Embarking on an unexplored trekking trail of Nepal
Salpa Lake Trek, a lake nestled within the awe-inspiring landscape of Makalu region of Nepal. Trekking to Salpa Lake is an off-the-beaten-path adventure like none other.
This is an unique trekking experience in Nepal because unlike other popular trekking trails of Nepal like the Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang which are flooded with numerous trekkers; the Salpa Lake Trek is a hidden treasure for trekkers willing to unveil the unexplored beauty of remote and off-the-beaten trekking in Nepal. The trail is rich in natural beauty, cultural insights, and breathtaking vistas. Likewise, being an isolated route, the Salpa Lake Trekking trail is a virgin trail with very few trekkers along the way. It is actually an opportunity to explore the unexplored.
Overview of the Salpa Lake Trek – Our Journey to Salpa Pokhari
Salpa Lake Trek is suitable for trekkers with some moderate experience in trekking and looking for a unique and divergent experience in Nepal. The trek starts from Kathmandu and concludes in Tumlingtar, a popular town in the Arun Valley. En route, we traverse through the journey for about 10 days, through diverse landscapes, from the lush foothills to the high-altitude meadows, concluding at our ultimate destination i.e. the sacred Salpa Pokhari, a lake revered by the Sherpa people.
There are several different routes to reach Salpa Lake. Among which some routes offer a more challenging or remote experience. Najingdingma to Tumlingtar is a less commonly chosen route which provides a unique perspective. However, this route requires an additional planning and a more experienced guide. It is very important to choose a route that aligns with your experience and preferences. We shall consider factors like difficulty level, remoteness, and desired scenery along with the time-frame. Considering these factors, Trek Mania Nepal also facilitates tailor-made itinerary for the Salpa Lake.
Untouched beauty of Salpa Pokhari Trekking Trail
Being less crowded, the trail to Salpa Pokhari allows us to delve into the serene wilderness of the Makalu Region. En route, we witness breathtaking landscapes, from lush valleys carpeted with rhododendron forests to snow-capped peaks piercing the clear blue sky. However, the sceneries and the vistas vary upon the time-frame as well. We can capture panoramic vistas of the Himalayas and discover hidden waterfalls cascading down the mountain slopes while we make our way to the Salpa Lake.
Besides, we can interact with the warm and welcoming Sherpa and Kulung communities and have an insight into their lifestyle and culture. Learning about their traditions lifestyle, and rich cultural heritage is a major highlights of Salpa Lake Trekking. We will experience their hospitality in person, savoring their local culinary, and immerse into their unique way of life.
The trek up to Salpa Lake is a hike through bushes bursting with vibrant colors, a haven for wildlife and vegetation. Keep an eye out for the diverse birdlife, from the colorful Himalayan monal pheasant to the elusive lammergeyer. You might even encounter the occasional glimpse of Himalayan wildlife, like the elusive red panda or the majestic musk deer.
Salpa Pokhari: A Sacred Lake Steeped in Mystery
Our ultimate destination, Salpa Pokhari is a tranquil lake nestled amidst the mountains. We will soak in the mystical aura of this revered site upon reaching there and capture its mesmerizing beauty. The trek offers an opportunity to learn about the significance of the lake in Sherpa culture and traditions.
The Salpa Lake Trekking trail offers a moderate challenge. Our journey consists of gradual ascents and descents. Likewise, the diverse terrain provides a rewarding experience for trekkers of moderate fitness levels. Along the route, we navigate through charming villages, traverse verdant valleys, and conquer mountain passes to reach breathtaking viewpoints.
Best Season for the Salpa Lake Trek
The ideal time to embark on the Salpa Lake Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to December) seasons. These months boast clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and minimal rainfall, ensuring optimal trekking conditions. Spring offers stunning wildflowers in bloom, while autumn presents clear skies with majestic views of the snow-capped peaks.
Fitness Requirement to reach Salpa Pokhari
The Salpa Lake Trek is a moderate in difficulty. Hence, it is a perfect trek for moderately experienced hikers who want to experience the unexplored beauty of the Himalayas. The trails involve gradual ascents and descents, with some sections requiring good stamina. Even though the prior trekking experience is not mandatory, a base level of fitness is recommended to ensure you can comfortably navigate the terrain. Regularly engaging in activities like hiking or running before your trek will help you prepare for the physical demands.
Permits for the Salpa Lake Trek
To embark on Salpa Pokhari Trek, permits are required for the Makalu Region, and obtaining them is a crucial step in planning your Salpa Lake Trek adventure.
Makalu Barun National Park & Conservation Area Permit: This permit is an access to the Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area, the home to Salpa Lake trekking trail and the lake itself.
Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Permit: This permit helps track trekkers in Nepal and is mandatory for all trekking and expeditions in Nepal.
To obtain the permit, you must get in touch with a registered trekking agency and we at Trek Mania Nepal are one of the pioneers of the Salpa Lake Trekking promotion.
Do we need guide for Salpa Lake Trek?
While it is not legally mandatory to have a guide with you for trekking in Salpa Lake, we highly recommend to hire a Government certified and experienced trekking guide for the trek. It is because the guides possess in-depth knowledge of the trails. The knowledge about the trail ensures your safety – the most important part of a trekking. Guides are trained in first-aid and wilderness survival techniques, ensuring your safety throughout the trek. They can also help you choose the most suitable route depending on your experience.
Similarly, the experienced guides act as cultural bridges between trekkers and the locals. They can provide the insights into the traditions, customs, and way of life of the local communities you encounter on the trek. They can also assist with any unpredicted challenges that we might encounter along the trail.
And most importantly, trekking guides are fluent in Nepali language as they are natives. Also, some of the guides from Trek Mania Nepal can also speak the local languages that are spoken along the trekking trail. They can bridge the language gap and facilitate the communication with locals that enriches your cultural experience during Salpa Lake Trekking.
