The Bhairav Kunda Trek is a sacred and off-the-beaten-path trekking route in Nepal. Bhairav’s name itself gives deep meaning of spirituality as it is a different form or manifestation of Lord Shiva. Kunda refers to a meaning of a holy pond or lake in the high Himalayas. So the journey to Bhairav Kunda is the most spiritual, hidden, and beautiful trekking route from Kathmandu.
This trek is not only spiritual and less crowded, but also gives the best experience of the raw Himalayan View, the untouched villages’ lifestyle, dramatic landscape, and a crystal clear lake. Snowy peaks such as Dorje Lakpa, Jugal Himal, and Rolwaling can be seen during the trek to Bhairav Kunda. Will witness the Tamang and Sherpa communities’ culture, tradition, and daily lifestyle, who are known as the mountain people in Nepal.
As a professional trekking and tour guide and travel blogger, I love to be at a place that gives natural, cultural, and spiritual experiences. So Bhairav Kunda gave me lasting feelings on it, not for its altitude alone also for its devotion, timeless energy, purity, and silence.
Where is Bhairav Kunda located?
Bhairav Kunda is located in the Sindupalchok District of Nepal near the Nepal-Tibet (China) border. The elevation of the holy lake (Bhairav Kunda) is 4250m (13944 ft) above sea level. This sacred lake is dedicated to Lord Bhairav. Which is popular among both Buddhists and Hindus.
The clear water from the lake is believed to be pure, and this will cleanse sins and ailments that you have committed knowingly and unknowingly. That’s the reason every year during the Janai Purnima, in between August and September, thousands of people visit Bhairav Kunda.
Spiritual Experience
When I reached the Bhairav Kunda, I had different feelings than other normal trekking trails as Everest and Annapurna. The intangible energy in the air and the atmosphere surrounding, prayer flags, the lake, and the monuments. Although I am not a religious person by nature, I felt a very deep sense and humanity.
For Hindus, Bhairav Kunda is a sacred lake associated with lord Bhairav – the fierce incarnation of lord Shiva. They believe that bathing in the Kunda or even touching the water during Janai Purnima will cleanse wickedness and obtain spiritual value.
For Buddhists, the area is equally respectable – the lake and the surrounding landscape are occupied by protective deities and spirits of the Himalayas. The Mani walls, Chorten, along the way, and the prayer flags remind trekkers that this area is not a destination; it is a living spiritual terrain.
Trekking to Bhairav Kunda, you will feel like an explorer, not a Trekker in the region, but a respectful traveler.
Highlight of the Bhairav Kunda Trek
The journey to Bhairav Kunda will offer dramatic landscapes, a glimpse of giant snowy peaks, as well as the gradual unfolding of the Himalayan wilderness. The peace and purity of the Himalayas and spiritual kindness.
- Walk through the forest of Pine, Rhododendron, and Oak.
- Open areas where yaks and cattle graze during the summer season.
- Views of these peaks – Jugal Himal Range, Dorje Lakpa, Gaurisakhar, etc.
- Faraway Tibetan grassland landscapes.
- Experience the silence, cold wind, and deep reverence.
Require Permit, Available Logistics, and Accessibility
How to Get There – To get to Bhairav Kunda, first you have to drive from Kathmandu to Sindhupalchok, at the starting point of the trek. The road condition is not that good, so be ready for very rough roads and long travel hours. And the public transportation is very limited and sometimes difficult to get, so better to arrange private jeeps.
Permits – Currently, there is no permit required to do the Bhairav Kunda Trek. However better to take the TIMS Card (Trekking Information Management System) Card issues by the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal. This will keep your record and will help you, as well as the tourism board of Nepal, to keep the number of trekkers visiting Nepal.
Accommodation and Food – Exploring the Bhairav Kunda is a part of the experience, so do not expect luxury and be ready to face basic conditions. Tea House or Homestays will be very basic, and the food options will be very limited (Dal Bhat, Noodle Soup, etc.)
The one and only reason Bhairav Kunda is less crowded and untouched is its limited infrastructure and available facilities.
Best Season to Trek Bhairav Kunda
Spring Season– April and May, during these months, the weather will be stable, the rhododendron flower will bloom, and mild temperatures at the lower places, and also the upper region won’t feel that frostiness.
