Saipal Himal Base Camp
Challenging

Saipal Himal Base Camp

D
Duration
22 Days
F
Difficulty
Challenging
A
Max altitude
4,710 m
$
Starting from
USD 275

At a glance

Overview

The Saipal Himal Base Camp Trek is a remote and extraordinary Himalayan adventure into the untouched wilderness of Humla, far from Nepal’s crowded trekking routes. Starting from Simikot, the trail follows the Humla Karnali River through traditional villages, pine forests, Tibetan-Buddhist culture and high alpine pastures before reaching the spectacular Saipal Base Camp beneath Mt. Saipal (7,031 m). The journey includes the challenging crossings of Syakup Lagna and Sakya Lagna, along with opportunities to explore both the western and eastern sides of the Saipal massif. This trek is ideal for adventurous trekkers seeking remote landscapes, authentic Himalayan culture, wilderness and a true off-the-beaten-path experience.

Trip highlights

  • +Explore the remote and untouched wilderness of Far-Western Nepal.
  • +Spectacular views of Mt. Saipal (7,031 m) and surrounding Himalayan peaks.
  • +Explore both Saipal West Base Camp and East Base Camp.
  • +Cross the challenging Syakup Lagna (4,215 m) and Sakya Lagna (4,710 m).
  • +Experience authentic Humla villages, Tibetan-Buddhist culture and ancient monasteries.
  • +Trek through pristine forests, alpine meadows, glacial valleys and high mountain landscapes.
  • +Enjoy a genuine fully supported wilderness camping experience with professional trekking crew and cook.
  • +Experience one of Nepal's least-visited and most adventurous Himalayan regions.
  • +Perfect for trekkers seeking solitude, wilderness, adventure and an off-the-beaten-path Himalayan journey.

Know before you choose

Why this journey stands out

The defining experiences, trail character and route rhythm that make Saipal Himal Base Camp distinctive.

Signature experience

Explore the remote and untouched wilderness of Far-Western Nepal.

Spectacular views of Mt. Saipal (7,031 m) and surrounding Himalayan peaks. · Explore both Saipal West Base Camp and East Base Camp.

Trail character

Challenging · 4,710 m

A 22 days journey with a challenging trail profile, paced around the route's key elevations and experiences.

Sense of place

Far-Western Region Nepal, Nepal

Travel through the landscapes and communities that define Far-Western Region Nepal, supported by locally led interpretation throughout the journey.

Best suited to

Travelers ready for a challenging adventure

Ideal for guests who value explore the remote and untouched wilderness of far-western nepal. and spectacular views of mt. saipal (7,031 m) and surrounding himalayan peaks. and can commit 22 days to the experience.

Route rhythm

Your journey at a glance

22 planned stages
  1. 01 · The openingArrival in Kathmandu

    Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Meet the trekking team and enjoy a welcome briefing about the Saipal Himal adventure. The evening is free to relax and prepare for the journey.

  2. 02 · The heartPue Kharka to Gurgure Khola

    Continue through the rugged Karang Khola and Gurgure Khola valleys. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as we approach the high mountain pass section of the journey.

  3. 03 · The finaleFinal Departure

    Your Saipal Himal adventure comes to an end today. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. We wish you a safe journey home and hope to welcome you again in Nepal.

Day by day

Your itinerary

01Arrival in Kathmandu

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to the hotel. Meet the trekking team and enjoy a welcome briefing about the Saipal Himal adventure. The evening is free to relax and prepare for the journey.

3 Star Hotel in Kathmandudinnerkathmandu → kathmandu
02Trek Preparation & Kathmandu Sightseeing

Today is dedicated to final trek preparation, equipment checking and permit arrangements. If time permits, explore some of Kathmandu’s cultural heritage sites and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the capital.

3 Star Hotel in Kathmandubreakfast, lunch, dinnerkathmandu → Kathmandu
03Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

Take a scenic domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in western Nepal. After arrival, check into the hotel and prepare for the early flight to Simikot the following morning.

Hotel in Nepalgunjbreakfast, lunch, dinnerKthmandu → Nepalgunja
04Fly Nepalgunj to Simikot & Trek to Dharapori

An exciting mountain flight takes us from Nepalgunj to Simikot, the gateway to Humla. After completing the necessary preparations, begin trekking towards Dharapori, gradually entering the remote Karnali valley.

breakfast, lunch, dinnerNepalgunja → Dharapori
05Dharapori to Kermi

Follow the Humla Karnali River through beautiful mountain landscapes, forests and traditional settlements. Arrive at Kermi, a culturally rich village famous for its natural hot springs. If conditions permit, enjoy a relaxing visit to the hot springs.

breakfast, lunch, dinnerDharapoori → Kermi
06Kermi to Yalbang

Continue through pine forests and along the Karnali River, crossing suspension bridges and enjoying increasingly dramatic Himalayan scenery. Reach Yalbang, an important Tibetan-Buddhist village, and visit the beautiful Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery.

breakfast, lunch, dinnerKermi → Yalbang
07Yalbang to Chala via Syakup Lagna

Today is one of the more challenging sections as the trail climbs towards Syakup Lagna (approximately 4,215 m). After crossing the pass, descend towards the remote alpine settlement of Chala, with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

breakfast, lunch, dinnerYalbang → Chala
08Chala to Pue Kharka

Leave Chala and enter a wilder high-altitude landscape. The trail follows remote valleys and open alpine terrain towards Pue Kharka, offering spectacular views and a growing sense of wilderness.

