Himlung Expedition

Duration: 31 Days Price from: US$7500
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Adventurous
  • Trip Style: Peak Climbing
  • Transport: As per Itinerary
  • Food: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner(BLD)
  • Accommodation: Hotel and tea house/camp
  • Group Size: min.2
  • Max Elevation: 7,126 m

Highlights

  • Adventurous trekking and climbing
  • Off-the-beaten trekking experience
  • Observe different ecosystems and climatic zones
  • Trek through picturesque villages and lush forests
  • Experience rich culture and unique lifestyle of locals
  • Get to see unspoiled nature
  • Reach the top of Mt. Himlung
  • Witness tempting views of Himalayan mountains like Mt. Dhaulagiri, Annapurna range, Gurja Himal, Tukuche Peak, Mt. Fishtail, and many others

About Himlung Expedition

Himlung Expedition is a difficult, adventurous, and once in a lifetime venture that leads to the top of Mt. Himlung. You will be exploring the western part of Nepal while Himlung Expedition. Many mountaineers climb Mt. Himlung to prepare for 8,000 meters above expeditions. Standing 7,126 meters above from the sea level, Mt. Himlung is situated above an ancient Tibetan village, Phu. Talking about the exact location, Mt. Himlung is situated northeast of Annapurna and northwest of Manaslu. To go on Himlung Expedition, you need to get special permission from the government of Nepal, as this region falls under restricted area.

Mt. Himlung was first climbed in 1992, October 3rd. After that this mountain has attracted the attention of many adventure enthusiasts from all around the globe. Still, only a handful of climbers scale this mountain every year making the trail less-crowded and unspoiled. If you are looking for adventure in solitary, then Himlung Expedition is the perfect option for you.

Climbing Mt. Himlung is more than just reaching the top of 7,000 meters above the mountain. This is a journey that lets you explore the hidden villages, Nar and Phu. You will get to spend the night in these villages observing the unique lifestyle and rich culture of the locals. Likewise, you will get to see breath-taking views of numerous Himalayan mountains like Annapurna Range (8,091 m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m), Mt. Gangapurna (7,455 m), Mt. Tukuche (6,920 m), Mt. Nilgiri (7,061 m), Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m), etc.

Itinerary

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Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu and transport to the hotel.

As you enter in Nepal, you get to witness green hills, settlement areas, and snow-capped mountains at a far distance. After landing at the Tribhuvan International Airport, you get welcomed by our team representative at the terminal gate. He will take you to the hotel, and later, in the evening, you will have a welcome dinner organized by the company. 

  • Meals: Welcome dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

We have organized a guided sightseeing tour for you during which you visit several monuments like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhnath Stupa. These places are part of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You get guided by a professional tour guide who will brief you about these monuments. 

  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: Hotel

After having breakfast, you begin driving towards Jagat. The drive will be scenic and long. You get to see beautiful views of hills, terraced farms, and small villages on the way to Jagat.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camping

From Jagat, you descend to a river and continue trekking through lush forest. The trail then ascends to a sharp-edged cliff and pass by Chamje. Enjoying striking views of Mt. Annapurna, you cross a suspension bridge and gradually ascends on a steep and slippery trail that leads to Sattale. From here you pass by Tal and Karte villages and reach Dharapani.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camping

Trekking through lush forests and some small villages, you reach Chame. The trail will be scenic. Before reaching Chame, you pass through landslide areas and a few Tibetan villages. Upon reaching Chame, you get to observe striking views of Annapurna II, Annapurna IV, and Lamjung Himal.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camping

The trail passes through dense forests of pine & rhododendron. Further, following the Marsyangdi River, you reach Bhratang and continue trekking through alpine woods. You reach Dhukur Pokhari and descend to lower Pisang. From here, you ascend and reach Upper Pisang.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camping

Leaving Pisang behind, the trail heads to Ngawal. The trail passes through small villages and lush forests. You will slowly ascend to Ngawal enjoying the beautiful scenery.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camping

From Nagwal, the trail ascends towards Kangla Pass. From the top of Kang La Pass from where you can witness fantastic views of Annapurna II, Tilicho Peak, Pisang Peak, and Mt. Gangapurna. Further, you descend and reach Nar village.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camping

Nar is one of the unspoiled villages in Nepal. Compared to Phu village, Nar is more lively. Spend the day exploring around and talking with locals. Visit ancient gompas, observe villages painting prayer flags, harvesting crops, chatting, spinning prayer wheel, indulged in carpentry, etc.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camping

You will cross a maze of glacier moraines. The trail offers stunning views of low shrubs, juniper, orange, and brick-red leafy bushes, rocks, and sandy trail. You will come across a trail junction. Further, you pass by several chortens and reach Kyang from where you get to see amazing views of Annapurna II, Pisang Peak, and Gyoji Kang. 

