Jugal Himal Yatra: From Childhood Dreams to the Sacred Heights

There are some mountains we see as children and never forget. For me, the snowy peaks of Jugal Himal were always there shining far away from my home in Kavrepalanchowk. I used to look at that glacier and wonder: Which mountain is that? Can I ever reach there?

This trek was not just a journey. It was an answer to that childhood question. Some treks are just about mountains. Some are about adventure. But this trek to Jugal Himal was about something deeper - nature, culture, spirituality, and my childhood dream.

This is the story of our 5-day Jugal Himal Yatra in Sindhupalchok, inside the peaceful region of Langtang National Park.

Treking Date : Jan 30th to 3rd Feb 2026

Day 1: From Kathmandu to Chhendang (2600m)

Our journey began from Kathmandu. We drove to Nala- Panchakhal- Chautara – Jalbire – Kartike – Tenbathang – Dipu – Chhendang. The road was rough but full of excitement.

At Chhendang (2600m), we met our local Sherpa team:

• Pasang Norbu Sherpa (53),Tenzing Sherpa (43), Little Ninga Yangzi Sherpa (9 years old)  a beautiful and innocent girl, Sujan Sth — our Bolero driver from Chautara

We also visited Sungama Jharna, just 10 minutes walk from the village — a hidden waterfall blessing the village with freshness.

In the evening, we had deep discussions with Purba and Tenzing Dai about Sherpa culture, tourism business, and the future of this region. I shared one strong message:

“Please protect the authenticity of Sherpa culture and nature. Tourism must not destroy identity.”

That night, we also welcomed Gopi Lama ji from Boudhanath, who travelled by bus, jeep, bike, and walking to reach us at 6 PM. His dedication itself was spiritual.

We talked about Guru Rinpoche, Tibetan language, Buddhism, and the sacred caves nearby. I heard about a hidden Rinpoche cave opposite the village. I decided - tomorrow morning, I must go there. Here, No Nepal Telecom. No Ncell. Only WiFi. First time in my trekking life I saw this situation!

Day 2: Xengdang to Nepemāsal (3450m)

Early morning, I visited Guru Rinpoche Cave with Pasang Dai and Lama ji. Inside the cave, I felt a powerful spiritual vibration. Some people were doing meditation (dhyan sadhana). It was a natural meditation hall created by nature itself.

We started trekking at 9 AM from Xengdang. The trail was magical:

• Dense Gobre pine forest

• Snow-covered paths

• Bramane River flowing beside us

• Signs of hydroelectric projects in remote Himalaya

• Areas destroyed during the 2015 earthquake and landslides 

We explored Tongshukfu Cave, which has two legends:

1. Guru Rinpoche meditated here for 1000 disciples.

2. Tibetan Khampa warriors and Dalai Lama’s people used this route from Nyalam (Tibet) as shelter. geographically it connects to Tibet.

We reached Nepām Xal (3450m) at 5 PM. Pasang Aaju welcomed us with hot water -the best welcome drink at high altitude!

We sat around fire, shared stories, talked about birthdays, numerology, life, and mountains. That night we slept 7 boys in one shelter -simple, cold, peaceful.

Day 3: Jugal Himal Viewpoint (4500m) – The Dream Day

At 4 AM I woke up. Full moon. Snow mountains shining. Silence everywhere. That moment was unforgettable.

After simple breakfast (fried rice from yesterday and Lama ji’s champa), we started hiking at 9 AM.

Leader: Tenzing Azu

The trail divided:

• One route to Jugal Base Camp (4700m)

• One to Jugal Viewpoint (4500m)

We chose the viewpoint.

Snow was fresh. We had to make our own path. The government had built stairs (khudakilo), but snow covered everything. Around 3900m, D. Dulala started showing AMS symptoms. We slowly reached 4165m lunch point (Bambu Sherpu). We melted snow for drinking water because no water source existed there. For safety, D. Dulala and S. Nepal Di returned down with Pasang Azu.

This mountain teaches humility.

Later, Avaya Vai also showed mild AMS symptoms. I checked him, gave paracetamol, water, and rest. Safety first, summit second.

After 2 hours more walking, we finally reached 4500m viewpoint.

From there we saw:

• Jugal I,II,III 

• Dorje Lakpa

• Phurbi Chyachung

• Blue glacier of Jugal

• Bramane Glacier River below

Clouds covered the main Jugal peak. But still, the view was magical.

And then something emotional happened.

From my home in Kavrepalanchok, I used to see this glacier as a child. I always wondered: “Which mountain is that?”

Today, I was standing in front of it.

Childhood dream fulfilled.

I said quietly:

“Thank you God. Thank you Mahadev.”

Difficulty Level

We rated the trek:

• 9.5/10 (for me)

• Others: 8 – 8.5

Conclusion:

This trek is NOT for beginners.
You must have prior trekking experience.

Facilities are very basic:

• 1 teahouse at Xengdang

• 2–3 shelters at Nepām Xal

• No proper network

• No easy rescue

• Snow route confusing

But spiritually it is priceless.

Day 4: Snow, Shiva, and Landslide

Morning at 3450m felt peaceful. I washed hands in icy river water.

On the way down, we played with snow and created memories. I collected a flower for my Shiva. Before starting the trek, I had made a snow Shivalinga. Since it was Monday, I offered gratitude again. Then suddenly a live landslide.

Mud flowing. Dangerous. I crossed carefully alone. Waited for my team. Mountains test courage silently.

Back at Xengdang, WiFi worked. First call to my mother after 3 days. That feeling cannot be explained.

Later, we stayed at Pasang Dai’s traditional Sherpa house in Tenbathang.

Two-storey architecture:

• Ground floor: animals & storage

• Upper floor: kitchen & living area

• Made of stone, wood, mud

Authentic. Beautiful.

And surprise  Pasang Dai served us Shilajit tea, collected by himself from the mountains. Rare experience! Hospitality was unforgettable.

Day 5: Return to Kathmandu

Morning rituals. Writing notes. Reflection.

We left Tenbathang at noon. After 3 hours drive and vehicle change at Naubise, we reached Kathmandu by 7 PM. Tired body. Peaceful heart.

Reflections as a Tourism Researcher

Jugal Himal is:

• Spiritually powerful

• Culturally sensitive

• Geographically strategic (Tibet connection)

• Tourism-potential rich

• Infrastructure developing (road & hydropower)

But we must focus on:

• Quality tourism, not mass tourism

• Cultural preservation of Sherpa community

• Waste management

• Proper trekking management

• Local employment

This is not Annapurna or Langtang commercial route. This is sacred land.

Final Message to Trekkers & Travel Agencies

If you operate in Jugal region:

✔ Bring proper trekking gear
✔ Carry enough food
✔ Hire local guides from Tenbathang
✔ Respect local area rules
✔ No plastic waste
✔ Maintain silence
✔ Feel Bramane River, forest wind, bird sound

This trek is not just adventure. It is a conversation with nature.

Our Team

• D.Dulal – Leader & Adventurer and trek guide
  
  

  
  
  
  

• S. Nepal – Silent observer and trek guide

• C. Maharjan – Traveller and trek guide

• P. Rayamajhi – Cinematographer

• V. Mankonda – Explorer from India

• O. Angdabe – Traveller and Trek Guide 

• Gopi Lama ji – Peaceful monk

• U. Kunwar – Trek Guide & Researcher

Closing Thought

Jugal Himal was always in my childhood sky.
Now it lives in my heart.

I will return not only to trek, but to research, preserve, and promote this sacred trail responsibly.

Thank you, Mahadev. Thank you, Jugal. 

#jugalhimalayatra 

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