Most Dangerous Trekking Routes in Nepal

After exploring Nepal's rugged terrain, trekking trails are where adventurers meet raw beauty and test their endurance. That being said, some of the most rewarding and challenging trekking routes in Nepal also have the tag of dangerous trekking routes. 

The difficulty of these trails arises due to the remote location, steep ascent and descent, and high altitude location. Yet these physical challenges are justified for the authentic and unforgettable elegance of Nepal's natural wonders and cultural heritage. 

If you are up for the challenge to elevate your adrenaline and get the reward of charming views, and appealing cultural wonders located at the high altitude of Nepal, then stay with us for a moment to explore the dangerous trekking routes in Nepal. 

Is trekking in Nepal dangerous? 

Many of the world's highest peaks are located in the heavenly country of Nepal. Due to this, there are countless trekking trails, from easy to dangerous, based on factors like altitude, trail condition, and remote location. 

Trekking is an adventure activity that takes you through remote regions and the natural beauty of the places. Nevertheless, trekking is dangerous; with proper planning and preparation, it is one of the best ways to explore cultural and natural gems. 

The dangerous trekking routes need more preparation for a safe and rewarding journey. Without any further ado, let us explore the dangerous trekking routes in Nepal and everything related to them to help you prepare for your next adventure. 

Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek 

Among the world's tallest peaks lies the Dhaulagiri peak, which calls out experienced trekkers with a deep sense of adventure who enjoy the challenge of one of Nepal's extraordinary trekking routes.

The dramatic and scenic regions of Nepal course through lush landscapes, terraced fields carved out of the foothills, and remote valleys. Along your way, you will encounter the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu peaks, along with 15 other peaks of 7,000 m in height. 

The trek starts from the village of Beni, where the Myagdi River flows across and tumbles down through the appealing scenery of the Kali Gandaki gorge. 

You are taken through a series of scenic Gurung villages towards the Italian Base Camp. The place where you acclimatize before you set to the night at Glacier Camp along the way. The next day comes another challenge. It is time for the extra challenge as the route at French Pass (5360 m) before coming down into Hidden Valley. 

Following comes the Dhampus Pass (5234 m), the final day of the trek that connects with the Annapurna Circuit and passes through the completion point at Jomsom.

Difficulty Factors

• The Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek is a thrilling adventure—a perfect way to say technical and challenging. It is an 18-day journey with 8-9 hours of walking through dense, lush forests and across rocky moraines, as each segment presents its own set of hurdles. 
• Besides, the trail has a blend of narrow, steep ascends and precarious descents, so you will have to be extra careful when walking it.
• Similarly, as you cross the French Pass, it has rocky moraine and loose rocks in some places, so you need technical skill and agility to get past it successfully. Besides, the trails of the Dhampus Pass are around 30 degrees, which adds to their strenuousness. 
• In addition, the trek above 2,500 m, the highest point of this journey, takes you to an elevation of 5,360 m French Pass, yet another layer of difficulty. 

Makalu Base Camp Trek 

Now comes yet another remote trekking zone, the Makalu Base Camp Trek, sitting in the lap of one of the world's tallest peaks, Makalu. The best part about the route is its relative isolation and remote setting that creates a peaceful trekking experience. 

After the scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, you head out on the short drive along the countryside and reach the village of Num (1560 m). You come across the ridgeline with a steeply undulating trail. 

And the gift of some of the best panoramic views of the Himalayas. Now you make your way to Seduwa (1500  m), the outpost of Makalu Barun National Park. You need to wait here for a while to register and obtain the necessary permits.

The trail continues forward and upward to the highest pass, Shipton La. Interestingly, the place is named after British alpinist Eric Shipton, who was with Edmund Hillary in 1952 to survey Everest before a successful expedition. 

Finally, there is the Makalu Base Camp, which presents some spectacular views of the southern face of the Makalu ranges. If there is enough clarity, you can experience the charm of Everest and Lhotse. After spending a couple of minutes taking in the fresh breeze of the surroundings, it will be time to descend to Tumlingtar with bags full of fresh aspects and new perspectives on the journey.

Difficulty Factors 

• The highest pass of this trek is the Shipton La Pass(4,200 m). But what makes it demanding is the constant elevation gain and loss make this trek physically demanding.  
• To illustrate, the first day of trekking to Seduwa is only 4.9 km. Yet, it involves an elevation gain of 786 m and an elevation loss of 322 m. Meanwhile, the trek from Tashi Gaon to Khongma Danda is 5.85 km but has an elevation gain of 1,368 m. Even if you spend the trekking journey above 3500m, the risk of altitude sickness is high. 
• The dynamic landscape trail includes lush forests, verdant valleys, subtropical forests, and meadows. The trekking trails also consist of steep ascents and descents with stone staircases. At the same time, the uneven and rocky presence of the Barun River at occasional points makes the path more complex. 

Rolwaling Trek

Among the dangerous trekking routes in Nepal, Rolwaling Trek falls under this category due to its remote location. Situated near the Tibetan border, the trail follows stunning views of the great Himalayan ranges and lies in the central part of Nepal near the Tibetan border. 

The trail also has an interesting fact coined by British Mountaineer Eric Shipton. In 1951, he took a picture of the mysterious ‘Yeti’. Ooh, the trail can give you chills, so before heading towards it, you might want to come across the folklore of the Yeti.

The short drive along the countryside from Kathmandu, you reach Dolakha and then start trekking onward to your next destination. Alongside the Bhotekoshi River, the trail follows the deep valleys and gorges with marvelous glimpses of Gaurishankar Himal shortly after walking through the profuse forest trail. 