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camping

The trail passes through the desert-like gorge and descends steeply along a riverbank. On the way, you get to see superb views of colorful chortens with canyonlands and gorges. Also, if you are lucky, you might get to see blue sheep. Passing through Phupi Gyalgen Gate, you descend. From here, you pass by an ancient gate that leads to Phu village. 

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camping

After having breakfast, you begin trekking towards Himlung Base Camp. The trail gradually ascends to the base camp offering stunning Himalayan mountain views. 

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camping

From day 14, your climbing period begins. Over 11 days, you will be gradually ascending towards the summit of Mt. Himlung establishing different camps as per the need. Your team leader will teach you basic climbing skills and fix rope every time requires. After a successful summit, you descend to Phu Gaon.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camping

From Phu Gaon, you ascend and cross the gate at the end of the village. The trail then descends and takes you to Kyang. Further, on the way, you come across abandoned castles of Khampa settlement in villages like Jhunam, Chyakhu, and Kyang. The trail gradually descends and takes you to Meta from where you get to see beautiful views of the Kangaru Himal and Annapurna range.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camping

Following the Nar Khola, you descend and trek through lush alpine forest. Further, you will cross several small streams and come across lovely waterfalls. Passing by Dharmasala, you cross many suspension bridges and reach Koto.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Camping

Leaving Koto, you begin trekking towards Besisahar. The trail descends through small villages and lush forests. You get to see amazing scenery on the way.

  • Meals: BLD
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

Today, you hop in the car and drive to Kathmandu. The drive will be long and offers excellent views of lush green hills, rivers, and small settlement areas. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you move to the hotel. 

  • Meals: Breakfast & lunch
  • Accommodation: Hotel

It is an extra day in Kathmandu. You can rest and visit nearby tourist spots. Don't forget to do shopping. In the evening, you will meet all the team members for the last time over farewell dinner organized by the company.

  • Meals: Breakfast & farewell dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel

Today, you will fly back to your home or your next destination. Our team member will drop you at the Airport and bid you our last goodbye.

What's Included

  • Arrival and departure transfer services to airport as per itinerary

  • Three-star or similar hotels for accommodation in Kathmandu

  • Experienced and government-licensed trekking guide during the trekking & climbing period

  • All trekking and mountaineering equipment like; kitchen tent, store tent, dining tents, toilet tents, tables, chairs, and cooking utensils, sleeping tent twin basis for base camps and above

  • Common climbing equipment (rope, ice bars, ice screws, snow bar, etc.)

  • Cook and kitchen assistant at Base Camp and 1:1 climbing Sherpa per member

  • 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch & dinner with tea/coffee) during the journey

  • Availability of the daily weather forecast during the entire expedition 

  • Required Tent for the high camp and high altitude food 

  • Welcome & farewell dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant 

  • All food and fuel for base camp and higher camps during the venture

  • Food and accommodation during the trek  

  • Per person 60kg baggage that will be carried by porters or mule 

  • All necessary permit and Garbage disposal and management fees 

  • Government liaison officer with his daily wages, equipment, food insurance, and transport 

  • Expedition royalty and climbing permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Himlung

  • All wages, equipment, medicals, and accidental insurances for involved staff

  • All the ground transportation for the equipment, staffs, and members

  • First Aid medical kits

  • Satellite phone carrying by Guide for communication and available for members with the cost of US$ 3 per minute call

  • The heater will be provided at base camp for heating the dining room

  • Emergency Oxygen, mask, and regulator provided on requirement of guest with appropriate charge

  • Solar panel for light and battery charge

  • Trekking and climbing map 

  • Complete pre-departure information

  • Flight ticket reconfirmation

  • Visa extension procedure services (if necessary)

  • Free Ascent Trails T-shirt, cap or duffel bag

What's Excluded

  • Airfare of international flights

  • Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance on arrival in Kathmandu)

  • Lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except for the welcome & farewell dinner)

  • Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars during the trekking

  • Any personal expenses like laundry, charging, etc

  • Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, etc

  • Extra transportation out of the itinerary program

  • Any additional staff other than specified

  • Rescue, repatriation, medicines, medical tests and hospitalization expenses

  • Travel Insurance and helicopter rescue

  • Wallie-talkies & filming permit (if any special camera or walkies-talkies are taken on the journey)

  • Personal climbing gears

  • Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkie-talkies or satellite phone & Internet expenses

  • Nepal custom duty for import of expedition goods

  • Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa Guides as per Mountaineering Association rules (minimum US$ 1500.00 per climbing Sherpa guide)

  • Tips and gifts for base camp and high altitude trekking and climbing staff 

  • Any extra services or products or offers or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary

  • Any other item not included in the “COST INCLUDES” section

Useful Info

Why go on Himlung Expedition with us?

Our years of expertise and ethics make us a perfect travel partner who will not only take you to your destination but also bring you back safely. We are a team of active climbers and trekkers who have been mapping trails of Himalayas for a long period of time. We are glad to offer our extensive and professionally designed Himlung Expedition package. With us, you will not only travel but get to know in-depth about the region and make lifelong memories.

Himlung Expedition map

Our Himlung Expedition map will show you the route you will follow during the journey. The map will allow you to understand the trail more clearly. We have designed our map following our Himlung Expedition itinerary. On the map, you can see all the major villages and highlights of the surrounding area.

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) Symptoms & Prevention

Acute Mountain Sickness or altitude sickness is a common illness that climbers have to be aware of during the high altitude journey. Among many reasons, not acclimating your body properly as you gain altitude is one of the causes of altitude sickness. It is very important to protect yourself from AMS to complete the trek. As in worse can it can ruin the entire journey. Therefore, we take a very careful ascent profile with ample rest days and take all necessary measures to aim to prevent AMS - see more information below.

Read below to know more in detail about altitude sickness symptoms & preventive measures:-

Symptoms of altitude sickness

  • Difficulty in sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Shortness of breath with exertion

Preventive measures

  • Include an adequate number of rest days in the itinerary
  • Keep yourself hydrated
  • Do not drink alcoholic beverages
  • Do not gain more than 500 meters in a day
  • Try to spend the night in lower altitude
  • Acclimatize properly at a lower altitude
  • Inform your guide immediately if any of the symptoms you see
  • Do not push yourself

Himlung Expedition difficulty

Himlung Expedition is a difficult mountain to climb. There are many challenges that you have to overcome to reach the top of Himlung Himal. The trail involves several ascends and descends on steep, rugged, and snowy paths. Likewise, you have to walk 6 to 7 hours a day. For all these, good physical fitness, health, and will-power are needed. You also have to have prior trekking and climbing experience to go on this journey.

Best time to go to Himlung Expedition

As per our experience, October to November (autumn) and March to April (spring) is the best time to go on Himlung Expedition. The trail during this time of the year is very beautiful and rewarding. You will get to see colorful rhododendron and other numerous floras bloomed all over the trail in spring. Whereas, in autumn, Nepal celebrates numerous festivals including the most significant ones. The weather is temperate and the sky is clear. Views are also at its best.

Accommodation during Himlung Expedition

Himlung Expedition is a completely camping trip. Therefore, we will carry all the tents and necessities with us. You will get a single sleeping tent along with shared dining and washroom tents. All the tents will be of high-quality and appropriate to use in the Himalayas.

Food & Water on Himlung Expedition

All the meals will be cooked by our team members. The menu will have a diverse variety from a sandwich to porridge. While traveling with us, we will select the best home-cooked for you that is not only hygienic, delicious, and nutritious, but also are affordable and filling. You will be given three meals a day. If you feel hungry any other time, you are free to munch on your expenses. Likewise, boiled water is available in the teahouse. You can refill your bottle every time it gets empty paying a small fee. Don't buy plastic water bottles as it will be very expensive and increase waste.

Tailor-Made Options

We are always open to tailor-made itinerary options. We do have fixed departure dates, but you can as well create your itinerary as per your requirements. This helps us to provide the best service to our guests as well as meet their requirements. Therefore, feel free to share your queries with us, so that we can arrange the best possible venture for you.

Environmental Practices

We try our best to run sustainable & eco-friendly treks and tours everywhere. As we spend lots of our time in nature, it is very important for us to conserve and protect it. From recommending not to use plastic water bottles on the trail to cleaning the base camps while returning from the journey, these small steps that we are taking do make a difference. Moreover, we try best to reduce wastage on the trail by carrying more eco-friendly things with us.