Overview
Trekking through gorilla path, Gorilla trek information, route, itinerary, cost,map, organising guide/company, western region trek, Gorilla trek through Dhorpatan and Rukum
Gorilla path trek through the epicentre of 10 years civil war Rukm, Rolp and Baglung 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. With the establishment of comprehensive peace accord in 2006, an attempt making in search of better tourism opportunities at this region, Gorilla Trek was developed at the western part of Nepal. Foreigners were kin to visit and see this region. So it was open for foreigner to walk through and experience it the “Gorilla Trek.” is introduced to foreigners.It is also started in order to achieve all- round sustainability development of the people affected during the conflict which included Rolpa, Rukum, Myagdi, Jajarkot and, surrounding districts.
Gorilla 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 Gorilla. 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 Gorilla. 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 Gorilla movement in Nepal.
This trek starts from Dharabang Baglung and end at Syarpu Lake Rukum. 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.
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 : Drive from Kathmandu - Pokhara to Beni by microbus ~294 Km, 10-12 Hrs
The journey starts with scenic drive early morning from Kathmandu to Beni through green lush hills and terraced farming field and of a beautiful Pokhara city. Finally reach to Beni for overnight stay.
Day 2 : Drive Beni to Dharabang (lunch) to Lumsung~ 46km/ 6 hrs.
First day trek starts gradually accenting through forests with variety of wildlife and birds species, few local house and terraced farmland.
Day 3 : Trek Lamsung to Moreni (Lunch) to Jaljala ~7km/ 6.5 hrs
Trek starts with gradually uphill through dense forests with stunning views of Dhaulagiri and surrounding snow capped peaks.
Day 4 : Trek Jaljala to Gurjaghat (Lunch) to Chhentung ~16 km/ 9 hrs
Trek starts with steeply uphill climb through subalpine forests with diverse vegetation which is an open pasture for blue sheep,Himalayan Thars and spotted deer
Day 5 : Trek Chhentung to Dhorpatan 7 Km/ 2.5 hrs ( half rest day)
Trek through one of the Nepal’s only hunting reserve Dhorpatan with alpine meadows and high-altitude forests which home for species such as snow leopard, Himalayan black bear/Thar, and wild boar.
Day 6 : Trek Dhorpatan to Jaulabishauna (Lunch) to Thankur ~20 Km /10 hrs
Trek through rolling hills and lush grasslands where you may see Danphe pheasants and musk deer with picturesque views of snow-capped peaks.
Day 7 : Trek Thankur to Dobato or to Pelma ~13 km/ 8.5 hrs
Trek downhill through dense pine and rhododendron forests with possibility of encountering yaks, sheep grazing and other wild animals along the way.
Day 8 : Trek Pelma to Maikot ~11km 6hrs
Trek downhill along the river and forest with Himalayan Griffons, Eagles, passing small villages and beautiful terraced farmland.
Day 9 : Maikot rest day option to explore around
Day 10 : Trek Maikot to Jusmur (Lunch) to Ranma ~7 km/ 4 hrs
Day 11 : Trek Ranma to Gunma (Lunch) to Archargaon ~8km/ 5 hrs
Day 12 : Trek Archalgaon to Kharabang (Lunch) to Punam Chautara ~8 km/ 7 hrs
Day 13 : Trek Punam Chautara to Viewpoint (Lunch) to Chargaon ~15km/ 9hrs
Day 14 : Trek Chargaon to Naigad (Lunch) to Chhipkhola ~14 km /7hrs
Day 15 : Trek Chhipkhola to Dhaka (Lunch) to Rukum Pokhara ~ 9.5km /5hrs
Day 16 : Trek Rukum Pokhara to Kunakhet (Lunch) to Shyarpu Lake ~17 km / 9 hrs
Day 17 : Trek Shyarpu Lake to Harlabot or Lochhabang (Lunch) to Chhinkhet ~5 km/ 3 hrs
Day 18 : Trek Chinkhet to Musikot (lunch)~15 Km/ 1.5 hrs - Rukumkot ~38 km / 3 hrs by Local Jeep
Day 19 : Drive Rukumkot to Pokhara by normal bus ~245 km/ 12 hrs
Day 20 : Drive Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist bus -205km ~9-10 hrs