Nestled in the remote Sudurpashchim Province of Nepal, Bajura District is a land of unparalleled natural beauty and immense trekking potential. While many of Nepal’s famed trails draw crowds, Bajura offers a unique opportunity for adventurous souls to discover its hidden treasures. Among its most captivating destinations is the Saipal Base Camp, specifically the eastern base camp known as Ranishain. This trek, venturing through the heart of Bajura, promises a deep dive into diverse landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and the raw, untouched spirit of the Himalayas.
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Getting There: Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Dhangadhi – Martadi
The journey to Saipal East Base Camp often begins in Kathmandu, Nepal’s bustling capital. From here, trekkers can take a domestic flight to either Nepalgunj or Dhangadhi, two key gateway cities in the western Terai region. Both towns offer connecting flights or road transport to Martadi, the district headquarters of Bajura. This multi-stage journey provides a fascinating contrast, transitioning from Kathmandu’s urban energy to the subtropical plains of Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi before ascending into the rugged Himalayan foothills of Bajura.
Why Trek to Saipal Base Camp Through Bajura?
Bajura boasts mountains exceeding 6,000 meters and peaks over 5,200 meters, making it a true paradise for mountaineers and nature enthusiasts. Despite these natural wonders, many of Bajura’s gems remain largely undiscovered by the wider world. The journey to Ranishain (Saipal East Base Camp) offers:
- Authentic Cultural Immersion: Experience the traditional way of life in remote Nepali villages, and if timing aligns, witness local festivals like the Wai Chaudashi Mela, a four-day cultural fair celebrated once a year, typically in August or September depending on the Nepali lunar calendar. This vibrant festival features traditional “deuda” singing and synchronized dancing, offering trekkers a chance to witness the rich spiritual and communal life of the region firsthand.
- Diverse Landscapes: From the bustling district headquarters of Martadi to the serene, untouched beauty of Ranishain, the trek takes you through a fascinating array of environments, including lush coniferous forests, rugged riverbanks, and high alpine grasslands.
- Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure: Unlike more commercialized routes, the Saipal Base Camp trek via Bajura offers a sense of true exploration, challenging you while rewarding you with solitude and breathtaking vistas.
- Unique Geographical Features: Discover the fascinating interplay of rivers, streams, and valleys, marvel at challenging terrain like Ragya Bhir, and witness the unique desert-like features along the Karnali River.
Day 1: Martadi to Kolti to Piluchaur – Local Festival Experience
The trek begins in Martadi, Bajura’s headquarters. Roads are rough, crossing multiple streams and navigating narrow cliffside paths. Along the route, you may exchange greetings with locals carrying firewood or supplies on their backs. Traditional wooden houses dot the hillsides, with prayer flags fluttering in the breeze. After three to four hours of bumpy driving, you reach Kolti, a market town that connects Bajura to Humla and Mugu districts. Kolti has an airstrip with daily flights from Nepalgunj and occasional flights from Dhangadhi, making it a secondary starting point for trekkers.
From Kolti, it takes about one hour on foot to reach Piluchaur, a settlement next to the Karnali Corridor, a vital trade route that has recently seen growth as a commercial center. The Karnali River, originating from Budhinanda Lake, flows alongside the path, adding a serene backdrop to your journey. The sound of rushing water blends with the laughter of children playing along the riverbanks, while women wash clothes in its icy streams—a glimpse into everyday life in this remote region.
If your trek coincides with the vibrant Wai Chaudashi Mela, expect four days of colorful rituals honoring local deities such as Lato Bahun and Masta. Spiritual ceremonies led by dhami-jhakri shamans unfold as locals gather to sing and dance deuda in circles, their songs echoing through the valley. Before reaching Piluchaur, you’ll pass through Badhu, Ward No. 7 of Himali Rural Municipality, renowned for its unique irrigation canals that flow opposite the direction of the Karnali River—a fascinating natural oddity of this region.
Day 2: Piluchaur to Yuna – Journey Through Ragya Bhir and Jimana
Leaving Piluchaur in the early morning, the journey continues by vehicle along the Karnali riverbanks. The road passes Jera, a hidden gem nestled between two hills, with scattered settlements and terraced fields clinging to the slopes. The path ahead, carved from steep cliffs, brings both awe and fear, especially when crossing Ragya Bhir, a treacherous rock face notorious for landslides. Trekkers often walk cautiously here, as the cliff plunges dramatically toward the roaring Karnali below.
After two or three hours, you reach Kawadi (formerly Kapaswadi), named for the cotton once grown here. This is where the Bajura, Mugu, and Humla districts meet. Following the Kawadi River, you head toward Jimana Bazaar, the last point accessible by vehicle, located in Tanjakot Rural Municipality of Humla. Here, travelers typically stop for a quick meal before beginning the trek on foot.
From Jimana, the trail descends through Salleri Forest, a coniferous stretch where the air smells of pine and resin. The path alternates between steep descents and short climbs, the August heat softened by forest shade. Eventually, the trail re-enters Himali Rural Municipality at Maidana, bringing you closer to Yuna, where the day’s trek usually ends.
