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Hidden deep in the far-western Himalayas, the Saipal Base Camp (East) Trek is a journey into one of Nepal’s last untouched wilderness regions. Starting from Simikot, this 14-day adventure takes you through ancient villages, wild valleys, sacred monasteries, and dramatic mountain landscapes dominated by the majestic Mt. Saipal (7031m). Far from crowds and modern noise, this trek is a rare chance to experience raw Himalayan beauty, silence, and spiritual solitude that stays with you forever.
The Saipal Base Camp (East) Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and adventurous trekking routes, located in the isolated Humla and Bajura regions. The trail gradually climbs from lower river valleys into high alpine meadows, offering dramatic changes in scenery—from lush forests and terraced farmlands to glacier-fed valleys and high-altitude ridges.
Trekkers experience authentic Himalayan life where villages are connected by ancient trade routes once used for salt trading with Tibet. The region is rich in cultural diversity, primarily inhabited by Thakuri, Bhotia, and Tibetan-influenced communities, preserving centuries-old traditions and spiritual practices.
The highlight of the journey is reaching the Saipal Base Camp region, where the towering east face of Mt. Saipal dominates the horizon. The trek combines wilderness exploration, cultural immersion, and high-altitude adventure in one unforgettable expedition.
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu (1350m) – Hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing + flight to Nepalgunj (200m)
Day 03: Fly Simikot (2910m) → Trek to Kharpunath (2100m) | 3 hrs | 9 km
Day 04: Trek to Ripghad (2250m) | 6–7 hrs | 19.5 km
Day 05: Trek to Kheta (2650m) | 6–7 hrs | 17 km
Day 06: Cross Dhid Lagna Pass (3650m) → Kwadi Khola (3100m) | 7–8 hrs | 15 km
Day 07: Trek to Rani Kharka (3900m) | 5–6 hrs | 12 km
Day 08: Saipal Base Camp exploration day
Day 09: Trek to Lepcha Kharka (4510m) | 6–7 hrs | 14 km
Day 10: Trek to Chala Village (4709m) via Sakya Lagna Pass | 6–7 hrs | 15 km
Day 11: Trek to Yalbang Gompa (3020m) | 6–7 hrs | 18 km
Day 12: Drive to Simikot | 4–5 hrs | 40 km
Day 13: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj | 1 hr 50 min
Day 14: Final departure
This trek is classified as moderate to challenging due to:
Good physical fitness, stamina training, and prior trekking experience are highly recommended.
Meals include:
Facilities:
This trek offers deep cultural immersion into the Himalayan lifestyle:
The region preserves centuries-old traditions largely untouched by modern influence.
Total journey includes both air and remote mountain travel, enhancing adventure experience.
We ensure your journey is safe, authentic, and unforgettable.
👉 Step into the untouched Himalayas of Humla
👉 Experience the hidden beauty of Mt. Saipal
👉 Book your Saipal Base Camp Trek today with Ghumnajaau
Your Himalayan journey of a lifetime begins here!
Arrive in Kathmandu where our representative will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Evening briefing and trek preparation.
Guided half-day sightseeing of UNESCO sites (Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square). Evening 1-hr flight to Nepalgunj in western Terai plains.
Take an early morning mountain flight to Simikot. After lunch and some time to explore Simikot town, begin a short trek down to Kharpunath, a riverside village known for its Hindu temple along the banks of the Karnali River.
Trail Highlights: Descend gradually along Karnali River, cross suspension bridges, terraced farmlands, and traditional Humla villages. Visit Kharpunath temple (important Hindu site).
Follow the Karnali River upstream through traditional Khasa villages and farmlands. The trail passes pine forests and waterfalls before reaching Ripghad campsite.
Trail Highlights: Trek along Karnali River gorge, pass through pine and oak forests, waterfalls cascading down rocky cliffs, and small hamlets. Scenic campsite near Ripghad.
