Humla & Limi Valley - The Unexplored Far West - 20 Days
Humla & Limi Valley - The Unexplored Far West | Trekking Highlights:
- Humla, a hidden world frozen in time.
- Trek through the Trans-Himalayan Limi valley.
- Cross 3 high passes: Nara La Pass (4,535m), Lamka La Pass (4,300m) and Nyalu La Pass (4,949m) and enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayas.
- Follow the ancient salt trade route between Nepal and Tibet.
- A remote camping trek unaffected by tourism. Experience nature at its wildest!
- Bordering Tibet, Humla is one of the most isolated regions in the world.
- Witness ancient shaman traditions.
- Gateway to the holy Mount Kailash.
- One of the most culturally fascinating places in Nepal.
- Breathtaking mountain flights.
- Only for adventurous travelers!
Day 01. Welcome to Nepal
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, our friendly representative will be waiting for you at the airport with a sign displaying your name. He will then drive you to your hotel.
Depending on your time of arrival, you are free to relax or explore the city.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
Day 02. Kathmandu sightseeing | Trek briefing
After breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour in Kathmandu with our private city guide - by private car or van. We will visit:
After the sightseeing tour, we will conduct a pre-departure briefing.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
Day 03. Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Hotel.
Day 04. Flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot* (2950m) / Trek from Simikot to Dharapuri (2270m) | ≈ 4-5 hours
In the morning, we will embark on a scenic mountain flight to Simikot, located in extreme north west Nepal.
We will begin our trek on a rocky trail and cross a small pass before reaching Majgaon. Then, we will descend steeply to Dharapuri.
*The mountain weather in Nepal is always unpredictable and the flights from/to Simikot may be delayed or canceled due to the bad weather. We advise allowing 2 to 3 extra days should our flights from/to Simikot be cancelled or delayed due to bad weather.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Day 05. Trek from Dharapuri to Kermi (2670m) | ≈ 4-5 hours
Beautiful hiking day along the Karnali river from Dharapuri to Kermi. Short hike to the Lakiyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa monasteries in the afternoon. In Kermi, you can also enjoy the hot springs located near the village (30 minutes' walk). Do not forget to bring your swimsuit!
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Day 06. Trek from Kermi to Yalbang (3020m) | ≈ 5 hours
We will begin our hike on a mostly flat trail. Then, we will climb and cross a small pass. We will descend to the Sali river and walk through the pine and rhododendron forest to Yalbang. We will probably meet many caravans of mules, goats and dzos (a dzo is a hybrid between a yak and a cow). We will set our camp below the Yalbang village. We will visit the buddhist monastery "Namkha Khyung Dzong Gompa", one of the largest gompas in the district.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Day 07. Trek from Yalbang to Tumkot (3380m) | ≈ 5-6 hours
We will left the riverbank of the Karnali and climb up to Yangar. Then, we will follow a rocky path and descend to the Karnali river again. We will cross a wooden bridge and climb up to Tumkot, via Muchu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Day 08. Trek from Tumkot to Yari (3700m) | ≈ 5-6 hours
We will ascend to Yari, via Pani Palwang. The landscape will change and we will be walking through alpine pastures and rocky mountains. We will rest in the afternoon in order to be ready for crossing the Nara La Pass the next day.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Day 09. Trek from Yari to Hilsa (3720m) via Nara La Pass (4535m) | ≈ 6-7 hours
We will wake up very early, climb up and cross the Nara La Pass (4535m). We will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views on the Tibet plateau. Then, we will descend to Hilsa, located near the Tibet border.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Day 10. Trek from Hilsa to Manepeme (3990m) | ≈ 4-5 hours
Short hiking day. We will cross a suspension bridge and experience the famous "Nepali flat" hike (a succession of multiple ascents and descents) before reaching Manepeme.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Day 11. Trek from Manepeme to Til (4000m) via Lamka La Pass (4300m) | ≈ 6-7 hours
We will wake up early and cross the Lamka La Pass (4300m), with a detour en-route to the Ya Yip Phuk meditation cave. Then, we will hike down to Til.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Day 12. Trek from Til to Jang (3930m) | ≈ 7 hours
It'll be a long trekking day through the Limi Valley from Til to Jang. We will climb up to Halji (3660m) and visit the Richening Gompa, one of the most sacred monasteries of the region. Then, we will hike along the Limi river until we'll reach Jang, the last village of the Limi Valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping or homestay.
Day 13. Rest day in Jang (3930m)
Today, we will stay with the locals and find out about their way of life. If you wish, you'll have the option to spend the night at a local family's house. A true cultural immersion experience.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping or homestay.
