Jaljala Trek - Sunrise Adventure Treks and Tour P.Ltd

Jaljala trek refers trekking in Rolpa district of Nepal, offers the excellent views of stunning mountains like: Mt. Sisne, Mt. Putha, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna and many other. You can get a great chance to explore the wildlife of this region like: leopard, musk deer, wild boar etc. in the hills including waterfalls, green meadows and beautiful rhododendron flowers. It is best for trekking in Jaljalad during spring season. Jaljala trek is mainly famous for its religious sites, many Hindu pilgrimages worship in “Than” (local temples) in major festivals during the full moon of April, May or June. Being highly populated by “Magar” community people, you can get a great chance to explore their cultures, traditions and daily ways of living.

A newly opened trekking in Rolpa district is very untouched by tourists. You should consider this trek when it is still fresh. The best time is in spring – the land is magical with colorful wild blossoms, meadows, waterfalls and hills covered with rhododendrons. The route explores wildlife such as leopard, musk dear, wild boar, etc. As we reach the villages, you get insights of the unique local culture, their lifestyle and diverse ethnicity. Jaljala is also one of the famous pilgrimage destinations in Mid-Western region of Nepal. And the best month is during the full moon of April, May or June. Very famous temples of this region, also known as than in local are worship by Hindu pilgrimages. The best part of the trek is the breathtaking views of Mt. Sisne, Mt. Putha, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Annapurna and other mountains. Our trip starts from Kathmandu to Sulichaur by taking a long drive. We take another drive to Fulibang and pace toward Kotalbara in foot. This is our first & warm up hike. We pass rivers, a waterfall and enjoy views of hills and settlements before reaching Kotalbare. We trek to Commune Village of Ajambari. This village is very special and you can hear story of People’s war. From here, we trek to Thabang – this village is the one where the People’s War was originated and you can hear their experience and story of ex-combatants in the war. We stay in Thabang for a whole day and explore the lifestyle. One of the most popular things in Thabang is Bhumya Puja which means worship Land. And people come here every mid-June and celebrate for five days. You can watch amazing marathon – Selsine here in Thabang. We trek to Jaljala and explore the caves and amazing views of mountains before heading to Dharampani. After reaching Dharampani, we move to Majhibang where you can explore more modernized village and then we head to Sulichaur to take bus to the Kathmandu

Day 1

Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m)

You are welcome to the Land of Mountains! Our airport representative picks you up from the airport terminal and transfers you directly to the designated hotel. Later in the evening, you can unpack your belongings. A small meeting is usually held to welcome you as well as meet your guide and other staffs.

Day 2

Sightseeing & Preparation

After all you are in Kathmandu and missing all the heritage sites is not suitable. So, you take guided tour of the historic sites in Kathmandu. Some includes: Bouddhanath, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Patan, etc. Most of the time, you visit around 5 sites maximum. Later in the evening, we check every equipments and prepare for the upcoming trip.

Day 3

Drive Kathmandu to Sulichaur (810m) – 12 hrs

We take a long drive to Sulichaur because road transportation is the only route to reach Rolpa or you can opt-out for Helicopter. The drive itself is special with scenery and hills. Sulichaur – is a commercial hub of Rolpa district and lies near the confluence of Lungri Khola and Fagam Khola. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner and finally an overnight stay in trekking lodge.

Day 4

Drive Sulichaur – Fulibang & hike to Kotalbara (1606m) –4 hrs & 4 hrs

We take breakfast at Sulichaur and take drive to Fulibang through the graveled road. We pass Sunchahari Fall 91450) – it translates to Gold and stream. The locals believe that gold used to flow in this fall in the past. We reach Pobang after a while and have lunch there. Short drive from here takes us to Fulibang. Our official trek starts from here. We take smooth walk up to Sirkyang – you can see amazing views of hills, rivers and settlements. After half and a hour, we reach Kotalbara. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner and finally an overnight stay in trekking lodge.

Day 5

Kotalbara - Commune village (2217m) – 7 hrs

We pass through plain trail till Posbang River and from here on, we take uphill route. First we cross a suspension bridge and after four hours of walk, we reach Posbang and take lunch. We pass through Dilbhanjyang (2576m) and reach Sandho River. The trail from here I quite new, so we navigate around the river and reach Ajambari Commune for overnight. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner and finally an overnight stay in trekking lodge.

Day 6

Ajambari Commune - Thabang (2000m)

We spend our early day by talking with ex-combatants and listen to their experience during people’s war. We take lunch and walk toward Thabang. The hike is short and we are warmly greeted with enchanting music and cultural dance in the Magar community. The village accommodates nice teahouses and communes. Later in the evening, we enjoy cultural dance of the Magar community. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner and finally an overnight stay in trekking lodge.

