The entire Budhinanda region is considered a holy zone for goddess Bhagwati. There are dozens of small to big ponds in the region of which some are considered holy and some unholy which are for gods and devils. Budhinandha Lake, one of the biggest lakes of this region, is situated at an elevation of 4,581 meters. It is a holy pond where the devotees take a holy dip and perform puja. Special puja is performed here on the day of Janai Purnima, in July/August every year. Every year, hundreds of devotees trek barefoot for more than 3 days from Martadi. And the people can reach this region at this time only despite this region is covered with snow in the remaining month. It offers the view of Mugu, Humla, and Kalikot districts as well as the spectacular and the breathtaking.
Highlights of Trek
| Duration | 14 Days |
| Grade | 4 |
| Maximum Elevation | 4,581m/15,026ft Budinanda Lake |
| Mountains | Mt Saipal (7,031m) |
| Rivers | Seti River, Budi Ganga, Baurigad River, Baddigad River |
| Forests | Rhododendron & Pine Forests |
| Flights | Kathmandu (KTM) – Dhangadhi (DHI) – Kathmandu (KTM) |
| Landscapes | Hills and Mountains, Grasslands Plateau, Basins, Valleys |
| Warning | Altitude Sickness (3000), leaches during monsoon |
| Accommodation | Star Category hotels in Kathmandu, Tourist standard lodges and Camping at trekking |
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to the hotel. After some refreshment, there will be a short briefing about the trek regarding the schedule, required trekking gears, services, and facilities we provided during the drive and trekking areas.
The rest of the time is free for trekking preparation.
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour and Trek Preparation.
After breakfast, proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City including the World Heritage Sites. It includes a tour of two sites among below:
- Pashupatinath Temple - the Temple of Lord Shiva situated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River. The temple is listed on a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square) - an ancient durbar (palace) with its numerous old palaces, temples, and pagodas, the Temple of Living Goddess “Kumari”, and the Kasthamandap Temple, which is believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree from which Kathmandu derives its name.
- Bouddhanath Stupa- an ancient colossal stupa and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world
- Swayambhunath Stupa - the oldest Buddhist stupa of Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. It is also known as the “Monkey Temple”!!
- Patan City - a city of 55 major temples, 136 Buddhist monasteries, and famous for the production of Thangka and Paubha Paintings.
- Narayan Hiti Palace Museum
- National Museum
The rest of the day is free for trekking preparation, such as trekking gear shopping, packing on a duffle bag, etc.
Eve: Trip briefing followed by welcome dinner at Authentic Nepali restaurant with cultural program.
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu. (B, D)
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Dhangadhi (109m/357ft) - 1 hour 15 minutes and drive to Dipayal Silgadhi (1,340m/4,396ft) – 190 Km/6 hours
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Kathmandu Domestic Airport to board an onward flight to Dhangadi for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. At Dhangadhi, we will meet the awaiting vehicle to drive from Dhangadi to Dipayal Silgadhi. This day we will drive to a hilly area leaving the Terai plains of the far western region of Nepal. Upon arrival in Silgadhi, check into the hotel and explore Silgadhi Bazar.
Overnight at a hotel in Dipayal Silgadhi. (B, L, D)
Day 04: Drive to Martadi (2,030m/6,658ft) - 138 Kms/4 hours
Early morning, we will explore Shree Saileshwori Temple above Silgadhi Bazar. Then we will leave Dipayal Silgadhi and drive towards Martadi, the administrative headquarter of Bajura District. After 2 hours, we will reach Sanfebagar of Achham where we will explore Baijanath Dham, which is at the bank of Budiganga River, one of the tributaries of the Karnali River. And we will drive continue following the left bank of Budiganga river for about 2 hours. Upon arrival at Martadi Bazar, check into the teahouse lodges. The rest of the time is for exploration of Martadi.
Overnight at teahouse lodges at Martadi. (B, L, D)
Day 05: Trek to Pandusen (2,330m/7,642ft) – 7/8 hours
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and start trek towards Pandusen. We will walk through the road which is under construction and get affected during monsoon season. The road following the Baurigad River passes through villages like Dhimkane and Kadh, and dense forests reach Pandusen. The under-construction road is from Martadi to Kolti and further connects to Karnali Corridor.
