Himlung Himal Expedition

Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, a representative from our company will meet you outside the terminal. After that, you will be transferred by private vehicle to your hotel, usually located in or near the tourist hub of Thamel. After checking in, you’ll have time to settle into your room and recover from your international flight. In the evening your expedition leader from Sherpa Summits team conducts an initial briefing at the hotel. This usually covers logistics for the following days, a gear check, and an introduction to the team and the general itinerary. Dinner is usually on your own tonight, giving you a chance to explore the local restaurants.

You will typically embark on a guided tour to visit some of Kathmandu’s most iconic UNESCO world heritage sites. This usually includes location like, Pashupatinath Temple (a sacred Hindu temple complex on the banks of the Bagmati River), Boudhanath Stupa (one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and a major centre of Tibetan Buddhism), Swayambhunath/Monkey Temple (an ancient religious complex perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of the city), and Kathmandu Durbar Square (a complex of old palaces, courtyards, and temples, showcasing Newari architecture depending on the time available and reconstruction status).

The afternoon will be dedicated to getting ready for the climb. Your expedition leader or Sherpa team will conduct a thorough check of your personal climbing gear to ensure everything is adequate for the high-altitude environment of Himlung Himal. The expedition team finalize the collection of your restricted area permit (for Nar-Phu Valley) and the Himlung Himal Climbing permit. In the evening we organize a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant. This is a great opportunity to get to know your teammates and the Sherpa crew before the journey begins.

Day three marks the start of the long overland transport phase of your expedition. So you will leave the Kathmandu Valley and begin your drive west toward the Annapurna region. The trip is usually taken in a private vehicle (like a jeep or bus, depending on group size) to handle the road conditions. The drive takes approximately 6 to 8 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. You will follow the main highway, which runs along the banks of the Tirsuli and Marshyandi Rivers.

This is a scenic, often winding drive that offers your first views of the Nepali countryside, terraced farms, and remote villages. After long drive you reaches Besisahar which is the traditional gateway and district headquarters for the Annapurna Circuit trek, and it serves as the staging point for the trek into the Nar-Phu Valley.

You will spend night in a local teahouse or lodge in Besisahar. This is your last night at a low elevation before you begin the serious ascent into the Himalayas.

You begin by following the Marshyangdi River Valley, which flows down from the high Himalayas. You would pass through several small, scenic villages, including Bhulbule and Ngadi. After that you arrives the Jagat, picturesque village, situated on a rock ledge, is a popular lunch spot and the main checkpoint for the Annapurna Circuit.

After Jagat, the valley narrows, and the trail involves a few steep ascents & descents before reaching Dharapani. Dharapani is a larger village and a major junction. This is the point where the route officially enters the Manang district and is where trekkers often change from the old trail to the rough road to continue on the Annapurna circuit. It takes nearly 6 to 8 hours to reach Dharapai. Spend tonight at Dharapani.

This is the day you leave the main Annapurna circuit flow and move closer to the mountain’s base. You will follow the main trail north. While the road is often nearby, the trekking path offers more traditional and scenic views. This is a good day for slow, steady trekking, as you gain around 8, 10 meters sin altitude. This is essential for proper acclimatization.

Koto is the gateway to the remote and beautiful Nar-Phu Valley. Which takes to reach Koto roughly 4 to 5 hours. Upon arrival, your expedition leader will handle the formalities at the police check post, showing the special permit required to enter the restricted area. You will spend the night in a teahouse or lodge in Koto, resting up for the following day when the actual remote trek begins.

This is a long and physically demanding day, involving a significant gain of nearly 1,000 meters in altitude. Your day starts by crossing the bridge at Koto. After the last permit check, you immediately enter the canyon carved by the Nar Khola (river). The trail here is rugged and less travelled. You will move upstream through dense pine and rhododendron forests, with the valley walls often towering steeply on either side.

The path occasionally cross small streams and passes beneath impressive rock faces. This trek feels truly remote, a stark change from the main trails. You may encounter a few basic shepherds’ hunts along the way, but otherwise it’s untouched nature. After around 7 to 8 hours of trek, you finally emerge from the gorge onto a more open, high-alpine landscape to reach Meta. Meta is usually a cluster of old, simple stone shelters or basic teahouses, situated on a pasture with impressive views back towards the main Himalayan range, including Lamjung Himal and Annapurna II. It’s crucial to peace yourself today due to the significant elevation gain. Tonight will be much colder than Koto, Signaling your entry into the high Himalayas.

The trek continues along the high ridges above the Nar Khola. The landscape becomes increasingly stark, rocky, and dramatic, transitioning from pastures to a true alpine environment. You will pass through temporary settlements like Chyaku and Kyang. Kyang is known for its old, ruined forts, once used by Khampa refugees from Tibet. The trail then becomes more defined as it winds through canyons and gorges, leading you toward the hidden corner of the valley.

