Surma Sarowar Lake Trek is the camping trek and holistic trek to the holy lake situated at an altitude of 4,350m. Surma Sarowar Lake is one of the major religious sites of the Bajhang district of Nepal. Surma Sarowar Lake is the second-highest lake in Nepal.
The lake, located in the middle of a high mountain range, is important from a religious, tourist, and cultural point of view. This trek offers amazing views of mountain peaks like Jethi Bahurani, Saipal Mountain, Surma Sarowar Peak, and many highlands, cliffs, rocky structures, huge grasslands, meadows, and beautiful lakes. As you need to cross a high pass of 4,860 meters to reach this place, trekkers need to be cautious of high altitude sickness.
Every year, there is a big fair called, ‘Birijat Mela', celebrated in July/August. This is a week-long festival at which devotees from Khandeswor, Ghajir, Chetti villages of Darchula, and various villages of Bajhang (mostly) participate on Bare-foot Trek for more than 5 days to the holy lake, Surma Sarowar. Devotees participating in the Surma Bhavani Jatra are prohibited from eating food like garlic, onion, lentils, and meat and liquor during the Jatra.
This trek is suitable for the trekkers who have experience of previous adventure walking above 4,000 meters. Although, if new trekkers wish to do this trek, few acclimatization dates are required. Trek to Surma Sarowar Lake is fully camping and requires to stop at the water facilitated areas.
The area is enriched in floras and faunas as there are many grasslands, forest areas, shrubs, etc. as well as many species of animal can be found in this area. Cultural attractions like Deuda, Fag, and Magal (singing hymns in the name of Goddess Surma) are the plus point of this trek. Similarly, you can experience the unique culture and tradition of the local people, and taste their traditional cuisines. Their language and attire are also unique.
Highlights of Trek
| Duration | 15 Days |
| Grade | 4 |
| Maximum Elevation | 4,860m/15,941ft – Chande Sikhar Pass |
| Mountains | Mt Saipal (7,031m), Jethi Bahurani (6,850m), Surma Sarowar Peak |
| Rivers | Seti River, Bauligaad, Sunigadh, Dhauligad, Selagad |
| Ethnic Tribes | Brahmin, Chhetri, Bohora |
| Flights | Kathmandu (KTM) – Dhangadhi (DHI) – Kathmandu (KTM) |
| Landscapes | Hills and Mountains, Downstream, High Pass, Meadows, Rocky Area |
| Warnings | Altitude Sickness (3000+) |
| Accommodation | Star Category hotels in Kathmandu, teahouse 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 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 a 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 a hotel in Dhangadi. (B, L, D)
Day 04: Drive from Dadeldhura Bazar to Chainpur (1,210m/3,968ft) – 130Km/5 hours
Early morning, we will visit the 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 ammunition. Besides, it served as a military base. You can see the statue of Amarsingh Thapa near the fort.
Later, we will start to drive to Chainpur Bazar of Bajhang District for about 5 hours through the bank of the 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 Surma village (2,390m/7,840ft) – 22Kms/4 hours
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and start to drive to Surma village to about 22 Km from Chainpur on the 4WD vehicle. The drive will offer the view of farmlands, green hills, landscapes, the flowing Bauligaad River. Surma village is the trek starting point. At Surma Village, we will explore Surma Devi Temple and the holy Lake, Dau Tal.
Overnight at tented camps or lodges at Surma Villages. (B, L, D)
Day 06: Trek to Dhanteli (3,620m/11,874ft) – 5 hours
This day, we will start trekking to Dhanteli where we can go camping.
The trail will pass through the small village, Nauli, from above there will be no human settlements. We will walk uphill to reach Dhanteli. On the way, we will notice the less forest area dominated by shrubs and grasslands with flowering plants. The campsite offers magnificent and mesmerizing views of hills, mountains, and valleys, etc.
Overnight at tented camps at Dhanteli. (B, L, D)
Day 07: Acclimatization Day
As per the study on high altitude sickness, it has been found that most people suffer or show signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) from the altitude of 10,000 ft. Thus it is highly recommended to have a rest day to acclimatize at this altitude before starting an ascent. In the afternoon, we will hike higher above the camping area and return overnight.
