Town or village
Martadi
The remote headquarters of Bajura and the starting point for the Badimalika pilgrimage.
Far Westबडिमालिका
Badimalika
A high ridge-top goddess shrine and grassland in Bajura, the far west's most famous mountain pilgrimage.
- Altitude
- -*
- Best months
- Apr-May, Aug-Oct
- Type
- Temple, monastery or heritage site
- District
- Bajura, Sudurpashchim
- Permit
- None needed
Higher seasonal exposure: landslides (Jun-Sep), snow (Dec-Mar).
Why go
Badimalika is a shrine to the goddess Malika on a high grassy ridge in Bajura district, and the surrounding open pasture is known as the Badimalika patan. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the far west, and its fair in late summer draws thousands of devotees who climb from villages across Bajura, Achham, Doti, Kalikot and beyond.
The approach climbs steeply from the valleys through forest of oak, rhododendron and fir to rolling alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers in summer. On clear days the views from the ridge stretch across the far-western hills and to the snow peaks of Saipal and the Karnali region. The setting is open, windy and high, and the weather can change quickly.
Outside the festival period the site is quiet, and walkers can have the meadows almost to themselves. The trek is typically made from Martadi, the district headquarters, or from the Khaptad side, over several days.
History and culture
The goddess of Badimalika is regarded as one of the most powerful deities of the far west, and the shrine has links with the old rulers of the region, who sent offerings to it. The main fair is held at Janai Purnima, the full moon of the late-summer month of Shrawan or Bhadra, when pilgrims gather for worship, singing and Deuda dancing.
Many pilgrims make the climb barefoot or carrying offerings, and the gathering is an important social event as well as a religious one. Visitors should follow the guidance of local devotees, avoid disturbing rituals and take all rubbish back down. The meadows are grazing land for herders in summer.
Things to do in Badimalika
Badimalika trek
Trek from Martadi to the shrine and meadows over several days with a local guide.
Janai Purnima fair
Join the pilgrimage at Janai Purnima, prepared for crowds and wet weather.
Meadow walks
Walk across the high patan for views and flowers.
Weather and the best time to visit Badimalika
Weather in Badimalika
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, Aug-Oct
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Good month: Apr
- Good month: May
- Jun
- Jul
- Good month: Aug
- Good month: Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Nov
- Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- September and October bring clearing skies and good views after the rains.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to March is cold, with snow on the ridge; the trek is not normally done.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- April and May are good for walking, with flowers starting on the meadows.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- The main fair falls in the monsoon at Janai Purnima; expect rain, mud and leeches on the approach.
Where to stay
CampingHomestays
Accommodation on the route is very basic; bring tents, or stay in village homes and temporary shelters at fair time.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Travel by road from the Terai to Martadi, Bajura, or fly towards Bajura when services run, then trek several days to the ridge.
Nearest hub: Dhangadhi
- flightKathmandu to Dhangadhi or Nepalgunj by domestic flight; occasional small-aircraft flights serve Bajura.
- roadBy bus or jeep on hill roads to Martadi, the Bajura headquarters.
- trekSeveral days on foot from Martadi to the Badimalika ridge.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is needed to visit Badimalika.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Nepal Tourism Board.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Badimalika
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Landslideshigh in a typical yearJun-Sep
The main fair falls in the monsoon, when trails and roads to Bajura suffer landslides.
Snowhigh in a typical yearDec-Mar
Snow covers the ridge in winter and early spring.
Altitudemoderate in a typical yearAll year
The shrine stands at high altitude, often quoted around 4,200 m; ascend gradually.
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; weather on the ridge can turn quickly.
- Bring waterproofs and warm layers, especially for the fair in the monsoon.
- Acclimatise on the way up. General information, not medical advice.
- Carry cash and food; supplies are limited.
Questions about Badimalika
Where is Badimalika?
On a high ridge in Bajura district, Sudurpashchim Province.
When is the Badimalika fair?
At Janai Purnima, the full moon of late summer.
How do I get there?
Travel to Martadi and trek several days to the ridge.
Do I need a permit?
No permit is needed for the pilgrimage route.
Nearby
Town or village
Kolti
A remote settlement in northern Bajura with an airstrip, an entry point to the district's high country.
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.
Lake · 2,990 m
Rara Lake
Nepal's largest lake, a deep blue sheet of water ringed by pine forest in the remote Karnali hills.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Bajura District, Wikipedia, Martadi, Wikipedia, Nepal Tourism Board