Bhairab Kunda Trek – My Personal Experience

By Yogesh Kunwar – Nepal Boundary Trekking Agency

For the last 12+ years, I have been guiding trekkers across almost all major trekking regions of Nepal — Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Kanchenjunga, and many more. I have walked on the most famous trails, stayed in busy teahouses, crossed high passes, and guided thousands of travelers from around the world.

But Bhairab Kunda Trek is different.

This is not a trek you compare by altitude, distance, or facilities. You compare it by feeling, purity, people, and spiritual energy. Even after trekking across Nepal for so many years, Bhairab Kunda touched me in a very special way. That is why today I want to share my own real experience but what I personally saw, felt, ate, and lived on this short yet powerful trek.

Why Bhairab Kunda Trek Is Special (Even for an Experienced Trekker Like Me)

Bhairab Kunda is a sacred alpine lake located in Sindhupalchok district, near the Nepal–Tibet border. It is deeply connected with Hindu and Buddhist beliefs, especially Lord Bhairab. Every year during Janai Purnima, thousands of Nepali pilgrims walk barefoot to reach this holy lake.

Despite its religious importance, this trek is still not touristy. No luxury lodges, no crowds of foreigners, no Instagram noise. And honestly, that is what makes it beautiful.

When I compared Bhairab Kunda with long treks like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, I felt something very clear:

“Those treks are famous. Bhairab Kunda is pure.”

My Journey to Bhairab Kunda – A Simple Start, Deep Experience

The journey starts from Kathmandu to Jalbire or Chanaute (depending on the route). The road itself slowly moves away from city life and brings you closer to rural Nepal. Villages become simpler, smiles become warmer, and mobile network becomes weaker which I personally enjoy.

From the very first walking day, I felt that this trail is still untouched. No heavy construction, no long lines of trekkers, just narrow trails, forests, and local life.

Local People: Pure Hearts, Honest Smiles

One of the strongest memories from Bhairab Kunda trek is the local people.

In Everest or Annapurna, people are professional – very good, but busy with tourism. Here, people are natural. They are not trying to sell you anything. They are happy just to see you.

•  Old women greeting with shy smiles

•  Children curious about trekkers

•  Locals offering tea without asking money

 When they heard I am a trekking guide, they didn’t see me as a businessman – they saw me as a guest.

 This kind of human connection is becoming rare in popular trekking regions.

 Lodges & Teahouses: Very Basic but Full of Soul

Let me be honest.

If you are looking for:

•  Attached bathrooms

•  Hot showers

•  Cappuccino

Then Bhairab Kunda is not for you.

But if you are looking for:

•  Warm blankets

•  Home-cooked food

•  Sleeping near a fireplace

Then you will love it.

Most lodges are simple village houses converted into basic teahouses during trekking season. Rooms are clean but very basic. Electricity is limited. Nights are quiet – very quiet.

As an experienced trekker, I slept deeply here. No noise. No rush. Just mountain silence.

Food on the Trail: Simple, Local, and Real

Food on Bhairab Kunda trek is not fancy — but it is honest food.

What I mostly ate:

•  Dal Bhat (local style)

•  Gundruk soup

•  Rice with local vegetables

•  Tibetan bread

•  Hot tea made from firewood

Because food is cooked slowly and traditionally, it feels heavier but more satisfying. After a full day of walking, that simple dal bhat tasted better than any restaurant meal in Kathmandu.

Accommodation Near Bhairab Kunda: Spiritual and Raw

Near Bhairab Kunda lake, accommodation becomes even more basic. Some pilgrims stay in temporary shelters or tents during festival time.

When I reached the lake early morning, the atmosphere was something I cannot fully explain in words.

•  Cold wind

•  Prayer flags

•  Silent mountains

•  Still blue lake

As someone who has seen Everest sunrise and Annapurna panoramas, I can say honestly:

“Bhairab Kunda does not impress your eyes — it touches your heart.”

Comparing Bhairab Kunda with Long Treks (Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu)

Trek                                                                            Experience

Everest Base Camp                                                 World-famous, busy, commercial

Annapurna Circuit                                                     Beautiful, long, developed

Manaslu                                                                     Remote but becoming popular

Bhairab Kunda                                                         Short, spiritual, untouched

Bhairab Kunda is perfect for:                                                 

•  Nepali trekkers

•  Spiritual travelers

•  People with limited time

•  Those who want real Nepal, not tourist Nepal

Why Nepali Trekkers Are Now Searching for Bhairab Kunda

Recently, I noticed many Nepali people searching for Bhairab Kunda Trek. I understand why.

•  Short trek (perfect for busy life)

•  Strong religious value

•  Affordable

•  Still pure and peaceful

In today’s noisy world, people are looking for meaning, not luxury.

My Final Words as a Trekking Guide

I have guided over 1,000 trekkers across Nepal. I love Everest, Annapurna, and all famous routes.

But Bhairab Kunda reminded me why I became a trekking guide.

Not for business. Not for photos.

But for moments like this – walking quietly, sharing food with locals, sleeping under cold skies, and feeling connected to the land.

If you are looking for a short, powerful, and meaningful trek, Bhairab Kunda is one of the best hidden treasures of Nepal.

Written from real experience by Yogesh Kunwar

Nepal Boundary Trekking Agency

If you want to trek Bhairab Kunda with a guide who has personally walked the trail, you are always welcome to connect with us.