Every year, thousands of pilgrims undertake a challenging journey to Badimalika, a remote and holy pilgrimage site in far-western Nepal, to pay homage to the goddess.
In recent years, the place has gained widespread attention on social media after Prime Minister Balenendra Shah, during his election campaign, said that Badimalika is even more beautiful than Switzerland.
Since then, the number of people traveling to Badimalika has risen dramatically, drawing not only devotees but also nature lovers and adventure junkies from across the country.
This time, I finally got an opportunity to visit Badimalika, a destination that had remained on my bucket list for years, and see with my own eyes whether its breathtaking beauty truly outdoes that of Switzerland.
When I reached Badimalika and saw its beauty, I realized that words could never do it justice. Switzerland may be famous for its picturesque scenery, but Badimalika offers more than beautiful views. Its wide green meadows, intriguing wildflowers, and spectacular mountain views make the place exceptional. Having said that, its religious importance, spiritual atmosphere, and centuries-old stories make Badimalika, a destination unlike any other.
Situated in Tribeni Rural Municipality of Bajura district in the far-western Nepal, Badimalika is a famous pilgrimage site. According to Hindu mythology, Badimalika is one of the sacred places where a part of Goddess Satidevi’s body fell. It is believed that after Satidevi sacrificed her life in the sacred fire (yagna) following her father Daksha's insult to Lord Shiva, a grief-stricken Shiva wandered the earth carrying her body. During that journey, Satidevi's left shoulder is believed to have fallen on Mallagiri Hill. The place later became popular as Malika, and people established the Badimalika Temple there to worship the goddess. Since then, Badimalika has been regarded as one of Nepal's most sacred religious sites.
There is a long-standing tradition that priests from Bajura and Kalikot jointly perform worship at the Badimalika Temple, a practice that still exists. Every year, a grand fair is held at Badimalika during Janai Purnima, attracting thousands of pilgrims. Perched at an altitude of 4,200 meters above sea level, Badimalika is an iconic destination for both pilgrims and trekkers. However, its remote location, difficult trails, high altitude, and lack of tea houses make the journey arduous.
As per our itinerary, my friends and I gathered at Gongabu Bus Park in Kathmandu. After a 36-hour bus journey, we finally reached Martadi, the district headquarters of Bajura, after winding through several provinces, nearly 16 districts, dozens of rivers, and remote hill roads. By the time we reached the Martadi from where our journey on foot begins, it felt as if we had already traveled across half of Nepal as it is one of the longest road journeys of Nepal.
On the first day of the trek, we walked for about 15 minutes to reach Sano Malika Temple. It is believed that those who are unable to make the journey to Badimalika can offer prayers at this temple instead. According to locals, offering prayers at Sano Malika is regarded as the same as worshipping at Badimalika.
After offering our prayers, we stopped near the temple for breakfast. We had fresh local milk, roti, and vegetables before continuing our journey. Soon after we resumed our trek, the trail led us into a dense forest with a steep uphill climb. As we walked deeper into the woods, swarms of gnats began to trouble us. The gnats bit almost everyone in our group, making it difficult for us to continue our trek.
Almost 80 percent of the first day’s trail was uphill and passed through dense forests. With our energy gradually draining, we finally reached Phool Chadauna Patan. After enjoying a bowl of noodles for lunch, we continued our journey. The trail followed a short section of motorable road before climbing uphill again. By evening, we reached Lade Patan and then Sota Patan, the first stop of our trek.
When we reached the first stop of our trek, we felt as if we were in one of the corners of heaven. The next morning, we woke up early to witness a breathtaking view of sunrise over the snow-capped mountains. The colorful wildflowers blooming across the meadows made the landscape even more beautiful. We spent some time there soaking in the beauty of nature.
After trekking uphill for about an hour, we reached Ghoda Patan. We stopped at a small shed to have fresh local milk and roti as breakfast before continuing our journey. From there, the trail descended steeply to a beautiful stream. After crossing it, we began another uphill climb. As we were gaining altitude, all of a sudden, we were greeted by a garden covered with vibrant flowers, creating a spectacular scene.
We then reached Bitti Chinna Patan and continued our trek to Daudane Patan, where there is a local tradition that the first-time travelers to Badimalika must run for a short distance. We also happily upheld the practice. Then we reached Budimai Temple Patan, the gate way to Tribeni Patan.
Enjoying the view of sheep grazing and the colorful wildflowers and hearing the sound of crystal-clear water, we reached Daitya Patan and after around 10 minutes of walk we reached Tribeni Patan, the second station of our jaunt.
After keeping our bags and resting for a while, we decided to explore the nearby area. A 30-minute walk took us to Khetibeti Patan, a place that should not be missed while visiting Trebeni Patan. There, we came across a mysterious field covered with paddy saplings, as if someone had carefully planted them in the middle of the highlands, making the place even more fascinating.
On the third day of the trek, we woke up early, freshened up, and set out for the Badimalika Temple. Walking uphill through the green pasture, we first stopped at Bar Maganya Temple to offer our prayers. We then continued our journey and reached Lauribinayak (4,219 meters). After a few more minutes of walking, we finally arrived at the sacred Badimalika Temple.
We offered prayers at the temple and spent some peaceful moments soaking in its spiritual atmosphere. After the visit, we began our descent and reached Phool Chadaune Patan, where we spent the night at a dharmashala.
On the fourth day of the trek, we walked downhill and stopped at Manaa for lunch. After walking for about two more hours, we boarded a bus to Martadi. On the way, we came across Birekhola Jharna, a beautiful waterfall, one of the major attractions of Bajura, and stopped there for a while. The cool water and the beautiful atmosphere washed away all our tiredness.
The next day, we boarded a bus for Kathmandu. After another long 36-hour journey through the hills and plains of Nepal, we finally reached the capital, bringing our Badimalika journey to an end.
Badimalika Trek is not only about its breathtaking landscapes but also about the stories, myths, and deep spiritual significance connected with it. From Sano Malika to Phool Chadaune Patan, Bar Magnyathan, Tribeni, Dantyakharka, and Khetibeti Patan, each place carries its own unique story, making the trek far more meaningful than simply reaching a destination. That is why Badimalika is more than just a place of natural beauty, religious faith, and physical challenge—it is an experience that touches the heart and stays with you long after the journey ends.
Photos and videos can capture only a few glimpses of its beauty, but the energy, peace, and mysterious atmosphere of Badimalika can never be fully expressed in words. Perhaps that is the true magic of Badimalika. That is why Badimalika is one of the must-visit places in Nepal.
Photos: Achitra Thieng
