The Ultimate Guide to Badimalika: The Complete Celebration Journey – Best Solo Trek in Nepal
It is 4:40 am, and I’m sitting in a hillside meadow surrounded by grassy ridges. The cold air has caused my tent to frost over during the night. Below me, there are small fires burning bright, glowing embers of fire from pilgrims. The sweet scent of juniper smoke fills the air. A bell starts ringing up above me, and an old lady sitting next to me puts her hands together and says, “Malika has called us.” In minutes, everyone is heading up the hill.
This is why I always return to Badimalika. The trek leads to a real pilgrimage site. It is a high meadow walk but also includes some village walking. The trail is a raw, authentic experience.
If you’re looking for a solo trek to Badimalika, then you’ve come to the right place! This guide will help you with everything you need to know. I will show you the route, daily itinerary, how much it costs to do a package, permits needed, festival dates, what to pack, and some mistakes I made to avoid.
A little about me. I am a trekking guide in western Nepal. Badimalika is the best route to take if you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience and not looking for crowds. I have done this trek as a solo trekker with two friends and family groups from four different continents. I learn something new every time.
This guide is like advice from a friend who lives here.
Short Answer
The Badimalika Trek is a 4-6 day camping pilgrimage to a 4214 m high Shakti Peetha temple in Bajura. Most trekkers fly to Nepalgunj and then head to the trailhead town of Martadi. From here, you climb through high alpine meadows to reach the temple. The best times to go are April to June and September to November. August is also a great time to go, as there is a great fair called Janai Purnima.
Why Choose a Solo Trek to Badimalika?
If you ask 10 trekkers in Nepal which trek they would recommend, you’ll get the same answer: Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang. Almost no-one will mention Bajura. The best Badimalika trek offers you the grand Himalayan views and authentic culture. There are no queues, no coffee shop menus, and no expensive price tags.
The reasons why Badimalika is a great temple trek are
- A real Shakti Peetha temple at 4214m. Pilgrims believe that Sati Devi’s left shoulder fell here.
- A great chain of high alpine meadows along the route. These are known as patans.
- Every August, there is a famous fair called Janai Purnima. Tens of thousands of pilgrims climb up the mountain with drums and singing.
- No lodges, shops, or ATMs above Martadi. Just camping under the stars.
- Beautiful views over the Saipal Himal range on clear mornings.
- Easy, moderate walking along steep pilgrim paths.
Who is this trek suitable for?
Honestly, almost anyone. Couples love this trek, as it’s a great team effort. Families with teenagers will find it manageable with an extra rest day. Backpackers who think they have seen it all will be brought back down to earth with a bump. If you’re visiting Nepal for the first time, I would recommend going with a guide, but the walking is easy.
Solo trekkers will find this one of the few major pilgrimages in Nepal that is completely normal to do solo. Local pilgrims do this every year. However, I would still recommend going with a local guide to help with navigation, language, and safety. I will explain why later. But it is the best solo trekking experience in western Nepal.
The value of this trek. The price of a fully guided Badimalika trek is lower than most Annapurna itineraries. More importantly, your money goes to one of the least visited districts in Nepal. You’re only booking once, so all the guides, porters, jeep drivers, and village homestays will benefit. It is a unique cultural tour in Nepal and at a fair price.
Badimalika Trek Quick Facts
Save this table. It answers ninety percent of the emails I get about the Badimalika package.
Item Details
Duration: 12 days from Kathmandu (6 walking days) or 9 days ex-Nepalgunj
Starting Point: Kathmandu (or Nepalgunj for the short version)
Ending Point Kathmandu (or Nepalgunj)
Transportation Domestic flights, private jeeps, and trekking on foot
Best Season April–June and September–November; August for the Janai Purnima fair
Group Size 1–12 travelers (solo trekkers welcome)
Difficulty Moderate — steep in places, no technical climbing
Suitable Age Roughly 14–70 with good fitness
Tour Type Pilgrimage trek with full camping support
Maximum Altitude 4,214 m at Badimalika Temple
Meals Full board on the trek; breakfast in cities
Accommodation: Hotels in Nepalgunj and Martadi; expedition-style tents above Martadi
Full Itinerary—Badimalika
This 12-day Badimalika trekking itinerary includes 6 trekking days, all by road, and 2 days of leeway. The remote western region is very rewarding for those who are willing to take their time.
