Hidden Gems Himalayas Trek: Tsum Valley, Mardi with ABC, Mustang and KBC

Posted by Shabir Ahmad
9
Aug 2, 2025
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This article talks about hidden treks in the big Himalayas. Like Tsum Valley, Mardi Himal with ABC, Upper Mustang and Kanchenjunga Base Camp. These treks not many people go on, but they have very beautiful and deep nature, real villages, and peaceful places. Walk slowly, see big snowy mountains, stay with local people, and eat their food. You don't just look; you feel inside. Buddha Air helps the Annapurna side easily fly. Trek is more than a photo; it is felt in the heart. These treks do not crowd Everest; these are for real mountain lovers. Come walk these hidden trails and find what many don't see.


Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek – 

The Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek goes to the third highest mountain in the world. It is in the far east of Nepal, near the Sikkim border. Not many trekkers go here, so the nature is very quiet and raw. This trek is long and takes many days. You pass forests, rivers, big glaciers, and many high places. The local people are Limbu and Rai; they live simple lives. You see a yak, a big rocky hill, a clear blue sky, and very cold air. The mountain, Kanchenjunga, is very big and stands proud. You feel very small but happy. It is not an easy trek; you need strong legs and a heart. No crowd, only pure Himalayan beauty.

Highlights – Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek

  • Reach base of world’s third highest mountain

  • Trek remote path with almost no crowd

  • Stay in local village with Limbu culture

  • Walk inside dense forest and wild rhododendron

  • See wild animals like red panda if lucky

  • Cross high-altitude and glacier rivers

  • Real Himalayan silence and sky views


Upper Mustang Trek – 


The Upper Mustang trek is like a different world. It looks like Tibet, but in Nepal. The land is dry, with red hills, caves, and old walls. Big sky and wind blow hard. Trek takes you to Lo Manthang, an old kingdom, with a king's house and a big gompa. People here speak the Tibetan language and live like before. Mustang opened only some years before, so it is still like old times. You see horses, monks, mani walls, and sky caves. It was not a very high trek, but the sun was strong and the wind was dry. Every corner looks like a painting. Coming here is like time travel. Walk slowly and talk to locals for real magic.

Highlights – Upper Mustang Trek

  • Explore ancient Lo Manthang city

  • Walk red desert with snow mountain view

  • Visit old caves, monasteries, and sky tunnels

  • Meet Tibetan-style people and culture

  • Ride horses in Himalayan desert land

  • Very less rain; trekking is possible in summer

  • See Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna from far


Annapurna Base Camp Mardi Himal Trek with Buddha Air – 

The Annapurna Base Camp and Mardi Himal Trek with Buddha Air mixes two of the best short treks. First Mardi Himal, which goes near Machhapuchhre, the Fish Tail. Then ABC, where you stand under the Annapurna glacier. Use Buddha Air to reach Pokhara easily and quickly. From there, the walk starts. Mardi Himal is a quiet trail with forest, ridge, and big mountain views. You stay in a small teahouse and talk with locals. ABC is more popular but still very nice. You reach Annapurna Sanctuary; all the peaks surround it like a bowl. Sunset and sunrise are golden. You feel close to the sky. Short days but a full heart. Perfect for those who want mountains but short times.

Highlights – ABC & Mardi Himal Trek

  • Fast access with Buddha Air flight to Pokhara

  • See Machhapuchhre and Annapurna up close

  • Quiet Mardi trail, busy ABC mix together

  • Stay in cozy teahouse and eat local dal bhat

  • Sunrise from ABC is amazing moment

  • Walk inside forest, ridge and glacier side

  • Good for short-time trekkers


Tsum Valley Trek – 


The Tsum Valley trek is a secret place on the Manaslu side. Old Buddhist valley, where people live simply and happily. Big mountains like Ganesh and Sringi are around. Many chortens, prayer flags, and monasteries on the way. You meet monks and nuns and hear prayer sounds. This trek feels like old Tibet, very peaceful. No crowd, only local people and yaks. The trail is not easy but is full of joy. Homestays in villages give real food and smiles. No internet, no noise, just wind and bells. You feel something special. Tsum means “vivid,” and yes, it is full of life but calm.

