Indrasarobar Lake Trek

Embark on a truly unique adventure in Chitlang with the Indra Sarobar LakeTrek, an easy and short trek conveniently located near the bustling Kathmandu Valley. Your journey begins in the picturesque village of Godam (Panighat), paving the way for enchanting exploration.

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Good To Know

  • Duration 2 days
  • Activity Trekking
  • Difficulty Type Easy
  • Best Season Spring and autumn
  • Max. Altitude 1835 m
  • Accommodation Deluxe Hotels
  • Meal Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
  • Trip Starts Kathmandu

Embark on a truly unique adventure in Chitlang with the Indra Sarobar Lake Trek, an easy and short trek conveniently located near the bustling Kathmandu Valley. Your journey begins in the picturesque village of Godam (Panighat), paving the way for enchanting exploration. As the trail continues, the climb takes you through a fascinating landscape where lush green forests are full of life and bright rhododendron crowns bathe the surroundings in an explosion of colors. The melodic song of birds accompanies your every step, creating a symphony of nature. 

One of the main attractions of this trek is the Chandragiri Pass (2551 m), a viewpoint that offers breathtaking views. Admire the majesty of Mount Ganesh Himal and the Langtang Himalayan mountain range, with Mount DorjeLakpa standing out among other majestic peaks. The descent from the pass leads to Chitlang, a charming Newari village where time seems to have stood still. Here, the centuries-old red brick houses, finely crafted wooden windows and doors, tranquil chaityas and ancient temples are living evidence of a bygone era. Immerse yourself in the rich mosaic of arts, crafts, customs, culture, and ancient history that makes up this picturesque village 22 km south of the Kathmandu Valley. 

The journey continues the next day towards Markhu, winding through small villages and lush green forests. The destination is the magnificent Indra Sarobar Lake, a gem created by the Khulekani Water Project. This largest man-made lake in the region adds a touch of tranquility to the landscape and surrounding beauty. As the sun sets, the lake takes on a magical glow and is the perfect place to reflect and relax. Indrasarobar Lake is not just a natural wonder, it has also become a premier destination for tourists seeking a quiet escape.

In addition to its natural charm, the lake district is becoming increasingly popular as a gentle hiking destination, attracting tourists from all over the world. The combination of nature, culture, and history of this region makes the Chitlang by Indra Sarovar Lake Trek an extraordinary odyssey that invites you to enjoy every moment of this unique and immersive experience.

Indrasarobar Lake Trek Highlights 

1. Chitlang is a pretty place with awesome views and a peaceful vibe. It’s surrounded by hills and lots of greenery, making it a great break from city life.

2. You can discover the history and culture of Chitlang, including old temples and important heritage spots.

3. Visitors can have fun checking out how they grow crops and make organic stuff using old-fashioned farming ways.

4. Indrasarovar Lake, a captivating destination for hiking enthusiasts, boasts a picturesque trail that meanders through enchanting rhododendron forests, providing a visually stunning backdrop for the journey. 

5. Kulekhani area’s lush greenery and hills create a tranquil atmosphere, making Kulekhani a popular retreat for those seeking respite from urban life

6. Devotees and tourists alike who seek blessings and immerse themselves in the serene surroundings will get the opportunity to visit Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple.

Best time for Indrasarobar Lake Trek

The best time to trek the Shivapuri National Park is during the spring and autumn seasons in Nepal. These periods offer the most favorable weather conditions, clear skies, and optimal temperatures for trekking.

Spring Season (March to May)

Spring is one of the most popular times to trek near Kathmandu, including the Indrasarobar Lake Trek. During this season:

  • Weather Conditions: The weather is generally mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
  • Clear Views: The skies are often clear, providing stunning vistas of the Himalayan range, including peaks like Langtang Lirung, Chandragiri, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, Annapurna Range, and Himalchuli.
  • Flora: Spring is the peak blooming season. The park is renowned for its diverse flora, orchids, and numerous wildflowers. The trails are adorned with vibrant colors, making the trek visually appealing.
  • Crowds: Spring is a popular trekking season in Indrasarobar Lake Trek due to the pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. Therefore, expect moderate to heavy foot traffic on popular trails.

