Mountain Kora

Larkya La Pass, Manaslu, Nepal

For many, a trek in Nepal conjures images of the iconic Everest Base Camp or the well-trodden Annapurna Circuit. These trails have earned their fame for good reason—spectacular mountain scenery and a connection to Nepal’s mountaineering legacy. Yet, with around 90% of trekkers heading to these two regions, the sense of solitude and cultural immersion can be elusive.

At Mountain Kora, we craft journeys for those seeking a quieter, more intimate encounter with the communities and cultures of the Himalaya. Our alternative routes not only rival the beauty of the popular trails, but offer unparalleled access to remote villages, rich cultural traditions, and the rhythms of agrarian life in the high Himalaya.

Gokyo Lakes & Renjo La: Everest’s Remote Valleys

Gokyo Lakes from Gokyo Ri, Nepal Everest Region Trek

Everest Base Camp is an undeniable draw for trekkers, offering a chance to stand in the footsteps of mountaineering legends and witness the immense power of the world’s tallest peak up close. The trail is a rite of passage for many, offering stunning scenery and a sense of achievement, but its popularity also means busier trails and teahouses that focus on accommodating large numbers of visitors rather than fostering authentic local connections. The Mountain Kora traveler seeks something different—an adventure that forgoes the bucket-list mindset and the convenience of well-worn paths in favor of genuine exchanges with remote communities and a deeper connection to the land.

Just a valley away from this famed route, the Gokyo Lakes and Renjo La trek explores quieter routes through the Khumbu region. This journey brings us to glacial lakes in the shadows of the high Himalaya, traditional Sherpa villages, and Renjo La Pass—one of the famed three high passes of the Everest region, just over 17,000’. Taking our time to acclimate, we eventually gain arguably some of the most breathtaking panoramas of Everest, Lhotse, and Cho Oyu. Along the way, we visit the remote village of Phortse, home to the Khumbu Climbing Center, where young Sherpas are trained in mountaineering skills—a testament to the region’s enduring climbing culture. Supporting the center not only preserves local mountaineering traditions but also empowers the next generation of Sherpa climbers, aligning with Mountain Kora’s commitment to sustainable tourism and supporting the livelihoods of Himalayan communities.

Ama Dablam Base Camp & the Sherpa Heartland

Mountain Kora group celebrating at Ama Dablam base camp.

For those seeking a more moderate, comfort trek our Trekking into the Sherpa Heartland itinerary offers the perfect blend between trekking adventure and cultural immersion amidst the high Sherpa villages of the Everest region. Our route explores the high mountain villages of Phortse, Khumjung, and Thame—getting us off the EBC trail and bringing us to places where the agrarian way of life still exists in the high Himalaya. A highlight is the hike to Ama Dablam Base Camp, gaining an insider sense for expeditions up one of the more technical mountains in the Nepal Himalaya. Along our route you may find yourself sipping nak butter tea in a local home, a warm gesture of hospitality from our guides’ extended families. We also have the chance to visit the more iconic Tengboche and Pangboche Monasteries, learning about Buddhism in these high mountain communities.

Manaslu Circuit & Tsum Valley: The Hidden Himalaya

Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek.

Far from the crowds of Annapurna, the Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley trek ventures deep into the remote regions bordering Tibet, offering an exhilarating alternative for the more adventurous traveler. This two-week journey traverses subtropical forests, lush farmland, ancient Buddhist settlements and high alpine terrain. While the tourism infrastructure here is more basic than in the popular trekking regions, this trek offers a rare opportunity to venture on quieter trails, engage more personally with high mountain communities, and experience an unfiltered connection to traditional Himalayan life.

Our custom adventure takes trekkers off the main Manaslu circuit and up The Tsum Valley, just opened to trekkers around 15 years ago and still requires a special permit to enter. For those who are open to basic accommodation for the tradeoff of experiencing Tibetan Buddhist culture, there is the rare chance to stay overnight at Mu Gompa, a remote Buddhist monastery at the head of the valley. You have the opportunity to sit in on Buddhist prayers and interact with monks to learn about their secluded existence.

Travel with Purpose and Embracing Sustainable Treks

Invited into our guide’s family home for tea, Khumjung, Nepal.

Choosing an alternative trek with Mountain Kora means stepping away from the crowds, bringing economic benefits to lesser-visited villages and fostering a more sustainable, community-driven tourism model. These journeys not only offer a more personal connection with nature but also contribute to sustainable tourism by supporting local homestays, monasteries, and community-led initiatives—ensuring that the benefits of tourism are shared directly with the communities who call these mountains home.

In Kathmandu we gain insights into residential life in the city where we stay at Nima Sherpa Homestay, hosted by our guide Tenzing’s family. Guests are invited to share meals, learn about Sherpa traditions, and even volunteer in the family’s preschool—a rare opportunity to connect with the local community before heading into the mountains.

We also support local initiatives like the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology, where life-changing cataract surgeries are performed for underserved communities. Visits to these organizations offer a deeper understanding of Nepal’s social fabric and the inspiring work being done to uplift its people.

If you’re seeking a journey that blends adventure, cultural immersion, and sustainability, explore our Nepal Adventures and join us in discovering the hidden corners of the Himalaya.