Himlung Expedition (7126 Meter)

Trip Overview

Trip Facts

Country: Nepal
Trip grade: Strenuous
Destination: Himlung Himal
Activities: Trekking and Climbing
Accommodation: Hotel, Guesthouse & Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Maximum altitude: 7126 meter
Group size: 1+
Best Season: Spring & Autumn

Himlung Himal is one of the new mountains for climbing in the Himalayas. It lies between the Manaslu and Annapurna ranges. Himlung Expedition takes you through remote villages of Nepal towards the mountain. Formerly a restricted area, Nepal Government opened it just in 1992 so it is a fairly new mountain for the expedition.

This is an expedition which embraces diversity in natural serenity and fascinating culture. Evergreen forests, view of snow-capped peaks, natural springs and rocky gorges accompany you as you trek towards the mountain. As you trek towards the mountain for climbing, you will follow the Annapurna Circuit Trekking route. The trekking adventure takes you closer to the unique and timeless culture of the mountains.

The Himlung Expedition goes into the Annapurna range via Koto all the way to Nar-Phu Gaon. The trail along the Phu River is a different experience as the immaculate blend of the natural beauty is truly a sight to see. The adventure starts with a picturesque drive to Besisahar where you will remain overnight. The following day you will travel in a local jeep for about 6 hours to reach Koto (2600m/8,530ft). From Koto, it is a 5-day trek to the Himlung Himal base camp (4850m/15,912ft).

The trail moves in the direction of the East and goes through Dharmasala, Meta, Kyang and Phugaon, which is the oldest and largest Buddhist settlement in the area. The base camp (4900m) is in a subalpine zone full of pristine forests and other pleases of nature. Three high camps will be set up to reach to the peak of the mountain. Camp I at the height of 5450m, Camp II at 6000m and Camp III at 6350m. The accommodation in the base camp will be comfortable and a different experience to your expedition.

This expedition brings an awesome climbing adventure experience.

Reasons Himlung Expedition becomes an Experience

Nepal Climbing Adventure always strives to offer an adventure traveling experience that you can cherish. While the Himlung Expedition is beautiful in its all essence, your experience of trekking there becomes even more beautiful with us.

By the time we take you to the base camp and bring you back, we take one step ahead to offer you a beautiful experience. We keep your safety and happiness is our top priority and you will experience the same during the trip.

Going on an expedition to Himlung Himal with us is traveling in safe hands.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival and Hotel Stay

We will send you our representatives to receive you upon your arrival at TIA and will go to a hotel. You can have a visit around different places of Kathmandu located at a short distance that day. In the evening, you will be served a welcoming dinner which includes traditional Nepali cuisine.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 02: Preparations for Trek & Sightseeing of Kathmandu

We will visit different places of Kathmandu. Kathmandu is rich culturally therefore we visit places like Patan Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Swayambunath and Pashupatinath as well. At night, we can stroll around Thamel area for refreshment. We are going to stay over the night in Kathmandu.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

Day 03: Kathmandu to Besisahar

We proceed from Kathmandu and drive to Besisahar. The street we drive through will take us along the Trishuli Valley. We get grand perspectives of the snowcapped pinnacles, for the most part the Ganesh Himal and also Manaslu as we pursue the river towards Mugling. We, a short time later, deviate from the major street and move to Besisahar way where we begin on our trek.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 04: Trek to Ngadi

From Besisahar, we trek along to the river and cross toward east. Our trail lifts higher than the river, continuous north far up to the Marsyangdi Valley. The way takes us on quiet trails from side with rice fields and settlements until we meet with the fundamental track at Bhulebule. The path moves with the eastern side of the stream strolling along an attracting waterfall to Ngadi. Ovenight at Ngadi.

