Jumla to Simikot Trek via Rara Lake & Changkheli Pass | 19 Days Adventure in Western Nepal

Trip Overview

This trek is offered as an extension to Trek Jumla to Rara, so this will add a further week to your trip. The journey north whilst rewarding in its beauty, is a difficult hike as one travels steeply up and then down from one gorge to another. This is the province of Humla, often referred to as the Hidden Himalayas and ups and down trails, will soon become your mantra.

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu – Transfer to hotel, tour briefing
Day 02: Kathmandu Valley sightseeing (1,350m)
Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj (150m)
Day 04: Fly to Jumla (2,240m)
Day 05: Trek to Uthagaon (2,530m) – 5 hrs
Day 06: Trek to Burma (2,580m) – 6 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Chautha (2,770m) – 6 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Rara Lake (2,980m) – 5 hrs
Day 09: Exploration day around Rara Lake (Hike to Murma Top optional)
Day 10: Trek to Bama (2,800m approx.) – 7 hrs
Day 11: Trek to Camp before Changkheli Pass (3,500m approx.) – 7 hrs
Day 12: Cross Changkheli Pass and trek to Janchy Village (3,150m) – 7 hrs
Day 13: Trek to Melchham Village (2,950m) – 6 hrs
Day 14: Trek to Puma Lekh (3,300m) – 5 hrs
Day 15: Trek to Pangkha (3,150m) – 4 hrs
Day 16: Trek to Gatya Khola (2,400m) – 7 hrs
Day 17: Trek to Simikot (2,910m) – 3 hrs
Day 18: Fly to Nepalgunj and onward to Kathmandu
Day 19: Final departure

Itinerary

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

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, there will be a trip briefing covering logistics, safety, and cultural etiquette.

Meals: Breakfast

Max Altitude: 1,350m

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing

Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath, and Boudhanath Stupa. A guided tour provides insight into Nepal’s ancient history and vibrant spiritual life.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 3: Fly to Nepalgunj (150m)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Max Altitude: 150m

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 4: Fly to Jumla (2,240m) – Trek to Uthagaon (2,530m) | 3–4 hrs

Begin your trek through pine forests and traditional villages. Jumla is a gateway to the remote west, known for its organic apple orchards and authentic culture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 3-4 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,240m-2,530m

Accommodation: Local lodge or teahouse

Day 5: Trek to Uthagaon (2,530m) – 5–6 hrs

The trail begins with a gentle ascent through pine and oak forests. Encounter local shepherds and villagers tending to barley fields. Uthagaon is a quiet village with stone houses and mountain views.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,530m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 6: Trek to Burma (2,580m) – 5–6 hrs

Today's route continues through mixed forest and terraced hillsides. Along the way, you might spot Himalayan monals or hear the call of the cuckoo. Burma is a peaceful village surrounded by green hills.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,580m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 7: Trek to Chautha (2,770m) – 6–7 hrs

Pass beautiful ridges and rocky outcrops as you make your way to Chautha, a significant stop before Rara. The area is rich in medicinal herbs and wildflowers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 6-7 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,770m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 8: Trek to Rara Lake (2,980m) – 5 hrs

Today’s trek is magical. As you climb toward Rara, the forest opens to reveal the stunning blue waters of Nepal’s largest lake, surrounded by alpine meadows and dense conifers.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 4-5 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,980m

Accommodation: Local lodge or camping

Day 9: Exploration Day at Rara Lake

Spend the day wandering around this turquoise gem. Optional hike to Murma Top (3,700m) offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding snow-capped peaks. Watch for otters, Himalayan griffons, and musk deer.

Accommodation: Camp

10: Trek to Bama Village – 7 hrs

Leaving Rara, descend through juniper and pine forests toward Bama – a charming Thakuri village where ancient traditions and wooden homes create a timeless setting.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 7hrs

Max Altitude: 2,750m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 11: Trek to Before Changkheli Pass – 7 hrs

Begin the ascent toward Changkheli Pass. This remote highland is used by yak herders and filled with medicinal herbs. Camp beneath the stars surrounded by pristine wilderness.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 6-7 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,800m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 12: Cross Changkheli Pass – Trek to Janchy Village – 7 hrs

A challenging but rewarding day! Cross the Changkheli Pass (approx. 3,700–4,000m), which offers sweeping views across Karnali. Descend to the hidden Janchy village where few travelers venture.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 6-7 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,642m / 2,800m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 13: Trek to Melchham Village – 6 hrs

Today’s journey winds through ancient trails used by salt traders. Melchham is a remote village where traditions remain untouched and hospitality is warm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,500m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 14: Trek to Puma Lekh – 5 hrs

Climb gradually to the alpine ridges of Puma Lekh, where you camp in the middle of untouched wilderness. Birdwatchers might spot golden eagles and snow pigeons here.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 4-5 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,200m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 15: Trek to Pangkha – 4 hrs

Descend into the rugged terrain near Gatya Khola. You may encounter blue sheep or Himalayan monals along the way.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 4 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,100m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 16: Trek to Gatya Khola – 7 hrs

Descend steeply toward the Gatya Khola River. The trail passes through narrow gorges and traditional farmland. A cool riverside camp awaits.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 7 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,700m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 17: Trek to Simikot (2,910m) – 3 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 3 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,910m

Accommodation: Lodge or guesthouse

Day 18: Fly Simikot – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu

Morning flight out of Simikot, followed by another scenic flight back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city.

Day 19: Final Departure

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight. You leave with memories of a trek few others have experienced, through Nepal’s last true frontiers.

Cost Includes

All airport tranferes
Accommodations in Kathmandu twin share with breakfast
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
All camping and cooking equipments.
All camping Charges.
Clients Airfare Kathmandu / Nepalgunj / Jumla & Simikot/Nepalgunj /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 trek takes you deep into the remote highlands of western Nepal, where infrastructure is limited and the rhythm of life is shaped by nature and tradition. Here’s what you can expect for accommodations along the route:

Kathmandu & Nepalgunj (Hotel Stay)

In Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, you’ll stay in comfortable tourist-standard hotels with modern facilities, ideal for relaxing after long travel days.
Facilities: Private rooms, hot showers, Wi-Fi, restaurant services.

Jumla & Simikot (Lodge/Guesthouse Stay)

In Jumla and Simikot, the district headquarters, you'll find basic lodges or guesthouses.
Facilities: Simple rooms, local food, limited electricity, and friendly local hosts.

Remote Trekking Region (Camping Trek)

From Uthagaon to Gatya Khola (Days 5 to 16), the trek transitions into full camping mode. There are no lodges in this stretch, so we provide fully equipped tents and a professional trekking crew.
Camping Experience Includes:
- Spacious tents (shared)
- Dining tent with tables and chairs
- Hygienic meals prepared by a trek cook using local ingredients
- Support from porters and guides familiar with the terrain
- Daily setup at scenic and safe campgrounds near villages, rivers, or forests

Cultural Stays (Optional Homestays)

In select villages like Melchham, there may be an opportunity for a basic homestay, depending on availability.
Experience: Interact with locals, learn about their culture, and enjoy authentic home-cooked meals.