Best Community Treks in Nepal

The Year 2020 at a Glance:

The year 2020 could not remain supportive to the entire humankind due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Begun from Wuhan, China on 31 December 2020, the novel coronavirus has infected around 88.0 million people with 1.91 million deaths around the world as of today. We are sad to have shared this news herewith on this blog.

However, now the situation has come almost under control due to the successful development of the COVID-19 vaccines. The frontline workers such as the health personnel, volunteers, and security forces have already received the vaccines in most of the countries. The others are in the process of getting it very soon, perhaps within February 2021!

We have already come out of the dreadful year 2020 and entered into 2021 with a new hope to make things better. Evaluating the current situation and predicting the future, almost all the countries have undone the lockdowns and travel restrictions as well.

Yes, travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic prevented many travel enthusiasts and daredevils from doing their parts. Nonetheless, the situation has been easier now right in front of our own eyes. The global tourism market has already opened and operated bookings of travel, tours, and adventurous tourism activities.

The tourism industry of Nepal is also hardest hit by the global pandemic resulting in the loss of jobs and income-generating activities. Thousands of people involved in the tourism industry are directly and indirectly affected and many of them have changed their profession as well. To provide a little relief to the national tourism sector, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation reopened the Nepalese tourism industry on 17 September 2020.

The first trekking permits were issued on 22 September to the Bahrain Prince and his team for peak climbing and the Manaslu expedition. The team completed their Manaslu expedition in 2020 and climbed Lobuje East (6,119m) until the first half of October 2020. This news drew once more the attraction of the daredevils from around the world towards the Nepalese Himalayas.

The Recent Scenario:

Although there is a low risk of COVID-19 in the city areas, mountain tourism, trekking, and mountaineering are still safe. It is so because the mountain regions are less crowded due to the winter season at first and then, remoteness. Nepal has 264,000 COVID-19 cases and 1,909 death tolls as of today. This graph shows that this Himalayan country located in the South Asian Region is still safe for traveling and trekking unless other rules oppose it.

Nepal resumed the international flights from September 3 while the domestic flights from September 20, 2020. Although the number of tourists visiting Nepal in 2020 has decreased by 80%, there is evidence of the tourist flow in the country. According to the latest report of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), 63,728 tourists have visited Nepal after the lockdown was lifted.

The Government of Nepal has already opened trekking permits to the international trekkers. Popular trekking destinations like Everest Base Camp Trek and Annapurna Base Camp Trek have already received international trekkers although limited. For international travelers, the Government of Nepal has set the following travel conditions:

• Pre-arrival visa (no provision of on-arrival visa except in special conditions)
• Negative COVID-19 PCR report within 72 hours before arrival in Nepal
• Proofs of hotel booking and travel insurance equivalent or higher than USD 5,000 covering COVID-19
• 7-day quarantine and retake COVID-19 PCR test on the 5th day (to confirm that you are fit for trekking in the Himalayas)

(Upon your request, we can arrange a COVID-19 PCR retest at your own cost)

Note: On behalf of the Indian nationals visiting Nepal, a 7-day quarantine is not mandatory given they have a COVID-19 PCR Negative Report not exceeding 72 hours before arrival in Nepal.

Best Community Treks in Nepal for 2021

Nepal is heaven for adventurous tourism such as mountaineering, trekking, and adventurous sports items. The presence of the Great Himalayas has been a boon for the mountain tourism of Nepal. Hundreds of thousands of daredevils come here to have a lifetime experience of trekking in Nepal. You can do all types of treks: moderate, strenuous, and challenging in the Himalayas at different times of the year.

Apart from this, there are tens of community treks in Nepal developed to promote the natural and cultural heritage sites of those communities. Community trek in Nepal is focused on publicizing the local culture, tradition, and lifestyle in the international tourism market. Promoting community trek not only benefits the international trekkers but also gives economic benefits to the local people.

As the local people are involved in tourism activities, they get employment opportunities and begin entrepreneurship. They can sell their local products to tourists and earn foreign currency to support their daily activities as well. In the long-term, the local communities can draw the attention of the world towards them.