Day 7

Explore Thabang

Thabang is widely known as headquarter of People’s War and is reported that the People’s War was originated from here. We visit Bhumya Puja (festival) – one of the attractions in this village. This festival is celebrated for five days just before the start of monsoon (mid June). People enjoy the festive by worshipping land and they sacrifice sheep/pig. Sport is also held; mainly Selsine marathon – a sport where a guy picks up a girl and run toward the river. Next option is to visit the nearby Dhakpa Hill – this attraction awards us with view of endangered Red Panda if you are lucky and also get amazing views of mountain peaks. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner and finally an overnight stay in trekking lodge.

Day 8

Thabang - Jaljala (3107m) - 6 hrs

We trek to amazing destination – Jaljala (Our trek name). Jaljala houses great nature, religion and is influenced by politics of Rolpa district. Jaljala is a wetland and water is available throughout the year. We can view amazing scenery of Sisne Himal, Dhaulagiri and many other Himalayas. You can go to Bhama Cave also. Jaljala is also famous as pilgrimage site for people of mid-west. And people from various parts come here to the four temples to worship. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner and finally an overnight stay in trekking lodge.

Day 9

Jaljala - Dharampani (3600m)- Majhibang (2100m) – 7 hrs

We take breakfast and begin our trek uphill. We climb to the highest point of the trek and you will be amazed with views of amazing mountains. There is no settlement at this point and therefore, we take lunch by ourselves. We take downhill trail from Dharampani to Majhibang. This is also the most challenging part of the trek and we reach Nabang (3193) to see the first human settlement. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner and finally an overnight stay in trekking lodge.

Day 10

Explore Majhibang

Majhibang is the most modernized amongst all the villages you have visited so far. The houses here are clean, sanitized and well furnished. The village sits between two rivers, hence the name; Majhibang (middle ground). The village is also affected by the war and you can hear many stories. We can visit the micro hydro project and in the evening, we enjoy the cultural dance of Magar people. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner and finally an overnight stay in trekking lodge.

Day 11

Trek to Jailbang & Drive to Sulichaur – 2 hrs & 4 hrs

We take walk to the sister village of Majhibang – Jailbang. The village is also settled by Magar community and you can once again enjoy the amazing Magar cultural dance. This is our last trek of the trip. So, make most out of it. From Jailbang, we take drive to Sulichaur. Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner and finally an overnight stay in trekking lodge.

Day 12

Drive Sulichaur to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we take drive to Kathmandu. The drive is scenic and as we drive nearer to the city life. We surely miss those ancient feeling and miss the mountains – the most. You can take rest in Kathmandu or you can shop around. In the evening, you have to join a small dinner program as a complementary from our side. Meals included: Breakfast, and finally an overnight stay in hotel. Attend the evening dinner and cultural program provided by the company.

Day 13

Departure/Farewell

The trip in the Himalayas comes to an end. You can organize all your belongings to be ready to take off to your home country or join another adventure. You are dropped off to the airport just 3 hours before your scheduled flight. It makes sure you do not miss your flight. Have a safe journey home.

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Useful information

Trekking Group Size

We organize trekking in Kanchenjunga region for any number of people. If the group consists of more than 16 pax, we will split the group and arrange accordingly. We will assign one trek leader, one assistant leader for the group of four pax and porters (one porter between two members ) to carry members luggage. This arrangement ensures that the group can still go ahead as scheduled itinerary despite any member gets sick on the way in the trekking.

Experience and Health Requirements

Kanchenjunga trekking is considered a moderate trek suitable for those who can hike for 5 – 7 hours a day. Obviously hiking in the high altitude will not be so easy rather physically more demanding, however our itinerary is scheduled for the proper acclimatization while gradually gaining the altitude in the trekking. It will be advisable to have some walking and hiking or other outdoor activities for more than two weeks which will contribute to comfortable accomplishment in reaching Kanchenjunga No technical skills or use of crampons are required for this trekking. It is highly recommended for the trekkers to consult with the doctors before coming for this trekking. Trekkers who have asthma, allergy or any other diseases related to hurt, lungs should take more precaution for this trekking.

Travel Insurance

Trekkers need to have traveling insurance which covers the comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and medical treatment costs). Insurance companies in Nepal do not provide travelling insurance for the foreigners and the trekkers need to get the travelling insurance from one of the international insurance companies. Sunrise Adventure Trek will have accident insurance for the trekking staff.

