Gurella trail - Baglung - Dhorpatan - Rukum trek in Nepal

Overview

Guerilla trek in mid-west area (Baglung-Dhorpatan-Rukum) route information l trek itinerary and cost l best time l trail map l organizing guide and agency l Guerilla trek information

Guerilla trek to Rukum in Nepal

Nepal experienced 10 years of civil wars from 1996-2006 which disrupted the whole country. The area of conflict is concentrated mostly in Western Nepal, which covers Rukum, Myagdi, Rolpa, and other surrounding districts. After the peace came and development enters the area, foreigners were kin to visit and see this region. To walk through and experience it the “Guerilla Trek.” is introduced to foreigners.

Guerilla trek is newly introduced to explore the natural beauty of the mid-west (Baglung-Dhorpatan-Rukumd) as well as to help and improve the people's welfare in this region, due to the effects of the people's 10 years of war that displaced so many people. During the war, this area was declared autonomous by the Maoist guerilla. It was the battlefield against the Nepal government. The terrain consisting many uphills which makes it difficult for the government army to track the Maoist guerilla. The geographical landscape of Western Nepal is quite interesting for the more adventurous trekkers and people who are interested in the history of the Maoist guerilla movement in Nepal.

This trek started from Dharabang and end at  Syarpu Lake. Along this way, we can see the West Dhaulagiri range as well as the Jaljala Pass (3414 M), we can even see Dhaulagiri I (8172 M)and the West Annapurna range. After this pass, we will enter the Dhorpathan Hunting Reserve, which belongs to three districts: Rukum, Myagdi, and Baglung.

Dhorpathan is located in a valley, where you can see grazing areas for horses and other natural wildlife. The Uttar Gangga river flows through this valley, there are also sacred water taps called Bahis Dhara (22 water taps) believed to be the source of the Gangga river by the local people. You will need to cross the river to reach here.

The next pass after Dhorpathan is the Fagune Pass (3915 M). From this pass, we can see Putha (7246 M), Churen (7371 M), Gurga (7193 M), Dhogari (7193 M)  Doghari Gurga which is known as the West Dhaulagiri range.

After Fagune Pass, we will reach Maikot. A village located on top of the ancient fort of the Magar clan. These particular villages have a certain richness of the Magar culture which distinguishes them among the many ethnic of this region.

The last pass is Punam Chautara (2675 M), where we can see West Dhaulagiri and Sisne Mountain, in which mark the beautiful landscape of the Rukum valley.

From Syarpu Lake, you can walk downhill to Lochabang where you can take the bus to Solabang, then change bus to Kathmandu. Bed and breakfast is available in the local homestay. This area is developing organic farming and sustainable food in the future.