To introduce you to the local culture, tradition, and lifestyle, A1 Excursion Adventure has focused on some of the best community treks in Nepal for 2021. These best community treks can be connected with the popular treks in Nepal such as Annapurna Circuit Trek, Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, Everest Gokyo Lake Trek, etc. Let’s take a quick look at the best community treks of Nepal for 2021:

Sikles Community Trek

• Itinerary: 7 days to 15 days
• Max. Elevation: 3,056m (Tara Hill View Point)
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate
• Culture: Gurung
• Himalayas: Annapurna II (7,937m), Annapurna IV (7,525m), and Lamjung Himal (6,983m)

Overview:

Sikles Community Trek is a journey through the pristine villages of the Annapurna Region up to Sikles Village. Trekking to Sikles Village is one of the best community model treks of Nepal giving you a unique experience. Sikles Village is the second largest Gurung village of Nepal i.e. Bhujung Village of Lamjung is the largest of this kind.

Local communities of the trekking route are actively involved in providing homestay facilities to the trekkers. The mothers’ groups in these villages are contributing to the economic progress of their families and communities as a whole. Thus, it is known as Sikles Community Trek. Also known as Sikles Gurung Cultural Heritage Trek, it provides an opportunity for foreign students for cultural sharing.

During your stay at Sikles Village, you can interact with the Gurung people to gain in-depth knowledge about their rites and rituals. You can also meet the Brave Gurkhas in almost all these villages and listen to their interesting stories of the wars. Their gallantry during the World Wars has yielded them the title of the Brave Gurkhas. Eco Museum Sikles has preserved the Gurung artifacts, traditional tools, and specimens of various insects and reptiles. Likewise, the Gurung Shamanic Culture and practices performed by Jhakris and Lamas give you a different experience here.

Additionally, the flora and fauna of the ACAP and snowcapped peaks of Annapurna (8,091m) Massif, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Massif, and Mt. Fishtail (6,993m) add to the beauty of ABC Trek.

Tangting Village Community Trek

Overview:

One of the major highlights of Sikles Community Trek is Tangting Village (1,665m). A typical Gurung village, Tangting is located in the lap of the Annapurna (8,091m) Himalayas about 21 kilometers from the Lake City Pokhara. This cultural village is surrounded by Phulopro Mountains, Kao Pakha, Baaje Baiju, Koicho, Palachi Hill, Nauchu Hill, and of course Tara Hill. You can have a 360-degree panoramic vista of Annapurna IV (7,525m), Annapurna II (7,937m), and Lamjung Himal (6,983m) from this beautiful village. The village consists of 200 stone-roofed houses inhabited by around 1,000 people. 95% of the population is from the Gurung ethnic community while the remaining 5% is from deprived community people.

Natural View Tower of Plaumai Yumatheva is a must-not-miss vantage point to have a pleasant outlook of the clustered houses and lifestyle of the people here. The assembly courtyard of Tangting has connected the entire villagers with the history, traditions, customs, social values, and beliefs since time immemorial. Among the natural landmarks of Tangting, Krabu Hill (Gurung Hill: 3,085m) is another vantage point to witness the alluring views of the snow-capped peaks and beautiful villages. From here, you have a close-up view of Annapurna South, Annapurna I, Machhapuchhre Himal, Annapurna IV, Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, Manasulu Himal, Himchuli Himal, Fungi Himal, Peak 29, Bouddha Himal, etc. If you reach Tangting in winter, you can enjoy playing in the snow.

Tangting Village is culturally rich and you can visit the Tamu Museum and a Buddhist monastery painted with Buddhist artifacts and scriptures. The Gurung Museum, also known as Khoiba Dhee introduces you to original paintings of murals, traditions, values, beliefs, identities, religions, cultures, and rituals of the Gurung community from birth to death. Likewise, a monastery namely, Nauchu Pangi Lama Mahayani Bouddha Gumba is located in Pandittole at the bottom of the village. This monastery not only serves you with peace and meditation but also gives you a brief knowledge of Buddhist philosophy from a Buddhist monk.

