The Bhairab Kunda trek usually starts with a drive from Kathmandu to Jalbire, then climbs through villages and forest to the lake at about 4,250 m. It is sold as an 8 to 10 day trek, and many itineraries return by a different route through Sherpa Gaun and Larcha.
Route in brief
Kathmandu to Jalbire by road, then on foot via Chanaute and Khani Gaun, a forest camp and Pati to Bhairab Kunda. The return goes through Sherpa Gaun and Larcha, where there are hot springs, then a drive back to Kathmandu. Other routes begin near Barhabise and pass villages such as Listi, Chhagam and Chokarmokar.
Sample itinerary
- Day 1: Kathmandu to Jalbire by road (about 5 to 6 hours)
- Day 2: Jalbire to Chanaute
- Day 3: Chanaute to Khani Gaun
- Day 4: Rest or acclimatisation at Khani Gaun
- Day 5: Khani Gaun to a forest camp
- Day 6: Forest camp to Pati
- Day 7: Pati to Bhairab Kunda (about 3 hours), tent camp
- Day 8: Bhairab Kunda to Sherpa Gaun
- Day 9: Sherpa Gaun to Larcha
- Day 10: Drive from Larcha to Kathmandu
Altitudes
Bhairab Kunda is about 4,250 m (some sources say a little over 4,200 m). Operators give different figures for the villages and camps on the way, so treat every other altitude as approximate and ask your agency for its own sleeping altitudes.
Roads and trailheads
Roads now reach many villages on the approach but not the lake. The last part is on foot. Jalbire, Barhabise and Larcha all appear as starting or finishing points in different itineraries.
Lodging
Expect lodges or homestays in the villages and tents, or yak huts, higher up. At the lake there is food and lodging only during the Janai Purnima fair, so the crew normally camps.
Plan it
Read Bhairab Kunda facts and legend or permits, difficulty and season.
