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Saipal Base Camp Trek-16 Days

  • Destination

    Nepal

  • Region

    Far West region

  • Trip Grade

    Grade 2: Moderate

  • Accommodation

    Tea House

  • Total Distance

    205 km

  • Start / End Point

    Kathmandu/Kathmandu

  • Durations

    16 Days

  • Max. Altitude

    4250m/13944ft

  • Meals Included

    Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner

  • Group Size

    above 1 pax

  • Best Season

    March to May/sept to Nove

  • Activity per day

    6 hrs

  • Transportation

    Hiking/Drive/flight


Saipal Base Camp Trek is a remarkable journey that leads you to the base of Saipal Himal (7,031m), a stunning yet unconquered peak in Nepal’s far-western region. This trek takes you through a diverse landscape, from subtropical to alpine forests, winding through steep gorges, grasslands, pastures, lakes, waterfalls, and streams. The unique traditions, culture, and lifestyle of the local people, who remain largely untouched by modernity, provide a fascinating glimpse into a way of life that feels frozen in time. Unlike the bustling trails of the Everest and Annapurna regions, the Saipal trek offers solitude, with some days when you might be the only foreigner on the trail.The trek’s main highlight is the majestic Saipal peak, which, along with Api and Nampa, forms a breathtaking trinity of mountains in this less-developed region of Nepal. Despite its rich tourism potential, this area lags behind the rest of the country in terms of social and economic development. The trek to Saipal Base Camp is challenging, but the rewards are immense. We invite you to explore a different side of Nepal and embark on this unforgettable adventure.

About Saipal Himal Base Camp

The Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek is a remote and challenging adventure in the far west of Nepal, offering stunning views of Saipal Himal (7,031 meters) and a unique cultural experience. This off-the-beaten-path trek takes you through unspoiled landscapes, traditional villages, and lush forests, making it ideal for seasoned trekkers seeking solitude and natural beauty.

Remote and Unspoiled: The trek is located in a less-visited region of Nepal, providing a sense of wilderness and tranquility.
Stunning Scenery: Expect breathtaking views of Saipal Himal, diverse landscapes, and lush forests.
Cultural Immersion: The trek passes through traditional villages where you can experience the local culture and way of life.
Challenging Trek: The trek is considered strenuous and requires a good level of fitness.
Best Season: May through October is generally considered the best time to trek.

Saipal Himal:
Witness the majestic beauty of Saipal Himal, the second-highest peak in the far west of Nepal.
Diverse Landscapes:
Traverse through various terrains, from lush forests to treeless landscapes and high-altitude valleys.
Cultural Encounters:
Interact with the local communities, including Chhetris, Brahmins, Thakuris, and Bhotias, who blend Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience:
Enjoy the solitude and tranquility of a less-traveled route, away from the crowds.
Potential for Expeditions:
The trek can also be combined with expeditions to the East or North Saipal Base Camps.

Highlights

  • The Saipal Himal Base Camp trek, located in the remote far-western region of Nepal, offers a unique and challenging adventure with highlights including stunning views of Saipal Himal, diverse landscapes, and cultural encounters with local communities. The trek provides a less-traveled route, ideal for those seeking solitude and a glimpse into the rugged beauty and unique culture of Nepal's remote areas.
  • Majestic Mountain Views: The trek offers breathtaking views of Saipal Himal (7,031 meters), the second-highest peak in the far west of Nepal, along with other surrounding peaks like Api Himal (7,132m) and Thado Dhunga Tuppa (5,368m).
  • Remote and Unspoiled Landscapes: The region is less frequented by tourists, providing a sense of solitude and an opportunity to explore pristine natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and unique flora and fauna.
  • Cultural Immersion: The trek passes through traditional villages inhabited by ethnic groups such as the Thakuri and Bhotia communities, allowing for cultural exchange and a glimpse into their unique lifestyles.
  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: The Saipal region offers a less-traveled route, making it an excellent choice for seasoned trekkers seeking an adventurous and off-the-beaten-path experience.
  • Challenge and Reward: The trek is physically demanding but offers a rewarding experience for those seeking adventure and a chance to conquer a remote peak.
  • Cultural and Geographical Isolation: The Saipal region is culturally and geographically isolated, adding to the sense of adventure and providing a unique cultural and natural experience.
  • Panoramic Views: The trek provides panoramic views of Saipal Himal, Api Himal, and other snow-capped peaks, offering stunning scenery throughout the journey.
  • Wildlife Encounters: The area is rich in biodiversity, and trekkers may have the opportunity to spot wildlife such as musk deer, red pandas, and various bird species.

