Himlung Expedition – 31 Days

Trekking and peak climbing in Nepal offer an unmatched adventure, making it a dream come true for hikers worldwide. With pristine trails, awe-inspiring landscapes, and isolated villages, Nepal provides a […]

31 Days
15 - 20 KM Per Day
Tea House
Start from Kathmandu and End to Kathmandu
Min 2 to Max 10 Pax in a group
Domestic Flight (KTM - Lukla - Kathmandu) and Private Vehicle
challenging

Highlights

  • A tranquil setting with breathtaking views of snow-capped mountains
  • Experiencing life beneath the shade of Himlung Himal for an entire month
  • Immersion in the rich and diverse cultures of the Himalayan people
  • Peaceful trekking paths winding through stone monoliths and cascading waterfalls
  • Encountering a stunning array of wildlife and lush vegetation in the forest

Overview

Trekking and peak climbing in Nepal offer an unmatched adventure, making it a dream come true for hikers worldwide. With pristine trails, awe-inspiring landscapes, and isolated villages, Nepal provides a trekking experience that is truly one of a kind. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and vast mountain ranges.

The Himalayas are a trekker’s paradise, with numerous mountains beckoning explorers. One such hidden gem is Himlung Himal, also known as Nemjung. This expedition is a relatively undiscovered treasure, eagerly awaiting more recognition.

Situated in the northwest of central Nepal at an impressive 7,140 meters, Himlung rises above the Tibetan village of Phu, home to diverse ethnic groups such as the Sherpa and Gurung communities.

The Himlung expedition promises an exhilarating and comprehensive trekking experience. Divided into lower and upper routes, climbers will pass through lush vegetation, encounter wildlife, and marvel at the stunning mountain landscapes. As the trek progresses, each higher elevation introduces new challenges and even more magnificent views.

The journey begins with a city tour of Kathmandu, followed by a brief drive to Bhulbhule. From there, trekkers will pass through various villages, cross suspension bridges, and ascend stone steps to reach Tal. The path continues along the west bank of the river, leading to Dharapani.

As we continue, we’ll navigate forests and stone huts in Sighing, eventually reaching the village of Kyang. After a week of trekking, we’ll arrive in Phu, where you’ll find a historic dry-stone wall believed to be 800 years old.

At Himlung Base Camp, we’ll finalize preparations for the summit attempt. Guided by experts, we’ll gradually acclimate to the altitude through a series of ascents and descents, ensuring a steady approach to the peak.

Once we reach the summit, we’ll retrace our steps, descending to Koto. Finally, we’ll take a two-day journey back to Kathmandu via Besisahar, concluding this unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary

If you're looking for a tailor-made trip or wish to customize this itinerary, feel free to reach out to us. We're always here to help you craft the perfect holiday experience. Contact us today!

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu. Drop to Hotel

As planned, our representatives will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport upon your arrival. They will be there ahead of time, ready to assist you with all necessary formalities. Afterward, you’ll be escorted to a comfortable hotel in the city, where you can unwind for the rest of the day. Your overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Day 02

Sightseeing in Kathmandu

There’s no better way to experience Nepal than by exploring Kathmandu, a vibrant city rich in history and spirituality. On the second day of the Himlung expedition, we’ll take you on a guided tour of some of Nepal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We’ll start the day with a visit to Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, before heading to the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa. To immerse you in Nepal’s rich history, we’ll explore a few of the city’s iconic durbar squares. As you walk through narrow alleys, pass through courtyards, and admire intricately carved temples and statues, you’ll get a true sense of Kathmandu’s timeless charm.
Day 03

Drive to Bhulbhule

After an incredible day exploring Kathmandu, we’ll begin our journey to Himlung, driving to the village of Bhulbhule. This stretch of the trek is long and demanding, so we recommend having a hearty breakfast before setting off. As we travel, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of diverse landscapes, lush green forests, and rolling pastures. Leaving the Prithvi Highway behind, we’ll pass through remote villages and follow the rushing waters of the Trishuli River. After approximately six hours on the road, we’ll arrive in Bhulbhule, a charming village surrounded by rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and scenic ridges. On a clear day, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of snow-capped peaks. Tonight, we’ll stay at a local lodge in Bhulbhule.
Day 04