Autumn Season (September to November)

Autumn offers a rewarding trekking experience in Indrasarobar Lake Trek. During the season:

  • Weather Conditions: The weather is quite pleasant and comfortable to trek, with daytime temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C.
  • Clear Views: Autumn is known for its crisp air, providing excellent visibility of the surrounding landscapes and distant Himalayan peaks.
  • Flora: Autumn offers vibrant flora. The forests are lush and green, you can observe a variety of plant species, including oaks, rhododendrons, and ferns.
  • Crowds: Autumn is a popular time for trekking in Nepal, as a result,  Indrasarobar Lake Trek trails remain more crowded compared to other trekking trails near Kathmandu.

Off-Season Considerations

While spring and autumn are the best time for the Indrasarobar Lake Trek, some trekkers prefer off-season hiking for a unique experience. However, these periods come with challenges:

  • Winter Season (December to February): Trekking in the winter season offers clear skies, excellent visibility, and fewer crowds than autumn and spring seasons. However, the cold can be a challenge, and the flora is less vibrant.
  • Monsoon Season (June to August): The monsoon brings heavy rain, making the trail slippery and increasing the risk of landslides and leeches. The clouds and rain can also obstruct mountain views.

Overall, spring and autumn offer the best combination of weather, views, and cultural experiences, making them the ideal times to trek the Indrasarobar Trek. If you’re planning a trip during the off-season, be prepared for additional challenges and always check weather forecasts and trail conditions in advance.

Itinerary

  • Accommodation
  • Max Altitude
  • Meal

After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Thankot. From Thankot begins the descent to Chitlang, a hike of about four hours. Once you arrive in Chitlang, you will have the opportunity to experience local hospitality by staying with a local family. This intensive stay allows you to engage with the community, enjoy the picturesque surroundings, and soak up the authentic local atmosphere. It’s the perfect combination of adventure and cultural immersion on the foot and the warmth of a local homestay.

  • Accommodation
  • Max Altitude
  • Meal

Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting out on an invigorating hike from Chitlang to Kulekhani. The trek promises stunning views and a diverse landscape, offering a blend of natural beauty and adventure. After completing the hike, embark on a comfortable drive from Kulekhani back to Kathmandu, a journey that takes approximately  2 hours. This allows you to relax and reflect on the experiences of the day while enjoying the scenic route back to the bustling city, The combination of hiking and driving creates a balanced and memorable excursion, allowing you to appreciate both the tranquility of nature and the convenience of modern transportation.

Inclusions

What’s Included

  • Accommodation: Accommodation in standard hotels in Kathmandu with breakfast included.
  • Transportation: All essential transportation during the trek, including pick-up and drop-off from your Kathmandu hotel to the trek’s starting point, as well as return transfer to Kathmandu.
  • Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Experienced Guide: An experienced trekking guide with a good knowledge of the Indrasarobar Trek route.
  • Trekking Permits: All necessary trekking permits.
  • First Aid: Basic first aid kit and emergency oxygen supply.

What’s Excluded

  • International Flights: The cost of international flights to and from Nepal is not included in the package.
  • Nepal Visa: The cost of obtaining a tourist visa for Nepal upon arrival at the airport is not included.
  • Personal Expenses: Additional snacks, beverages, souvenirs, and tips for guides and porters are not included.
  • Additional Activities: Any optional activities or extra sightseeing in Kathmandu are not included.
  • Trekking Gear: You may need to rent or purchase trekking gear if you do not have your own.
  • Extra Nights: Any additional nights of accommodation in Kathmandu outside the trek itinerary are not included.
  • Extra Costs Due to Delays: Costs incurred due to flight delays, road closures, or other unforeseen circumstances are not covered.
  • Personal Medications: Any personal medications or medical expenses are not included.

FAQs

The trek is classified as easy and short, suitable for most fitness levels. It involves moderate walking and trekking through picturesque landscapes and villages.

No, prior trekking experience is required as the trek is relatively easy and suitable for beginners. However, a basic level of fitness is recommended.

Best time to undertake the trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is pleasant and the skies are clear, offering the best views of the surrounding landscapes.

Accommodation options include staying with a local family in Chitlang, providing an opportunity for cultural immersion, or staying in guesthouses along the trekking route.