The Himlung Himal Expedition is a gem at an altitude of 7,126 m residing in the Manaslu region of Nepal. The Himlung Himal is situated in the northeast direction of the stunning Annapurna range. In 1992, Japanese expedition members were the first to attempt it successfully. The expedition to this tapered mountain will help you hone your climbing skills. It’s disheartening to think that the himlung expedition isn’t a favorite among climbers.
Himlung Expedition is a much more steady and less technical ascent. You’ll be moving through the pristine beauty of the Manaslu and Annapurna regions. Himlung himal can serve as a training foundation for the world’s highest expeditions. However, it takes a lot of fitness, preparation and experience to reach the summit. The itinerary is adaptable to any health issues encountered by the climbers as well as weather situations at the peak.
Climbing to himlung himal is an expedition filled with sensational scenery, remote, diverse terrain, and unique culture. You will travel through evergreen forest, springs and rocky canyons while enveloped by high snowy peaks and glaciers. The people who reside in this secluded region have preserved much of the traditional Tibetan culture and religious beliefs as the region reaches Tibet’s border.
The himlung expedition begins west of Kathmandu in Beshishar and pursues the Legendary Annapurna Circuit Trekking route up the Marshyangdi River valley. The trail leads toward the village of Koto before deviating into the remote Phu Valley. You spend a day adjusting to your surroundings and exploring this picturesque Buddhist settlement. The Himlung Base Camp is located on a grassy meadow high above Phu.
Before attempting the summit of himlung himal, three more camps Camp I, Camp II and Camp III are put in place. The ascent to the top is the ultimate goal. Regardless of that, Sherpa’s highest priority is your reassurance and well-being.
The expedition of himlung himal is ideal for those with essential mountain climbing expertise who wants to try a high-elevation mountain expedition in Nepal. The journey is characterized by high altitude, intensive climbs, and extremely cool hours.
Thamel Marga Central Thamel Kathmandu (Google Map)
Maximum Altitude: 1,350 m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Dinner
Welcome to the capital city of Nepal – Kathmandu. The devotees of Hindus and Buddhists dominate the city adorned by natural beauty. Upon landing at the Kathmandu Airport, our representative will receive you at the airport terminal. Hereafter, you’ll be brought to the pre-booked hotel.
There will be a meeting on the itinerary and procedure of the expedition in the evening. You have the freedom to question your confusion and misunderstandings. In addition, a delightful dinner is being prepared for your meal.
Overnight in Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude: 1,350 m
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The following day is dedicated to exploring the Kathmandu valley and preparing for the trek. After breakfast, you will be accompanied on the tour by a guide. So, get ready and freshen up.
The first stop is at the Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu pilgrimage site. It is rich in ancient temples, statues, and inscriptions that have been preserved over time. Taking photographs inside the temple is strictly forbidden.
The world’s largest stupa, the Boudhanath Stupa, is your next stop. It is a site of worship for Buddhists. With its exceptional beauty, you can find peace.
At last, you will visit the Basantapur Durbar Square, one of the three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley. The Square is surrounded by magnificent architecture and hand-crafted idols.
After a long day, you return to your hotel to prepare for the trip. If you need to buy something, you can go to the local stores.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
Drive Duration: 7 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 760 m
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The official voyage to Himlung Himal initiates today with a drive to Kathmandu. Soon after breakfast, the drive leads through the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway towards Dumre. Then, you’ll come across beautiful settlements and farmlands alongside the Marsyangdi river. With the long drive, you arrive in Besisahar, which will be your overnight stay. Besisahar is considered the capital of the Lamjung district.
Overnight in Besisahar
Drive Duration: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,600 m
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today you’ll be heading out to Koto on a drive through the off track. En route, you pass across several lively villages. Koto is a gorgeous village situated on the junction between the Marshyangdi and Nar rivers. It leads to two crucial trails in the Annapurna region. One is the Annapurna Circuit Trekking trail, whereas the other is the Nar Phu trekking trail. From Koto, you’ll follow the route to the tracks of the Nar Phu valley.
Overnight in Koto.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,560 m
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
On this day, the journey begins in the early hours of the day. The route ahead is long and strenuous. You head out for the Nar Phu valleys passing over the river as you leave the village. The hike advances through the thick forests above the Phu Khola. Here onwards, you encounter various small settlements along with a Dharamshala.
As the trek progresses, you’ll be walking under a serene waterfall just after coming out of a narrow gorge. Here onwards, the spectacular vistas become visible more expansive with more thinner woodlands. You ascend along a steep route to reach a plateau with high pastures on continuing the hike. And hence the walking halts after getting Meta.
Overnight in Meta.
Trek Duration: 6-7 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,840 m
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today the trail to Kyang comprises diverse terrains with winding cliffs. The landscapes along the path are kind of similar to the topography of Ladakh.
After leaving Meta, the trek moves to Junam, which takes an hour of the hike. This settlement provided shelter to Khampas from Tibet in the past. Moving further ahead, you reach the subsequent settlement, Chako, after hiking through the rugged terrains. In the earlier days, Chako was a Khampa settlement. The settlement provides the typical ambience of Tibet. With the uphills and downhills, finally, you’ll reach Kyang village.
Overnight in Kyang village.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 4,080 m
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The trek on this day is an exciting adventure. En route to Phu, you hike with the beautiful views of multi-colour chortens.
