Buddha Himal Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trail- High Altitude Remote Trek
Buddha Himal Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trail is a recently discovered and the most exciting remote trekking adventure in the Gorkha and Lamjung districts of Nepal. The Great Lake Circuit Hike takes you along a path which is through rugged highlands, tough terrains and off the beaten path into the untouched mountain wilderness in the Manaslu trekking region of Nepal. This long distance remote Buddha Himal Himalchuli Circuit trail runs through the heart of the Himalayas, sacred lakes situated at high altitudes, traditional Gurung villages, lush and dense forests with conserved biodiversity, alpine meadows offering you breathtaking panoramic Himalayan vistas throughout your adventure.
The Himalchuli Great Lakes circuit itinerary stretches around 18 days of unforgettable remote trekking adventure into Nepal's unspoiled gem which has a profound scenic landscape and experience. Unlike popular and well trodden trekking trails like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit trek, this remote trail adventure takes you circling around the Himalchuli and Buddha Himal massif with sacred glacial lakes, high passes and alpine pastures. This circuit of the Budha Himal Himalchuli and Great Lake is designed such that in this itinerary the trekkers will trek through sacred lakes like Naradpokhari, Kistapokhari, Meme Pokhari along with high alpine pastures like Lamra Kharka, Mircha Kharka, Ukhanda Kharka as well as high mountain pass like the Ngoro La Pass (4,200-4,400 m) which is the highest point of this trek. Starting in Barpak and moving towards the high ridges near the foot of Himalchuli and Buddha Himal, this trail promises you with an immersive blend of nature, culture, and adventure on a proper solitary remote trek far from mass tourism.
18 Day Remote Trek to Nepal’s Unexplored Gem
The Great Lake circuit remote trek in Nepal lies in the protected area of Manaslu Conservation Area and also is listed as a restricted area which requires a conservation area permit along with a restricted area permit. Hence, the wildlife, nature, biodiversity and exotic flora and fauna are waiting for you in pristine conditions. The trail is home to some exotic and rare wildlife such as Himalayan Musk Deer, Red Panda, The Himalayan Monal (Danphe), Blue Sheep, Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard and so on. Also along with Rhododendron forests, wildflowers in alpine meadows, medicinal flora unique to the region. Since it is a restricted area you will require to trek with a licensed trekking guide in this Buddha Himal circuit hike.
Buddha Himal Great Lake trail offers you unfiltered insight into traditional mountain lifestyles of the Gurung ethnic group of Nepal. The scenic and quiet settlements rich in Gurung culture, ancient temples, sacred lakes and pilgrimage sites makes this trip more than just a trekking experience with immersion of culture in your journey. The Ngoro La Pass which is the highest point on this hike is a high mountain pass that offers nature and adventure loving trekkers, panoramas of giant peaks like Himalchuli, Buddha Himal and Harke Chuli. The rich cultural experience with silent and untrodden off the beaten path into breathtaking mountain landscapes makes this remote trekking trail a dream destination for trekkers seeking raw, authentic Himalayan wilderness and solitude.
The Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trail offers an 18-day adventure through some of Nepal’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes. Unlike the more frequented Annapurna or Manaslu circuits, this trek provides a solitary and authentic experience, weaving through pristine alpine lakes, high mountain passes, and traditional villages. The Himalchuli Great Lake circuit trek difficulty is ranked as moderate to strenuous due to various factors. It is a newly developed trail which is why the logistics and experience might not be as comfortable as some popular treks like the Langtang trek. This makes this trail some of Nepal's most remote and breathtaking trekking trails with minimal facilities at such high altitude and rugged terrain. This makes it best suited for trekkers with prior remote high altitude trekking experience rather than beginner trekkers.
The best time for Buddha Himal circuit trek is during the peak trekking season which is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these times, the weather is stable with views which are clear. This season ensures safer trekking conditions with a favourable environment and also enhances the beauty of the landscape of the trekking circuit with bright days, blooming rhododendrons, colorful vibrant scenery in spring and moderate temperature with clear skies and mountain views in autumn.
Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trek cost is higher compared to more popular trekking routes like Annapurna Circuit simply because of remoteness, longer duration, lack of facilities and minimal logistics. The Great Lake Circuit trail accommodation ranges from basic lodges in lower regions to tented camps at higher altitudes along with higher trekking guide and porters cost which increases the overall cost of this circuit trek. The meals available in the local teahouses are basic Nepalese cuisine made with heart and nutritious and during tent camping meals are prepared by kitchen staff in your trekking crew.
As a relatively new trail under development by local authorities and trekking associations, the Buddha Himal Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trail represents Nepal’s effort to introduce fresh, sustainable adventure routes that showcase hidden gems outside the classic trekking corridors, appealing to trekkers drawn to remote terrain and authentic Himalayan culture. Explore this unspoiled, pristine and raw wilderness of the remote Himalayas with us at Attentive Holiday Tours.
Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trek Highlights
- Embark on a remote circuit trek in central Nepal circling the Himalchuli and Buddha Himal.
- Walk through the pristine Manaslu Conservation Area with minimal crowds, rich biodiversity and truly off the beaten path.
- Trek to sacred high altitude lakes including Kista Pokhari, Thulagi Lake, Narad Pokhari, and Meme Pokhari.
- Cross the challenging Ngoro La Pass at an elevation of (4,200–4,400 m), the highest point of your trek, from sea level with breathtaking Himalayan views.
- Experience authentic Gurung villages, alpine meadows, and untouched mountain landscapes.
- Stunning panoramas of snowcapped mountains like the Himalchuli, Buddha Himal, and Harke Chuli.
- Trek in the rich wildlife habitat in the protected area with chances to spot Himalayan Musk Deer, Red Panda, Himalayan Monal (Danphe), Blue Sheep, Himalayan Black Bear, Snow Leopard along with medicinal flora, Rhododendrons and wildflowers.
- Experience remote trekking with basic teahouses and tent camping in the higher altitude for a raw himalayan experience.
Buddha Himal Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trail Difficulty
The Buddha Himal Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trail is a recently discovered, high altitude and developing trekking trail with remote experience and true himalayan wilderness experience. The circuit trek is graded as moderate to strenuous grade difficulty. It is a remote trek into himalayan wilderness with long and tiring trekking days. Along with longer trekking days of 15-18, this circuit introduces you with rugged terrain, very limited facilities and high altitude trekking for an extended time period. The highest point on this trek, the Ngoro La Pass is a high mountain pass with glacial lakes which needs to be crossed to reach the next destination in this circuit itinerary. These characteristics make the Great Lake Circuit Hike physically and mentally demanding hence, best suited for trekkers with prior experience with high altitude and remote wilderness. Compared to some popular and fairly developed treks like Everest Base Camp trek, the Buddha Himal trail is extremely remote with minimal facility and higher in difficulty thus, is not recommended for beginner trekkers.
When Is The Best Time For Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trek?
Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trek is best done in the season of spring and autumn. During these seasons, the trail offers you excellent favourable conditions for trekking with stable weather, clear skies, bright days, colorful and vibrant landscapes and clear panoramas of the Himalayas.
In the spring season from March to May, the lower altitude forests are covered with Rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal, alpine wildflowers and lush greenery which adds vibrant and bright colors to the scenery. The days are clear and mild with an average temperature of lower regions ranging from 15°C to 20°C and higher regions ranging from 5°C to 10°C.
In the autumn season from September to November, the weather is the most stable with bright days and clear skies after the monsoon rain clears the dust from the atmosphere. The trail experiences dry, stable and sunny days offering crystal clear views of the surrounding peaks like the Buddha Himal, Himalchuli and others. The temperature in lower regions ranges from 10°C to 25°C and higher regions have temperatures of 0°C to 10°C. During this season, you can also get the opportunity to experience some of the most important festivals of Nepal Dashain and Tihar in the warm and welcoming Gurung villages.
