Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek

You can obtain the Nepalese visa from Nepalese consulate in your country easily or upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. For that, you require a valid passport with 2 copies of passport size photos. Similarly, A visa for Nepal can be obtained at Nepal India border entry point at Birgunj, Nepalgunj, Kakadvitta, Bhairahawa, Gaddachowki and Kodari on the Nepal China border.

A15/30/90 day multiple entries Nepalese visa can be obtained by paying USD 30/50/125 or equivalent foreign currency respectively. For more information, please visit http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

We will be at the airport to welcome you upon your arrival to Nepal. We will be carrying the Raj BalaTreks & Expedition placard with your name underneath. From airport you will escorted to your hotel and we help you to check-in.

As vaccination requirements change frequently, we suggest you to consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to the beginning of your trip. We recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis and polio.

The main health consideration during Jugal Himal Base Camp Trekking is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), people take pills called ‘Diamox’. You can also use these pills after consulting with your doctor and purchase them in Kathmandu. Our itinerary will allow your body to acclimatize properly and handle the low oxygen rate.

If you have ever suffered from altitude sickness, or have a heart or breathing complaint, we highly recommend you to consult your doctor about your suitability for trekking in high altitude areas before booking. We suggest that you take some pain-killing pills with you and enough medicine for cold, diarrhea, nausea and fever. Some nasal ointment and throat-moistening pills will greatly help for those who are sensitive to chilly or freezing weather conditions.

The Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek is regarded as a moderately challenging to strenuous trek, suitable for trekkers with a good level of fitness and some prior experience in high-altitude trekking. The trail includes steep ascents, rocky paths, and long walking hours of 6–7 hours per day, often in remote areas with minimal facilities. Altitude is a key factor, as the trek reaches elevations above 4,000 meters, where thinner air increases the risk of altitude sickness, making proper acclimatization essential. The remoteness of the region also adds to the difficulty, since accommodation and food options are limited to basic homestays or camping. While physically demanding, the trek is not technical and does not require climbing skills, making it achievable for determined trekkers who are well-prepared. The challenge is well-rewarded with spectacular mountain views, cultural encounters, and the unique experience of exploring an off-the-beaten-path Himalayan trail.

The Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek is a camping and homestay or lodge-based trek, as the region is still untouched by mainstream tourism and lacks the developed tea house infrastructure found in popular trekking areas of Nepal. In lower villages, trekkers may find basic homestays run by local families, offering simple meals and accommodation that provide a glimpse into rural Himalayan life. However, as the trail ascends toward higher altitudes and more remote sections, tented camping becomes the primary option, supported by a trekking crew that manages food, lodging, and logistics. This combination of camping and homestays not only adds an adventurous element to the journey but also allows trekkers to enjoy the pristine natural environment while experiencing authentic local culture.

We provide three tasty, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads.

After a long day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3 course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh produce as possible and special diets are regularly catered for. The leaders are able to maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with respect to personal hygiene. This has allowed us to maintain remarkably high standards of health over many years of trek organization - and good health is vital to an enjoyable and successful trek and climb. All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. Boiled water is served for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for.

Your typical day begins with a hot cup of tea brought to the tent at about 6 am, followed by a bowl of hot water for washing. After packing all your bags and having a good breakfast, we set off on the morning’s walk. All you need to carry is a small day pack containing water bottle, camera, sun cream, hat, rain jacket and a warm jumper, just in case. The porters will carry the rest of your gear for you. After walking for 3-4 hours, we stop for lunch at around midday. The afternoon’s walk is generally shorter and we arrive at camp in time for afternoon tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the nearby villages, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book. On some days, we will arrive at camp by lunchtime and the entire afternoon will be free.

Dinner is usually served between 6 and 7 pm. After dinner, the evening will often be spent playing cards and talking with the crew, or perhaps even joining in some singing and dancing, before heading off to the tent for a well-earned sleep.

Our 17 days Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek cost is all inclusive of your accommodation, meals, permits and other official expenses.(See price includes and excludes section for more detail). Besides, other expenses depend on your spending habits. A USD 10-15 is sufficient to buy bottled water, snacks, chocolate bars, hot and cold drinks, and showers during the Jugal Himal Trek besides your included meals and accommodation.

Money exchange facilities are not available on the Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek, as the route passes through remote villages with no banks, ATMs, or currency exchange counters. Even in the small settlements along the trail, economic transactions are limited to cash, and only Nepalese Rupees are accepted. Trekkers are strongly advised to arrange and carry sufficient local currency from Kathmandu before starting the journey, as this will be needed for personal expenses such as snacks, beverages, donations at monasteries, or small purchases in villages. Since digital payment systems and card facilities are non-existent in this region, careful planning of cash is essential to avoid any inconvenience during the trek.

