Most people have never heard of Namun La Pass. That’s exactly why the trek feels special. It’s an old Gurung trade route over a 4,850 m pass, with a sacred lake, remote camps, and wide views of Manaslu and the Annapurna range. It only opened to foreign trekkers in 2008, and it still sees a tiny fraction of the traffic of nearby routes like the Annapurna Circuit.
It’s also a trek where the facts online don’t agree. Some pages list the pass at 5,560 m. Others put the sacred lake at 5,300 m. This guide sorts it out, then covers the routes, difficulty, permits, cost, best time, and safety you should know before you go.
Quick Answer
- What it is: A remote high-pass trek in the Annapurna Conservation Area, linking Lamjung with the Manang side.
- Highest point: Namun La Pass, about 4,850 m.
- Length: Usually 8 to 13 days.
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous.
- Style: Mostly camping, with lodges or homestays in a few villages.
- Best seasons: March–May and September–November.
- Permits: ACAP. No restricted area permit is needed.
What Is Namun La Pass?
For centuries, the Gurung (Tamu) people used Namun La as a trade and migration route between the green hills of Lamjung and the dry valleys of Manang. Wikipedia notes the pass was opened to trekkers in 2008.
The trail climbs through forest and meadows to a high ridge near Thorju, home to the sacred Dudh Pokhari (“Milk Lake”). From there, you cross Namun La and descend steeply to the Marsyangdi side near Timang.
The Facts Online Don’t Agree: Here’s What to Trust
| Detail | What operators say | What we use |
|---|---|---|
| Namun La Pass height | 4,850 m (15,910 ft) in most sources. Some list 5,560 m. | About 4,850 m |
| Dudh Pokhari height | 4,440 m to 4,650 m in most sources. Some list 5,300 m. | About 4,440–4,650 m |
| Thorju camp | About 4,010 m to 4,500 m, with many figures near 4,080–4,265 m | About 4,080 m |
| Danfe Kharka | About 4,000 m to 4,515 m | About 4,000 m |
| Timang | About 2,600 m to 2,750 m | About 2,630 m |
The 5,560 m and 5,300 m figures appear on several websites but look inflated. Treat the numbers above as close estimates, and check your own itinerary.
The Main Routes
| Route | Start | Typical length | What’s different |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghale Gaun route | Besisahar and Kapur Gaon, then Ghale Gaun (~2,016 m) | 8–10 days | The shorter approach, with lodges or homestays in the first village |
| Sikles route | Pokhara to Sikles, then Kori Danda (~3,740–3,800 m) | 9–13 days | A longer approach, with more days of camping |
| Dudh Pokhari only | Varies | Up to 17 days | Focuses on the sacred lake, with a longer camping trek |
All routes cross to Danfe Kharka and Timang, then drive back to Kathmandu via Besisahar.
A Typical Itinerary (Ghale Gaun Route)
| Day | Route | Altitude (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive in Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| 2 | Drive to Besisahar and Kapur Gaon, trek to Ghale Gaun | 2,016 m |
| 3 | Ghale Gaun → Rabrachu | 3,100 m |
| 4 | Rabrachu → Thorju | About 4,080 m |
| 5 | Rest day and hike to Dudh Pokhari | About 4,440–4,650 m |
| 6 | Thorju → Namun La Pass → Danfe Kharka | 4,850 m → About 4,000 m |
| 7 | Danfe Kharka → Timang | 2,630 m |
| 8 | Timang → Chamje | 1,430 m |
| 9 | Drive back to Kathmandu | 1,400 m |
| 10 | Departure | — |
Times and stops vary by operator. Snowbank’s package follows a similar plan. See the Namun La Pass Trek – 10 Days page for the exact route.
How Hard Is It?
Most operators rate Namun La moderate to strenuous. You don’t need climbing skills, but you do need strong fitness and a steady head. The main challenges:
- Camping. Most nights are in tents, with cold evenings and limited comforts.
- A big altitude gain. The climb from Rabrachu (3,100 m) to Thorju (about 4,080 m) is nearly 1,000 m in one day. The rest day at Thorju is built in to help you adjust.
- A long pass day. Crossing takes about 7 to 8 hours, starting before dawn, with a steep, rocky descent to Danfe Kharka.
- Remoteness. Villages and rescue help are far away.
- Weather. It can change fast at altitude.
Camping or Teahouses?
This is mostly a camping trek. You’ll typically sleep in lodges or homestays at the start and end (for example, Ghale Gaun and Timang), and in tents at places like Rabrachu, Thorju, and Danfe Kharka. A support team carries tents, food, and gear.
