Bhairav Kund is named after the destructive aspect of Lord Shiva (Bhairav) and is one of the sacred pilgrimage sites for Shamans. Both Hindus and Buddhist devotees visit this high altitude (4200m) holy mountain lake (‘kund’) to pay homage and bathe away sins during every Bhadra (August) Full Moon.
Jalbire, the starting point for this trek is a five hour bus ride from Kathmandu towards the Tibetan border. We travel through a mixture of beautiful mountain scenery and the terraced fields and characteristic houses of rural villages from different ethnic groups.
You will spend your first night experiencing the ‘Newari’ culture of Jalbire. Your Guide will give a short talk on trekking, altitude sickness and the highlights of the trek. These include the holy Bhairav Kund, the incredible Himalayan scenery and the life style of nomadic people virtually unchanged by time.
Along the trail you will experience spectacular views of mountains in Tibet and the Jugal Himal section of the Himalayan Range, which includes the peaks of Dorje Lakpa (6966), Madiya (6257M) and Phurbi Ghhyachu (6637m).
This trek can be done all year round except for the monsoon months and can be combined with a rafting tour.
After breakfast we have a nice scenic drive of about 3 hours duration in which we can enjoy the mountain views! We head northeast on the road to Tibet to Balephi, which once used to be one of the main towns on the trade route to Tibet. The whole Balephi Valley is magnificent and from here we drive further on a dirt road to Jalbire for about one hour upstream to our first night camp at Jalbire. Jalbire is a lovely Newar village set on the banks of the Balephi River, where we gain an insight into the Newari culture and see the Hindu temple of Lord Bishnu.
Today we have about 4 hours of easy walking along a road to Chanaute. On the way we will pass through some small Tamang villages and a stunning waterfall. Chanaute is a small villages and home to Braman and Chettri people. Tonight we will camp by the school where we can relax and enjoy great mountain views!
We have about six hours of walking from Chanaute to Khani Gaon. This is a more challenging day’s walk, with some steep uphill on small walking trails. We’ll be inspired though by the stunning villages, streams, and the excitement of passing local schools where we are quite an attraction! Khani Gaon is a Newar village, also known as Dalle Pokhari after it’s ‘cute lake’ tucked in a hollow near the school.
On the middle of 18th century, before the unification of Nepal, there was a fight between Gorkha and Bhaktapur and the people of Bhaktapur fled here and eventually settled. Once again we have excellent mountain views at our campsite!
Today we get to relax, or explore the culture and tradition of this interesting and picturesque Newar Village.
Today we have a steep walk up through the Rhododendron forest. We have about 6 hours of walking today and while harder than previous days, it is a great chance to take in the truly beautiful forests of Nepal. On the way we will see some nomad houses for cattle and if we are lucky we will see some wild animals and birds. Tonight we will get wild and camp in the forest!
Today also involves steep uphill climbing, so we take it easy on the way up and enjoy the surroundings! We ascend towards incredible views through pine and rhododendron forest. Having climbed for about 4 hours, we have plenty of time to relax when we reach Pati. We can enjoy taking in the glorious mountain views and check out the rest houses made for pilgrims taking the trek to the holy Bhairav Kund.
This morning we have about a 1 hour walk up hill and then it levels out and we continue for about 2 ½ hours to our destination – Bhairav Kund!
Bhairav Kund is a stunning holy lake (Kund means ‘lake’) at 4250m. It is an important pilgrimage destination and once a year in June/July pilgrims come to pay their respects at the temple dedicated to Bhairav (the destructive form of Lord Shiva) and bathe in the holy lake.
This morning we are up early to catch the sunrise! Our heart starter is an uphill walk of 1 ½ hours to the top where we are richly rewarded by magnificent views over Langtang, Jugal Himal Range, Rolwalling Range and the Tibetan Range.
After this awesome morning treat we will trek down steeply for about 6 hours through stunning forest to Sherpa Goan.
Today is our last day of walking and we follow our trail down for about 3 ½ hours to the bank of the Bhote Koshi River and our destination of Larche. We will camp here and if we take a walk of about 30 minutes to the natural hot spring, we can take a hot shower and then relax back in camp!
Today we head back to the comforts of Kathmandu! We board our bus and it will take us about six hours through stunning scenery to drive back to Kathmandu.
Not satisfied with this regular itinerary? Make your own.
Start | Finish | Availability | Price | |
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May 8, 2023 | May 18, 2023 | Trip Status available | Starting from $ 0 | Book Now |