18 Days
Kathmandu
Breakfast
Trekking is essentially day hiking and doesn't require any special training. However, good physical condition, a love of walking, and a desire to enjoy mountain views and village life are essential.
These treks are suitable for walkers looking for something more challenging and energetic. Hill-walking experience is desirable, with longer days and higher elevations.
Since the terrain can be hard and the days long, hikers should be in good physical condition and have previous mountain walking experience. High passes and extended trekking days may be involved.
Teahouse and Camping
Sep to Jan, March to August
5,160
1-15 Pax
Driving
The Rupina La Pass Trek offers a remote and adventurous route in Nepal for trekkers who seek true wilderness experiences. Once a restricted and hidden trail, Nepal opened it to trekkers in 1991, revealing one of the most untouched regions of the Himalayas. This journey leads through pristine forests, traditional rural settlements, and dramatic alpine landscapes, far away from crowded trekking routes.
Trekkers cross the challenging Rupina La Pass, where they experience breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges. After the pass, the trail descends into a rugged glacial zone featuring a glacier nearly 1,200 meters long at elevations above 3,400 meters, fed by the Buddha Himal, Rani Himal, and Gorkha Himal ranges.
Along the route, trekkers also explore the mystical Jherang Caves, where 108 natural water spouts flow directly from the rock, creating a rare spiritual and natural phenomenon. This trek combines adventure, isolation, cultural encounters, and raw Himalayan beauty into one unforgettable journey.
The trail holds intriguing folklore shared by locals in Larpak and Barpak villages. Legend says the pass is named after a lost shepherdess, Rupina, who disappeared while tending her sheep. Unlike Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, the Rupina La Trek remains hidden, offering a raw, unspoiled expedition. The journey spans 18–19 days, blending camping with challenging terrain.
The Rupina La Pass Trek showcases Nepal’s stunning Himalayan landscapes. You will see majestic peaks such as Manaslu (8,163 m), Peak 29 (7,871 m), Himal Chuli (7,893 m), Boudha Himal (6,672 m), Ganesh Himal, and Langtang Himal ranges. These mountains tower above lush valleys, creating a breathtaking backdrop for your adventure. Along the way, you may spot elusive wildlife and vibrant bird species, adding depth to your journey.
Your adventure begins in Barpak village in Gorkha District. This historic village is home to the Ghale and Gurung communities, many with a long history in the British Gorkha Regiment. The trek starts with a journey to Dharche Hill, offering superb mountain panoramas. The ridge provides sweeping views that will leave lasting impressions. From here, the trail leads to the base camp above the treeline, passing through foothills that gradually give way to icy wilderness.
As the terrain shifts into higher alpine zones, the landscape becomes more rugged, remote, and dramatic. Our experienced trekking crew sets up camps in safe locations. They also prepare warm, nourishing meals in the wilderness.
The ascent to Rupina La Pass is physically demanding. It includes steep climbs and high-altitude conditions. However, the reward is truly extraordinary. From the top of the pass, trekkers enjoy sweeping views of snow-covered Himalayan peaks. They also see deep hidden valleys rarely seen by outsiders.
After crossing the pass, the trail continues toward the remote Boudha Himal Base Camp. The adventure increases with glacier crossings, rocky moraines, and constantly changing terrain. The journey through Rani Pokhari Valley and the surrounding Gorkha Himalayan ranges offers dramatic scenery. It highlights the raw and untouched beauty of Nepal’s central Himalayas.
As the trek descends toward higher villages like Nyak, located above the Budhi Gandaki Valley, the environment transitions between isolated wilderness and traditional mountain settlements. The initial sections of the trail can be rough and less defined, but as it joins more established routes, the journey becomes slightly more comfortable while still maintaining its remote character.
This is where the true spirit of Himalayan camping is experienced. Nights spent under the stars, surrounded by towering peaks and complete silence, create a deep connection with nature. Far from modern distractions, trekkers experience the simplicity and purity of life in the high mountains, making the Rupina La Pass journey both adventurous and spiritually refreshing.
Nepal Wilderness Trekking blends adventure with authentic cultural immersion through every journey. We introduce travelers to remote Himalayan communities, traditional lifestyles, and Nepal’s untouched natural beauty. We design each expedition to go beyond trekking by creating meaningful interactions with local people and offering deep insights into their customs and heritage. Trekkers experience both the grandeur of the Himalayas and the simplicity of rural mountain life, gaining unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.
After successfully crossing Rupina La Pass, the adventure does not end. The route can be extended into a more complete Himalayan journey with a flexible camping-based continuation. The trail gradually connects toward the Manaslu region near Nayak village, where trekkers transition from remote camping environments into traditional tea house trekking. From here, the journey can further extend toward the iconic Manaslu Larkya La Pass, creating a longer and more rewarding expedition through one of Nepal’s most spectacular trekking corridors.
The strength of Nepal Wilderness Trekking lies in its deep local foundation. Our guides and support team come from Barpak Village, a historic Gurung settlement known for its resilience and Himalayan knowledge. Their firsthand familiarity with the terrain, weather patterns, and remote trails ensures a safer and more confident trekking experience. This local expertise enhances navigation through challenging sections of Rupina La Pass and surrounding regions, while also providing genuine cultural understanding of the landscapes and communities along the way.
