Town or village · 2,514 m
Jumla
A highland bazaar town in the Tila valley of Karnali, known for red rice and apples and used as the starting point for the trek to Rara Lake.
Far Westगोठीचौर
Gothichaur
Open high meadows and pine forest in Jumla district, a quiet pastoral excursion from Jumla bazaar.
- Altitude
- -*
- Best months
- Apr-May, Sep-Nov
- Type
- Valley or region
- District
- Jumla, Karnali
- Permit
- None needed
Higher seasonal exposure: landslides (Jun-Sep).
Why go
Gothichaur is an area of open grassy meadows and pine forest in Jumla district, Karnali Province, a short journey from Jumla bazaar. The name combines the Nepali words for a cattle shed and a meadow, which describes the landscape well: wide, gently sloping pastures where livestock graze, edged by conifer forest and framed by higher ridges.
The area is popular with domestic visitors from Jumla and further afield as a place for picnics, walks and photographs, especially in spring and autumn when the weather is settled. There are farms and orchards in the surrounding area, reflecting Jumla's reputation for apples and other temperate crops. Walking across the meadows and along the forest edge is easy, and on clear days there are views of the surrounding hills.
Gothichaur suits travellers spending an extra day in Jumla before or after a trek to Rara, and anyone wanting to see the pastoral side of the Karnali highlands without a long expedition.
History and culture
The meadows have been used for grazing by the surrounding communities for generations, and seasonal movement of livestock between pastures is still part of life in Jumla. Local Hindu shrines and the customs associated with them are part of the area's character, and fairs are held at some of them during festivals.
In more recent decades the area has also been associated with agricultural development in Jumla, including orchards and farm projects that support the district's apple growing. Domestic tourism has grown as roads have improved, and Gothichaur is now one of the best-known excursions from Jumla bazaar.
Things to do in Gothichaur
Meadow walk
Spend a few hours walking across the meadows and along the forest edge.
Picnic day
Bring food from Jumla bazaar for a relaxed day out, as domestic visitors do.
Combine with Jumla
Pair Gothichaur with Chandannath Temple and the bazaar before or after a trek to Rara.
Weather and the best time to visit Gothichaur
Weather in Gothichaur
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 is dry and clear, with harvest colours in the fields and the best trekking weather.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is cold, with frost and snow; flights continue but some trails and roads are affected.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May is mild, with apple blossom and spring flowers; April and May are pleasant for walking.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to August is wet, flights are often cancelled and the Karnali Highway suffers landslides.
Where to stay
HomestaysGuesthouses
Most visitors stay in Jumla bazaar and make a day trip; local homestays may be available.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Hire a jeep or ride from Jumla bazaar to Gothichaur on the local road; the trip suits a day out.
Nearest hub: Jumla
- jeepHire a jeep or take local transport from Jumla bazaar; road conditions vary by season.
- roadReach Jumla first by flight from Nepalgunj or by road on the Karnali Highway.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is needed to visit Gothichaur.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Nepal Tourism Board.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Gothichaur
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
Monsoon rain damages local roads in Jumla and the Karnali Highway leading to the district.
Snowmoderate in a typical yearDec-Feb
Winter brings frost and snow to the meadows and local roads.
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
- Ask in Jumla about current road conditions and transport before setting out.
- Respect grazing livestock and farm boundaries.
- Carry warm layers; the weather changes quickly at this altitude.
Questions about Gothichaur
What is Gothichaur?
An area of open meadows and pine forest in Jumla district, popular as a day trip from Jumla bazaar.
How do I get to Gothichaur?
By jeep or local transport from Jumla bazaar.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and autumn, when the weather is settled and dry.
Nearby
Temple, monastery or heritage site
Chandannath Temple
The principal temple of Jumla bazaar, home of the town's patron deity Chandannath.
Valley or region
Sinja Valley
The highland valley north-west of Jumla that was the seat of the medieval Khas Malla kings.
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: Jumla District, Wikipedia, Karnali Province, Wikipedia