Unexplored Hidden Gems of Nepal

  • Ruven Achhami
  • 15 November, 2022

Unexplored Hidden Gems of Nepal

So much has been explored in Nepal, but there are still thousands of places that have been left untouched. As we all know, Nepal is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Nepal is home to the world's eight tallest mountains, well-known lakes, meadows, hills, monasteries, temples, historically and culturally rich cities, and the best traditional cuisine. However, conversation about traveling is all about those mainstream places and getting lost in the beauty of those highly popular travel destinations, of Nepal.

But today I am asking, "Have you ever been to the most beautiful, underrated, and lesser-known places in Nepal?" Those places are also worthy of your Instagram snaps, vlogs, and blogs.

If you don’t know how to reach us, we'll let you know that we offer travel and tour services from our hotel as well. You can meet our counselor for advice.

Let us go exploring those unseen places that are waiting for your gaze with a ray of hope.

Tsum Valley

Location: Gorkha

Route: Kathmandu to Gorkha (you can choose whether you want to trek or use the local bus).

Tsum Valley is one of the most concealed, vibrant, and finest tourist destinations in Nepal, located in the Manaslu region near the Tibetan border. It is under the protection of the Nepalese government, and it was fully restricted before 2008. In 2008, the Nepalese government opened Tsum Valley for trekking, but there is still not much information about this spot.

The path winds through dense forests, roaring rivers with breathtaking views and waterfalls, stunning suspension bridges, intriguing towns, and past numerous gompas, monasteries, mani walls, stupas, and Milarepa's Cave.This area is a little bit different from Nepal in terms of religion and cuisine because it is located near the Tibetan border, and most of them are influenced by Tibetan culture.

This valley is one of the most sacred places because of Buddhism. The Buddhist saint Milarewa is said to have meditated in the caves of these mountains, according to legend.Even though trekkers said that this region is not a trekking region, if you want adventure, you should obviously try it.

Barun Valley

Location: Sankhuwasabha

Route: Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (the trek starts from Tumlingtar)

Barun Valley is one of the astonishing hidden gems of Nepal, located in the lap of Mt. Makalu. Even though the government has established a national park, a trekking route (Mera Peak), and Makalu Base Camp, it is still one of the most underdeveloped regions in Nepal. But the beauty of Barun Valley is like a bewitching mantra. Travelers can get lost in the beauty of the most captivating and fourth tallest mountain in the world, as well as Mt. Everest's neighbor.

This underdeveloped area is an internationally protected area because of the agreement between China and Nepal. The Makalu Barun Valley is a spectacular landscape with towering waterfalls tumbling into deep valleys. It is accompanied by unpredictable and beautiful weather, lush green forests, and a meadow of flora and fauna below the range of mountains covered in snow.

This area rich in biodiversity is home to the snow leopard, yaks, pandas, wild boar, musk deer, wild yak, himalayan thar, various flora and fauna, and more than 420 species of birds. Other major attractions are Shiva Dhara, Tadasho, the highest elevation lakes, the spectacular sight of Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Chamlang, and Mt. Makalu, as well as local culture, history, and cuisine.

Panch Pokhari (Helambu)

Location: Sindupalchowk

Route: Kathmandu to Melamchi

Panch Pokhari is a less explored, hidden, and heavenly gifted place in Nepal, located at the base of Jugal Himal at Sindupalchowk. This very popular and most sacred religious site for Hindus and Buddhists is 1400 m above sea level. Except for its religious value, this is part of Lantang National Park and the newly introduced Lantang Trek, as well as the origin of one of the major rivers of Nepal, "Indrawati," a vital contributor to Saptakhosi.

This region is very rich in biodiversity. You can explore flora, fauna, birds, and animals, along with incredible wetland attractions and an awestruck mountain range. This place is full of mysteries, adventures, historical and cultural richness, and eye-catching beauty. Mostly Sherpa and Tamang reside here. Just explore this richness in biodiversity and make your time memorable.

Phulchowki Hill Station

Location: Lalitpur

Route: from your place to Ratnapark; Ratnapark to Lagankhel; Lagankhel to Godawari bus route

Being the tallest hill in Kathmandu, it offers one of the best 360-degree (terai, hilly, and mountain) panoramic views from the top. Located southeast of Kathmandu, this hill is 2,762 meters above sea level. At the foot of this hill, there is also a well-known botanical garden in Nepal. This hill is also known as the "hill of flowers" because it is covered in various types of flowers.During spring and summer, this hill looks like a newlywed Nepali bride because of the rhododendron.

During winter, this looks like a white cake as a consequence of snowfall. This place has become one of the major tourist attractions near the valley for Nepalese people, but foreigners should try this location to catch the beauty of the hill. There are over 200 species of butterflies, local and immigrant birds, local food, and, if you're lucky, a leopard, a deer, a wolf, and a variety of other wild animals, as well as a temple and the "tough trail" Phulchowki hiking route. 

Paunauti

Loation: kavrepalachwok

Route: Kathmandu to Panauti (direct buses are available at Rantapark or New Buspark balaju)

It is the most unexplored location in Nepal. This ancient city carries the legacy of history, culture, religion, and beauty. It is one of the few cities in the world that has never been destroyed by an earthquake. The folklore of this city built on a single rock will continue as long as the mysteries remain.

There is no scientific proof why the city was left untouched by the earthquake, but I am sure you will be touched by the enchanting beauty of Panauti. This city is located in the center of many other tourist destinations, including Dhulikhel, Batase Dada, Phulchowki Hill Station, the Balthali Trekking Route, Namobudhha Monasteries, Silk Farming, Bethanchowk Narayanthan, and many more.

This city has one of the oldest Indreshwori temples (built in 1385 CE) at the bank of the Punyamati river, where there will be a huge "mela" once every 12 years. During this mela, if you worship and take a bath on the river, there is a legend that you will be free from all sin. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This city is filled with the Newari community, where you can enjoy various jatras and local cuisine as well.

Other places you can visit in Paunauti are Heritage Walk, Brahmayani Temple (built in 1715 CE), Tribeni Ghats (Khware), Krishna Temple (Bansha Gopal Temple), Pilgrim's Rest-House, Sankata Temple, Panauti Museum, Panauti Durbar Square, and many other historical and religious sites. Panauti has a lot to offer to make your trip one of the most incredible journeys.

There are lots of other secluded places: Manaslu Circuit Trek, Bardia Neationa Park, Gokyo Lakes, Rupa Taal, Guerrilla Trekking, Dhorpatan Trek, Phikuri Peak Trekking, Lumba Sumba, Kapuche Trek, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, and many more, you can visit. We will write about this some other time.