 | Simikot Reviews | Tips 1 - 9 of 9 |  |
Outside the guesthouses of Simkot, there are no proper accommodation to be had. Caravan travellers are self-contained and bring tents and/or blankets and brave it outdoors on traditional caravan camping sites in a reciprocal arrangement with the grounds owner and keepers. There may be bhattis along the main trails up and down the Karnali river, but these are rudimentary and never see tourists as such. Due to the maoist insurgency such joints of evil capitalim may also be frowned upon. My advice is that you should be able to fend for yourself by means of tent/sleeping bag in combination with seeking private lodging whenever suitable. Going by yourself is not a good idea in these parts of Nepal nowadays as it will raise a lot of unwanted curiosity from both government and maoists alike and perhaps putting your potential hosts at risk. Generally, accommodation is easier to be had with the Tibetan peoples of the Nyin, Limi and Upper Humla Karnali valleys.
Camp sites used by caravaners are generally rather dirty and deep in goat and sheep dung.
Local accommodation, private hosues are smoke filled and stuffy, and various jumping and creeping parasites are common. In Humla the absence of candles and electricity (for the most part) is circumvented by using resin-rich pine sticks stuck into the walls. It may give light, but also respiratory problems in the long run. Theme: OtherDirections: Main trails in the Humla district are up and down on both sides of Humla and Mugu Karnali rivers, the Limi and Nyin rivers and a few populated side valleys.
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 Breakfast in Dharaphuri by Saagar
This is normally the first camp stop after Simkot, a steep downhill but otherwise short walk out. The camp site owners will present basins of cold river water stacked with Lhasa beer cans, Chinese Pepsi, Fanta etc.
Next to the river, and the humming of the cascades will lull you into pleasant sleep. Up past the bridge is another camp site, maybe slightly better? Next to the bridge is also access point to the river, watch for slippery stones, this is a silty glacial river.
Pestering village children at least partly egged on by their Chhetri village parents penetrating the camp site looking for anything to be had. Watch out.
If you are lucky you might get something to eat at the pasal as well. Normally this would literally boil down to instant noodle soups etc.
Daraphuri is an intersection of sorts, an upper and lower trail to Simkot, trail up to Hepka and further to Salli Khola basin, bridge nearby across the Karnali. Theme: CampgroundPrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: least expensiveDirections: At the hepka river bridge at the village Dharaphuri.
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 Machgaoun fields by Saagar
I camped here on my return trek from Limi and had a great last evening with fellow trekkers and staff. Pleasant site apart from the soil and fine dust.
Small tea shop, cooking facilities for larger groups in the village courtyard.
Normally the first village out of Simkot to offer Chinese beer and softdrinks.
Small, pleasant sitting place with table near the tea shop.
Outhouse toilet, water available.
Local chicken might be available at a price in nearby Dandaphaya village.
Fairly well sheltered by stone fences, giant boulders and walnut trees, but still inquisitive and begging Thakuri children might pester you.
Dandaphaya is a maoist hotbed, take care not to offend. Theme: CampgroundPrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: least expensiveDirections: Machgaoun village along the karnali river below Simkot Lagna and next village after Dandaphaya.
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 The restaurant yard of
the hotel by Saagar
Never stayed overnight, but it is a sure bet for minor government officials visiting, local meetings and workshops etc. It has a backpacker standard, and do bring your sleeping bag. If Nepal Trust Guest House is full, come here.
It is among the best local eateries in Simkot, and they do decent local food. The owner/staff grows their own vegetables (and poultry) in the back yard. Theme: Pension/GuesthousePrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: about averageAddress: Main drag toeward Tallo Gaon, just down from the Maoist party office.
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 Near the Kermi camp site by Saagar
The tea shop owner here is the one manageing the camp site as well. Choice of drinks might be had - sort of. We were 6 persons dropping by here and shared the last two beers. Right on the main trail it might be dusty, but evening rush traffic on the Karnali Highway is not a disturbing factor in terms of noise! The occasional clanging of a cow bell? I did not stay here, just dropped by to see what was available and generally get a view of the place. On invitation I stayed at the health post grounds higher up.
Stunning morning view, early dark evenings steep down in the Karnali gorge.. Theme: CampgroundComparison: least expensiveDirections: Lower Kermi village.
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 The Sunny Trek Guest House by Saagar
Well appointed place in general, the top notch of Humla. Theme: HotelPrice: US$20-40 » Currency ConverterComparison: most expensiveAddress: Simkot, HumlaDirections: Walk up from the airport, and take left at a sign for Sunny Trek. You'll see the long building to the left up the hill.
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Hilsa is a desert border town on the Tibet border, and used to hold government offices and immigration facilities. There is now a maoist contingency here that holds sway over the bombed-out offices, and there are some signs of optimism and rebuilding. There is limited accommodation, but things seem to improve on this front to. Right next to the border bridge is a guest house of sorts that can accommodate tired and hungry people in reasonable facilities.
Hilsa is extremely dusty and this place has windows that actually keep the dust outside. Theme: Pension/GuesthousePrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterDirections: South bridgehead on Nepalese territory in Hilsa.
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Hilsa is a desert border town on the Tibet border, and used to hold government offices and immigration facilities. There is now a maoist contingency here that holds sway over the bombed-out offices, and there are some signs of optimism and rebuilding. There is limited accommodation, but things seem to improve on this front to. Right next to the border bridge is a guest house of sorts that can accommodate tired and hungry people in reasonable facilities.
Hilsa is extremely dusty and this place has windows that actually keep the dust outside. Theme: Pension/GuesthousePrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterDirections: South bridgehead on Nepalese territory in Hilsa.
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You will have difficulity finding a place that matches the Nepal Trust Guest House in Simkot or any other place west of Jumla. 12 beds plus dorm possibilities, camping possibilities. Telephone, camera battery recharging opportunity from pv electricity, dining room, a few souvenirs for sale, cloth washing possible.
Food to order or leave it to the staff.
As for price, probably the second most expensive in Humla altogether, but still only a 500 NPR per person including breakfast.
You wake up to stunning views of the Saipal Himalaya ridges to the south.
24 hrs hot showers (solar heated)
Solar baking oven.
Beware of altitude effects. Theme: Pension/GuesthousePrice: less than US$20 » Currency ConverterComparison: more expensive than averageAddress: Upallogaon, SimkotDirections: Along the trail up from the centre and airport toward the upper village public tap. Gateway and door to your right as you plod up.
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