Leave your lodge in the dark with a headtorch and a warm jacket, and follow your guide up the path behind the village. Within 20 to 30 minutes you reach open ground with prayer flags and a view in three directions. The first light hits the high summits before the valley, turning snow pink and then gold.
To the south stand Himal Chuli, at 7,893 m the 18th highest mountain in the world, and Ngadi Chuli, 7,871 m, both part of the Manaslu massif. To the north-east Siringi Himal, 7,187 m, rises above the Shiar Khola. The Budhi Gandaki valley falls away below, with Namrung's roofs and fields in the foreground.
Back at the lodge by 7:30 am, you still have time for breakfast and a normal start to Lho. The extra climb also helps acclimatisation slightly. If cloud hides everything, try again from the trail near Lihi later that morning.
Good for
- Photographers
- Couples
- Solo
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
Which mountains can I see from Namrung?
On clear mornings you see Siringi Himal (7,187 m) to the north-east and Himal Chuli (7,893 m) and Ngadi Chuli (7,871 m) to the south, plus smaller peaks of the Ganesh and Manaslu ranges. Manaslu itself is hidden until you are closer to Lho, about half a day further on.
What time is sunrise at Namrung in October?
Around 5:50 to 6:10 am in October and 6:15 to 6:30 am in November. Leave your lodge 30 minutes before sunrise to reach the viewpoint in time. Clouds are least likely at dawn, so this is the best moment for photographs.
Is the Namrung viewpoint hike difficult?
No. It is a short climb of about 100 to 150 m in 20 to 30 minutes on a village path. The only challenges are the cold and the dark, so wear warm layers and bring a headtorch. It suits most trekkers, including older walkers who go slowly.