Day 05: Trek to Jagat

Today, we will stroll over the suspension connect and after that begin on a climb through the woods to achieve Lampatta, a Manangi territory having Tibetan flags of prayers. A sudden ascent conveys us to Bahundanda. From the peak we move descending to Syange (1136m). The way then clears a path to Jagat where we remain overnight.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 06: Trek to Dharapani

After passing along the rising and declining way, we will reach Chyamje. At that point, we will pass a suspension bridge and clear a path through oak woods. The stream leaves from sight as we climb over a point. The pathway then turns out into valley where we touch base at Tal; the following community is set at the base of a terrific falls (1700m). We will go across the river sand climb the valley, sliding down to cross the stream to the settelement of Dharapani lying at 1848m. Overnight in Dharapani.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 07: Trek to Koto

On this day, our route proceeds onward to climb to Bagarchap situated at 2164m. At that point, we go at the back of the trail sideways through the forest to Dhanagyu and climb up to Temang. Here we can watch the magnificent glimpse of Manaslu in addition to Peak 29. The trail then descends through fir and pine woods to Koto. Overnight in Koto.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 08: Trek to Dharmasala

We will have a very difficult day today while moving from Koto to Dharmashala. Going through the check post we will cross a stream that takes us to Nar Phu valleys. We will stroll along the wonderful wilderness over Phu River. At that point we will pass a few minor caves and also temple named as Dharmashala. We will leave the small valley and walk along the wideway. We will see the jungle fading as we walk forward. We will camp at Dharmashala for the night.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 09: Trek to Kyang

We will have a lofty climb and we will stroll along a beautiful river that takes us to uplands at an elevation of 3200m. We will stroll by beautiful Meta at 3560. We will see white rocks, juniper, bushes, white sandy trails and many more things along the way. We will see the shadow of Phu Koshi covering the way. We will go by Khampa settlement, Chako where prayer flags wave. We will in the wake of passing high points and low points achieve Kyang where we will set our camp to remain overnight.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 10: Trek to Phu Gaun

We will clear a path down to the stream Phu and walk up and down the shore passing submarine rocks. We will get the chance to see bright chortens. We will rise to small glacier before we cross an extension bridge. And preceeding a bridge to Phu, a series of chortens takes us to the significant settlement of Phu where we will set our camp for overnight.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 11: Trek to Himlung Base Camp

From Phu Gaun, we will today trek to Himlung Base Camp, set up our Base Camp at a height of 4842m on a ground and enjoy there for the night.

Accommodation: Camping

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 12-27: Climbing Period

The climbing schedule may differ as per the climber's experience. A climbing day includes an unfaltering moving for 3-4 hours in the morning. Apart from lunch, rest and unwind, there is a move of 2-3 hours toward the evening. Nevertheless, adaptability in climbing schedule is fundamental as individuals move at their pace and react personally to the worries of climbing. We guarantee the proportion of climbers and Sherpa guides concentrating on altitude safety measures so that every individual climber can advance at their own particular rate.

Regularly we will set three high camps before achieving the summit. We will put on Camp I at the elevation of 5,450m. At that point Camp II at a rise of 6,000m and the Camp 3 at the stature of 6,350m. Furthermore, our Sherpas aides will help us set up a scope of camps for well acclimatization and we attempt to reach the peak of Himlung Himal on a day with fair weather conditions.

Accommodation: Camping

Day 28: Trek Back to Phu Gaun

We will return from the base camp to achieve Phu Gaun once more. We will walk up and down the stream shore passing big rocks. We will get the chance to see vivid chortens at the end of the day. Ovennight in Phu Gaun once more.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 29: Trek to Dharmasala

Avoiding Phu Gaun behind, we will head towards Dharmashala for the nightstay. We will see the bushes, white rocks, juniper, etc, which were already on our sight while going upwards. We will likewise descend to stay at Dharmasala.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 30: Trek to Koto

Again, we will be following just the same but opposite route as before. We will be seeing the likes of Manaslu and Peak 29 on the way with pine woods along the trail. Overnight at Koto.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 31: Trek to Dharapani

Traversing along the river and narrow valley, we will head downwards to reach Dharapani for overnight.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 32: Trek to Jagat

We will leave Dharapani and head onwards enjoying several waterfalls and rivers. Our trail descends along the forest to finally reach Jagat for the night.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 33: Trek to Ngadi

Today, we will continue walking downwards along the narrow trails passing across the deep stream gorge. We can get a view of Lamjung, Mt. Manaslu, Peak 29, etc. on the way. Overnight at Ngadi.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 34: Trek to Besisahar and back to Kathmandu

On this very last day of our trekking, we will take a short walk from Ngadi to Besisahar and then take a bus to drive all the way back to Kathmandu. After checking in the hotel, you will have whole of the day for refreshment. In the evening, we will be serving you with farewell dinner which basically includes delicious Nepali cuisine.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast and Lunch

Day 35: Rest at Kathmandu & Debriefing

Today, you will be visiting the Departmnet Of Tourism for debriefing of the expedition and receive the certificate of accomplishment.

