Historical Guerrilla Trek Through Mid-Western Nepal
- 15 days
- moderate
- Up to 12
- Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Sep–Nov)
We lead a remote, off-the-beaten-path route through Rukum, Rolpa, and Salyan, tracing the historical paths of the mid-western hills.
At a glance
Trip overview
We have designed this 14-day itinerary for experienced hikers looking to step away from the heavily trodden routes of the Everest and Annapurna regions. Our route cuts through the remote mid-western hills of Rukum, Rolpa, and Salyan, following trails that carry profound historical significance from Nepal's civil war period between 1996 and 2006.
This journey suits self-sufficient trekkers who appreciate rustic homestays, simple teahouse accommodations, and deep cultural immersion over commercial comforts. We traverse terraced hillsides, dense forests, and high ridges, interacting directly with rural communities whose daily lives remain largely untouched by mass tourism.
Physical preparation is essential given the remote nature of the terrain and the daily walking hours over varied paths. Our lead guides handle all logistics, permits, and safety protocols, ensuring our team navigates these less-visited hills securely and responsibly.
Why this trek
Trip highlights
Historical Trail
We trace the former Maoist pathways through Rukum and Rolpa, exploring the lesser-seen mid-western hill country.
Authentic Villages
We stay in rural settlements and local homestays, experiencing daily life away from commercial trekking hubs.
Remote Ridges
We cross high points like Jalja La at 3414 m, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding wilderness.
Off-The-Beaten-Path
We walk quiet trails through Dhorpatan and Tallo Sera where few international travelers venture.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Meals: B
Our representatives will meet you upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. We will gather in the evening for a pre-trip briefing and a welcome dinner.
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Preparation
Meals: B / L / D
Day 2
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Preparation
Meals: B / L / D
We spend the day completing final trek preparations, checking gear, and processing any necessary documentation while touring cultural sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Beni
Meals: B / L / D
Day 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Beni
Meals: B / L / D
We board a private vehicle early in the morning for an 8-hour drive westward, following the highway down to Beni at 830 m elevation.
Day 4
Trek from Beni to Takam
Meals: B / L / D
Day 4
Trek from Beni to Takam
Meals: B / L / D
The walking begins as we leave Beni and climb steadily through terraced fields and local settlements for about 6 hours to reach Takam at 1665 m.
Day 5
Trek from Takam to Lamsung
Meals: B / L / D
Day 5
Trek from Takam to Lamsung
Meals: B / L / D
Our route continues upward through forested paths and rural ridges. We hike for roughly 6 hours today before arriving at Lamsung at 2250 m.
Day 6
Trek from Lamsung to Gurjaghat
Meals: B / L / D
Day 6
Trek from Lamsung to Gurjaghat
Meals: B / L / D
We gain more altitude today as the trail grows wilder, walking for approximately 7 hours through dense woods to reach Gurjaghat at 3020 m.
Day 7
Trek from Gurjaghat to Dhorpatan
Meals: B / L / D
Day 7
Trek from Gurjaghat to Dhorpatan
Meals: B / L / D
A 5-hour trek brings us down into the wide valley of Dhorpatan at 2860 m, home to a unique flat valley landscape and local hunting reserve settlements.
Day 8
Trek from Dhorpatan to Nisi Dhor
Meals: B / L / D
Day 8
Trek from Dhorpatan to Nisi Dhor
Meals: B / L / D
We leave the valley floor and follow quiet hillside tracks for about 5 hours, arriving at the remote grazing settlement of Nisi Dhor.
Day 9
Trek from Nisi Dhor to Tallo Sera
Meals: B / L / D
Day 9
Trek from Nisi Dhor to Tallo Sera
Meals: B / L / D
Today is a longer pull of around 7 hours across undulating terrain, crossing ridges before descending into the village of Tallo Sera.
Day 10
Trek from Tallo Sera to Rujhikhola
Meals: B / L / D
Day 10
Trek from Tallo Sera to Rujhikhola
Meals: B / L / D
We hike along river valleys and local footpaths for roughly 6 hours, passing through rural hamlets on our way to Rujhikhola.
