Jumla Simikot Trekking via Rara Lake

16 +

Age

Nepal

Country

Mar through Dec

Dates

20 Days

Duration

Trekking

Activities

Jumla Simikot Trekking via Rara Lake is one of the most unspoiled trekking routes in Nepal. It lies in the remote Karnali region, northwest of Kathmandu and will lead you to the Jumla, Mugu and Humla regions. The Rara National park is Nepal’s smallest and most scenic National Park, established in 1976. It protects some of the most beautiful alpine and subalpine ecosystems of the Himalaya. Especially the pristine Rara Lake is worth a visit, also known as Mahendra Tal. In fact, it is the largest Lake in Nepal, in its smallest National Park.

The Rara region is made up of long ridges, covered with temperate forests and alpine pastures enclosing high valleys. Summer rainfall is low, but winter snow can be heavy and persistent. The Lake is surrounded by richly forested hills and snow capped mountains in the background. This Jumla Simikot Trekking via Rara Lake is a classical off the beaten path route, on which you can experience cultures and scenery that are very different from the rest of Nepal. In fact, the Rara Lake is covering the area of 10.8 Sq, km. at the elevation of 2980m.

Further, this trek is offered as an extension to the Jumla to Rara Trek, which adds a further week to your trip. However, the journey north 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 downs will soon become your mantra. Simikot is situated just above the Humla Karnali River and you should take time to explore the town and some of the surrounding villages. Here, you will discover a way of life that has barely changed in hundreds of years.

Outline Itinerary:

01 Arrival in Kathmandu

02 Full day guided Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley by private van

03 Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

04 Flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla (2370m)

05 Trek Jumla to Danphe Langa (3130m) – 5-6 hrs

06 Danphe Langa to Chautha (2770m) – 5-6 hrs

07 Chautha to Dhotu (2380m) – 4-5 hrs

08 Dhotu to Rara Lake (3040m) – 3-4 hrs

09 Exploring Rara Lake

10 Rara Lake to Karnali Riverside Camp – approx. 4 hrs

11 Riverside Camp to Bam (2700m) – approx. 5-6 hrs

12 Bam to Jogimara (3005m) – approx. 6 hrs

13 Jogimara to Piplan (1700m) – approx. 7 hrs

14 Piplan to Apsia Lekh (3200m) – approx. 7-8 hrs

15 Apsia Lekh to Punkha Khola – approx. 6 hrs

16 Punkha Khola to River Camp – approx. 5 hrs

17 River Camp to Simikot (2900m) – approx. 6:30 hrs

18 Flight from Simikot to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

19 Buffer day in case of flight delays or cancellation due to bad weather

20 Final Departure from Kathmandu

Additional information

Difficulty	All levels, Experienced Trekkers

Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival you will be picked up at the airport by our representative who will be waiting with a Nature Trail sign outside the terminal and transfer to Hotel by private car. Welcome drink and after you settle into the hotel there will be a group briefing with your tour leader. He will discuss the trek details and coordinate any last minute arrangements. Stay overnight at Hotel.

Full day guided Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley by private van

After breakfast in the hotel, Drive to Swayambhunath Stupa which is very close form the centre of Kathmandu. It takes some minutes to be there. This Temple is also known as Monkey Temple which is considered to be self made Stupa. Then visit to Boudhanath Stupa: the biggest stupa in Nepal and one of the bigger stupa in the world. You can basically experience Tibetan Buddhism, culture and way of life in Boudhanath Area. Boudhanath area is the authentic place to buy Tibetan stuffs. Again you will be visit Pashupatinath Temple and it is one of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world. It is a sacred place where Hindus come to die and to be cremated. The temple of Pashupatinath is a large multi roof, gilt pagoda, decorated with brass, the gateway is plated with silver. There are images of Shiva along with other statues, shrines and temples dedicated to other deities in the complex. A circuit of the Pashupati area takes visitors past a sixth-century statue of the Buddha, an eight-century statue of Brahma the creator and numerous other temples. There are rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over south Asia offering ceremonies to worship Shiva, the Lord of Destruction. Stay overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

The flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj takes approximately 1.5 hours and is fairly dependable. During the flight we should catch a glimpse of the mountains we will be trekking among in the coming days. Overnight in Hotel.

Flight from Nepalgunj to Jumla 2370m

Early in the morning flight to Jumla (35 minutes). This is the gateway to the wild northwest and one of the highest rice-growing areas in the world. The unique red rice is tastier than white rice but scorned by most Nepalis. Jumla Bazaar is 10 minutes more from airport, we’ll be exploring Jumla and its surrounding area. Overnight at tented camp.

