Namrung is a village at about 2,630 m on the Manaslu Circuit, where the forest gives way to open mountain terrain. It lies between Deng and Lho, and many trekkers sleep here as the valley starts to feel more Himalayan. It is also where the route moves from lower valley walking toward high settlements.
Altitude: about 2,630 m. Heights quoted for villages and camps vary by source, so treat this as a guide.
Where Namrung is and why trekkers stop
Namrung stands on the upper Budhi Gandaki, after Deng and before Lho. Our route pages connect it to Namrung to Lho, Namrung to Samagaun, Namrung to Samdo and Namrung to Dharamsala, so it appears in many itinerary variations. Trekkers stop here to sleep at a sensible height before pushing toward the villages near Manaslu. The change in scenery is part of the draw, because the trail leaves dense woods and the horizon widens.
What to expect at Namrung
Expect stone houses, lodges, prayer flags and cooler air than on the earlier days. Mani walls and chortens begin to line the trail, and the mountain character becomes obvious. Mornings may be frosty outside the warm season. Our Namrung to Lho stage is listed as roughly 3 to 4 hours, passing forest and then opening out, though times vary with pace and trail conditions. Layers matter more here than lower down. Keep a small notebook or phone note of how you slept, as it helps when judging altitude.
Altitude and how you may feel
At about 2,630 m, Namrung is where some trekkers first notice thinner air, with a slightly faster pulse on climbs or a light headache. Lho is about 550 m higher, so the sleeping altitude keeps rising. Tell your guide early, and descend if symptoms do not ease. Your guide knows the current trail state, so ask each evening about the next day's plan.
Lodging, food and practical tips
Lodges are simple, with twin rooms, shared toilets and a dining room with a stove at set hours. Expect dal bhat, soup, pasta and tea. Bring a warm hat, gloves and a sleeping bag suited to near freezing nights. Walking here legally means restricted-area permits plus a licensed guide from a registered agency, organised in advance. Charging and hot showers usually cost extra and may depend on sunshine or hydro supply, so keep devices topped up when you can.
Stage guides that pass through Namrung
These day-by-day guides start or end at Namrung, with walking times, ascent and where to sleep.
- Namrung to Samagaun trek: stages, altitude and time
- Namrung to Lho trek: altitude, time and route
- Deng to Namrung trek: altitude, time and route
- Soti Khola to Namrung trek: stages, altitude and time
- Jagat to Namrung trek: stages, altitude and time
- Namrung to Samdo trek: stages, altitude and time
- Namrung to Dharamsala trek: stages, altitude and time
- Machha Khola to Namrung trek: stages, altitude and time
Common questions
How high is Namrung?
Namrung is at about 2,630 m. The next village, Lho, is about 3,180 m, a net gain of roughly 550 m. Sleeping altitude therefore rises noticeably after this stop.
How long is the walk from Namrung to Lho?
Our stage page gives a typical time of 3 to 4 hours with a moderate rating. The trail goes through forest and then opens out. Actual time varies with pace and trail conditions.
Why do trekkers stay overnight in Namrung?
It is a convenient place to gain height gradually, with lodges and a change of landscape from forest to open mountain terrain. It splits the walk to Lho and Samagaun into easier days.
