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Nepal

Saga Dawa Festival at Humla Raling Monastery

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Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Best Season: All Year Round

Max Altitude: 4100 m

Group Size: Min 2 Pax

Transport: Private Vehicle and Flight

Trip Grade

Difficulty

moderate

Duration:
12 Days

Trip Overview

This trip is the shortest and yet one of the most culturally and scenically striking trips in Humla. The valley is reached in a day walk from Simikot at elevations between 3000m and 4100 m. Nyinba, a Bhotia community also called Bara-Thapalya inhabit this valley in four major villages in the area. The attractions are experience of the unique village structure resembling Buddhist Mandala and culture practiced within these villages that deeply carry the ancient pre-Buddhist Shamastic tradition blended with the Buddhist culture and religion. Mt Shelmogang (5300m) (also known as Mount Crystal Peak) and Raling Gompa and Siddhi caves of Guru Rimpoche are some of the places to visit. The trail has been planned to visit Kharpunath temple where the Karnali from west Tibet and Chang/Dozam river meet forming the main Karnali, the longest and holiest river of Nepal.Saga Dawa Festival is observed as one of the most important festival in Buddhist society all over the world. This festival held each year on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month of the Tibetan calendar. This festival is celebrated in honor of Sakyamuni’s enlightenment. And this auspicious day coincide with three important events in Buddha’s life, Birth, Nirvana and death.

Trek Facts

Duration: 12 days
Starting from: Simikot, Humla
Ending at: Simikot, Humla
Grade: Moderate
Highest access of the trek: 4200m
Culture: Chettries, Tibetan origin
Mode of trekking: Camping trek only
Himalayan sights: Crystal Peak, Chang La
Most attraction of the Trek: Mountain views, rivers, lakes, hidden valley, Monastries, Tibetan villages .

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

Day 01:     Arrival Kathmandu – transfer hotel – tour briefing
Day 02:     Sight seeing in Kathmandu
Day 03:     Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Day 04:     Fly Nepalgunj to Simikot
Day 05:     Trek Simikot to Torpa
Day 06:     Trek Torpa to Raling
Day 07:     Explore Raling valley (13th June 2014 Saga Dawa Festival)
Day 08:     Raling to Bargaon
Day 09:     Bargaon to Kharbunath
Day 10:     Kharbunath to Simikot
Day 11:     Fly Simikot to Nepalgunj & to Kathmandu.
Day 12:     Depart

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) – Transfer to Hotel & Tour Briefing

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will warmly receive you and transfer you to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. After some rest, we’ll have a short briefing about your upcoming trek to the remote Humla region. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner and soak in the energy of Nepal's vibrant capital.

Meals: Breakfast

Max Altitude: 1,400m

Accommodation: Standard hotel

Day 2: Full-Day Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Today is dedicated to discovering the cultural soul of Kathmandu. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, the mystical Boudhanath Stupa, and the ancient city of Patan or Bhaktapur. These spiritual landmarks help you understand the deep connection between Nepali life and faith — a beautiful prologue to your Humla journey.

Meals: Breakfast

Max Altitude: 1,400m

Accommodation: Standard hotel

Day 3: Fly to Nepalgunj (150m) – Gateway to Western Nepal

Take a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, a vibrant town near the Indian border. The terrain flattens, the weather warms, and the culture starts blending with Western Nepalese and Indian influences. Rest in preparation for your mountain adventure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Max Altitude: 150m

Accommodation: Standard hotel

Day 4: Fly to Simikot (2,910m) – Trekking Gateway of Humla

Board a thrilling mountain flight to Simikot — the remote headquarters of Humla. Nestled above the Karnali River, Simikot is both rugged and charming, a gateway to some of Nepal’s most untouched landscapes. Spend the day acclimatizing, exploring the market, and interacting with locals.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: (1-2)hrs optional

Max Altitude: 2,910m

Accommodation: Local guesthouse or tented camp

Day 5: Trek Simikot to Torpa (Approx. 2,600m) – 5–6 hrs

Begin your trek today! The trail gently climbs above the Karnali River, passing terraced fields and sparse pine forests. As you reach Torpa, a peaceful village surrounded by open pastures, you’ll already feel immersed in Humla’s natural rhythm.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,600m

