Saipal Southern Base Camp Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to the hotel. After some refreshment, there will be short briefing about the trek regarding the time schedule, required trekking gears, services and facilities we provided during the drive and trekking areas.

Rest of the time is free for trekking preparation.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Half Day Sightseeing Tour and Trek Preparation.

After breakfast, proceed for 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 production of Thangka and Paubha Paintings.
• Narayan Hiti Palace Museum
• National Museum

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 Dadeldhura Bazar (1,848m) - 130Km/4~5 hours

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Kathmandu Domestic Airport to board an onward flight to Dhangadi to about 1 hour and 15 minutes. At Dhangadhi, we will meet the awaiting vehicle to drive from Dhangadi to Dadeldhura Bazar via Mahakali Highway. This day we will drive to hilly area leaving the Terai plains of the far western region of Nepal

About 4/5 hours of uphill drive will bring us to Dadeldhura, a town in the far western region of Nepal, which is also famous as the Queen of Hills.

Overnight at hotel in Dhangadi. (B, L, D)

Day 04: Drive from Dadeldhura Bazar to Chainpur (1,210m) – 130Km/5 hours

Early morning, we will visit Amargadhi Fort of Dadeldhura bazar.

Amargadhi Fort is one of the most important historical places in Dadeldhura. This fort is a historic monument, directly connected to the unification of Nepal by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. During the time of unification in the early 19th century, General Amar Singh Thapa fought the English from this fort. He built this fort to store arms and ammunitions. Besides, it served as a military base. You can see the statue of Amarsingh Thapa near to the fort.

Later, we will start drive to Chainpur Bazar of Bajhang District to about 5hours though the bank of Seti River. Upon arrival at Chainpur, check into the tourist standard hotel. After some rest, we will explore Surma Devi Temple, local markets, Palace of Jay Prithvi Bahadur Singh, oldest school of Nepal Satyabadi High School, Bhopur Durbar at Bhopur, etc.

Overnight at teahouse lodges at Chainpur.  (B, L, D)

Day 05: Drive to Talkot – 12 Km/3 hours and trek to Kuwa village – 5 hours

After beakfast, check out from the hotel and start drive to Talkot Village on a local jeep through the bank of Seti River. Upon arrival at Talkot, we will explore Talkot Palace. And then start trek following the bank of Seti River. We will commence trek with the easy walk. Walking through the villages, farmlands, forests, we will reach Kuwa village at about 5 hours.

Overnight at teahouse lodges or tented camp at Kuwa village.

Day 06: Trek to Dhulaun Village (2,320m/7,610ft) - 5 hours

This day, the trek will pass through the paddy fields, small human settlement areas, streams with few uphill and downhill trek. After we cross the big downstream, the trail will gently ascend to Dhalaun Village. This village has the largest agricultural lands of this region. The village lies at the slope of hills. Every year on mid-August to mid-November, especially on the occasion of Dashain festival, Dhalaun village hosts an array of traditional fairs and festivals. This is rich in culture and tradition like the Siuro mela, Harelo and Bunyathadai, and cultural functions like Deuda, Bhari Khel, Chavai, Lai Biri Chhamka and Chutkila.

As the culture, we will grant blessings from Lama at Dhalaun Langa Temple. It is believed that the worshipping god by Lama and blessing will protect us from the altitude sickness at Saipal Areas.

The top of this village will provide the view of Mt. Saipal.

Overnight at homestay at Dhulaun Village. (B, L, D)

Day 07: Trek to Khahare (2,550m/8,364ft) via Kankarkot village – 6 hours.

After breakfast, we will start our trek. The trail will gently uphill from Dhalaun village and cross Rasyalek Pass (3,300m). Then, walk downhill about 2 hours along the banks of the Ghatganga River, the main tributary of the Seti River. Crossing the river, we will reach to Kankarkot village, which is the last village of this trek.

Following the trail along the bank of Ghatganga River, we will reach Khahare at about 3 hours from Kankarkot village.

Overnight at tented camp at Khahare.  (B, L, D)

Day 07: Trek to Dhodhale (3,040m/9,972ft)

After breakfast, we will start trek to Dhodhale through the bank of River. This day, the trek will be slightly difficult as we will walk through the forest and rough trail by tracing the route either following the local people who are in Yarsha Harvesting Mission. En route, we will stop at Chitdka Waterfall. After short break, we will walk to Dodhale.

Overnight at tented camp at Dodhale. (B, L, D)

Day 08: Trek to Saipal Base Camp (4,100m/13,448ft) – 5 hours.

