Guerrilla Trekking is newly open non tourist trekking trail, located in far western part of Nepal. This trek provides you an opportunity to see the effect of Maoist civil wars and its effect in Rukum, Rolpa and other many districts at far western part of Nepal. You can hear the stories from the local people of war which lasted for about 10 years which will provide you an insight of how miserable the life would have been of the people during those periods.
This area is not only historically important, but also important for its natural beauty and Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, which is the only hunting reserve of Nepal. The trails are for the unique traveler seeking an experience that could long ago be had in Nepal’s well-established areas.
Overview
Guerrilla trekking trail provides an opportunity to see the effect of so-called Maoist civil wars and its effect in Rukum and Rolpa district of Nepal.
Trip Highlights
- A vast collection of ethnic communities: Thakali, Dalit, Tibetan, Chhetri, Gurung, Brahmin, Newar, Kshetri and Magar.
- Natural landscapes, terraces of Jaljala region.
- Historically significant guerilla trail of the Maoist insurgents.
- This place has brought political history.
- Myagdi-Baglung trek & rich biodiversity & wildlife.
- Explore Mid western Nepalese Culture.
- The largest Rhododendron forest in the world.
- Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve – the only one in Nepal.
- The History of people war in Nepal (1996 to 2006).
Itinerary
You will be landing at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA). Our staff and representative will eagerly await your arrival holding placards bearing your names. You will be transferred to your respective hotel, where you can rest. You can visit some places in this ancient city. In the evening, our expert guiding you throughout the journey will brief you regarding the trip.
Now onwards, our guide will be there throughout the journey. Firstly, after boarding a flight from Kathmandu, we will land in Bhairawa. The temperature may vary since this is one of the hottest regions of the country. Then we drive to Lumbini and visit the birthplace of the enlightened one, ‘The Buddha’. Many Buddhist nations worldwide have also made monasteries and monuments according to their style.
We drive from Lumbini to Beni, leaving flat land and gradually climbing the hills. The twist and turns over the hills will raise curiosity within you but passing through many hills and river valleys at the end of the day. The travel would be refreshing. Since you have come here to seek adventure, it is yet to come. Finally, we spend the night here you can also try some local food.
Again, we start with a drive in the morning till Darbang on a gravel road. The road may not be tarred, but the view will certainly mesmerize you. From Darbang, the real hike begins through narrow paths and rough trails with a panorama of the mystical mountain Gurja(7,193m). We head on over the hills and far away through settlements and wild. After miles of walk, we eventually reach Takam, where we have an overnight stay.
The view of the breathtaking landscape is enough to energize us for the day’s hike. Rejoicing the view of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, we move on since the hike mostly takes you through hilly terrain. The terrace farms, the roads, and the rivers are a few things that we will be crossing. On reaching Lamsung you will know that you have covered quite some distance on foot and intermingle with the locals. The locals might share your wartime stories during the insurgence in the nati
We begin our day with a warm breakfast. We hike through dense pine and oak forest, an oasis of serenity, but at times you might encounter musk deer and other wild animals. We walk through a rocky, rugged trail that makes our journey more adventurous. The dazzling view of Dhaulagiri and Chure Himal makes us wonder how long these mighty ones have existed. On our way, we pass through a few dense forests where you might see more wild animals and make your day. Ultimately after a few hours of walk, we reach Gurjaghat, a small settlement with teahouses and lodges.
Today also the day starts in the hilly terrain with a fresh and pure environment if you are a city dweller. Our hike begins as usual and heads towards Baglung from Myagdi. We pass through the lush green forest, one of the most isolated parts of the nation, and the views are awesome. Continuing, we come across a Tibetan refugee camp leading to the Dhorpatan hunting reserve. There are high chances of seeing wildlife like Ghoral, Himalayan Thar, black bear, pheasant, partridge, etc. Ultimately, we reach the lodge and rest for the night.
The beautiful morning starts with birds singing and serenity. We head through the forest area, passing a few creeks and streams. Trekking through the wilderness we may encounter ghoral, Himalayan Thar, black bear, and many other animals. The mesmerizing view and fascinating forest are so overwhelming that you will want to capture everything on your camera. We move towards Nishi Dhor, which is a bird’s paradise. You can get a glimpse of Danphe, the national bird of Nepal, here. Finally, we spent overnight at Nishi Dhor, a small settlement on the route.
The hike starts leaving the wonderful place of Nishi Dhor, crossing a few rivulets and streams. We then enter Rukum’s former Maoist base area. Now all that remains are the memories of those insurgent days among the people living there. We pass through a few Magar villages and the ethnic people in that area. Towards the last moments of the hike, we can have an awesome view of the Dhaulagiri range. Eventually, we are now on Tallo Sera, a small village.
We continue our journey after breakfast and move among those breathtaking hilly terrain. Passing through some Magar villages in Rukum, none can ignore that these places remain untouched by modern civilization. Similarly, the district is also known as a place with 53 hills and 52 lakes. The place could have been a major tourist spot if it could have been accessed easily. We can have a magnificent view of the mighty peaks like Dhaulagiri, Chauri, Sisne, Putha Hiunchuli, and many others.
Over the hills and far away, walking through that wonderful terrain is so full of joy that it will remain within you for a long time. Today’s hike will be mostly through lush green forest and hilly paths, passing through a few remote villages. The forest of birch, pine, and fir is so soothing to walk through. Ultimately, we reach Thabang, where we spend the night, which is believed to be the most affected place during insurgence.
