Himlung Himal Expedition

9 reviews in TripAdvisor
16 reviews in Google Reviews

Himlung Himal Expedition's (7,126m) Overview 

Himlung is far remote paradise peak with an elevation 7,126 meters above sea level, It is a classic 7,000 expedition situated at northeast of Annapurna region in Manang District, Nepal. This peak is lies to the eastern end of the Phu Valley, which eventually shares border with Tibet via Himlung’s subsidiary peak-Himlung East. This peak is suitable for those climbers who have already done 6,000 meters and looking to push their altitude experience to the next level. Beside that if you are planning to climb 8,000 meters it absolutely support you conquer dream successfully. Himlung Himal is relatively easy considering technicalities and safer from avalanches and rock falls. So it is often considered one of the more accessible and less technically demanding 7,000 meters peaks (can be a training peak for 8,000 meters mountains­­), but it still requires a high level of fitness and previous high-altitude experience.

Highlights

  • Climb 7,126 meters Himlung Himal, northeast of the Annapurna region.
  • Fully guided expedition in a remote part of Nepal.
  • Trek to base camp is a major highlight itself, passing through the mystical, untouched villages of Nar and Phu Valley.
  • Expedition falls within the Manaslu Conservation Area, known for its rich biodiversity and stunning natural scenery.
  • Offers breath-taking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan giants, including Manaslu (8,163 meters), the Annapurna range, Ganesh Himal, and the peaks near the Tibetan border.
  • Get an opportunities to explore Tibetan/Buddhist cultural heritage, featuring ancient monasteries, chortens, and a traditional way of life that is rare in more popular trekking areas.
  • The journey follows a section of the Annapurna Circuit trail before diverting into the secluded Nar-Phu Valley, offering a diverse landscape of deep gorges, pristine forests, glacial streams, and high-alpine pastures.

Himlung Expedition Trekking & Climbing Routes

This expedition journey typically takes around 28 to 30 days total from arrival in Kathmandu. The trip begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar/Koto, following a trail that branches off the classic Annapurna Circuit route into the isolated Nar-Phu Valley.

Himlung Base Camp is usually established at approximately 4,850 to 4,900 meters above the ancient Tibetan-influenced village of Phu Gaun. Expedition typically establish three higher camps, at height of 5,450 meters Camp I, 6,000 meters Camp II, and 6,350 meters Camp III. Camp three is often used as a starting point for the summit push or sometimes skipped in favour of a longer push from Camp II.

Climbing route of the Himlung Himal, the most popular route is the Northwest Ridge Route. It involves navigating glaciers, crevasse zones, and steep snow/ice slopes, especially above Camp II. Fixed ropes are generally installed by Sherpa guides on the steeper and more technical sections. The most sections of the Himlung climbing routes involves 30 degrees steepness and only the final section, near the summit steepen up to 40 degrees. The routes up to Camp II is more rock and moraine but from Camp II it is snow slopes.

Himlung is graded as intermediate/advanced or challenging (PD + to AD Alpine Grade). While considered less technical than some other 7,000 meters peaks (like Ama Dablam), it is significantly more demanding than most trekking peaks (6,000 meters peaks like Mera Peak or Island Peak). Climbers must need proficiency in using crampons, ice, axes, and ascending/descending in fixed ropes (jummaring and rappelling/abseiling).

Himlung Himal Climbing History

It was closed to foreigners until the early 1990s. After opened Himlung Peak to climbers in 1992, the first ascent conquer by a Japanese Expedition team on October 3, 1992. They were Osamu Hanai, Akio Koizumi, and Nima Sherpa who had successfully summited Himlung Expedition. The successful ascent occurred shortly after the Nepalese government officially opened the isolated region to mountaineering expeditions in 1992.

Why Do Himlung Himal Expedition

Climbing the Himlung Himal (7,126m) Expedition is appealing to mountaineers for several key reasons, primarily due to its unique combination of accessibility, high-altitude challenge, and cultural isolation. It is often chosen as a crucial stepping stone in a climber’s progression.