Trek to Jagat

We’ll start our day in Bhulbhule with a hearty breakfast, ready to take on the adventure ahead. The trail to Jagat stretches for 16 km, so we’ll set off early. Leaving the village behind, we’ll climb a rocky path uphill, following a stone staircase that leads us to the old village of Bahundanda. As we continue, we’ll be immersed in the stunning beauty of the wilderness, with narrow gorges and breathtaking views. After walking steadily for nearly two hours along terraced fields and open stairways, we’ll reach Ghermu. Here, we’ll enjoy a well-deserved meal before pushing forward on our journey to Jagat. We’ll follow a steep alley, passing towering hills and winding rivers, as we make our way to this charming village.
Day 05

Trek to Dharapani

Our journey from Jagat to Dharapani spans a full 15.8 km, so after enjoying a simple, comforting breakfast, we’ll head straight for the trail. We’ll follow the same route, unless it leads us across a suspension bridge. After walking along the riverbank for a while, we’ll face a steep ascent up to Seattle. A brief walk above the valley will then bring us to Tal village, marking our official entry into the Manang district. Along the way, we’ll be treated to the sight of a stunning waterfall cascading from the ridge near Tal. Continuing on, we’ll cross another suspension bridge, this time at lower Dharapani. A few more miles of trekking will take us to Upper Dharapani, where we’ll spend the night at a guest house in the village.
Day 06

Trek to Koto

The crisp mountain breeze will wash away our fatigue as we prepare to embark on today’s trail, with Koto as our destination. The journey begins in Higher Dharapani, winding through dense forests of pine and fir trees. Along the way, we’ll pass Tibetan-style monasteries and charming villages, eventually reaching Bagarchhap, where we’ll be treated to views of Manaslu and Annapurna II. The trail continues through pine forests, leading us to Latamarang after about an hour and a half. After nearly 6 hours of trekking, we’ll arrive at the small Gurung settlement of Koto, where we’ll spend the night at a lodge.
Day 07

Trek to Meta

After a rewarding day in Koto, we’ll set off for Meta on day 7 of the Himlung Expedition. Given the rugged and winding nature of the trail, we’ll begin early to ensure we reach the village on time. The journey starts by crossing Soti Khola and passing through a checkpoint for security and permits. As we head toward Nur Phu Valley, the trail leads us along a peaceful path surrounded by forests, passing a few settlements and religious shrines. The route then takes us through a small canyon, beneath a stunning waterfall that’s a sight to behold but challenging to navigate. As we move forward, the lush greenery begins to thin, and the snowy peaks come into clearer view. Amid the route’s undeniable beauty, we’ll climb a steep hill, cross a river, and make our way to the other side. After an 8-hour trek, we’ll reach Meta, situated at the confluence of the Nar and Marshyangdi rivers. We’ll spend the night at a lodge in Meta.
Day 08

Trek to Phu

After breakfast at the lodge in Meta, we’ll resume our trek. The journey to Phu stretches over miles of winding, rocky terrain, making it a physically demanding path. With that in mind, we’ll start off at a gentle pace and gradually increase our speed as we go. As we make our way along the trail, we'll enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding hilltops. The path leading out of Meta winds around cliffs, and after some time walking along the ridge, we’ll reach the impressive Nar Phedi Monastery. From there, we’ll continue for about an hour and a half, passing through narrow canyons, until we come upon a towering monolith. This standing stone marks the trail leading onward to Phu.
Day 09

Explore around Phu Gau

Altitude sickness becomes a significant concern for trekkers upon reaching Phu. Therefore, on day 9 of the Himlung expedition, we’ll take a break from the trek to allow our bodies to rest and acclimatize before tackling the challenging hike ahead. To adjust to the altitude and climate of Phu, we’ll explore several locations within the valley. After a hearty breakfast at the lodge, we’ll set off by visiting the historic stone village of Phu, which is believed to be around 800 years old. We’ll also visit some of the well-known monasteries in Phu, including Choling and Samdu. For a step back in time, we’ll wander through the narrow streets of Phu Gaun, paved with slate rock and limestone. If we still have time, our final destination will be the Tashi Monastery, which is located further from the village. To reach the stupa, we’ll climb a rising hill. The day will end with an overnight stay at a lodge in Phu.
Day 10

