Walking the Quiet Valleys Toward the Hidden Ridges of Annapurna

A rare blend of quiet trails, cultural immersion, and dramatic Himalayan scenery. Designed for trekkers seeking a more secluded alternative to the classic Annapurna routes, this journey winds through the lesser-known valleys and ridges of Lamjung and Kaski districts, tracing a path between traditional Gurung villages, alpine meadows, and high-altitude base camps. With views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal, and the distant Manaslu range, the trek delivers a rich visual experience without the crowds.

From the lowland warmth of Besisahar, the trail rises gradually through terraced fields and rhododendron forests, passing through Gurung villages Bhulbhule, Ghanpokhara, and Bhujung. These are places where time moves slowly, where prayer flags flutter above slate roofs. As you climb toward Ramrong Peak, the landscape shifts dramatically: forests thin, the air grows crisp, and the mountains begin to dominate the horizon. Reaching the tented camps at Ramrong Lower and Upper Base Camps brings a real sense of arrival, with vast views toward Annapurna and Manaslu. Standing beneath Ramrong Peak itself adds a thrill, especially at this rarely visited vantage point where sunrise ignites the entire skyline in gold.

The descent is no less dramatic. You’ll cross grazing meadows, jungle ridges, and quiet settlements of Hojudobato and Karpu Deurali Dada, each offering new angles on the peaks and valleys below. The final stretch leads to Tanding Village, where stone homes nestle among farmland and forest, before the journey closes in Pokhara. With moderate pacing and varied terrain, the trek is accessible to fit trekkers, yet rich in challenge and reward.

More than a physical journey, the Annapurna Eastern Trek is a route that respects the land and its people, offering not just views but vantage points into culture, ecology, and the quiet power of walking through wild places.