The ideal stepping stone to 8,000m peaks

  • Easiest 7,000 Meter Peak: Himlung Himal is widely regarded as one of the least technically challenging and safest climbs among the 7,000 meter mountains, boasting one of the highest summit success rates.
  • High Altitude Test: It provides a perfect testing ground for operating at extreme altitude (above 7,000m) without the extreme objective dangers or technical difficulty of other major Himalayan giants.
  • Skill Development: Climbers can develop and practice essential expedition skills like using fixed ropes (jumaring and rappelling), glacier travel, and managing multiple high camps- in a more controlled high-altitude environment, preparing them mentally and physically for the demands of 8,000-meter expeditions like Manaslu or Everest.

Remote and Authentic Himalayan Experience

  • The Hidden Nar-Phu Valley: The expedition begins with a challenging and spectacular trek through the restricted, pristine, and remote Nar-Phu Valley. This area has been largely untouched by mainstream tourism and offers a truly ‘off-the-beaten-path’ experience.
  • Cultural Immersion: The journey exposes climbers to ancient, isolated Tibetan-influenced villages, Buddhist monasteries, and a unique, preserved loval culture, providing a profound experience that is often lacking on more commercialized routes.
  • Less Crowded: Unlike some of the more famous peaks, Himlung offers a quieter, more authentic mountaineering adventure, giving climbers a greater sense of solitude and wilderness.

A Complete Mountaineering Challenge

  • A Balance of Difficulty: While considered less technical, it is by no means an easy climb. It is graded as semi-technical (Alpine PD + to AD) and demands excellent physical fitness and anmental resilience to endure the long days, extreme excellent cold, and significant altitude.
  • Stunning Views: The summit rewards climbers with breath-taking panoramic views of massive Himalayan ranges, including Annapurna, Manaslu, and the surrounding peaks near the Tibetan border.
  • True Expedition Feel: The multi-week nature of the climb, including establishing Base Camp and multiple High Camps, rotations for acclimatization, and waiting for weather windows, provides the full, immersive experience of a major Himalayan expedition.

Are you ready for Himlung Himal Expedition? How to Prepare for the Trip?

The Himlung Himal Expedition is a moderately challenging but incredibly rewarding adventure. To ensure you are well-prepared for the Trip and keep your body healthy and fit. If you are a regular climber, trekker, and hiker it can also encourage you to climb successfully without causing any harm related to high altitude sickness. Manage your gear and equipment for your expedition purchase good quality warm climbing and trekking equipment for yourself that can be used for a long time so, invest money only for quality products to protect your body from the cold and harsh weather conditions in the high elevation.

Physical Fitness

  • Cardiovascular Endurance: Build your stamina with activities like hiking, running, swimming, or cycling. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.
  • Strength Training: Focus on lower body exercises (squats, lunges, calf raises) to strengthen your legs, which will be crucial for the trek and peak climbing.
  • Flexibility: Incorporate stretching exercises into your routine to improve your range of motion and prevent injuries.

Acclimatization

  • To acclimatize your body spend a few days at lower altitudes before attempting the climb. This will help your body adapt to the thinner air.
  • Gradual Ascent: Plan your climbing with acclimatization days to allow your body to adjust to the high altitude.
  • Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to symptoms like headache, nausea, or fatigue. If you experience any of these, rest and consult a medical professional.

Mental Preparation

  • Positive Mindset: Cultivate a positive attitude and a strong mental outlook. The trek and peak climbing physically demanding, so having a positive mindset will help you overcome challenges.
  • Research and Planning: Learn about the trekking and peak climbing its route, and the weather conditions. This knowledge will help you feel more prepared and confident.
  • Hire a guide: A qualified guide will help you navigate the terrain, assess the weather conditions, and provide safety tips.

Himlung Himal Expedition Packing list

Head Wears

  • Woollen hats
  • Head buff
  • Neck gaiters (2-3)
  • Fleece cap
  • Balaclava
  • Buff masks
  • Sun/Desert caps
  • 100% UV-protected sunglasses 2pc
  • UV-protected sunglasses
  • Glacier glasses (UV protected)

Hand Wears

  • Hand warmer
  • Glove thick 3 pair
  • Summit gloves
  • Glove warm pair gore-tax 3 to 4 pairs

Upper Body Wears

  • Thermal layers and fleece
  • Quick dry T-shirt
  • Gore-tax jacket (1)
  • Warm thick down jacket (1)
  • Fleece jacket (1)
  • Wind proof jacket
  • Cotton T-shirt for base camp (2-3)
  • Summit jackets (1)

Lower Body Wear

  • Trekking pants (2-3)
  • Thermal trousers (2)
  • Gore-tax pants (1)
  • Down pants (1)
  • Under wear (5-6)