Jumla to Danphe Langa (3130m)

Today we start trek after having breakfast, the trail to Rara follows the north bank of Tila Khola, then turn up the other small stream. The Jumla Valley disappears behind the ridge as the trail follows the river, keeping fairly level and passing through fields and pine forests. Now trek begins an ascent up the Padmara Valley and becoming steeper as the climb continues. We have our lunch in proper place. Along the Padmara valley, the canyon becomes very narrow with vertical cliffs on both sides as the trail ascends through a deep forest of pines, spruces and firs. Finally, we arrive in the last village of Padmara and we continue the trek until reaching Danphe Langa. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Trek from Danphe Langa to Chautha 2770m/5-6 hours.

We start walking again after breakfast. The trail descent becomes steep, through forests of firs, birches, walnuts and bamboo. A short stretch of the trail zigzags down to the Sinja Khola, crossing it on a log bridge and follow the river downstream to Nyawer. Then we continue the climb, passing through marijuana fields and over a ridge into a side valley. Now the steep climbs continues for a while and the trail makes a turn into a big valley then descends until reaching Chautha. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Trek from Chautha to Dhotu (2380m)

Today, the rocky trail follows the stream uphill, crossing it as the wooded valley becomes narrower. The climb continues to Bhulbhule where our permit are checked. Above Bhulbhule the trail emerges into an immense treeless meadow and climbs gently but steadily to an assortment of Chortens, cairns and prayer flags atop the Ghurchi Lagna. From here, there are views of the Mugu Karnali River and snowy peaks bordering Tibet. The route descends gently on a broad path to a hut, and then drops precipitously down a rough trail through spruces forests. Follow the direct trail to Rara Lake, which stays more or less leveled through pine forests, and then descend to the Jhyari Khola. Another stretch of easy walking leads to Dhotu. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Dhotu to Rara Lake (3040m)

Today we start our walk by crossing a stream and climbing steep towards Thakuri Village of Jhyari, in a picturesque grove of giant cedars. Then we continue trekking through cedar forests to a huge meadow a top ridge with a great view of Rara Lake. Descends on the northern side of the lake where camping ground is available. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Walking time: 3-4 hours

Exploring the Rara Lake

Today we are exploring the largest lake of Nepal. It is almost 13km around the lake and a day devoted to making this circuit is well spent. There are remnants of the now deserted villages of Rara and Chapra on the northern side of the lake, but otherwise it is an isolated region where birds, flowers and wildlife thrive. Rara is Nepal’s largest lake and is surrounded by the protected forests of Rara National Park in the Karnali district. There is an abundance of wildlife in this area including musk deer, leopard, ghoral, tahr, Himalayan black bear, and the rare red panda. The water of the lake is crystal clear and the area is a stunning place of natural beauty. We will spend a rest and acclimatization day here. The Great Himalaya Trail has 2 options in the far west – 1) From Gamgadhi to Simikot and the Yari Valley 2) Cross country from Rara Lake to Kolti and Chainpur and on to the Mahakali Nadi (river) in India. We will travel the Gamgadhi to Simikot and Yari route, as this route travels closer to the centre of the Great Himalaya Range. There is yet to be a crossing found to the Mahakali Nadi, which is further to the west, therefore our finishing point for the GHT is currently Simikot after trekking north to Yari. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Rara Lake to Karnali Riverside Camp

Leaving our idyllic rest stop at Rara Lake we descend to Gamgadhi, taking a left turn in the bazaar before continuing another 40 minutes to the Karnali bridge. Another 4 hours brings us to Bala and then a further 1.5 hours to Karnali. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Walking time: approx. 4 hours

Riverside Camp to Bam (2700m)

We cross the suspension bridge from Karnali and climb a steep, rocky trail, trending left until we crest a ridge at 2180 metres. We descend to a small river and then another climb brings us through fields and pine forest to a ridge and then a traverse to Bam village. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Bam gto Jogimara (3005m)

We follow a trail which contours around hillsides until we reach a stream at Ghachar. Here we begin a climb to the pass which should take approximately 3.5 hours, from the top it is an easy descent to a pretty campsite by a stream. There is a tea-shop close by which is 15 minutes before reaching Jogimara. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Walking time: 6 hours

Jogimara to Piplan (1700m)

We make an easy short ascent from Jogimara to a ridge at 3120 metres before a longer descent of 500 metres to a small stream before climbing again, crossing a landslide area. From here we have views of the lower valley and the village of Rimi. We make a long traverse to Deori, passing by a school before descending to Darma village. Continuing through the village we drop down through a series of steep switchbacks to the main trail by the riverside, and then crossing a suspension bridge over the Humla Karnali and finally a short climb to Piplan. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Walking time: 7 hours

