Temple, monastery or heritage site
Badimalika
A high ridge-top goddess shrine and grassland in Bajura, the far west's most famous mountain pilgrimage.
Far Westमार्तडी
Martadi
The remote headquarters of Bajura and the starting point for the Badimalika pilgrimage.
- 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
Martadi is the headquarters of Bajura district, a small and remote hill town in the north-east of Sudurpashchim Province. It lies among steep, terraced hills in the basin of the Budhiganga, and it serves as the administrative and market centre for a district with few roads and scattered villages.
For travellers the town is above all the starting point for the trek to Badimalika, the ridge-top goddess shrine that is the far west's most famous mountain pilgrimage. Trekkers bound for Khaptad's eastern approaches and for the remote northern parts of the district also pass through.
Martadi has basic services: a bazaar, offices, a hospital, schools and a few simple lodges. Its remoteness is part of the experience, and the slow pace of life gives a sense of the far west's hill country. An evening in the bazaar, when people come in from surrounding villages, is the best time to see the town at its liveliest.
History and culture
Bajura was among the most isolated districts of Nepal until roads began to reach it in recent decades. Its people are mainly Khas communities in the middle hills, with Bhotiya communities in the far north, and the local culture shares the Deuda songs, Gaura festival and goddess worship of the wider far west.
The great event in the local calendar is the Badimalika fair at Janai Purnima, when pilgrims pass through Martadi on their way to the ridge. The town's municipality is named after the goddess, a sign of the shrine's importance to the district's identity.
Things to do in Martadi
Badimalika trek
Begin the trek to the Badimalika ridge with a local guide.
Bazaar walk
Explore the small bazaar and meet people from surrounding villages.
Village walks
Walk out to nearby villages among the terraces.
Weather and the best time to visit Martadi
Weather in Martadi
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
GuesthousesHomestays
A few basic guesthouses and lodges in the bazaar.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
Martadi is reached by long hill roads from the Terai, or by occasional small-aircraft flights to Bajura.
Nearest hub: Dhangadhi
- flightOccasional small-aircraft flights serve Bajura; check current services.
- roadBy bus or jeep on long hill roads from Dhangadhi or Nepalgunj, often over two days.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is needed to visit Martadi.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Nepal Tourism Board.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Martadi
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
Roads to Bajura are rough and suffer frequent monsoon landslides.
Road blockageshigh in a typical yearJun-Sep
Road access can be cut for long periods in the monsoon.
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
- Bring enough cash; banking is very limited.
- Allow several spare days for transport delays.
- Arrange guides for Badimalika in town.
Questions about Martadi
Is Martadi the headquarters of Bajura?
Yes, Martadi is the district headquarters.
Is Martadi the start of the Badimalika trek?
Yes, it is the usual starting point.
How do I get there?
By long hill roads from the Terai, or by occasional flights to Bajura.
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.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Martadi, Wikipedia, Bajura District, Wikipedia, Nepal Tourism Board