Birendra Lake – A magical gem of Nepal’s untouched land

Very calmly settled in the rocky topography of Nepal’s ancient and historic district, Gorkha, Birendra Lake is the serene and sublime piece of natural beauty and environment’s gift that every visitor would like to have a glimpse of. The Birendra Lake is an amazing lake that lies at an altitude of 3620 meters above sea level. The Birendra Lake is named after King Birendra of Nepal who visited this majestic lake. We can even take a dip into this lake but you need to be courageous enough to penetrate the chillness of the fresh water. This lake is considered an astounding trip.

It is an unblemished wonder of Nepal’s magical land in Manaslu Circuit Area that looks like a dreamy surrounding. The Birendra Lake being surrounded by high snow-topped mountains, is a pristine environmental gift. This serene lake serves the eyes of trekkers and tourists with stunning lake view and glimpses of majestic snowcapped Himalayas around the lake.

This will obviously be an unforgettable experience when you will explore Birendra Lake’s exciting charm. So, this is the travel blog that will take you around a wonderful journey from the lowlands to highlands covering around every single moments and beautiful gestures of locals around.

Itinerary from Kathmandu to Birendra Lake

Map Breakdown	Distance	Walk duration	Altitude
Kathmandu to Soti Khola	Drive by a vehicle
Soti Khola to Machha Khola	14.2 km	5-6 hrs	900m
Machha Khola to Jagat	22.2 km	5-6 hrs	1300m
Jagat to Deng	20 km	8-9 hrs	2095m
Deng to Namrung	10.5 km	5-6 hrs	2900m
Namrung to Samagaon	18 km	7-8 hrs	3500m
Samagaon to Birendra Lake	6.1 km	3-4 hrs	3620m

Kicking off to the enthralling trip from Kathmandu to the upper realms of serene Birendra Lake through wonder village Samagaon. Set off with the scenic drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola taken away with a great trek passing through amazingly beautiful valleys. Trekking from starting point Soti Khola to Machha Khola distancing almost 14.2 km, taking duration of 5 – 6 hours getting to an altitude of 900 meters, where the enchanting rivers whisper natural music that will stand with you as a company through your trek. Ascending through your way that distances 22.2 km taking a duration of 5 – 6 hours, and height of 1300 metres, a lively village welcomes you, Jagat. That route next day guides to Deng which is 20 km away, taking the time of almost 8 – 9 hours, located above 2095 meters from the sea level, showcasing majestic topography and pristine waterfalls. Then moving to Namrung that is almost 10.5 km away, 5 – 6 hours of time duration and 2900m above the sea level, where alpine forests and culture orients that discovers ancient Tibetan history. Then, you will reach the wonder village Samagaon with a walk of 18 km taking 7 – 8 hours and takes you to a beautiful height above 3500 m. After a night of rest, the next day you will march on to Birendra Lake, the upland walk from 3 – 4 hours will take you to Birendra Lake where the serene surrounding will make your heart skip a beat.

Birendra Lake : Quite a destination on the way to Manaslu Circuit Trek

A wonder creation of Glaciers

Birendra Lake originates from the melting of Manaslu Glacier. Manaslu Glacier, a glacial lake that endows its sparkling crystal clear blue water. The Birendra Lake’s exterior surface makes the view such glistening which tends to change the color of surface of the lake with the changing color of the sun, and very profoundly reflecting the great snowcapped Himalayas.

Birendra Lake, a lake of Serenity

Mount Manaslu and its mountain range encircle the Lake which makes it majestic. The eighth highest peak in the world acts as the guardian of Birendra Lake. It is very astounding to see Mt. Manaslu (8,163m), Mt. Himalchuli (7,893m), and Mt. Ngadi Chuli (7,871m) blessing the picturesque view.

Unscathed place

Birendra Lake is popularly unexplored, in comparison to the trek routes of Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Base Camp. As, the trip is followed by Manaslu Base Camp and Manaslu Circuit Trek which remains unblemished too, sometimes the sudden landslide in the prone areas and heavy storm can disturb the serenity.