Before reaching Phu village, you pass through the ‘Phu Gate’ or Kani, an impressive canyon entrance. From here, you catch your first glimpse of the legendary Phu Gaun. After approximately 6 to 7 hours trek you reaches at Phu Gaun, also known simply as Phu, is a magnificent, ancient Tibetan-style village nestled at the top of the valley. It looks like a medieval settlement carved into the hillside, with houses built of stone and mud. This village is the cultural heart of the valley and is close to the Himlung Himal Base Camp.

Gaining 750m in a single day at this altitude requires caution. It’s crucial to trek slowly, drink plenty of water, and monitor for any signs of altitude sickness. The next day will be dedicated to rest and exploration in Phu before you head up to the base camp.

This rest day is not just for relaxation-it is one of the most important day for safe acclimatization before you move up the challenging altitude of Base Camp. It’s also a deep cultural immersion, whether you can explore centuries old ancient monastery.

Today you will take it easy, catch up on sleep, and hydrate properly. Your leader will likely guide you on a short, light hike up to a nearby viewpoint, the principle is ‘climb high, sleep low’. You might ascend a few hundred meters and then return to the village for lunch. This helps your body create more red blood cells without exhausting you and spend tonight at Phu Gaun.

The trek today is relatively short and east compared to the previous days. You will leave the ancient village of Phu Gaun and follow a trail that gradually ascends the valley. As you go as higher the terrain opens up into large, high-altitude alpine pastures. You will be walking over rocky ground and moraines left by retreating glaciers. This area is typically used by local yak herders.

The Himlung Base Camp is usually situated in a sheltered, grassy area at the foot of the mountain, often referred to as the ‘French Base Camp’ from earlier expeditions. It offers protection from the wind and is often near a water source. Upon arrival, your dedicated Base Camp staff (cooks, kitchen boys, and Sherpas) will greet you. Your personal tent will be set up, and you will settle into the dining tent for a well-deserved meal. The overall time it takes to reach base camp from Phu Gaun is roughly 5 to 6 hours by hiking.

Your trekking phase is now complete, and the climbing phase begins. The next few weeks will be dedicated to acclimatization rotations, training, and preparing for the summit push. Your Sherpa team will immediately start planning the route, fixing ropes, and stocking the higher camps. So the Base Camp will be your home for the next couple of weeks.

After the effort of trekking to Base Camp, this day is essential for two main purposes physical recovery and expedition organization. The most important task is allowing your body to start adjusting to the 4,900 meters elevation. Rest, hydration, and good nutrition are key. Apart from that, your expedition leader will monitor your health, checking pulse, oxygen saturation, and any signs of acute mountain sickness (AMS) to ensure everyone is adapting well.

The most climbing expeditions begin with a traditional Puja Ceremony (a Buddhist ceremony) performed by a Lama or the senior climbing Sherpas. This is a deeply spiritual and important ritual that asks the mountain for safe passage and success for the team. All climbing gear, including ropes, axes, and helmets, is traditionally blessed. Gear Organization, this is your best chance to organize massive amount of gear required for high-altitude climbing. You will sort out your clothing layers, climbing hardware, high-altitude food, and packing lists for the rotations up the mountain. As well as route review, your Sherpa team will conduct a final briefing on the route, pointing out the major features, potential hazards (crevasses, icefalls), and locations of Camp I, Camp II, and Camp III. From tomorrow, your climbing rotations will begin, involving carrying gear and spending nights at higher altitudes.

The climbing phase is executed through ‘rotations,’ which follow the principle of climb high, sleep low to train your body to function at extreme altitudes. The overall goal is to establish and stock three higher camps and allow your body to acclimatize to over 6,000 meters before attempting the summit at 7,126 meters.

Phase 1: Rotation to Camp I and II (Approx. Days 11–16)

Day(s)Activity                                              Elevation         Goal

11 Carry Gear & Climb to Camp I                 5,450m              Establish Camp I, drop off cache of supplies.

12 Return to Base Camp                              4,850m              Crucial day to recover at a lower altitude.

13 Rest Day at Base Camp                          4,850m               Full recovery and preparation for the next rotation.

14 Climb to Camp I                                       5,450m               Sleep at Camp I for better acclimatization.

15 Climb to Camp II & Return to Camp I      6,000m               Touch the 6,000m mark and drop off supplies for later.

16 Descend to Base Camp                           4,850m               Full descent to allow the body to recover fully.

Phase 2: Rest and Camp III Preparation (Approx. Days 17–19)

These days are non-negotiable for recovery after the first significant rotation. The Sherpas will likely continue to move supplies and fix ropes above Camp II, possibly establishing Camp III (6,350m).

• Rest and wait for a favorable summit weather window. The expedition leader will be checking forecasts daily.

Phase 3: The Summit Push (Approx. Days 20–24)

This phase begins when a 3 to 4-day window of clear weather is identified.

Day(s) Activity                                              Elevation              Goal

20 Ascend to Camp I                                      5,450m                 Start of the summit push.

21 Ascend to Camp II                                     6,000m                 Critical staging camp for the final ascent.

22 Summit Day & Descend to Camp II           7,126m                 Summit push starting very early (around 1-3 AM). A massive, ≈12−16 hour day.

