Overview:

Mount Saipal is the second-highest peak in the region after Mount Api, standing at an altitude of 7031 meters above sea level. This mountain has two base camps, which you can access through Simikot, Humla. This region is culturally and geographically isolated from the rest of the nation. Which makes this a remote yet rewarding trek. From Humla, you start your journey up north towards the towering peaks that border Tibet.

This region is home to the cultural and economic interactions between Buddhists and Hindus. Its passes, locally known as lekhs, are broad and rolling, adorned with thick forests of Cedar-like trees. These forests provide a pristine environment for the flora and fauna of this region. As you trek through the remote trails toward Mount Saipal, you can witness changing temperatures, landscapes, and the people around this region. All of these things make this journey truly amazing and unique. Let’s immerse ourselves in the distinct nature and atmosphere of the Far West Nepal.

Highlights of Saipal Base Camp Trek:

  1. Unexplored Region: This region is one of the less traveled destinations in the whole country. There are fewer people on the trail, and the air and water around this region are pure.
  2.  Buddhist Traditions: Along the way, you’ll witness many small Buddhist monuments reflecting this place’s rich and vibrant culture. If you hire a guide, they will brief you more on the local culture and norms.
  3. Stunning Mountain views: From this trek, you’ll get up close views of the surrounding mountains. Some of the famous include Api, Saipal, Jethi Bahurani, and Chyoro Ri.
  4. Flora and Fauna: This region has a variety of plants and animal species. You may encounter wild animals such as musk deer, red pandas, and numerous bird species.
  5. Valleys and Ridges: Along the way, you’ll pass multiple scenic valleys and ridges.
Saipal Himal
Saipal Mountain (Source: Facebook)

 

Key Information on the Saipal Base Camp Trek:

  • Region: Lies on the border between Bajhang and Humla districts, Far West Nepal.
  • Maximum Elevation: 4800 meters above the sea level
  • Trek Difficulty: Challenging
  • Accommodation: Tea Houses/ Lodges/ Camp
  • Best Time for the Trek: Spring (March-May), Autumn (September-November)
  • Trek Duration: 16 days
  • Daily Walking: 4-5 hours

Itinerary Of the Saipal Base Camp:

  • Day 1: Fly to Nepalgunj: This 55-minute flight will take you to Nepalgunj, the biggest city in Farwest Nepal.
  • Day 2: Fly to Simikot: This 45-minute flight from Nepalgunj will take you to the district headquarters of Humla, Simikot. From Simikot, you’ll trek to Bargaun Village. On this day, you’ll reach an altitude of 2910 meters.
  • Day 3: Trek from Bargaun to Yangchu Kuna: The trail meanders through the untouched Humla and Karnali regions. You’ll set up a camp to sleep in for the night.
  • Day 4: Trek From Yangchu Kuna to Ripghat: This 5-hour day hike will get you to Ripghat, 1950m.
  • Day 5: Ripghat to Kheta Khola: As you turn westward, the trek becomes more challenging. You’ll spend the night at Kheta Khola Valley.
  • Day 6: Trek from Kheta Khola to Odar Ghat: Your hike will take you towards the Dhid Lagna Pass on this day. The trail becomes steeper from now on.
  • Day 7: Trek to Rani Kharka: The distance to Rani Kharka, your next destination, might pose a challenge depending on the distance covered from the campsite at Lampate the previous night.
  • Day 8: Trek to Saipal Base Camp: On the eighth day, you’ll reach the Saipal Base Camp. You may explore the region and its serene surroundings. In the evening, return to Rani Kharka.

This is the mid-point of your Saipal Base Camp Trek

  • Day 9: Trek from Rani Kharka to Lepcha Kharka: On the ninth day, you’ll start descending from the base camp and reach Lepche Kharka.
  • Day 10: Trek from Lepche Kharka to Chala: This descent is strenuous but can be completed quickly.
  • Day 11: Trek from Chala to Yalbang: The journey from Chala presents a significant challenge as we approach Yalbang, a traditional village filled with Buddhist monasteries.
  • Day 12: Yalbang to Kermi: We continue our journey and arrive at the picturesque Salli Khola Valley. The descent becomes easier from this point on.
  • Day 13: Kermi to Dharapori: As we descend, we’ll witness more greenery, and the trail will get flatter.
  • Day 14: Dharapori to Simikot: The Fourteenth day of the trek will bring us to Simikot.
  • Day 15: Simikot to Nepalgunj (Flight): On this day, you’ll fly from Simikot to Nepalgunj.
  • Day 16:Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (Flight): On the final day of the trek, you’ll fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.

Here Are Some Tips for Trekkers:

  1. Physical Fitness: This is a relatively longer trek, so be well-prepared physically. Before going on the Saipal Base Camp trek, go on smaller day hikes.
  2. Permits: You may need some permits to trek in this region. Be sure to research that, as you may have to pay extra money to complete this trek.
  3. Guides: Due to the remoteness of this region, you may need a guide to navigate the routes better. Guides can accompany you in challenging situations as well.
  4. Safety kits: Be sure to carry safety kits and medication.

If you’d like to go on a hike near Kathmandu: Phulchowki Hill Hike