Barpak Tour – 4 Days

Barpak is one of the renowned villages of the Gorkha. Perched on a hilltop at an altitude of 1,900 meters. On the northern outskirts about 47 km away from Gorkha Bazaar. The hilltop village of Barpak is a backpacker’s stopover en route to Manaslu. Barpak has nearly 1200 households with an approximately 15,000 population mainly of Ghale and Gurung tribes. It has sole historical significance despite its isolation from mainstream politics and bustling city.

The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April 2015 epicenter was in Barpak and has left a terrible trail of death, destruction, and desperation unsurpassed in the history of Barpak. The latest statistics showed over 68 people lost their lives, while many sustained injuries and nearly 1200 houses collapsed as well as around 6,000 people were displaced from their homes. The earthquake also further cause a devastating fledgling economy with tremendous losses in terms of property, assets, and infrastructures. Now the region has very basic homestays and many of the houses are on under construction. One of the unique ways to help and support the Barpak people is to visit Barpak. It is because whatever you spend on your visit will directly benefit people. Who is living in the remote villages and those who suffered the most?

Barpak Tour takes you to the breathtaking natural beauty that has melted many hearts and attracted many people from around the world. The unique sloppy shape of the village with clustered stone tile-roofed houses, lush green forests, and the rich culture and traditions is believed to be the reason behind the main attractions for the people wishing to visit Barpak.

The Barpak Tour starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu valley to the city of Gorkha. At Gorkha learn about the rich history of the region and visit various ancient temples and palaces around. Next day head on a short dive followed by a hike to the village of Barpak and towards your homestay. The following day explores the village and visit various attractions around. Then head back towards Kathmandu. This short tour gives you insight into the lives of cities and rural settlements of the country learning about the rich traditions and customs of the people.

Travel Insurance:

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. Personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue. Any other disease covered by the insurance plan will be given. We highly advise you to acquire a comprehensive insurance plan from a trustworthy insurance company.

Passport and Visa:

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

Accommodation: 

You will be accommodated in the Alpine Hotel and Apartment or similar hotels in Kathmandu. In Barpak, you will be staying at the community homestay.

Best weather and time to visit :

Nepal is a four-season country with autumn (Sept, Nov, and Oct), winter (Dec, Jan, and Feb), spring (March, April, and May), and monsoon (June, July, and Aug). During the autumn season, the nights are cold in mountains but the bright sun makes the daytime pleasant. At higher altitudes temperature range from about 20°C down to perhaps -10°C at night. Morning is usually clear and clouds build up during the afternoon, disappearing at night to reveal spectacular starry skies.

During the winter season, high passes especially the Thorong-La pass, Dhaulagiri circuit, Tilicho (musukanta Pass) in Annapurna trekking, Chola Pass, Renjola Pass, Khongmola pass, Amalaptse pass, Roywalling pass, Serpent col in Everest reason, Lauribina pass, Ganjala pass, Gosaikunda pass in Langtang, Larky Pass in Manaslu, are usually closed. A short and easy trek in the middle hills is the best during this time. Heavy snowfalls especially during January, February, and March in mountain areas.

The Spring season brings warmer weather but more frequent storms and considerable snowfall at higher altitudes. Birds and flowers, especially rhododendrons are seen at the lower altitudes. Towards the end of March, haze-caused by dust from the plains of India and smoke from local fires often obscure distant views. In addition, it becomes much warmer in the region below 3000 ft. Trekking in monsoon (June to Aug) can be undertaken by the keen or experienced. Rain, mist, and fog can be expected almost daily, but clouds part occasionally to give spectacular views of the mountains. The floras are usually at their most colorful view. Leeches abound in middle elevation forests. Mountain weather is highly unpredictable. Classic signs of a storm approaching such as a cirrus clouded sky or a fall in barometric pressure can be misleading.

The best time for trekking in Nepal is autumn (September, October, and November) and spring (March, April, and May). Short treks and some guest houses treks can be done during the winter or summer season as well. You need to be prepared for sudden weather changes while trekking. That’s why trekking equipment should be chosen carefully before the trip. Sudden rain storms or snow are always a possibility that needs serious attention. The weather during the trekking season is considered more stable.