HUMLA LIMI VALLEY TREK - 18 DAYS
Overview
Follow the pilgrim’s trail across high alpine trails into the remote Limi Valley in the Humla region near the Tibetan border inhabited by Khas (Hindus) and Tibetans (Buddhists). Completely isolated from the outside world, these people practice their Buddhist culture in nature’s wonderland. This trek takes you though rugged high altitude trails and passes.
Limi is a remote valley in north-west Nepal bordering Tibet. It consists of three villages: Til (4100m) in the west, Jhang (3930m) in the east and the largest village, Halji (3700m) in the middle. These three villages are situated on the banks of the Karnali River.
The Humla Limi Valley trek only opened to foreigners in 2002. To protect the environment there are only a limited number of permits issued each year. This is one of the last remaining wildernesses in Nepal that has remained virtually untouched. Besides being home to Hindus, in the south, and Tibetans in the north, there is also a magnificent array of gigantic mountain peaks, such as Kanjirowa (6883m), Saipal, Api Himal, Byas, Rishi, and Kanti visible in Nepal. Across the border in Tibet is the sacred mountain of Mt. Kailash (6638m) that is sacred to Buddhists, Hindus, and the followers of the Bon religion. The trails lead you through Yak pastures high in the mountains, among cultivated farmland, into lush valleys and through the incredibly rich cultural Tibetan Buddhist villages where age-old traditions are still practiced today. From the high altitude village of Yak Kharka (4900m) the distant Mt.Kailash is visible. Mt. Kailash is often referred to as the holiest mountain in the world.
The trails in this region are littered with Tibetan prayer flags, chortens, and Mani stones, indicating the Tibetan presence in the region. The trek takes you to the 1000-year-old Ling Monastery. There is a varied assortment of wildlife along the trek, such as marmot, Himalayan wolf, wild mountain yak, and Himalayan black bears. If you are fortunate you may catch a glimpse of the rare snow leopard and some blue sheep.
This trek takes you to a region so rich in Tibetan culture that it is the same as being in Tibet – without the hassle of obtaining a visa to the region of China. Tibet has overflowed into Nepal! This is a challenging trek through some harsh and rugged landscapes, but the experience will never be forgotten.
Key Features of Humla Limi Valley Trek
- Trek for 2 weeks in this unique region with its other-world landscape and into the Limi Valley.
- Follow the Mapcha Khambab (Tibetan) & Karnali (Nepali) river _ which means the river originating from a peacock's mouth.
- Bathe in the therapeutic Chagzur (Tashi Thang) Hot Spring hot springs.
- Cross 4900m high altitude passes.
- Visit ancient Buddhist monasteries & Tibetan Buddhist villages.
- The silence and solitude of this isolated region right on the Tibetan border.
Altitude Chart
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kathmandu Airport you will be met by Sherpa Expedition and Trekking staff and transported to your hotel, followed by a short briefing concerning your trek.
Our first day of this journey begins with a 50-minute flight to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is situated in the border region of India in the west of Nepal. Tonight we will stay at a hotel.
Today we have a 30 minute scenic flight to Simikot (2950m) - the administrative centre of Humla. The flight offers amazing views of Mountains Mt.Api (7132m) and Mt.Saipahl (7031m). Simikot sits on a ridge above the Humla Karnali River with awesome views down into the valley. We then have to trek for around three hours until we reach Dharmapuri where we stay the night.
Today our trek follows the Karnali River down through narrow gorges and passing cultivated fields. On the trail we pass Laikyo Gompa and pass the Lhundrup Choling Gompa. Tonight we will camp at Kermi and have surrounding views of the mountains.
The trail of five hours today follows a relatively flat terrain and then ascends through a small pass before descending to a suspension bridge that crosses Sali River. We continue on through a pine forest until we reach Yalbang Village. On arrival, we can visit Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery. Tonight we stay at Yalbang.
Today we follow the trail along the Karnali River and then arrive at Yangar. The trail then leads to a suspension bridge that spans the Karnali River. The trail heads uphill and eventually, we arrive at Tumkot where we stay the night.
We have a five hour trek uphill to Yari or Thado Dhunga beginning with an initial steep climb and then crossing a barren landscape with few trees before reaching Pani Palwang Village. We may stop at Pani Palawan for lunch and then follow the trail for another two hours before reaching Tumkot or Thado Dunga 3750m where we will camp the night.
Our six hour trek day begins with crossing a rugged and barren terrain and slowly becomes steeper as we head to Nara La Pass where Tibetan prayer flags flutter in the breeze. We will then descend to Hilsa where we can either camp or stay in a tea house for the night.