23 Descend to Base Camp                             4,850m                 Rapid descent back to the safety and comfort of Base Camp.

24 Contingency/Extra Summit Day                 Various                 Extra day built in to account for poor weather or slow progress.

The route involves glacier travel (watch for crevasses), fixed rope climbing on steep snow and ice slopes (especially above Camp II), and careful navigation of icy ridges. Your climbing sherpas are critical in this phase, fixing the ropes, pitching tents in high winds, and managing logistics so you can focus on climbing. The final days (23-24) serve as built-in buffer days. If the summit is achieved earlier, you start the trek out sooner. If the weather is bad, these days give you flexibility for a later attempt. After day 24, you will begin journey back down the mountain and out of the valley.

This is a long day that involves packing up the Base Camp and retracing a large portion of your initial approach trek. The Base Camp crew will efficiently dismantle the camp. You will descend from the Base Camp area, passing the ancient village of Phu Gaun (4,400m). Since you are fully acclimatized, you will cover ground much faster than on the ascent. You will move quickly through the upper valley past the stunning view of Phu Gaun.

You will continue descending through the dramatic Nar-Phu Valley gorge, passing the ancient Kani gate and trekking toward Meta. Arriving at Meta feels significantly warmer and denser with oxygen after weeks at high altitude. You will likely spend the night in the same simple lodge or camp area you used on the way up. After such a long hours around 7 to 9 hours trek and rewarding day, you will be ready for rest. The next step is to exit the restricted area so spend tonight at Meta.

You will start the day by descending from the open pasture of Meta. The hike will be swift due to your fitness and the effect of the lower oxygen levels finally beginning to fade. The path plunges back into the scenic, deep gorge you entered several days ago. You will move qickly through the dense pine and rhododendron forests, following the rushing Nar Khola.

Upon arriving at Koto, your expedition leader will check out your permits at the police post, officially marking your exit from the restricted Nar-Phu Valley region. Koto will likely feel bustling and warm compared to the quiet isolation of the high camps. It will be the most comfortable teahouse accommodation you have in weeks. You can enjoy a final evening amongst the mountains before the final drive back to Kathmandu and spend night at Koto. The overall time it takes to reach at Koto is nearly 5 to 6 hours by trek.

Today the majority of the journey home will be covered by road. You begin with a final, short trek from Koto back to Dharapani (1,860m). This is a relaxed walk, as you are now fully fit and the trail is straightforward. Dharapani is the main junction village where you meet the road that runs down the Marshyangdi River Valley. The total hours it takes to reach at Besisahar is approximately 1 hour trek and + 5 to 7 hours’ drive.

At Dharapani (or a pre-arranged point), your private jeep will be waiting. All the expedition gear will be loaded. The long and rough drive begins. You will quickly lose altitude, moving through tropical forests and past terraced farms that felt so far away on the ascent. The air will feel much warmer and thicker with oxygen- a welcome change. You will follow the rough road down, passing through villages like Jagat and Bhulbule before reaching Besisahar on the main highway.

You will stay overnight in a local teahouse or hotel in Besisahar. This is your final night outside of Kathmandu, and the lower elevation will offer excellent rest and recovery after the weeks spent in the Himalayas.

Today is the final stretch of driving back to the capital. You will start your long drive early after breakfast in Besisahar. The first part of the drive involves joining the main Prithvi Highway. The journey follows the Marshyangdi and Trisuli rivers downstream. The road is scenic, winding through small towns, past terraced hillsides, and offering views of distant peaks on clear days. You will typically stop at a roadside restaurant for lunch along the highway.

As you enter the Kathmandu Valley, you will be greeted by the familiar buzz of city life-a stark contrast to the quiet solitude of the Himlung Himal Base Camp. You will be driven directly to your hotel. The total hours it takes to reach in Kathmandu is about 6 to 8 hours typically but it depends on the traffic jams. After checking in the hotel, the rest of the day is yours. Most expeditions schedule a farewell dinner on this evening or the following day to celebrate the successful summit and thank the Sherpa crew and staff.

You have successfully completed the climbing and trekking phases of the Himlung Himal Expedition. The final days are usually reserved for rest, sightseeing, and departure.

This day is entirely flexible and up to you, offering a chance to decompress and enjoy city life after weeks in the remote mountains. Sightseeing around valley and spend your own time in Kathmandu with full of utilizing the day.

Your epic Himlung Himal Expedition concludes on day 30 with your final departure from Nepal. Depending on your flight schedule, you will have one last opportunity to enjoy breakfast in Kathmandu. Use this time for any last-minute souvenir shopping or relaxation. A representative from Sherpa Summits will meet you at your hotel and provide a private transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport (AIT). It’s recommended to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your international fight time.

This is your final chance to say goodbye to the team and to Nepal, reflecting on your incredible achievement of climbing a 7,000 meters above peak. We hope your journey with Sherpa Summits was a success and that you carry incredible memories of the remote Nar-Phu Vallely and the summit of Himlung Himal.