Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek

Arrive in Kathmandu. You will be met at the airport by your trek leader and brought to your hotel. Your trek leader will brief you on the program for the next few days.

Morning sightseeing of Patan Durbar Square, a world heritage site and Kirtipur.

You have an opportunity to experience Newari food for lunch at Lahana Restaurant. You will taste some “finger food” at this Newari restaurant. This is our version of Tapas.

You will be driven to the domestic airport to catch your flight to Nepalgunj. This is a 55-minute flight, and you will stay in Nepalgunj for the night to catch your morning flight to Simikot, the gateway to the Humla district.

We fly to Simikot in the morning. This 45 minutes flight goes north across the plains and passes through the Siwalik Range as it takes you to Simikot. With luck, there will be views of East Dhaulagiri and Churen Himal. The best approach is a thrill.

Simikot is the Headquarters of Humla District; there are Commercial Banks, Government, Non-government offices and schools. People here practise both Buddhism and Hinduism. The climate here is mildly warm and temperate. The summers here have a good amount of rainfall, while the winters have snow. The average annual temperature is 10.1 °C in Simikot, with an average yearly rainfall of around 783 mm.

Upon reaching Simikot, we collect our luggage, have them loaded onto the pack animals and resume our trek to our first stop for the night, Bargaun village. We decent through the steep-sided valleys. The shrine at Karpunath is one of the highlights of the day. Yangshuo is one of the main villages of Khapunath Gaupalika. It is located on the bank of the Karnali river at the foot of the Bigauda Danda range. The population consists mainly of the Thakuris and a few Dalits (untouchable) populations that are Hindus.

Overnight: camp, Bargaun

After our beautiful homestay experience in Bargaun, the trail heads downhill towards The Karnali River. We follow the old Sheep caravan trail down to the Karnali valley route to Lali. It will take us through a sacred loop through some of the remotest parts of the Humla Karnali region.

Overnight: Camp.

Hot cups of fresh coffee or tea will wake you up after a refreshing night of camping by a roaring river. The fast track will get us hiking on the Humala Karnali River valley after Brake. We walk south through a forest of Alder, Oak, Walnuts, Himalayan bamboo, Juniper and Pine.

Bokche Gauda is the next place with a tea house to stop for a rest or refreshment.

We continue to the south staying close to the river until we get to the Bluff of Lali, where lunch is served. We will trek on an undulating trail until we reach Biubare, where the Valley widens, and we walk in a forest of large pine trees. We stop for the night at Rip Ghat.

Overnight camp.

Today, the trail is more strenuous as we turn west; it winds around the valleys once again in a pristine forest. Outsiders have seldom visited the few small settlements here to date. We will leave the Humla Karnali as the river plunges off to the southeast. We now follow the small river towards Kheta Khola Valley until the route reaches Ogaliya. We continue around the spurs until we get to Bhuagdiya, where we are likely to camp; on a flat space around the Khet Khola.

Overnight: Camp.

It is yet another strenuous day of trekking in the pine forest. The snowclad peaks are not visible as the Hike towards Dhid Lagna Pass takes place deep in the valleys. The trails climb steeply from the Khet Khola to the Dhid Lagna Pass, estimated at 3650m. The descent is quite steep on the way to Kawadi Khola. We follow the trail on the Valley, to the Northwest to Lampate. Overnight

Overnight: Camp.

As we climb the hillside, the trail leaves the pine forest below for the open pastries. Reaching Rani Kharka might be challenging depending on how far past Lampate the campsite was the previous night. Then, the route continues on the Valley unto Dhaule Kharka.

From here, panoramic views open up; camp is usually at Rani Kharka. It has a magnificent view of the massive East face of Mount Saipal.

Overnight: Camp

We can make the day as long or short depending on the condition of the trekkers, as the journey to the base camp and back is on the same trail. The main objective is getting close to the massive East Face of Saipal. This is because however far one Hike. The Nunekhara Glacier snout is the furthest one can get without climbing gears. Pines, Juniper, Himalayan Rhododendron, and Himalayan Herbal Bushes make the view more majestic. Himalayan Monals, Eagles, and Vulture are regular birds of this region.

Overnight: Camp

It is unlikely many will want to cross the Sakya Lagna on this day,

as the distance to the camp on the north side is rather challenging.

A leisurely day means more time in the Valley before leaving Rani Khalkha. First, the trail passes through Tharang Kharka, which is not much more than a basic shelter. Then, heading north into the Lepcha Khola, the course begins the climb to a camp broker the pass- near or at the Lepcha Kharka 4450m.

Overnight: Camp.

Sakya Lagna, 4709 m, is the highest pass on the route, and it’s a bit of a slog. From the top, though, the panoramic views are worth all the toil and trouble. Saipal. Is the bright spark to the southwest. To the north, formidable and endless jagged ridges demarcate the edge of the Tibetan plateaus. The descent is through Khaniphuk Kharka steeply down to the confluence of the Karang Khola and Kalungba Khola. Himalayan Flora and Fauna are other attractions of the area.

From here, the trail departs west to north of Saipal Base camp. See below for the details. The routes now cross the Kalungba Khola and climb to Chala (3750m).

