Dordi Rural Municipality of Lamjung, in association with the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal and Nepal Tourism Board, on Thursday, started three new trekking circuits in Lamjung to promote adventure tourism.

The first route begins from Nauthar Sera in Dordi. It passes through Ilam Pokhari to Lipe Hill and to Damrang before arriving back at Nauthar Sera. It is a four-day-long trekking route with camping facilities.

The second route starts from Nauthar Sera and passes via Ilam Pokhari to Lipe Hill and then Nautanche to Ukhand Tanje, coming all the way back to Nauthar Sera. It is an eight-day-long trekking route.

The third one is the 11-day circuit. It passes along Nauthar sera to Ilam Pokhari and to Lipe Hill. It joins Nautanche to Mulmache and Ukhand Tanje to reach Barha Pokhari and Hile Taksar. From there, trekkers will arrive at Besisahar via Purano Duwar or Peace Hill.

One can also trek to Ajirkot in Gorkha via Dudh Pokhari from Nautanche. That route leads to Rubi Nala Pass-Larke Pass and Manang.

Yubaraj Adhikari, chief of Dordi Rural Municipality, said these newly-discovered trekking circuits are at a two-hour walking distance from any village. “Trekkers can enjoy the entire journey without touching the motorable road.”

“Camping is the main attraction on all the three trekking routes.”

The rural municipality has promoted these routes as a ‘sheep-shed trail’ where the travellers can spend the night in the sheds used by shepherds along the trail.

“We have allocated Rs5.9 million this fiscal year to make basic infrastructures like resting places, washrooms, and demarcation of the trails,” said Adhikari. “We will circulate the map of these circuits soon.”

“While other trails have been destroyed by motorable roads, we are committed to preserving these from encroachments,” added Adhikari.

The rhododendron forest, historical forts, religious ponds, medicinal herbs, flora and fauna, honey hunting spots, caves and panoramic views of the mountain ranges of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Annapurna and Manaslu are the main attractions of the trail.

“Lamjung has great potential in tourism, hydropower and agriculture,” said Rajendra Wasti, director of the Upper Dordi, a hydropower project in Lamjung. “We are looking forward to investing more to uplift the local economy.”

Tourism entrepreneurs stated that these trails can be a viable option for domestic tourists from Pokhara and Kathmandu due to their short duration. All of them lie at an altitude of 3,300 metres and have adequate infrastructure.

“These trails can be marketed as a trail for beginners who want to embark on an adventurous journey,” said Balaram Suyal Thapa, a tourism entrepreneur. “If the government allows, several mountains in the region such as Himal Chuli and Bhauda could be opened to climbers.”

The entrepreneurs also said that Dordi could be a new destination for tourists who have been to other nearby spots like Poon Hill several times.