Trek to Himlung Base Camp

We’ve saved the best for day 10 of the Himlung Expedition—the awe-inspiring Himlung Base Camp. The trail takes us across vast, barren landscapes, towering rocky peaks, and short, winding paths. Without wasting any time, we’ll begin our journey from Phu, heading east. We’ll climb through a glacial valley that leads all the way to Himlung Base Camp. Surrounded by ancient, majestic rock formations, we’ll set up camp on the expansive, remote terrain. While our local crew sets up the tents and handles the preparations, you’ll have the chance to soak in the breathtaking scenery. We’ll spend the night at the base camp, resting and taking in the extraordinary surroundings.
Day

Acclimatization and Climbing Period

Since reaching the summit in one go is not feasible, we’ll dedicate the following days to training and acclimatizing physically. During this time, we’ll follow the guidance of our experienced Sherpa guides, gradually ascending the mountain. Our instructors are local Sherpas who live in nearby villages, so they are intimately familiar with the routes and can be trusted with the journey. They will handle all the strenuous tasks, including placing ladders, setting anchors, and guiding the way. Additionally, they will ensure we have a healthy diet throughout the expedition. With our trekking gear in tow, we’ll follow in the footsteps of these seasoned Sherpas, who will mentor us along the way. The guides will assist us in navigating the more technically challenging sections that require extra supervision. Our hard work will be rewarded when we reach the summit, where we’ll enjoy stunning views of the Manaslu and Annapurna massifs. After spending the minimum time at the top, we’ll descend the peak. After nearly two weeks on the trail to Himlung Himal, we’ll retrace our steps back to the base camp on Day 25 of the Himlung Expedition. This time, the descent along the glaciated trail will be easier, as we’re moving downhill. However, the route still poses risks, so we’ll need to be cautious with each step. It will take us about 6-7 hours to reach the base camp, where we’ll rest for the night.
Day 26

Trek back to Meta

After another beautiful day at Base Camp, it's time to head back to the village. We'll gather our gear and tidy up the camp before retracing our steps along the same trail back to Phu Gaun. Since the path from base camp slopes downward, today's trek will be much easier. However, we need to pace ourselves and avoid tiring too quickly. Moving steadily, we’ll descend via a rugged trail towards Phu. Once we reach the village, we'll refuel with a meal before continuing on. Our journey takes us across the suspension bridge, then past a series of chortens and old, abandoned buildings. The trail continues its descent, passing Kyang before crossing lateral moraines. From there, we’ll cross the Mruju Khola on a bridge and descend further. Along the way, Lamjung Himal provides a stunning backdrop, visible throughout the trek. After nearly 7 hours of hiking, we’ll reach our destination for the day, Meta, where we’ll spend the night in a lodge.
Day 27

Trek to Koto

It’s time to say goodbye to Meta as we descend 14.5 km to Koto. The rugged, stony path will take us from steep terrain to the valley floor. The trail doesn’t end here, though; it passes Singenge’s stone hut before continuing into the forest. As we trek further, we’ll approach a suspension bridge over a tributary of Seti Khola. After crossing the bridge, we’ll ascend the hills again and cross the Seti River for the second time. Continuing on for a few more miles, we’ll arrive at the small village of Koto. Here, you'll have the chance to enjoy another view of Himlung Himal and immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the local people. For the night, we’ll rest at a lodge in Koto.
Day 28

Drive to Besisahar

Another amazing day of the Himlung Expedition is over. And now it’s time to put up our seat belt and drive along the way to Besisahar. But ahead of leaving the village, we’ll celebrate the successful excursion of Himlung by having an appetizing meal. After spending some time in the village, we’ll get on the trail for a short hike. From here, we’ll take a short drive along Prithvi Highway. The route feeds on the lush green forest, traditional Nepalese villages, and surreal landscape so we’ll have a riveting drive for almost 4-5 hours. Overnight in a guest house at Besisahar.
Day 29

Drive to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we’ll depart from Besisahar and begin our drive back to Kathmandu along the highway. The journey takes us through winding hilly roads, passing terrace farms and lush pine forests. Along the way, we’ll have stunning views of the shimmering Manaslu and Ganesh Himal peaks from the jeep. After about 6-7 hours of travel, we’ll arrive in Kathmandu. From there, we’ll drop you directly at your hotel, where you can relax, freshen up, and enjoy your dinner.
Day 30

Leisure Day in Kathmandu

Rushing through the invigorating trails of Himlung, navigating wild forests and rugged glaciers, was a life-changing experience. But now, it's time to unwind and enjoy some well-deserved leisure. Spend your day in Kathmandu exploring more UNESCO World Heritage sites that you may have missed last time. Alternatively, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Thamel. As the busiest area in Kathmandu, Thamel offers a variety of activities. Indulge in your favorite cuisine at a local restaurant, shop for unique souvenirs, and enjoy cultural performances or folk dances that capture the essence of Nepal.
Day 31

Departure

On the final day of the Himlung Expedition, our representative will escort you to the international airport, ensuring a smooth departure. They will assist you with the necessary procedures and be available to support you every step of the way.