Foot Wear

  • Slippers (1)
  • Trekking socks (5-6)
  • Summit socks (2)
  • Comfortable trekking boots (1)
  • Alpine or summit boots (1)

Climbing Gears and Equipment

  • Helmet
  • Harness
  • Belly device/ATC guide
  • Lock/unlock carbineers (3+3)
  • Crampons (fit with boot)
  • Jumars/Ascender
  • Prusik rope (1)
  • Auxiliary ropes
  • Tape sling ropes (2)
  • Dynamic ropes
  • Snow goggle
  • Ice axe
  • Alpine boots
  • Down suit (kailas/marmot/mountain)

Sleeping Bags

  • Sleeping bag -20 degree Celsius (for base camp)
  • Down Sleeping bag -20 to -40 degree Celsius (extreme comfort)
  • Thermarest Mattresss (cell foam/inflatable) and down warm mattress

Miscellaneous

  • Headlamp
  • Batteries
  • Reusable water bottles
  • Water purification tablets
  • Thermos/pocket knife
  • Trekking pole
  • Raincoats
  • Satellite phone
  • Trekking bag
  • Backpack (rucksacks 45L-55L)
  • Duffle bag 90L-120L (2pc)
  • Water proof stuff sacks small (2pc)
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Adapter/charger/power bank, and rechargeable batteries recommended)
  • Dry fruits/nuts and chocolates
  • Sun protection camera, etc.

Travel Documents

  • Valid passport
  • Credit Card
  • PP size photos 2 or 4
  • insurance papers
  • contact address
  • Family members/company’s contact address

Toiletries

  • Toilet paper
  • Deodorant
  • Shampoo and soap
  • Wet tissue
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste hand sanitizers
  • Sun lotion, moisturizer, sunscreen, & lip balm
  • Garbage bags
  • Quick dry towel, umbrella etc.

Get the Best Himlung Himal Expedition Service with Sherpa Summits

We, Sherpa Summits, specialize in crafting unforgettable trekking and peak climbing experiences for both domestic and international adventures in Nepal. Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional support throughout your trekking and peak climbing trips. From acquiring essential permits and arranging transportation to handling every logistical detail, we ensure a seamless experience tailored to your preferences.

Enjoy the epitome of quality service at an affordable price with our Himlung Himal Expedition package. Whether you’re embarking on a solo adventure peak climbing or exploring the Himalayas with family, friends, or a partner, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Our expert IFMGA guides, assistant guides, and trustworthy porters are fluent in English and other languages, guaranteeing effective communication and cultural exchange.

Customize your Himlung Himal Expedition to align perfectly with your desires. Select your preferred departure date, group size, and daily itinerary. We welcome trekkers of above all ages in trekking and in peak climbing above 19 to 65 ages, as long as you possess the necessary physical and mental fitness. Rest assured, there are no hidden costs involved and you will receive transparent pricing for your trekking and peak climbing.

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with Sherpa Summits. Our Himlung Himal Expedition bookings for 2026 and 2027 are now open. Don’t hesitate to contact us for any inquiries or to start planning your dream mountains expedition.

Himlung Himal Expedition Cost Details

Includes

  • Arrival and departure time transportation facility.
  • All ground transfers in private /sharing vehicles as per available for every itinerary.
  • TIMS permit (Trekker’s Information Management System).
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Entry permit.
  • Nar-Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit Fee.
  • Himlung Himal Expedition Permit from MoCTA (Ministry of Culture Tourism & Civil Aviation).
  • 1 mountain guide for 1 clients ratio.
  • Tea house/ lodges accommodations during the trekking.
  • Three meals including dessert every day while on the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, dinner, tea or coffee, and dessert three times per day.
  • Seasonal fruit during the trek such as apples, oranges, guava, mango, and peaches.
  • Welcome, and Farewell dinner with cultural program.
  • Experienced English-speaking government license holder mountain trekking and climbing Guide and assistant guide.
  • Souvenirs - a company T-shirt & Cap.
  • First Aid Kit with an oximeter (an oximeter measures the saturation of oxygen carried in your red blood cells).
  • Himlung Himal Expedition certificated from the NMA or MoCTA.
  • Trip achievement certificate after completing the trip.
  • Duffel Bag (should return after trekking).

