Grand Saipal Base Camp & Far-West Expedition

Duration
30 days 23 hours
Max People
30
Min Age
Reviews
No reviews yet
Previous
Next

Overview

This Saipal Expedition is a 32-Day Comprehensive Wilderness Circuit in West & South Saipal, Khaptad Plateau & Shuklaphanta Safari. It is one-of-a-kind journey through the diverse landscapes of Far Western Nepal, combining remote Himalayan wilderness, high-altitude adventure, sacred landscapes and rich cultural encounters. The expedition includes both the West and South/East Base Camps of Mt. Saipal (7,031 m), crossing challenging high passes such as Sakya Lagna and Syakup Lagna and wandering through the pristine meadows and forests of Khaptad National Park. This trip provides a rare opportunity to experience the many faces of western Nepal from the high Himalayas to the subtropical Terai, from remote Buddhist monasteries and traditional pastoral villages to authentic Rana Tharu communities and the wildlife-rich Shuklaphanta National Park.

 

DURATION

MAX ALTITUDE

TRIP GRADE

REGION

32 Days / 31 Nights

4,710 m (Sakya Lagna)

Challenging / Alpine

Far-West Nepal (Humla/Bajhang)

 

Highlights
  • All domestic flights (KTM-Nepalgunj-Simikot, Dhangadhi-KTM)
  • Private overland transports as per itinerary
  • Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu & towns
  • Full board meals during trek & safari (B, L, D)
  • Tented camping gear (2-person tents, foam mattresses, kitchen tent)
  • Licensed High Altitude Trekking Guide & Support Crew
  • Porters / Pack animals for heavy gear
  • All special restricted area permits (Humla/Saipal/Khaptad)
  • Shuklaphanta National Park Safari & Entrance Fees
  • Comprehensive crew insurance & equipment

What’s Included

Accommodation
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Lunch
Meals: Many meals and daily breakfasts included

Tour Plan

Expand All
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,310 m)

Activity: Airport Transfer & Welcome | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Welcome Dinner

Welcome to Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel. In the evening, attend a comprehensive trip orientation briefing followed by a traditional welcome dinner with cultural performances.

Day 02 Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Sightseeing

Activity: Sightseeing & Permit Verification | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy a guided cultural tour of Kathmandu Valley. Visit Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) for panoramic city views, Kathmandu Durbar Square to view historic royal palaces and the temple of the Living Goddess Kumari, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square famous for its exquisite wooden art and Malla architecture. Gear check and permit verification in the evening.

Day 03 Flight: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (50 mins)

Activity: Domestic Flight | Accommodation: City Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Take a afternoon flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, descending into the warm, subtropical Terai lowlands near the Indian border. Check into your hotel and spend the evening resting and preparing for the wilderness mountain trek ahead.

Day 04 Flight: Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,985 m) & Trek to Dharapori

Activity: Flight (55m) & Trek (3-4 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Catch an early scenic mountain flight to Simikot, the district headquarters of Humla. Meet your trekking crew and initiate the trek descending towards the roaring Karnali River. Trail navigates along terraced fields and rocky gorges to Dharapori.

Day 05 Trek: Dharapori to Kermi (2,690 m)

Activity: Trek (5 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Follow the trail winding along the Karnali River gorge, passing through lower mountain villages and pine forests. After reaching Kermi, option to hike up to visit ancient Buddhist monasteries (Laikyo and Lhundrup Choeling) and soak in natural hot springs.

Day 06 Trek: Kermi to Yalbang (3,020 m)

Activity: Trek (5-6 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

A gradual climbing day through fragrant pine and rhododendron forests. Cross suspension bridges over rushing mountain streams before arriving at Yalbang, a vibrant Buddhist cultural hub featuring the impressive Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery.

Day 07 Trek: Yalbang to Chala (3,700 m) via Syakup Lagna Pass (4,215 m)

Activity: High Pass Crossing (6-7 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

A challenging ascent over the first major pass, Syakup Lagna (4,215 m). Reaching the top reveals astounding panoramic views of the Humla and Tibetan border peaks. Descend steeply into the high alpine pasture village of Chala.