The Rupina La Pass Trek is an exceptional journey into one of Nepal’s least explored trekking regions. It offers a powerful combination of adventure, solitude, and cultural discovery. Ideal for experienced trekkers seeking remote wilderness, high mountain passes, and authentic Himalayan life, this trek stands out as a rare opportunity. With Nepal Wilderness Trekking guiding the way, travelers gain not only safety and support but also a deeper connection to the spirit of the Himalayas.
The journey begins with a scenic overland drive from Kathmandu toward Gorkha District. The road passes through river valleys, terraced hills, and rural settlements before reaching Barpak, one of the largest Gurung villages in the region.
Barpak is historically significant as the home of Victoria Cross recipient Captain Gaje Ghale and is also known for its traditional stone-roof houses and panoramic views of the Ganesh Himal range.
Overnight: Homestay in Barpak
Highlights: Rural Nepal drive, Gurung culture, Himalayan foothill scenery
The trek begins with a steady climb through terraced fields, pine forests, and hillside pastures. The trail gradually ascends into quieter alpine terrain.
Mamche offers open ridges and wide views of surrounding hills, marking the transition into higher Himalayan landscapes.
Overnight: Camping at Mamche
Highlights: Forest ascent, ridge walking, first alpine campsite
A moderate trekking day through rhododendron and mixed forests. The trail becomes more remote, with fewer settlements and increasing wilderness.
Lambra Kharka is a high grazing pasture used by local herders during summer months.
Overnight: Camping
Highlights: Remote forest trails, yak grazing lands
Today’s trail follows narrow ridgelines and river valleys. The terrain becomes more rugged with occasional steep ascents and descents.
Mircha Khola is a remote riverside campsite surrounded by dense forest and mountain silence.
Overnight: Camping
Highlights: Wilderness trekking, river valley camping
A gradual ascent leads to Rupina La Base Camp, the staging point for the high pass crossing. The landscape becomes increasingly alpine with glacial streams and rocky terrain.
Overnight: Camping
Highlights: High-altitude preparation, glacial environment
One of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek. Early morning ascent leads to Rupina La Pass, offering breathtaking views of the Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges.
After crossing the pass, a long descent brings you to Myachet.
Overnight: Camping
Highlights: High mountain pass crossing, dramatic Himalayan panorama
The descent continues through alpine meadows and forested slopes. The trail becomes easier but still remote and scenic.
Overnight: Camping
Highlights: Alpine descent, quiet wilderness
A moderate day through forest trails and yak pastures. Sherang Kharka is a seasonal grazing area surrounded by peaceful mountain landscapes.
Overnight: Camping
Highlights: Pastoral landscapes, traditional herder camps
A long descent brings you back into lower valleys and cultivated land. Villages begin to reappear, marking the transition from high alpine to human settlements.
Overnight: Teahouse in Ngyak
Highlights: Cultural re-entry, forest-to-village transition
You join the Manaslu Circuit trail. The route follows the Budhi Gandaki valley through charming villages and Buddhist chortens.
Namrung is a culturally rich village with strong Tibetan influence.
Overnight: Teahouse in Namrung
Highlights: Entry to Manaslu region, Buddhist culture
A scenic trek through forests, stone villages, and high valleys. You pass Lho village with stunning views of Manaslu (8,163m).
Samagaon is one of the most important villages in the region, deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Overnight: Teahouse in Samagaon
Highlights: Manaslu views, Lho monastery, cultural heartland
A rest day for altitude adjustment. Optional hikes include Manaslu Base Camp or Pungyen Gompa.
Samagaon offers rich cultural experiences and panoramic mountain surroundings.
Overnight: Teahouse
Highlights: Acclimatization hikes, monastery visit
A short trek through alpine desert landscapes near the Tibetan border. Samdo is a traditional Tibetan refugee village.
Overnight: Teahouse in Samdo
Highlights: Border region culture, dry Himalayan terrain
The trail climbs gradually toward the base of Larkya La Pass. The landscape becomes harsh and glacial.
Overnight: Teahouse in Larkya Phedi
Highlights: High-altitude preparation, glacial valley
A challenging and long day crossing Larkya La Pass, one of the most dramatic passes in Nepal.
From the top, panoramic views of Himlung, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and Annapurna II are unforgettable.
A long descent brings you to Bimthang.
Overnight: Teahouse in Bimthang
Highlights: Iconic Himalayan pass, glacier descent
The trail descends through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows into greener landscapes.
Tilije is a traditional village with Tibetan-influenced culture.
Overnight: Teahouse in Tilije
Highlights: Forest descent, cultural villages
A gentle descent along the Marsyangdi River. You rejoin the Annapurna Circuit trail.
Overnight: Teahouse in Dharapani
Highlights: River valley trekking, Annapurna circuit connection
A jeep ride to Besisahar followed by a long scenic drive back to Kathmandu.
The journey concludes after completing one of Nepal’s most remote and rewarding trekking combinations.
Trip Ends in Kathmandu
Highlights: Scenic return, expedition completion
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