Although 6 local teahouses serve the national and international trekkers, Tangting homestay is a must-take experience while in Sikles Community Trek. 14 homestay sites are in operation in the village and they provide services to the trekkers on rotation. You can taste the organic food produced in the village. You can learn about Gurung cultures, originality, costumes, and dancing while you can also see the knitting of Radi, Pakhi, Doko, Namlo, and Bhakari for your lifelong memory.

Mardi Himal Trek

• Itinerary: 7 days to 9 days
• Max. Elevation: 4,500m (Mardi Himal Base Camp)
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Culture: Gurung and Magar
• Himalayas: Annapurna (8,091m) Massif, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Massif, Mt Fishtail (6,993m), and Mardi Himal (5,587m)

Overview:

Opened in 2012 for international trekkers, Mardi Himal Trek is another community-based trek in Annapurna Region. The community people are operating homestay services on rotation to the trekkers. Thus, it is also known as Homestay Trail Trek giving you enough opportunity to learn the culture and tradition of these friendly people. The majority of people along the Mardi Himal Base Camp Trek route are from Gurung and Magar communities.

The Mardi Himal Trekking route takes you through Deurali, Forest Camp, and High Camp up to the base camp of Mardi Himal (5,587m). After witnessing the alluring vistas of Annapurna (8,091m) Massif, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Range, and Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993m), you trek downwards. Then, the route moves along the homestay villages like Ghale, Sidhing, and Lwang ending at Nayapul, Pokhara. These culturally rich villages serve the trekkers with organic food produced locally. Moreover, their hospitality is very different from that found in other parts of the world.

While walking to and from the rhododendron and oak woodlands, you get to see various birds and animals of the ACAP. If you do Mardi Himal Trek in spring, the colorful flowers of rhododendron and other plants wrap the entire region. Moreover, the sunrise and sunset views of the gigantic mountains of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri make this trek more valuable.

Khopra Community Trek (Khayer Lake)

• Itinerary: 7 days to 14 days
• Max. Elevation: 4,600m (Khayer Lake)
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate
• Culture: Gurung, Magar, and Thakali
• Himalayas: Annapurna (8,091m) Massif, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Massif, and Mt Fishtail (6,993m)

Overview:

Khopra Community Trek is one of the new trekking destinations in Annapurna Region. Located on the south of Annapurna Base Camp Trek, this trek gradually ascends to Khopra Danda (3,600m). En route, you spend a night in Ghorepani, which is a Gurung ethnic village providing homestay services. While in Khopra Danda Trek, you also do Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek (also known as Annapurna Sunrise View Trek) to experience the best sunrise view in the world.

Likewise, Tadapani, Bailikharka, Paudwar, and Swanta are other cultural villages you trek past. The communities of these villages are operating homestay services to the trekkers that in return, have strengthened their economic aspects. In the retreat journey, you walk past Ghandruk Village, which is famous for the Gurung Museum, culture, and tradition. The vibrant Buddhist monasteries and slate-roofed houses with stonewalls beautify this village more than anything.

Khopra Community Trek reaches up to Khayer Lake (4,600m). Thus, it is also known as Khopra Danda Khayer Lake Trek. Khayer Lake is a vantage point of this trek that gives you magnificent views of Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Massif, Annapurna (8,091m) Massif, Hiunchuli (6,441m), Mt. Fishtail (6,993m), Lamjung Himal (6,983m), and Nilgiri Himal (7,061m).

While traversing through the rhododendron and oak forests, you might encounter with wild birds and small animals as well. Playing hide and seek with these fauna helps you reach your destinations easily.