Chala is a traditional Tibetan settlement, where it may be necessary to take an additional local guide and local mules. It is understandable but can create havoc when planning overnight.

Overnight: Camp.

Today we make our journey through the highest pass of this trip. Sakya Lagna, which is about 4709 m. This is a bit of a slog. From the top, though, the panoramic views are worth all the toil and trouble. Saipal is a bright spark to the southwest and Tibetan plateaus toward the north. Then we descend through the Khaniphuk Kharka steeply down to the confluence of the Kerang Khola and Kalungba Khola.

It is from here that trails depart west to north sail base camp. We also cross the Khalungba River and climb to Chala. Chala is a traditional Tibetan village where it may be necessary to have someone to guide you.

Overnight: Camp.

It is quite a long haul from Chala, as the trail climbs the Syakup pass ( 4214m) that obstructs the way to Yalbang. The trail descends steeply into the Puiya Khola side valley, where the forest trail cuts down to the Humla Karnali Bridge near Muchu. Steady climb to Yalbang Follows. In Yalbang, there is a monastery where monks can stay and study informal education in Buddhism, including Maths and the English language. The trail is the ancient sheep and goat caravan salt trading route between Nepal and Tibet. It has a wide variety of Himalayan Flora and Fauna.

Overnight: Camp.

The trail descends to Yalbang chaur before climbing and dipping around the cliffs in the narrow Karnali canyon to the Salli Khola Valley. A short climb ensues up to Salli Lagna, and then an east road trail contours slightly down and around to Kermi. The hot springs might be an attractive option if the time allows. The blue Pine dominates the trail, and there are other types of trees, including Alnus, willow and other Himalayan flora and Fauna. Chukar is the easily seen Himalayan monal.

Overnight: Camp

Kermi is a beautiful sizeable Himalayan village where all the people are of Tibetan origin, follow Buddhism, speaking their dialect. The trails now follow the main route between the Tibetan border and Simikot, along the Karnali river with the Valley. It is an easy day with few challenges. Ideally, it’s better to pass through Dharapori (a Community of Thakuris and a minority of Dalits (untouchable) following the Hindu religion and get as far as Dharapori.

The area is covered with blue pines, Juniper, Alnus and different types of apricots.

Overnight: Camp.

Trek through Majgaun, a small village of Thakuri, a Hindu and Nepali-speaking community. The trail that takes you to the final ascend to Simikot Lagna gets a bit frustrating, but it is a fitting walk for the last day. The short descent on the stony path brings one back to the luxuries of Simikot. The trail consists primarily of blue Pine and conserved community forest with Juniper and Pipal. The treks are flavoured with the pleasing smell of Pine. One can observe the great view of Simikot’s settlement from the Lagna’s top.

Sleep: Guest House, Simikot

Simikot is the headquarters of the district. You can find all types of Humli people and people from different parts of Nepal working there in other walks of life; a mixture of Cultural, traditional, and religious customs can be observed. We take the first flight to Nepalgunj in good weather, connecting it to Kathmandu on the very day. We reach Kathmandu by afternoon.

Overnight: Hotel In Kathmandu.

Your trek leader will bring you to the international terminal 3 hours before your departure time.

A Responsible promise

Despite the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves at the moment, we don’t want you to give up your holiday – and we want you to be able to book your trip without any worries.

To provide additional security for your booking, we have introduced a new rebooking and cancellation policy so that you can easily rebook or cancel your trip free of charge if the worst comes to the worst.

Free Cancellation With the Responsible Promise 100% Money-Back Guarantee

For new bookings made between May 10th 2021, and December 31st 2022, you may cancel your complete package (activities, hotels, tours, excl. flight) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure and get 100% of your money back. However, to stay flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.

Complete flexibility on your booking

Stay flexible with our new rebooking service until shortly before your departure. For new bookings made between May 10th and December 31st, 2022, you may rebook your package (activities, hotels, tours) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure (subject to availability). Rebooking is only allowed once, and you must inform us 30 days before your planned departure. Any additional costs incurred due to changes in your schedule or upgrades, such as additional fees in high season or upgrades to your accommodation, will still apply. To remain flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.

Am I too young or old?

Most of our clients have completed their treks from 3 years old to some in their 70s with almost no exercise or training.

Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?

We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.

Do I need a Visa?

You can obtain a visa for Nepal on arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, and at border entry points in Kakadvitta, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Gaddachowki on the Nepal-India border, and Kerung on the Nepal-China border.

You can also obtain a visa outside of Nepal at the nearest Nepal Embassy or Diplomatic Mission.

For more information, go to the Department of Immigration, Kalikasthan, Kathmandu.

What should I bring on a Trek?

Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.

Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.

If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.

Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travelers?
You are safe as long as you respect the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently(this won’t pose too much problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).

Here are some helpful articles:
Am I too old to go trekking?
Arriving at Kathmandu airport.
Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
What are the differences between camping and lodge trekking?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a walk?
What is a typical day on tour like?
What is the food like on the trek?
The Benefits of using trekking poles.
What do I need to know about high altitudes?
High altitude myths.
How to trek safely?
For more articles, you can go to our blogs.