Inclusions

What's included

  • Airport transportation as per your arrival date to join the expedition.
  • 5-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on a B/B plan for 2 nights before and 1 night after the expedition (If clients return early from their expedition, they will be responsible for their extra Kathmandu hotel bookings).
  • Kathmandu to Manthali and Lukla to Kathmandu airfare as per the expedition itinerary.
  • Each member will have one climbing guide with ample experience.
  • Bottle of oxygen and mask regulator for clients and climbing Sherpa guide (For Everest: 10 bottles of oxygen, other 8000m peaks: 5 bottles of oxygen).
  • 7000m peak only emergency oxygen mask regulator available at base camp.
  • Korean fixed rope, dynamic and static rope, carabiner, ice crew, and snow bar.
  • Expedition mountain climbing permit, national park and local government area permit, and all government taxes.
  • Full-board high-altitude meals while trekking to base camp and during the climbing period.
  • Liaison officer with all his expenses covered while on the expedition.
  • Expedition manager, expedition cook, support crew, and porters with their equipment, daily wages, food, insurance, etc.
  • All camping gear, including base camp and high camp: single box tent at Baruntse Base Camp.
  • North Face dome tent for two people at higher camp.
  • Pillow and luxury foam mattress in the tent, table, chair, carpet, green grass, and heater in the dining area.
  • Solar panel for light in every tent and battery charging.
  • Hot washing water as required, warm hot bag for members, etc.
  • EP Gas, EP gas stove, JetBoil, and Kofel set.
  • Sherpa Altitude Adventure company duffle bag or outer cover bag, cap, Khata, Lungdar, Kungbu, Ting, Dalda, Dhup, etc., for Puja prayer at base camp.

Safety & Security

  • Walkie-talkie for communication during the expedition and emergency oxygen with regulator mask available at base camp.
  • Satellite phone available at base camp in case of emergency (pay-per-call).
  • Medical kit box for first aid.

What's not included

  • Medical and personal high-risk insurance
  • Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu): $30 USD for 15 days, $50 USD for 30 days, and $125 USD for 90 days.
  • The main meals in Kathmandu (Lunch and Dinner)
  • Summit bonus: $1500 USD for climbing Sherpa guide. If, for any reason, the summit is not reached due to health issues or any other reason, the client will pay 60% of the summit bonus to the climbing Sherpa guide.
  • Optional tip for the climbing Sherpa guide, cook, kitchen staff, and porter staff: minimum $250 each. The guide will collect the tip at base camp, and they will divide it among the staff by themselves.
  • Personal equipment and climbing gear.
  • International airfare and airport tax.
  • Bottled drinks and beverages, laundry, phone services, and personal expenditure transactions.
  • Tea breaks, chocolates or other snacks, and any meals besides breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek.
  • Delays and cancellations due to natural phenomena.
  • Sherpa Altitude Adventure will manage helicopter rescue or other required services if necessary.
  • Applicable permit fees and custom charges for satellite phones, communication equipment, and commercial filming during the Baruntse expedition.

Departure Dates

From 10 Apr 2025
To 11 May 2025
Days 31

Frequently Asked Questions about  Himlung Expedition – 31 Days

1. How difficult is the Himlung Expedition?

The Himlung expedition is considered a challenging trek suitable for experienced trekkers with a good level of fitness. The climb involves high-altitude trekking, with varied terrain that requires technical skills and stamina.

2. What is the best time to go on the Himlung Expedition?

The best time to undertake the Himlung expedition is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer favorable weather conditions and clear skies, making the trek more enjoyable.

3. What is the altitude of the Himlung Peak?

Himlung Himal stands at 7,140 meters (23,419 feet) above sea level.

4. What is the weather like during the trek?

The weather can vary depending on the season and altitude. In lower regions, it can be warm and pleasant, but temperatures will drop significantly as you ascend. The higher you go, the colder it gets, especially at night, where temperatures can fall well below freezing. Always be prepared with appropriate clothing for varying conditions.