Accommodation: Hotel

Meal: Breakfast

Day 36: Final Departure from the airport

After a nearly one and half month of adventurous and successful time, you will finally leave Nepal with full of lifelong memories. Our airport representatives will drop you off in the Tribhuvan International Airport and bid you farewell and best wishes for your future.

Meal: Breakfast

Cost Details

What is included?

All types of organizational requirements
All trekking and climbing paper works and permits
All airport and hotel transfers
Welcome and farewell dinner
Travel expenses from Kathmandu to Besisahar and back
Accommodation and meals during the whole of the expedition
Government and local taxes
Reference notes to plan your trip
An experienced English speaking climbing guide, assistant climbing guide, Sherpa porters including their salary, insurance, food, lodging and all equipments
A comprehensive medical kit
Facilities of Email and satellite phones in base camp
Necessary oxygen bottles
Written and photo internet dispatches to send your progress to your family

What is not included?

Nepal Visa fee(bring small denomination cash USD and two passport photographs)
International airfare
Excess baggage charges
Extra night accommodation apart from the schedule due to any reasons
Lunch and evening meals in case of early return than the scheduled itinerary
Travel and rescue insurance
Charges of Email and satellite phones
Charge for extra Sherpa porter (if required)
Personal expenses
Tips for climbing guide and Sherpa

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions - Trekking & Climbing in Nepal

Are you a licensed adventure company?

Yes, we are a licensed company to operate adventure tours in Nepal. We have been organizing tours, Treks, and Expeditions for our valued clients for over two decades. Our long journey and experience in the field have made us pioneer in the industry.

Do the guides speak English and have first aid training?

All of our guides are experienced experts in their job and speak fluent English. Most of them are born in the areas they guide trekkers to and have several years of experience as trekking guides in the mountains. It's mandatory that they are trained in first aid and also carry a first aid kit with them during the trek.

How big are the groups?

We always do our best to team up a small group of like-minded people to give them a memorable and insightful adventure travel experience, coupled with an invaluable opportunity to interact with each other in the true spirit that comes with adventure. Our trek groups generally comprise of maximum 12 members. We need a minimum of 2 participants to run our fixed departure dates. For private trips, no minimum or maximum numbers apply.

Are permits included in the price of the adventure?

Yes. All of the necessary permits for your trekking, climbing, and expedition are included in the price and will be arranged for you prior to your trek. For certain restricted regions (like Manaslu and Makalu), you'll need to have a full day in Kathmandu prior to your trek as your trek operator will need your passport for the permit registration.

Do you arrange private adventures?

Yes, we do. If you would like to travel independently, or with your friends, families & colleagues you are invited to choose any of the trips at a timeframe that best suits you for any number of people (minimum 1 & maximum 100 at a time). The costs for private trips are generally fixed on the basis of group size, trek area, duration, and trek style, and is negotiable. We also arrange TREKS FOR A SINGLE WOMAN. If by any chance, none of our fixed group departure dates work for you and you do not have anyone to accompany you, you can still be able to make your preferred trip with us. There is absolutely nothing to worry about if you want to go solo. We assign local guides, porters, etc who you can trust your life with.

Do you provide any equipment while trekking?

On all our Camping treks, we provide all the tents, sometimes dome tents, sometimes sturdy A-frames, and normally people share one tent between two; a foam mattress each; all the cutlery and utensils, cooking pots, stoves; candles/kerosene lantern, tables, and stools, kitchen tent, dining tent and toilet tent; all the main meals while trekking but not snacks. On Tea house treks there isn’t really a necessity to provide any equipment.

But you are provided a duffel bag if you don’t have one and a down jacket if you haven’t flown in with your own. This is loaned to you and must be returned when the trek is done.

How difficult are the treks?

Classifying the difficulty of a trek is like walking a thin red-line, as it depends on your fitness and experience hiking in the mountains. In the Himalayas, a trek's difficulty depends on the steepness of the trail, the general altitude, and the duration of the trek. Generally, the higher you go the more difficult the trek becomes. For most treks in the lower foothills (Ghorepani, Poonhill, Ghandruk, and Pikey Peak), it's fairly moderate trekking, although some days will be more challenging than others. For higher-altitude treks (i.e. Everest Base Camp, Gokyo, Annapurna Circuit, and Nar Phu), the treks become more challenging as you get going over 5,000m passes with longer days. If you’re an avid walker and enjoy hiking, then there’s no better adventure than trekking.

