There have been plenty of queries at The Trek Nepal as to why there are no trekking options, mainly in the Far West Region of Nepal. Well, here it comes. The Saipal Base Camp trek is one of the least talked about and remote treks in the country. Going just above 2 weeks, you will need to be physically fit to complete this trek.
The major mountain range that you will see during this trek is the Saipal Himal Range, providing an exquisite experience for the trekkers. There is the presence of stunning landscapes, high mountains, alpine meadows, and whatnot. But be mentally prepared all the way along.
Saipal Base Camp Trek Overview
Saipal Base Camp trek lies in the Far Western part of Nepal, with fewer crowds and more experience with nature. A total of more than 2 weeks will be required. Some of the key mountains that you will view include the Api Himal, Saipal, Mt Thado Dhunga Tuppa, Nandadevi, Rajamba, etc.
The journey of trekking to Saipal goes through Simikot, and you will need to get a special permit to complete this trek. As you get deeper into the Saipal Himal Base Camp trek, you will realise there are people from different communities.
From the likes of Bhramin, Chhetri, Mahara, Bohora, Jhakari, and Lohar, the settlement is massively distributed. Things get interesting when you realise that the locals don’t speak Nepalese fluently. There is a typical language of Raute that is used, which creates a different perception.
As the Saipal Himal Base Camp trek is a remote location, you will feel left out of the modern world at times too. So be mentally prepared so that you won’t see any humans for a very long time.
Highlights of the Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek
- Witness the left-out part of Nepal that hardly speaks or understands Nepali
- Chance to view mountains like Api, Saipal, Rajamba, Nandadevi, etc
- Explore the local culture with a variety of communities living in the same place
- Opportunity to self-reflect as the remote trek gives you time with yourself.
What’s So Special About the Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek
A lot of the trekkers have been asking why they should do the Saipal Himal Base Camp trek instead of other famous treks. Well, the main focus remains on the fact that it is a remote trek with the least amount of crowd, even in the peak season.
Added to that, the presence of flora and fauna is of a massive number. From the Himalayan Griffon vulture to musk deer and snow leopard, you will find the rarest of animals if you are lucky.
Moreover, Simikot, which is also a part of the trek, is a religious spot. There are plenty of trekkers going for Mount Kailash from this route, so the religious value of this trek is also massive.
There might be plenty of people saying that the tour is challenging, but if you are physically fit and follow the guidelines of The Trek Nepal, things will be much easier.
Fitness Required For the Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek
The maximum altitude that we will touch down during this trek is 4000m, which shouldn’t be too difficult. But what makes the trek more intriguing is the fact that there are abrupt changes in the altitude.
One moment, you might be walking the straight route when a high altitude might appear all of a sudden. On average, you will need to trek for 6 hours daily to reach your destination. Trekking in the remotest part of the country for 6 hours daily is hard.
The physical fitness required will be more of the cardiovascular training. Along with that, you will also need to have the right set of strength training that keeps you in the right shape for the trek.
Wet mud, rocky paths, and deep forest treks might require you to be agile and less tired. The Trek Nepal suggests you do a short trek before the Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek.
Best Time To Do Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek
Being one of the remotest and toughest treks in the country, we suggest you do the Saipal Himal Base Camp trek during the favourable seasons. From spring to autumn, any season can be the right choice for the trek.
Spring falls during February to May, while autumn falls during the months of September to November. All of this allows for a better trekking experience in the Humla region. The weather remains crisp, and the visibility of the mountains is also key.
However, during the months of monsoon, things get tougher. The roads and slippery, mud is wet, so you will need to be extra careful. Although The Trek Nepal will assist you in any season, our better suggestion if you have less experience is to choose either spring or autumn.
Permits Required for Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek
It doesn’t matter whether you do the Cho Oyu trek or the Saipal Himal trek; permits will be the key to a safe and easy ride. Trekkers can get all the permits from Nepal Tourism Board, or they have the option of getting them right before entering the region.
If you are booking with The Trek Nepal, we will manage every permit for you. But if you are looking for your own, there are some permits needed.
They are:
- Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card
- Restricted Area Permit
- Api Conservation Area Permit
Cost of the Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek
There are plenty of factors that tend to determine the actual cost of the Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek. From the time taken for the trek to the remoteness and the number of people, things are different.
