The ‘Meme Pokhari Cultural Trail,’ which leads to the picturesque Meme Pokhari at 4,456 metres between the Himalchuli and Manaslu peaks, has officially opened to trekkers.

Located in Ward 7 of Dordi Rural Municipality, Lamjung, Meme Pokhari can be reached after a one-day drive from Kathmandu and a three-day trek.

The entire trail takes about ten days to complete.

Yubaraj Adhikari, ward chair of Dordi Rural Municipality, said the trail was developed to promote local village and herding cultures along the route.

A Dordi Rural Tourism Promotion Committee has been formed to advance tourism initiatives, which has designed a ten-day package for the Meme Pokhari Cultural Trail.

To reach Meme Pokhari, which lies at the northern edge of the municipality, trekkers first travel roughly 180 kilometres by vehicle from Kathmandu to Nauthar, Shera, or Hilebesi—the centre of Dordi.

From there, a one-and-a-half-hour walk takes them to Khinchok village.

On Wednesday evening, 60 people—including 36 trekkers and their support staff—were warmly welcomed to Hilebesi with traditional yoghurt, rice tika, and garlands.

The next morning, the group trekked for around eight hours from Khinchok to reach Bahrapokhari (3,080 m).

On the third day, they continued from Bahrapokhari for another eight-hour trek to Komro Danda (4,000 m). The fourth day was reserved for acclimatisation. On the fifth day, trekkers walk about seven hours from Komro Danda to reach the stunning Meme Pokhari.

The sixth day is marked for exploring the lake and its surroundings.

On the seventh day, the group descends to Paulidanda (2,585 m) after a six-hour trek.

The eighth day involves a five-hour walk to Khurukhark (3,110 m). On the ninth day, trekkers return to Khinchok after about nine hours on foot, passing by the scenic Tobrosyo waterfall.

On the tenth day, they drive about eight hours back to Kathmandu. The trail also offers an alternative route on the ninth day through Duvar–Hiletaksar–Majhgaun.

According to Adhikari, the trail offers breathtaking natural views, experiences of local sheep and buffalo herding, and, in the right season, vibrant rhododendron forests.

“You’ll see plenty of wildflowers, herbs, and wildlife along the way,” he said.

“Many trekking routes pass along rivers and ridges, but here, you move from ridge to ridge, visiting different ponds along the way. The scenery is stunning from both sides.”

Adhikari added that he had trekked routes in Japan, Malaysia, China, and Thailand, but found the most beautiful landscapes in his own municipality.

Meme Pokhari lies near settlements of Ghale, Gurung, Tamang, Magar, and Brahmin-Chhetri communities, where visitors can witness unique and disappearing local cultures. There are homestays in Khinchok, the starting point of the trek, as well as in Duvar and Majhgaun.

Dharmashalas (rest houses) have been built at several points, including near Meme Pokhari.

Accommodation and drinking water are available along the trail.

Camping is the best option for now, but the local authority is also working on developing more infrastructure.

Kanyanal Ghale, chairman of the Tourism Promotion Committee, said Meme Pokhari hosts a traditional fair during the Janai Purnima festival but aims to attract visitors year-round.

“We have developed the cultural trail to ensure a steady flow of tourists throughout the year,” he said. “Through tourism, we want to create local employment opportunities.”

Insuhang Rai, the trekking group's team leader and adviser to the Dordi Rural Tourism Promotion Committee, described the trail as an exceptional gift for both domestic and international trekkers.

“The region’s nature, culture, and the warmth of its people captivate everyone. This trail is a major new attraction for trekkers,” he said.

Trekkers can also access the upper Dordi trails from Marsyangdi and Dudhpokhari rural municipalities of Lamjung, as well as from Ajirkot and Barpak Sulikot in neighbouring Gorkha district.

The Trekking Agencies’ Association of Nepal has already completed a detailed project report and map of the trail in coordination with five rural municipalities, including Dordi, to identify and develop trekking routes in the upper regions.

Photo caption: Domestic trekkers exploring the newly identified ‘Meme Pokhari Cultural Trail’ in Dordi Rural Municipality, Lamjung. Post Photo: Aash Gurung.