Buddha Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit

Q: How long is the trek and what is the route like?

The full trek lasts 21 days, including arrival/departure days. The trail follows a loop starting from Barpak (Gorkha), passes through Laprak, Meme Pokhari, over Rubina La Pass (4,720 m), then visits sacred lakes like Narad Pokhari and Dudhpokhari before ending in the Lamjung area near Besisahar.

Q: What is the best time to do this trek?

The best seasons are: Spring (March to May): Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, mild temperatures Autumn (September to November): Stable weather, best mountain visibility, festive season in Nepal Winter and monsoon are not recommended due to snow and trail difficulty.

Q: What type of accommodation is available on this trek?

This trek is a mix of: Basic teahouses/homestays in villages (Barpak, Laprak, Notanche, etc.) Tented camps in high-altitude or remote areas (Meme Pokhari, Rubina La, Himalchuli Base Camp, sacred lakes) Hotel in Kathmandu (3 nights, before and after the trek)

Q: How difficult is this trek?

This is a strenuous trek, suitable for physically fit and experienced trekkers. You’ll trek in remote, high-altitude terrain with long walking days, rough trails, and altitude gain up to 4,720 meters.

Q: Are permits required for this trek?

Yes. You'll need the following permits: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP) TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System) Special Local Permits (as some parts are remote or restricted)These are arranged by your trekking agency.

Q: What kind of support team is provided?

Experienced licensed trekking guide Porters (1 per 2 trekkers) for luggage Camping crew including cook and kitchen staff in remote sections Emergency communication (satellite phone) and first aid kit are carried.

Q: Is this trek suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, solo travelers can join group departures or arrange a private trek with guide and porter. This is especially recommended for safety in remote terrain.

Transportation
Kathmandu ↔ Barpak (Trek Start Point): Private jeep or local vehicle Trek End (Taje/Lamjung) ↔ Besisahar → Kathmandu: Private jeep or shared transport Optional: Domestic flight Kathmandu ↔ Pokhara (for extension only)
Group Size
Minimum: 1 person Maximum: 12 people per group (recommended for remote camping logistics)
Maximum Altitude
Rubina La Pass: 4,720 meters / 15,485 feet Highest Lake (Dudhpokhari): ~4,600 meters / 15,092 feet
Accomodation
Kathmandu: 3 nights in a tourist-standard hotel (with breakfast) Trekking Route: Combination of basic lodges, community homestays, and tented camps (approx. 12 nights camping)
Fitness level
Grade: Strenuous Requirements: Good physical fitness, prior trekking experience above 3,000 m preferred Daily Walking: 5–8 hours (varied terrain, some steep climbs and descents)
Departure from
Arrival: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu Departure: From Kathmandu (KTM) after trek ends Optional: Extended departure from Pokhara if post-trek travel is planned
Arrival on
Arrival: Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu Departure: From Kathmandu (KTM) after trek ends Optional: Extended departure from Pokhara if post-trek travel is planned
Best season
Spring: March to May (rhododendron bloom, clear views) Autumn: September to November (stable weather, best visibility)
Guiding method
Led by a licensed and experienced trekking guide Assistant guides provided for larger groups (1 per 6 trekkers) 1 porter per 2 trekkers for carrying gear (esp. for camping section)
Tour type
Style: Fully guided mixed trek (lodge + camping) Mode: Private or small group departures available Experience: Remote wilderness + authentic village immersion
Language
Guides: English-speaking by default Other languages (German, French, Spanish, etc.) available on request
Meals
Trekking: Full board – 3 meals per day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with tea/coffee) Kathmandu: Breakfast included at hotel Special: Welcome/farewell dinner in Kathmandu
Permits
MCAP: Manaslu Conservation Area Permit ACAP: Annapurna Conservation Area Permit TIMS Card: Trekkers’ Information Management System Local Restricted Area Permits (included with guide-organized treks)
Minimum Age
14
Maximum Age
60

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Review

Buddha Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit – 21 Days

The Buddha Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit is a newly established, remote trekking route in Nepal that connects the breathtaking Himalayan wilderness between Manaslu, Himalchuli, and Buddha Himal. This off-the-beaten-path journey explores sacred high-altitude lakes, ancient trails, pristine forests, glacial valleys, and traditional Gurung villages across Gorkha and Lamjung districts.

This 21-day trek is perfect for those seeking wilderness adventure, spiritual tranquility, and authentic cultural experiences away from the crowds. The trail traverses through alpine meadows, ancient pilgrimage sites, and wild, untouched terrain—making it one of Nepal’s last great trekking frontiers.

Buddha Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit – 21 Days

Rubina La Pass – 4,720 m
Himalchuli & Buddha Himal Glacier Valleys
Sacred Lakes: Meme, Narad, Dudhpokhari, Baraha
Authentic Gurung villages: Barpak, Laprak, Notanche
ff-grid trekking – wild, pristine, uncrowded

Day 01 :

Arrival in Kathmandu

Airport pick-up and hotel transfer
Trek briefing and gear check
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

Breakfast

3 Stars Hotel

Day 02 :

Drive to Barpak (Gorkha) – 6–7 hrs

Scenic drive via Gorkha and Darbung
Explore Barpak village (epicenter of 2015 earthquake)
Altitude: ~1,900 m
Overnight in lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Day 03 :

Trek to Laprak (2,200 m) – 5 hrs

Trek through terraced hills, traditional Gurung villages
Stunning views of Manaslu and Ganesh Himal
Overnight in homestay or community lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Day 04 :