This day, we will reach to the final destination the Saipal Base Camp. We will find the confluence of two rivers, right on is originated from South Base camp of Saipal, whereas, left one is originated from Western Base Camp. We will trek to Aunlagad Base camp from where we can see South face of Mount Saipal. If possible, we will continue trek to High Camp which is an altitude of 5,400m.

Overnight at tented camp at Base Camp. (B, L, D)

Day 09: Backtrack to Kankarkot (2,450m/8,036ft) – 8 hours

Early morning, wake up to see the golden glimpse of sunrise view at Saipal Himal and many other peaks. After collecting some memories, we will trek back following the same route to Kankarkot which will be the first village while returning. The trail will passes through dense forests, downhill and uphill track.

Overnight at tented camp or teahouse lodges at Kankarkot village. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Backtrack to Kuwa village – 7 hours

Crossing Ghat River, we will trek uphill to Rasyalek pass and walk downhill to Dhalaun village. The trail passes through the dense forests, villages and human settlements. From Dhalaun, we will trek to Kuwa village following the same route we use crossing the down streams and dense forests.

Overnight at tented camp or teahouse lodge at Kuwa Village. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Backtrack to Talkot – 4 hours and drive back to Chainpur Bazar on a Jeep – 2 hours.

This day will be the last day to trek. After breakfast, trek back to Talkot. The trail will pass through the village of Sunpani and Syada. Upon arrival at Talkot, meet the awaiting vehicle and drive back to Chainpur Bazar following the Seti River to about 3 hours. Then, check into the hotel and get refreshment.

Overnight at hotel in Chainpur Bazar. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Drive back to Dhangadhi – 8 hours

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and drive back to Dhagadhi. The road is through the beautiful green hills with terrace farms, forests, and human settlements to Dhangadhi.Upon arrival in Dhangadhi, transfer and check into hotel.

Overnight at hotel in Dhangadi. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Fly from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft) – 1 hours 15 minutes

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and timely transferred to Dangadhi Domestic Airport to board an onward flight to Kathmandu to about 1 hour 15 minutes.  During the flight, you can enjoy the Himalayan Ranges on the left side. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, assist to transfer and check into hotel. Rest of the time is free for rest and refreshment.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. (B)

Day 14: Contingency day on trek or Kathmandu in case of any unavoidable circumstances. 

Free day in Kathmandu for leisure activities or sightseeing tour (on own), last minute shopping, bag packing, etc.

Eve: Group Farewell dinner at authentic Nepali Restaurant in Kathmandu.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu. (B, D)

Day 15: 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 happy journey during your flight from Nepal to home country with the hope to see you on next visit to Nepal.  

Meal Included: Breakfast

This is the itinerary for the trekking of Southern Base Camp of Saipal Himal. If you wish to trek to Western Base Camp, combined with this, then we require 1 day extra after Day 08.

Team Member

• All arrival and departures transfer will be assisted by the Tour Escorts.
• All the sightseeing tour in Kathmandu will be accompanied by an experienced English Speaking Tour Guide or any other language specialist on demands.
• During the trekking, government certified Trekking Guide will be with the group for the trek arrangements.
• One local guide to interpret languages with 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 Chainpur Bazar of Bajhang.
• On trek, porters will carry 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 bottle, extra jackets, cameras, pack lunch, etc.

Transportation

• All arrival and departure transfer, ground transport will be provided an A/c private vehicle.
• Round Trip of Kathmandu/Dhangadhi/Kathmandu on a domestic flight.
• Drive from Dhangadi to Talkot and back to Dhangadhi will be on a private 4WD Jeep.
• Optionally, we can flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then Bajhang via domestic flight. (Upon choice of guests)
• (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 Dadeldhura and Chainpur, there will be tourist standard lodges which are based on availability)
• During trekking, we will set up camping tents for night 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 season. Timing for breakfast, lunches, dinner can be more or less changes due to the availability of lodges or the guest preferences.
• Guests having any specific meal dietary requirements should inform us in advance.
• Meals 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 is possible. Weather conditions, road blocks, local political conditions, flight cancellations, mechanical breakdown or other such unforeseeable circumstances can lead to the 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 for adventure activities and or trekking activity above 3,500 meters.

Fitness

The trek is slightly difficult due the increases on the altitude. This trek involves walking 5-6 hours daily while ascending whereas on returning, the trek will skip one camp). Previous walking experience on high altitude is beneficial. The highest altitude that we attain on this trek is (4100m/13,448ft) at Saipal Southern Base Camp. Physical fitness is essential & previous walking experience in the outdoor is essential.

Basic infrastructure

The trekking area will lack electricity facility and telephone network. We recommend you to carry additional batteries for Cameras, or Solar power bank to charge smartphones. The trek leader will carry Satellite phone to communicate at offices in Kathmandu of in case of any emergencies.