The local names of the stages can vary slightly depending on the season and village. Some groups stay at Sota Patan and not Ratapani. Pilgrims are often quicker. This itinerary is based on the most common pace we travel at on private and guided treks.
Kathmandu – Introduction / Flight to Nepalgunj (2 days)
Day 1 is a preparation day. We will make sure you are set up with all the right equipment, and any missing items will be rented. A good pair of boots is more important than a big rucksack. We will walk through the route map, and then you will have some free time in the evening.
We will fly for 55 minutes to Nepalgunj (150m). You will arrive at the start of your trek. The views are amazing as you move from Kathmandu to the flat Terai plains. In the afternoon, we can visit the Bageshwori Temple, which is one of the Shakti Peethas in Nepal. This is a great way to start your trek with a little prayer. We will stay in a comfortable hotel near the airport with breakfast included from day 3. You will have some free time in the evening.
Martadi (Longest Day of Travel)
Today is the start of your expedition! If the small airstrip at Kolti (1600 m) is operational, we will fly there in the morning and drive for 3-4 hours to Martadi (1500 m), the capital of Bajura. If the flight is not operating (often isn’t), we will drive via Attariya, Dadeldhura, and Sanphebagar. This is a long, bumpy drive. Some groups will split this journey and stay in Sanphebagar.
We will arrive at Martadi in the evening. This is a basic town with a few hotels, shops, a bank counter, and intermittent mobile reception. Charge up all your kit tonight. This is where I will do a final check of your food and tents, as there is nothing to buy above here. We will stay in a basic lodge.
Dahakot (Start of Trek)
Today is a gentle start to your trek. We will descend into the terraced fields, cross a side stream, and steadily climb to Dahakot (2100 m). This will take 5-6 hours with a long lunch stop. Kids will wave from their doorways,, and you will smell pine resin.
The best photography of the trip is in the morning as the sun hits the terraces near Martadi. Always ask permission to take photos of people, and they will usually smile. We will camp near the village tonight. If invited to a local family for tea, say yes! Dahakot is quite high, so we will make sure you drink plenty of water and take it easy.
Ratapani (High Meadows)
Today you will really start to see the views open up. We will steadily climb through the forest of oak and rhododendrons and then open up into the first large patens. This is what this region is famous for! There are small huts dotted throughout the grassy meadows. In October, the whole slope will smell like freshly cut hay. This will take 6-7 hours to reach Ratapani (2900m).
We will be climbing a total of around 2400m over the next 3 days. This is faster than ideal acclimatization, so we will take it easy. Take small steps, take deep breaths, and take a good break at lunch. If you start to feel a headache coming on, let your guide know. Altitude sickness can be easily managed if caught early but can be very dangerous.
Triveni Dham & Temple Camp
You will really feel like you are on a pilgrimage today. We will walk through more meadows and join the main pilgrimage route to Triveni Dham (approx. 3300 m). This is a sacred confluence, and pilgrims will stop to have a wash and pray. This will take 6-7 hours in total. We will spend the last hour heading to our campsite on one of the shoulders below the temple (approx. 3900 m).
The atmosphere in the evening is incredible. The prayer flags are flapping in the wind, and pilgrims are singing in small groups. The temperature drops quickly, so we will eat early in the mess tent. Everyone will go to bed feeling warm and tired.
Badimalika Temple (Main Event!)
We will wake up before 4 am and take the final 300m up to the temple with our head torches. Badimalika Temple is the reason why you are here. The temple itself is very simple. It is a stone shrine situated on a windswept ridge at 4214m. There are 2 priests who look after the temple. One represents the Bajura district, and the other comes from the neighboring Kalikot. As the first light hits the snowfields of the Saipal range, your legs will forget they are tired.
The morning will follow the pilgrimage. Pilgrims will walk around the shrine anticlockwise, offering bells, flags, and coconuts. They will also receive tika from the priest. You can watch the whole thing or respectfully join in if you wish. No one will pressure you.