Trek to Nirtse Danda – 6 hrs

Ascend through rhododendron forests
Camp or stay in a basic teahouse
Altitude: ~3,000 m

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Day 05 :

Trek to Memepokhari (3,800 m) – 6 hrs

Visit the sacred Meme Pokhari (Lake)
Panoramic views of the Manaslu and Buddha Himal range
Overnight in tented camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Day 06 :

Acclimatization Day at Memepokhari

Explore the lake area and hike around
Prepare for upcoming high-altitude pass
Overnight in camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Day 07 :

Trek to Rubina La High Camp (4,400 m) – 5 hrs

Trek through alpine meadows with distant snow peaks
Set up high camp below Rubina La Pass
Overnight in tented camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tent Stay

Day 08 :

Cross Rubina La Pass (4,720 m) → Thulodhunga – 7–8 hrs

Challenging ascent and descent across rocky terrain
Incredible views of Himalchuli, Buddha Himal, and glaciers
Overnight in camp at Thulodhunga (~4,100 m)

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Day 09 :

Trek to Base of Himalchuli (3,800 m) – 5 hrs

Hike through moraine and remote yak pastures
Remote wilderness experience
Overnight in tented camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Day 10 :

Explore Himalchuli Base Camp – Day Hike

Explore the surrounding glacier and climb ridgelines for views
Return to camp and rest
Overnight in camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tent Stay

Day 11 :

Trek to Narad Pokhari (4,200 m) – 6 hrs

Visit one of the sacred lakes worshipped by locals
Overnight in tented camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tent Stay

Day 12 :

Trek to Dudhpokhari (4,600 m) – 5 hrs

Climb toward another sacred lake nestled beneath the peaks
Clear views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal
Overnight in tented camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tent Stay

Day 13 :

Trek to Baraha Pokhari (3,800 m) – 6 hrs

Gradual descent through alpine pastureland
Beautiful lake views and tranquility
Overnight in tented camp

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tent Stay

Day 14 :

Trek to Notanche Village (2,800 m) – 5 hrs

Re-enter inhabited regions with local culture
Mix of rhododendron forest and terraced fields
Overnight in lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Day 15 :

Trek to Lipelek (2,200 m) – 5 hrs

Continue toward warmer, lower elevations
Enjoy mountain village hospitality
Overnight in homestay/lodge

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Day 16 :

Trek to Taje and Drive to Besisahar – 6 hrs total

Trek to roadhead and drive to Besisahar (gateway of Annapurna Circuit)
Overnight in lodge or hotel

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tea House

Day 17 :

Drive to Kathmandu – 6–7 hrs

Return to Kathmandu via Prithvi Highway
Transfer to hotel
Free evening

Breakfast

3 Stars Hotel

Day 18 :

Departure

Expand all

How long is the trek and what is the route like?

The full trek lasts 21 days, including arrival/departure days. The trail follows a loop starting from Barpak (Gorkha), passes through Laprak, Meme Pokhari, over Rubina La Pass (4,720 m), then visits sacred lakes like Narad Pokhari and Dudhpokhari before ending in the Lamjung area near Besisahar.

What is the best time to do this trek?

The best seasons are:

Spring (March to May): Clear skies, blooming rhododendrons, mild temperatures
Autumn (September to November): Stable weather, best mountain visibility, festive season in Nepal

Winter and monsoon are not recommended due to snow and trail difficulty.

What type of accommodation is available on this trek?

This trek is a mix of:

Basic teahouses/homestays in villages (Barpak, Laprak, Notanche, etc.)
Tented camps in high-altitude or remote areas (Meme Pokhari, Rubina La, Himalchuli Base Camp, sacred lakes)
Hotel in Kathmandu (3 nights, before and after the trek)

How difficult is this trek?

This is a strenuous trek, suitable for physically fit and experienced trekkers. You’ll trek in remote, high-altitude terrain with long walking days, rough trails, and altitude gain up to 4,720 meters.

What should I pack for this trek?

Essential gear includes:

Warm sleeping bag (−15°C rated), trekking boots, layers
Down jacket, windproof shell, gloves, and thermal wear
Daypack, headlamp, water bottles, trekking poles
A full packing list will be provided upon booking.

Are permits required for this trek?

Yes. You’ll need the following permits:

Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
Special Local Permits (as some parts are remote or restricted)
These are arranged by your trekking agency.

Is altitude sickness a risk on this trek?

Yes, altitude sickness is a risk above 3,000 meters. However, the itinerary includes acclimatization days and gradual elevation gain to help prevent AMS. Your guide will monitor symptoms and carry basic first aid and communication devices.

What kind of support team is provided?

Experienced licensed trekking guide
Porters (1 per 2 trekkers) for luggage
Camping crew including cook and kitchen staff in remote sections
Emergency communication (satellite phone) and first aid kit are carried.

Is there mobile or internet access on the trek?

Mobile signal is available in some lower villages (e.g., Barpak, Laprak), but there is no signal or Wi-Fi in high camp or remote lake areas. Be prepared for a fully off-grid experience in the wilderness.

Is this trek suitable for solo travelers?

Yes, solo travelers can join group departures or arrange a private trek with guide and porter. This is especially recommended for safety in remote terrain.

Can I combine this trek with other destinations in Nepal?

Yes! After completing the trek, you can: