Saipal Base Camp Trek | Remote Nature Trail in Western Nepal – 18 Days

Trip Overview

This is not just a trek — it’s a journey deep into one of the most untouched regions of western Nepal. The Saipal Base Camp Nature Trek takes you through ancient trails, high ridges, and remote villages where people still live closely with nature and tradition. Starting from Simikot, we walk through places like Nyin Valley( Burause, Nimatang, and Raling Gompa) following the Karnali River, crossing forested ridges, and stopping at peaceful campsites with mountain views.

Along the way, we’ll meet friendly locals — Thakuri, Lama, and Khas people — and taste simple but heartwarming mountain food. At Saipal Base Camp, the views of the mighty Himalayas open wide, offering a true sense of wilderness and solitude. This trek is perfect for those who want to stay close to nature, explore hidden parts of Nepal, and experience the warm soul of the mountains.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150 m)

Day 04: Fly Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,910 m), Trek to Burause (2950 m approx.)

Day 05: Trek to Nimatang (3300 m approx.)

Day 06: Trek to Raling Gompa (4100 m approx.)

Day 07: Trek to Kharpunath (2,100 m approx.)

Day 08: Trek to Ripghat (1,900 m approx.)

Day 09: Trek to Kheta (2,400 m approx.)

Day 10: Trek to Kawadikhola (2,600 m approx.)

Day 11: Trek to Saipal Base Camp (3,800 m approx.)

Day 12: Rest Day – Explore Nunkharka (4,000 m approx.)

Day 13: Trek to Chala (2,900 m approx.)

Day 14: Trek to Yalbang (3,030 m)

Day 15: Trek to Kermi (2,860 m)

Day 16: Trek to Simikot (2,910 m)

Day 17: Fly Simikot to Nepalgunj, then to Kathmandu

Day 18: Final Departure

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Transfer to hotel. In the evening, attend a trek briefing session. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Meals: Breakfast

Max Altitude: 1,400m

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). Overnight at hotel.

Max Altitude: 1,400m

Day 3: Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150 m)

Take a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, located in the western Terai plains. Transfer to hotel and rest. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Max Altitude: 150m

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 4: Fly Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,910 m), Trek to Burause (2,950 m approx)

Morning flight to Simikot, the gateway to Humla. Begin trek with a gentle descent to Burause. Overnight in Nyinba Homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: (1-2)hrs

Max Altitude: 2,950 m

Accommodation: Home Stay

Day 5: Trek to Nimatang (3300 m approx.)

Trek through lush forested trails and traditional villages. Arrive at Nimatang. Overnight in Nyinba Homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 5–6 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,300m

Accommodation: HomeStay

Day 6: Trek to Raling Gompa (4,100 m approx.)

Climb steadily to reach Raling Gompa, a peaceful monastery perched above the valley. Overnight near the gompa in Camp

Trek Time: 4-5 hrs

Max Altitude: 4,100 m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 7: Trek to Kharpunath (2,100 m approx.)

Descend towards the Karnali River and continue to Kharpunath, a culturally rich village. Overnight in camp.

Trek Time: 6-7 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,100m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 8: Trek to Ripghat (1,900 m approx.)

Follow the trail along the river through forested ridges to Ripghat. Overnight in tented camp.

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 1,900 m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 9: Trek to Kheta (2,400 m approx.)

Ascend gradually through scenic hills and terraced fields to Kheta village. Overnight in camp.

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,400 m

Accommodation: Camping Along the route

Day 10: Trek to Kawadikhola (2,600 m approx.)

Continue your journey through remote terrain to the riverside village of Kawadikhola. Overnight in camp.

Trek Time: (5-6)hrs

Max Altitude: 2,600 m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 11: Trek to Saipal Base Camp (3,800 m approx.)

Trek towards the majestic Saipal Himal region. Reach base camp with panoramic Himalayan views. Camp overnight.

Trek Time: 6 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,800 m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 12: Rest Day – Explore Nunkharka (4,000 m approx.)

Acclimatization and exploration day. Take a hike to Nunkharka for higher altitude experience. Return to base camp.

Trek Time: Optional Hike 2–3 hrs

Max Altitude: 4,000m

Day 13: Trek to Chala (2,900 m approx.)

Descend gradually through alpine pastures and traditional settlements to Chala. Camp overnight.

Trek Time: 6–7 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,900m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 14: Trek to Yalbang (3,030 m)

Trek through beautiful landscapes to Yalbang, known for Yalbang Monastery and its spiritual significance. Overnight near the monastery.

Trek Time: 5 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,030 m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 15: : Trek to Kermi (2,860 m)

Continue through pine forests and hot spring areas to Kermi, one of the oldest villages in the region. Overnight in camp.

Trek Time: (5-6)hrs

Max Altitude: 2,860m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 16: Trek to Simikot (2,910 m)

Complete the trek with a return to Simikot, retracing scenic trails. Celebrate the journey. Overnight in Simikot.

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,910m

Day 17: Fly Simikot to Nepalgunj, then to Kathmandu

Catch a morning flight to Nepalgunj and connect to your flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Free evening.

Day 18: Final Departure

Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Farewell and thank you!

Cost Includes

Accommodations in Kathmandu twin share with breakfast
1 night Twin sharing basis hotel in Nepalgunj with Dinner
Guide, cook and kitchen support staff.
Mules or porters for luggage on the trekking.
All meals during the treks, Simikot to Simikot.
All camping and cooking equipments.
All camping Charges.
Clients Airfare Kathmandu / Nepalgunj / and return to Kathmandu.
Humla restricted area permit fee.
All travel expenses for Nepali staffs.
All pick up and drop services.
DDC tax.
All local official donations if any.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu (Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur) with tour guide

Cost Excludes

Insurance for Clients and Emergency Rescue and medicines and medicals.
Sightseeing entrance fees in Kathmandu.
Personal beverages.
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
Domestic access baggage charge (Kathmandu to Nepalgunj weight limit is 20 kg and Nepalgunj to Simikot weight limit is 15 kg).
Sleeping bag & mattress during trip.
International flights.
Flight cancelations & its further more expenses
Tips

Accommodation

This journey takes you far away from the usual tourist trails. Once we leave Simikot, there are no lodges or tea houses. From that point on, it’s all about camping in nature and Home Stay, supported by our experienced crew.

Kathmandu & Nepalgunj

In Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, you’ll stay in comfortable hotels — a good rest before and after your adventure begins.

Simikot

Basic lodge or guesthouse. A quiet place to prepare for the trek, meet the team, and enjoy your last night indoors before heading into the wild.

Camping from Raling Gompa Onward

From Day 6, it’s fully camping-based. We set up our own tents at scenic spots like Raling Gompa, Kharpunath, and Saipal Base Camp.
Each camp is chosen for safety, views, and local access to water. Our kitchen crew prepares fresh meals with what’s available — simple, nourishing, and tasty.
You’ll sleep under the stars, surrounded by pine forests, river valleys, and quiet mountains. No roads, no Wi-Fi — just nature, fresh air, and the rhythm of the trail.

This is a real mountain experience — raw, beautiful, and grounded. Every campsite becomes part of the memory.