Dordi Himal: A Potential Alternative of Annapurna Circuit Trek
Most of us have heard of the popular Annapurna Circuit, but there’s a hidden gem in Lamjung District that has the potential to become a true alternative. Tucked in the mountains of Lamjung, just 180 kilometers away from Kathmandu, there lies a trekking route delivers everything, stunning Himalayan views, remote villages, authentic cultural encounters, and challenging mountain terrain, without the crowds or noise, its Dordi Himal. Dordi Himal is a Tibetan name which simply means indestructible or Diamond Like.
Dordi Himal trek is not something new that appeared randomly. The locals have been trekking through the route for a long time, the only thing is, it has not yet been caught by the eyes of the traveler. This is the perfect place if you are looking to trek to peaceful and least explored area. Nepal’s government has officially prioritized Mount Dordi as a major tourism destination, with infrastructure improvements and feasibility studies rolling our right now. In next two to three year, the 9 days Dordi Himal Trek will be as popular as Annapurna Circuit.
And if you wish to travel before it gets popular and crowded, here’s the thing you should know.
Why Dordi Himal Trek? Why Now?
The main reason to promote Mount Dordi is to provide the real experience people are looking for, the scenic mountain view, the local culture, quiet trails and authentic trekking vibe, something which Annapurna was able to provide. But there are a lot of question asking why not Annapurna? Annapurna was the world’s best long-distance trek, providing stunning Himalayas views, beautiful trekking trail and 22 days overall trek used to make it looks like an actual trek. Annapurna had everything making it the best trek. It circled the entire Annapurna Massif, passing through multiple climate zones and cultures in a single journey. But over the past few decades the development of roads has boosted and the real vibe of trekking through the dense forest of rhododendron seems missing. And suddenly the 22 days Annapurna Circuit now is decreased to 14 days. And Dordi Himal came out to be possibly the best alternative that provides everything once Annapurna promised.
The Local government, tourism entrepreneurs and federal government recognized this problem and started to look for an alternative. They realized that the trekkers enjoy the real authentic trek through the peaceful mountains and started looking for something that was similar to Annapurna.
And by the recent government of Nepal, promotion of Dordi Himal is listed in their 100 points government reform plans (plan no:72). They have listed it in a national priority and are looking for plans to promote the destination.
Why is Dordi Himal Best Alternative?
Dordi is not a new trek, it is not just that popular. Dordi seems to be the best alternatives because it is well maintained. There has been a huge investment and still the government is investing in Dharmasala in different area for tourist to stay. The guest house is being built for trekkers to stay and the local people are being trained for hospitality management. Nepal Tourism Board and UNDP are looking for the sustainable practice and the transportation is accessible to the starting point of the trek. And yet it is not yet fully completed. The project to promote Dordi Himal is huge and government is investing a good amount of money to develop it but without destroying its real trekking experience, as Dordi itself means indestructible. And within next two years Mount Dordi will be as popular as Everest and Annapurna.