The view of the spirited Himalayas is so fascinating that it pushes us further. After breakfast, we hike. Walking through the dense rhododendron, pine and oak forest, we might encounter wildlife. The incredible view of mountains like Dhaulagiri, Chure, Gurja, and Putha Hiunchuli is comforting to watch. After walking for a couple of hours into the woods and opening, we ultimately reach Jaljale. You can intermingle with the people and try some local food as well.
As we enter the final days of the hike, the route becomes easy as we start descending more. We pass through lush green vegetation, valleys, and hills, and the clean and fresh air is something worth the entire trip. We passed through some ethnically mixed villages and can enjoy the panoramic view of Mt. Api and Mt. Saipal. We gradually enter Jelbang, a small and beautiful settlement, and rest for the night.
This is the last day of hiking with zeal. We move on after taking breakfast. The hike through the path of hills may be adventurous, but you have learned to be patient and persevering. We walk through the lush green forest of fir and rhododendrons, and if it is spring, the rhododendrons bloom will be a phenomenal sight. After walking for a couple of, ultimately, we are at Sulichaur where we stay overnight.
Since the drive is long, we start early. The roads are serpentine as they fall on the hilly regions through which we can enjoy the views. The road may be just above the river at certain sections, which may be a pleasing drive. We take breaks at regular intervals for refreshments and meals. Eventually, we reach Thankot, the main entrance of the Kathmandu valley. Then you are taken to the hotel, and if you are not slack after the drive, you can visit places like Thamel and buy souvenirs.
After so many days of togetherness, we depart. With a heavy heart, our staff will reach you at the airport and bid you goodbye. You must have realized that we make travel fun. There are many more beautiful and exotic trails. If this one was good, we would make others better. If you want to visit us again with more of your companions, we are always there to serve you.
Cost Includes
- Domestic airports pick up and drop in Kathmandu as per program by private car.
- Accommodation during the trek with all meals (Lunch , Dinner and Breakfast) with Cup of Tea/Coffee and room sharing basis.
- Camping+lodge (whereas possible) trek with all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by our cook) .
- Services of an experienced English speaking trekking guide, cook, kitchen helpers and porters.
- Food, salary (allowance), insurance, equipment and transportation for cook, assistance, porters etc.
- First aid kit bag.
- All equipment for camping (tent, mattress, kitchen tent, kitchen utensils, toilet tent etc)
- Sleeping bag and down jacket if necessary.
- All applicable government taxes and service charges.
Cost Excludes
- Any meals, accommodation and sightseeing in Kathmandu
- If required please let us know and as per your budget requirement we would be very happy to arrange the same.
- Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).
- Personal travel insurance against sickness, injury, accidents, damage or loss of goods.
- Liability for extra expenses caused by illness, accidents or situation beyond our control.
- Expenses of personal nature such as laundry, telephone, bar bill, tips for driver, guide and porter, etc.
- Medical and emergency evacuation charges.
- Respective expenses if one returns earlier from the trip due to sickness or emergency purpose.
- Personal equipment for Sunglasses, Sun hat, normal trekking booth, plastic trekking booth etc.
- Tips for guide & porter and others staff.
- Any other services or optional activities not mentioned above in the included list.
FAQS
While it is possible to do the Guerilla Trek solo, it is not recommended due to the remote and less-traveled nature of the trail. Having a guide can provide additional safety and navigation support, especially in areas where the trail may not be well-marked. It is also advisable to inform someone about your trekking plans and carry a reliable map or GPS device.
Accommodation during the Guerilla Trek is basic and mostly consists of teahouses or guesthouses along the trail. These provide simple rooms with shared facilities such as bathrooms and toilets. The teahouses also serve meals, including local and basic international cuisine. However, as the trek is less popular, the availability of food and accommodation may be limited in some areas.
The best time to do the Guerilla Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer pleasant weather, clear skies, and beautiful landscapes. The monsoon season (June to August) should be avoided due to the possibility of heavy rainfall, leeches, and slippery trails.
The Guerilla Trek is considered a moderate to challenging trek, suitable for experienced trekkers with a good level of fitness. The trail involves steep uphill and downhill sections, walking on rugged and rocky terrain, and crossing rivers. Some parts of the trek can be physically demanding, so it is important to be prepared and have prior trekking experience.
While it is not mandatory to hire a guide and porter for the Guerilla Trek, it is highly recommended, especially due to the remote and less-traveled nature of the trail. A guide can provide valuable information about the trail, local culture, and historical significance. A porter can carry your heavy backpack, allowing you to trek with less weight and enjoy the journey more comfortably.
The Guerilla Trek is a unique and historically significant trekking route in Nepal. It follows the footsteps of the Maoist rebels during the Nepalese Civil War and provides an opportunity to learn about the country’s recent history while enjoying the natural beauty of the region.
Some essential items to pack for the Guerilla Trek include comfortable trekking shoes, lightweight and breathable clothing, a warm jacket, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, a first aid kit, trekking poles (optional), a good quality backpack, and a sleeping bag suitable for the expected temperatures. Additionally, pack appropriate gear for variable weather conditions and consult with your guide or trekking agency for any specific equipment requirements.
Yes, you will need a permit to trek in the Guerilla Trek area. The trek falls under the restricted area, so you will need to obtain a special permit called the “Restricted Area Permit.” This permit can be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.
The Guerilla Trek does not involve trekking to very high altitudes, so the risk of altitude sickness is minimal. However, it is still important to acclimatize properly, especially if you are coming from lower elevations. Take rest days, drink plenty of water, and listen to your body to avoid any altitude-related issues.
The duration of the Guerilla Trek can vary depending on the specific itinerary and your fitness level. Generally, it takes around 13-17days to complete the trek. This includes trekking through remote villages, dense forests, terraced fields, and experiencing the local culture and lifestyle.
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