Dudhpokhari Namunla Pass Trek
(ETNNP111)  Nepal

Overview

Namula Pass is an exciting trekking route in the Annapurna region of Nepal. The Namun La (5,560m), a high pass connecting the old trading route between Pokhara and Manang. This route proved to be a unique and less-trekked way to connect onto the main Annapurna Circuit Trail. Mountain Sun Valley Trek offers the opportunity to walk in these old footsteps across a spectacular region of Nepal’s Annapurna Himalayas.

Recently the trail to Dudh Pokhari (Milk Lake) and the Namun La Pass are combined as new the trekking route that connects Lamjung, Manang and Kaski districts of Nepal and provides a little-known and little-traveled access onto the great Annapurna Circuit. History of the Namun La Pass tells that Tamu community (now Gurung) of Nepal settled in this area after crossing the pass from Tibet. This region is also known as Tamuwan and, at one time, had a king and palace which remaining can still be seen.

The belief that bathing in the chilly Dudh Pokhari can wash away a lifetime of sins gathers pilgrims and devotees from all around Nepal during the Janai Purnima (Sacred Thread Ceremony) to take bathe on this holy lake. Many devotees think this place is a gateway to heaven. During Namun La Pass Trek, you’ll encounter a wide range of sights; picturesque villages, terraced farmland, glacial lakes, steep-sided gorges, and raging rivers.

Namun La Pass is one of the most fascinating trail in the remote Himalayan of Nepal, a paradise unexplored. The marvelous and off beaten trek allows to unlock the interesting places, people, villages, valleys and serene forest of pines, oak, and rhododendron. The trek also offers the spectacular scenery of Annapurna, Manaslu, Lamjung and other popular Himalayan ranges.

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Kathmandu Arrival

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu, we will come to pick up you at the airport and drop you to your location/booked Hotel.

Day 2: Fly to Pokhara and  Drive to Siklis, 1,800m/5,906ft - approximately 5 hours

Today, you will fly to Pokhara. This is a spectacular and exciting flight passing over the Himalayan foothills. After reaching Pokhara, you will drive towards Siklis for about 5 hours. The drive is highly scenic, with great views of the Lamjung Himal and  Fishtail Peak.

Day 3: Trek from Siklis to Tasa, 2,350m/7,710ft - 5 hours

After having a good breakfast, you start your trek towards Tasa. You will see fantastic views of the Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II on your trek. After about 1½ hours you reach a suspension bridge at 1,400m/4,593ft, cross it, and then begin climbing on a stony trail. After some hours, you will reach Tasa where you will have a camping night.

Day 4: Trek from Tasa to overnight camp at 3,500m/11,483ft - 6 hours

You can enjoy the early morning views at your campsite before heading off on a trail. You continue your gradual ascent through oak forest, passing the odd area of grazing land. This uninhabited region is home to Himalayan black bear, danfe, musk deer and Himalayan Thar. After around three hours walking, you will have lunch in the forest near the water tank This spot is at 3,175m/10,417ft and next to an ACAP sign to Dudh Pokhari (the holy lake). The trail continues upwards through rhododendron and bamboo forest, passing sheep grazing clearings.

Day 5: Trek to Kori, 3,850m/12,631ft - 3 hours

Today’s walk involves approximately 3 hours of ascending through the forest to reach Kori, which has a stone shelter, a goat hut, and an ACAP sign. It’s a wild, remote place with stunning views of the surrounding hillside and snow-capped peaks.

Day 6: Trek to Thulo Lekh, 4,100m/13,451ft - 3 hours

There are fantastic views of Fishtail Peak and surrounding snow-capped summits to be on the ridge above the campsite. After 1½ hours of walking, the trail opens out into a large meadow. Another hour brings you to an ACAP signpost to Dudh Pokhari at 4,080m/13,386ft. You continue following the red and white ACAP poles to Thulo Lekh.

Day 7: Trek to Thurju, 4,080m/13,385ft - 6 hours

Today, You will have to cross two passes over 4,000m/13,123ft. You begin walking up the valley, following the river on a trail. It takes around 2 hours to reach the pass. From here you see a superb view of the Manaslu range of peaks, Lamjung Himal, and Annapurnas towards the west. After that, descend slightly on a good path, following the odd red arrow and contour around the hillside. After 1-1½ hours from the first (highest) pass, you reach the second pass at 4,380m/14,371ft – Furju Deurali.

Day 8: Trek to Dudh Pokhari

For added acclimatization, you can walk up to the holy lake where the pilgrims go in August – Dudh Pokhari.

Day 9: Trek over Namun Pass, 4,850m/15,912ft - 4½ hours. Descend to Dafne Kharka, 4,250m/13,946ft - 2 hours

You begin by walking on the flat, before descending to the river, crossing it and beginning your long ascent to the pass. At the top of this (2 hours), there are a few prayer flags and it flattens out. There are fantastic views of snowy peaks all around. You will feel the altitude as you make your final climb to the pass at 4,850m15,912ft, marked with prayer flags and an ACAP sign. There are superb views of Manaslu here. The descent to Dafne Kharka, 4,250m/13,946ft, gives glorious views.

Day 10: Trek to Timang 2,750m/9,022ft - 4 hours

After an initial 10 minute climb up to the ACAP sign at 4,280m/14,042ft, you descend on a good trail in the open hillside, to begin with, which then winds through the forest to Timang.

Day 11: Trek to Dharapani 1,900m/6,234ft - 2½-3 hours

It’s a pleasant amble down from Timang to Dharapani, passing the occasional village and tea houses on the main Annapurna Circuit trail. You are definitely out of the wilderness now! You’ll see the trail on the other side of the suspension bridge in Dharapani leading to the Manaslu Circuit trail.

Day 12: Drive to Kathmandu- 10 hours

Today you drive to the town of Mugling and then head east on the main Kathmandu-Pokhara road. On arrival in Kathmandu, you have the rest of the day at leisure to relax.

Day 13: Departure

We will drop you to the airport for your return flight before 3 hours of your flight time.

Tour Cost & Schedule in 2022 & 2023

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Value Added

We are ready to welcome you with all the necessary safety measures (Post -19 Pandemic Halt). Hence we assure you of safety and security by following the optimal precautions.

Safety Assurance from Us (Tour/Trekking Operator)

• Vehicles fully cleaned and disinfected
• Foot bath mat available at entrance
• Extra masks available (if required)
• Safe distancing
• We carry limited number of passengers
• Our crew wear full PPE while disinfecting the vehicle
• Temperature screening available
• Our crew tested fit to travel
• Sanitizers available
• We carry additional deep wipe down cleaning of high touched areas
• Hygiene kit available for sale
• Our crew wear face mask and face shield

Safety Rules for Travelers (You)

• Namaste over handshake
• Do not travel if unwell
• Wear face mask all the time
• Maintain safe distancing
• Use foot mat while boarding
• Undertake temperature screening
• Ventilators over air conditioning
• Avoid unnecessary surface touching
• Wash/Sanitize hands regularly
• Follow sneeze etiquette
• Follow safety instructions (from local authority)
• Carry your personal hygiene all the time

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