Day 08 Trek: Chala to Puekharka (3,950 m)

Activity: Alpine Ridge Trek (5 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Traverse high alpine ridges and follow glacial river valleys deeper into the untouched wilderness. The landscape shifts into rugged terrain dotted with local yak pastures.

Day 09 Trek: Puekharka to Sumjumkharka (4,150 m)

Activity: Wilderness Navigation (5-6 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Navigate through untamed river valleys, wild old-growth pine forests, and cross unbridged mountain streams. Establish camp at Sumjumkharka, the base for exploring the West Saipal Massif.

Day 10 Exploration Day: Saipal West Base Camp & Glacier Systems

Activity: Glacier Exploration & Photography | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

A dedicated day to explore the vast Saipal West Base Camp and adjacent glacial valleys. Experience complete alpine isolation, photograph dramatic icefall structures, and take in towering mountain walls.

Day 11 Trek: Sumjumkharka to Karang Khola / Puekharka

Activity: Trek (5 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Begin the return trajectory through the valley, enjoying fresh perspectives of the high mountain ridges and deep river gorges. Camp near Karang Khola.

Day 12 Trek: Karang Khola to Gurgure Khola / Khaniphukharka

Activity: Valley Trek (5-6 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Trek along wild, roaring mountain torrents and dramatic rock faces. Pass seasonal pastoral shelters used by local nomads before pitching camp at Gurgure Khola.

Day 13 Trek: Gurgure Khola to Lepcha Khola via Sakya Lagna Pass (4,710 m)

Activity: High Pass Crossing (7-8 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

The most demanding and rewarding leg of the expedition. Ascend steep scree and alpine slopes to cross Sakya Lagna Pass (4,710 m), the highest point of the route. Unrivaled panoramic views of the entire Far-West Himalayan chain. Descend to Lepcha Khola.

Day 14 Trek: Lepcha Khola to Ranikharka

Activity: Descent & Valley Walk (5 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Descend into the serene, wide alpine pastures of Ranikharka ('Queen’s Meadow'). Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and clear streams, this is one of the most picturesque campsites of the trek.

Day 15 Exploration Day: Saipal South / East Base Camp (4,500 m)

Activity: Base Camp Exploration | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Full day dedicated to exploring the South & East Base Camp of Mt. Saipal. Trek close to the base of the majestic South Face, giant glaciers, and ice falls under Mt. Saipal (7,031 m). A true highlight for photography and alpine immersion.

Day 16 Trek: Ranikharka to Dhaulekharka

Activity: Outbound Trek (5-6 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Trace the outbound route entering lower valleys and lush rhododendron and oak forest lines. Continuous views of snow-capped peaks behind you.

Day 17 Trek: Dhaulekharka to Lampato

Activity: Pastoral Trek (5 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Meander through isolated pastoral settlements and remote mountain hamlets. Observe the unique cultural lifestyle of the Far-Western mountain communities.

Day 18 Trek: Lampato to Lama Chaur

Activity: Meadow Walk (5 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Walk across verdant alpine meadows marked with ancient mani stone walls, prayer flags, and traditional stone bridges. Camp in the open meadows of Lama Chaur.

Day 19 Trek: Lama Chaur to Chhipra

Activity: Descent (5-6 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Gradual descent into fertile agricultural valleys, terraced crop fields, and traditional villages showing classic rural Far-West Nepalese culture.

Day 20 Trek: Chhipra to Simikot

Activity: Final Ascent (4-5 hrs) | Accommodation: Local Guesthouse | Meals: B, L, D

Final upward trek to complete the wilderness circuit loop back at Simikot. Celebrate the completion of the high-altitude trek with your crew. Overnight at a local guesthouse.

Day 21 Flight: Simikot to Nepalgunj to Dhangadhi & Drive to Dadeldhura

Activity: Flights & Scenic Mountain Drive (4-5 hrs) | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: B, L, D

Fly from Simikot to Nepalgunj, connecting to Dhangadhi. Meet your private vehicle and drive up into the hills to Dadeldhura. In the evening, explore the local bazaar.

