Jaljala – The hidden treasure of Rolpa

Duration: 11  Days
Difficulty Level Moderate
Altitude 3842m
Best Season Feb-Jun, Sep-Dec

Overview

Rolpa district lies in province no 5 and it was the district which was hard hit during the decade long armed insurgency in Nepal. District headquarters Libang lies some 300 km west of Kathmandu. Kham Magars are the major inhabitants of the district followed by other groups like Brahmins, Chettris, Newars and Thakuris. Jaljala is one of the popular destinations with good potentiality of tourism in Nepal.

Short Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu-Sulichaur (Drive 12 hrs)
Day 02: Sulichaur-Kotalbara (1606m) – Drive: 4 hrs, Trek 4 hrs
Day 03: Kotalbara- Commune village (2217m) – Walk: 7 hrs
Day 04: Ajambari Commune-Thabang (2000m)
Day 5: Thabang
Day 06: Thabang-Jaljala (3107m) — Walk 6 hrs
Day 07: Jaljala- Dharampani (3600m)- Majhibang (2100m) – 7 hrs
Day 08: Majhibang
Day 09: Majhibang-Jailbang-Sulichaur – Walk: 2 hrs, Drive 4 hrs
Day 10: Sulichaur-Kathmandu
Day 11: Departure

Detail Itinerary

1 Day

Kathmandu-Sulichaur (Drive 12 hrs)

Sulichaur is the point from where the trek starts. It is connected by good roads. Trekkers can fly to Bhairahawa and drive for six hours to reach Sulichaur. The hill drive is a joy with scenic attraction along the way. Night buses to Sulichaur leave from Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu and trekkers can reach Sulichaur the next morning.
2 Day

Sulichaur-Kotalbara (1606m) – Drive: 4 hrs, Trek 4 hrs

After breakfast, private vehicle will drive the trekkers up to Sunchahari fall (1450m), major attractions of the area in 2.5 hours. Then, they will drive further to Pobang in 30 minutes and they reach Fulibang in another 30 minutes. Then the trekking starts. =The trekkers walk to Kotalbara. After walking on the smooth trail for two and half hours, they will reach Sirkyang which offers magnificent view of hills, rivers and settlements below. Then, they will reach Kotalbara after walking some 1.5 hours. Kotalbara is a small settlement with basic accommodation facility available.

3 Day

Kotalbara- Commune village (2217m) – Walk: 7 hrs

After breakfast, the walk passes through the normal trail till Posbang River’s suspension bridge. After the bridge, the walk is mostly uphill. Walking some four hours from Posbang River takes the trekkers to Posbang which is a small village having few tea houses. Then, trekkers passes through Dilbhanjyang (2576m) to reach Sandho River. Trekkers have to walk upstream through the river. After half an hour, trekkers reach Ajambari Commune. Ajambari Commune (2217m) is the remnant of Maoist’s People’s War. Established in 2000 the commune consists of two houses in which some 22 families used to live during insurgency. Some four families are living in the commune.

4 Day

Ajambari Commune-Thabang (2000m)

After breakfast, the trek progresses toward Thabang (2000m), popularly known as the headquarters of the People’s War. Thabang can be reached after a hike of about one and half hour through wild marijuana field from the Commune. At Thabang, trekkers can stay in home stay, teahouse or a commune with cultural performance of the local Magar community.

5 Day

Thabang

Thabang is the place from where the decade long armed insurgency has started. Bhumya Puja is a cultural attraction for the trekkers and it is celebrated just before the start of monsoon. Bhumya refers to land and puja means worshipping, hence the festival is about worshipping the land. The festival starts with sacrifice of sheep or pig in Thabang River and Selsine marathon which is organized among youths. Hiking to nearby Dhakpa hill can be an attraction to trekkers at Thabang. They can also see Red Panda on the way. A walk of some three hours from Dhakpa will take trekkers to Rukum district. Ghamchin is another view point which offers trekkers the views of peaks like Sisne Himal, Otha Himal and other peaks of the Dhaulagiri range.

6 Day

Thabang-Jaljala (3107m) -- Walk 6 hrs

After breakfast, trekkers trek to Jaljala, a place of great significance from the point of view of religion, and politics. Situated at an altitude of 3107m above sea level, Jaljala can be reached after a steep climb about six hours from Thabang. There are no tea houses available along the trek. If trekkers are traveling during monsoon, brace for the leech bites. Jaljala, grassland remains wet almost round the year and it is natural reservoir of water from where water flows in almost every direction all the year round. From April to September, wild flowers decorate the entire area. Jaljala also offers beautiful views of Sisne Himal, Dhaulagiri and Otha Himal among others. Also, the Bhama Cave, which is yet to be explored to the fullest, is the other attraction of Jaljala.

Jaljala is also a pilgrimage. During full moon of April, May and June, people from various parttravel to this region with sheep to sacrifice in the four temples (known as Than in local language). Trekkers need to manage their food and accommodation themselves as there is no tea house in Jaljala is available there. However, there are a few Dharmashalas that offer accommodation to visitors.
7 Day

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

After breakfast, trekkers walk uphill towards Dharampani, the highest point of the trek. If the weather permits, trekkers can see various mountain ranges. Dharampani can be reached after walking three hours from Jaljala. As there is no human settlement and the area remains windy almost the year, it is recommended to take packed lunch. After Dharampani, the walk goes downward to Majhbang after crossing the highest pass of the trek which is steep grasslands with narrow trail and it is the toughest part of the trek. There are no human settlements till Nabang (3193m) from where trekkers can reach Libang or Majhibang. Majhibang (2100m) can be reached after a walk of four hours from Dharampani. Upon reaching the village, trekkers will be welcomed by the local Magar people. Accommodation is at the home of one of the Magars.

8 Day

Majhibang

Majhibaang is an advanced village of the trek. There are clean houses, with good toilets and improved cooking stove. The village lies between two rivers, giving it the name Majhi Bang (literally middle ground). Trekkers can see micro hydro project initiated by local people. They can also visit iron and gold mines near the village. In the evening, trekkers can enjoy cultural performance of the local Magar people.

9 Day

Majhibang-Jailbang-Sulichaur – Walk: 2 hrs, Drive 4 hrs

After breakfast, trekkers have a walk of about one and half hour to reach Jailbang, popularly known as sister village of Majhibang. Trekkers will be welcomed by the Magar community people along with cultural performance. After walking an hour, the trekkers will reach to a place where vehicles that lead to Sulichaur are available.

10 Day

Sulichaur-Kathmandu: Drive back to Kathmandu

11 Day

Departure

Visitors/trekkers can fly back to their countries or can extend their Nepal trip exploring worth-seeing places which are in abundance in Nepal.

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