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Buddha Himal Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit | Hidden Gem of the Ganesh Himal Region
Overview
The Buddha Himal-Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trail is a newly developed trekking route in Nepal’s Lamjung and Gorkha districts, connecting the Manaslu and Annapurna regions. It offers two distinct trails for adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in the Himalayas. Below is a detailed overview based on available information:
Trail Overview
This trekking circuit is designed to provide a thrilling yet serene experience, showcasing sacred lakes, waterfalls, and stunning mountain views, including peaks like Himalchuli, Buddha Himal, and Harke Chuli. The trail is rich in biodiversity, with rare wildlife such as musk deer, red pandas, and the Himalayan monal (Nepal’s national bird), as well as rhododendrons and medicinal herbs. It also offers a deep cultural experience, passing through traditional Gurung villages, ancient forts, monasteries, and temples, where trekkers encounter yak and sheep herders.
The trail is divided into two routes:
- High-Altitude Trail (21 or 18 Days):
- Route: Starts at Dona (Thulagi) in Lamjung, passes through Meme Pokhari, and crosses the Rubina-La Pass (5,000 meters) in Gorkha, reaching the base camps of Buddha Himal and Himalchuli.
- Duration: Sources vary, citing 18 or 21 days.
- Highlights: High-altitude adventure with rugged mountain passes, glistening glaciers, and panoramic Himalayan views. This trail is physically and mentally challenging, offering an immersive experience in pristine landscapes.
- Lower Trail (13 Days):
- Route: Reaches the Lipe-Barahpokhari area in Lamjung, with a maximum altitude of 3,200 meters.
- Duration: Approximately 13 days.
- Highlights: A less strenuous option with lush forests, vibrant flora, and cultural encounters in remote villages. It’s ideal for those seeking a shorter, less demanding trek while still experiencing the region’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Key Features
- Scenic Beauty: The trail traverses diverse terrains, from lush forests to rugged high-altitude passes, with cascading waterfalls, verdant valleys, and crystal-clear mountain views.
- Cultural Immersion: Trekkers engage with local Gurung communities, known for their hospitality, and visit ancient monasteries and forts, offering insights into the region’s cultural tapestry.
- Biodiversity: The trail is home to rare wildlife and diverse flora, including rhododendrons and medicinal herbs, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
- Novelty: Unlike the popular Annapurna and Manaslu circuits, this trail remains largely unexplored, offering a sense of adventure and exclusivity for trekkers seeking new destinations.
Development and Promotion
- The trail was collaboratively developed by the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and five local governments in Lamjung and Gorkha (Ajirkot, Dudhpokhari, Dordi, and Marsyangdi rural municipalities).
- Budget allocations have been made to enhance and promote the trail, to attract tourists, and boost local economies.
- The official launch event occurred in Kathmandu, attended by key figures like Nepal’s Home Minister, Defense Minister, and tourism officials, with trail maps, brochures, and animations unveiled to promote the route.
Practical Information
- Starting Points: Options include Machhakhola, Larpak, Barpak, Bhachchek, Besisahar, Bhulbhule, Ngadi, Bahundanda, Ghermu, and Jagat.
- Preparation: As an off-the-beaten-path trail, trekkers should bring maps, tents, cooking utensils, and preferably a guide or porter due to the risk of getting lost in remote areas.
- Best Time to Trek: Autumn (October-November) and spring (March-May) are ideal due to favorable weather conditions.
- Permits: Trekking permits are required, though specific details are not provided in the sources. Contact Amazing Nepal Adventure for assistance.
✅ Why Choose This Trek?
- 🏞️ Unexplored Alpine Lakes: Visit multiple glacial lakes, including Dudh Kunda, Black Lake (Kalo Pokhari), and Ganesh Kunda.
- 🌄 High Himalayan Views: Stunning panoramas of Manaslu, Buddha Himal, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, and Paldor Peak.
- 🧘 Spiritual Atmosphere: Ancient Buddhist monasteries, pilgrimage lakes, and sacred sites tied to local deities and yogis.
- 👣 Cultural Immersion: Walk through remote Gurung, Tamang, and Tibetan Buddhist communities untouched by mass tourism.
- 🐾 Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to musk deer, red panda, Himalayan tahr, and unique high-altitude flora.
Recommendations
- Engage with Amazing Nepal Adventure for logistical support, guides, and permits.
- Prepare for high-altitude conditions on the longer trail by packing the proper gear and allowing for adequate acclimatization.
