Transportation access has not only made the journey to the Manaslu and Annapurna trekking routes shorter, but it has also brought along a rise in dust, smoke, and noise pollution, disturbing the tranquility for tourists.
For tourists seeking a peaceful and thrilling long journey, a new mountain trail connecting Lamjung and Gorkha offers a perfect glimpse of the renowned Annapurna and Manaslu trekking routes. The route, named the ‘Buddha Himal–Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trail,’ takes trekkers to the higher regions of northeastern Lamjung and northwestern Gorkha, reaching the base of towering mountains.
This alternative route was created through the collaboration of the Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal (TAAN) and five local municipalities from Lamjung and Gorkha.
The trail will pass through Lamjung’s Dona (Thulagi)–Meme Pokhari and will ascend to Gorkha’s Rubinala (at 5,000 meters), offering trekkers an 18-day journey that will take them to the base of both Buddha and Himalchuli mountains. For those opting for a shorter journey, the trail will extend only up to the Lipi-Barah Pokhari region of Lamjung, which stands at 3,200 meters, and will take about 13 days to complete.
Ramchandra Sedhai, director of TAAN, mentioned that the trail is unique and thrilling in comparison to the Annapurna and Manaslu routes, with its serene and peaceful environment. “There will be no disturbances, and tourists will experience a sense of adventure like never before,” he said. “This mountain route will undoubtedly become a prime destination for trekkers.”
The journey begins at Gorkha’s Ajirkot, situated at an altitude of 3,200 meters, and progresses through Dudhpokhari towards Dordee. Trekkers will ascend to altitudes close to 5,000 meters along the way. This trail covers regions such as Barpak, Ajirkot, Nagepokhari, Dudhpokhari, Lipi Lake, Meme Pokhari, Barah Pokhari, and Thulagi, all of which are known for their natural beauty and cultural significance.
The 18-day trek will include 9 days spent in the Dordee Municipality. However, the journey can be started from various other points, including Barpak, Marsyangdi, Ajirkot, and Rainas. Additionally, the lower portion of the trail stretches from Gorkha’s Ajirkot to Lamjung’s Dudhpokhari, Bichaur, Ilampokhari, Lipi Lake, Damrang, Kirtipur, Tapgaon, etc. finally leading to the base of Besisahar and Masryangdi Municipality.
This ‘Great Lake Trail’ is filled with stunning views of major religious lakes, breathtaking waterfalls, and majestic mountain peaks like Himalchuli, Buddha Himal, and Harkchuli, offering trekkers spectacular geographical vistas. Arjun Gurung, the chairman of Masryangdi Municipality, described this trail as a hidden gem in the region.
The trail also offers glimpses of rare and endangered wildlife such as musk deer, red pandas, and a wide variety of birds, including the national bird, Danphe. With its dense forests of rhododendrons and hundreds of medicinal plants, the trail is full of promise. According to TAAN, the trek can be made shorter or longer depending on the tourist’s available time.
Visitors can also access the trail from various points, such as Machakhola, Larpak, Barpak, Bhachhek, Besishahar, Bhulbhule, Ngadi, Bahundanda, Ghermu, and Jagat. One of the benefits of this trail is that communication networks are available in most areas, making it easy to reach help if needed. The trail is home to several revered lakes such as Nagpokhari, Dudhpokhari, and Meme Pokhari, which are also popular among pilgrims.
For those preferring shorter trips, options such as the Nagpokhari trek, Nagedudh Pokhari trek, Meme Pokhari trek, and Thulagi Pokhari trek are highly recommended. According to Yuvaraj Adhikari, the chairman of Dordee Municipality, these shorter journeys are ideal for tourists. “With the development and promotion of this trail, it holds the potential to attract a large number of tourists soon,” he said.
The official inauguration of the trail took place in Kathmandu on Wednesday, with notable figures such as Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Defense Minister Manbir Rai, Nepal Tourism Board’s Vice President Ram Prasad Sapkota (Kamal), TAAN President Sagar Pandey, tourism secretary, board director, local representatives, diplomats, and tourism entrepreneurs in attendance.
