Overview
Humla Limi Valley Trek is an excellent opportunity for trekkers seeking to explore the remote region of Humla, the northernmost district of Nepal. Humla is also the gateway to Mt Kailash 6714 meters above sea level where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati have their residence according to Hindu mythology. The highest mountain in this region is Mt Saipal 7031 meters.
The remoteness of the region and the wild beauty of the nature is something that makes this trek extraordinary. The trek comprises passing numerous ancient salt trade routes, neatly aligned terraced fields, cascading waterfalls, deep gorges, forests filled with pine trees and plenty of rock strewn trails. Limi valley – a valley that will bring to mind imagined pictures of enchanted and mythical Shangri La. During the trek you will get plenty of opportunities to experience the ancient Tibetan tradition and culture which is still untouched by modernization.
Short Itinerary
- 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m) and transfer to hotel
- 2: Sightseeing and trek preparation
- 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hr flight)
- 4: Fly to Simikot (2985m / 45 min flight) and trek to Dharapori (2360m / 4-5 hrs trek)
- 5: Trek from Dharapori to Kermi (2670m / 4-5 hrs trek)
- 6: Trek from Kermi to Yalbang (2880m / 5-6 hrs trek)
- 7: Trek from Yalbang to Tumkot (3070m / 5-6 hrs trek)
- 8: Trek from Tumkot to Yari (3665m / 6-7 hrs trek)
- 9: Trek from Yari to Hilsa (3647m / 5-6 hrs trek) via Nara La Pass (4620m)
- 10: Trek from Hilsa to Manepeme (3990m / 5-6 hrs trek)
- 11: Trek from Manepeme to Till (4000m / 5-6 hrs trek)
- 12: Trek from Till to Halji (3660m / 4-5 hrs trek)
- 13: Trek from Halji to Jang (3930m / 4-5 hrs trek)
- 14: Trek from Jang to Talung (4370m / 4-5 hrs trek)
- 15: Trek from Talung to Shinjungma (3620m / 6-7 hrs trek) via Nyalu La Pass (4950m)
- 16: Trek from Shinjungma to Kermi (2670m / 5-6 hrs trek)
- 17: Trek from Kermi to Simikot (2985m / 4-5 hrs trek)
- 18: Flight from Simikot - Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
- 19: Contingency day in Kathmandu
- 20: Transfer to International Airport for departure
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m) and transfer to hotel
Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative of Beyond Borders. Then you will be transferred to the hotel and you will also get a short briefing about the trip. After a long flight you are definitely a bit tired so take rest at the hotel. In the evening you can take a short walk for some fresh air.
Day 02: Sightseeing and trek preparation
After breakfast we will start a sightseeing tour to some of the most historical attractions inside Kathmandu valley. It is not possible to visit all the attraction sites in one day so we will choose a few places to visit. In the afternoon we will make sure that you have all the necessary equipments needed for the trek and you will also get little more description about the trek.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1 hr flight)
Today you will be transferred to the domestic airport for taking a flight to Nepalgunj which will take approximately 1 hour. Nepalgunj is a town located in south-western part of Nepal near to the Nepal-India border. People from every corner of the country gather here mainly for trading goods and services. We will spend the rest of the day exploring around Nepalgunj.
Day 04: Fly to Simikot (2985m / 45 min flight) and trek to Dharapori (2360m / 4-5 hrs trek)
After an early breakfast we take a 45 minutes flight to Simikot. Simikot is the headquarter and main administrative center of Humla district. After landing at Simikot, we gather our bag packs and head directly to the police check-post. Once we are done with permit checking and registration, our trek begins as we follow the ascending trail for some time before descending down to the village of Tuling. From there our trek continues along the Karnali river towards Dharapori.