Sorts of Permits and its Cost

Annapurna Conservation Area permit ( ACAP )

US$ 60 as ACAP and MCAP

Manaslu Conservation Area permit ( MCAP )

US$ 60 as MCAP and ACAP

Special highlights on the way

• Dense Forests & cascading waterfalls:
  The routes converts into trails through dense and lush forests filled with national flower rhododendron and uncountable series of pine forests, with beautiful waterfalls doing the trick of attraction.
• Cultural village experiences:
  Getting through the thorough ways of Soti Khola, Machha Khola, Jagat, and Deng, you’ll witness very cultural and hospitality standard Gurung villages and other authentic Tibetan villages.
• Suspension Bridges, connecting charm of high altitude:
  The trail leading to Birendra Lake includes adventurous crossings of raging rivers on wobbling suspension bridges which connect the charm of high altitude.
• Samagaon:
  This majestic Samagaon village nestled between the laps of Himalayas, enraptures local and international tourists, visitors and most importantly trekkers with its typical balked or stone walled houses, homestays, quivering buddhists prayer flags, with the sweet and peaceful chants pouring out from ancient nearby monastery, Pungyen Gompa.

Which time is considered best to Visit Birendra Lake?

Best Spring Season (From the month of March to May)

• Rhododendrons, the major highlights of the pine forests that blossoms in blazing reds, and the weather condition is mild.
• The daytime stands with temperature ranging from5°C to 15°C.

Best Autumn Season (From the month of September to November)

• Festive season in Nepal, blue skies, mountain visibility at its best, and steady temperature.
• The days stand with temperature ranging from 0°C to 12°C.

Challenging Winter Season (From the month of December to February)

• Those who love snow and snow-white hills, frozen lakes, the time is very better to visit.
• Extremely cold climatic conditions stands as a challenge, with temperature ranging from -5°C to 5°C and some parts of the Birendra Lake trails may be obstructed.

Avoid Monsoon season (From the month of June to August)

• Pouring rainfall might cause landslides at maximum cases and the landslide prone areas are very dangerous to walk through.
• The trails get slippery.
• You will encounter leeches on the way too.

The following itinerary snippet image:

Best Advices to trek Birendra Lake

Regulations of Birendra Lake

• Complusary required permits: Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (RAP)and Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP).
• Trekking with the instructions of a licensed guide. Solo trekking is not regulated in this Manaslu Circuit Region.

Suggested Packing List

• Your regular and prescribed medicine
• Comfortable shoes with multiple pair of socks and woolen socks
• Raincoat , torch light , trekking stick , water purifiers , power bank
• Warm clothes with warm jacket , wind proof jacket
• Toiletries such as: toilet paper , sanitizer , soap , face wash , shampoo , towels , toothpaste , toothbrush , body spray , lip care etc.
• Sufficient inner wears , thermal wears.
• Sunglasses and sun cream
• Mini bag for daily purpose , energy bars , chargers , extra batteries
• Important ID documents
• Cash in hand
• Trekking / Tour bag
• Water bottle or Thermos (min/max. 2 liters)

Travelling Off season

If you want your cost to be a bit saved and do the trek in minimum possible budget, you can travel to Nepal and trek during off seasons. September to November, March – April remains good and busy season while, December to March and May to August remains off seasons and challenging time (Winter + Monsoon), pretty much predictable due to weather conditions.

Group Trek

Trekking in group with more number of people will benefit because higher number of people results in economies of scale concept. In addition to this, travel and tour operators do have provisions of Group discounts as well which helps your cost to be a bit saved and do the trek in minimum possible budget.

Having local experiences

Try having local experiences of food, accommodation, drinks and practices, so that the cost is as same as for locals and especially cost is lower because of low cost materials.

Rent trekking gears instead of buying

It is very viable to rent gears than buying, if you do not have you own. Trekking gears involve bag, down jacket, trek poles, shoes, gloves, warmers, sunglasses etc. You can rent trekking gears from Kathmandu’s trekking equipment shops in very lower prices and negotiable ones.

Less luxuries

Focus on limiting your luxuries and your reducing your luxury facilities, services and items will totally save your cost and helps you in completing your trek in minimum possible budget.

Carrying you own water bottle

Carrying your own water bottle will be very handy as buying water bottles will be expensive. Filling the water bottle in the hotels will be either for free or very cheaper.

Hiring Guide-Porter

It saves money. As Guide costs around US$ 30 to US$ 35 per day and porter costs around US$ 20 to US$ 30 per day individually. But, if you hire guide-porter who can do both of the jobs, it costs around US$ 20 less.

Advanced booking

Book the trip schedules , Travel packages , guesthouses and hotels in advance , because at the final moment you will not get vacant rooms and great packages for the Manaslu Circuit Trek. Usually, Manaslu Circuit routes and trails remain busy during seasons.

In a nutshell, Birendra Lake is a trip nothing less than a perfect blend of tranquility and wonder bliss of nature.