Key Takeaway
- One of the alternative routes to the Everest Base camp trek is the Gokyo Lakes trek where one can find the tempting Gokyo valley present on the west of Everest.
- The Everest Three Passes Trek is a fun yet challenging one where trekkers get to see three high mountains Kongma La Pass, the Cho La Pass, and the Renjo La Pass. This runs on the west of Everest camp.
- The less traveled alternative is the Rolwaling Valley, This trek runs on the east of the Everest region.
- Unknown alternative on the east side of the Everest camp. The trek also includes a visit to the beautiful Barun Valley, which is home to several endangered species, including the snow leopard and the red panda.
Few treks in the world can match the sheer grandeur and allure of the Everest Base Camp Trek, which has become an iconic symbol of adventure and exploration. It is not surprising that this one is a top choice for many travelers visiting Nepal.
Each year, the siren call of the majestic Himalayas lures thousands of intrepid trekkers to the fabled Everest region of Nepal. Enveloped by the awe-inspiring beauty of the world’s highest peaks, these adventurers brave the challenging terrain to bask in the glory of standing in the shadow of Mount Everest, the crown jewel of the Himalayas.
However, the traditional route to Everest Base Camp, which starts from Lukla and follows the Dudh Koshi River to Namche Bazaar, can be quite crowded and busy, especially during the peak trekking season.
For those looking for a more peaceful and off-the-beaten-path trekking experience in Nepal, several alternative routes to Everest Base Camp are less traveled but just as beautiful and rewarding. In this blog, we will explore some of the lesser-known routes to Everest Base Camp and what makes them unique.
Gokyo Lakes Trek
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is an alternative route to Everest Base Camp Trek that takes trekkers through the beautiful Gokyo Valley, which is situated on the west side of the Everest region. It starts in Lukla and follows the traditional route to Namche Bazaar, but instead of heading towards Everest Base Camp, trekkers turn west towards the Gokyo Valley.
It takes trekkers through several beautiful Sherpa villages and past stunning mountain vistas before reaching the Gokyo Valley.
The highlight of the Gokyo Lakes Trek is the series of six emerald-green lakes that are situated at an altitude of over 4,700 meters. The lakes are surrounded by snow-capped peaks, including Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-highest mountain, and are considered one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the Himalayas.
The trek also includes a hike to Gokyo Ri, a 5,357-meter peak that offers stunning panoramic views of the Everest region, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek is a less crowded traditional route to Everest Base Camp. The trekkers get the best moments to make, and an opportunity to visit the small Sherpa villages which are present along the trail. One gets to learn about the life of the Sherpa there.
This adventurous path through Gokyo Lakes Trek is one of the best peaceful alternatives to the Everest Base Camp.
Do You Know: On the North base of the Everest Base Camp one requires the permit of the Chinese government.
Three Passes Trek
The Everest Three Passes Trek is a challenging and adventurous alternative route to Everest Base Camp that takes trekkers through three high mountain passes, including the Kongma La Pass, the Cho La Pass, and the Renjo La Pass.
The trek starts in Lukla and follows the traditional route to Namche Bazaar, but instead of heading towards Everest Base Camp, trekkers turn east towards the Three Passes.
The Three Passes Trek is considered one of the most challenging treks in the Everest region, as it involves crossing three high mountain passes that are situated at an altitude of over 5,000 meters. It also takes through remote and less-traveled areas of the Everest region, including the beautiful Gokyo Valley and the Rolwaling Valley.
It also offers stunning mountain vistas, including views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, as well as a unique cultural experience, as trekkers have the opportunity to visit several small Sherpa villages that are located along the trail.
This path is less crowded and yet chosen for the same reason by various travelers. This path is also considered one of the challenging and fun-loving for both physical and mental needed changes.
Being an alternative trekkers path for Everest Base camp, this is considered one of the best treks for a joyful experience and personal changes.
Rolwaling Valley Trek
The Rolwaling Valley Trek is a remote and less-traveled alternative route to Everest Base Camp that takes trekkers through the beautiful Rolwaling Valley, which is situated on the east side of the Everest region.
This trek begins from Kathmandu which is a complete six-hour drive, where one would find the whole path rather challenging yet with the most exquisite and unspoiled regions of the Himalayas.
The major highlight of this trek is mounting vistas, Gaurishankar views, Melungtse, the Himalayan peak, and much more. There are picturesque views like Tsho Rolpa Lake and Nepal’s largest glacial lakes.
This trek is also picked for the same reason for being less crowded and bringing the unmatched adventure throughout. Trekkers get to know the Sherpa village culture and other lifestyles much more closely.
If a trekker is looking for a more challenging and remote trekking experience, this is the best alternative.
Arun Valley Trek
The Arun Valley Trek is a relatively unknown alternative route to Everest Base Camp that takes trekkers through the beautiful Arun Valley, which is situated on the east side of the Everest region.
This trek begins from Tumlingtar after a short flight from Kathmandu and then begins on the most beautiful yet unspoiled paths of the Himalayas.
The glistening highlight of this trail is the amazing mountain vistas, the Himalayan peaks to watch, and the unparalleled views of Makalu. Interestingly, one can also get to visit the beautiful Barul Valley with a plethora of endangered species including snow leopards and red panda.
The most expected reason to select this trail path is because of is less crowded reason and provides flourishing opportunities to be a part of Sherpa culture and their different lifestyle.
This is one of the best alternatives as it is remote and gives awe-striking views throughout the trek.
Ama Dablam Base Camp Trek
This amazing trek begins in Nepal and brings one close to the epic regions of the Ama Dablam mountains. This trek most likely follows the same route as the Everest Base camp but splits up at Pangboche.
With the assistance of the best trekking expertise, one can get to be part of the most awestruck moments of amazing mountain vistas, and sherpa settlements. This has been rated as medium to the difficult trek journeys where one gets a returning stay at the village of Phortse.
This is one of the most remarkable journeys if one is looking for the best alternative to Everest Base Camp. This is a less-traveled journey and yet the most legendary one.
Summing Up
The traditional route to Everest Base Camp is a beautiful and rewarding trekking experience, but it can be quite congested and busy, especially during the peak trekking season. For those looking for a more peaceful and off-the-beaten-path trekking adventure, several alternative routes to Everest Base Camp are less traveled but just as beautiful and rewarding.
The Gokyo Lakes Trek, Three Passes Trek, Rolwaling Valley Trek, and Arun Valley Trek are all great alternatives to the traditional route to the destination. Each trek offers unique moments and stunning mountain vistas, and each is less chaotic and more remote than the traditional route.
No matter if you are a seasoned trekker with a thirst for adventure or a first-time trekker seeking a tranquil and secluded experience, the alternative routes to Everest Base Camp offer an unbeatable journey that promises to leave an indelible impression on your soul.
These off-the-beaten-path routes not only provide a refreshing change of scenery from the crowded main trail but also offer panoramic views of the towering Himalayan peaks that will leave you breathless with wonder.
Prepare for an unforgettable trekking adventure that will test your limits and expand your horizons.
If you are planning to visit Nepal for any adventure activities contact a local tour company based in Kathmandu, Nepal- Glorious Himalaya Trekking Pvt. Ltd. You can connect with them through their email: info@glorioushimalaya.com