Outline Itinerary

  • DAY01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. (1400m).
  • DAY02: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparation
  • DAY03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m) - 1 hrs flight
  • DAY04: Flight to Simikot (45 minutes flight) and trek to Dharapuri (2310m) - 4 hrs walk
  • DAY05: Trek to Kermi (2670m) - 6 hrs walk
  • DAY06: Trek to Yalbang (3020m) - 5 hrs walk
  • DAY07: Trek to Chala (3690m) - 6 hrs walk
  • DAY08: Trek to Karang Khola/ Labuk Depsa (4000m) - 6 hrs walk.
  • DAY09: Trek to Base Camp (4250m) - 6hrs walk.
  • DAY10: Rest Day
  • DAY11: Trek back to Karang Khola (4000m) 5hr walk.
  • DAY12: Trek back to Yalbang/ Salle Khola (3020m)5 hr walk.
  • DAY13: Trek back to Dharapuri (2310m)-6 hrs walk.
  • DAY14: Trek back to Simikot (2910m)-6 hrs walk.
  • DAY15: Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj (1400m) - 1 hrs 45 minutes flight
  • DAY16: Farewell day (Have a Safe Journey!).

Cost Includes

  • All the airport pick-offs and drop-offs by private vehicles.
  • 3 nights of 3-star category hotel accommodation in Kathmandu city inclusive breakfast.
  •  Twin sharing tented accommodations while on the trek.
  • 1 night of deluxe hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj city inclusive breakfast.
  • 1-day Kathmandu sightseeing tour includes city tour guide and private transport.
  • All the domestic airfares including airport taxes as per the itinerary. (Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Simikot-Kathmandu)
  • All the required trekking permits and official paperwork for the trip.
  • An experienced and government certified local trekking guide for the trek.
  • An expert local trekking cook to prepare your meal for the trek.
  • Supporting local porters to carry your belongings while on the trek. (1 porter for 2 clients)
  • All the camping gears including tents, kitchen utensils for the trek.
  • The full board of meals while on the trek. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Foods, Salary, accommodation and accidental insurance of all our trekking staffs.
  • Good Karma Trekking Company duffel and sleeping bags to use while on the trek.
  • First aid medical kit with an oximeter to check your pulse and oxygen level while on the trek.
  • Trip achievement certificate after successful trip completion.
  • Complimentary welcome and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
  • All the government taxes and company service charges.

Cost does not Include

  • International airfare and Nepal’s travel visa.
  • Entrance fees for Kathmandu sightseeing.
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj hotel stay.
  • Alcoholic beverages, bottled mineral water while on the trek.
  • Tips to the guide and porters.
  • Any other extra cost which is beyond our includes.

Best time to trek Saipal Base Camp

The best time to trek the Saipal Base Camp is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods are favored by trekkers for their optimal weather conditions and breathtaking scenery, making them the most popular times for trekking in Nepal.
Spring (March to May)
In the spring, the weather is generally mild, making the trek more comfortable for hikers. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, allowing for enjoyable trekking without the extreme cold of winter or the intense heat of summer. The skies during this season are typically clear, providing unobstructed views of the magnificent Saipal Himal and surrounding peaks.
One of the highlights of trekking in the spring is the vibrant landscape. The trails are lined with blooming rhododendrons, Nepal's national flower, and other wildflowers that create a colorful and picturesque environment. The lush greenery and blossoming flora add a unique charm to the trek, enhancing the overall experience.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is widely regarded as the ideal trekking season in Nepal, and for good reason. Following the monsoon season, the rains have washed away the dust and haze, leaving behind crystal-clear skies. This season offers some of the most spectacular views of the Himalayas, with sharp, clear vistas that stretch for miles.
The temperatures in autumn are comfortable during the day, perfect for trekking, though it can get colder at higher altitudes, especially as you approach the base camp. The stable weather conditions during this time mean fewer disruptions from unexpected storms or rainfall, allowing trekkers to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of the region.


The list of the trekking accessories for Lower Dolpo trekking

Duffel bag

You need a duffel bag that is supposed to be waterproof with a strap along with a TSA lock. In your duffel bag, you keep all the clothes and essential gear while trekking. And this will be carried by our porter. Regarding the size, you can choose from 100 liters to 140 liters duffel as this size all you to fit most of the things you need for trekking.

Sleeping bag

It is the most important piece of equipment for trekking and climbing. Normally the smaller and lighter the size, the more expensive it is. Regarding the warmth of sleeping bags, sleeping bags are warmer than synthetic ones. You need to bring a sleeping bag that rates up to -20c and a liner just in case it feels colder.
Daypack bag

It’s a daypack bag that you carry while waking where you put your wallet, camera, water bottle, rain cover, fleece jacket, and windproof jacket. Regarding the size of the daypack bag, the size of a small-medium 30 to 40-liter day bag with some side pockets where you can fit your water bottle or gloves is good. Moreover, if you can fit your Camelbak in your daily carry it is more efficient in the coldest weather as your water doesn't get freeze.

