Jugal Basecamp & Trekking Peak

The trekking trail offers you a panoramic view of Phurbaghechyu (6,637 m), Jugal Yangri Peak (6,535 m), Gyalzen Peak (6,151 m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966 m), Gumba Chuli, Langpogang West (6,979 m), Bhairav Takura (6,799 m), Jugal 1, Jugal 2, Jugal 3, Jugal 4, and Jugal 5 in the Jugal Range.  

The trek takes you through lush green fields, dense forests, winding roads, and waterfalls, alongside the running Balefi River of Sindhupalchok District. You will trek through quaint villages untouched by the modern world. Residents of these villages are comprised of people from the Tamang, Sherpa, Newar, Gurung, Brahmin, and Chettri communities.  

This trek offers you the experience of nature, culture, and adventure that best befits Nepal. One can also explore the caves in Ne-Pemachhal at 3,500 m, where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) is believed to have meditated in the 8th century by the Buddhists and the locals alike. Interestingly, you can use the same base camp as the gateway to reach 6 other peaks above 6,000 m!

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Trip Overview
  • Max Altitude
    5600m.
  • Trip Grade
    Moderate
  • Season
    Oct/Nov/Dec/Apr/May
  • Duration
    10 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)
  • Day 01: Kathmandu to Tembathang
  • Day 02: Trek to Chhendang
  • Day 03: Trek to Ne-Pemachhal
  • Day 04: Trek to Gyap Kharka (Jugal Viewpoint)
  • Day 05: Trek to Palmothang
  • Day 06: Trek to Jugal Base Camp (Yang Kharka)
  • Day 07: Acclimatization Day at Base Camp
  • Day 08: Summit Jugal Trekking Peak & Return to Base Camp
  • Day 09: Trek to Ne-Pemachhal
  • Day 10: Trek to Chhendang
  • Day 11: Trek to Tembathang
  • Day 12: Drive Back to Kathmandu
Day 01: Kathmandu to Tembathang (2,200 m)

Accommodation: Homestay
Drive: 6–7 hours
Distance: 119 km

The adventure begins after breakfast with an off-road jeep drive from Kathmandu via Dolalghat, following the Sunkoshi River. After a lunch stop on the way, we continue on winding dirt roads to reach Tembathang (2,200 m). Tembathang is a traditional Sherpa village with around 150 houses, stupas, and Mani walls. The locals warmly welcome trekkers into their homes, offering an authentic cultural experience. Yak rearing and animal husbandry are the main livelihoods of the villagers.


Day 02: Trek to Chhendang (2,636 m)

Accommodation: Camping
Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 100 m
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 8 km

The trek begins with gradual ascents through forested trails and open landscapes. Chhendang is a wide and scenic area of religious significance. An old monastery, damaged during the earthquake, stands here and is currently under reconstruction. The vast open terrain makes this an excellent and peaceful campsite.


Day 03: Trek to Ne-Pemachhal (3,500 m)

Accommodation: Camping
Ascent: 900 m | Descent: 90 m
Trekking Time: 5 hours
Distance: 8 km

We enter the beautiful and steep-sided valley of Ne-Pemachhal, a sacred pilgrimage and meditation site believed to have been visited by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) in the 8th century. Passing narrow and exposed trails, we reach Tongsyup Gufa, a historic meditation cave, before crossing a tributary stream and arriving at our campsite.


Day 04: Trek to Gyap Kharka – Jugal Viewpoint (4,400 m)

Accommodation: Camping (Ne-Pemachhal)
Ascent: 1,100 m | Descent: 1,100 m
Trekking Time: 6 hours
Distance: 7 km

A steep ascent leads us to Gyap Kharka, a stunning viewpoint on the north side of the Ne-Pemachhal Valley. Passing Bumpasherpu (4,200 m), we traverse high slopes to reach the viewpoint. From here, we enjoy breathtaking views of the Jugal Glacier and surrounding peaks, with Phurba Ghechyu (6,637 m) dominating the skyline. Return to Ne-Pemachhal for the night.


Day 05: Trek to Palmothang (3,900 m)

Accommodation: Camping
Ascent: 500 m | Descent: 100 m
Trekking Time: 3–4 hours
Distance: 5 km

A pleasant and relatively easy trek through forest trails with river views. Palmothang lies at the foothill of Phurba Ghechyu Mountain. The open campsite offers beautiful surroundings, and the afternoon is free for rest and relaxation.


Day 06: Trek to Jugal Base Camp – Yang Kharka (4,700 m)

Accommodation: Camping
Ascent: 1,000 m | Descent: 200 m
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 4 km

Today’s trek includes some technical sections requiring careful footing. We pass a small glacial lake below Phurba Ghechyu and continue along the glacier edge to reach Yang Kharka. This spectacular base camp is surrounded by major Jugal peaks and serves as the gateway to Phurba Ghechyu, Jugal Yangri, and the Jugal Himal range.


Day 07: Acclimatization Day at Base Camp

Ascent/Descent: 200 m
Walking Time: 3 hours
Distance: 2 km

A rest and acclimatization day to prepare for the summit. Short walks around base camp and the Jugal Glacier help with altitude adaptation while enjoying the dramatic mountain scenery.


Day 08: Summit Jugal Trekking Peak & Return to Base Camp

Accommodation: Camping
Ascent: 900 m | Descent: 900 m
Climbing Time: 5 hours ascent, 3 hours descent

We attempt the ascent of Jugal Trekking Peak, an untouched and scenic trekking peak. From the summit, we enjoy panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, and numerous Himalayan giants. Although considered a trekking peak, full climbing equipment is required. After summiting, we descend back to base camp.


Day 09: Trek to Ne-Pemachhal (3,500 m)

Accommodation: Camping
Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 1,900 m
Trekking Time: 7–8 hours
Distance: 9 km

After enjoying the peaceful base camp atmosphere, we begin a long descent via steep riverside trails. Passing Palmothang and forested sections, we reach Ne-Pemachhal for the night.


Day 10: Trek to Chhendang (2,600 m)

Ascent: 90 m | Descent: 900 m
Trekking Time: 4–5 hours
Distance: 8 km


Day 11: Trek to Tembathang (2,200 m)

Accommodation: Homestay
Ascent: 200 m | Descent: 970 m
Trekking Time: 5–6 hours
Distance: 8 km

We return to the welcoming Sherpa village of Tembathang. Enjoy a final evening experiencing local culture, traditions, and warm hospitality.


Day 12: Drive Back to Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel
Drive: 5 hours off-road + 2 hours paved road
Distance: 119 km

A short walk brings us to the roadhead at Nesam Khola, where our vehicle awaits. After lunch en route, we arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a celebratory farewell dinner in Thamel.

Creating Moments, Capturing Memories

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"The Jugal Mountain Range is northeast of Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the shortest remote trekking destinations at a distance of 145 kilometers from Kathmandu. There are a total of 14 peaks (the majority of them are unclimbed) above 6,000 m in the Jugal Mountain Range."