Most Remote Treks in the Himalayas

If you’re seeking a trekking holiday in the Himalayas that takes you deep into some of the most untouched and breathtaking corners of the planet, yo... Read more
Most Remote Treks in the Himalayas

If you’re seeking a trekking holiday in the Himalayas that takes you deep into some of the most untouched and breathtaking corners of the planet, you’re in the right place. The Himalaya is where KE began and for over 40 years we’ve been leading treks and exploring its remote valleys, high passes and hidden trails. From crossing 5,000m mountain passes to venturing into regions so remote that only a handful of trekkers ever set foot there, these adventures go far beyond the classic routes, promising raw wilderness, extraordinary landscapes and memories that will last a lifetime…

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1. NEW - Makalu to Mera Pioneer Trek - Nepal

Where few travellers ever venture, the Makalu to Mera Pioneer Trek links two of Nepal’s most iconic mountain regions in one epic traverse. This is a truly remote Himalayan journey that stretches beneath the shadows of towering peaks and winds its way through terrain far from usual traveller paths. The trek climbs steadily to high passes, including challenging snow-covered sections and at times requires careful route finding; making this adventure suited to experienced trekkers who are comfortable with long days at altitude. Along the way, you’ll pass through traditional Sherpa villages, gaining insight into some of Nepal’s richest mountain cultures.

Campsites are chosen for their dramatic settings - whether beside mirror-like high lakes or beneath mighty summits, with sweeping panoramas of Makalu (8,485m), Chamlang (7,319m) and the eastern ridges of Everest. For those seeking a Himalayan trek that truly pushes into the wild, this traverse delivers remote wilderness, cultural depth and pure mountain adventure.

2. The Snowman Trek - Bhutan

Is this the greatest trail on earth? Known as the ‘Holy Grail’ for seasoned Himalayan trekkers, it is certainly one of the hardest and most remote treks in the world. Over the course of 25 days, you’ll conquer 11 high passes, 5 of which soar above 5,000m. You’ll venture deep into the Himalayas, reaching the 'Shangri-La' region of Lunana, one of the most isolated inhabited valleys on the planet. You will journey through remote villages and pass the world's highest unclimbed peak, Gangkar Puensum. If you’re ready to push yourself to the limit and experience something extraordinary, you could be one of the few trekkers that complete this circuit each year.

3. Panch Pokhari and Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek - Nepal

This adventurous route leads into a spectacular and little-trekked region northeast of Kathmandu. Starting from the sacred lakes of Panch Pokhari (4,055m), you’ll follow a remote trail through mature forest, across cascading streams and sacred shrines, and into the dramatic hidden valley of Ne-Pemachhal. From here, few have ventured onward to the Jugal Himal Base Camp at Yang Kharka (4,700m), which sits beside the Jugal Glacier and beneath the soaring flanks of Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Yangri and Phurbi Chhyachu. This is true Himalayan wilderness, with rugged trails, unbridged river crossings and sections of basic scrambling. Not for the faint-hearted, this trek rewards confident high-altitude trekkers with some of the most pristine landscapes in Nepal.

4. K2 and Concordia K2 - Pakistan

This was the very first KE trek and is arguably still the best. You will trek into the very heart of the Karakoram to reach the aptly named 'Throne Room of the Mountain Gods' – the best place on earth to stand so close to so many of the world’s highest peaks including Broad Peak (8,047m), Gasherbrum (8,080m) and the stupendous south face of K2 (8,611m). This feels more remote than many other Himalayan and Nepali treks as the terrain is generally more rugged underfoot, there are no tea houses or lodges on the route and no villages or permanent habitation above Askole - a strong sense of adventure is essential to this trek!

5. Dolpo to Mugu Trek - Nepal

KE groups have been among the few fortunate visitors to Dolpo over the past three decades, but this trek is our most ambitious yet. From Shey Gompa to the airstrip at Talcha near Rara Lake, you'll spend two full weeks on one of the most challenging and thrilling traverses in the Nepal Himalaya. For about a week in the middle, there are no villages and you're unlikely to meet anyone except the occasional yak herder! The rewards are immense: remote, almost uncharted trekking, with breathtaking views from the high passes, south to the rarely seen Kanjiroba Himal and north into Tibet. This trek remains one of our most extraordinary Himalayan adventures and is highly recommended for seasoned high-altitude trekkers.