Overnight at tented camp at Pandusen. (B, L, D)
Day 06: Trek to Baddala (1,730m/5,674ft) – 6/7 hours
This day, we will continue our trek via Martadi-Kolti road to reach Baddala village. Leaving the main road from Baddigad Hydropower near Kolti, we take the left-side route and cross Baddigad River, and walk upward to reach Baddala village.
Overnight at tented camp at Baddala Village. (B, L, D)
Day 07: Trek to Mote Dhunga (2,730m/8,954ft) – 6 hours
From Baddala, the trail is steep upward till we reach Motedhunga. We will find a seasonal cowshed at Motedhunga. At Motedhunga, goddess Budinanda is believed to have taken the form of a deer and grazed crops. To hunt this deer, two men carrying spears set off into the wilderness. They spent two nights at Chapre and Dhauli Odar. On the second night, the deer appeared like a goddess in their dreams to enlighten them about her powers and the path to the lake. Having realized their folly, the men established a temple for Budinanda. Thus, we will follow the same route to reach Budinanda Lake barefoot.
Overnight at tented camp at Motedhunga. (B, L, D)
Day 07: Trek to Chappre Odar (3,760m/12,332ft) – 5 hours
Walking through the ridge, we will reach Chappre Odar where we can find a small hut. These huts are the seasonal huts used by local people for staying while taking their cattle. The trail passes through grassland and dense forests. After we reach Chappre Odar, we will hike on a higher elevation for acclimatization. (If time permits).
Overnight at tented camp at Chappre Odar. (B, L, D)
Day 08: Trek to Dhauli Odar (4,170m/13,678ft) - 7 hours
Leaving Chappre Odar, we will trek to continue to Dhauli. We will witness a large herd of sheep and horses grazing on the grasslands of Bar Magne Danda. They pause on this hill, write up a wish and hide it as safely as possible. It is widely believed that their wishes will only come true if they can find their wishes upon their return. With this task completed, they reach Gai Goth, which has a small lake called Chari Daha where devotees bathe before arriving at Budinanda and also perform rituals. On their final night, they rest at Dhauli Odar and exchange their wishes with each other. According to the myth, the two hunters didn’t share their dreams and this had angered the goddess.
Overnight at tented camp at Dhauli Odar. (B, L, D)
Day 09: Trek to Budinanda Lake and back to Gai Goth (3,850m/12,628ft) – 7 hours
Early morning, we commence trek to Budinanda Lake. During the festival season, there will be a queue for the climb to the steep rocky hill. The climb is also tricky and the trail is both slippery and treacherous. Finally, we will reach our destination, Budinanda Lake situated at an altitude of 4,581m (15,026ft) and surrounded by the peaks. The devotees take a holy dip and perform puja.
After performing rituals, return to Bar Magne Danda via Dauli Odar.
Overnight at tented camp at Dhauli Odar. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Trek to Dogra village (2,610m/8,560ft) – 7 hours
After breakfast, trackback following the same trail till Chhapre Odar. The trail is through the sloping hill. After we reach Chhapre Odar, trek down to Dogra Village leaving the route to Motedhunga. The trail from Chhapre Odar to Dogra goes downhill which we will for to reach Kolti town.
Overnight at tented camp at Dogra Village. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Trek down to Kolti Bazar (1,310m/4,296ft) – 5 hours
This is the final day of our trek. After breakfast, walk down for 5 hours to reach Kolti Bazar. The trail gradually descends following the stream. The rest of the time is free to explore Kolti Bazar.
Overnight at teahouse lodges or tented camp at Dogra Village. (B, L, D)
Day 12: Fly back to Nepalgunj – 1 hour and fly to Kathmandu – 55 minutes
After breakfast, timely transfer to Bajura Airport to board an onward flight to Nepalgunj that takes about 1 hour. Upon arrival at Nepalgunj, we will take the flight to Kathmandu for about 55 minutes with the view of Mountain ranges from the left side of the aircraft. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer and check into the hotel.