Great Lake Circuit Trail Trekking Package Cost
Great Lake Circuit Trail trekking cost is around the same range to that of Everest Base Camp trek and higher compared to Annapurna Base Camp trek. It is a remote and high altitude trek with minimal facilities which increases the cost of support and logistics. Also the limited availability of teahouses which require you to camp in higher remote altitudes with no facilities increases the cost for trekking guides and porters who also need to carry food, fuel and supplies. The Himalchuli trek trail lies in the protected area of Manaslu Conservation Area and is also listed as a restricted area which requires special permits that adds to the overall cost. However, in exchange for a higher cost than Annapurna trekking region, this trail provides a true wilderness experience off the beaten path in the remote Manaslu region of central Nepal.
Himalchuli Buddha Himal Circuit Accommodation Facility
Himalchuli Buddha Himal Circuit accommodation facility is a mix of local teahouses in the lower village region, developing shelters in higher regions with tented camps in high altitude, isolated regions on the trail. This circuit hike provides a truly remote trekking experience into himalayan wilderness with isolation, solitude and peace in the pristine, unspoiled trekking region circling the massif Buddha Himal and Himalchuli. You will stay at basic teahouses or guesthouses in lower regions with ongoing development of such teahouses in the upper regions as well. While you are staying in these teahouses, your meal will be local Nepalese staple Daal, Bhat and Tarkari (cooked rice with lentils and freshly produced vegetables) along with eggs, tea and coffee for breakfast. You will taste the flavour as well as the warm and hearty food of the Gurung community of Nepal. In higher alpine pastures, high mountain passes and glacial lake regions you will camp in tents with meals prepared by the trek’s kitchen crews providing you nutritious fuel for the trek. Unlike Langtang trek’s comfortable and luxurious accommodation, this trail offers a truly memorable raw experience into the pristine himalayan wilderness.
What Permits Are Required During Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit?
The Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit trail lies under the protected area of the Manaslu Conservation Area and is also listed as a restricted area. Hence for hiking this circuit, you will need some permits which are:
Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP)
This permit is required to gain entry into the conservation zone of the Manaslu Conservation Area which ensures protection and preservation of pristine wilderness, wildlife and biodiversity. The cost of MCAP is USD 30 per person.
Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Since Buddha Himal Himalchuli circuit trail passes through restricted high altitude areas, you require this permit to legally trek in this region. The cost of RAP for one person is USD 100.
Are Trekking Guide and Porter Required For Buddha Himal Himalchuli Circuit?
Yes. For Buddha Himal Himalchuli Circuit, hiking with a licensed trekking guide is mandatory since the trail lies within a restricted and protected area of Manaslu Conservation Area. Trekking with a licensed guide also enhances your overall trekking experience by ensuring your safety, providing you cultural insights about the Gurung villages and their traditions, religious insights to the sacred lakes in your journey and easier logistics in the remote area. They will handle your permits and regulation and ensure that you can solely focus on the trek itself without any hassle. A licensed trekking guide will cost you around USD 25 to 30 per day.
The Great Lake circuit trail is a high altitude remote trekking with longer trekking duration which requires you to have porters to carry your luggage with heavy gear, camping equipment and supplies. Since this trek requires camping the porters will carry the necessary supplies, fuels and food throughout the trek to higher altitude, mountain passes and glacial lakes. Hence, trekking with porters helps you focus on hiking the difficult terrain without carrying the extra weight, acclimatization and elevating your experience of circling the sacred lakes, high altitude pasture and giant peaks of mountain. The general charge of a porter is around USD 20 to USD 25 in this Buddha Himal trek.
Explore the Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trail with Attentive Holiday Tours
Himalchuli Great Lake Circuit Trail is a newly developed remote trekking trail in the central region of Nepal. This Buddha Himal trail is not just another trek but is truly an experience into the remote wilderness of the high altitude trekking. Great Lake circuit trail trek is truly an off the beaten path into the remote and untrodden higher alpine pastures, sacred lakes and a warm Gurung cultural immersion and hospitality. Circling the giant massif of Buddha Himal and Himalchuli, this circuit trek itinerary takes you through sacred alpine and glacial lakes, high mountain passes and trails which are unexplored unlike some popular treks like the Annapurna Circuit.
Hike this unexplored gem of Nepal with us at Attentive Holiday Tours for a truly off the beaten remote trekking experience in Manaslu trekking region which is perfect for trekkers seeking solitude, challenge and trails far from the crowds.