Trek from Piplan to Apsia Lekh (3200m)

We continue trekking through the traditional villages of Nimagaon and Korka climbing a series of switchbacks and crossing a basin between ridges before halting at a stream for our lunch break. Climbing once again to the village of Puma we take a right fork and ascend more switchbacks in pine forest to Apsia Lekh. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Walking time: 7-8 hours

Apsia Lekh to Punkha Khola

Today we have magnificent views of Saipal and surrounding valleys as we follow a contouring trail to Kallas. From here we descend to the river and then climb an easy trail to a ridge and descend once more to the Rodikot Khola. A further east climb of 1.5 hours brings us to our campsite beside the Punkha Khola. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Walking time: 6 hours

Punkha Khola to River Camp

We start with a big climb of 500 metres through steep switchbacks to a kharka at 3512 metres. From here we continue climbing, gaining views north to Simikot and also to the south. We climb to over 4000 metres today before a very steep descent to the Yanchu Khola. We have a few camping options today, and there will more than likely be some livestock grazing in the valley. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Walking time: 5:30 hours

River Camp to Simikot (2900m)

Depending on weather conditions today may be a very warm day as there is little shade along the trail. We descend for 15 minutes or so alongside the river before an easy gradient climb to Durpa village and a further descent to the pilgrimage site of Kharpunath. Continuing on another 30 minutes we turn into the Kudila Kola valley. from here we ascend to some teashops and cross a metal bridge before the final set of switchbacks which lead us to Simikot. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Walking time: 6:30 hours

Flight from Simikot to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj(1330m)

This morning we fly to Nepalgunj and to Kathmandu, a thrilling flight over forests, fields and villages, with the Himalaya in the background. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

Buffer day for flight delays or cancellation due to bad weather just for in case and overnight in Hotel.

Final Departure from Kathmandu

Your trip will come to an end today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements and transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport by our private van around 3 hours before your flight schedule and flight back to your home/other travel destination.

Jumla Simikot trekking:
Humla District is situated in the Far western region of Nepal in the Karnali zone and Simikot is the headquarters. This is one of the biggest districts in Nepal and covers 5,655km² but has a very low population compared to its size, only around 42000. The northern part is dominated by people who follow Buddhism, many of them come originate from Tibet, whereas the southern part is dominated by Hindus.

Humla one of the most remote and least visited regions of Nepal, as it is only accessible by irregular air service, especially depending on the season. Humla is very traditional and is well preserved in terms of nature. The absence of modernization makes the Humla Simikot region very isolated from the outer world. Trekking in this region gives you an experience of walking through pristine nature and will encounter unique species of flora and fauna. Beautiful, bitter, joyous, and holy, it is Humla. This region shares border with Tibet which has resulted in many similarities among Humla and Tibet. Some of the poorest people in Nepal live in Humla Simikot area. This area is deprived form the basic infrastructures of development such as roads, communication, health services etc. The infant mortality rate is also very high in this region as some mothers give birth to as much as 8 children of which only few survive.

Price and Service Details:

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Kathmandu

JOIN GROUP

1 before departure from Kathmandu.

SERVICE INCLUDES

All local transfers, pick up drops

Trekking Information Management System Fee (TIMS Fee)

National park Conservation Fee, including Humla and Rara National Park Permits, special permits etc.

Tented camp accommodation during the trek with all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

1 night accommodation in Nepalganja, 2 nights accommodation in Simikot/Jumla on Standard hotels/lodges.

Services of English speaking trekking guide and porter (one porter for two people and the maximum weight carry by one porter is total 25kg)

Accommodation, meals (warm daily cooked meals in campsite, insurance, equipment and allowance of guide and porters, Yaks and Yakmans.

Sleeping bag and down jacket if necessary.

All tents for camp including kitchen, dinning, and staffs tents

Just incase of any emergency, back up and supports such as any alternative arrangement services, helicopter booking, alternative flight booking etc.

First Aid-medical services

All cooking and kitchen utensils

All applicable government taxes and service charges.

SERVICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Any accommodation and meals in Kathmandu

Any sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.

Any international and domestic airfare

Your personal travel insurance and medical.

Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).

Expenses of personal nature such as tips for guide, porter, and driver, laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc.

Liability for expenses against sickness, flight cancellation, road blockage, accidents, and other occurrence, beyond our control.

Nepal visa fee.

Any other optional services not mentioned above as included.

Tour Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Jumla Simikot Trekking via Rara Lake

Outline Itinerary: