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Bhairav Kunda Holy Lake Trek

  • 14 days
  • moderate
  • Up to 12
  • March to May & September to December
4.9

We guide you along the lesser-traveled Langtang ridges to the sacred Bhairav Kunda at 4250 m.

At a glance

Trip overview

We lead this 14-day expedition into the remote Langtang region to reach the sacred alpine waters of Bhairav Kunda at 4250 m. Named after the fierce manifestation of Lord Shiva, the lake holds deep religious significance for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims, drawing practitioners during auspicious full moon periods. Away from the heavily trafficked routes of the main Himalayan corridors, our path winds through quiet ethnic settlements, terraced agricultural fields, and dense rhododendron forests.

This route suits hikers who possess previous high-altitude experience and seek a quieter, less commercial trail. We encounter authentic village life in places like Khani Gaon and Sherpa Gaun, where traditions remain closely tied to the surrounding topography. The trail demands solid physical conditioning, as we negotiate steep ascents and rugged terrain over multiple consecutive days of walking.

Our journey begins with a cultural exploration in Kathmandu before we drive east to Jalbire to commence walking. As we gain elevation past Forest Camp and Pati, the landscape opens to reveal expansive vistas of the Rolwaling range, Dorje Lakpa, and peaks along the Tibetan border. We balance our daily physical efforts with adequate rest periods, including a planned acclimatization day in Khani Gaon to support safe progression into the upper elevation zones.

Classic 11 Days Everest Base Camp Trek β€” gallery 1

Why this trek

Trip highlights

  • Sacred Bhairav Kunda

    We reach the pristine alpine lake situated at 4250 m, revered by both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.

  • Remote Forest Trails

    We walk through undisturbed rhododendron forests and quiet valleys rarely encountered by mainstream hikers.

  • Border Mountain Views

    We observe striking panoramas of Dorje Lakpa and the Rolwaling range from high vantage points near the Tibetan border.

  • Authentic Village Culture

    We interact with local Tamang and Sherpa communities who have preserved their traditional lifestyles and architecture.

Day-by-day itinerary

Day 1

Arrive in Kathmandu

Meals: B

Our team welcomes you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Kathmandu. We use this evening to settle in and review our trekking preparations.

Day 2

Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Meals: B / L / D

We spend the day visiting cultural heritage sites around the Kathmandu Valley while our office finalizes local permits and administrative paperwork. Later, our lead guide conducts a thorough gear check to ensure everyone is properly equipped for the trail.

Day 3

Kathmandu to Jalbire Drive

Meals: B / L / D

We depart Kathmandu by private vehicle, driving east for four to five hours along winding mountain highways to reach the starting trailhead at Jalbire (1000 m). We set up our initial camp and rest after the road journey.

Day 4

Jalbire to Chanaute

Meals: B / L / D

Our walking journey begins with a moderate four-hour trek along undulating paths that feature gentle ascents and descents. We pass through rural farming hamlets before arriving at Chanaute (1350 m) for the night.

Day 5

Chanaute to Khani Gaon

Meals: B / L / D

Today we follow a steady uphill route that climbs for roughly six hours through terraced hillsides and scattered settlements. We arrive at the traditional village of Khani Gaon (2000 m) by mid-afternoon.

Day 6

Rest Day in Khani Gaon

Meals: B / L / D

We take a scheduled rest day in Khani Gaon to support our physiological adaptation to rising altitudes. Our team leads a local village tour to explore the indigenous stone architecture and daily routines of the residents.

Day 7

Khani Gaon to Forest Camp

Meals: B / L / D

We leave the lower villages behind as our trail climbs steeply for six to seven hours through dense rhododendron and pine woods. We establish our camp at Forest Camp (3150 m) beneath the tree line.

Day 8

Forest Camp to Pati

Meals: B / L / D

Our ascent continues for five hours through increasingly rugged terrain as vegetation gives way to open ridge lines and alpine scrub. We reach our high camp at Pati (3765 m) by early afternoon.

Day 9

Pati to Bhairav Kunda

Meals: B / L / D

We tackle a shorter three-hour climb that brings us to the sacred shores of Bhairav Kunda (4250 m). We spend the afternoon observing the holy lake and the surrounding peaks that mark the Tibetan border.

Day 10

Bhairav Kunda to Sherpa Gaun

Meals: B / L / D

After catching the early morning light on the mountains, we begin a long six to seven-hour descent down the opposite side of the ridge. We pass through high pastures before dropping into Sherpa Gaun (2500 m).

Day 11

Sherpa Gaun to Larcha

Meals: B / L / D

We walk downhill for several hours to reach Larcha (1500 m) near the Kodari highway. We take time to visit the local natural hot springs to soothe our muscles after the long descent.

Day 12

Larcha to Kathmandu Drive

Meals: B / L / D

We board our return vehicle for the five to six-hour drive back along the highway to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we check back into our hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 13

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Meals: B / L / D

We maintain this unprogrammed day in Kathmandu as a buffer against potential transport delays on the highway. You can use the time to rest, explore local markets, or do independent sightseeing.

Day 14

Final Departure

Meals: B

Our driver transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport in a private vehicle in time for your international flight home. We bid you farewell and safe travels.

Inclusions

What’s included

Included

  • Airport pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
  • Four nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Guided Kathmandu valley sightseeing tour with entry fees
  • All meals and tea or coffee during the trek
  • Twin-share tented accommodation and camping equipment
  • Experienced lead guide and dedicated support crew
  • TIMS card and local area permits
  • Surface transfers by private jeep or bus

Not included

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Travel insurance covering high-altitude rescue up to 4500 m
  • Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu
  • Bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
  • Hot showers and personal laundry during the trek
  • Tips for guide, porters, and driver

Before you go

Good to know

Altitude & acclimatisation

We reach a maximum elevation of 4250 m at Bhairav Kunda, which requires careful attention to the signs of acute mountain sickness. Our itinerary incorporates a dedicated acclimatization day at Khani Gaon (2000 m) and gradual daily altitude gains to help your body adapt safely.

Our guides carry pulse oximeters to monitor oxygen saturation levels daily. If any trekker displays persistent symptoms of altitude-related illness, our lead guide retains full authority to initiate a descent immediately.

Fitness expectations

This is a demanding off-the-beaten-path trek involving daily walking segments of four to seven hours over uneven, steep, and occasionally rocky terrain. Previous multi-day hiking experience in mountainous terrain is necessary for your comfort and safety.

We strongly recommend engaging in structured cardiovascular conditioningβ€”such as running, stair climbing, or weighted hill walkingβ€”for at least three months prior to your arrival in Nepal.

Accommodation & meals

During our trek, we provide twin-share tented accommodation along with dining and kitchen tents set up by our support crew. We supply two-man tents, foam mattresses, and necessary camp furniture.

Our cooking crew prepares three hot meals daily, supplemented by regular supplies of tea and coffee. All dietary requirements should be communicated to our office well in advance of departure.

Weather & climate

Mountain weather conditions change rapidly, shifting from bright morning sun to afternoon cloud cover, wind, or precipitation at higher elevations. Temperatures at Bhairav Kunda drop below freezing at night, even during peak trekking seasons.

We require all participants to bring robust waterproof layers, thermal undergarments, and down insulation rated for sub-zero conditions to manage these environmental shifts safely.

Route

Route overview

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill β€” route map

Altitude

Altitude profile

Annapurna Base Camp Trek via Poon Hill β€” altitude profile

Pack list

What to pack

  • Sturdy trekking bootsEssential

    Footwear

    Broken-in boots with good ankle support and waterproof membranes.

  • Down jacketEssential

    Clothing

    Rated for sub-zero temperatures at high alpine camps.

  • Waterproof shell jacket and trousersEssential

    Clothing

    Breathable hardshell layers to protect against rain and mountain winds.

  • Thermal base layersEssential

    Clothing

    Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms for cold nights.

  • Sleeping bagEssential

    Camping

    Rated to -20 Β°C for comfort at high altitude camps.

  • Trekking polesEssential

    Camping

    Adjustable poles to reduce impact during steep descents.

  • Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential

    Safety

    Reliable light source for early morning starts around camp.

  • Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential

    Documents

    Keep physical copies and digital backups in waterproof holders.

Paperwork

Permits & paperwork

You bring

Sort these out before you fly.
  • Nepal Tourist Visa

    Visa

    Obtained on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or via consular offices.

  • Emergency Medical Insurance

    Insurance

    Policy covering high-altitude helicopter rescue up to 4500 m.

We arrange

Handled in Kathmandu β€” nothing for you to do.
  • TIMS Card

    Permit

    Trekkers' Information Management System registration managed by our office.

  • Local Area Permit

    Permit

    Required regional entry authorization for the Langtang and Jalbire corridors.

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum altitude reached on the Bhairav Kunda Trek?

We reach a maximum elevation of 4250 m at the Bhairav Kunda lake on Day 9 of the itinerary.

What kind of accommodation is used on this trek?

We use twin-share tented camps supported by our kitchen and dining tent infrastructure throughout the trekking portion of the trip.

Is travel insurance required for this trip?

Yes, comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers high-altitude emergency helicopter evacuation up to 4500 m is mandatory for all participants.

How do we travel from Kathmandu to the trek starting point?

We provide private surface transportation by bus or jeep from Kathmandu to Jalbire to commence the walking route.

What permits are needed for the Bhairav Kunda Trek?

We arrange your Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) card and any applicable local area permits as part of your package.

Can I obtain my Nepal visa upon arrival at the Kathmandu airport?

Yes, you can obtain a tourist visa upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport by paying the applicable government fee in cash.

Still have a question? Message us and our trip planner will reply within a working day.

Book your trip

Pick any start date on the calendar. We block the trip out over 14 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.

October 2026
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