Western Nepal treks

Nepal’s least-visited side: Rara, Dolpo, Humla and the far west.

Western Nepal sees only a small share of the country’s trekkers. Here you will find Rara, Nepal’s largest lake, the deep blue Shey Phoksundo, the high trans-Himalayan landscapes of Upper Dolpo and Limi Valley, and the far-western mountains of Api and Saipal. The pilgrim trail to Badimalika and the lakes and meadows of Ramaroshan show a side of Nepal few visitors see. Many routes need camping or basic lodges, so a trekking partner makes logistics and costs much easier.

8 treks in Western Nepal

Moderate

Rara Lake

Trek through pine forest in Rara National Park to Nepal’s largest lake, with a sunrise climb to Murma Top.

🗓 7–10 days⛰ 3,710 m (Murma Top)

Moderate

Shey Phoksundo

Lower Dolpo’s deep blue Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s tallest waterfall and Bon-Po villages in Shey Phoksundo National Park.

🗓 8–12 days⛰ 3,611 m (Phoksundo Lake)

StrenuousRestricted area

Upper Dolpo

A camping expedition into the trans-Himalaya to Shey Gompa and remote Dolpo villages, crossing several high passes.

🗓 22–28 days⛰ 5,360 m (Kang La)

StrenuousRestricted area

Limi Valley

A far-west route in Humla along old trade trails to Tibetan villages and views toward Mt Kailash.

🗓 16–20 days⛰ 4,949 m (Nyalu La)

Challenging

Api Himal Base Camp

Nepal’s far-western corner in Darchula, following the Mahakali river to the base of Api Himal in the Api Nampa Conservation Area.

🗓 12–16 days⛰ approx. 4,000 m

Strenuous

Saipal Base Camp

A long, mostly camping expedition from Simikot in Humla to the base of 7,031 m Saipal Himal, through some of Nepal’s most remote villages and high pastures.

🗓 15–18 days⛰ approx. 4,700 m

Moderate

Badimalika

A pilgrim trail from Martadi in Bajura over vast high meadows (patans) to the Badimalika temple, busiest at the Janai Purnima fair. Camping needed. Often combined with Ramaroshan.

🗓 6–8 days⛰ 4,210 m