Mt. Himlung (7,126m) Expedition – 30 Days

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will need to clear customs. You will be greeted by our representative, who will be waiting for you with a placard displaying your name. You will be transferred to the 4-star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you are refreshed, you will receive a briefing on the itinerary. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the evening, where you can taste an authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.

You will be transferred to our office for documentation work. You will also be introduced to your crew members and other trekkers who will join you on the trip. In the afternoon, we will organize a half-day sightseeing tour, during which you will take a memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. The tour begins with a visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex. Then, it continues to the Bouddhanath Stupa, or a 2500-year-old Swayambhunath Stupa.

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. The temple was designated a World Heritage Site in 1979 for its cultural and spiritual significance. We can see traditional architecture and age-old art. Pilgrims from Nepal and India visit the temple, and we can see devotees carrying offerings such as flowers, milk, tika, and incense. There are also many monks and sadhus (holy men) around the temple complex. Similarly, we can observe the sacred cremation rituals on the Bagmati riverbanks, which give a glimpse into the Hindu cycle of life and death.

Next, we will visit either the Bouddhanath Stupa or the Swoyambhunath Stupa. The Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas. It serves as the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The stupa has a massive white dome structure and a glazed spire with Buddha eyes. We can see prayer wheels and small monasteries surrounding the stupa. Similarly, we can see pilgrims walking clockwise around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels, and chanting mantras. It is also known as kora or circumambulation. Here, we can also observe the blend of Tibetan and Nepalese culture.

Swoyambhunath Stupa is also famously known as the “Monkey Temple.” It is situated on top of a hill that overlooks the Kathmandu valley. It is one of the oldest and most sacred Buddhist sites. Like the Bouddhanath Stupa, the Swoyambhunath Stupa also features a white dome with a golden spire and Buddha eyes. The site blends history, spirituality, and stunning city views. There are hundreds of prayer wheels around the stupa, which the pilgrims spin clockwise. Likewise, the stupa reflects a cultural blend of Newari, Tibetan, and Buddhist influences. After the tour, we will return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Leaving Kathmandu early in the morning, we will follow the Araniko Highway towards Dhulikhel. The vehicle drives past hilly countryside with small villages and terraced farmland. Similarly, we will pass several rivers, including the Marshyangdi and Budhi Gandaki. We will gradually ascend into mountain passes while enjoying sweeping valley views.

As we cross the Marshyangdi and Trishuli valleys, the terrain becomes steeper and narrower. The road from here runs alongside river gorges. After driving for some time, we will reach Dumre. It is a major crossroads that connects Pokhara, Besisahar, and Manang regions.

We will take a branched route from Dumre to Besisahar, the district headquarters of Lamjung. Our journey is exciting, with scenic views of green hills, a river, and forest in the background. The road follows the Marshyangdhi River. Along the way, we will pass through villages such as Bhulbhule and Chame. On clear days, one can catch a view of snow-capped mountains in the distance. Hotels and lodges are abundant in Besisahar. We will stay overnight at Besisahar.

From Besisahar, we will take a drive to Koto. The road first descends to the Bhalam River. Along the way, we will pass by the small settlements of Khudi, Bhulbhule, and Ngadi. We can see stone houses with terrace farms. It provides a glimpse into local life. The winding road crosses a river and leads to the small villages of Syange and Jagat. From Jagat, we will enter the Marsyangdi River Valley. We will drive along the eastern edge of the river, passing through forested areas and gradually gaining elevation.

The road gradually leads us through the forests of rhododendron and pine. We will pass by the settlements of Sattaale, Tal Besi, and Tal Karte. It is a scenic drive to Dharapani, one of the important villages on the Manaslu route. Finally, our vehicle will take us to Koto. The mountain road runs through forested slopes, passing Timang Village. Koto will be our overnight stop for the day. It is a beautiful village that offers gorgeous views of the Budhi Gandako valley and the surrounding peaks.

On day 5, we will officially begin our trek into the remote Nar-Phu Valley. We will leave the main Manaslu trail after breakfast and cross a bridge over the Nar Khola. From here, the trail turns north and narrows, entering a deep gorge. As we gradually trek deeper, the trail becomes more remote and quiet. We will also begin to gain elevation as we enter the forest trail.

Trekking through the tranquil forest of rhododendron, fir, and pine also protects us from the wind. We will also pass by several small waterfalls and streams. The trekking route of the Mount Himlung Expedition also goes through occasional landslide-prone areas. We need to be careful when crossing the trail in these sections.