Overnight at tented camps. (B, L, D)
Day 08: Trek to Jaljala (4,590m/15,055ft) - 5 hours
This day, the trek will be a little bit difficult as the trail will go through uphill and high cliffs, narrow trail on the ridge. Passing Nachani Pass (4,560m), Madhu Kharka, and Budi Binayek (4,500m), we will reach Jaljala where we will find Surma Devi Temple.
Overnight at tented camp at Jaljala. (B, L, D)
Day 09: Trek to Surma Sarowar Lake (4,330m/14,202ft) – 4 hours
The trail from Jaljala to SurmaSarowar is a more challenging and uphill walk on rough and rocky terrain which will need to use both hands and feet as we need to cross the pass of Chande Sikhar (4,860m). After crossing the high pass, we will get first sight of the holy Lake, Surma Sarowar (4,330m). We will stroll around the lake and explore the shrine of Surma Sarowar Lake. From there, we will catch up the close view of Surm Sarowar Peak (6,300m), Jethi Bahurani (6,850m), and Mt. Saipal (7,031m), and many more peaks and green hills. Large meadows, wild blossoms, wetlands, mountains, green hills, and the blessed lake itself are the significant attractions of the territory. This area is popular and enriched with various herbal plants.
Overnight at tented camp at Surma Sarowar. (B, L, D)
Day 10: Backtrack to Dhanteli (3,620m/11,874ft) – 7 hours
After capturing good memories with the sunrise view over mountains, we will retrace following the same route to Dhanteli via Jaljala, Budi Binayak, and Nachani Pass. The trail will pass through the high pass, meadows, grasslands, and rough terrain. Walking gently uphill and downhill on the ridge for about 8 hours, we will reach Dhanteli.
Overnight at tented camps at Dhanteli. (B, L, D)
Day 11: Backtrack to Surma Village (2,390m/7,840ft) – 3 hours and drive back to Chainpur – 4 hours
Early morning, we will trek down to Surma village for about 3 hours. The trail is steeply downhill from Dhanteli to Surma village. Upon arrival at Surma village, meet the awaiting 4WD jeep and drive back to Chainpur following the Bauligaad River. And then transfer to the hotel and check-in.
Overnight at tented camps or lodges at Surma Villages. (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 terraced farms, forests, and human settlements to Dhangadhi. Upon arrival in Dhangadhi, transfer and check into the hotel.
Overnight at a hotel in Dhangadhi. (B, L, D)
Day 13: Fly from Dhangadhi to Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft) – 1 hour 15 minutes
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and timely transfer 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 the hotel. The rest of the time is free for rest and refreshment.
Overnight at a 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 a 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 a happy journey during your flight from Nepal to your home country with the hope to see you on your next visit to Nepal.
Meal Included: Breakfast
Alternative Trek Route (17 days):
From Day 10 – Day 13 - We will trek down to Chainpur using the same route as of Urai Pass track, following the Sunigad River. And From Day 13, the program will be the same as above from Day 12.
Day 10: Trek from Surma Sarowar to Afre Cave (3,190m) – 5 hours
Day 11: Trek Afre Cave to the Camp Site (2,670m) used by traders to reach Kailash, Tibet– 6 hours
Day 12: Trek down to Swil Village (1,960m) – 6 hours
Day 13: Trek to Sunigad – 3 hours and drive to Chainpur Bazar.
Important Note:
This trek can be done from Khandeswori of Darchula too. So, we can do combine treks, of Api Himal Base Camp Trek with Surma Sarowar Trek for about 3 weeks.
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 demand.
- 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 Chainpur Bazar.
- 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.
Transportation
- All arrival and departure transfers, ground transport will be provided an A/c private vehicle.
- Round Trip of Kathmandu/Dhangadhi/Kathmandu on a domestic flight.
- Drive from Dhangadi to Surma Villages and back to Dhangadhi will be on a private 4WD Jeep.
- (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 a night's stay. If possible, we will serve food from the local lodges or houses at different villages or stopover places if available. 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 breakdown, 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 increase in altitude. This trek involves walking 5-6 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 (4,860m/15,941ft) which is Chande Sikhar Pass. Physical fitness is essential & previous walking experience in the outdoor is essential.
Basic infrastructure
The trekking area will lack an electricity facility and telephone network. We recommend you carry additional batteries for the camera, or Solar power banks to charge smartphones. The trek leader will carry a Satellite phone to communicate at offices in Kathmandu in case of any emergencies.
