Let’s explore Barpak village which located at a hilltop about 1900 meter high from sea level at the north of Gorkha about 47 km away from Gorkha Bazaar. It is a famous village of late VC Capt. Gage Gael who won highest honors Victoria Cross medal in the Second World War in Burma. He was also decorated with Nepal Tara by the late King of Nepal. There is a local myth that there was Ghale king who ruled Barpak and surroundings Gorkha.
It is also used to be a trail for salt trading between Tibetans and Newares of Kathmandu in the early day of 1400 BC. During the unification campaign lead by the Shaha dynasty of Nepal by king Drabya Shah and Prithibi Narayan Shah they called Gael King for peace talk and was believed to be tricked and mapped out in animal on the sandy bank of Daraudhi River.
Barpak has nearly 1200 households and nearly 15,000 population mainly with Gael and Gurung tribes. There are small numbers of Kami, Damai and Sunar in the village serving the community from generation after generation. It has sole historical significance despite its isolation from mainstream politics and bustling city.
The breathtaking natural beauty has melted many hearts and attracted many people from around the world. It has been visited by German chancellor Dr. Roman Herzog in early 97. The unique sloppy shape of the village with clustered stone tile-roofed housed believed to be the reason behind main attractions for the people wishing to visit Barpak once they have seen pictures of Barpak.
A backpack is one of the stopover village routes of trekking around Manaslu. The peak has attracted countless tourists with its genuine hospitality and natural beauty.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Nepal on 25 April 2015 which center point was in Barpak has left a terrible trail of death, destruction and desperation unsurpassed in the history of Barpak. 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 displaced from their homes. The earthquake also further cause a devastating blow to Nepal’s fledgling economy with tremendous losses in terms of property, assets and infrastructures.
Now it is a very basic homestay and many of the houses are going to rebuild so one of the unique ways to help and support Barpak people and Nepal in this difficult time is visit Barpak. It is because whatever you spend on your visit will directly benefit Barpak people who are living in the remote villages and those who suffered the most.
Price: USD 899 Duration: 3 Nights 4 Days Trek Style: Classic Transportation:Private Vehicles/ Flights Service Level:Comfort
Trip Highlights
Scenic Drive
Local Meals
Panoramic Views of Manasulu and Ganesh Himal
Gorkha Kalika Durbar
COST INCLUDED & NOT INCLUDED
Kathmandu to Gorkha and Gorkha to Barpak by local/ tourist bus or private Jeep (by request)
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner by hotel and homestay
Accommodation during the trip by hotel and homestay
Professional English speaking local guide
Trekking insurance, meals, accommodation, allowances for the guide
Medical/first aid box
Personal natural expenses except above programmes
Travel/Accident/Medical /emergency evacuation
Insurance
Tips to support crew’s after the trip
Best weather and time to visit :
Nepal is a four season country with autumn (Sep, 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 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 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, Serpeni col in Everest reason, Lauribina pass, Ganjala pass, Gosaikunda pass in Langtang, Larky Pass in Manaslu, are usually closed. Short and easy trek in middle hills is the best during this time. Heavy snowfalls especially during January, February and March in mountain areas.
Spring season bring warmer weather but more frequent storms and considerable snowfall at higher altitude. 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 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 winter or summer season as well. You need to be prepared for sudden weather changes while trekking. That’s why trekking equipments should be chosen carefully before the trip. Sudden rain storms or snow are always a possibility which needs serious attention. The weather during the trekking season is considered more stable.
Important Note :
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Important Note :
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full co-operation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Day 01: Kathmandu to Gorkha by tourist coach, overnight at hotel.
Early morning drive to Gorkha 141 km for 5 hours, then transfer to hotel, after climb to GorakhNath, Gorkha Kalika Temple 45 minutes. Explore the temple and Durbar of late King Prithivi Narayan Shah the founder of Nepal. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.
Day 02: Drive from Gorkha Bazaar to Barpak by 4 wheel vehicle, overnight at homestay
Our four wheel is ready to pick up to Barpak village in dry season. It takes 4 hours drive then arrived in Barpak village. In the monsoon season, we drive to Baluwa by local bus and 2-3 hours hiking to reach Barpak village.
Welcomed by the local people and bring you to homestay. At evening join the local cultural dance programme then overnight at homestay.
Day 03: Explore Barpak village, overnight at homestay
Early morning walked up for the best pictures. Explore the Barpak village, where you can visit local monastery, school, museum, the view point, earthquake disaster areas, hydro-electricity plant, learn local culture and custom, overnight camping.
Day 04: Barpak to Kathmandu, transfer to hotel.
After breakfast, start the tour to Kathmandu by jeep and bus 8 hours drive. In the raining season we need to walk to Baluwa to take the local bus, transfer to hotel, overnight in Kathmandu.