Day 11
Trek from Rujhikhola to Thabang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 11
Trek from Rujhikhola to Thabang
Meals: B / L / D
A 5-hour walk brings our team into Thabang at 1975 m, a historically significant village in Rolpa district known for its strong community identity.
Day 12
Trek from Thabang to Jalja La
Meals: B / L / D
Day 12
Trek from Thabang to Jalja La
Meals: B / L / D
We tackle a significant climb to cross Jalja La pass at 3414 m, taking about 5 hours of steady uphill effort before stopping for the night.
Day 13
Trek from Jalja La to Jelbang
Meals: B / L / D
Day 13
Trek from Jalja La to Jelbang
Meals: B / L / D
We descend from the high pass through forested slopes and open ridgelines, walking for 6 hours to reach the village of Jelbang.
Day 14
Trek from Jelbang to Suliochaur and Drive to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
Day 14
Trek from Jelbang to Suliochaur and Drive to Kathmandu
Meals: B / L / D
We complete our final 6 hours of trekking down to Suliochaur, where our private vehicle waits to drive us back toward Kathmandu.
Day 15
Final Departure
Meals: B
Day 15
Final Departure
Meals: B
Our team transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport in time for your homeward flight or onward travel connections.
Inclusions
What’s included
Included
- Airport pickup and drop off by private vehicle
- Two-night hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Meals during trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
- Trekkers' Information Management System (TIMS) and ACAP permits
- Kathmandu to Beni and Suliochaur to Kathmandu by private vehicle
- All accommodations in lodges and teahouses during the trek
- An experienced license-holder mountain guide
Not included
- Nepal entry visa fee
- Travel and rescue insurance
- International airfare and airport departure tax
- Personal bar bills, hot showers, and battery recharge fees
- Tips for the guide and porter
Before you go
Good to know
Physical Fitness
This itinerary requires a solid base of cardiovascular endurance and previous multi-day hiking experience. Daily walking stretches between 5 and 7 hours over uneven mountain trails.
Accommodation on Trek
Facilities in Rukum and Rolpa are much simpler than in major trekking regions. We utilize local homestays and basic teahouses where rooms are modest and amenities are shared.
Responsible Travel
Because these communities receive few travelers, we ask our team members to respect local customs, ask permission before photographing residents, and support local village enterprises.
Permits & Regulations
We handle all necessary paperwork, including TIMS cards and regional documentation required for entering restricted or less-traveled districts.
Route
Route overview
Altitude
Altitude profile
Pack list
What to pack
Sturdy trekking bootsEssential
Footwear
Ankle-supportive boots broken in prior to arrival.
Down jacketEssential
Clothing
Provided by our company if needed, rated for sub-zero temperatures.
Sleeping bagEssential
Camping
Four-season bag provided for lodge and homestay nights.
Water purification tabletsEssential
Safety
Essential for treating water along remote sections.
Valid passport and insurance documentsEssential
Documents
Must cover emergency evacuation up to 4000 m.
Thermal base layersEssential
Clothing
Merino wool or synthetic tops and bottoms.
Trekking polesEssential
Safety
Useful for steep descents from passes like Jalja La.
Headlamp with extra batteriesEssential
Safety
Required for early morning starts.
Paperwork
Permits & paperwork
We arrange
Handled in Kathmandu — nothing for you to do.TIMS Card
PermitTrekkers' Information Management System card processed by our agency.
ACAP Entry Permit
PermitConservation area permit required for regional access.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is the Guerrilla Trek?
This trek is classified as moderate to challenging due to the remote nature of the terrain, daily walking hours averaging 5 to 7 hours, and basic facilities.
What kind of accommodation should I expect?
You will stay in local homestays and basic mountain lodges managed by village residents. Rooms are twin-share with simple bedding and shared facilities.
Do I need special permits for this region?
Yes, we arrange all required documentation including TIMS cards and relevant local entry permits before departure.
What is the maximum altitude reached on this trek?
The highest point on this route is Jalja La pass at 3414 m.
When is the best time of year to go?
The ideal seasons for this trek are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) when weather conditions are most stable.
Are meals included while on the trail?
Yes, all three daily meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are provided during the trekking portion of the trip.
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 15 days and confirm the plan with you before payment.
Start dateTrip runs
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