The forest around us begins to get thinner as we start to gain altitude. We will come across open slopes and rocky terrain. The landscape also becomes more desert-like. Similarly, we can see clear views of snow-capped peaks and high cliffs. After trekking for some time, we will reach Meta village. It is a settlement with a few stone lodges and seasonal herder shelters. The village sits on a broad alpine plateau and is surrounded by vast and open terrain. It also serves as a critical acclimatization stop before we enter deeper into the Nar-Phu Valley. We will stay overnight at Meta.

Today, we will trek deeper into the upper Nar-Phu Valley. After breakfast at Meta, we will start our trek by crossing the wide, open plateau above the village. The Mount Himlung Expedition trail is exposed, so we can feel strong winds. Similarly, the landscape is barren with minimal vegetation. The path also becomes more offbeat and less defined. We will trek on the winding route across gravel plains and dry alpine slopes. The trail goes alongside the upper Nar Khola. There are gentle ups and downs, which require steady pacing. Walk through the low shrubs and bushes with scenic mountain views in the backdrop to Junam, which is the semi-permanent settlement.

The trail passes by several chortens and mani walls that provide us a glimpse at the valley’s deep Tibetan Buddhist influence and heritage. Likewise, we will trek through seasonal pastures and grazing grounds, used by local herders. There are also occasional stone shelters along the route used by herders and traders. Moving forward, the valley narrows, and the trail grows rockier. It becomes increasingly demanding to trek on thin air and loose terrain.

Enjoy the views of glaciers as we head towards the semi-permanent settlement of Chako. Taking a series of ups and downs from Chako, we will reach Kyang, where we will stay overnight. There is a small cluster of stone houses and lodges in the village that lies right below a towering cliff. Additionally, Kyang village sits slightly higher above the valley floor, so we can get sweeping views of the surrounding highlands. We will stay overnight at Kyang.

We will leave Kyang after breakfast and head towards the Phu Gaon, the heart of the upper Nar-Phu valley. The Mount Himlung Expedition trail gently ascends along a narrow path through dry, rocky terrain. As we move to the upper valley, the trail widens. From here, we can get stunning views of the snowy ridges and barren cliffs. Moving forward, we will trek through the trans-Himalayan rain shadow, with little vegetation. We will cross a small bridge to cross the Phu Khola. Along the way, we will come across several mani walls and stones inscribed with prayer.

We will continue moving forward along a narrow path that leads into a steep-walled canyon next. There are towering rocks rising on both sides. The trail gradually ascends, and the air becomes thinner. We will follow the natural-stone steps and offbeat footpaths locals have used for centuries. After trekking for a few hours, we will arrive at Phu Gate.

This ancient gate is known as PupigyalKwe. Enjoy the views of the three Phu villages from this ancient gate. More than a village, the Phu Gaon looks like a fortress. We can see houses stacked vertically and built tightly to protect against the wind. It is one of Nepal’s most isolated Himalayan villages. Phu Gaon was closed to outsiders until 2003, so it has one of ofthe world’s best-preserved architectural, linguistic, and cultural traditions. We will rest here for the next two days.

Today is set aside for rest or acclimatization. After breakfast, we will walk around the village and interact with the locals. It offers insight into the local culture and the Himalayan way of life. The locals here still practice traditional occupations such as yak and sheep herding, barley farming, and weaving.

Aside from the exploring village, we can also visit the Dzong and the Twin Fort ruins. The Dzong is an ancient defense structure that once protected the village and controlled trade routes. Near the Dzong lie the ruins of the two historic forts. These ruins provide historical facts about Phu Gaon and its role as a border settlement on the trans-Himalayan trade route linking Nepal and Tibet.

If we have time, we can also visit the Tashi Lhakhang Gompa. It is one of the most spiritually significant sites in the region. We can also meet Lama Karma Sonam Rimpoche, a highly respected spiritual figure of the Nar-Phu region. The monks in the monastery still follow ancient Tibetan Buddhist traditions. We can still see age-old murals, thangkas, and butter lamps in the prayer halls. After the visit, we will return to Phu Gaon.

After acclimatizing at Phu Gaon, we will proceed to the Himlung Base Camp. The Mount Himlung Expedition trail is narrow and gains elevation steadily. However, there are no steep sections. It takes to the upper Phu Khola, and the vegetation thins out. We will start trekking past alpine grass, glacial moraine, and exposed rock.

After about an hour of trekking, the landscape becomes broad and open. We will make our way through the trans-Himalayan rain-shadow zone, while passing by stone cairns occasionally. Similarly, we will cross gravel plains and glacial outwash. As we gradually gain elevation, we will start walking onto old lateral moraine ridges. The footing becomes loose as we carefully navigate scree, rocks, and compacted ice patches. We can get a clearer and closer view of the north-west face of Mount Himlung.