breakfast, lunch, dinnerChala → pue Kharka
09Pue Kharka to Sumjum Kharka

Continue deeper into the Saipal wilderness through high pastures and rugged mountain terrain. Sumjum Kharka provides a beautiful camping location surrounded by dramatic Himalayan landscapes.

breakfast, lunch, dinnerPue Kharka → sumjum kharka
10Explore Saipal West Base Camp

A special exploration day around the western side of Saipal Base Camp. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mt. Saipal (7,031 m), glaciers, high alpine valleys and surrounding Himalayan peaks. This is an excellent opportunity for photography and acclimatization.

breakfast, lunch, dinnerSumjum kharka → Saipal West Base Camp / Sumjum Kharka
11Sumjum Kharka to Pue Kharka

Retrace the trail through the remote alpine valley and gradually descend towards Pue Kharka. Enjoy the changing landscape as the trail moves away from the high base-camp environment.

breakfast, lunchsunjum kharka → Pue Kharka
12Pue Kharka to Gurgure Khola

Continue through the rugged Karang Khola and Gurgure Khola valleys. The landscape becomes increasingly dramatic as we approach the high mountain pass section of the journey.

breakfast, lunch, dinnerPue Kharka → gurgure khola
13Gurgure Khola to Lepcha Khola via Sakya Lagna

A challenging and rewarding day crossing Sakya Lagna, approximately 4,710 m, the highest point of the trek. The climb offers spectacular panoramic views before descending towards the remote Lepcha Khola valley.

Gurgure khola → Lepcha khola
14Lepcha Khola to Rani Kharka

Descend gradually through isolated alpine valleys and pastures before reaching Rani Kharka. The surrounding landscape provides magnificent views of the eastern face of the Saipal massif.

breakfast, lunch, dinnerLepcha khola → Rani kharka
15Explore Saipal East Base Camp

Spend the day exploring the eastern side of the Saipal massif. Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, glaciers, high-altitude landscapes and the peaceful wilderness around the base-camp area.

breakfast, lunch, dinnerRani Kharka → Saipal East Base Camp / Rani Kharka
16Rani Kharka to Dhaule Kharka

Begin the return journey, descending through remote alpine terrain and beautiful grazing pastures. Continue towards Dhaule Kharka, enjoying the changing vegetation and mountain scenery.

breakfast, lunch, dinnerRani kharka → Dhaule kharka
17Dhaule Kharka to Lampato

Continue descending through the Kawadi Khola valley towards Lampato. The trail gradually moves from high alpine terrain into more sheltered mountain landscapes.

“Wilderness Camping Trek”breakfast, lunch, dinnerDhaule kharka → Lampato
18Lampato to Lama Chaur

Trek through beautiful remote valleys and gradually descend towards Lama Chaur. The changing vegetation and warmer climate mark the transition from the high Himalayan wilderness.

breakfast, lunch, dinnerLampato → Lama Chaur
19Lama Chaur to Chhipra

Continue through forests and traditional mountain landscapes towards Chhipra. Enjoy the peaceful surroundings and authentic rural life of Humla.

“Wilderness Camping Trek”breakfast, lunch, dinnerLama Chaur → Chhipra
20Chhipra to Simikot

The final trekking day takes us back towards Simikot. After completing the trek, enjoy a well-deserved rest and celebrate the successful Saipal Himal adventure with the trekking team.

Guesthouse/Hotel in Simikotbreakfast, lunch, dinnerchhipra → Simikot
21Fly Simikot to Nepalgunj & Kathmandu

Take a morning flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj. Connect with the onward flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening after the remote Himalayan adventure.

3 star Hotel in Kathmandubreakfast, lunch, dinnersimikot → Kathmandu
22Final Departure

Your Saipal Himal adventure comes to an end today. Depending on your flight schedule, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. We wish you a safe journey home and hope to welcome you again in Nepal.

breakfast

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What your trip covers

What's included

  • +Airport transfers in Kathmandu.
  • +3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on twin-sharing basis with breakfast.
  • +Domestic flights: Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Simikot–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu.
  • +All necessary trekking permits and local government fees.
  • +Experienced, English-speaking, government-licensed trekking guide.
  • +Required porters for the trek with their salary, food, accommodation and insurance.
  • +Full camping equipment including sleeping tents, dining tent, kitchen tent and toilet tent.
  • +Camping crew including professional cook and kitchen staff.
  • +Three meals per day during the camping trek: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • +Tea/coffee and seasonal fruits during the trek.
  • +Comfortable camping mattresses and necessary kitchen equipment.
  • +Boiled/filtered drinking water during the trek.
  • +Necessary trekking and camping equipment carried by the support team.
  • +Staff insurance, equipment and transportation.
  • +Government taxes and official service charges.
  • +Company duffel bag for the trek.
  • +Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
  • +Trek completion certificate from Shailung Trails & Trekking Pvt. Ltd. One Shailung Trails trekking cap

What's excluded

  • -International airfare to and from Nepal. Nepal entry visa fee.
  • -Travel insurance and emergency medical evacuation.
  • -Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and internet.
  • -Personal trekking equipment and clothing. Alcoholic and bottled beverages.
  • -Extra hotel accommodation or meals caused by flight delays, bad weather or unforeseen circumstances.
  • -Emergency evacuation by helicopter or other means.
  • -Tips and gratuities for guide, porters and trekking staff.
  • -Any additional expenses arising from natural disasters, political disturbances or route changes beyond the company's control.

Before you go

Essential trip information

Best season

  • +Spring and autumn are generally most reliable.

Recommended gear

  • +Layered clothing
  • +Trekking footwear
  • +Waterproof outer shell

Permits

  • +Applicable local permits are arranged before departure.
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