Accommodation: Home Stay

Day 6: Trek from Torpa to Raling (4,100m) – 5–6 hrs

Today’s trek leads to the spiritual core of the journey — Raling. The trail climbs steadily, offering breathtaking views of the wild Humla terrain. Upon arrival, the serene Raling Monastery greets you with prayer flags fluttering and the scent of juniper in the air.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 4,100m

Accommodation: Tented camp near Raling Monastery

Day 7: Explore Raling & Attend Saga Dawa Festival (Full Day)

A sacred day. Participate in the Saga Dawa Festival, which honors the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Join locals in a colorful celebration filled with prayers, chanting, dances, and rituals. This experience offers a rare window into Tibetan Buddhist culture in one of its purest forms.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Tented camp

Day 8: Trek Raling to Bargaon (Approx. 3,200m) – 5–6 hrs

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,200m

Accommodation: Homestay

Day 9: Trek Bargaon to Kharpunath (Approx. 2,100m) – 5–6 hrs

Descend further into the Karnali valley, following a rugged trail that connects ancient trade routes. Reach Kharpunath, a culturally important village named after the local deity. Explore the Kharpunath Temple, a spiritual site revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,100m

Accommodation: Camp

Day 10: Trek Kharpunath to Simikot (2,910m) – 5–6 hrs

Follow the Karnali River back to Simikot, where your Humla journey began. The trail passes friendly villages, narrow gorges, and farmland. This is a great day to reflect on your experience and share stories with your local support crew over a final dinner together.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,910m

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 11: Fly Simikot – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu

Enjoy two spectacular mountain flights, first from Simikot to Nepalgunj, then on to Kathmandu. Once back in the city, unwind in the comfort of your hotel or explore the lively streets for last-minute souvenirs.

Accommodation: Tourist-standard hotel

Day 12: Final Departure

With your heart full of memories and spirit enriched by remote Himalayan culture, our team will escort you to the airport for your flight home.

Cost Includes

  • Accommodations in Kathmandu twin share with breakfast
  • Twin sharing basis hotel in Nepalgunj 
  • 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

  • Throughout the Raling Valley Trek with Saga Dawa Festival, you’ll experience a mix of accommodations that reflect the unique spirit of Humla—from comfortable hotels in the city to traditional homestays and serene wilderness camps.

    In Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, you'll stay in well-appointed tourist-standard hotels with private rooms, hot showers, and a cozy atmosphere—perfect for rest and preparation before your mountain adventure.

    In Simikot, the gateway to remote Humla, accommodation is in a local guesthouse or basic hotel. While the facilities are simple, the setting is culturally rich and welcoming, offering a genuine taste of mountain hospitality.

    In Torpa and Bargaon, you’ll be warmly welcomed into local homestays. Staying with families in these remote villages gives you a rare opportunity to engage with daily life, share traditional meals, and understand the deep-rooted customs of the region. It's an authentic and memorable way to experience Humla beyond the trail.

    In Raling, during the Saga Dawa Festival, you’ll camp near the sacred monastery in a tranquil alpine meadow. The campsite is fully supported, with sleeping tents, a dining tent, and a dedicated cooking crew. The spiritual energy of the festival, combined with the quiet beauty of nature, makes this an unforgettable part of the journey.

    On the trail between Bargaon and Kharpunath, you'll spend nights in fully supported tented camps. Our team sets up everything, including sleeping tents, kitchen and dining tents, and toilet tents. Fresh, locally sourced meals are prepared daily by the crew, ensuring both nourishment and flavor in the high Himalayas.

    In Kharpunath, depending on availability, you may stay in a local guesthouse or a scenic riverside campsite. Either way, the night ends with a hearty meal and stories by the fire, surrounded by the sounds of the Karnali River.

    This thoughtful blend of homestays, guesthouses, and camping ensures comfort, connection with the local culture, and a truly immersive Himalayan trekking experience.

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