What's the path from Sekong Lake to Naurikot?

Hi there, we're heading to Nepal in a few weeks and planning a relaxed trek from Jomsom to Tatopani along the left bank of the Kali Gandaki. Starting from Kokhetanti, we'd like to do a day loop to Sekong Lake, then head to Naurikot and return (possibly by road). We’ve found—well, *found* might be a strong word—a path to the lake, but we can’t see any route continuing to Naurikot. Can anyone help us out? Thanks so much! !

Hi there,

It’s been a long time since I passed through this area during a big Annapurna Circuit trek. Back then, there wasn’t a motorable road yet—just the trails on the left bank of the Kali Gandaki when coming from Jomsom. Looking at my old trekking maps (from the 70s!), I see Naurikot, and I must’ve passed through it. There’s a bridge over the Gandaki to cross to the west side toward Thasang and Naurikot. Coming from Jomsom, it’s very close to Larjung (we definitely passed through there). It seems like you should head to Naurikot/Thasang first before going to Sekong Lake, which is a bit further south. Alternatively, if you take the motorable road from Larjung heading south (toward Ghasa), about 1 or 2 km from Larjung, there should be a trail branching off to the right (west) toward the higher ground in the direction of the lake. This path is mentioned here: https://snowcattravel.wordpress.com/2018/07/31/sekong-lake-the-best-day-walk-in-the-nepal-himalayas/ You’ll find some explanations here for the Larjung-to-lake leg: https://horizonguides.com/trips/no-road-annapurna-circuit Hopefully, those who’ve been to the lake can give you more precise info on reaching Naurikot (which seems to be before the lake). If you’ve never been to Nepal, you’ll find decent trekking maps in all the bookshops, and I think the Annapurna Circuit map will definitely show the trail to Sekong Lake from the road. Happy trekking!

Thanks Djalma for this feedback. I’ll check out the link. I’ve been to Nepal, but the last time was in... 1986!!! Since then, the road has been built, which is why we’re taking the east bank of the Kaligandaki. I’ll definitely look for detailed maps in Kathmandu. Thanks again and have a great Sunday!

In 2009, a photographer reported the following at http://www.stephentapply.com/lakes.htm

From Larjung, continue southwest along the right-hand side of the Kali Gandaki for about 20 minutes, until you reach the wide junction with the Ghatte Kola coming from the right. Cross this river mouth, and before you reach the other side, bear slightly right. When you reach the path on the far side, turn right and follow it until you meet another river junction coming from the left. For Buthurcho Lake, cross the junction, turn left, and follow the track up the side of the hill. The lake is in the trees on your right. There's a sort of path around it, but it's now very overgrown. For Sekung Lake, instead of crossing the river junction to Buthurcho Lake, follow the sign to the icefall (up the winding path on the left), past some fields, and then down gently through the trees. The path for Sekung Lake stays on the right of the stream. From the northwest end of the lake, a photo with all three Nilgiris reflected in the water is possible.

According to the 2013 NATT guide:

Buddroso Lake (NATT 2013) This lake is within a famous and ecological wetland and will take you about one and a half hours from Naurikot to get there. After crossing either the motor bridge or the suspension bridge, you have to go down along the dirt road for a few hundred meters until you see a torn signboard. The trail is marked with blue/white signs. After a steady climb through a beautiful pine forest, you will reach the lake, which is nestled in the forest below Dhaulagiri. Find your way on the right/northern side and enjoy the enchanting surroundings. You’ll feel like you’re walking in a fairy tale! When you reach the opposite (i.e., west) side, continue straight in a westerly (Dhaulagiri) direction. Coming out of the forest, you will see the Bukkosi River in a ravine. There’s no way to cross it right here, so you’ll have to go up for a while before you can cross it to the other side. Seeing the huge rocks that have been moved like children’s building blocks, you can imagine the devastating power of the unleashed stream during the monsoon season. Climb up to the other side of the ravine, and soon you will see the second lake called Sekung Lake.

Sekung Lake (NATT 2013) The beautiful emerald Sekung Lake (sometimes spelled Sokung) is situated in a natural hollow surrounded by forest and with breathtaking views of the high mountains. It is one of the most beautiful lakes and much larger and nicer than Titi Lake, which can be visited by going from Kokethanti to Kalopani on the east river side. On the south end, there is a big ACAP signboard and blue/white NATT signs marking the trail going down. You will reach a large flat area with pastures, a small yak herder’s hut, and several ruined walls. Until 35 years ago, this was the location of the village of Sekung. When it was destroyed by avalanches, the inhabitants moved to safer places like Naurikot or Larjung.

Sekung → Kokhethanti (NATT 2013) From this place, you can take four different trails: 1) going down to Larjung, 2) going down to Kokethanti, 3) climbing up to the Dhaulagiri Icefall, and 4) going up to Sekung Lake. 1: Going down to Larjung (1.5h). Following the blue/white signs, take the trail near the little hut. This winding trail will lead you through a pine forest down to the road. Follow the road 2 km north until you reach Larjung. 2: Going down to Kokethanti (45 min). This trail also starts near the little hut but more to the south in a pasture a little lower. Go to the right end of the pasture, and behind some trees, you will reach a larger clear trail with blue/white signs, which will also wind its way down to the road just 150 m south of the bridge leading over the Kali Gandaki to Kokethanti. If you’re coming from Kokethanti, watch for a rock marked with the blue/white NATT sign and the words “Ice Fall.” According to the LP Trekking guide, from Larjung, it’s a 2-hour walk to a hut with a great viewpoint of the Icefall. 3: (Trek 66). Climbing to the Dhaulagiri Icefall (3-4 hours). The trail starts from the “Sekung village site” in a westerly direction. It was marked with blue/white signs by the owner of the Dhaulagiri Icefall Lodge in Kokethanti and the Jomsom representatives of ACAP. If you enjoyed the hike, you might thank him later for his contribution. 4: Going up to Sekung Lake (15 min). Ascend in a northerly direction. As the trail continues to Budrosso Lake, a large stone is marked with “lakes.” This is only relevant if you started from the road, bypassing Budrosso Lake.

Fabrice