Day 14. Trek from Jang to Talung camp (4370m) | ≈ 8-9 hours
Today will be little more technical. We will hike into the forest and ascend steeply to the Talung camp. We will enjoy spectacular views of Api Saipal Himal and Mt. Kailash. There aren't villages, nor hamlets anymore on this portion of the trail. We will be totally isolated. A true immersion into Nepal's wilderness, far from the civilization.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Day 15. Trek from Talung camp to Shinjungma camp (3620m) via Nyalu La Pass (4949m) | ≈ 8-9 hours
We will wake up very early and cross the Nyalu La Pass (4949m), the highest point of our trek. We will enjoy fantastic panoramic views on Tibet, Api Saipal and Mt. Kailash. Then, we we will descend to the Shinjungma camp, via the Selma Tso lake.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Day 16. Trek from Shinjungma camp to Kermi (2670m) | ≈ 6-7 hours
We will follow the Sali river and then the Karnali river. We will descend to the Kermi village through the pine and birch forest. You can enjoy one last time the hot springs of Kermi.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping.
Day 17. Trek to Simikot (2950m) | ≈ 6 hours
Our last trekking day. We will continue our descent to Simikot, starting and ending point of our trek, via Dharapuri and Majgaon. You have the option to choose to spend the night at a lodge instead of camping today.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Accommodation: Camping or lodge.
Day 18. Flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj / Flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Scenic mountain flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj. Then, we will fly back to Kathmandu.
Meals: Breakfast.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
Day 19. Leisure day & shopping in Kathmandu / Farewell Celebration dinner
Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel.
Day 20. Departure
After a fun-filled trekking holiday, our journey ends. We hope you thoroughly enjoyed your trip. We will take you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. If you have time and would like to extend your stay in Nepal, we would be happy to offer our recommendations.
Meals: Breakfast.
Please note: This itinerary is intended to be a guideline; local conditions and weather may necessitate slight itinerary variations. The mountain weather in Nepal is always unpredictable. We strongly advise allowing 2 to 3 contingency days in case of unforeseen circumstances. We organize this trek as a "Small group trek" - limited to 8 travelers in order to limit the pressure on the habitats and wildlife.
- Rucksack or duffle bag.
- Daypack.
- Outdoor clothing: Outdoor clothing should be tough and comfortable. Wearing several thin layers is better than a few thick layers.
- Mountaineering / trekking boots, trainers & sport sandals. Lightweight socks & med-heavy wool socks.
- Gaiters.
- Crampons.
- Water Bottle or Hydration Bladder with Water Purification Tablets. We recommend LifeStraw, an advanced water filter bottle.
- Trekking Pants & Shorts.
- Trekking shirts.
- Lightweight thermal pants.
- Breathable underwear.
- Fleece jacket.
- Down jacket.
- 1 waterproof jacket.
- Gloves.
- Scarf.
- Sun hat and knit cap.
- Sunglasses.
- Trekking poles.
- Sunscreen.
- Flashlight.
- Sleeping bag.
- Wash kit & Travel towel.
- Medicine (in particular, diarrhea medication): Isotonic Powder/ Basic First Aid Kit/ Diamox/ Oximeter / Ibuprofen for general aches and pains/ Imodium or Pepto Bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Copies of important documents (passport, vaccination certificates, travel insurance), air tickets & extra passport photos.
- Power adapters.
- Padlocks.
- Camera with extra cards and extra batteries.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
*THIS LIST IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE.
What’s included
- Pre-departure support.
- Airport pick-up & drop-off (private vehicle).
- Experienced and government licensed trekking guide/s (2 to 5 members: 1 trekking leader/ 6 to 8 members: 1 trekking leader + 1 trekking guide).
- Personal porter service (1 member : 1 porter) + assistance of additional porters to carry all group equipment.
- 4 Domestic Flight tickets: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, Nepalgunj to Kathmandu, Nepalgunj to Simikot and Simikot to Nepalgunj.
- Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel on twin sharing basis in Kathmandu/ Hotel in Nepalgunj / Camping (with all the necessary equipment including twin share high quality tents, mattresses, sleeping bags, dining & kitchen tent, toilet tent, shower tent, etc.) during the trek.
- Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan).
- All necessary trekking permits.
- Kathmandu sightseeing tour on day 2 (including entrance fees).
- First aid kit/s including a pulse oximeter to monitor your oxygen during your trek.
- Little trash bags to carry your waste during your trek.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- All government taxes, VAT and service charges.
What’s NOT included
- International flights.
- Excess baggage fees (domestic flights).
- Lunches and dinners in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner in Kathmandu).
- Individual tent during the trek.
- Tips for porters, guides & others.
- Personal climbing boots, clothing & equipment.
- Personal expenditures, all bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, etc.
- Medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs.
- Visa fees.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Anything else not specified in the ‘what’s included’ section above.
Accommodation:
Kathmandu: 3-Star Hotel.
Nepalgunj: Hotel.
During trek: Camping.
Meals:
Kathmandu: Breakfasts & Farewell Dinner.
Nepalgunj: Breakfast.
During the trek: Breakfasts, Lunches & Dinners.
Health:
Excellent level of fitness.
Very active walker-climber in good health.
Experience:
You should be able to walk for 5 to 10 hours in a day.
You are required as a condition of booking to have an adequate travel insurance.
Please note: Before your arrival, we will send you a complete detailed brochure regarding Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) and how to prevent it. Please read this brochure carefully.
Our local trekking guides are highly experienced in preventing, recognizing and treating altitude sickness. They will monitor your health closely during your trek. A proper acclimatization is not only essential but also a necessary life-saving measure.