The trail today follows the Karnali River in the east of Manepeme. The trail slowly ascends along a rocky landscape until eventually we reach Manepeme where we will stay the night.
We have a six hour trek ahead of us today beginning with an ascent for two hours and then head to Ya Yip Phuk and to Lamka La Pass (4300m). The trail then heads downhill for about one and a half hours until we arrive at Til, a village surrounded by natural green vegetation and a typical Tibetan village. Tonight we will stay at Til.
Today we head up the Limi River upstream to a chorten with a large inscribed Mani wall. Today’s trek will take just three hours and on arriving there we will have time to visit the 14th-century Rinchenling Gompa (monastery) that is the main monastery in the Lim Valley. Tonight we will stay in a tea house.
Today we head to Jang, taking about four hours, following the Limi Khola (river). The trek today is one where you can experience absolute solitude and peace as there are no villages along the way until reaching Jang where we will spend the night.
It is a big day on the trail with an eight hour trek ahead of us heading to higher elevations which makes it even more difficult. We will have enough rest breaks to catch your breath before arriving at Talung Village where our only option, due to its remoteness, is to camp the night.
We have another physically demanding eight hour day today as we cross the second pass on the trek - Nyalu La Pass, but once there the rewards are fantastic as you take in the panoramic views down into the valleys and into the far distant Tibet. We then head down to Lake Selma (4630m) where we have some amazing views of snow capped Mount Kailash (6638m) and Mt. Saipal (7031m). Further along the trail follows the Sali River until we reach Shinjungma where we will stay the night. From our campsite we will be able to relax and take in the magnificent views of Mount Saipal.
The seven hour trek today takes us back to Kermi. Firstly, we descend for about 3000m through birch and pine forests, and then follow the Sali Khola (river) until it reaches the junction of the Karnali River. Tonight at Kermi we can relax in the hot springs here and stay the night at a tea house where you will sleep soundly after bathing in the hot springs and after three long days trekking.
Today’s trek is about six hours as we head to Darapuri (2300m) and then on Majgaon (2290m) from where we climb to above the Karnali River. After crossing through the 3000m pass we have a spectacular view back to the Nyinba Valley (4050m). After a further 30 minutes on the trail we arrive at Simikot where we will stay the night.
After watching the sunrise from your tea house this morning we will board our flight to Nepalgunj and then on your second flight of the day to Kathmandu. Flying above Nepalgunj you will have some truly breathtaking views over the snow-laden Himalayas. Your second flight will also offer lasting memories of these glorious mountains and your journey into this remote and serene region..
Your adventure comes to an end today – but your memories will last a lifetime! Our company representative will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure and explore the most magnificent mountains of Nepal.
Services
Costs included in your package.
- Airport picks up and transports by private Car/Jeep.
- Thre night’s standard twin sharing Hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- One night hotel accommodation in Nepalgunj with breakfast
- Three meals a day (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
- Fresh fruit every evening after dinner.
- Twin sharing tented accommodation and other equipment during the camping trek. We will provide full waterproof two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tents, etc.
- All necessary paper works for special Humla trekking permit, National Park Entry Permit Fee and TIMS card.
- Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Simikot-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu Flight Tickets/ ground transport for Clients and Trekking Crews.
- A highly experienced, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking well trained, Government license holder guide with all his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
- Strong, helpful Sherpa porters with proper safety equipment and walking equipment, his salary, food, accommodation, and insurance (one porter for two people).
- Comprehensive medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
- Arrangement of emergency helicopter service (paid by your Travel Insurance Company).
- Use of sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag and walking poles (if you don’t have your own, to be returned after trip completed).
- Sherpa Expedition and Trekking T-shirt
- Government taxes and official expenses.
- Oxygen meter to check your pulse and oxygen saturation and heart rate twice daily (Very useful to check Altitude Mountain Sickness(AMS) symptoms) which will ensure your health during the trek.
- Assistant guide for groups of 8 or more people.
Costs Exclude
- Meals whilst you are in Kathmandu - lunch, and dinner.
- Nepal entry visa fee (easy to obtain the visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu). $30 USD for 15-day, $50 USD for 30 Days, and $125 USD for 90 Days visa..
- Personal travel and medical insurance.
- International airfare.
- Your personal expenses.
- All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic, soup, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cocoa, mineral water, extra food, cold and hot drinks on trek ( i.e. those you choose to purchase along the way and during evenings in the tea houses)
- All desserts & sweet things like chocolate, cake, pie, pudding.
- Hot shower and battery charging at the tea houses.
- Tips for the guide, porter, and driver (tipping is expected)
- Excess baggage of more than 10 kg for Simikot flight.
- NOTE: If you return earlier from the trek due to sickness or any problem, the money you paid for the flight, hotel, mountain room, food, etc. is nonrefundable, and you will need to bear the expenses for the hotel, food, etc. in Kathmandu yourself.
Equipments
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
General
- All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
- Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
- A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
- Daypack
Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear
- A pair of half gloves
- A warmer hat that covers the ears
- Sunglasses
- Neckwarmer
- Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
- Headlamp and an extra set of batteries
Hands
- A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
- Warmer shell gloves and liner
Upper Body
- long sleeve t-shirts
- Thermal tops
- wool jacket or pullover
- Sports bras for women and girls
- Water and windproof shell jacket
Lower Body
- Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
- windproof and waterproof trousers
- warmer trousers
- Comfortable trekking pants
- Extra casual sport pants
Footwear
- A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
- Pair of sandals
- 4-5 pairs of woolen socks
- Sock liners
- Light shoes and sneakers
- First Aid Kits and Medicines
- Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
- Blister treatment cream or similar
- Insect / anti-itch ointment
- Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
- Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
- Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
- Water purifying pills
(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)
Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek
- 4 passport size photos with original passport
- Water bottle & filter
- Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
- Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)
Extra things
- Comfortable trekking poles
- Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
- Power bank and music players
- Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)
Good to Know
Accommodation
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses. You may not find comfort and better quality teahouses -During the trek, We sleep in the very simple tea house/tent and our guides will pick the best Camping site with a nice view of the Himalaya.
Meals during the trek
In Kathmandu, your hotel includes breakfast, whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) will be provided during the trek. A staple food of these mountain regions is potatoes, oats, buckwheat, Sherpa stew, and Tibetan bread. Sherpas started farming potatoes when the first seeds were introduced to the region in the early 90s. There is a limited choice of food at higher elevations and except many potato dishes. Potatoes are high in carbohydrates – an excellent source of energy needed at high altitudes.
Transportation
We use a private car for sightseeing and for the airport to hotel pick and drop off. We do not have to use public transportation or local buses during the trek. Our only flights are from Kathmandu, Nepaljung and Kathmandu.
Physical fitness
Humla Limi Valley Trek a challenging trek where you often have to walk 6-7 hours a day. You need past experience of hiking or trekking but if you have done any kind of trekking activities then it is always a plus!. We have met people from all walks of life, shapes, and sizes who have completed the trek. The only difficult part is when altitude sickness strikes and the effect that it can have on your body. Before leaving for Nepal it is good if you can prepare yourself physically by increasing your stamina and oxygen intake.
Remember – The better prepared – the more enjoyable your trek!
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Tour Dates
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FAQS
Others
The Humla Limi Valley Trek usually takes around 18-20 days to complete. This includes the trekking days, acclimatization days, and travel to and from the starting point of the trek.
The best time to undertake the Humla Limi Valley Trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer clear skies, stable weather conditions, and better visibility of the mountains.
The Humla Limi Valley Trek is considered to be a moderate to challenging trek. It involves walking on rugged and remote terrain, crossing high passes, and long hours of trekking each day. A good level of physical fitness and prior trekking experience is recommended.
Yes, the Humla Limi Valley is a restricted area and requires a special permit to enter. You will need to obtain the Humla Restricted Area Permit and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit. It is advisable to hire a local guide or join a trekking agency who can assist you with the permit process.
Solo treks in the Humla Limi Valley are not allowed. You must trek with at least one other person and be accompanied by a licensed guide. This is for your safety and to ensure that you have a responsible and enjoyable trekking experience.
During the trek, you will be staying in teahouses or lodges along the trail. These are basic accommodations with shared rooms and common dining areas. The facilities may vary, but you can expect a bed with a mattress, blankets, and basic meals.
Altitude sickness can be a concern on any high-altitude trek, including the Humla Limi Valley Trek. It is important to acclimatize properly and take necessary precautions. It is recommended to consult with a doctor before the trek and to follow the guidance of your guide regarding altitude sickness prevention and treatment.
The Humla Limi Valley Trek is known for its remote and untouched landscapes, pristine rivers, and unique cultural experiences. The trek takes you through beautiful valleys, traditional villages, and the stunning Limi Valley. You will also have the opportunity to witness the traditional lifestyle of the local people and their unique traditions.
Some essential items to pack for the Humla Limi Valley Trek include trekking boots, warm clothing, a down jacket, a sleeping bag, a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, a first aid kit, and personal toiletries. It is advisable to pack light and carry only the necessary items.
Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers trekking activities and emergency medical evacuation. Make sure to check the policy details and ensure that it covers high-altitude trekking in Nepal.