As you head out of place, you’ll be crossing a small glacial river with no bridge. Soon after, you move across a larger river on a bridge. On resuming the trek, the scenic perspectives on canyonland and gorges stun your eyes with its serene beauty. Soon enough, the route brings you to the Phu gate, which is known as Pupigyal Kwe.
On arriving at the gate, you glance at Phu’s three villages, dzong, and the remains of two forts for the first time. On the way, you travel through the route adorned by the beautiful chortens of different colours. At long last, you reach the village of Phu.
Overnight in Phu village.
Maximum Altitude: 4,080 m
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Since the journey’s beginning, the trekking trails have led you to higher elevations. On this day, an acclimatization day is scheduled so that your body adapts to the changing environment. Exploring the Phu valley is the best way to acclimatize.
There are a lot of activities to do in the Phu village. You can stroll around the village. Apart from walking, a visit to Samdu Monastery and Choling Monastery is necessary. You will spend the day strolling around the village and touring these monasteries.
Overnight in Phu village
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 4,900 m
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today, the journey is on its way to the base camp. The trails are somewhat similar to previous days yet challenging as you’ll be gaining some elevations.
After a sensational breakfast, you head out of the Phu village, succeeding the acclimatization day. As you continue your walk, you gain elevation. Soon enough, you arrive at the Himlung Base Camp. Teahouses are not accessible around the base camp, so you’ll stay in a tent. Your Sherpas will build the tent for the expedition team upon arriving at the base camp. Today’s night in the Himlung Base Camp is the first of many.
Overnight in a tent.
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today is the first day for the preparation of the summit expedition. Mind-blowing adventures and thrills await you here onwards.
You’ll have ten days for expedition preparation and acclimatization along with the ascend and descend from the pinnacle. Throughout these days, you’ll be accompanied by the professional teams of Sherpa. They will assist you with cooking hygienic food, climbing, setting the camp, etc.
The climbing periods are critical and the toughest ones for the summit expedition. Prior mountaineering experience and training pay off along the journey to the summit. Strong determination and climbing skills help you to conquer the mountain. The trails to the Himlung Himal pinnacle (7,126 m) are full of hurdles. You need to climb across the snowy, steep, as well as technical portions.
Setting foot on the pinnacle of the Himlung Himal is like a fantasy fulfilled. The feeling is genuinely amusing and adrenaline. Standing at the summit with panoramic views of several Himalaya ranges is mesmerizing. Once you accomplish the summit, you’ll be accompanied back to the base camp gradually in several days.
Trek Duration: 3-4 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 4,080 m
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Today, the trail returns to the Phu valley after the successful descend to the Himlung Himal Base Camp. You make your way down by a considerable elevation loss on the way back. The routes are easy to navigate as you will be hiking through the same path. You’ll have a decent rest in Phu village.
Overnight in Phu village.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 3,560 m
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The route back to Meta is mainly of descending trails. Once again, you’ll be hiking through the same splendid monasteries and old structures. As most of the trekking trails are downhill, the walk along the route is less tiresome. This is why you’ll have the freedom to observe the beauty of mountain vistas.
Overnight in Meta.
Trek Duration: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 2,600 m
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The returning trek to Koto is beneficial. If you’ve missed some of the fun parts of the trek during the previous trek then this is a great opportunity. Enjoy the route while passing through the lush forest trails along with rivers. You’ll experience a 1,000 m elevation loss as you arrive at Koto.
Overnight in Koto.
Drive Duration: 5-6 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 760 m
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The trekking journey ends as of today. Early in the morning, leave the village and drive back to Besisahar. The drive leads the way through the same route across several lively settlements. Upon reaching there, you can roam around in your leisure time.
Overnight in Besisahar.
Drive Duration: 7 hrs
Maximum Altitude: 1,400
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The drive initiates to Kathmandu in the early hours of the day. So, prepare your belongings ahead of departure. Riding through the scenic view of green hills, splashing rivers, winding roads, and many others, you’ll reach Kathmandu after 7 hours of drive. Celebrate the achievement in Kathmandu.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
The Himlung Himal Climbing will come to an end on this day. And you’ll begin preparing for your departure. Our representative will transport you from the hotel to the airport according to your flight schedule.
In Kathmandu, you will stay in a hotel with proper facilities. You’ll be staying in a tea house along the trek, whereas tents are set up during the climb. The majority of teahouse accommodations will only have shared restrooms. Foam mattresses will be provided for tent accommodation.
Without a doubt, a trekking guide is necessary for the Himlung Himal Expedition. The climb to the summit is technical that requires guidance from professionals. Other than this, you need a trekking guide for the following reasons:
Prior training for the climb
Yes, there are various communication options available, such as internet, satellite phone, and so on. The mobile network is unavailable due to remote sections, but you can use the internet up to 5000 m. You can use a satellite phone in case of emergency.
In most cases, one porter is assigned to each client. One porter is able to carry 25 kilograms of weight depending on the trail’s steep hills, slopes, and difficulties, as well as its high elevation
The optimal times for a Himlung Himal expedition are during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These periods offer stable weather and clear skies, making for safer climbing conditions.
Hiring experienced local guides or Sherpas is highly recommended for their expertise in the region’s terrain, culture, and safety protocols.
Similar to other Himalayan peaks, Himlung Himal has witnessed glacial retreat and changing weather patterns due to climate change. Sustainable mountaineering practices are crucial to mitigate environmental impact.
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