Manaslu Circuit Trek

• Itinerary: 07 to 25 Days
• Max. Elevation: 5,213m (Larkya La Pass)
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate
• Culture: Tibetan Buddhist, Gurung
• Himalayan Attractions: Manaslu (8,156m), Ganesh Himal (7,422m) and Himalchuli (7,893m)

Manaslu Region Trekking is an off-the-beaten-path trek moving around Mt. Manaslu located in Manalsu Conservation Area Project. Opened just in the early 90s to foreign trekkers, it consists of a restricted area where you need a special permit to explore the magical Manaslu region. It is best known for its hidden valleys, less crowded trekking trail, unspoiled natural beauty and lifestyle, culture, and tradition untouched by modern technology. This trekking in Nepal can be connected with the popular Annapurna Circuit Trek crossing Larkya La Pass (5,213m) while experiencing the extreme wilderness and authentic rustic villages of the Himalayas.

During Samagaun acclimatization day, you can visit Birendra Lake, which is about 3 square kilometers near the Pungen Glacier and Gompa. Manaslu Base Camp Trek is about 5 hours from Samagaun. Manaslu region is famous for the hidden Tsum Valley, which was opened to foreign tourists only in 2008 AD. It is a sacred pilgrimage site, which stands against the backdrop of Ganesh Himal, Sringi Himal, and Bouddha Himalayan Ranges. Most interestingly, the people residing here are of mostly Tibetan origin and speak a typical dialect.

Ruby Valley Trek

• Itinerary: 7 days to 14 days
• Max. Elevation: 3,850m (Pangsangla Pass)
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
• Culture: Gurung, Tamang, and Aryan
• Himalayas: Langtang (7,234m), Ganesh Himal (7,422m), and Manaslu (8,163m) Ranges

Overview:

Ruby Valley Trek is a community trek located on the Great Himalayan Trail (GHT: 1,700km) in the Ganesh Himal (7,422m) Range. As the name suggests, this classic valley is rich in minerals such as quartz and rock crystals. Trekking to Ruby Valley is an opportunity to explore and experience remote areas of Nepal.

The Ganesh Himal has the shape of an elephant’s trunk, so is named after the Hindu God Ganesh. Ruby Valley Trek begins from Syabrubesi, the gateway to Langtang Gosainkunda Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet. Gradually ascending, the trekking route moves along the rustic villages of the Langtang Region and enters into the Ruby Valley after crossing Pangsangla Pass (3,850m).

Due to the remoteness, the local community people are running homestay sites to facilitate the trekkers. Homestay services give employment and economic benefits to the local communities on the one hand while on the other, the trekkers get the basic teahouse facilities during the trek. The people from Magar, Gurung, and Aryan communities inhabit the villages of the Ruby Valley Trekking trail. You can find amazing clusters of Buddhist cultural heritage sites. Despite geographical remoteness, the people of this region are honest and helping to each other. They follow the Nepali ethics “Guests are Gods!”

While walking along the Langtang National Park premises, you see several animals and birds living in the rhododendron, oak, pine, fir, and birch forests. The appealing views of Langtang Lirung (7,227m), Ganesh Himal (7,422m), Bouddha Himal (6,692m), and occasionally of Manaslu (8,163m) help you undermine the challenging trails.

Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC Trek)

• Itinerary: 8 days to 17 days
• Max. Elevation: 4,130m (Annapurna Base Camp)
• Trek Difficulty: Moderate
• Culture: Gurung, Magar, and Aryan
• Himalayas: Annapurna (8,091m) Massif, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Massif, and Mt Fishtail (6,993m)

Of teahouse trekking in Nepal, Annapurna Base Camp trek is the most popular. The popularity of Annapurna Region Trekking is growing every day due to some genuine reasons. Due to the moderate trekking trails suitable for people of all ages, natural beauties, and cultural diversities, the national and international trekkers choose it.

Following the trails that go across the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), you trek past the ethnic villages of Gurung, Magar, and Aryan communities. The homestay facilities in the Gurung villages give you a different experience of culture, tradition, and lifestyle. The local people serve you with organic food produced in their farmland with the best hospitality. The cultural shows performed in the evening are no less exciting for a lifelong memory while trekking in Nepal.

The wild birds and animals of the ACAP and the majestic mountains of Annapurna (8,091) Massif, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) Massif, and Machhapucchre Himal (6,993m) are the added beauties of this trek. Although you can do Annapurna Base Camp Trek at all times of the year, spring and autumn are the best time for ABC Trek.