Lying in the far west of Nepal, Bajhang is a tranquil and less explored place. It usually gets ignored, but in this far-flung region lies great natural beauty, culture, and warm-heartedness. This article covers our remarkable trek from Panalta to Saipal Base Camp while capturing the essence of this beautiful region and exploring dynamic local life.
Table of contents
The Allure of Far West Nepal
The moment the mind begins to think about the various places one could visit in Nepal, there is a very familiar ring of cities: Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Far West Nepal presents an altogether different experience in presenting nature and culture in their most virgin forms. Landscapes resembling picture postcards with rolling hills and mountainous terrain form a complete contrast to the more urban regions of the country.
Spread over one of the largest districts in the Far West, Bajhang presents itself to the voyager as an unending canvas for adventure and communion with nature. From emerald forests to daylight-drenched mountain vistas, this underappreciated area indeed houses a treasure trove of natural wonders.
Journey Begins: Trekking from Panalta
Our trek started from Panalta, which falls under the Talkot Rural Municipality. The involvement of villagers while starting was so warm, making it all special. A sweet encounter with a little boy dressed up in traditional attire spoke volumes about their vibrant culture
Starting Point: Panalta
- Destination: Kuwa
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Trekking Distance: 6.9 km
- Altitude Gain: 250 meters
We started at 4:30 PM, walking on newly constructed roads that testified to the ever-increasing connectivity in these remote areas. Though the paths can sometimes be rough, they reflect the resilience of communities striving to improve their lives.
Living the Nomadic Life: Meeting Locals
The villages of Kuwa, Dhalaun, along with others, were trekked in order to understand rural life in Bajhang. This also includes the people we met on the way, who shared meals, stories of life, and some cultural lessons. Their history and living closer to nature have made life simple through the various dialogues given.
Breakfast in Jaad Lek
Each stop brought along different flavours and experiences. In Jaad Lek, the first thing we did was to have a sumptuous breakfast of millet bread with yoghurt and strike a rapport with the people very friendly and opened their arms toward us. The warmth of hospitality pierced deep into the soul itself, showing the beauty of travel: the bonding of humans.
Cultural experiences in route
The trek in Bajhang is not all about nature; it is the rich culture the place is draped with. Quite unexpectedly, while at Dhalaun, we became chief guests for the traditional Deuda dance in one of the formal cultural performances of the village. The informal exchange showed the devotion of the region to its roots, how very much alive and well the traditions of this district are, unfettered as yet by a modern onslaught.
Challenges and Rewards
Every day was different with the terrain and changes in altitude. Many times during steep hikes, we reflected upon life, nature, and the history of this beautiful region.
- Trek Duration: 9 hours 15 minutes on one of the longest days
- Distance Covered: 13.6 km to Jima
- Starting Altitude: 2210 meters
Despite all the challenges, it was exhilarating to reach Aulagad. The beautiful landscapes, sheep grazing, and rivers flowing their course made every difficult step worth the effort.
Saipal Base Camp
Finally, after days of trekking, we reached our last destination: the Saipal Base Camp. The time when we reached there was heart-touching, and the scenes of mountains and landscapes reminded us to remind the beauty of Nepal. Our life was greeted by the cold breeze and the beauty of Saipal Mountain shimmering in the early morning sun.
Responsible Trekking
We are committed trekkers and only support responsible trekking. We collected litter, left natural environments in whatever condition we happened to find them at the time, and at all times respected local culture.
It’s the responsibility of every traveller to support nature conservation.
Take home your waste for the protection and preservation of these sensitive areas for the travellers yet to be born.
FAQs
The trek begins from Panalta, which falls under Talkot Rural Municipality.
The trek from Panalta to Kuwa takes approximately 2 hours, covering a distance of 6.9 km with an altitude gain of 250 meter
Add Comment