After the puja we will walk along the ridge to the basins below the summit. These are covered in thousands of small stone cairns to show their prayers have been answered. It is said that the temple was built here after King Dipraj Chhatyal was stopped halfway through his hunt by the goddess in a dream. He then worked with Jumli Maharaj to build the first shrine here. On my first visit, I was rushing to get the stories, but on later visits I sat and listened. The ridge became a whole different place.
It can get very cold at night here, so wear all your layers. Eat light meals and drink plenty of fluids. Don’t run around the ridge as the air only contains around 60% of the oxygen we get at sea level.
Back to Ratapani
We will head back down to Ratapani (2900m). This will take around 5-6 hours. Your knees will remember! Trekking poles will come in handy today. The meadows look completely different in the afternoon, so keep your camera ready.
We will feel like royalty tonight. We will have time for another cup of tea, wash our socks, and the crew will sing. Sleep well, as this is the final trekking day.
Back to Martadi
This will take around 7-8 hours. We will mostly be going downhill so your legs will be tired. We will arrive late afternoon and have the best shower of your life (assuming the solar panels have been kind!). The evening will be for the crew. Tips are traditionally given at this meal. See the travel tips below for local traditions.
Return Journey (3 Days with Leeway)
On day 10 we will head back. If the flight to Kolti is operating, we will take it. If not, we will drive back in the jeep. We often stay overnight in Sanphebagar. On day 11 we will arrive in Nepalgunj. On day 12 we have our leeway day. This is not a luxury. Flights in the far west often get cancelled due to the weather, jeeps break down, and landslides block roads. A smart person planning their Badimalika trek will include this day as a safety net. If everything goes to plan, you can use it to buy souvenirs or have a relaxed day in Kathmandu before your international departure.
Top Attractions
Temple of Malika Bhagawati (4214m)
This is the reason why you are here. Badimalika is one of the Shakti Peethas according to Hindu texts and local traditions. This means it is one of the sacred sites where parts of Sati Devi fell. Here is her left shoulder, which fell on the mountain. The old stories refer to this mountain as Mallagiri. This was shortened to Malika. Hence the name Badimalika.
The temple itself is simple. It has stone walls and a section with a copper roof. There are bells donated by pilgrims whose wishes have been granted. The simplicity is what makes it special. This is not a museum. Families from Achham, Bajhang, Kalikot, and Doti all walk here. You can take photos outside of the inner shrine. Just ask the priest first. The best time to visit is at sunrise as the light hits the Saipal peaks.
Triveni Dham
About an hour from the temple, we will pass Triveni Dham. This is a sacred confluence for pilgrims. Many will have a wash here before the final climb. It is believed that you should enter the hardest part of your journey clean. In festival season, the meadow will be full of tents and singing. Even on quieter days it is peaceful and is a favourite for photographers. The best time to visit is in the morning.
22 Patans
As we head up the ridge to the temple, we will pass a long series of alpine meadows. Locals refer to these as the 22 patans. It feels like you are walking through one giant garden that has been tilted. Each basin has a name, herders, and a vibe. In Autumn the grass turns a copper colour, and in Spring the first flowers bloom with snow still hiding in the shadows. If you are a landscape lover, then try to include some time to visit these meadows. My favourite is the basin just below Ratapani at the end of the day.
Martadi Bazaar
Martadi (1500m) is our gateway town. This is the last real market you will see. Wool blankets, copper pots and grain sacks will be bought and sold. The guesthouses are simple, but the hospitality is not. Buy your trekking snacks here. This is the last place you will have easy access to cash. Having a cup of salt tea on the roof of Martadi as the valley gets dark is a little treat I plan my trips around.
Nateshwori Temple (Sister Shrine)
Local traditions state that after worshipping at Badimalika, you should also pay homage to her older sister, Devi Bhagawati, at Nateshwori Temple in Triveni Municipality. The 2 shrines are spiritually connected. Families will always complete this if they can. If your schedule allows, then include this on your lower route. It also includes more walking through villages which many travellers fall in love with.
Saipal Himal Views
Badimalika is quite remote from the main Himalayan range, but this gives us a unique viewpoint. On clear mornings, we will look out over the Saipal Himal (7025m) and surrounding peaks. Few trekkers will ever see this side of the mountains in Nepal. The best time to take photos is at sunrise and in the first hour. By mid-morning, the clouds will usually roll into the valleys.
Khaptad National Park (Extension)
We are lucky with the geography. Khaptad National Park is within reach. This includes rolling plateau and the hermitage of the saint Khaptad Baba. Trekkers will add around 3-4 days to their itinerary. We will enter the park from the Bajura side. There is a park entrance fee of NPR 1500 for foreigners and NPR 500 for SAARC Nationals. A combination of Badimalika and Khaptad is one of the best wilderness treks left in Nepal and one of the least travelled.
Culture
The far west is often referred to as the last frontier of Nepal and rightfully so. Bajura is still one of the least developed districts in the country. You will still be a novelty. This means you will receive incredible hospitality but will also see real hardship.
Most people in the area are from the Chhetri, Thakuri, Brahmin, and Dalit communities. Hinduism plays a big role in their lives, but there are also older traditions. The local shamans (Jhankri) still practise their ways alongside the temple priests. You may hear the sound of their drums mixed with the temple bells during the August fair.
The language is Nepali. It is spoken with a melodic far western accent which can be confusing even for those from Kathmandu. Learn a few words of greeting. Learn Namaste, Dhanyabad and Kasto chha? And use them often.
There are a few common courtesies. Take your shoes off at the temple doorways. Walk around shrines anticlockwise. Never jump over a sacred fire or offering. Always ask permission to take photos of people, especially during rituals. Dress modestly in villages. Shorts will cause stares; if offered tea, always accept. It is harder on the host if you refuse.
The crafts reflect the economy. Wool textiles, copper items, and grain baskets are all made by the locals. The blankets in Martadi are honest. The food is dairy-heavy and millet-based. See the food section below for full details.
The festivals are the highlight of the culture. The Janai Purnima fair (Shrawan Shukla Chaturdashi to full moon, usually August) transforms the mountain. There is a smaller gathering to celebrate Ganga Dussehra in late May/June. Dashain and Tihar light up the villages. If you want to experience the celebratory side of Badimalika, then try to time your trip around these dates. Book well in advance.
Best time to do the Badimalika Trek
The best time to do the Badimalika depends on what you want to get out of the trek. Here’s a breakdown:
Spring (March to May)
Stable and warming weather. Temperatures on the trail will be between 10-18 degrees in the valleys and -2 to -5 degrees at night in the temples. Rhododendrons will be in bloom under 3000m in April. There will be very little people on the trail. Some years there will be a small amount of culture with the mela in Chaitra (around Ram Navami). Great photography with crystal-clear mornings and beautiful flowers in the foreground. The downside is that there will still be snow on the upper trail in March, which can slow down the final ascent. Overall, spring is best for most trekkers looking for a private Badimalika trek.
Summer (June to August)
This is a monsoon season! The trails will be muddy, and leeches will be in the forest belts. However, lots of people still come to this area as it’s the last week of Shrawan and the Malika Chaturdashi and the Janai Purnima full moon. This is the largest fair in the far west, and tens of thousands of pilgrims will come to the area. The mountain will be full of life with tarps, drums and songs.
If you want to take part in the celebration then this is the time to come. Everything needs to be booked in advance and you’ll need serious rain gear. Toileting facilities will be simple. If you want great views and comfort, then go in Autumn.
Autumn (September to November)
This is postcard season! This is my favourite time to do a guided Badimalika trek. The monsoon has cleaned the air and the views from Saipal will be crystal clear. Temperatures will be between 10-18 degrees during the day and -3 to -8 degrees at night in November. The meadows will be a beautiful copper colour. The trails will be the driest in October. There will be very few people on the trails compared to Everest. All the villages will be decorated for Dashain. The downside is that the mornings will be chilly and the high passes in other areas of Nepal will be busy. Flights will need to be booked in advance.
Winter (December to February)
This is a peaceful time to visit. The temple ridge will be covered in snow for weeks. The upper trail will be dangerous if you don’t have mountaineering knowledge. Local pilgrims will still come when the weather is good, but organised camping treks will be rare. I would not recommend doing the summit section if you’re an average traveller. If you must come, then plan to do some low valley walks around Martadi and the Nateshwori side. The upside is that you’ll have complete peace and lovely winter light. The downside is that you may not get to see the main attraction.
Accommodation
There are no luxury lodges along this route and no teahouses above Martadi. If anyone is offering a luxury Badimalika trek, then they’re selling you a dream. We can offer you the most comfortable version of a true remote trek.
Budget (Martadi & low villages)
Basic lodges with shared rooms, squat or basic Western toilets, and bucket showers. Prices range between NPR800-1500 per night. The upside is that it’s affordable, warm, and supports the locals directly. The downside is that the walls are thin, there isn’t much variety in the food, and charging can be inconsistent.
Standard (Nepalgunj)
Clean hotels with aircon near the airport. Prices range between USD25-60 per night with breakfast. The upside is that you’ll have a reliable place to stay before and after your trek. The downside is that there is nothing to it. Nepalgunj is a transit town.
Boutique & heritage
There is very little boutique/heritage in the far west. There are a few upgraded hotels in Nepalgunj which will give you the best rooms available. I book these for those wanting a little extra comfort.
Homestay
Community homestays are becoming popular around the lower trail and villages near Triveni Municipality and Nateshwori. You’ll have a shared room, locally cooked food, and unforgettable evenings. The upside is that you’ll get the most immersive cultural experience, and your money goes directly to families. The downside is that sanitation will be basic, there won’t be much privacy, and they can be seasonal. We’ll confirm the nights you’ll be staying at homestays near your departure date.
Camping (on the trek)
We camp in twin tents from Martadi. We have a mess tent and toilet tent. The upside is that this is the only way to stay near the temple, and you’ll have some amazing nights under the stars. The downside is that it will be cold (under zero at 3900m even in good seasons), you won’t be able to shower (just a bowl of warm water), and everything you bring in will have to be taken out.
Getting to Badimalika
Getting to Badimalika is half the adventure!
By Air
Flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj take 55 minutes. There are several flights a day with Nepali Airlines. Book in advance for October, November, and the festival in August. Flights from Nepalgunj to the Kolti airstrip (1600m) will only run if the weather is good and there is demand. It’s a small plane, and flights will often get cancelled. We always include a road option in our itineraries.
By Road
The road route is Attariya to Dadeldhura to Sanphebagar to Martadi. Distances aren’t long on the map, but they will feel long! From Nepalgunj you’ll have a very long day in the Jeeps (often 12-14 hours). Many groups will split this with an overnight stay in Sanphebagar or Mangalsen. The roads will be mostly dirt after the lowlands. There can be landslides during the monsoon, which can cause sections of road to be closed for hours or days.
Jeeps
A full jeep from Nepalgunj to Martadi will cost between NPR 30,000- 45,000 one way. Shared seats will cost between NPR 4,000- 6,000 if available. We recommend booking with your operator, as the vehicles on this route are more important than the price difference.
On the trek
The trek itself is approximately 50- 55 km round trip from Martadi. You’ll be walking for 5-8 hours a day. The trails are pilgrim trails, so they will be steep, direct, and loose in places. There are no cable bridges or ladders, but there are several streams to cross. You’ll need waterproof boots!
Transfers to and from the airport and internal transport are included in the cost of your package. When departing, please make sure you have a return day. The number one error I see with people’s itineraries is booking an international flight home the same evening you arrive back in Kathmandu.
Food & Local Cuisine
The food in the far west is fuel! On the trail you’ll have 3 hot meals a day cooked by your cooks. Breakfast will be porridge or chapati. Lunch and dinner will be dal bhat (rice, lentils and vegetables). You’ll also have soup and popcorn/biscuits for snacks. Dal bhat is no joke on this route. It’s balanced, and you’ll never run out!
In the villages, you’ll get seasonal food. Try the Dhido (a thick porridge made from millet or buckwheat) with gundruk (a punchy leafy green that’s been fermented).
Millet roti, fresh curd, and goat curry for celebrations. Butter tea is available in higher settlements.
Vegetarians will eat very well as most days will be vegetarian. Vegans can be catered for if given notice. Ask us to plan your meals to be oil-based with no dairy. Halal food can be tricky as there is very little dedicated halal in the far west. Muslims should plan to eat vegetarian on the trek. Let us know in advance so we can adjust the kitchen.
Drinks
You’ll have boiled water, black tea, milk tea and occasionally local raksi in the lower areas. I don’t drink any alcohol above 3000m and you shouldn’t either. It makes you less tolerant to the cold and helps with acclimatisation.
Drink only boiled, filtered, or treated water. Don’t eat raw salads in the villages. Eat peeled fruit. Bring electrolyte sachets. On my second trip I didn’t follow my own advice and ate a cucumber from the bazaar that hadn’t been peeled. I paid for it for 2 days! Learn from my mistakes.
Badimalika Packing List
People overpack for Everest and underpack for the far west. The Badimalika packing list below is what we actually issue and use.
Clothing
- Warm jacket (synthetic or down, rated for -10°C nights)
- Waterproof shell jacket and rain pants
- Fleece mid-layer plus two thermal base layers
- Three quick-dry trekking shirts and two trekking pants
- Warm hat, sun hat, liner gloves, and a buff
- Thick and thin socks, plus spare underwear
- Modest outfit for temple visits
Footwear
- Broken-in waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
- Camp sandals or light shoes for evenings
- Gaiters for monsoon or spring snow
Electronics
- Headlamp plus spare batteries
- Power bank of at least 10,000 mAh — there is no charging above Martadi
- Camera with spare memory cards
- Nepali SIM-compatible unlocked phone
Documents
- Passport with at least six months’ validity and Nepal visa
- Two passport photos and printed copies of everything
- Travel insurance certificate with helicopter rescue coverage
- Cash in Nepali rupees — no ATMs beyond Martadi
Personal Items
- Sunscreen (SPF 50), lip balm, and sunglasses
- Quick-dry towel, biodegradable soap, and wet wipes
- Toilet paper and a small hand trowel — above Martadi, it is leave-no-trace
- Water purification tablets or a filter bottle
Health and First Aid
- Personal medication plus a written prescription list
- Diamox or your doctor’s preferred altitude medicine, discussed before travel
- Blister kit, elastic bandage, and rehydration salts
- Small hand sanitizer and face masks for the jeep days
Badimalika Trek Cost Breakdown
Realistic numbers help you plan, so here is a transparent picture of the Badimalika trek package cost. Prices are estimates in current market ranges and change with fuel, season, and group size — ask us for a live quote before you budget in stone.
Cost Item Typical Range (USD) Notes
- Full-service camping package, 12 days 1,850–2,100 per person, Kathmandu to Kathmandu, all four domestic flight legs included
- Kathmandu–Nepalgunj flight, one-way 100–140. Fares rise in peak season
- Nepalgunj hotel nights: 25–60 per night, Standard category with breakfast
- Jeep, Nepalgunj–Martadi (charter): NPR 250–350 per vehicle NPR 30,000–45,000 one way
- Shared jeep seat 30–45 NPR 4,000–6,000 when available
- Licensed guide 25–35 per day Included in package
- Porter 15–22 per day Included in package
- Martadi lodge 6–12 per night NPR 800–1,500, basic
- Khaptad NP entry (extension) 10–11 NPR 1,500 foreigner, NPR 500 SAARC
- Helicopter evacuation (if needed) 3,000–6,000 Insurance must cover this
What the Package Includes
- All domestic flights: Kathmandu–Nepalgunj round trip and the Kolti hop when it operates
- Private jeeps and all airport transfers on the fixed itinerary
- Full camping support above Martadi: tents, mess tent, toilet tent, kitchen crew
- Three meals daily on trek with tea and coffee
- Licensed English-speaking guide, porter support, and their insurance
- Martadi lodge nights, Nepalgunj hotel nights with breakfast
- Permits and local entry fees on the standard route, plus the crew’s equipment
What the Package Excludes
- Nepal visa fees and international flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory, with high-altitude rescue)
- Personal gear, sleeping bag rental if needed, and batteries
- Extra nights from weather delays beyond the built-in buffer
- Bar bills, souvenirs, and tipping for the crew
- Khaptad National Park entry if you take the extension
Be honest with yourself regarding hidden costs. The highest cost is if your flight gets delayed due to weather. If your flight is delayed by 3 days, for example, you will have to pay for food and accommodation. We include extra days in our prices, but many solo trekkers forget. Be sure to have 20% extra cash, and you won’t get into a pickle.
Badimalika Travel Tips
Cash & ATMs
You can withdraw cash from Kathmandu or Nepalgunj. There is a bank counter in Martadi; however, cash can be limited during festival times. You won’t find anything else. Have small amounts of cash to pay for tea houses, donations, and tips.
SIM & Internet
Purchase a Nepal Telecom SIM card from Kathmandu. Be sure to get data activated before your flight to the West. The new tower in the Badimalika region now provides 4G coverage from NT. This has helped greatly with contacting in emergencies. However, coverage can be hit or miss above Martadi. Don’t expect to stream anything. Tell your family you won’t have internet for days.
Tipping
A crew share is usually around 8-10% of the total cost of your trip. This should be placed in an envelope given to your guide at the farewell dinner. It is not compulsory, but it is how good crews get paid fairly.
Safety
We recommend putting your insurance details with us. Walk at the pace of your guide above Ratapani. Inform your guide if you have a headache. Solo trekkers should message their guide every day if possible. During mela days, follow the crowd and keep your valuables safe in the night camps.
There are very few scams in this region, which is one of the positives. Jeeps can be a bit pricey during festival times, and there are often unofficial helpers at the start of the trail. If you book with a registered local company, then you won’t have these issues.
Local Culture
Always give and take with your right hand. Ask for people’s names before taking a photo. Never point your feet towards the fire or shrine. Don’t be too affectionate in public. During the fair, avoid flying your drone close to any rituals as it will cause disturbance to people and animals.
Photography
Be respectful to the pilgrims who are praying. Take plenty of landscape and flag photos. Ask for people photos and send prints back through your operator. This little gesture will create more goodwill than tipping.
Responsible Tourism in Badimalika Region
This region has very generous hosts, and there isn’t much room for error, so responsible tourism is very real.
- Support the local economy. Use local guides and porters. Stay in local homestays if possible along the route. Buy food and blankets in Martadi. The amount you spend each day is more important than almost anywhere in Nepal.
- Reduce waste. There is no waste system above Martadi, so everything you put in your pack must come out with us. This includes wrappers, batteries, and tampons. Use a filtered bottle. Don’t burn or bury anything. The ground doesn’t really break down anything at 4200m.
- Be respectful. The temple is a real shrine. Don’t stand on the chortens or flags. Avoid flying your drone near any rituals. Ask the priest before going into the inner shrine area.
Wildlife & Forests
The forests of Bajura are home to the Himalayan black bear, Himalayan monal, and mountain leopard. The province declared the Badimalika-Ramaroshan Forest Conservation Area in 2026 to protect this corridor. Stick to the trails, keep noise to a minimum in the evening, and never feed any animals. Feeding them will change their behaviour long after you have left.
Water
Use the boiled water in the camps. Wash away from the streams. Use biodegradable soap in a basin only.
Badimalika Trek vs Khaptad National Park Trek
Many travellers ask me which of the two amazing treks in the region to go on. They are sisters and are very similar; however, they are perfect for different moods.
Aspect: Badimalika Trek, Khaptad National Park Trek
Main focus: Pilgrimage temple at 4,214 m; rolling protected plateau and meadows
Maximum altitude: 4,214 m Around 3,000–3,700 m on the plateau
Trail style: Steep, direct pilgrim paths; gentler grassland and forest tracks
Sleeping: Full camping above Martadi; basic park lodges and camping mixes
Crowds: Tiny, except the August fair. Very few visitors year-round
Access: Via Martadi (Bajura), via Doti or Achham side
Fees: No park fee on the standard route; NPR 1,500 for foreigners, NPR 500 for SAARC
Best for Celebration, devotion, big ridge sunrise, quiet wildlife, botany, long meadow walks
My recommendation would be to do the Badimalika trek to get that amazing feeling at the summit. If you have an extra 2 days, then also add on the Khaptad trek to enjoy some wilderness vibes. This is the best cultural trek in far west Nepal and is a great addition to any heritage tour you may do around Kathmandu.
WHY BOOK YOUR BADIMALIKA TREK WITH US?