Autumn Season – September to November, these months are one of the best times to do trekking in Nepal. As with other regions to do the Bhairav Kunda Trek during this season offers excellent visibility, dry trails, and perfect temperature.
Pilgrimage Season to Bhairav Kunda – Janai Purnima (August or September) – This time is a challenging but religious time to visit Bhairav Kunda. During this time walking trail becomes full of Nepali and Indian pilgrims. It is time to explore this holy place to understand the religious importance of the Kunda.
Season to Avoid – The worst season to travel in Nepal is the monsoon season same goes for this trek as well. Moonson season (June to August), during this time, the walking trails will be slippery, landslides, floods, and leeches may be there. If you can play in cold weather, however, the winter season offers a perfect view of the surroundings and the Himalayas.
Bhairav Kunda Trek Itinerary
- Day 1: Drive to Jalbire, 1000m. – The drive from Kathmandu to Jalbire will take around 4 to 5 hours on the Araniko Highway.
- Day 2: Jalbire to Chanaute 1350m. – The journey to Chanaute from Jalbire will take around 4 to 5 hours, walking through the typical villages and hills.
- Day 3: Chanaute to Khani Gaun 2000m. – Trekking to Khani Gaun will take around 6 to 7 hours from Chanaute. Khani Gaun is a typical Newari Village.
- Day 4: Rest Day / Explore the Khani Gaun – Rest day and explore the beautiful and traditional Khani Gaun.
- Day 5: Khani Gaun to Forest Camp 3150m. – The trek from Khani Gaun to Forest Camp is going to be one of the heaviest days of the Bhairav Kunda Trek. It will be around 7 to 8 hours of the Trek, mostly climbing up.
- Day 6: Forest Camp to Pati 3765m. – A beautiful day to walk up the Pati, it will be around 4 to 5 hours, mostly walking in the forest.
- Day 7: Pati to Bhairav Kunda 4250m. – Trekking from Forest Camp to Pati will be around 5 hours, need to walk through the forests. Enjoy the natural beauty and spiritual significance of the Bhairav Kunda.
- Day 8: Bhairav Kunda to Sherpa Gaun 2500m. – After feeling the beauty of the Bhairav Kunda, you need to walk down to Sherpa Gaun, where you can enjoy the Sherpa culture and tradition.
- Day 9: Sherpa Gaun ko Larcha (1500m) and drive back to Kathmandu. – Trek down to Larche and then drive back to Kathmandu.
Responsible Trekking and Respect For Local Traditions.
Bhairav Kunda is primarily a sacred site, and then secondarily it is a trekking destination. Responsible travel is essential, so be a responsible traveler when you travel there and follow such things.
- Dress properly when you are at the Lake
- Ask before taking a photograph of pilgrims
- Do not swim unless participating respectfully in religious rituals.
- Carry out all the waste you made during the Trek.
- Avoid plastic bottles (Mineral Water), use purification tablets.
- Follow the proper trekking trails
- Hire local guides and porters
- Stay in a local home stay and tea house.
- Respect local customs and beliefs.
Why Bhairav Kunda Trek Worth Doing?
In my experience, the Bhairav Kunda is not only a place to visit another Himalayan destination. It is about knowing yourself, slowing down from our busy lives, listening the nature, understanding how deeply spirituality is tied into Nepal’s Himalayan landscapes.
- Bhairav Kunda Trekking is suitable for those people who:
- Looking at solitariness over the crowds and crowded trekking destinations.
- Value the culture, tradition, and religion as much as the view.
- Consideration of sacred spaces with and within
Conclusion – Walking Gently in the Sacred Himalayas.
As a Trekking and Tour Guide, I will always be responsible. Not just to be at the destinations to honor the land, the community, and the beliefs that shape it. So the Bhairav Kunda Trek teaches us that not all trekking routes are meant to be blasting and luxurious. Some trekking routes are set to be quiet, deeply personal, and reflective. If you walk this route with humbleness and care. Bhairav Kunda will stay with you long after you go back home.
Nepal, where many popular trekking destinations are there for visitors, the Bhairav Kunda is still a hidden spiritual path. One that is perfect for those who seek standing beyond the map.
