Bhairav Kunda Trek
A shaman pilgrimage site through untouched traditional villages in spectacular Himalayan landscapes and the holy lake BhairavKund, named after the destructive aspect of Lord Shiva. Hindus and Buddhist devotees also visit this high altitude (4200m) holy mountain lake to pay homage and bathe away sins during every Bhadra (August) Full Moon. The unusual climatic and geographical mix, makes this area a naturalist's dream and a Mecca for those who appreciate traditional cultures.
Details
| Unique Experiences: | Enjoy the off the beaten track route Explore the holy lake Find the closeness of Hindu and Buddhist religion Get to know the typical mountain people and life style |
| Trip Length: | 8 Days |
| Participants: | This is a sharing experience however while you may book as an individual or group, please note that we cannot guarantee the presence of additional travelers on the date of your trip. |
| Physical Difficulty: | 4 out of 5 |
| Inclusions: | Meals: 8 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 7 Dinners Accommodations: 7 nights under camping tent (shared basis) Transportation: Kathmandu to starting point and back by local transportation Miscellaneous: Porters, English speaking guide, essential camping gears including tent, sleeping bag and mattress |
| Exclusions: | All meals Travel Insurance (Compulsory), specifically covering evacuation from remote mountain locations Tips and Gratuities Personal expenses including laundry, phone calls, bar bills, drinking water, etc Personal items including medication, clothing and trekking equipment Any unforeseen expenses due to delays or diversion due to events outside the operator’s control, for example landslides, weather hazard, road blockage, cancellation/delays of flight or strikes etc |
| Age Policy: |
Adults: 18 to 99 years of age Children: Prohibited Infants: Prohibited |
| Child Policy: | This tour is not recommended to children aged below 18 years old. |
Map
Itinerary
Day 1: Kathmandu (1350m) to Chanaute (1250m, trekking time 6 hours)
Your journey begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu (1350m), offering breathtaking views of Nepal’s mid-hills and river valleys. The route initially follows a well-paved highway up to Balephi, after which we transition onto a rugged off-road track, winding through traditional villages and terraced farmland. This diverse landscape provides a glimpse into rural Nepalese life, where farmers cultivate crops along steep hillsides. By late afternoon, we arrive at Chyandanda, a serene hillside settlement where we rest for the night.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Kathmandu to Chanaute by Public Bus
Accommodation: Camping
Day 2: Chanaute (1250m) to Khani Gaon (2000m, trekking time 6-7 hours)
Today’s trek is a steep ascent along a narrow footpath, winding through dense forests, cascading streams, and charming villages. We begin with a challenging uphill climb until we reach our lunch stop, after which the trail eases into a gentle incline with occasional sections of off-road walking. Along the way, we pass through lush terraced fields and a local school, offering insights into the daily lives of Nepalese villagers.
Khani Gaon, a historically significant Newar village, derives its name from "Khani" (meaning source of mines) and "Gaon" (meaning village). The village was founded in the mid-18th century when the people of Bhaktapur fled to this site following the battle with Gorkha. Even today, the village retains its Newar heritage, evident in the traditional wood-carved houses, temples, and cultural practices. From the campsite, trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Day 3: Khani Gaon (2000m) to Forest Camp (3150m, trekking time 4-5 hours)
The trail ascends steeply through a dense rhododendron forest, a highlight of the trek, particularly in spring when the trees burst into vivid red, pink, and white blossoms. As we climb, we pass through high-altitude grazing meadows, where nomadic herders reside in seasonal stone huts.
The forest is rich in wildlife, and with a bit of luck, we might spot Himalayan black bears, leopards, or exotic bird species. The night is spent at Forest Camp, a secluded spot surrounded by nature’s tranquillity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Day 4: Forest Camp (3150m) to Pati (3900m, trekking time 4-5 hours)
We continue our uphill journey through towering pine and rhododendron forests, ascending steadily. Upon reaching Pati, we encounter pilgrim shelters, small stone houses built by devotees who visit the sacred lakes and shrines of the region. From the campsite, the panorama unfolds to reveal the Rolwaling Range, Langtang Himal, and distant Tibetan peaks. If the weather is clear, we are rewarded with a spectacular sunset over the snow-capped mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Day 5: Pati (3900m)
Today is a rest day to adjust to the high altitude. Trekkers can explore the surroundings or opt for a short hike, ascending 200 meters higher to further aid acclimatization. This allows for better adaptation before the next major climb.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Day 6: Pati (3900m) to Bhairav Kunda (4150m, trekking time 3-4 hours)
The day begins with a one-hour uphill climb, followed by a gentler stretch and a final steep ascent of about two and a half hours to reach Bhairav Kunda, a sacred high-altitude lake. "Bhairav Kunda" translates to "Lake of Bhairav," the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. At 4,150m, the site is revered by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, who gather in June/July for a holy bath and religious ceremonies. The small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva adds to the spiritual aura of this mystical place.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Day 7: Bhairav Kunda (4150m) - Bhairav Viewpoint (4500m, trekking time 6-7 hours)
An early morning climb of about 1.5 hours takes us to the Bhairav Viewpoint (approx..4500m), a stunning vantage point that offers breathtaking sunrise views over the Langtang, Jugal Himal, Rolwaling, and Tibetan mountain ranges. After descending back to Bhairav Kunda for breakfast, the trek continues with a steep downhill descent through forests and highland pastures, leading to a Sherpa village. This area reflects Tibetan Buddhist traditions, with prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens scattered along the path.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Day 8: Sherpa Gaon (2500m) - Nayapul (trekking time 5-6 hours)
Our final trekking day involves a steady descent through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and remote villages, bringing us to Nayapul. The trek offers a last chance to soak in the beauty of rural Nepal, where traditional lifestyles persist amidst the grandeur of the Himalayas.
