Saipal Base Camp Nature Trail

Country Nepal

Trip Durations 18 Days

Activities Trekking

Trip Difficulty Moderate

Meals Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Max Altitude 5100m

Best Season Spring, Autumn

Start/End Point Kathmandu / Kathmandu

Group Size Min 2 Pax

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.

Saipal Base Camp Nature Trail Highlights

Trek into one of the most untouched regions of western Nepal, far from crowded trails
Follow ancient footpaths along the Karnali River, passing through forested ridges and high mountain landscapes
Explore the peaceful Nyin Valley, including villages like Burause and Nimatang, and visit the sacred Raling Gompa
Experience authentic village life with Thakuri, Lama, and Khas communities, known for their warmth and hospitality
Enjoy simple, nourishing mountain meals prepared with local ingredients
Camp at quiet, scenic locations surrounded by alpine terrain and wide Himalayan views
Reach Saipal Base Camp, where vast mountain scenery and deep solitude create a powerful wilderness experience
A perfect trek for travelers seeking nature, culture, and true remoteness in Nepal

Saipal Base Camp Nature Trail Itinerary

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01 Day

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

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel

Max Altitude: 1,400m

02 Day

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

Max Altitude: 1,400m

03 Day

Take a 55 minutes scenic flight to Nepalgunj, located in the western Terai plains. Try to secure right-side seat on the plan to enjoy view of the Himalayan Range including, Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Transfer to hotel and rest. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Max Altitude: 150m

04 Day

The second flight of the trip, which is another 50 minutes and going to take you to the altitudes of 2910m Simikot. Simikot is the headquarters of Humla District. This first day we will trek via Buranuse Gumba and have a lunch at Gumba(Monastery) after which we trek down to Buraunse village for 45m. Today we you will be staying in local home stay and in the evening, you can enjoy the local cultural dance and songs of Nyinba people. Back to Simikot/ Guest house

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Home Stay

Trek Time: (1-2)hrs

Max Altitude: 3100 m

05 Day

In this day we start the trek with a moderate and down till Ghatte khola(water mill house) After that we will take a short lunch break in one of the Buddhist villages Langdu or Torpa. We pass the Buddhist village of Hutik after which we will be arriving at our campsite of Nimatang village. All those Buddhist ancient villages have ancient Tibetan and pre-Buddhist cultures, which are still in practice. On Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: HomeStay

Trek Time: 5–6 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,325m

06 Day

We start our trek going downhill till Ghatte khola also known as (Galarik), which we cross by a concrete bridge. From here you ascend till to Raling monastery campsite (3970m). This Monastery is built around the 19^th century. There is a cave where Melaraipa meditated in 11th century and it is also believed that Padmasambaba meditated here before Melaraipa. On the occasion of Sagadawa festival we are able to see the massive celebration of Buddha’s birthday with cultural costumes and cultural dance both of Nyinba communities (Buddhist) and Khasa communities (Hindus).

Accommodation: Camp

Trek Time: 4-5 hrs

Max Altitude: 4,000 m

07 Day

This day we start going downhill for 5 hr till Kharpunath, Karnali river. On the way you will be crossing Bargaun village. Kharpunath is the holy place for Hindu religious people from Humla and their cremation center. You can visit the Hindu Kali temple. Sometimes there is a cremation taking place. This place is also known as Kharpu dovan because Karnali and (sub karnali )Kharpu river meet here. 1 hrs from Kharpu to Yangchu.

Accommodation: Camp

Trek Time: 6-7 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,200m

08 Day

This day we will be walking mostly on the road after Chharya we go next to the Karnali river so we again skip road. On the way we cross by villages, Piusa, Lali, Gopka, and at the other side of Karnali river you can see Karang, Raya and Thali

Accommodation: Camp

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 1,900 m

09 Day

Day start with a climbing uphill till Piplari lunch place. From Piplari to Kheta campsite just below the Deri pass we walk with deep pine, juniper and rhododendron forest. Sometimes able to see a seasonal yak camp on the way.

Accommodation: Camping Along the route

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,500 m

10 Day

The trail climbs steeply and consistently for around 2 hours, to reach the Deri Pass (3,800 m). Once at the pass, you get an incredible 360° view of Mt. Saipal and all the other ranges of the Himalayas around you. The scenery here is truly remarkable, and one of the most memorable highlights from the trek!
From the pass, descend about 2 hours to Kawadi Khola. You will hike approximately 3 more hours of gradual walking to reach Lampata (3,600 m).

Accommodation: Camp

Trek Time: (5-6)hrs

Max Altitude: 3,600 m

11 Day

We trek moderate up; which is an easy but long walk. Crossing glacier and waterfall, We sometimes able to spot Humli nomad people on the way. The Base camp, Ranikharka is the big valley with beautiful east Mt Saipal view. We camp just front of Mt Saipal.

Accommodation: Camp

Trek Time: 6 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,900 m

12 Day

Acclimatization and exploration day. Take a hike to Nunkharka for higher altitude experience. The trek to Nunkharka and return will take around 4 hours. explore the glacier lake just front of giant Mt Saipal and Return to base camp. Ranikharka is summer camp for People of upper Humla region.

Trek Time: Optional Hike 2–3 hrs

Max Altitude: 4,000m

13 Day

Today we start Uphill till Sankha-La (5030 m)(pass). It takes 4 hr to get to the top of Sankha-la, once again spot a panoramic view of Mt Saipal and range. Then the trek start downhill and it is technically harder to trek downhill than uphill, it takes 5 hrs till Chala Khola campsite.

Accommodation: Camp

Trek Time: 6–7 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,800m

14 Day

The trek start with uphill till to of the Chala village. Chala is the only one village off the road from main caravan trail. For the Saipal north Base camp the trail goes right from the village. From top of the Chala the trail leads downhill till Puya then its continue to Karnali river and crossing river with suspension bride then get to Yalbang the biggest Monastic area of Humla region.

Accommodation: Camp

Trek Time: 5 hrs

Max Altitude: 3,060 m

15 Day

Trek start with gentle down till Yalbang Chaur and Salli kholi. Trail goes uphill till Salli pass and continue gentle walk to Karmi campsite. Enjoy soak in to the largest hot spring of Nepal . Overnight in camp.

Accommodation: Camp

Trek Time: (5-6)hrs

Max Altitude: 2,670m

16 Day

Complete the trek with a return to Simikot. Day start with easy walking till Majgaun and it start all uphill till Simikot Lagna then trail goes downhill to Simikot Bazar. End of the trek Celebrate the journey. Overnight in Simikot.

Trek Time: 5-6 hrs

Max Altitude: 2,910m

17 Day

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

18 Day

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

Not quite satisfied with this itinerary?

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Cost Includes

All airport transfers
Accommodations in Kathmandu twin share with breakfast
1 night Twin sharing basis hotel in Nepalgunj with Dinner
Guide, cook and kitchen support staffs.
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.
DDC tax.
All local official donations if any.
Sightseeing in Kathmandu (Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Bhaktapur) with tour guide and Vehichle
First AID kit

Cost Excludes

Insurance for Clients and Emergency Rescue and medicines and medicals.
Sightseeing entrance fees in Kathmandu.
Personal beverages bills.
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

Additional Informations

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.

Trip Gallery

Price starts from

USD 3,200 /person

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Saipal Base Camp Nature Trail

Trip overview

Saipal Base Camp Nature Trail Highlights

Saipal Base Camp Nature Trail Itinerary

Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Sightseeing in Kathmandu (1,350 m)

Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150 m)

Fly Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,910 m), Trek to Burause (3100m)

Trek to Nimatang (3,325m)

Trek to Raling Gompa (4,000m)

Trek to Yangchu (2,200m)

Trek to Ripghat (1,900m)

Trek to Kheta (3,500 m)

Trek Lampata (3,600 m.)

Trek to Saipal Base Camp (3,900 m.)

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

Trek to Chala Khola (3,800 m.)

Trek to Yalbang (3,060 m)

: Trek to Kermi (2,670 m)

Trek to Simikot (2,910 m)

Fly Simikot to Nepalgunj, then to Kathmandu

Final Departure