13-Day Manaslu & Himalchuli Panorama: The Meme Pokhari Trek
Experience a hidden Himalayan gem on this culturally rich trail, ascending through lush mid-hills to a series of holy, remote lakes and enjoying magnificent mountain panoramas away from the crowds.
An Exclusive Journey into the Lap of Manaslu and Himalchuli
The Meme Pokhari Trek is a challenging and highly rewarding adventure that leads trekkers away from the mainstream trails and into the pristine high-altitude region of the Dordi Rural Municipality in Lamjung. Positioned between the massive Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, this trek offers a rare blend of unspoiled wilderness, genuine local culture, and spectacular Himalayan vistas, culminating at the sacred, high-alpine Meme Pokhari lake.
Key Highlights and Features
- Pristine High-Altitude Lake: The centerpiece of the trek, Meme Pokhari, is a holy lake situated at approximately 4,410 meters (14,468 ft). The area often features a series of smaller, glacial lakes, held sacred by local communities.
- Unrivaled Mountain Panoramas: The trail provides mesmerizing and exclusive views of towering Himalayan giants, including Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli (7,896m), Budhha Himal, and major peaks of the Annapurna range.
- Cultural Immersion: This route is known as a "Cultural Trail," passing through traditional villages inhabited by the Ghale, Gurung, and Tamang communities. Trekkers experience authentic local life, traditional herding cultures ( Goth ), and can enjoy the hospitality of homestays in the lower regions.
- Wilderness Adventure: As a relatively new and non-touristy route, the trail offers a true wilderness experience. It moves from subtropical forests of rhododendron and bamboo in the lower hills, through mid-hill pastures ( Kharka ), and finally into the challenging, beautiful alpine zone.
- Pilgrimage Significance: Meme Pokhari is an important pilgrimage destination, particularly during the Janai Purnima festival(usually August), when local devotees ascend to perform rituals and bathe in the sacred waters.
The Journey: From Terraces to Alpine Lakes
The trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to the starting point near Besisahar (the traditional gateway to the Annapurna Circuit), often reaching a village like Taksar or Hilebesi.
The subsequent trekking days involve a sustained and rewarding ascent:
- Subtropical Ascent: The initial days weave through terraced fields and lush, cool forests, crossing streams and passing through charming Gurung and Ghale villages like Khuproo Kharka and Phale Pokhari.
- Into the High Hills: The path steepens as the trail climbs above the tree-line toward remote pastures like Maiju, where the views begin to open up dramatically.
- The Summit Push: The final ascent to Meme Pokhari is a demanding climb into the alpine zone. The landscape transforms into rocky scree and open mountain terrain, offering phenomenal rewards for the effort—uninterrupted views of the snow-capped giants and the tranquil presence of the holy lake.
The return journey is a faster descent, allowing trekkers to enjoy the views and reflect on the quiet beauty of this rarely-visited Himalayan corner before driving back to Kathmandu.
The Meme Pokhari Trek is an ideal choice for trekkers seeking solitude, cultural authenticity, and the excitement of exploring a newly developed, high-altitude route.