From Nayapul, we board a vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu, concluding our incredible journey through cultural, spiritual, and natural landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Nayapul to Kathmandu by Public Bus
Disclaimer: The description may not be completely accurate due to potential changes in terrain, weather conditions, government rules, flight etc. On any unavoidable circumstance your guide might suggest or make necessary changes on the route such as but not limited to, health issues, natural hazard, cancellation/delays on flights, blockage etc. Every effort will be made to ensure that the trip runs as planned but cannot be guarantee.
Your journey begins with an early morning drive from Kathmandu (1350m), offering breathtaking views of Nepal’s mid-hills and river valleys. The route initially follows a well-paved highway up to Balephi, after which we transition onto a rugged off-road track, winding through traditional villages and terraced farmland. This diverse landscape provides a glimpse into rural Nepalese life, where farmers cultivate crops along steep hillsides. By late afternoon, we arrive at Chyandanda, a serene hillside settlement where we rest for the night.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Transportation: Kathmandu to Chanaute by Public Bus
Accommodation: Camping
Day 2: Chanaute (1250m) to Khani Gaon (2000m, trekking time 6-7 hours)
Today’s trek is a steep ascent along a narrow footpath, winding through dense forests, cascading streams, and charming villages. We begin with a challenging uphill climb until we reach our lunch stop, after which the trail eases into a gentle incline with occasional sections of off-road walking. Along the way, we pass through lush terraced fields and a local school, offering insights into the daily lives of Nepalese villagers.
Khani Gaon, a historically significant Newar village, derives its name from "Khani" (meaning source of mines) and "Gaon" (meaning village). The village was founded in the mid-18th century when the people of Bhaktapur fled to this site following the battle with Gorkha. Even today, the village retains its Newar heritage, evident in the traditional wood-carved houses, temples, and cultural practices. From the campsite, trekkers can enjoy stunning views of the Himalayan peaks.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Day 3: Khani Gaon (2000m) to Forest Camp (3150m, trekking time 4-5 hours)
The trail ascends steeply through a dense rhododendron forest, a highlight of the trek, particularly in spring when the trees burst into vivid red, pink, and white blossoms. As we climb, we pass through high-altitude grazing meadows, where nomadic herders reside in seasonal stone huts.
The forest is rich in wildlife, and with a bit of luck, we might spot Himalayan black bears, leopards, or exotic bird species. The night is spent at Forest Camp, a secluded spot surrounded by nature’s tranquillity.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Day 4: Forest Camp (3150m) to Pati (3900m, trekking time 4-5 hours)
We continue our uphill journey through towering pine and rhododendron forests, ascending steadily. Upon reaching Pati, we encounter pilgrim shelters, small stone houses built by devotees who visit the sacred lakes and shrines of the region. From the campsite, the panorama unfolds to reveal the Rolwaling Range, Langtang Himal, and distant Tibetan peaks. If the weather is clear, we are rewarded with a spectacular sunset over the snow-capped mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Day 5: Pati (3900m)
Today is a rest day to adjust to the high altitude. Trekkers can explore the surroundings or opt for a short hike, ascending 200 meters higher to further aid acclimatization. This allows for better adaptation before the next major climb.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Day 6: Pati (3900m) to Bhairav Kunda (4150m, trekking time 3-4 hours)
The day begins with a one-hour uphill climb, followed by a gentler stretch and a final steep ascent of about two and a half hours to reach Bhairav Kunda, a sacred high-altitude lake. "Bhairav Kunda" translates to "Lake of Bhairav," the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva. At 4,150m, the site is revered by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, who gather in June/July for a holy bath and religious ceremonies. The small temple dedicated to Lord Shiva adds to the spiritual aura of this mystical place.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Day 7: Bhairav Kunda (4150m) - Bhairav Viewpoint (4500m, trekking time 6-7 hours)
An early morning climb of about 1.5 hours takes us to the Bhairav Viewpoint (approx..4500m), a stunning vantage point that offers breathtaking sunrise views over the Langtang, Jugal Himal, Rolwaling, and Tibetan mountain ranges. After descending back to Bhairav Kunda for breakfast, the trek continues with a steep downhill descent through forests and highland pastures, leading to a Sherpa village. This area reflects Tibetan Buddhist traditions, with prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens scattered along the path.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Camping
Day 8: Sherpa Gaon (2500m) - Nayapul (trekking time 5-6 hours)
Our final trekking day involves a steady descent through lush forests, terraced farmlands, and remote villages, bringing us to Nayapul. The trek offers a last chance to soak in the beauty of rural Nepal, where traditional lifestyles persist amidst the grandeur of the Himalayas.
From Nayapul, we board a vehicle for the drive back to Kathmandu, concluding our incredible journey through cultural, spiritual, and natural landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Transportation: Nayapul to Kathmandu by Public Bus
Disclaimer: The description may not be completely accurate due to potential changes in terrain, weather conditions, government rules, flight etc. On any unavoidable circumstance your guide might suggest or make necessary changes on the route such as but not limited to, health issues, natural hazard, cancellation/delays on flights, blockage etc. Every effort will be made to ensure that the trip runs as planned but cannot be guarantee.
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