You will need to spend more than 2 weeks in a remote land, so the cost could be detrimental too. It is hard to predict the actual cost, but these factors could increase or decrease the overall cost.
Meanwhile, The Trek Nepal, which has been working in the field of trekking for decades, can make customised plans for you. Based on your time and budget, we can carry out a new package.
This allows you to enjoy the tour and also be on a budget. In case you want to know more, feel free to connect with The Trek Nepal as we will help you get right through the cost, itinerary, and experiences.
Food and Accommodation in Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek
As we have discussed throughout, the Saipal Himal Base Camp trek is one of the remote treks, and the trekkers need to be accommodated. The food in the Simikot region is much better compared to trekking ahead. As the Indian influence is higher, Indian, Nepalese, and Chinese food are available.
As you move further into the trekking zones, the hotels and the food get fewer and fewer. The Trek Nepal will provide you with meals 3 times a day. From Nepalese authentic, Dal, Bhaat to carbohydrate-rich foods, there are only selected items the deeper we go into the Saipal region.
However, we try and provide the best of the options that are present for food. Moving ahead in the case of accommodation, Simikot has the best hotels in the whole trek. You will find a variety and tourist standard options.
But after you leave Simikot behind, the options are limited. A handful of hotels, along with the homestay, is the key focus after this. Trekkers will need to adjust to the teahouses and basic facilities hotel.
There is another option of camping tents during the stay, which could determine your experience of the stay. But The Trek Nepal assures you that all the basic facilities of accommodation at Humla will be met.
Alternative Treks to Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek
Not everyone likes to perform the trek to the remotest area. Likewise, it will take you more than 2 weeks, and roaming in remoteness for more than 2 weeks might not be easy for everyone. Don’t worry, The Trek Nepal has an answer to it.
In case you don’t want to do the Saipal Himal Base Camp trek, you can go for the Manaslu Circuit Trek, Upper Dolpo Trek, Churen Himal Base Camp Trek, etc.
Just to be on the safer side, The Trek Nepal performs treks in all of these regions. So if you are thinking of any of them, feel free to connect with us.
Detailed Itinerary of Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
On the very first day, all the guests will be arriving in Kathmandu. You will be received by the team of The Trek Nepal, and we will place you at your respective hotels. All the team members will be looked after well.
In the evening, you will have time to go on a city tour or rest in your hotel rooms. There will be a welcome dinner on the very first day.
Day 2: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
On the 2nd day of the Saipal base camp trek, we will be taking the flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. It will be a 45-minute flight to Simikot, which will have some of the finest views to enjoy.
Immediately after landing, the trek starts to Bargaun village at the start. Meanwhile, we will spend the night at Bargaun. There is a major dominance of Thakuris in the region.
Day 3: Trek from Bargaun to Yangchu Kuna
The journey keeps on descending as we move ahead in the journey. First, we will head towards the Karnali River. Following the Karnali valley, we will reach Lali village first. It will be a remote trek through the Humla Karnali region.
This day will provide a unique experience in the off-beaten paths of the area. 6 hours of the trek means that we will have more descents for the day. From exploring the remote areas to unknown places, we spend the night at Yangchu Kuna.
Day 4: Trek from Yangchukuna to Ripghat
The Saipal Base Camp trek journey only gets interesting with each passing day. We will be targeting 6 hours of trek for the day, with the start being the alder, oak, walnut, and bamboo forest right along the way.
Bokche Gauda is the first landmark for the day. However, we continue to follow the Bluff of Lali. Passing right through Biubare witness valleys and tall pine forest, we rest the day at Ripghat.
Day 5: Trek from Ripghatr to Kheta Khola
Rivers keep coming in the Saipal base camp trek. The touchdown will be 3000m today, and we will trek for around 7 hours for the day. First of all, we will leave the Humla Karnali River only to move forward.
Kheta Khola valley will welcome us at the start. Meanwhile, we will explore the wild terrains and reach Bhuagdiya by the end of the day. The Trek Nepal will help you to camp under the starry skies with the most beautiful views.
Day 6: Trek from Khetkhola to Lampate
One of the most challenging days of the trek is today. The Saipal base camp trek doesn’t get interesting, but difficult at the same time. First, we will cut through the pine forest and move deeper into the valleys.
