Humla Limi Valley Trek - 20 Days

Nepal

Duration : 20 Days
Max People :
Season : September - November
Difficulty : Moderate
Start Point : Kathmandu
Max Altitude : 4940

Description

The Humla Limi Valley Trek, opened to trekkers in 2002 due to its proximity to Tibet, offers an unparalleled adventure through one of Nepal's most secluded regions. This trek follows ancient trade and pilgrimage routes over rugged trails and high passes, preserving the sensitive surroundings and attracting the fewest tourists, thereby protecting the unique flora and fauna for future generations. This journey immerses you in a centuries-old Buddhist culture still vibrant in one of Humla's most barren areas and presents stunning mountain scenery, including views of Mount Kailash, the holiest mountain in the world.

During the Humla Limi Valley trek, you will have the rare opportunity to spot blue sheep and the elusive snow leopards, adding an element of wildlife adventure to your journey. This trek highlights a unique aspect of Nepal that is seldom seen on more popular hiking routes, offering a glimpse into the mystical land of Tibet without the formalities of crossing the border.

Humla Limi Valley is one of the last true wilderness areas, tucked away in the Humla District where century-old Buddhist traditions still exist. The people in the northwestern part of the district are culturally more connected to their Tibetan neighbors than their Hindu counterparts in the southeast. During this trek, not only will you witness the great mountains of Saipal, Byas, Rishi, Api, Kanjirowa, and Kanti in Nepal, but also the revered holy Mountain Kailash across the border in Tibet.

The trail takes you through yak pastures, cultivated lands, waterfalls, ravines, and fascinating villages. From the viewpoint of Yak Kharka (4,900 meters), you can admire the majestic Mount Kailash in Tibet in all its glory. Although it was once possible to continue this trek along the traditional pilgrimage trail to Mount Kailash, recent restrictions by the Chinese Government have prohibited this practice. Nevertheless, the Tibetan connection in Humla is unmistakable, with prayer flags and mani stones lining the trails, and beautifully crafted Tibetan-style stone villages adding to the region's charm.

Throughout the trek, you may encounter a variety of wildlife, including marmots, wolves, wild yaks, and Himalayan black bears. Snow leopards and blue sheep are also known to inhabit this area, making the trek a thrilling adventure for wildlife enthusiasts.

The Humla Limi Valley trek is not only a journey through breathtaking landscapes but also a cultural immersion into a world where time seems to have stood still. The trek offers an unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty, wildlife encounters, and cultural insights into one of Nepal's most remote and untouched regions. Join us on this extraordinary trek and explore the hidden gems of the Humla Limi Valley, where adventure and serenity await.

Trip Highlights

A Unique Perspective on Nepal: Experience a different side of Nepal than that seen on the more usual trekking routes.
Mystical Tibetan Influence: Get a glimpse into the mystical land of Tibet without having to go through the formalities of getting there. The pristine sights and sounds of this trek more than make up for the challenging hiking with some long days.
Authenticity of Remote Villages: Experience the authenticity of remote villages in far-western Nepal.
Rich Flora and Fauna: Enjoy the unique landscape and Buddhist culture, enriched with diverse flora and fauna.
Holy Mountain Kailash: Marvel at the spectacular setting of Holy Mountain Kailash, a snow-capped Himalayan peak offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Alpine Meadows and Wildlife Paradise: Admire the alpine meadows and the area’s rich biodiversity, making it a paradise for flora and fauna enthusiasts.

Trip Departure

We book both solo and group travel to ensure your holiday is a lifetime memorable experience with people from all over the world. Once your trip has been confirmed, all group departure dates are guaranteed, even if there is only a single person signed up for the trek. We would like to note that before departure, we always confirm the number of members in your group to provide the best possible experience.

Difficulty Level

This trek requires a person with average physical fitness and does not require special training, making it accessible for beginner hikers. The trek gradually leads you to high altitudes, where you will experience significant changes in weather due to altitude variation. While the terrain can be challenging, the stunning landscapes and cultural encounters make it a rewarding adventure for those with a spirit of exploration.