Day 22 Dadeldhura (Amargadhi Fort) to Chainpur (Bajhang)

Activity: Fort Tour & Drive (4-5 hrs) | Accommodation: Local Lodge | Meals: B, L, D

Visit historical Amargadhi Fort, built by General Amar Singh Thapa in the 19th century during Nepal's unification. Afterwards, drive 4-5 hours through scenic hill roads to Chainpur, the headquarters of Bajhang district.

Day 23 Chainpur to Talkot Palace & Trek to Kuwa Village

Activity: Drive (2 hrs) & Trek (4-5 hrs) | Accommodation: Tea House / Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Drive 2 hours from Chainpur to Talkot Palace. After lunch, begin the trek towards Khaptad circuit. Trek 4-5 hours through terraced hillsides and traditional hamlets to Kuwa village.

Day 24 Trek: Kuwa to Dhalaun / Kakarkot Village

Activity: Trek (5-6 hrs) | Accommodation: Tea House / Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Trek through lush green fields and pristine sub-alpine forests. Pass Kakarkot village, the southern gateway to Saipal, before reaching Dhalaun.

Day 25 Trek: Dhalaun to Khaptad National Park Plateau

Activity: Trek (6 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Ascend through beautiful dense forests of oak, pine, and rhododendron into the sacred Khaptad region. Arrive at the high plateau characterized by rolling green hills and pristine nature.

Day 26 Full Day Exploration in Khaptad Plateau

Activity: Exploration & Photography | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Dedicated day to discover Khaptad's natural and spiritual beauty. Visit Khaptad Baba Ashram, learn about his meditation journey and medicinal herb research. Explore Tribeni, Sahashra Linga, and high pasture meadows.

Day 27 Trek: Khaptad to Jhigrana

Activity: Descent Trek (7 hrs) | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Begin descending from the high plateau through protected park forests. Pass check-posts and pristine mountain streams to reach the buffer-zone settlement of Jhigrana.

Day 28 Trek: Jhigrana to Baghlekh & Drive to Raaika Farmhouse

Activity: Short Trek (2 hrs) & Drive | Accommodation: Farmhouse Resort | Meals: B, L, D

Trek 2 hours down to Baghlekh, where vehicles await. Drive to the tranquil Raaika Farmhouse along the banks of the Seti River. Relax, enjoy organic local food, and experience authentic village life.

Day 29 Drive: Raaika Farmhouse to Mahendranagar (5-6 hrs) & Tharu Culture

Activity: Scenic Drive & Cultural Experience | Accommodation: Tharu Homestay | Meals: B, L, D

Drive 5-6 hours west to Mahendranagar. Check into an authentic Rana Tharu Homestay. Visit the iconic Dodhara Chandani Suspension Bridge (1,452.96 m multi-span bridge) for spectacular sunset views. Evening features Rana Tharu cultural dance and feast.

Day 30 Shuklaphanta National Park Full-Day Jungle Safari

Activity: 4x4 Jeep Safari & Wildlife Photography | Accommodation: Tented Camp | Meals: B, L, D

Full-day jeep safari into Shuklaphanta National Park with packed lunch. Explore open grasslands (Phantas) and sal forests. Excellent opportunities to spot Royal Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, One-horned Rhinos, and the world's largest herd of Swamp Deer (Barasingha).

Day 31 Drive to Dhangadhi & Flight to Kathmandu

Activity: Drive (1 hr) & Flight (50m) | Accommodation: Hotel | Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Drive 1 hour from Mahendranagar to Dhangadhi Airport and take a return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon free for rest or last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel. Evening farewell dinner.

Day 32 Pashupatinath & Boudhanath Sightseeing & Final Departure

Activity: Morning Sightseeing & Airport Transfer | Accommodation: N/A | Meals: Breakfast

Morning visit to sacred Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of Bagmati River and the giant stupa of Boudhanath. Later, full airport transfer according to your flight schedule for onward international departure.

Tour map

Calendar & Prices

Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
October 2026
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
November 2026
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
December 2026
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
January 2027
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
February 2027
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
March 2027
28
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
April 2027
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
May 2027
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
June 2027
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
July 2027
27
28
29
30
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
August 2027
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
September 2027
29
30
31
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
1
2
Explore other options

Reviews

No reviews yet
Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Location
  • Amenities
  • Services
  • Price
  • Rooms

Book This Tour
0

Interested? Send an Enquiry.

Login