Water bottle

You can bring two water bottles in which you can drink in one and treat water in another to refill again. (Nalgene water bottle is good as you can put hot water as well if you want) you also can bring Camelbak which can be very handy for climbing.
Upper body

-Short sleeve synthetic t-shirts*3(while trekking you sweat a lot so, synthetic t-shirts are best to bring as they are light and dry fast)
-Wind shirts*1
-Long sleeve Merino wool t-shirts*2
-Synthetic insulated jacket (you can use it for climbing as well)
-Fleece glove
-Insulated gloves
-Buff (trail gets very dusty with animals passing by you so, you can use it as a mask)
-Sunglass
-Sun hat
-Fleece hat
-Rain gear or poncho.
Lower body
-Trekking shoes (prober boots with grip is recommended as trail are rough so you might twist your ankle)
-Slipper or lightweight shoes (it is handy when you have done day trekking)
-Cotton hiking shocks
-Hiking pants*2
-Fleece trouser
-Underwear trousers*2
-Underwear
-Waterproof paint

Miscellaneous items

-Fast drying-camp towel
-Body wipes (it comes in handy if you don't take a shower, especially in higher altitudes where there are no showers)
-Toilet papers
-Lip balm
-Sunscreens (minimum of SPF 40 plus as in higher altitude sunlight are direct and more penetrating.
-Diary
-Chargers with an adapter (you can charge your gadgets along the trail with hydro-powered electricity in the lower region)
-portable solar panel
-Camera, Mobile Phone.
-Medical kit (Diamox, Imodium, ibuprofen, throat lozenges, tape, scissor,
-Zip-lock plastic bag (Although you put your all stuff in a duffel bag, a Zip-lock bag can come in handy when you want to separate your items like toiletries, socks, underwear, and smelly clothes)
-Headlamp or torchlight
-Hand sanitizer
-Trekking sticks (most people use them and it is very helpful while walking -rocky trails and especially for knees going downhill.
-Pocket knife


Detail Itinerary

DAY01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to the hotel. (1400m).

Welcome to the NEPAL Good Karma Trekking! Our airport representative will receive you at Kathmandu airport with a private tourist vehicle. He will transfer you to your respective hotel and help you check-in. After some refreshment, you can explore the outskirts of Thamel and do some shopping. Our senior guide will visit you to give a briefing about the trip and you will be invited for a warm welcome dinner which includes typical Nepali cuisine and cultural dance. Overnight at Hotel inclusive breakfast.  
  • Altitude:1400m / 4,593ft
  • Duration:1 hr
  • Accommodation:Hotel

DAY02: Kathmandu sightseeing and trip preparation

The Kathmandu city tour is the experience you would not want to miss while in Nepal. The city holds numerous heritage sites, old arts, and ancient temples. There are 7 world heritage sites in Kathmandu alone, which includes Syambhunath Stupa (The Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and more. All these sites carry a lot of cultural importance that traces back to an ancient civilization. We will visit 3 to 4 places as visiting all sites is not possible in a single day. Overnight at a hotel inclusive breakfast.

DAY03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m) - 1 hrs flight

Our trekking guide will receive you at your hotel for our domestic flight. We will be flying to Nepalgunj in south-west Nepal. Nepalgunj is considered as the gateway to the far west and is famous for adventure treks to Dolpa and Jumla region. Overnight at the hotel inclusive breakfast.
  • Altitude:150m/492ft
  • Duration:1 hr
  • Accommodation:Hotel

DAY04: Flight to Simikot (45 minutes flight) and trek to Dharapuri (2310m) - 4 hrs walk

After breakfast early in the morning, we will take the 50 min flight to Simikot on a tiny airplane. Upon arriving at Simikot airport, we will officially start our trek by heading to Dharapuri. We will go through pine forests walking on a rough and rocky trail, passing Gwalekhor, Syada, and crossing a suspension bridge over the Karnali River before reaching the Dharapuri. We will stay overnight at a tented camp on full board meals.
  • Altitude:2310m/7772ft
  • Duration:5hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY05: Trek to Kermi (2670m) - 6 hrs walk

We continue our trek moving towards our next destination, Kermi. Following the trail along the banks of Humla Karnali River, we will come across beautiful waterfalls and visit the famous Buddhist monasteries: Lakiyo Gompa; and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa. After a visit to these monasteries, we will come across a hot spring and stop to take a dip before we reach Kermi. Overnight at a tented camp on full board meals.
  • Altitude:2670m/8776ft
  • Duration:6 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY06: Trek to Yalbang (3020m) - 5 hrs walk