Highlights – Tsum Valley Trek

  • Real Tibetan Buddhist culture inside Nepal

  • Meet monks, visit ancient gompas

  • Stay with locals and eat their food

  • Walk deep valley with big mountain guard

  • See yak caravan and wild blue sheep

  • Peaceful and spiritual trekking experience

  • Far from busy trail, a really quiet trek


Top Hidden Gems in the Himalayas on These Treks

All these treks are not like Everest or ABC alone. They take you to places where fewer people go. Tsum Valley and KBC show real local life. Upper Mustang is a Himalayan desert, like a movie. Mardi Himal is small but powerful. These are gems because they are not shiny outside but deep inside. You find peace, people smile, and nature is big. Many places are still pure, no big hotels. Just heart and home. You see mountains, yes, but you also feel mountains. These hidden treks are not just trails; they are memories forever. No rush, just real beauty waiting for a slow visitor.


What's the Difference Between Listening and Look at These Treks

When you look, you see mountains, forests, and the sky. Very pretty. But when you listen, you hear wind talk, rivers sing, prayers chanted, and people laugh. Look outside, listen inside. In Tsum you hear a gong, in Mustang you hear silence, and in KBC you hear a glacier crack. Listening makes you understand better. Look, give a photo, listen, and give a story. When you combine both, trek becomes magic. You are not just a tourist; you become part of the land. Himalaya talks not always in words, but in sound and silence. Open ear, not only eye. Then you get the real meaning of trek.


Itinerary Overviews for These Treks

Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek (22 Days)
Kathmandu – Bhadrapur – Taplejung – Trek start – Ghunsa – Lhonak – KBC – Return the same way.

Upper Mustang Trek (15 Days)
Kathmandu – Pokhara – Jomsom (fly) – Kagbeni – Chele – Lo Manthang – Chhoser – Return via Dhakmar – Jomsom.

ABC with Mardi Himal (10 Days)
Kathmandu – Pokhara (Buddha Air) – Kande – Forest Camp – Mardi High Camp – Return to Siding – Drive to Nayapul – ABC route start – ABC – Back to Pokhara.

Tsum Valley Trek (16 Days)
Kathmandu – Arughat – Soti Khola – Machha Khola – Chumling – Chhekampar – Mu Gompa – Return the same route.


Local Food and Culture

The food is mostly dal bhat (rice, lentil, and veg), momo, and noodle soup. In Mustang, you find thukpa and Tibetan bread. In Tsum Valley you eat tsampa, ghee tea, and noodles. The KBC side has millet, local green vegetables, and sometimes yak meat. Culture is deep. People smile and welcome you. They pray, work hard, and love mountains. In Tsum and Mustang, they follow Buddhism. You see flags, wheels, and gompa. In KBC, Rai and Limbu people mix. Mardi-ABC has a Gurung village, they sing and dance. Food is not fancy, but it fills the heart. Culture is not loud but strong like a mountain.


Scenery and Nature of These Treks

The scenery is a mix of forest, glacier, river, mountain, and desert. KBC has a big ice wall. The Mustang is dry, with a red cliff and blue sky. ABC-Mardi has green forests and white peaks. Tsum Valley has a deep gorge, stone house, and snow hill. Nature is raw and beautiful. Wild animals like yaks, blue sheep, and maybe snow leopards. Birds like the Himalayan Monal. Trees change with height. Rhododendron, pine, then no tree. Every trek shows a different face of nature. In the morning, golden sun on the mountain; in the evening, starry sky. Nature talks silently but strongly.


Weather and Temperature

The weather changes fast.
KBC – Cold, strong wind, snow comes suddenly.
Mustang—Dry, less rain, hot sun in the day, cold night.
ABC-Mardi—Good in spring and autumn. Monsoon heavy.
Tsum Valley—Spring and fall are best; winter is too cold.

Temperature can go minus in high camp. Daytime is warm with sun; night is very cold. Pack layers. Always check the forecast. Mustang is ok in summer; others are not good in rainy times.


Planning and Preparation

Start early planning. Get a permit—some treks like Mustang and Tsum need special permits. Use a guide and porter for the first time. Train your body; walk more before trekking. Buy a good boot, jacket, and raincoat. Take medicine, first aid, and a water bottle. Book Buddha Air for fast travel to the Pokhara side. Prepare for no internet and no heater. Bring a power bank, torch, warm hat. Permit, TIMS, and passport copy are ready. Know some Nepali words, people like. Respect the locals. Know the route. A map or GPS app is good.


Tips for Successful Tour

  • Walk slowly, not rushing.

  • Drink more water

  • Eat dal bhat, keep energy

  • Respect locals; no loud sounds.

  • Take photo, but ask first

  • Smile, mountain-like happy face

  • Don’t throw trash

  • Take rest day and avoid sickness

  • Don’t overpack; carry light

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