Excludes

  • Meals (Lunch & Dinner) both in Kathmandu and Pokhara before and after the trip.
  • Your Travel/ Trekking insurance, - International airfare.
  • Tips for trekking guides, porters, and assistant guides.
  • All kinds of alcoholic drinks, desserts, foods
  • Emergency Rescue operation Charge.
  • Personal shopping, laundry, trekking equipment, etc.
  • Nepal Entry Visa fee,
  • All types of personal nature expenses such as snacks, telephone, Wi-Fi, and hot shower during the trekking.
  • Any other things that are not mentioned in the included are excludes costs.
  • Additionally, costs might be raised if there are landslides, the worst weather, a change of plan for safety concerns, and other causes such as illness, and high altitude sickness.

Essential Information

Himlung Expedition Difficulty

The Himlung Himal (7,126 meters) expedition is generally considered moderately difficult and is often described as one of the easiest and least technical peaks in the 7,000 meter class in Nepal, with a high summit success rate. However, it is a serious high-altitude mountaineering undertaking and should not be underestimated. It is a demanding and challenging requires serious training and preparation. The difficult aspects are mentioned bellow.

Altitude: At 7,126 meters, the mountain is in the ‘extreme altitude’ zone, meaning the primary challenge is the thin air and the risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Proper acclimatization is crucial and takes a significant portion of the total expedition time (typically 3-4 weeks).

Technicality: The climb is often graded as alpine PD + to AD (peu difficile superieur to assez difficile), with is semi-technical. It is significantly less technical than some higher or more challenging peaks like Ama Dablam, but it still requires mountaineering skills. Climbers must be proficient in using crampons, ice axes, and fixed ropes.The route involves glacier travel (with crevasse danger), steep snow slopes, and icy ridges.

Physical Demands: A high level of physical fitness and endurance is essential. The summit push, in particular, is a long day (10-12+ hours) involving a steep, sustained ascent of around 1,100 meters at high altitude. The overall expedition is long, testing mental toughness and resilience.

Remoteness and Environment: The Mountain is located in the remote Nar-Phu Valley region, which adds to the logistics and the sense of isolation. Climbers must be prepared for unpredictable and extreme cold weather and high winds, the initial trek to base camp through a restricted and less-travelled area.

Altitude Sickness

The Himlung Himal is non-technical peak but requires basic mountaineering skills with good physical fitness, which is situated at an altitude of 7,126 meters. So of course there is a high chance of getting altitude sickness symptoms due to high elevation. However, be prepared to keep your body healthy fit, and fine preparing and taking training. Do regular exercise related to cardiovascular, increase your walking levels, and boost your strength as well as run every day carrying a 10 kg bag drink plenty of water energy bars, and eat meals and seasonal fruits on time to keep your body healthy, and fresh as well as take outdoor training for the peak climbing such as natural rock climbing, artificial wall climbing, and mountaineering or climbing courses. If you have done these all and have previous experience of trekking and climbing then it helps you to complete Mount Himlung. As a trekker, you obviously have to know knowledge about altitude sickness symptoms and their prevention while trekking, traveling, peak climbing, and expedition so, here we have mentioned the altitude sickness symptoms and prevention methods below they are as follows:-

AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) Symptoms

  • Vomiting, headache, fatigue/malaise, nausea, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, insomnia, loss of appetite, etc.

HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) Symptoms

  • Several headaches, Weakness, loss of coordination, slurred speech, disorientation, memory loss, hallucinations (altered mental status) loss of consciousness, seizure, etc.

HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) Symptoms

  • Dry cough, chest tightness or pain, cough, dyspnea at rest, decreased exercise tolerance, pink frothy, shortness of breath, etc.

Preventive Measures

  • Stay hydrated, ascend slowly, maintain your pace, listen to your body, get abundant rest, drink plenty of water using water purification tablets, eat carbohydrate-rich food, and do not drink alcohol or smoke while ascending and descent as soon as possible if the condition is worst.

Best Time to Climb

  • Spring: April to May (stable weather, blooming flora, but potentially more residual snow).
  • Autumn: Late September to November (stable weather, clear skies, typically less snow than spring).

Note: - The monsoon (June- August and deep winter (December-February) are generally avoided due to heavy snow, poor visibility, and unstable conditions.