Tips are appreciated by your support team after the completion of your trekking in Nepal. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise that you can allocate 5- 10 % of the total tour cost as tips. It is recommended that you talk to the members and hand it over individually as per the hierarchy on the last day of the trek.

Communication facilities on the Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek are very limited due to the remoteness of the region. In the lower villages near the starting point, trekkers may find basic mobile network coverage, but the signal quickly fades as the trail ascends into higher and more isolated areas. Internet access is almost non-existent along the route, and there are no reliable telephone services in the upper sections. For safety and connectivity, many trekking organizers carry satellite phones or radios to ensure emergency communication in case of need. Trekkers are advised to inform family and friends in advance about the limited communication options and rely on their trekking agency’s arrangements for updates or emergency contact during the journey.

The starting and ending point of this Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek is Chhimti which is connected by a road transfer from Kathmandu. After the completion of the trekking trip, you will be driven from Tembathang to Kathmandu. We will arrange pick up and drop transfers as per the itinerary.

During Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek, your main luggage will be carried by porter. Please keep your luggage as light as possible around 12 to 15 kgs for porter welfare as per IPPG standard. You simply carry a day pack with water bottle, camera, sun-screen, spare jacket etc. You can leave your valuable items at your hotel in Kathmandu while trekking. Many hotels have a locker system and provide a deposit slip for the valuables kept under the hotel's safekeeping.

The Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek requires a good level of physical fitness and endurance, as the trail involves long walking days of 6–7 hours on steep ascents, rocky paths, and high-altitude terrain. Trekkers should be prepared to reach elevations above 4,000 meters, where thinner air can make breathing more difficult and increase the risk of altitude-related issues. Prior trekking experience at high altitudes is highly beneficial, though determined first-time trekkers with strong preparation can also complete the journey. Regular cardiovascular exercises such as hiking, jogging, cycling, and strength training before the trek help build the stamina needed to tackle the challenging trails. Mental resilience is equally important, as the region is remote with only basic facilities, requiring trekkers to adapt to simple living conditions. With proper training, acclimatization, and a positive attitude, the trek is achievable and deeply rewarding.

The Jugal Himal Base Camp Trek experiences a high-altitude Himalayan climate, characterized by cold nights, crisp air, and significant seasonal variations. The best time to undertake this trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is generally stable, skies are clear, and mountain views are at their most spectacular. Spring offers the added beauty of blooming rhododendrons and alpine flowers along the trails, while autumn brings crisp, dry air and excellent visibility of the snow capped peaks. Winters (December to February) are extremely cold with the possibility of heavy snowfall in higher regions, making trekking difficult and sometimes unsafe. The monsoon season (June to August) brings rain, slippery trails, and occasional landslides, especially in lower valleys, so it is less suitable for trekking. Planning the journey during spring or autumn ensures safe passage, pleasant temperatures, and the most rewarding scenic experience.

We supply a medical bag with standard medicines prescribed by trekking doctors and a user’s manual. Since our staffs/guides are not qualified for suggesting medications to western clients, we would request you to use the medicines upon your own risk. It is safer and more reliable if you have your own medicine kit and not depend on what we have.

Your safety and security are our top priority, and we always make sure that nothing untoward happen to you. However, if anything serious like sickness or a casualty occurs, we will do everything to transfer you to the nearest hospital. As you are responsible for all the expenses incurred in evacuation, please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it.

Staying adequately hydrated is crucial for trekking. You have to consume at least 4 liters or more of water to counter sweat-induced water loss. While natural water sources like rivers and springs are abundant on the trails, they are unsafe for direct consumption. To address this, tea shops heat water and offer it to trekkers. Boiled water is available for free at tea houses, but at tea shops, a small fee of USD 1 or 2 may be charged.

An alternative is purifying tap water using purification tablets. It’s advisable to carry a water bottle with a built-in filtration system, allowing you to filter water from natural sources along the trail. If you prefer the conveniences of bottled water, mineral water bottles are available for purchase at around $2 to $3. Although we strictly discourage the use of one-time plastic bottles on the trek path due to the increasing issue of plastic waste on the trekking trails.

All our guides are certified and trained trekking leaders. Our guides are certified by the Nepal Academy of Tourism and Hotel Management (NATHM), Nepal. They have years of experience working in this line of work and know the different trekking trails of Nepal, mountain ranges, culture, and mountain sickness.

Your booking of this Jugal Himal Base Camp Trekking will be confirmed by email once we receive your deposit of 20% of the total trip and the signed copy of booking form and contract. The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 months prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.

If you cancel your booking, the following scale of charges will apply:

• 2 months before departure – Loss of deposit (20% of the total trip)
• 29 days to 2 months before departure – 30% of total trip cost
• 10 to 28 days before departure – 60% of total trip cost
• Less than 10 days before departure – 100% of total trip cost