How long do we walk each day?

Much of our trekking ventures are classified into THREE different categories according to the level of difficulty. Soft Adventure treks are only about a week to 10 days in duration. They generally don't go above 4000 meters and each day, you can expect to be walking for around 4 – 5 hours. While moderate to fairly challenging treks are longer treks that go right into high mountain country. Physically quite tiring, these involve approx 6-8 hours trekking along rocky ridges of high Himalayan peaks. Arduous treks are longer treks that go far beyond the normal haunts of trekkers and tourists. Physically challenging, these may involve 7-9 hours trekking and likely to include unfavorable weather conditions and activities that are not only physically challenging but also tax the mind. These trips are not for greenhorns.

What is exactly 'teahouse' trekking?

Teahouse trekking refers to staying at a small local lodge or mountain hut each night of your trek. The lodges are basic but pretty cozy; enough to shelter you from the bitter mountain winds. They consist of 5-10 rooms with a common area used for eating and hanging out. Most treks in Nepal are teahouse treks where the lodges are run by members of the local community. Bunking out at these teahouses in some of the harshest territories on earth will give you a true sense of what life is in the wild.

What do we mean by FOT trek?

On FOT or a ‘Fully Organized Trek’, all meals and sleeping arrangements will be fully organized by the support crew. FOTs are also known as CAMPING TREKS. On camping treks, you will be sleeping in tents. A trekking crew consists of one sirdar, one cook, and kitchen crew, Sherpa assistants, and porters depending on the size of the group. Under the leadership of the Sirdar (local trek leader), the crew consists of several Sherpa assistants who will ensure you don't take the wrong path, a cook and kitchen crew to keep you well-fed with delicious and nutritious meals, and the porters to transport all the gear from camp to camp.

Our main aim is to make the trek as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. The ratio of both Sherpa guides and kitchen crew to group members is generally 1:4 and the ratio of porters to group members is around 3:1 at the beginning of the trek, but this decreases as food is eaten and loads become smaller. For bathroom facilities, we carry a toilet tent. Your camping staff dig a deep hole in the ground for excrement and cover the hole with soil after nature’s call is done. Camping treks are more expensive than teahouse treks. These treks are generally operated in remote restricted alpine zones that go above the tree-lines. Camping treks can also be used as options for teahouse treks throughout the Himalayas to enjoy the true spirit of adventure!

What is security like during trekking?

Security for our clients is always a foremost priority for us. All our guides and other support crew are carefully chosen for your trips. Our guides hold licenses issued by the Nepal Government. They are very honest and reliable. But we would also advise you to take care of your own personal belongings. If you are on ‘camping treks’ please do not leave your bags unattended at any time for your own safety. Take your main bag inside the tent once you reach the campsite. At night, all bags and belongings are kept in the middle of the tent. Your guide assigns a Sherpa on a rotation basis to guard the campsite throughout the night. If you are on a ‘Tea house or GAP trek’ arrangement, you will be sleeping in local teahouses. You need to take sensible precautions yourself at all times. Never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out.

What happens if I fall ill during the trek?

If by chance you fall ill during your trek, the first course of action depends on what's wrong with you. If it's altitude sickness, moving to lower altitudes and taking altitude medication will solve most cases; if it's quite severe, your guide will arrange for emergency evacuation by helicopter (be sure that emergency helicopter rescue is covered in your travel insurance). If you have a stomach sickness, bug, or any other types of food or water-related illnesses, your guide will have medication on hand for the most common illnesses.

What type of food is served during a trek?

On CAMPING TREKs we provide three delicious, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a tasty mix of local and western dishes. Your day starts with a king-size breakfast consisting of a choice of porridge, muesli, and cereals followed by omelet, fried, or scrambled eggs with ‘chapattis’ [rounded bread made from wheat] or multigrain-bread. Also included are seasonal fresh fruits. Lunch is generally a selection of organic salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta, and traditional bread. Dinner is a truly hearty 3-course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetables, meat, and rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert [which may include a finger-licking crusty apple pie].