Required Experience

  • Climbers attempting Himlung Himal should have experiences:-
  • Excellent physical fitness and high endurance.
  • Prior high-altitude mountaineering experience on 6,000 meters + Peaks (such as Lobuche East Peak and Mera Peak or similar).
  • Familiarity with basic mountaineering skills like glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and the use of fixed ropes, crampons, and ice axes.

Permits for Himlug Himal

  • Mount Himlung Expedition permit from MocTa (Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation).
  • TIMS card (trekker’s information management system).
  • Annapurna Conservation Area entry permit (ACA).
  • Nar-Phu Valley Restricted Area Permit Fee.

Travel and Expedition Insurance

In the Himlung Expedition, specialized travel and trekking insurances are crucial because of the high-altitude risks and potential for emergency Evacuation. It’s recommended to choose a policy that specifically covers high-altitude trekking risks, including helicopter rescue, medical expenses, and coverage lost equipment and baggage, and trip cancellations. Most of the standard travel and trekking insurance policies may not offer adequate coverage for the altitude or activities involved in a Himlung Expedition.

Make sure that the trekking risks coverage insurance is not easy to do because some travel insurance covers their trekking risk with emergency evacuation though the helicopter, death, lost gears and baggage but some insurance does not want to do it so be aware about that and do or purchase insurance where covers all your risks.

Although as we all know that, a foreigner is not allowed to purchase insurance from a Nepali insurer. Point out that, for these facts and purchase and elaborates all the requirement details of your trekking risks at your origin place insurance company, which protect their interest in case of trip cancellation, helicopter evacuation, medical emergencies, other illnesses, lost luggage theft, disasters, death, and many more.

At last, note it clearly whether the travel insurance company helps to covers all term and conditions as we mentioned above or not. Check the policy of the insurance company which are allow and which are not allow be confirm before doing insurance of travel and trekking. Below we have mentioned some of the travel and trekking insurance company they are as follows:-

For Worldwide

  • World Nomads
  • Generali
  • IM Global

For UK Citizens

  • British Mountaineering Council (BMC)
  • DogTag UK
  • Adventures Insurance
  • Campbell Irvine

For USA/Canada Citizens

  • Travel Guard
  • IM Global
  • TuGo
  • Ripcord

For Europe

  • Europe Assistance
  • IHI Bupa
  • AXA Insurance
  • TCS (for Switzerland and France)

For Australian/New Zealand Citizens

  • Cover-More Travel Insurance
  • Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance
  • 1 Cover Travel Insurance

For Malaysia/Singapore Citizens

  • AIG Travel Insurance
  • AIA Berhad
  • Alpha Global Solutions

Remind that, above mentioned insurance company is impartial a reference which can deliver a policy that covers your medical expenses, emergency evacuation, travel risks protection, and any other unseen conditions like loss of luggage, deaths, theft, so on. Please do not forget to ask questions to you are insurance company about these issues before buying the policy. Some of insurance company policy does not meet with your criteria for the required insurance coverage as it only covers helicopter evacuation and does not consist of medical expenses or any other risks even if they use manpower such Sherpa there should not be gaps in searching and emergency medical evacuations in order to the term and conditions.

Accommodation & food during the Trek

On this 30-day Himlung Himal Expedition, you will spend the night at a teahouse, lodges, and hotel. Lodges, teahouses, and hotels are well maintained with good quality services and luxury accommodations facilities with proper meals as per the tourist's requirements. Rooms are available as per the need such as single rooms with attached bathrooms, twin beds with attached bathrooms, and couple beds with attached bathrooms. Overall the Western-style toilets are facilities available for trekkers even if you want shared bathrooms that are also available in warm hospitality services which makes you feel like you are at home. Spend the night in lodges, teahouses, or hotels as per you’re choices. While trek carry all toiletries with you including toilet paper for you are personal healthcare.

Service in the Lodge, hotel & Teahouse: Services like hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging are available at an extra cost which is not included in the trekking packages.

Drinking Water: You can either buy boiled water in the lodges which will charge you extra cost and is too expensive so, make sure that if you do not want to buy water then you can use water purification tablets to filter it further to keep your body fit drinking plenty of water during the trek.

Snacks: Buy light snacks in Kathmandu for the trek. Pack nuts items, energy bars chocolates, and other things you love to eat during your trek journey and if you buy them on the way can be so expensive due to the transportation charges.

Need Help? Call Us+977 9849138788