Local to the area, we are a registered company in Nepal. Our guides are local to the far west, so you will get true translation, true relationships with the homestay owners, and true knowledge of the weather. Something you cannot really purchase.
Transparent pricing. Everything you need to know is included/excluded. We include the extra days in our quotes. No festival supplements to pay upon arrival. 24/7 emergency support. Satellite phone available above Martadi and evacuation plans with the crew.
Flexible itineraries. We can run private Badimalika treks on any dates you like. Family-friendly treks with an extra acclimatisation day. We can also add on Khaptad treks.
We can also run solo treks with a guide to accompany you. If you want to add this into a larger best Nepal tour package, we can create bespoke links.
BADIMALIKA TREK FAQ
How long is the Badimalika trek?
The standard trek takes 12 days from Kathmandu (6 trekking days + 2 extra days). The short version takes 9 days from Nepalgunj. If you wish to add Khaptad National Park, add 3-4 days.
Is it family friendly?
Yes! Children aged 12+ who are used to hiking. Families should include an extra rest day before the temple climb. We can run family-friendly treks with a larger support crew. It is actually a great trek for children, with the horses, songs, and stars!
What is included?
Domestic flights, private jeeps, full camping support, 3 meals a day, licensed guide, porters, lodge stays in Martadi, hotel stays in Nepalgunj, permits, and crew insurance. Exclusions include visas, international flights, insurance, and personal items.
When is the best time to go?
The best months are April to June and September to November for clear weather. Late August is great for the Janai Purnima festival. The safest time to go is during the spring and autumn months. You will also get the best views of Saipal.
What should I pack?
Even during the best times of year, you should pack for -10 degrees. Warm jacket, waterproofs, thermals, good boots, head torch, power bank, water purification, sun cream and personal medication. See full list above.
Do I need a guide?
We highly recommend using a guide. Our treks require a guide. The trail isn’t signposted and the weather can change quickly. It is important to have a support crew who can speak Nepali at high altitudes. In recent years, the rules for trekking in Nepal have become stricter. Please check current requirements.
How much does it cost?
A fully inclusive 12-day camping trek will cost around USD $1850-$2100 per person from Kathmandu. This includes all 4 domestic flights. We can also offer budget options for a more semi-independent trek with a guide. Prices vary depending on the season and group size.
Can I tailor my Badimalika trek?
Yes! We can tailor all of our treks. We can add rest days, take the low route via Nateshwori, add on Khaptad, or do the short version (9 days from Nepalgunj). Simply tell us your dates and fitness, and we can create a new itinerary for you.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes! You must have travel insurance that covers trekking up to 4500m and helicopter evacuation. The nearest large hospital is in Nepalgunj. Without travel insurance, it can cost several thousand dollars to evacuate.
Are there any permits or entrance fees?
There are no national park permits required for the standard Badimalika route. Local entrance fees are included. If you add on Khaptad, it will cost an extra NPR1500 for foreigners and NPR500 for SAARC Nationals. TIMS applies to foreign trekkers.
Is it suitable for seniors?
Active seniors in good health often complete this trek. The pilgrimage vibe is great for seniors. We recommend getting checked by a doctor, doing the trek over 14 days, and having a personal porter. Age is not an issue, but your knees, lungs, and honesty with your guide will be.
Can vegetarians / vegans go?
Yes! Vegetarian food is the standard on this trek. We can cater fully for vegans with advance notice. The kitchen can also adapt the meals from the villages.
Is it safe for solo females?
Yes! As usual. The pilgrimage vibe is very protective of solo females. Our guides are briefed on solo female requirements. We also have camping support so there is no worry about where you are staying. Hundreds of Nepali females do this walk solo every year. Foreign solo females always say it is one of the safest treks they do in Nepal.
BADIMALIKA TREK
A festival will be going on up the dark hillside. 22 Meadows. A temple bell at 4214m with golden Saipal mountains. This is waiting for you in far west Nepal.
If you have any questions about the itinerary, weather, accommodation, transport, or best times to go we are happy to help you plan your trip.
Chat to us on WhatsApp directly at +977-9860745982 for a free travel consultation. A real local travel expert will answer your questions and help plan your perfect trip.