Day 05: Trek from Dharapori to Kermi (2670m / 4-5 hrs trek)
Leaving Dharapori we will follow a rather easy and flat trail that goes along the side of Karnali river. Our trek goes along beautifully cultivated fields of rice, potatoes, barley and buckwheat. After about four hours of trekking we will arrive at Kermi. There are two hot springs here at Kermi where you can relax and wash away sweat and body aches. The majority of the people here are Buddhists, so the major attractions of Kermi are Laikyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa.
Day 06: Trek from Kermi to Yalbang (2880m / 5-6 hrs trek)
After breakfast we leave Kermi and trek for about two hours over a flat and ascending trail before crossing the Sali river over the suspension bridge. We will trek through a small settlement with few tea shops. Our trail from there is a gradual ascending trek as we pass through forest filled with pine trees. During the trek we can enjoy great views of mighty Karnali river below the cliff. After several hours of trekking we will arrive at Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery and from there an additional trek of about 45 minutes will lead us to Yalbang.
Day 07: Trek from Yalbang to Tumkot (3070m / 5-6 hrs trek)
From Yalbang our trail passes along the small village settlement of Yangar. Our trekking today is mostly over a flat trail with few ups and downs. At some parts thae path is carved out of the rocks which is just spectacular. As we gain altitude we will see changes in the environment as the big pine trees make way for smaller bushes. Our trek continues until we reach Tumkot. Here at Tumkot we will visit Dhungkar Choezom Monastery which is one of the most reputed Sakya monasteries.
Day 08: Trek from Tumkot to Yari (3665m / 6-7 hrs trek)
After breakfast we leave Tumkot and follow an steeply ascending trail that goes above Karnali river. Our climb eases as we trek further through rocky areas. As we trek we will see the changes in climate, vegetation and the landscape. Our trek continues as we pass along short and low juniper bushes to reach Yari for our overnight stay.
Day 09: Trek from Yari to Hilsa (3647m / 5-6 hrs trek) via Nara La Pass (4620m)
Today we leave Yari and follow the ascending trail that head for the crossing of Nara La Pass at 4620 meters. Our tiring climb to the top of the pass is rewarded by magnificent views of Tibetan plateau and the beautiful Yari village. We will take some rest at the top and then descend gradually all the way to Hilsa – a border town which is also a dropping point for pilgrims on their way to Mt. Kailash.
Day 10: Trek from Hilsa to Manepeme (3990m / 5-6 hrs trek)
After breakfast we leave Hilsa and cross a big iron bridge. We get to the other side of the river following a slightly winding and difficult trail until it connects to a larger trail high on the slope. We will follow the main trail that offers several ups and downs. Our trek is through the barren landscape with steep rocky areas all the way to our campsite at Manepeme. Manepeme is a small flat area close to the trail and close to the water source, so we set up our camp here.
Day 11: Trek from Manepeme to Till (4000m / 5-6 hrs trek)
From Manepeme we trek for about two hours to reach Ya Yip Phuk cave where Lotsawa Rinchen Sangpo (a famous translator of Buddhist scriptures) meditated. From there our trail is green and rocky as we gradually climb to lamka La from where white monasteries of Till can be seen. Our trail from there descends for about two hours before we reach the village of Till. This village is highly influenced by Tibetan culture, so almost everything from buildings to lifestyle is Tibetan influenced.
Day 12: Trek from Till to Halji (3660m / 4-5 hrs trek)
Today is a rather short day of trekking. So we will have our breakfast without hurrying and then slowly begin our trek following the trail that goes upstream along the Limi river. Our trek is over a flat and easy trail which offers nice views of the surroundings and if lucky we might even spot local wild animals including the snow leopard. After about four hours of trekking we will arrive at Halji. Here we will visit Richening Gompa which was built in 14th century and is the central attraction of Limi valley.
Day 13: Trek from Halji to Jang (3930m / 4-5 hrs trek)
After breakfast we leave Halji and slowly follow the trail that goes along the Limi river. During the trek we will be exploring the beautiful Limi valley where the ancient Tibetan culture is still practiced. After about 4 hours of trekking through the beautiful trail we will arrive at Jang which is the last village in the Limi valley. We will spend the rest of the day exploring around Jang which will definitely give us the feeling of steeping back in time.