The trail turns west, winding through pristine forest and small remote settlements. Leaving the Humla Karnali, you now follow the Kheta Khola valley. Camp is set up near Kheta village along the riverbank.
Trail Highlights: Gradual climb through terraced hillsides, riverside trail along Kholsi Khola, encounter shepherd huts and yak pastures. Views of Saipal range begin to open.
A tough but rewarding day. The trail climbs steeply through pine forests to Dhid Lagna Pass, offering glimpses of distant peaks. A steep descent leads down to Kwadi Khola where you camp for the night.
The route climbs out of the forest into open alpine pastures. As you approach Rani Kharka, stunning views of Mt. Saipal’s massive east face come into sight. Camp in this beautiful meadow.
Trail Highlights: Remote alpine landscapes, yak herders’ summer settlements, wildflowers in spring, views of high ridgelines. Camp at Rani Kharka grazing meadow.
Day 08: Exploration Day – Saipal Base Camp (Approx. 4200m/13,780ft)
Spend the day hiking up towards Saipal Base Camp for closer views of the east face of Mt. Saipal and surrounding glaciers. Enjoy breathtaking scenery with Himalayan flora, juniper, rhododendron, and the chance to spot Himalayan monals, eagles, and vultures. Return to camp at Rani Kharka.
Activity: Day hike to Saipal Base Camp for close-up views of Mt. Saipal (7031m), surrounding glaciers, and hidden valleys. Packed lunch during hike. Return to camp.
The trail passes through grazing meadows and climbs steadily towards Lepcha Kharka, your highest camp. Views of rugged valleys and surrounding peaks dominate the day.
Trail Highlights: Steep climb into rugged terrain, high-altitude meadows, glacial rivers, rare chance of spotting blue sheep and Himalayan birds. Highest camp of trek.
Cross Sakya Lagna Pass, the highest point of the trek, rewarded with incredible panoramas of Mt. Saipal and the Tibetan Plateau. Descend steeply past high pastures and river confluences before reaching the remote settlement of Chala.
Trail Highlights: Trail follows high ridgeline, crossing remote passes, spectacular views of Api–Saipal massif. Arrive at isolated Chala village, rich in Bhotia culture.
A long but fascinating day crossing Syakup Pass before descending into the Puiya Khola valley. The trail leads to Yalbang Gompa, a historic Buddhist monastery and once a stop on the ancient salt trading route to Tibet.
Trail Highlights: Long descent through forested valleys, waterfalls, prayer walls, and monasteries. Visit historic Yalbang Gompa, a spiritual Tibetan Buddhist monastery.
Today, drive along a rough mountain road back to Simikot. The journey passes through remote villages and river valleys, offering a last glimpse of life in far-western Nepal.
Trail Highlights: Bumpy off-road journey along Karnali valley, remote mountain villages, farmland and dramatic river gorges.
Day 13: Flight Simikot → Nepalgunj → Kathmandu (1350m/4429ft)
Take an early morning flight from Simikot via Nepalgunj back to Kathmandu. Free afternoon for rest, shopping, or exploration. Evening farewell dinner hosted by the team.
Activity: Scenic mountain flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. Free afternoon for rest or shopping.
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for onward journey.
Trip Cost – What’s Included & Excluded
It is better suited for experienced trekkers or physically fit beginners due to high altitude and long walking days.
The highest point is around 4709m at Chala Village region.
Yes, this is a restricted and remote area where a licensed guide is mandatory.
Hotels in cities and tented camping during the trek.
Yes, but gradual ascent and proper acclimatization reduce the risk significantly.
Restricted Area Permit (Humla), TIMS card, and local permits—all arranged by the agency.
Limited solar charging is available in some camps, but power is not guaranteed.
Freshly cooked Nepali and simple continental meals prepared by the trekking crew.
No, internet access is very limited or unavailable in most areas.
It is one of Nepal’s most remote and untouched trekking routes with authentic culture and dramatic Himalayan scenery.