Town or village
Martadi
The remote headquarters of Bajura and the starting point for the Badimalika pilgrimage.
Far Westकोल्टी
Kolti
A remote settlement in northern Bajura with an airstrip, an entry point to the district's high country.
- Altitude
- -*
- Best months
- Mar-Apr, Oct-Dec
- Type
- Town or village
- District
- Bajura, Sudurpashchim
- Permit
- None needed
Higher seasonal exposure: landslides (Jun-Sep), road blockages (Jun-Sep).
Why go
Kolti is a small settlement in northern Bajura with an airstrip that makes it one of the main air links for this remote part of the far west. Steep forested slopes and terraced fields surround it, and trails lead from here to villages higher in the district and towards the borders of Humla and Mugu in Karnali Province.
There is little in the way of sights, but Kolti is a place to experience the far west at its most remote. Daily life revolves around farming, herding and the movement of goods and people by foot and mule, and the arrival of a small plane is an event that draws a crowd.
Travellers who come here are usually on their way to trek in the high country of northern Bajura or between Bajura and the Karnali districts. Facilities are very basic, and good planning is needed. Anyone planning to come should check transport in advance and carry enough food, cash and warm clothing for delays.
History and culture
Northern Bajura has long been one of the least accessible parts of Nepal. The communities around Kolti are mainly Khas people, with Bhotiya communities in higher valleys who traditionally traded across the Himalaya. The airstrip has been an important link for food, medicine and travel in a district where road access is limited.
Local culture shares the Deuda songs, goddess shrines and festival calendar of the wider far west. Visitors are rare and should take time to explain their plans, ask before photographing people and respect local customs.
Things to do in Kolti
Village walks
Walk through nearby villages and terraced fields.
Onward treks
Start or end treks into the high country of northern Bajura.
Weather and the best time to visit Kolti
Weather in Kolti
Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Mar-Apr, Oct-Dec
- Jan
- Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Good month: Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Good month: Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November are usually dry and clear, with the best views of the northern peaks.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is dry and sunny by day but cold at night; higher ridges can see snow.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March to May is warm and fairly clear, with rhododendron in flower on the higher slopes; haze builds by May.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to September brings heavy rain, cloud and landslides that often disrupt the hill roads.
Where to stay
HomestaysGuesthouses
Very basic lodging and homestays only.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Kolti is reached mainly by small-aircraft flights when they operate, or by long road and trail journeys through Bajura.
Nearest hub: Nepalgunj
- flightSmall-aircraft flights to the Bajura airstrip when services run; check schedules well ahead.
- roadLong, rough road and jeep journeys through Bajura from the south, often followed by walking.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is needed to visit Kolti.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Nepal Tourism Board.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Kolti
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
Rough roads and trails in northern Bajura suffer frequent monsoon landslides.
Road blockageshigh in a typical yearJun-Sep
Road access can be cut for long periods in the monsoon, and flights are often cancelled by cloud.
Snowmoderate in a typical yearDec-Mar
Higher trails around northern Bajura can be blocked by snow in winter.
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
- Flights are often delayed or cancelled; allow spare days.
- Carry all the cash you need.
- Check whether onward routes enter any restricted areas.
Questions about Kolti
Where is Kolti?
In northern Bajura district, Sudurpashchim Province.
How do I get to Kolti?
By small-aircraft flights when they operate, or by long road and trail journeys.
Is there accommodation?
Only very basic lodges and homestays.
Nearby
Temple, monastery or heritage site
Badimalika
A high ridge-top goddess shrine and grassland in Bajura, the far west's most famous mountain pilgrimage.
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