6. In the Shadow of Nanda Devi - India

This unique KE trek avoids the hiking honeypots of the Himalayas, offering an off-the-beaten-path experience while remaining a moderate trek, with daily walks of 5-7 hours. Over 9 days, you'll trek through a seldom-visited area around Nanda Devi (7,817m), the geographical and spiritual high point of India. Starting in the Ram Ganga valley and ending at the Gauri Ganga, this scenic route passes through untouched alpine meadows and crosses high passes, offering panoramic views of the Nanda Devi Sanctuary and the Panch Chuli peaks. This trek is perfect for experienced trekkers seeking a less-travelled region, as well as well-prepared novices looking for a rewarding challenge.

7. Kangchenjunga Trek - Nepal

This is a challenging trek due to its length, the remoteness and several tough days at altitude. In the remote Kangchenjunga region of the Nepal Himalaya, you’ll traverse the rarely-visited north-eastern corner of Nepal. The route to Kangchenjunga leads through scenic farmland and rugged valleys to the basecamp for the south side of the Kangchenjunga massif at Ramze. Then, crossing to the north side of Kangchenjunga by way of the Mirgin La (4,663m), you’ll be rewarded with magical views of the Himalayas including Makalu, Chamlang, Everest and Kangchenjunga. With no quality lodges in this remote area, you'll rely on full-service camping supported by a fantastic local crew. Varied and visually breathtaking, this trek ranks amongst the best and most visually stunning mountain walks in the world.

8. Tsomothang 6,000m Peak - India

If you're looking to step up to your first 6,000m Himalayan summit, this rarely-climbed peak in Ladakh offers the perfect mix of high-altitude adventure and cultural immersion. Set in the wild mountains west of Leh, you'll follow remote trails across two 5,000m passes before tackling Tsomothang (6,050m) itself – a non-technical but physically demanding ascent offering far-reaching views across to the twin giants of Nun and Kun, and even K2 on a clear day. Along the way, you’ll explore Buddhist monasteries, acclimatise in Leh and pass through valleys rarely seen by trekkers. On summit day, expect scree, boulders and open snow slopes, with the guidance and safety of ropes and glacier gear where needed. This is Ladakh at its most raw and rewarding.

9. The Laya Trek - Bhutan

Hidden deep in Bhutan’s north-west, Laya is a village that can only be reached on foot. That alone makes the journey worthwhile. This demanding trek takes you far beyond Bhutan’s well-trodden routes, following an ancient trail from fertile farmland and dense, moss-draped forests into high alpine pasture and over serious mountain terrain. As you gain height, the landscapes become ever more dramatic, culminating in the crossing of the formidable Shinge La (5,000m), one of the highest trekking passes in Bhutan.

Throughout the journey, you’ll camp in a succession of spectacular wilderness locations, many with uninterrupted views of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks. This is a trek for confident, experienced trekkers looking to combine high-altitude adventure with deep cultural immersion in one of the Himalaya’s most isolated and rewarding regions.

10. NEW - Highlights of Dolpo – Tarap to Phoksumdo Lake across High Passes - Nepal

In the wild west of Nepal, north of the main Himalayan chain, the Dolpo region feels like a world apart - high, dry and steeped in ancient tradition. This trek crosses dramatic gorges, high mountain passes and turquoise alpine lakes, gaining remote wilderness vistas and expansive panoramas of far‑flung Himalayan ranges. Following in the footsteps of the author of The Snow Leopard, you’ll explore one of the least accessible and most alluring corners of Nepal.

Challenging, remote and rewarding, this trek takes you along seldom‑travelled trails and through scattered villages where Tibetan‑influenced culture endures. Nights are spent at carefully chosen campsites, offering spectacular views and a deep sense of immersion in the high Himalaya. For experienced trekkers who crave high passes, rugged trails and authentic Himalayan adventure, this Dolpo circuit is an unforgettable journey.

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