Day 3: Yuna to Lampata – Through Baudi, Phulai, and Gumba
The morning in Yuna greets trekkers with serenity—a flowing river, small ancestral houses, and a village preserved in its natural state, untouched by modern alterations. After a late arrival the previous night, the day begins early with a hearty breakfast as the group of seven sets out toward Lampata, the final settlement before true wilderness.
The trail follows a commercial route connected to Hilsa, near the Tibetan border, meandering through dense coniferous forests. Along the way, the rhythmic verses of Thadi Bhaka, a soulful traditional folk song of western Nepal, resonate through the valleys, reflecting the struggles and hopes of mountain life.
Passing Baudi, Ward No. 3 of Himali Rural Municipality, locals greet trekkers warmly. Despite modest infrastructure, small hotels provide food and tea for travelers. Handmade wooden bridges span rivers where suspension bridges are absent, showcasing the ingenuity of the mountain people.
By midday, the trail reaches Phulai, a two-and-a-half-hour trek from Yuna, where the group rests and shares a meal. The path ahead gradually climbs toward Gumba, a Buddhist settlement offering a glimpse into Bajura’s spiritual diversity. Here, traditional stone houses built with local materials harmonize with the surrounding nature, passed down through generations.
Finally, after nearly 30 kilometers and 12 hours of trekking, the group reaches Lampata around 7:30 p.m. This last inhabited village of Bajura has only four or five houses relocated from Gumba. Tomorrow’s journey promises the long-awaited destination: Ranishain, Saipal Base Camp East.
Day 4: Lampata to Ranishain – The Gateway to Saipal (4–5 Hours Trek)
The final approach toward Ranishain is filled with excitement and anticipation. The trail gradually climbs, crossing small wooden bridges and winding through lush alpine meadows with crystal-clear streams cutting through the landscape. This portion of the trek takes approximately 4–5 hours, with a steady ascent and frequent short breaks to take in the spectacular scenery.
As you trek higher, the forest thins, giving way to wide pastures dotted with wildflowers and offering glimpses of snow-covered peaks. Trekkers often pause at natural springs for a refreshing drink before continuing along the rugged path. The air grows colder and crisper as you near Ranishain, perched at approximately 4,600 meters, serving as the East Base Camp of Saipal Himal.
This spot is a haven of tranquility. Surrounded by towering cliffs and the majestic silhouette of Mt. Saipal (7,031 m), the base camp provides a breathtaking panoramic view that feels untouched by time. The serene environment invites moments of reflection, making every challenging step worthwhile.
Here, trekkers set up camp, explore nearby ridges, and soak in the awe-inspiring beauty of one of Nepal’s least-visited yet most magnificent Himalayan giants.
Day 5: Experiencing Ranishain – A Day of Exploration and Reflection
Day 5 offers trekkers a chance to truly experience the essence of Ranishain. After days of challenging ascents, this is a day to rest, acclimatize, and take in the unparalleled surroundings. Short hikes to nearby ridges reveal stunning vistas of Saipal Himal and the surrounding peaks, with dramatic glaciers carving through the valleys below.
The peaceful environment of Ranishain encourages reflection. Many trekkers describe this day as one of calm and deep connection with nature, a rare pause in the fast-paced rhythm of life. The silence is broken only by the sound of wind sweeping across the high pastures and distant mountain streams. This is also an opportunity for photographers and adventurers to capture the grandeur of this remote Himalayan gem before retracing their steps on the return journey.
The experience of Ranishain leaves trekkers with lasting memories—a sense of wonder, achievement, and connection to Nepal’s wild beauty that few other trails can match.
Saipal East Base Camp Trek Itinerary Table
| Day | Route | Approx. Duration | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Martadi → Kolti → Piluchaur | 4–5 hours (3–4 hrs drive + 1 hr trek) | Rugged road, river crossings, traditional wooden houses, Karnali riverbanks, Wai Chaudashi Festival (seasonal) |
| Day 2 | Piluchaur → Yuna | 5–6 hours (mixed travel) | Ragya Bhir cliffside path, Jimana Bazaar, Salleri Forest, Maidana village |
| Day 3 | Yuna → Lampata | 10–12 hours (trek, ~30 km) | Baudi village hospitality, Phulai rest stop, Gumba spiritual settlement, ancestral homes |
| Day 4 | Lampata → Ranishain (Saipal East Base Camp) | 4–5 hours (trek) | Alpine meadows, wooden bridges, natural springs, first clear views of Mt. Saipal (7,031 m) |
| Day 5 | Ranishain (Exploration Day) | Flexible | High-altitude ridges, glaciers, panoramic views, photography and reflection |
| Day 6 | Ranishain → Baudi | 8–9 hours (trek) | Retracing scenic forested trails, local hospitality |
| Day 7 | Baudi → Martadi | 4–5 hours (drive/trek) | Village architecture, greenery, cultural immersion before journey’s end |
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