Day 14: Trek from Jang to Talung (4370m / 4-5 hrs trek)
In the morning we will spend some time in Jang as we will be departing Limi valley from this point on. After breakfast we leave Jang, its authentic Tibetan styled villages and friendly local people and follow the trail which is completely isolated with no settlements. Our trail is difficult sometimes where we need to slow our pace. After about 4 hours of trekking we reach our campsite at Talung.
Day 15: Trek from Talung to Shinjungma (3620m / 6-7 hrs trek) via Nyalu La Pass (4950m)
Today is a rather long and toughest day of trekking. Leaving our campsite at Talung we will follow an ascending trail that heads for the crossing of Nyalu La Pass at 4950 meters. The trail is mostly covered with ice and snow so we need to be very careful as we trek to reach the top of the pass. Our tiring climb to the top of the pass is rewarded with great views of Tibet and Humla. Moreover we can also enjoy fascinating views of Mt Kailash 6714 meters and Mt Saipal 7031 meters from the top of the pass. From the top of the pass we descend vigorously passing through Lake Selma Tso at 4630 meters and continue to descend all the way to Shinjungma.
Day 16: Trek from Shinjungma to Kermi (2670m / 5-6 hrs trek)
After breakfast we leave our campsite at Shinjungma and follow the trail which is pleasant walk as we trek passing through forest filled with birch and pine trees. We continue to trek along the beautiful Sali river with towering rocks on both sides of the trail. Soon our trail meets the mighty Karnali river and from there we turn east to reach Kermi village. Once at Kermi you can relax and wash away your sweat in the natural hot water springs.
Day 17: Trek from Kermi to Simikot (2985m / 4-5 hrs trek)
Today we leave Kermi and then trek back towards Simikot. The first half of the trek is a pleasant walk. Passing through Majgaon our trail climbs for about two hours to reach a pass at an altitude of around 3000 meters. From the top we will gently descend to arrive at Simikot. Our Humla Limi Valley Trek ends here technically so it is time for celebration with our team members.
Day 18: Flight from Simikot - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu
Today we board an early morning flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj. And from Nepalgunj we take a connecting flight that will bring us back to Kathmandu.
Day 19: Contingency day
Today you have a day to spend in Kathmandu, if everything goes according to plan. In Nepal that is not always the case. For example many flights are cancelled due to bad weather (thankfully, better safe than sorry!) and there can also happen other things on your trek delaying you. To be sure that you don’t miss your flight it is important that you have time to catch up. You can add an additional sightseeing in for example the Tibetan area Boudha and see Nepals biggest Buddhist monument or at Pashupatinath, Kathmandus biggest Hindu temple complex with colorful holy men and cremation pyres.
On your final night in Kathmandu Beyond Borders would like to invite you for a dinner to learn about your experiences during the trek!
Day 20: Transfer to International Airport for departure
Our representative will drop you at the International Airport as per your flight schedule.
Dates & Cost
Inclusive
Cost Includes
- Restricted area permits
- TIMS (Trekker´s Information Management System)
- Trekking map of Western Nepal
- Joint Nepali cultural program and dinner
- Hotel in Kathmandu and Nepalganj on BB plan
- All government tax and office service charge
- An experienced licenceholding guide
- Full board plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, accommodation) during trek
- Medical kit box
- Food, salary, transport, insurance and accommodation for guide and porters
- All ground transportation
- Domestic airfare
Cost Excludes
- Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu and Nepalganj
- Water bottles, cold drinks and alcoholic drinks
- Travel and rescue insurance
- International airfares
- Personal expenses such as bar bills, laundry, battery recharge, hot shower and phone calls
- Personal equipment and clothing
- Tips for guides and porters
- Nepal visa arrangement