Districts
Sudurpaschim Province
Bajura बाजुरा
Badimalika trek
Bajura is a remote Sudurpaschim district whose headquarters at Martadi sits several days from the nearest large town. Its defining draw is Badimalika, a Bhagwati temple at around 4,200 metres reached by a two-to-three-day trek from Martadi; each August at Janai Purnima, thousands of pilgrims make the climb despite the altitude. Outside the pilgrimage season the district sees almost no outside visitors.
About Bajura
Bajura is a deeply remote district wedged between Bajhang and Achham, its headquarters at Martadi sitting in the Seti valley several days' walk from any large town — road access remains partial and flood-prone. Its main draw is Badimalika: a Bhagwati temple at around 4,200 metres, reached by a two-to-three-day trek from Martadi, where legend holds that the shoulder of Sati Devi fell to earth. Each Janai Purnima in August, tens of thousands of pilgrims trek to the site, one of the most striking high-altitude congregations in the far west.
Outside the pilgrimage month, Bajura sees almost no outside visitors. The district lies adjacent to Khaptad National Park and within sight of Saipal Himal, giving the trekker combining Badimalika with Khaptad one of Nepal's least-walked long routes. The population speaks Nepali and Thakuri dialects; subsistence farming on steep hillsides is the norm. Reaching Martadi is most practical via a small flight from Nepalgunj to Bajura's airstrip, followed by a day's walk, or by jeep and on foot through Sanphebagar in Achham — allow two full days from Dhangadhi.
At a glance
- Headquarters
- Martadi
- Known for
- Badimalika trek
Getting there
The most practical approach is a small aircraft from Nepalgunj to Bajura's airstrip (a few times a week), followed by a day's walk to Martadi. Alternatively, fly to Dhangadhi or travel to Sanphebagar in Achham, then continue by jeep and foot into Bajura — allow two full days. Road access is improving but remains disrupted by landslides in the monsoon.