For the final push to the Himlung Base Camp, we will make a steady ascent over rocky glacial terrain. There are no steep sections, but the high altitude and rough terrain make it a physically demanding trek. Prayer flags and expedition markers mark the Himlung Base Camp signal. The base camp is situated on a wide, safe glacial platform. We will rest here for the night.

We will allocate the first few days to preparation for the Himlung climb. The guide will share the Himlung climbing strategy with the team. He will also provide you with the necessary instructions and teach you what to do and how to call for help in an emergency. Once the Sherpas have cleared the way, fixed cables as needed, and set up the High camps, we will begin climbing Himlung.

Base Camp to High Camp I (5,450m)

We will choose the commercial route that begins from the western face. High Camp I is located on the southeast ridge.

High Camp I to High Camp II (5,987m)

We may need to use an oxygen mask from Camp I onwards. We can see the long ridge reaching the summit from High Camp I.

High Camp II to High Camp III (6,350m)

We will set our Camp3 on the ledge. Crossing the glacier, we will make a 40-degree climb and reach the snowfield using fixed ropes.

High Camp III to Summit to Camp II and Back to Base Camp

We will climb a 40-degree slope and traverse snow and ice to reach the summit. We will enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding mountain vistas. Then, we will descend to Camp II and the next day to Base Camp.

We will celebrate the successful climb of Himlung Peak. After clearing the base camp, we will retrace our route to Phu Gaon via the moraine valley. We will descend on the same glacial and moraine trail over loose rocks and compacted scree. The beautiful view of Mount Himlung and the surrounding glacier becomes more distant as we descend.

After leaving the glacial moraine, the trail enters the broad alpine plateau. We start to see alpine grasses and occasional small boulders. We will continue descending until we re-enter the forest trail. Then we begin trekking through rhododendron and pine forests, following the upper Nar Khola path. We will also cross small streams and natural springs before arriving at Phu Gaon. Stay overnight at Phu Gaon.

On this day, we will make a long descending trek to Meta. The Mount Himlung Expedition route descends along the stone-paved village paths. It is a downhill trek along the upper valley ridge. We can see the familiar views of the village’s fortress-like stone houses, the Dzong, and snow-capped peaks at a distance. As altitude decreases, breathing becomes easier.

Then, we will follow the upper Nar Khola, crossing stone footbridges and passing by steep cliffs and glacial moraines. Along the way, we will again pass by familiar yak grazing areas and pastures. The trail becomes narrow for a while and heads into a steep-walled gorge. We will pass by the beautiful settlements of Kyang, Chako, and Junam. Following the green pastureland, we will arrive at the temporary settlement of Meta, where we will stay overnight.

After breakfast at Meta, we will continue our descent into lower-altitude regions. We will retrace the ascent trail, enjoying the stunning views of the Himalayas. The Mount Himlung Expedition route descends gently towards the upper Nar Khola. Once again, we will carefully navigate our steps on loose gravel and rocky sections. The path narrows as it enters the Nar Khola gorge, and we will cross several small streams on simple stone bridges.

The landscape becomes greener as we continue descending. We will continue descending through the forested slopes and pass small settlements on our way to Koto. The route passes by the familiar villages like Dharapni, Tal Karte, and Tal Besi. From Tal Besi, we will gently descend to Sattale and trek through dense pine and rhododendron forests. Then, we will descend downhill along the valley edge to reach Koto. Tonight, we will rest at Koto.

We will have breakfast at Koto and get on a vehicle back to Kathmandu. The mountain road takes us downhill, passing by Tal Besi and Dharapani villages. Similarly, we will enjoy views of lush pine and rhododendron forests, terrace hillsides, and cascading streams. We will drive along the Marsyangdi River, passing by Jagat and Syange. The road feels familiar as we once again pass by traditional stone houses, prayer flags, chortens, and mani walls.

The winding road descends through small settlements of Ngadi, Bhulbhule, and Khudi. As we approach Besisahar, the mountain road transitions into wider paved roads. Then, we will drive along a smoother road, passing rivers, forested hills, and terraced farms, to reach Kathmandu. We will stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Spend the rest of the day as you like. You can go shopping in Thamel, where you can buy souvenir items. We can also arrange for a guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, you can arrange your photo albums and jot down memories in your journal. Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.

Today is the final day of our Mount Himlung Expedition package. After breakfast, you will prepare for departure. We will transfer you to the airport according to your scheduled flight to your onward destination. Have a safe journey, and we hope to see you soon.