Important Information

Region
Far West Nepal Treks
Duration
11 Days
Max Altitude 3930m
Best Season April - October
Activity Per Day
5-6 hrs
Grade
Level 2
Group Size
2 - 20 people
Transportation Flight - Jeep

Simikot Raling Monastery trek is a cultural trek that takes place in Nhin Valley in the Humla district of northwest Nepal. Trekking in Humla will offer you an opportunity to explore the unique culture of the Nyinba community and visit Holy Raling Gompa, one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Himalayas of Nepal. The trip also offers the majestic view of Crystal Peak and Changla Himal Range.

The Simikot Raling Monastery trek of Humla is one of the best treks in Far West Nepal where the culture and tradition of Nyinba (dwellers of Nhin valley) are preserved well in the countryside of Humla, a remote district of Nepal.  Raling Gompa belongs to the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, considered as the holiest monastery among the Nyinba community in the western region of Nepal. This trek is a pure cultural trip to experience the real form of ancient pre-Buddhist tradition, culture, and lifestyle. Himalayan Wander walkers recommend and suggest our clients visit Nhin valley during the Saga Dawa, one of the significant festivals of Tibetan which held during the fourth month of the Lunar calendar. The trekking season for Humla is spring (March-April-May) and autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov).

This Simikot Raling cultural trek is a full camping trek but Himalayan Wander Walkers will organize homestay treks on request. For that please customize your trip or email us.

Getting to Simikot Raling Monastery cultural Trek:

This Simikot Raling Monastery trek starts from your arrival in Kathmandu. After your sightseeing in Kathmandu, you will fly to Nepalgunj and switch your flight for Simikot, Gateway to Mount Kailash, and Manasarovar Lake in Tibet. The actual trek starts from Simikot and overnight stop in different villages of Nhin valley such as Tangshyod (Buraunse), Barkhang (Baragaun), Todpa (Torpa), and Nimatang (Limatang).  This beautiful valley of Nhin is perfect for the stunning landscape and the distinct culture of the Nyinba people.

Variation of Simikot Humla Raling Monastery Trek:

Those who have enough time can extend their trek to Rara via Jumla or can continue to Limi valley. This route is popular for Mount Kailash pilgrimage, especially for Indian citizens. It was once a trade road to Tibet. Travelers who are fearful of altitude sickness prefer this route for the Kailash Manasarovar trip through Humla district.  Himalayan Wander Walkers have designed two different itineraries from Simikot to Tibet. They are KAILASH TREKKING VIA SIMIKOT WITH GUGE KINGDOM and KAILASH TREKKING AND OVERLAND TOUR VIA SIMIKOT

Outline Itinerary ( 11 Days )

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon your arrival at Kathmandu at TIA, a representative of Himalayan Wander Walkers will warmly welcome you to Nepal and will escort you towards your hotel. If your arrival time is in the morning you can do a short tour or you can just relax and walk around the town. Sometimes you have come a few days earlier for a permit. For that, we will let you know when to arrive in Kathmandu and need your original passport.

Overnight: at the hotel set with BB plan.

 

Day 2

Permit Procedure and Full Day Guided Sightseeing Tour in Kathmandu Valley by private van.

Visit the world’s heritage sites. Which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley – famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with woods, stones, and metals? Today after breakfast we will start the city tour to most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu valley. These landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swyambhunath), and the world largest Buddhists stupa, Bouddhanath. Briefing regarding the trek with two-way question-answer with the trip leader (The Guide).

Overnight: at the hotel set with BB plan.

Day 3

Flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu

From Kathmandu, we fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia National Park. It is a major transport hub for the western, mid-western, and far-western regions of Nepal. Possibly, on the same day flight to Simikot 2,910 m. If there is no flight to Simikot on this day,we should sleep in a hotel in Nepalgunj.

Overnight stay will be at the hotel.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 4

Flight Nepalgunj-Simikot (2980 m); walk to Buraunse (3200 m) via Buraunse Gompa (3430 m) 3 ½ hrs

Today we catch our early morning flight to Simikot with a stunning view of the snowy mountains over steep ridges. Simikot is the headquarters of the Humla district and can be seen bustling with administrative offices. We begin to trek towards Buraunse passing through the small town of Simikot. We then make a gradual climb walking on a steep path followed by terraced fields that leads us to Buraunse Gompa. Making a steep ascend from the Gompa, we reach Buraunse, which is a small Tibetan Buddhist village. Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 5

Trek from Buraunse (3200 m) to Nimatang (3325 m) 4 hrs

We descend to Ghatte Khola and cross the wooden bridge. The trail then goes up gradually through terraced hills. We also come across several small stupas and Mani walls along the way. We continue to walk through Kangni (gate stupa) to enter the village of Thorpa followed by a small site called Bhibuck Cave (meditation cave). We also walk by the village of Hutick to finally reach Nimatang, which is the last village before Raling Gompa. Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 6

Trek from Nimatang (3325 m) to campsite Raling Gompa (3930 m) 3 ½ -4 hrs

Today we trek through the forested path filled with pine and juniper trees before descending to Ghatte Khola and crossing the iron bridge over the river. The trail then gradually climbs up through the forest with an amazing view of the whole Nhin valley along with the vista of Changla Himal Range. We make our way to Tokra where most of the Nyinba people camp during the Saga Dawa Festival. We continue to ascend slowly for another 2 hours to reach the campsite of Raling Gompa. The campsite offers a view of Crystal Mountain and Raling Gompa being stuck to the barren rock. We walk up to the Gompa and circumambulate it before entering the sacred monastery of the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. We will also visit Milarepa Cave before heading back to the campsite.

Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day

Day 7

Trek from Campsite Raling Gompa (3930 m) to Bargaun (2940 m) 4 hrs

Today we gently go down retracing the same trail to the iron bridge over Ghatte Khola. We pass a junction and take the left trail that leads us to Bargaun. We continue to walk above the river bank through juniper bushes and terraced fields. We pass through Nimatang Gompa and trek above the fields to finally reach the charming village of Bargaun surrounded by fields. Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 8

Trek from Bargaun (2940 m) to Karpunath (2106 m) 3 ½ hrs

Today we head towards Karpunath descending through terraced fields that lead us to there which is one of the biggest villages in Humla. From there, we continue to go straight down to Gyackru Khola. We then follow it downstream to the village of Karpunath, located at the junction of Gyackru Khola and the Humla Karnali River. We can visit a temple near the village and also enjoy the beautiful view of Crystal Peak towering above Raling Gompa.

Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 9

Trek from Karpunath (2106 m) to Simikot (2980 m) 5 hrs

Leaving behind Karpunath, we head back to Simikot. Most part of the trekking today requires going up. We gradually ascend to the small village of Syamne following the Karnali River upstream. We then make a steep climb to Simikot with a zigzag trail on a steep slope.

Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.

Meal: full-board, three times a day.

Day 10

Flight Simikot-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu

We fly to Kathmandu early in the morning. You arrive in Kathmandu after a short flight. Whenever we arrived at the domestic airport, our company organized a private vehicle will be waiting for us in order to drop you in the respective hotel. You can spend your rest time own way. If you need any further assistance then can present with feel free. Himalayan Wander Walkers organize a good Nepali typical dinners in a typical restaurant with Nepali cultural dances, folk songs, etc. You will really enjoy it a lot.

Overnight: at the hotel set with BB plan.

Day 11

Final Departure from Kathmandu

We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3-4 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.

Meal: Breakfast.   

 

Include

Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van.
5 nights deluxe accommodation with breakfast at 3*** hotel in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj.
Kathmandu city tour as per the above itinerary and all entrance fees.
Meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot/cold filter water during the trek.
Domestic flight ticket KTM/Nepalgunj/Simikot/Nepalgunj/KTM and domestic airport tax.
1 experienced helpful and friendly guide, 1 cook and necessary porters, their food & accommodation, salary, equipment & insurance.
Tented camp or lodge/home-stay accommodation during the trek.
Humla-Simikot Restricted Area permits.
All transportation by private car.
Necessary other permits.
All Camping Equipments (Tent, mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, kitchen utensils etc.)
First Aid Medical Kit box.
Himalayan Wander Walkers Duffle Bag for Trekking
Office Service charge.

Exclude

Any meals (Lunch and Dinner) in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
Travel insurance.
International airfare to and from Nepal.
Nepal Tourist Visa fees.
Items and expenses of personal nature.
Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone call, internet.
Personal Trekking Equipments.
Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, domestic flight delays, political disturbance, and strikes, etc.
Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
Horse renting and additional porters due to Natural Calamities during the trek.
Tips for guide, porters, driver...

Important Information

* The Price given here is per person based on a minimum of 2 pax. The price will be cheaper with an increase in the number of people.

* Single Supplement is applied (incase if you are single) 

CHECKLISTS FOR SIMIKOT RALING MONASTERY TREK

  • Valid passport (valid for six months from the date of your trip)
  • One other picture ID, such as driver’s license (in case of emergency and for use as a substitute of passport or in case of loss of your passport) Photocopy of passport page to carry in a wallet
  • Air tickets (Make a copy of flight tickets which may be helpful, in case of loss)
  • Visa Clearance (Make a copy of visa clearance which may be helpful, in case of emergencies)
  • MasterCard, Visa Credit, and Debit Cards are accepted in Nepal. However, traveler's cheques and some cash are highly recommended.
  • Mobile (if your cell phone is from CINGULAR USA or ATNT (USA) operators then your cell phone will  work in Nepal.)

Guiding, Food, and Camping 
In Nepal, all trekking supplies - camping equipment, kitchen implements, food - are all carried by pack animals like mules, Yaks, and horses. Even Porters are common in Nepal. All trekkers are accompanied by a guide, a cook, and usually at least one horseman or yak herder. With the surest footing; they lead trekking groups across the passes. The horseman and cook will usually run ahead during a trekking day. They will have prepared a packed lunch for hikers and will go on to the night’s resting place to set up camp. They set up tents, cook dinner, and ready the area for arriving trekkers. When trekkers reach the campsite they are greeted with a hot cup of tea and biscuits in the dining tent. After six hours in the mountains, no drink will ever taste sweeter. For dinner, the cook will usually prepare a buffet of dishes that are as welcome as they are delicious.

DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES

  • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
  • Full pants/long skirts
  • Any type of shoes with socks
  • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
  • Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.

Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.

Frequently Asked Question

Although trekking gear is available in Nepal you are advised to bring your own gear.

Trekking or running shoes Camp shoes or thongs Socks (polypropylene)

Down or fiber-filled jacket, Jumper or piled jacket, Hiking shorts, Waterproof jackets, poncho or umbrella, Hiking pants, T-shirts or blouses, Underwear, Sun hat

Rucksack, Self Inflating Sleeping Mattress (optional), Water bottle, Torch, batteries, and bulbs