Ironically, some of the best apple pies in the country are found on these mountains and not in Thamel, Asia’s hub for backpackers; as many tourists would assume. Tea and coffee are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh organic produce as possible available at some of the villages we hike through and special diets are regularly catered for. The trek leaders maintain very tight controls on health and hygiene in the kitchen with respect to general cleanliness and food preparation and also within the group with respect to personal hygiene.

All foods are well cooked and vegetables are treated by potassium permanganate or iodine. We only serve Boiled water for drinking. Antiseptic soaps and potassium or iodine treated water are provided for washing. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for. On Tea House treks we provide standard breakfast, lunch, and three-course dinner, tea or coffee is also included with each meal. Your guide will help with menu selection and ensure that you get the best value meals possible. Although the food is usually plentiful and delicious, you should be aware that the menu is not normally extensive. Most teahouses offer a variety of rice and soupy noodle dishes, as well as soup and seasonal vegetables. A variety of cereals, bread, and egg dishes are generally available for breakfast. There will also be plenty of snacks available such as biscuits, chocolate, and soft drinks and in some areas, you will find fresh fruit in season. You can buy packaged water (bottled mineral water) from local lodges and shop en route or you can also ask your guide to fill your water bottle with boiled water and treat it with water purification pills. Although it's held that gluttony is a sin, nevertheless, we ensure our trekking guests are well fed in as much as they can digest to cope with the arduous trails and the tough elevations.

Do I need to carry my own gear?

You'll carry your daily essentials (sunblock, water, hat, light jacket, and camera) but your porter will carry the bulk of your gear, such as extra clothing and overnight basics. Porters are especially helpful for longer treks where you'll be carrying more gear. For shorter treks (2-3 days), you may opt just to have a guide if you're comfortable carrying your own gear, but hiring a porter is a great way to support the local economy and is quite affordable. It's also the safest thing to do when you’re hiking on the biggest and most rugged mountains on planet earth.

How much could porters carry?

Porters typically carry up to 30 kgs max. (To ensure they're not overloaded). For fragile items, such as cameras, it's still best to carry these items yourself. If you have more than 15 kg., please carry the extra weight in your day pack. In the commercial trade, when transporting goods and supplies up into the high mountains, some porters carry up to 100 kgs and get paid less than a fair wage provided by some so-called responsible trekking companies. However, doing things like this weighs on the conscience and we totally avoid such unfair situations.

We know the risk that comes with neglecting our porters and follow all mandatory guidelines as stipulated by the IPPG international porters association.

What is the overnight accommodation like?

In cities like Kathmandu or Lhasa, accommodation will be in hotels of your preference. We have a pool of hotels that ranges from luxury deluxe to budget hotels. While on a trek accommodation will depend on the trek style. If you are taking a camping trip then you will be sleeping in tents. Whilst we endeavor to stay in the best possible accommodation along the way, you should be aware that most teahouses, particularly in the smaller villages, are pretty basic but cozy enough to protect you from the harsh elements. The bedrooms are usually very small, the shared bathroom facilities are often outside and meals are served in a communal dining hall. Although simple, the teahouses do provide shelter and warmth and are normally run by friendly local families. Tea house treks are less expensive than Camping treks and are largely suitable for small groups. Usually, during busy seasons if private rooms in smaller villages are fully occupied you might have to bunk out in a dormitory. But then this is what adventure is all about.

Can we change the itinerary?

Depending on the prevailing situation, you can modify it to some extent after consulting with your senior guide. However, the date of trek completion should always coincide with the original itinerary. You should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip into some of the most remote regions in the world, where many unforeseen circumstances may contribute to the need for a change in itinerary. In such cases, we or your guide will suggest the best alternative similar to your original itinerary.

Is tipping included and if not, how much should I budget?

Tips are always appreciated by your support team after the trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. Guiding on some of the riskiest trails on earth is a tough job and your crew always makes sure they lead from the front. Some trekkers give 10% of the total tour cost as tips. The hat is passed around and the whole group contributes. Most trekkers happily provide tips with big hearts. The choice is yours if you feel they’ve been worth it.

It was great experience.

“It was great expirence. Everything was up to the mark. Excellent management by Nepal Climbing Adventure and their team.”

Gopal, France