- Check weather conditions, especially for the high-altitude pass, and plan to visit in spring or autumn to avoid monsoon challenges.
Note: Always verify trail conditions and permit requirements with Amazing Nepal Adventure before embarking, as the trail is relatively new and less developed than established routes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
- Activity: Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet the trekking guide for briefing, permit arrangements, and gear checks.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Altitude: 1,400 meters
- Notes: Ensure high-altitude gear (tent, sleeping bag, crampons, etc.) and review weather forecasts.
Day 2: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar
- Activity: Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (6-7 hours by bus or private vehicle).
- Distance: ~180 km
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Besisahar
- Altitude: 760 meters
- Highlights: Scenic drive through Nepal’s countryside, passing rivers and hills.
Day 3: Trek from Besisahar to Bhulbhule
- Activity: Begin trek to Bhulbhule along the Marsyangdi River.
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Distance: ~7 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse or camping
- Altitude: 840 meters
- Highlights: Gentle trail, introduction to Gurung culture, terraced fields.
Day 4: Trek from Bhulbhule to Ngadi
- Activity: Trek to Ngadi, passing through lush landscapes.
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Distance: ~8 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse or camping
- Altitude: 930 meters
- Highlights: Waterfalls, rice paddies, and early Himalayan views.
Day 5: Trek from Ngadi to Jagat
- Activity: Trek to Jagat, a stone-paved village.
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: ~10 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse or camping
- Altitude: 1,300 meters
- Highlights: Suspension bridges, forests, and views of Lamjung Himal.
Day 6: Trek from Jagat to Chamje
- Activity: Trek to Chamje, entering denser forests.
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: ~10 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse or camping
- Altitude: 1,430 meters
- Highlights: Rhododendron forests, potential wildlife sightings (e.g., Himalayan monal).
Day 7: Trek from Chamje to Dona (Thulagi)
- Activity: Trek to Dona (Thulagi), the trail’s starting point in Lamjung.
- Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: ~12 km
- Accommodation: Camping
- Altitude: 2,000 meters
- Highlights: Transition to remote trails, cultural encounters with Gurung herders.
Day 8: Trek from Dona to Lower Meme Pokhari Base
- Activity: Trek toward Meme Pokhari, reaching a lower base camp.
- Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: ~10 km
- Accommodation: Camping
- Altitude: 3,000 meters
- Highlights: Alpine meadows, first views of sacred Meme Pokhari lake.
Day 9: Acclimatization Day at Lower Meme Pokhari Base
- Activity: Rest and acclimatize. Short hikes to explore the Meme Pokhari surroundings.
- Trekking Time: 2-3 hours
- Accommodation: Camping
- Altitude: 3,000 meters
- Highlights: Sacred lake views, meditation, and preparation for higher altitudes.
Day 10: Trek from Lower Meme Pokhari Base to Upper Meme Pokhari Base
- Activity: Ascend to a higher camp near Meme Pokhari.
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
- Distance: ~8 km
- Accommodation: Camping
- Altitude: 3,800 meters
- Highlights: Closer views of Buddha Himal, rugged terrain, and serene lake vistas.
Day 11: Trek from Upper Meme Pokhari Base to Rubina-La Base Camp
- Activity: Trek to the base camp for Rubina-La Pass.
- Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: ~9 km
- Accommodation: Camping
- Altitude: 4,500 meters
- Highlights: High-altitude landscapes, glacial views, and preparation for the pass crossing.
Day 12: Acclimatization Day at Rubina-La Base Camp
- Activity: Rest and acclimatize. Short acclimatization hikes to nearby ridges.
- Trekking Time: 2-3 hours
- Accommodation: Camping
- Altitude: 4,500 meters
- Highlights: Panoramic Himalayan views, physical and mental preparation for the pass.
Day 13: Cross Rubina-La Pass to Gorkha Side Camp
- Activity: Cross the Rubina-La Pass (5,000 meters) and descend to a camp in the Gorkha district.
- Trekking Time: 8-9 hours
- Distance: ~10 km
- Accommodation: Camping
- Altitude: 4,200 meters
- Highlights: Challenging pass crossing, stunning views of Buddha Himal and Himalchuli.
Day 14: Trek from Gorkha Side Camp to Buddha Himal Base Camp
- Activity: Trek to the Buddha Himal Base Camp.
- Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: ~10 km
- Accommodation: Camping
- Altitude: 4,300 meters
- Highlights: Glacial landscapes, close-up views of Buddha Himal, and remote wilderness.
Day 15: Exploration Day at Buddha Himal Base Camp
- Activity: Explore the base camp area, visit nearby ridges or glacial viewpoints.
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Accommodation: Camping
- Altitude: 4,300 meters
- Highlights: Himalayan peak views, photography, and rest.
Day 16: Trek from Buddha Himal Base Camp to Himalchuli Base Camp
- Activity: Trek to Himalchuli Base Camp.
- Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: ~12 km
- Accommodation: Camping
- Altitude: 4,200 meters
- Highlights: Transition through high-altitude terrain, views of Himalchuli.
Day 17: Exploration Day at Himalchuli Base Camp
- Activity: Explore the Himalchuli Base Camp and take optional short hikes to nearby viewpoints.
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Accommodation: Camping
- Altitude: 4,200 meters
- Highlights: Himalayan vistas, cultural encounters with herders, and rest.
Day 18: Trek from Himalchuli Base Camp to Machhakhola
- Activity: Descend to Machhakhola, entering more populated areas.
- Trekking Time: 7-8 hours
- Distance: ~14 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse or camping
- Altitude: 870 meters
- Highlights: Lush forests, Gurung villages, and river views.
Day 19: Trek from Machhakhola to Jagat
- Activity: Trek back toward Jagat, connecting to earlier trail sections.
- Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: ~12 km
- Accommodation: Teahouse or camping
- Altitude: 1,300 meters
- Highlights: Cultural stops, scenic river trails.
Day 20: Trek from Jagat to Besisahar
- Activity: Trek to Besisahar, completing the circuit.
- Trekking Time: 6-7 hours
- Distance: ~15 km
- Accommodation: Guesthouse in Besisahar
- Altitude: 760 meters
- Highlights: Relaxed descent, final cultural interactions.
Day 21: Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu and Departure
- Activity: Drive to Kathmandu (6-7 hours). Depart or explore Kathmandu.
- Distance: ~180 km
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu or departure
- Altitude: 1,400 meters
- Highlights: Reflect on the trek, optional sightseeing in Kathmandu (e.g., Boudhanath).
What's included
- 🧭 Professional Trekking Guide
Licensed and experienced English-speaking trekking guide with high-altitude experience. - 🧗♂️ Porters (1 per 2 trekkers)
To carry group equipment and personal gear (max 15kg per client). - 🛂 Permits and Fees
- Restricted Area Permit (if required for Manaslu section)
- Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
- Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
- 🚐 Transportation
- Kathmandu to the trek starting point by private jeep/local bus
- Trek ending point back to Kathmandu
- 🏕️ Accommodation
- Teahouse/lodges in the lower regions
- Camping equipment and tent accommodation for higher, remote sections
(Two-person tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent)
- 🍽️ Meals during the trek
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (set menu)
- Tea/coffee 3 times a day
- 👨🍳 Camping Crew and Logistics
- Cook, kitchen staff, helpers, and all necessary camping gear
- Food and fuel for staff and crew
- 🩺 Emergency Support
- First aid kit carried by the guide
- Satellite phone (for emergency use)
- Government-registered local agency support
- 🧼 Hygiene and Safety Supplies
- Eco-friendly toilets and washing facilities at campsites
- Boiled drinking water or purification tablets
- 🛏️ Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu
- 2 nights in a 3-star category hotel with breakfast (before and after the trek)
- 🧾 Government Taxes and Service Charges
All applicable VAT and official service charges are included.
What's not included
- ❌ International flight tickets to/from Nepal
- ❌ Nepal Visa fees (Visa available on arrival)
- ❌ Personal travel insurance (mandatory – must cover high altitude & emergency evacuation)
- ❌ Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
- ❌ Extra nights in Kathmandu due to early return, delays, or personal reasons
- ❌ Personal expenses (hot showers, Wi-Fi, battery charging, snacks, beverages, etc.)
- ❌ Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and bottled water on trek
- ❌ Tipping for guide, porter, and crew (customary but at your discretion)
- ❌ Personal trekking gear and clothing
- ❌ Costs arising from unforeseen circumstances (landslides, strikes, delays, etc.)
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Explore the breathtaking Buddha Himal Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit, an off-the-beaten-path high-altitude trek in the Ganesh Himal region of Nepal. Discover sacred alpine lakes, untouched trails, authentic culture, and dramatic Himalayan views.