenging trek in Nepal is the Upper Doplo Trek, where you will travel to Tokyu Gaon above an altitude of 4300m.
The trek is renowned for one of the most beautiful views and cultural exploration. However, several challenges need to be prepared for the trek.
Challenges
- Foods and accommodation are pretty basic and are hard to come by, so you have to depend on camp and the food cooked by the crew.
- You will trek around an altitude of over 4800m, increasing the chance of acute sickness.
- Upper Dolpo road is very challenging as you pass through remote terrains and steep hills, which will exhaust you quickly.
- Compared to other treks, the Upper Dolpo trek is dry and dull until you reach a certain altitude.
Conclusion
Hence these are some of “Nepal’s Most Challenging Treks for 2023”. Although challenging, the trekkers are even more attracted and ready to accept the challenge.
The fact is, even though the treks are challenging, they are possible to achieve. Hence appropriate research and preparation before and during the trek are needed to overcome these challenges.
