New Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail Overview:

The New Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail is an extraordinary journey through the heart of Gurung culture. This small circuit trek in the region of Annapurna is very newly opened trekking destination. The New Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail or the New Gurung Heritage Trek was introduced only in 2024.

This new off-the-beaten-path trek offers a unique opportunity for the trekkers to explore the untouched valleys of the Annapurna region. This beautiful cultural trek exceeds your expectations with the view and furnishes you with a genuine trekking experience.

Being a very newly opened trekking route it is less explored by tourists where you can find the wilderness peacefulness and your personal solitude. This trail will certainly be one of the great alternatives to popular trekking trails like Annapurna Base Camp, Poon Hill Trek or Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Being a newly established trail, this route doesn’t have the privilege of lodges or local teahouse facilities for accommodation. So the Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail is a CAMPING TREK. Trekkers will have a full camping experience which is very different to popular teahouse trekking. Our ground staff will carry all necessary equipment and food supplies and we will camp each night in the pristine wilderness. Camping trek is indeed a real adventure that gives you a genuine trekking experience.

The main feature of this trek is the grandiose view of the majestic mountains. You will come across multiple vantage points along the New Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail which offers one of the most magnificent views of the mountains and the surrounding pristine landscapes. From these vantage points, you will see popular mountains like Annapurna, Manaslu, Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, Holy Machhapuchare (Mt. Fishtail), Himlung Himal, Lamjung, and many more.

This New Gurung Heritage Trek is definitely a rare opportunity for trekkers to experience genuine Nepali authenticity in the pristine landscapes not influenced by mass tourism. So join us to explore this remote ancient Salt Trade Route where ancient traditions and culture still thrive.

New Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail Highlights:

Meet with the GURUNGS, known for their bravery as Gurkha in British and Indian armies.
CAMPING under the starry sky and witnessing the great outdoor experience.
Witness the unique traditions, culture, legends, history, and language of the Gurungs.
Trek through unexplored terrain, very untouched that offers solitude and authentic wilderness experiences
Walk to the virgin vantage points that give you the most grandiose views of the Annapurna range.
Stay in traditional local Gurung villages, experience the warm hospitality, and test the Gurung delicacies.
Walk on the ancient Salt Trade Route over the magical terrain and mountain passes.
Trek into the magical valley with a dramatic forest setting, unexplored mountain lakes, untouched Himalayan meadows, etc.

Brief Introduction to Gurung People:

This New Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail will take you to the heart of Gurung culture leading you to into the ancestral homeland of the Gurung people. This classic cultural trek takes you through the pristine landscapes where you will discover the roots of this Gurung community. You will also discover why and how Gurung has a deep sensitive connection to this route.

The legendary Gurung People have a very rich history and legends from being merciless soldiers for ages to a very peace-loving people. They are popularly known as the ‘Tamu’ who reside in the foothills of Nepal, especially populating the central west part of Nepal. Their dominance can be seen in the central regions of Nepal, particularly around the Annapurna and Lamjung areas, where they have lived for centuries.

The study says that Gurungs actually migrated from Mongolia and entered Nepal crossing the borders of China and Tibet. They started settling in Nepal as sheep herders and farmers. However, they have proved their existence to the world with their valorous demeanor and are best known for their brave service as Gurkha soldiers in the British and Indian armies.

The Gurung have a very unique culture which is a mixture of Buddhism, Hinduism, and animism. Besides, this they have their own private cult which is very sacred and secret and can pass onto generations. They have their own traditional dress and have their own dialects. Despite modernization, Gurungs still tend to live their traditional way of life in villages and as well in urban cities.

The Gurung have a very unique style of ceremonies, rituals, music, and dance through which they display their distinct identity. This New Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail is mainly designed to show the world the genuine culture of this beautiful race we call GURUNGS. This trek is also designed to narrate the rich history of the Gurung that has been concealed in the remotest village for centuries.

New Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail History:

The New Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail takes you deep into the living heritage of the Gurung people. This heritage trail has great historical significance and holds great value to the Gurung community. It is believed that this route was the main migration route for this race from where the Gurung ancestors migrated to different parts of the Annapurna region like Lamjung, Kaski, etc.

In the course of this migration, the Gurung families settled in these routes for ages and gradually traveled further to other parts of the region. This is the reason why this Gurung Heritage Route is also now identified as the source of the Gurung people.

It is also said that this route was indeed the most ancient Salt Trade Route that transported Salt from Manang to other lower regions. This has been proven since there were no trails in between the now district of Manang and the areas below which now is a popular Annapurna Circuit Trek.

Trip profile:

The New Gurung Heritage Trekking Trail begins with a lovely flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara. As you fly west of Nepal from Kathmandu, the view of extended landscapes and the magical snowcapped mountains is stunning. Overnight in the Lake City of Pokhara where we will explore the Fewa (Phewa) Lake and spend time in the luxurious town of Pokhara.

The next day after breakfast our adventure begins with a scenic drive to the village of Tangting. This drive is thrilling due to the nature of its off-road terrain. It is a charming Gurung settlement with traditional architecture and a homestay facility. The view of the mountains is stunning from the very first day. Gradually leaving behind the modern civilization we will step into a hidden valley where only few had the privilege to witness.

After Tangting we will start our Camping Accommodation. We will camp at the best spots which is simply heavenly. Besides, the food prepared by our professional kitchen crews adds a great flavor to your camping adventure.

Slowly we will follow the woodland trail where the forest setting is certainly very dramatic. With the everyday steady ascend we will gain elevation and reach the most beautiful landscape of Thulek. Thulek is heavenly where there is a Himalayan meadow that extends like an uneven football field. The view of water pools, the meadow, and the surrounding landscape is simply phenomenal.

The next highlight of the trek is the visit to DUDH POKHARI (milky pond), a glacial lake at a height of 4585 meters. Dudh Pokhari has a deep religious significance for the locals and a visit to this holy pond is our side excursion which is not to be missed.

Proceeding further we will cross our highest point of this journey which is, GURUNG DEURALI (ridge) which stands at the height of 4910 meters.

Eventually, we will descend all the way down to Timang and join the famous Annapurna Circuit Trek. From Timang we will drive back to Kathmandu.

The fun of Camping Trek:

Camping allows trekkers to venture into unexplored terrains and pristine landscapes.
Trekkers have the privilege of great flexibility in adjusting itineraries and camping locations.
Camping allows trekkers to connect directly with nature and experience raw wilderness.
It bonds people together and fosters teamwork.
Camping treks often take the less trodden route that offers solitude and peacefulness.
Camping treks give you the essence of traditional expedition-style adventures.
It supports sustainable tourism in developing regions.
Generates more employment for the locals due to the requirement of manpower.