Western Nepal is Nepal's last frontier. This huge expanse of land, encompassing Sudurpashchim Pradesh(Province) and parts of the Karnali Basin, is one of the least travelled territories in the whole Himalayan chain, less due to lack of appeal than the fact that no traveler was willing to look beyond the well-trodden path.
This area is wild and diverse, in a way which will come as a surprise even to experienced Nepal trekkers. From subtropical river valleys, formed by the Karnali, Seti and Mahakali rivers, to ridgelines reaching high into the air above 5,000 meters, alpine pastures and sacred mountain peaks, the landscape will challenge the trekker at each step of the way.
In the spiritual core of the region lies Badimalika – a holy mountain and temple in Bajura district that is considered one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations devoted to Goddess Bhagwati throughout Nepal. Year after year, many Hindu devotees climb the high mountain by foot seeking blessings from the goddess. For trekkers, however, the journey to the top is unique not only for the opportunity to visit the highest peaks but also to walk the path with true pilgrims, through the scenery that has remained untouched for centuries, ending at an altar above the clouds.
The region includes Khaptad National Park, which is a plateau of meadows and forests with a spiritual retreat center belonging to the holy sage Khaptad Swami, as well as the routes towards Api and Saipal – the most challenging peaks in Nepal. The valley of the Mahakali River has a long-standing tradition of trade, and the villages of Bajhang and Darchula district are homes to the Himalayan culture unaffected by tourism.
What sets apart the far West of Nepal is its pureness. There is no circuit of bustling teahouses here, no five-language signs along hiking trails, and no lodges providing WiFi menus. Instead, one would see homestays owned by people who would invite you for their meal and conversation, trails where navigation skills come into play better than photography and, last but not least, the absolute quietness of the mountains which is becoming increasingly difficult to encounter in the rest of Nepal.
Far West of Nepal is meant for genuine travelers – pilgrims, adventure trekkers, culture lovers, anyone who seeks to experience Nepal before the masses come.
Best time to visit: May-June (pre-monsoon, flowers are blooming, Badimalika pilgrimage) and September-October (post-monsoon, clear weather, stable trails). During winter there is plenty of snow above 3,000m and many high trails become inaccessible from December till February.