The forward push takes you to the steep Dhid Lagna Pass, which is at an altitude of 3650m. Don’t worry, you will enjoy serene views before hitting Kawadi Khola, and lastly the Lampate village.
Day 7: Trek from Lampate to Rani Kharka
There are too many passes for the Saipal Base Camp trek. Even though pine forests are visible but we will hit open pastures today. There are some challenges for the next stop at Ranikharka.
Mountain views from Dhaule Kharka will win your hearts. Trekkers will stay at Rani Kharka, which offers the most beautiful view of Saipal Mountain. It is the east-facing view that is beautiful to say the least.
Day 8: Acclimatization and day trip to Saipal Base Camp
It is the acclimatization day, along with the most beautiful views of Saipal Base Camp. First, we will touch down at Nunekharka glacier snout. This is the farthest place to access without gear.
Meanwhile, we will have a variety of flowers around us on the day. Not only that we also get the stay and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. It is a perfect spot for recharge and to recreate your mindset.
Day 9: Trek from Rani Kharka to Lepcha Kharka
After spending the full day at acclamitization, we will head towards Lepcha Kharka for the day. We will have to cross the Tharang Kharka to reach the premises of Lepcha Khola. There will be a campsite for the trekkers to rest and enjoy.
It will take 5 hours of the trek to reach Lepcha Kharka, where you will be surrounded by all the mountains. It is a short day trek, so rest and recharge for what’s to come.
Day 10: Trek from Lepcha Kharka to Chala
Today is the day when we will hit the highest spot for the Saipal Base Camp trek. It is the trek from Lepcha Kharka to Chala. 7 hours of the trek means that we will almost hit 4800m. Ascent of Sakya Lagna might be challenging, but it is just the start.
Moving ahead, we will have southwest views of Saipal before reaching Khaniphuk Kharka. We will hit beyond the Saipal Base Camp to reach Chala, where we will spend the night.
Day 11: Trek from Lepcha Kharka to Chala
Yes, we will target the core of Chala today. Going through the routes of Sakya Lagna Pass will be tougher. Descending for the day can look challenging, but the views of mountains and pleatues make things easier.
The first landmark is Khaniphuk Kharka, with Kerang Khola and Kalungba Khola being on the way. Meanwhile, we will follow the Khalungba River to reach the crux of Chala.
Day 12: Trek from Chala to Yalwang
It is a hard day of trek in the Saipal base camp trek. The journey will go through the Syakup pass, which is at an altitude of 4214m. Immediately after crossing the pass, we will descend to the Puiya Khola side valley. Lastly, we will reach the Humla Karnali Bridge near Muchu.
Upon reaching Muchu, we will steadily climb towards Yalwang, which will be the destination for the night. It is a 7-hour trek with beautiful landscapes all around.
Day 13: Trek from Yalwang to Kermi
Slow and steady, we are leaving Saipal for the Saipal base camp trek. Today we will be heading out of Yalwang, which isn’t easy at all. First, we will reach Yalwang Chaur while we climb through the cliffs and winding.
Slowly, we will reach the Karnali canyon, which provides outstanding views. The trekking team will reach Salli Lagna now with a chance to enjoy the natural beauty. The final descent will take us to Kermi, which is a paradisical place to say the least.
Day 14: Trek from Kermi to Dharapori
A day with an easier trek comes for us. The destination for the day is Dharapori, as we start with an early morning breakfast at Kermi. There are massive Buddhist monasteries in Kermi, which will be explored by the team.
Furthermore, we will follow the route of the Karnali River to the border connecting Simikot. By the end of the day and 6 hours of trek, we will be at Dharapori, which is dominated by Thakuris.
Day 15: Trek from Dharapori to Simikot
We will be leaving every ounce of the Saipal base camp trek today. It is the day when we will join the 5-hour trek, whereby we will reach Simikot. First, we will reach Majgaun, holding things right up.
Thakuris are present in the region with an easier trekking journey. Simikot Lagna is the final hurdle that needs to be crossed. In order to enjoy the moment and the whole trek, we take the night in Simikot.
Day 16: Flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu
We will have two flights today, which will connect us to the capital. First of all, we will be taking the Nepalgunj flight from Simikot, which is an easier and shorter flight.