(The flight of Bajura - Nepalgunj and vice versa will require good weather for timely operation. In case of any unavoidable circumstances like bad weather, flight cancellation, we need to wait for the next day.)
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (B, L)
Day 13: Contingency day on trek or Kathmandu in case of any unavoidable circumstances.
If the plan goes smooth with the flight on require day/time, this day will be free in Kathmandu for leisure activities or sightseeing tour (on own), last-minute shopping, bag packing, etc. On request, we will arrange a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.
Eve: Group Farewell dinner at authentic Nepali Restaurant in Kathmandu.
Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (B, D)
Day 14: Departure to home country
After breakfast, timely transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport to board an onward flight to home country 3 hours earlier to the scheduled flight departing time. We wish you a happy journey during your flight from Nepal to your home country with the hope to see you on your next visit to Nepal.
(Meals Included: Breakfast)
Special Notes:
Since the trek to Budinanda Lake is possible from May to October, this duration is affected by Monsoon or Pre-monsoon. Thus, we have alternatives of flight for both ways. With the special request, we can customize the trip.
Team Member
- All arrival and departures transfer will be assisted by the Tour Escorts.
- All the sightseeing tours in Kathmandu will be accompanied by an experienced English Speaking Tour Guide or any other language specialist on request.
- During the trekking, a government-certified Trekking Guide will be with the group for the trek arrangements.
- One local guide to interpret languages with the local community.
- Camping Experts and Cook will be from Kathmandu, whereas required camping helpers and porters will be local people whom we will meet at Martadi.
- On the trek, porters will carry a duffel bag of 2 porters and ranges up to a maximum of 30 Kg/ 60 lbs. Guests are expected to carry only a small rucksack while walking to carry all the essentials such as water bottles, extra jackets, cameras, pack lunch, etc.
- Camping staff will be added according to the number of trekkers.
Transportation
- All arrival and departure transfer, ground transport will be provided an A/c private vehicle.
- Round Trip of Kathmandu/Dhangadi & Bajura/Nepalgunj/Kathmandu on a domestic flight.
- (If you wish to use the local transport, there will be changes on the time and the stopover location than mentioned above. This will be the customized trek, so the final itinerary will be prepared according to the demand of trekkers.)
Accommodation & Food
- For four nights in Kathmandu, there will be star-categorized hotels depends upon the choice of guests.
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- At Silgadhi, Martadi, Kolti, and Nepalgunj, there will be tourist standard lodges which are based on availability)
- During trekking, we will set up camping tents for a night's stay. If possible, we will serve food from the local lodges or houses at different villages or stopover places if available. During the season, the local community operates small huts for catering services up to Base Camp too. This depends upon the season. Timing for breakfast, lunches, dinner can be more or fewer changes due to the availability of lodges or the guest preferences.
- Guests having any specific meal dietary requirements should inform us in advance.
- Meals are listed as above in Itinerary. (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Itinerary
We request you to view the Itinerary and information herein as a guideline. The information provided in the itinerary is to the best of our knowledge, marginal variances in the actual distances and altitudes are possible. Weather conditions, roadblocks, local political conditions, flight cancellations, mechanical breakdowns, or other such unforeseeable circumstances can lead to a change in itinerary or means of transport.
Insurance
It is important to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy against illness, hospitalization, flight delays, and loss of luggage, cancellations, and amendments due to weather conditions, political disturbances, or natural calamities as well as emergency helicopter evacuation. Before purchasing Travel Insurance, please ensure that the policy covers adventure activities and or trekking activity above 3,500 meters.
Fitness
The trek is slightly difficult due to the altitude increases. This trek involves walking 6-7 hours daily while ascending whereas, on returning, the trek will skip one camp). Previous walking experience at high altitudes is beneficial. The highest altitude that we attain on this trek is (4,581m/15,026ft) at Budinanda Lake. Physical fitness is essential & previous walking experience outdoor is essential.
Basic infrastructure
The trekking area will lack an electricity facility and telephone network. We recommend you carry additional batteries for Cameras, or a Solar power bank to charge smartphones. The trek leader will carry a Satellite phone to communicate at offices in Kathmandu in case of any emergencies. On request, we will arrange solar power for trekking.