Important Notes

Your safety is always our first priority while traveling with Ama Adventure. Please stay flexible if needed:

Flight Delays: We would like to pre-inform you that flights to Simikot are often delayed due to weather conditions.
Contingency Plans: If the flight gets canceled due to weather conditions, please be prepared for the next step.
Itinerary Changes: Your trip leader has the authority to change all itineraries based on local conditions and their judgment.
Modifications for Safety: We reserve the right to modify the itinerary due to medical considerations, unexpected weather conditions, natural disasters, etc.
Comfort and Planning: Your leader and crew always strive to make your trip comfortable and ensure that the trip runs according to plan.

For any queries or further information, please feel free to contact us. Join us on this extraordinary trek and explore the hidden gems of the Humla Limi Valley, where adventure and serenity await.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at the airport, we will be welcomed by a representative of Ama Adventure. Check into a hotel and then explore the surrounding area.

Afterward, we visited Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath, which are world heritage sites. Furthermore, Swayambhunath is known as the self-created stupa, Pashupatinath Temple is a popular Hindu pilgrimage site, and Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world.

Early morning 55m flight from Kathmandu to Nepalganj a sub-metropolitan city in the terrain region of Nepal. We will stay here to explore this beautiful city overnight.

After Breakfast and check out we head for the airport and depart to Simikot. The flight takes about one hour and provides some amazing views. After arriving in Simikot we check in the lodge and have the rest of the day free for exploration.

Today we start the trek officially and head for Dharapuri. The trail leads up the hill towards Yakba and back down to the Yakba River (Khola). From here we cross the bridge and enter Dharapuri for our overnight stay.

Onward to Kermi. Following the Karnali River, the trail ascends and descends to various places. Today will be a short and rewarding trek as 30 minutes from the village we can visit and relax in the natural hot springs. Nearby Kermi we can visit a few Gompas and explore the farming town. For our overnight stay, we set up camp with beautiful mountain views.

Heading slightly upwards the trail goes through valleys and wheat fields until crossing a pass, from here a steep downward hike until reaching the Sali River Bridge. After crossing the bridge we ascend through beautiful forest trails with below us the familiar Karnali River. Reaching Yalbang we set up camp and explored this beautiful town, home of a children’s hospital, monasteries, and various Buddhist statues. Overnight at the camping site.

Today we head for Muchu. The trail brings up high above the Karnali River, and although being mostly flat the path can change into rocky open-roofed tunnels and gorges. Slowly ascending until reaching Manchu village. For our overnight stay, we can choose to stay with the locals on a homestay basis or we can continue our trek one hour further until Tumkot for a camping site. After leaving Yari the trail becomes more ascending with some steep climbs. We can see a change in the landscape as well. The forests give way to a more barren landscape as we reach higher and higher. The trail forms a dirt road all the way until reaching Yari where we can stay at a local tea house for the night.

The Nara La Pass with a height of 4,620 meters will be our biggest obstacle today. We have a very long and hard climb until reaching the Pass. On the way, we can see caravans of yaks and mules. Passing Tado Dunga we climb further up until finally reaching the Nara La Pass. From the Pass, we can peer into Tibet or downward the Nepalese valley and Yari village. After taking some memorable pictures we head down towards Hilsa for our overnight stay

From Hilsa we cross the bridge and follow the trail over a slope ascending until it becomes a larger trail. We follow the Karnali River eastwards with ups and downs until reaching Manepeme village for our overnight stay.

We have a long climb ahead towards the Lamka La Pass. Following our ascending rocky trail we pass the famous Ya Yip Phuk meditation cave. Continuing more upwards until reaching the Lamka La Pass the trail becomes greener. After crossing the Pass we head downwards until reaching the village of Til, our camping side is a one-hour climb above the village with beautiful views of the glaciers and mountain ranges. Overnight stay at the camping site.