Besides, the trail is decorated with flying chorten, spinning prayer wheels and small monasteries that give you the heartwarming presence of Buddhist culture & tradition.

The picturesque village of Na is supported by the cheering views of Chobutse and Chugimago, and the route reaches the enhancing Yalun La Pass. A major highlight of the route is the serene, blue waters of Tsho-Rolpa Lake, set against magnificent peaks including Gaurishankar, Langtang Ri, Mount Melungtse, Chobutse, Phermo Himal, Ramdung Peak, and Pachermo Peak.

But to reach there, you have to cross the Yalung glacier, which can be a major challenge for your physical fitness. 

Difficulty Factor

 

• The major challenge is the trail's altitude coverage, as it spans from lower-altitude villages to high-altitude mountainous areas. The route takes you above 5000m, crossing the river, suspension bridges, and steep ascents, walking 8-9 hours a day for 23 days, so you have to maintain your pace along the trail. 
• Likewise, the highest point of the Rolwaling Trek is the Tashi Lapcha Pass; 5,755 m is another challenge for you. The walk along the icy ridge of glaciers to reach the highest point is not a joke. 
• Aside from that, the trail is a mix of rugged terrain, rocky surface and, in some action, narrow trails along cliff sides. These blends create uneven trail conditions and rockier challenges for you. At the same time, the loose scree and icy patches in the high-altitude glacier are yet another challenge.

Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek 

Despite being a dangerous trekking route, the Kanchenjunga Circuit Trek falls under the famous trekking routes. Experienced trekkers come from all around the world to explore the remote region hugged by the world's third-highest peak, Kanchenjunga Peak.

Besides, the region was restricted till 1988 but is now open for trekkers to explore. The trail is situated in the far east of Nepal along the border of India.

The fascinating part about the trail is you get to notice elusive snow leopards, the Himalayan black bear, and the Assamese macaque. It is the home of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area. At the same time, the unforgettable landscape of towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and verdant forests of rhododendrons and bamboo is yet another charm of the trail. 

Throughout the trail, the Rai and Limbu people of Tibetan origins are scattered. The place has a unique belief system based on an amalgamation of Buddhist, Hindu, and animist principles.

After the scenic 40-minute flight to Bhadrapur, you will drive to Taplejung. Now, you enter the Kanchenjunga Conservation Areas of eastern Nepal and start the climb through the scenic and cultivated foothills. You are constantly supported by the soaring peaks Rathong, Kumbhakarna, Jannu, Tent Peak, and Mt. Kanchenjunga and reach the North Base Camp (5143 meters).

Difficulty Factors 

• The altitude cover spans from as low as 1,400 m(4,593 feet) in Taplejung and ascends to the Kanchenjunga Base Camp at around 5,143 m. Such altitude gain walking around 24 days for 7-8 hours a day is a physical challenge for any trekker.
   
• The highest point on the Kanchenjunga Circuit is the Kangbachen Pass, at 5,800 m. The ascent requires you to navigate the steep and rugged terrain of the trail.
   
• Similarly, the trail consists of rocky paths and narrow trails, so you have to watch your walk carefully. Besides, the remoteness of the region means that basic facilities are scarce, so you must be ready to camp in isolated areas. 

Honorable Mention

Aside from those mentioned above, dangerous trekking routes in Nepal are some of the strenuous routes. Yet even beginner trekkers with good physical fitness can embark on the trail. So let us learn about the honorable mentions of dangerous trekking routes in Nepal. 

Manaslu Valley Trek

The Manaslu Valley Trek starts from the Soti Khola alongside the Budhi Gandaki River and takes you through steep ascents, rugged terrain, and a rocky landscape. The initial part of the trek has steep ascents, rocky paths, and narrow tracks. 

The middle and final part of the Manalsu region is easy until you reach Larkya La. The Larkya La Pass, the final challenge, stands at 5,160m. During the two-week journey, you gain over 5000m elevation and walk around 7 hours per day. 

Even so, the rewards of the cultural wonders and natural heritages are one of a kind in this trail. The professional guide from Nepal Vision Trek assures that each day on the Manaslu trail, you get to experience new views. 

Tsum Valley Trek

Located in the Manaslu region, the Tsum Valley trek is also included on the list. It is easier than the Manaslu Circuit Trek since the paths are well-defined and passes through charming villages and terraced fields. However, some sections are rocky at high altitudes, so be careful. 

Moreover, the trek reaches a maximum altitude of 3,600 m at the Mu Gompa. But the highest point gives us the rewarding experience of the Tiebetan lifestyle living in this remote region. 

The only challenge of the trail is the initial phase; other than that, even a beginner can participate in the trek. 

Nar Phu Trek

The Nar Phu Trek is a less explored, restricted trekking route with ancient treasures and a rugged section. The trail of the Nar Phu Trek includes a muddy road and high passes situated in the lap of the Annapurna ranges. Likewise, the terrain can be challenging due to rocky outcrops and potential landslides during certain seasons. 

After walking for 7 hours for two weeks on these trails, you reach the highest point, Nar Pass, about 5409m. Trust me, the challenge is to cross the steep ascent and reach the Nar Pass. But the rewarding experience of the majestic peaks Annapurna and Machapuchre ranges. At the same time, the Nar and Phu villages are adorned with cultural wonders and architectural beauty that have been there for centuries. 

To wrap up, dangerous trekking routes in Nepal have been included on the list due to their remote region and high altitude elevations. That being said, these routes attract trekkers and adventurers all over the world who want to have a lifetime experience in these hidden gems.

If you want to experience the next adventure of your lifetime, feel free to contact Nepal Vision Trek for guidance and expert help. 

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