After breakfast, we leave Kermi and move trek to our next destination Yalbang. En route, we can enjoy the dramatic scene of the high Himalayan landscapes. We will be walking along with the buckwheat and paddy fields, then through a pine forest. First, we cross Okharthala and cross a bridge over the Salli River and continue west towards Yalbang. After reaching Yalbang, we can visit the Namkh Kyung Dzong monastery which houses statues of Guru Rinpoche and Lord Buddha. Overnight at a tented camp on full board meals.
  • Altitude:3020m/10203ft
  • Duration:5 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY07: Trek to Chala (3690m) - 6 hrs walk

After breakfast, we set-off for Chala heading north. En route, we can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and see the wonderful peaks in Sumjum and Saipal Himal ranges. We can also find a few teahouses along the trail. We arrive Chala after a short descent from Syakup Langa. Overnight at a tented camp on full board meals.
  • Altitude:3,790 m / 12,139 ft
  • Duration:6 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY08: Trek to Karang Khola/ Labuk Depsa (4000m) - 6 hrs walk.

After breakfast, we head for Karang Khola; our next destination. We will follow the trail along the Kalungba River, seeing the beautiful Karang Valley. As we continue ahead, we also see the Saipal ranges and Karang Taal along our way. We will also get to catch the glimpses of North Saipal Glacier as well. The final part of our trail is through a lush forest before we arrive at the settlement of Karang Khola. Overnight at a tented camp on full board meals.
  • Altitude:4,000m / 13,083ft
  • Duration:6 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY09: Trek to Base Camp (4250m) - 6hrs walk.

Saipal Base Camp 4250m/13944ft We continue our trek moving towards the Saipal Base Camp following a trail that gets steep and icy. So we ought to be cautious and follow the guidelines of our guide. Upon reaching the base camp, we can enjoy the picturesque views of Api (7132m), Saipal (7031m), Nandadevi (7817m), and surrounding peaks like Chuli (6730m) which also offers a mesmerizing display. The rest of the scenery from the Base Camp also includes Saipal Glacier, Nunekhara Glacier, and Humla Danda. Overnight at a tented camp on full board meals.
  • Altitude:4250m/13944ft
  • Duration:6 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY10: Rest Day

We will spend another day at the Base Camp exploring around the Base Camp. To get more amazing views of the mountain ranges, we can hike up to the nearby vantage points with the help of our guide. We need to be careful and follow our guide as the terrain here is snow and ice-covered most of the time that can get tricky at times. Overnight stay at the Base Camp at a tented camp on full board meals.

DAY11: Trek back to Karang Khola (4000m) 5hr walk.

After breakfast, we trace our way back the trail descending down to the banks of Karang Khola. Enjoying the alternative view of the Karang Region, our trek continues along with lush pasture land. We can also choose to take a short visit to Karang Tal before we further continue our trek to the settlement fo Karang Khola. Overnight at a tented camp on full board meals.
  • Altitude:4000m/13123ft
  • Duration:5 hr
  • Accommodation:Tent house

DAY12: Trek back to Yalbang/ Salle Khola (3020m)5 hr walk.

The trail today is easy as we descend to Yalbang. We will trek along the isolated trails that offer remarkable scenery of surrounding landscapes. En route, we will walk along the Puiya River before concluding the trek for the day. Once we reach Yalbang, we can explore the village inhabited by Thakuri and Bhotia community. Overnight at a tented camp on full board meals.
  • Altitude:3020m/9908ft
  • Duration:5 hrs
  • Accommodation:Tent House

DAY13: Trek back to Dharapuri (2310m)-6 hrs walk.

We continue our journey, heading back to Dharapuri. The trail gently descends to vegetation and settlement areas inhabited by indigenous people. Once refreshed, we can go explore the lifestyle and unique culture of Jhakri, Thakuri, and Bhotia community. Overnight at a tented camp on full board meals.
  • Altitude:2310m/7798ft
  • Duration:6 hr
  • Accommodation:Tented Camp

DAY14: Trek back to Simikot (2910m)-6 hrs walk.

Today is the last day of our trek. We retrace our way back to Simikot after our breakfast. Upon reaching Simikot, we can explore many unique stupas, monasteries, and many other places in this town. Herein, the cultures and practices are unique and one-of-a-kind. Overnight at a guesthouse on full board meals.
  • Altitude:2910m/9548ft
  • Duration:6 hrs
  • Accommodation:TeaHouse

DAY15: Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj (1400m) - 1 hrs 45 minutes flight

It was a wonderful time in the mountains! We will take an early morning flight to Nepalgunj. We will further take another flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu and celebrate our final dinner together with the crew. Overnight at a hotel inclusive dinner and breafast.
  • Altitude:1400m/4593ft
  • Duration:2 hrs
  • Accommodation:Hotel

DAY16: Farewell day (Have a Safe Journey!).

This is your final day in Nepal. Our Airport representative will drive you back to the airport for your flight back to your home at least 3 hours prior to your flight. Congratulations! You made it! We hope to see you again and pray for your safe journey!

Most Common FAQs


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