Today is an easy day when we head for Halji village. We follow the trail alongside the Limi River on the flat ground passing various rural villages and monasteries until reaching Halji. Having a lot of time left on this day we can take our time and explore all this area has to offer. We have chances to spot blue sheep or when very lucky the elusive snow leopard.

Jang is our destination today. We hike along the trail following the Limi River through grassy fields until reaching the village of Jang. Here the Tibetan culture remains untouched by modern influences and we can take a visit to one of the Gompas, hot springs, and explore this beautiful village.

From now we won’t be seeing any more villages until we reach Kermi. Walking through vast landscapes of pure nature the views become more spectacular. Following streams and tricky paths we ascend further and further until reaching Talung where we will set up camp for the night.

Today we will reach the highest point of our trek at 4,940 meters, the Nyalu La Pass. It will be a hard day with a strenuous snowy and ice-covered trail. Once upon the Pass, we are rewarded with views that will take your breath away. From here we have a 360-degree view of Tibet and the Humla region with the mighty Mt. Kailash and Saipal in the distance. After this break, we head down reaching Selma Tso Lake and even further down along the Sali River until reaching our campsite at Shinjungma for our overnight stay.

Back to the known world! We drop back under 3000 meters and follow the familiar Karnali River back to Kermi Villages where the hot springs await our return. Overnight at Kermi.

Heading back to Simikot we have a pleasant ascending hike on flat trails passing some familiar villages that we know from the start of our trek. We continue all the way until reaching Simikot and stay at the lodge.

Same day We depart in the morning by flight back to Nepalgunj and transferred on the next flight back to Kathmandu. After reaching the airport we get a transfer back to the hotel and in the afternoon we visit the office for our trek reviews.

Today is a day at full leisure in Kathmandu, wandering the streets of Thamel, and relaxing at restaurants or hotels. A full day at your disposal.

The Ama Adventure representative drops you at the airport and wishes you a safe journey. Hope to see you on the next adventure.

Price Includes

- All ground transportation
- Accommodation in Kathmandu and during trekking
- Certified Mountain Leader and assistant guide/trainee guide
- All meals during your trip (Breakfast/Lunch and Dinner)
- Welcome and farewell dinner
- Staff costs include their salary, insurance, food and accommodation
- National park Tims permits and all paper works.
- First Aid Kit

Not Includes

Trip cancelations cost
International flights Ticket.
Personal items.
Food outside of designated meals.
Travel and rescue insurance.
Tip for guide and others crew members.
Snacks during trekking

Information

More to Extension your Holiday

Chitwan National park

Extra night in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Other adventures activities Rafting, Paragliding etc

Tour to Lumbini

Gear List For Trekking

Before leave for the trip please double check your gear;

1. Cloth for Kathmandu.
2. Heavy /Medium down jacket (- 20 degree).
3. Insulation.
4. Fleece Jacket-1
5. Synthetic Hiking T-shirt - 4.
6. Synthetic long underwear top and button.
7. Wollen Hat.
8. Synthetic Hat.
9. Gloves.
10. Hiking Boots Waterproof.
11. Nylon - wool blend shocks - 4 pairs.

12. Sandals/sneakers.
13. Day pack.
14. Water Bottle.
15. Headlamp.
16. Quick dry Towel.
17. Personal Medicine and Toiletries.
18. Sleeping Bag (- 20 degree).
19. Ziplock Bag for Toilet papers and other necessary items such as the passport and others.
20. Hand sanitizer
21. Wet Wipes

Other Optional Items

1. Guide Book.
2. Trekking Poles.
3. Camera.
4. Basic Medicine (Pepto, Bismol, Advil, Imodium).
5. Bandana for dust and wind.
6. Energy Bars.
7. Yaktrax especially for fall and early spring season
8. Outlet Adopter

Documents and Logistics

1. Flight Information
2. Photocopy of Passport
3. Passport size photo for Tims and permit(4)
4. Medical Insurance Card
5. Valid Passport
6. Cash for souvenirs, Incidental cost, and tips for staff.
7. Outlet Adopter