Trekking · Jumla
Hike to the Chere Chaur meadows above Jumla
Climb steeply from Khalanga through pine forest to the open meadows of Chere Chaur, with wide views over the Tila valley. A good acclimatisation day before the Rara trek, and a quiet escape from the bazaar.
Chere Chaur is a broad meadow high above Jumla, used by herders in summer and by local people for picnics. The trail climbs steadily out of town through terraces and pine forest, gaining several hundred metres, and the effort is rewarded with open grassland and a view down the whole Tila valley.
From the meadow you look over the flat valley floor with its rice terraces and the tin roofs of Khalanga, and on clear days to snow-capped ridges in the distance. In spring the slopes have wildflowers; in autumn the grass turns gold. Herders' shelters and stone walls dot the edges.
Take water, snacks and a warm layer; the wind picks up in the afternoon. Chere Chaur is also the first stage of the trek to Rara, so if you are trekking on, this hike helps your body adjust to altitude. Go with a local guide, as several paths branch through the forest.
Good for
Questions
How hard is the Chere Chaur hike from Jumla?
It is a steep but straightforward climb of several hours, gaining several hundred metres from Khalanga. Allow five to six hours return at an easy pace. Reasonable fitness is enough; take it slowly if you have just flown in from the plains.
Is Chere Chaur on the Rara trek route?
Yes, the common trek from Jumla to Rara passes Chere Chaur on its first day. If you are trekking to Rara, you will cross it anyway; if not, the day hike gives you a taste of the trail and the views.
Do I need a guide for Chere Chaur?
It is not inside a national park, but a local guide is helpful because paths branch through forest and grazing land. Your guide can also explain the herding life and village customs along the way.
Also in Jumla
More ways to spend the day
SpiritualEvening worship at Chandannath temple
Join the evening crowd at the Chandannath and Bhairabnath temples in Khalanga bazaar, the spiritual heart of Jumla, where the …
FoodWalk the red rice terraces of the Tila valley
Follow field paths along the Tila river through terraces of marshi, Jumla's red rice, grown at around 2,400 m and …
FoodApples, beans and wool in Khalanga bazaar
Wander Jumla's main bazaar with a local guide, tasting apples, buying marshi rice and Jumli beans, and looking for the …