Accommodations

Accommodation in Kathmandu will be arranged on twin sharing basis on BB plan except the extra cost for the single supplement (depending on the room availability ) according to the choice of the standard of the hotels before and after the trekking. Accommodation during the trekking will be arranged at standard teahouses/ lodges with unheated rooms with wooden beds and foam mattresses on twin sharing basis. The trekkers will have to share washing and toilet facilities. If the trekker is a solo traveler, he/she will have to share a room with the trekker of same sex.

Meals

Trekkers are provided three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during Kanchenjunga trekking. They can enjoy wide variety of food from typical Nepali food, Tibetan food to all types of international cuisine (Continental, Italian, and Indian.). Unlike other trekking companies, Sunrise AdventureTrek allows trekkers to choose the food from the menu at the hotel / lodges in the trek. When the group is too big for the hotels/ lodges to provide individual dishes, set menu will be arranged in most places. We use the lodges / hotels which serve hygienic, nutritious and good food for the trekkers for them to get enough energy for the hiking.

Acclimatization

Any trekker can get altitude sickness while trekking in the high altitude despite strong physically fitness. What is important is giving enough time for the proper acclimatization for the trekking. Sunrise Adventure Trek has planned the itinerary with gradual altitude gain giving enough time for acclimatization for the trekkers. Hiking slowly specially in the high altitude help prevent AMS ( Acute Mountain Sickness ). If anyone feels dizzy, suffer palpitation or severe headaches and loss of appetite, he / she will be moved to the lower altitude immediately or arrange the helicopter rescue in the severe case of AMS and the client has to pay for it.

Equipment and Packing List

A variety of clothing is necessary for the Kanchenjunga trek. While choosing the equipment trekkers need give emphasis on two simple aspects: Lightweight and Functional. The items should be lightweight, dependable, and adaptable to a variety of extreme weather conditions. The quality of the trekking equipment you choose has a lot to do with how warm, dry, and safe you will remain. For this reason you have to be critical of quality and the proper fit of clothing.

Clothing and personal

- T – shirts - Hiking shorts - Undergarments - Full sleeves shirts - Long light weight cotton pants - Fleece or wool pants (seasonal) - Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell pants. - Insulated pants / nylon windbreaker - Light and expedition weight thermal tops. - Fleece jacket or pullover - Waterproof shell jacket - Down jacket - Light warm fleece hat / woolen hat - Sun hat - Lightweight gloves. - Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer (seasonal). Foot Wear - Hiking boots - Light and comfortable camp shoes - Thin, lightweight inner socks. - Thick, warm wool hiking socks Accessories - Down Sleeping bag - Trekking bag / Duffle bag ( to carry for the porter ) - Day pack ( to carry with the trekkers to put the things required during the day time ) - Large plastic bags ( to keep items dry inside the trekking bag ) - Water bottle - Head lamp with spare bulb and batteries - Trekking poles - Personal medicine box - Sunglasses with UV protection. - Books, dairy, pen, walkman and any other game instruments Toiletries and Personal Hygiene - Quick drying small towel - Toothbrush / paste - Soap - Face and body moisturizer - Sun block for lips - Tissues / toilet rolls - Wet wipes - Feminine hygiene products - Anti bacterial hands wash

Trek Leader(s) and Staff

All our trek leaders are well experienced who have led trekking in Kanchenjunga region for more than eight years. Their in-depth knowledge about culture, custom, the geological surroundings as well as their professionalism, sincerity, and their hospitality make your dream of successful trek a enjoyable, memorable event in your life. Although our trek leaders are not highly educated, they are well experienced, professionally trained and posses good leadership skills to operate the trip smoothly. Their smiling faces, loving and caring attitude will make your even a hard walking day a pleasant one. All trekking staff of Sunrise Adventure Trek are locally employed and have the adequate knowledge about culture, ecosystem, flora, fauna, geography, history and the safety measures in running the trips. Their attitude and the efforts will be always concentrated on the less impact of the trekkers to the local culture, custom, nature and the eco system.

Porter Care

We are strongly committed to the porters rights. We make sure that they are well paid and have the proper clothing, foot ware and shelter. We are aware that no porter should be asked to carry a load that is too heavy for their physical abilities and the weight limit should be adjusted for altitude, weather and trail condition. We request our members not to have more than 15 kg weight of luggage to give to the porters. Porters who become sick while in the trekking are treated with high priority just like the other trekking staff or the members. If needed helicopter is sent and rescued in case of sever condition of sickness or accident. All porters are insured for sickness and accident

Season

Nepal, as a tourist destination is good for all seasons, however, the best seasons for trekking to Kanchenjunga region are Spring (March – May) and Autumn (mid Sept. – mid Dec. ). Trekking in autumn season is noted for clear weather and excellent views of silvery mountains against blue sky. It gets colder towards the end of December. This trek can be done in any month except January and February.