Treks in Nepal always give big dreams. Every traveler comes with hope and goes back with a stronger memory. The Upper Dolpo Trek, the Kanchenjunga-Makalu Base Camp Trek, and the Mardi Himal Trek all show different faces of the Himalaya. One is wild and remote, one is massive and long, and one is short but deep in beauty. Each path tells the story of land, mountains, people, and silence. And all treks show something not easy to forget.

Upper Dolpo Trek Overview

Upper Dolpo Trek is a land of mystery. It is far away from the big city and only a few people reach there. The place is dry and windy but still so peaceful. Big mountains of the Dhaulagiri range standing tall. Crystal Phoksundo Lake is shining like a mirror. Villages look like they stopped in time. People here live simple lives; most follow Bon and Tibetan Buddhism. Upper Dolpo is also one of the last untouched trekking regions in Nepal.

Walking in Dolpo is not easy. The trail is long, the high pass is cold, and the food is basic. But every step gives me a sense of adventure. You walk through Shey Phoksundo National Park. You cross Kang La, Shey La, and other high passes. Yak caravans walk with you sometimes. And everywhere the prayer flag waves in the wind.

Routes And Highlights Of Upper Dolpo

The route starts from Juphal after a flight from Nepalgunj. Then slowly trek to Dunai, Chhepka, and reach Phoksundo Lake. That lake is a deep blue color, like a dream. Then the trail climbs up high pass, goes through Shey Gompa, and then more barren land and high plateau. Villages like Saldang and Dho Tarap show how humans live in harsh land. Highlight is crystal lake, monasteries that are 800 years old, high passes, the snow leopard area, and remote culture.

Best Time For Upper Dolpo

The best time is spring and autumn. The months of April to May and September to November. The weather is clear, the sky is open, and passing is easier. In winter, snow makes the trek almost closed. Summer monsoon also makes the trail difficult.

Food And Stay In Upper Dolpo

Food is simple. Dal bhat, noodle, potato, Tibetan bread, soup. Sometimes yak cheese. Tea is always hot and strong. Accommodation is a basic lodge or tent. In many parts you must camp. Places not like Everest or Annapurna, so you should be ready for a rough stay.

Kanchenjunga-Makalu Base Camp Trek Overview

 

Kanchenjunga-Makalu Base Camp trek is giant. Two great base camps in one journey. It is a trek of long days, high mountains, and remote regions, but it is full of reward. Kanchenjunga is the third highest mountain, and Makalu is fifth. Both are mighty and always covered in snow. Trek connects east Nepal wild land.

This trek shows you a green valley, rhododendron forest, alpine meadow, glacier, and the cultural village of Limbu, Rai, and Sherpa. The path is not busy, so silence is everywhere. You feel alone on the mountain. Hard trek but pure nature.

Routes And Highlights Of Kanchenjunga-Makalu

The route is long. Start at the Taplejung area for the Kanchenjunga side. Walk to Ghunsa and Kambachen and reach Pangpema North Base Camp. Also the south base camp route with the Oktang view. Both sides give a panorama of Kanchenjunga. Then the trek moved across passes like Lumba Sumba La to cross into the Makalu side. Then you walk through the Arun valley, Makalu Barun National Park. Final destination: Makalu Base Camp at 5000m plus, with a close-up of the Makalu wall.

Highlights are the Kanchenjunga glacier, rare wildlife, the Lumba Sumba Pass adventure, the Makalu Base Camp view, and the remote culture of the eastern hill. This trek is long expedition style, sometimes 30+ days.

Best Time For Kanchenjunga-Makalu

Same as other treks. Spring is March to May, and autumn is September to November. In spring, rhododendron blooms make forests look colorful. In autumn the sky is so clear, mountains shine. Winter is very cold, and summer has heavy rain.

Food And Stay In Kanchenjunga-Makalu

The food is dal bhat, momo, noodles, chapati, potato curry, and vegetables. In villages small tea houses give meals. But in many remote parts you need camping support. Tea houses are not like Annapurna. The stay is a simple, wooden room, often a common toilet, and cold water. But warm smiles from locals make the journey better.

Mardi Himal Trek Overview

The Mardi Himal Trek is short, new, and full of beauty. It is near the Annapurna range but not as crowded as ABC. Trail climb from the Pokhara side, passing forest and ridge, and ending up at Mardi Himal Base Camp. The whole way you see Machhapuchhre (Fishtail), Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, and Mardi Himal peak.

The Mardi trek is best for travelers who want a one-week trek with a high mountain view. It gives forest walks, rhododendron, local villages, and ridge walking. It is not very hard, so many new trekkers choose it. But the view looks like heaven.

Routes And Highlights Of Mardi Himal

The route starts from Kande or Phedi near Pokhara. Walk to Deurali, Forest Camp, Low Camp, and High Camp. Then the final climb to Mardi Himal Base Camp around 4500m. Highlight is a close view of Fishtail, the Annapurna range, and a ridge walk with a wide sky. Sunset and sunrise here are magic. Also less crowd, peaceful stay. Villages on the way show Gurung and Magar culture.

Best Time For Mardi Himal

Spring (March to May) is best. Rhododendron forest full of red and pink blooms. Autumn, September to November, is also very clear; the view is open, and the sky is blue. Winter can trek but it's cold. Monsoon is rainy and slippery.

Food And Stay In Mardi Himal

The food is tea house style. Dal bhat, noodles, momo, and pizza also sometimes. Because this trek is closer to Pokhara, teahouses offer many choices. Stay in a lodge, some simple, some good. Room wooden, with a bed with a blanket. At high camp it is more basic but still okay.

Why Choose These Three Treks?

Every trek is different. Upper Dolpo shows wild hidden land. Kanchenjunga-Makalu shows a giant long adventure. Mardi Himal shows a short but stunning view. Together they give a full picture of Nepal trekking. One for remote, one for extreme, and one for easy but beautiful.

Cultural Experience

In Upper Dolpo, the culture is Tibetan Buddhist mixed with Bon. Old monastery, monks, and prayer wheels everywhere. In Kanchenjunga-Makalu culture are Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa. Different dance, drink, and tradition. In Mardi Himal culture is Gurung and Magar, with hospitality and smiles.

Trekking Tips

Always walk slowly. Altitude is high, so take acclimatization. Drink more water, and carry warm clothes. Dolpo and Kanchenjunga-Makalu need permits and sometimes camping gear. In Mardi Himal only TIMS and ACAP permits were needed. Better to go with a guide and porter because the remote trail is confusing.

Weather Conditions

Upper Dolpo is dry like Tibet, with a clear sky but strong wind. Kanchenjunga-Makalu has a mixed climate, humid in the lower part and snowy in the higher part. Mardi Himal is mild but cold in high camp. Always check the forecast before crossing the pass.

Adventure Level

Upper Dolpo is tough because of remoteness, camping, and high passes. Kanchenjunga-Makalu is the hardest because of length and altitude. Mardi Himal is moderate and good for beginners.

Conclusion

Nepal's trekking world is endless. The Upper Dolpo Trek gives silence and an old land story. The Kanchenjunga-Makalu Base Camp Trek gives a giant test of two great peaks. The Mardi Himal Trek gives a short taste of Himalayan wonder. All three are different colors in the same painting. If you want remote and raw, go to Dolpo. If you want something long and epic, go to Kanchenjunga-Makalu. If you want short and sweet, go Mardi. Each one leaves a mark on the heart forever.