Town or village
Chainpur (Bajhang)
The headquarters of Bajhang, an old royal seat in the Seti valley and the gateway to Saipal and Surma Sarovar.
Far Westसुर्मा सरोवर
Surma Sarovar
A sacred high mountain lake in northern Bajhang, reached by a remote pilgrimage trek below Surma Devi.
- Altitude
- -*
- Best months
- Apr-May, Sep-Nov
- Type
- Lake
- District
- Bajhang, Sudurpashchim
- Permit
- None needed
Higher seasonal exposure: altitude (All year), landslides (Jun-Sep), snow (Nov-Apr).
Why go
Surma Sarovar is a high glacial lake in the mountains of northern Bajhang, below the peak and shrine of Surma Devi. It is a sacred lake for the people of the far west, and the trek to it is a pilgrimage as well as a mountain journey. The lake lies in a bare, rocky basin above the treeline, surrounded by ridges and snow slopes.
The trek climbs from the Seti valley north of Chainpur through villages, terraced fields and dense forest, then on to high pastures and rough moraine. It is long and physically demanding, and facilities along the way are very limited. Most trekkers who go are Nepali pilgrims, and outside visitors are rare.
For those who make the journey, the reward is a still mountain lake in a wild and silent setting, and a glimpse of a pilgrimage tradition that remains strongly local. It is a journey for experienced, well-equipped trekkers who are comfortable with remote country and simple camping.
History and culture
Surma Devi is a goddess honoured across Bajhang and the neighbouring districts, and her temple and the lake below it are among the holiest places of the region. Pilgrims traditionally make the journey around festival times in the summer and early autumn, bringing offerings and bathing in or sprinkling water from the lake.
The trek passes through Khas villages of the middle hills and the summer pastures used by herders. Visitors should respect the sacred status of the lake, avoid polluting the water, and follow the lead of local pilgrims and guides at the shrines.
Things to do in Surma Sarovar
Surma Sarovar trek
Trek from the road head north of Chainpur to the lake over several days, with a local guide.
Pilgrimage
Join local pilgrims at the festival season, with respect for the rituals.
Mountain scenery
Explore the high basin around the lake on a rest day.
Weather and the best time to visit Surma Sarovar
Weather in Surma Sarovar
Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Apr-May, Sep-Nov
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Good month: Apr
- Good month: May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Good month: Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- September to November gives the clearest weather; snow may arrive late in the season.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to March is deep winter with snow; the trek is not normally done.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- April and May are possible, but snow may linger around the lake.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August is the monsoon, with rain and landslides lower down, though pilgrims traditionally go in late summer; seek local advice.
Where to stay
CampingHomestays
There is very little accommodation on the trek; bring tents and food, or arrange homestays in lower villages.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Travel by road to Chainpur, Bajhang, continue by jeep to the road head, then trek several days north to the lake.
Nearest hub: Dhangadhi
- flightKathmandu to Dhangadhi by domestic flight.
- roadDhangadhi to Chainpur (Bajhang) by bus or jeep via Doti.
- trekSeveral days on foot from the road head north of Chainpur to Surma Sarovar; camping gear is usually needed.
Permits and fees
None needed
No specific permit is known for the Surma Sarovar pilgrimage route, but some northern areas of Bajhang are restricted. Check the current rules for your route before setting out.
- Restricted area permit: Applies only to designated restricted areas of northern Bajhang; check whether your route enters one.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Nepal Tourism Board.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Surma Sarovar
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Altitudehigh in a typical yearAll year
The lake lies at a high altitude, often quoted around 4,500-4,700 m; acclimatise gradually.
Landslideshigh in a typical yearJun-Sep
Trails and roads in the Seti valley are prone to monsoon landslides.
Snowhigh in a typical yearNov-Apr
Snow covers the upper route for much of the winter and early spring.
Check current conditions before you travel
Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.
Practical tips
- Go with a local guide; trails are faint in places.
- Carry full camping gear and food.
- Build in time to acclimatise above 3,000 m. General information, not medical advice.
- Respect the lake: do not wash with soap or leave rubbish.
Questions about Surma Sarovar
Where is Surma Sarovar?
In the high mountains of northern Bajhang district, below the Surma Devi shrine.
How long is the trek?
Several days each way from the road head; times vary with route and acclimatisation.
Is it a sacred lake?
Yes, it is a pilgrimage site for devotees of the goddess Surma Devi.
Do I need a permit?
No specific permit is known, but check whether any part of your route is a restricted area.
Nearby
Trek stop
Saipal Base Camp
A wild, rarely visited trekking goal below Saipal, one of the great peaks of Nepal's far west.
National park or conservation area · 3,000 m
Khaptad National Park
A high, rolling plateau of grassland and forest in Nepal's far west, known for its wildflower meadows and the hermitage of Khaptad Baba.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Bajhang District, Wikipedia, Chainpur, Bajhang, Wikipedia, Nepal Tourism Board