If an itinerary says “tea house every night,” ask for details. Between Ghale Gaun and Timang, lodges are few or seasonal. A good camping trek should include tents, sleeping mats, and a cook and kitchen crew.
Best Time to Go
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are best, with clearer skies and safer trail conditions. Winter brings snow on the pass and very cold nights. The monsoon brings landslides and slippery trails.
One exception: Each August, Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, including many Gurung families, visit Dudh Pokhari. It’s a living tradition, but the monsoon makes the trail wet and the camps crowded. See our guide to Nepal festivals and when to time your trek .
Permits
Namun La stays inside the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an ACAP (about NPR 3,000, roughly $22–$25). Some operators also list a TIMS card (about NPR 2,000), though others say it’s not always required. Check with your agency.
No restricted area permit is needed. One site lists one, which appears to be an error. A restricted permit applies only if you combine the trek with an area like Nar Phu. A licensed guide is required in conservation areas. See our Nepal trekking permits guide.
Cost
Fully supported camping treks are listed at about $1,100–$1,200 for an 8-day trip from one operator, and higher for longer versions. Very low prices from older pages (about $500–$800) usually don’t include the full camping crew or transport.
Snowbank’s 10-day Namun La Pass trek is $1,140 per person. Prices depend on group size and what’s included, so check the package page.
Guides usually charge about $25–$30 per day, and tips are customary.
Altitude and Safety
Namun La is a high pass on a remote route. Climb slowly, drink water, and tell your guide about any headache, nausea, or dizziness. Never go higher with symptoms. The rest day at Thorju is for acclimatization, not just sightseeing. Read our altitude sickness guide, and talk to your doctor before you go.
Because help is far away, ask your operator about:
- Their emergency and evacuation plan
- How the team communicates in remote areas
- Whether they can add an extra acclimatization night before Thorju
What to Pack
- A warm sleeping bag rated for cold nights, and a sleeping mat if not provided
- Warm layers, a windproof jacket, hat, and gloves
- Trekking poles for the steep descent
- Sturdy, broken-in boots and spare socks
- Headlamp for pre-dawn starts
- Sun protection and sunglasses
- Water purification and a refillable bottle
- Cash for villages and tips
Combining Namun La With Other Treks
Namun La ends near the Annapurna Circuit, so some travelers extend their trip. If you like remote passes, see our Nar Phu Valley and Kang La Pass trek, the Kang La Pass and Thorang La Pass trek, or the Annapurna Circuit. For more quiet routes, browse our list of hidden treks in Nepal.
Is Namun La Pass Right for You?
A great fit if you:
- Want a remote, quiet pass
- Have some high-altitude trekking experience
- Don’t mind camping
- Are interested in Gurung culture and pilgrimage
Look elsewhere if you:
- Want teahouses with comfort
- Are new to altitude
- Need an easy first trek. See our best treks guide.
FAQs
How high is Namun La Pass?
About 4,850 m (15,910 ft). Some sites list 5,560 m, but that looks inflated.
How high is Dudh Pokhari?
About 4,440–4,650 m, depending on the source. Some sites quote 5,300 m, which appears too high.
How many days does the Namun La Pass trek take?
Usually 8 to 13 days, depending on the route and where you start.
Is Namun La Pass trek difficult?
It’s rated moderate to strenuous because of the camping, the altitude, and the long pass day. It isn’t technical.
Is it a camping trek?
Mostly. Expect tents at several camps, with lodges or homestays in a few villages.
Do I need a restricted area permit?
No. The route stays within the Annapurna Conservation Area, so you need an ACAP, and sometimes a TIMS card.
When is the best time to trek Namun La?
March–May and September–November. Winter is very cold, and the monsoon brings landslides.
What is Dudh Pokhari?
A sacred lake near Thorju, visited by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, including many Gurung families, each August.
How much does the Namun La Pass trek cost?
Supported camping treks are often about $1,100–$1,500. Snowbank’s 10-day trek is $1,140.
Is altitude sickness a risk?
Yes. You sleep above 4,000 m and cross a pass at 4,850 m. The rest day and a slow pace help, and you should tell your guide about any symptoms.
Can I do Namun La as a beginner?
It’s better with some prior high-altitude experience. Strong, well-prepared beginners can consider it with a guide, but it isn’t an easy first trek.
What will I see from the pass?
Views include Manaslu, Himalchuli, Lamjung Himal, the Annapurna range, and, on a clear day, Pisang Peak and the Chulu range.
Ready for a remote pass? View our Namun La Pass Trek – 10 Days or browse all Snowbank Adventure treks. For official information, see the Nepal Tourism Board .