Himlung Expedition

Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative from your trekking agency and transferred to your hotel in Thamel, a bustling area known for its shops, restaurants, and lively atmosphere. After settling in, take some time to rest and recover from your journey. In the evening, you might enjoy a traditional Nepali dinner at a local restaurant, offering a taste of the region’s cuisine.

Today, Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. Start by visiting Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), which offers panoramic views of the city and the Himalayas. Next, head to the ancient Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its stunning temples and palaces. After lunch, visit the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus. End the day with a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, an impressive stupa surrounded by vibrant Tibetan culture. Return to your hotel in the evening for a briefing about the Himlung Expedition and final preparations.

Early in the morning, depart from Kathmandu for a scenic drive to Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit and the start of your trek. The drive covers approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) and takes about 6 to 8 hours, passing through lush terraced fields, small villages, and winding mountain roads. Upon arrival in Besisahar, check into a local guesthouse and relax. Besisahar is situated at an altitude of 800 meters (2,625 feet) and serves as the last major town before heading into the mountains.

Today, you'll drive from Besisahar to Koto, which is situated at an altitude of 2,610 meters (8,563 feet). The drive covers roughly 90 kilometers (56 miles) and takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. The road to Koto winds through beautiful landscapes, including dense forests and deep river valleys. Koto is a small, picturesque village that serves as the starting point for the trek to the remote Nar Phu Valley. Once you arrive, check into your lodge and prepare for the trek ahead.

Begin your trek from Koto to Meta, a journey of approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) that takes about 7 to 8 hours. The trail follows the Nar Phu Khola River, passing through lush forests and remote villages. As you ascend, you will gain altitude gradually, allowing your body to acclimate to the increasing elevation. Meta, situated at 3,560 meters (11,680 feet), is a serene village with stunning mountain views. Upon arrival, check into your lodge and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

Today’s hike from Meta to Chyaku covers about 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) and takes 3 to 4 hours. The trail ascends gently through open landscapes and sparse forests. Chyaku, at an altitude of 3,700 meters (12,140 feet), offers a peaceful setting with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. This shorter trek allows you to adjust to the altitude while preparing for the higher elevations to come. Spend the night in a local guesthouse or lodge.

From Chyaku, you will hike to Kyang, a distance of approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) that takes around 2 to 4 hours. The trail gradually descends and then ascends through beautiful scenery, including high-altitude pastures and remote villages. Kyang, situated at 3,560 meters (11,680 feet), is a charming village with traditional stone houses and impressive views. Spend the night in a local lodge and enjoy the serene atmosphere.

Today’s trek from Kyang to Phu Gaon covers about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) and takes 4 to 5 hours. The trail ascends through rugged terrain, crossing several streams and high pastures before reaching Phu Gaon, situated at 4,250 meters (13,944 feet). Phu Gaon is a remote village known for its traditional architecture and breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Upon arrival, check into a lodge and take in the stunning landscape.

To aid in acclimatization, you will spend the day in Phu Gaon. Take a short acclimatization hike to higher altitudes, such as a nearby viewpoint or ridge, to help your body adjust to the thinning air. This hike might cover 2 to 3 hours and offers excellent views of the Himlung Himal and other nearby peaks. Return to Phu Gaon in the afternoon for rest and relaxation. Use this time to prepare your gear for the trek to the base camp and ensure you are fully acclimatized for the upcoming climbing period.

Depart Phu Gaon early in the morning for the trek to Himlung Base Camp. This journey covers approximately 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) and takes 4 to 5 hours. The trail ascends gradually through alpine meadows and rocky terrain, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Upon arrival at Himlung Base Camp, situated at 4,900 meters (16,077 feet), set up your camp and prepare for the acclimatization phase before the climb. The base camp offers breathtaking views of Himlung Himal and surrounding peaks, providing a stunning backdrop for your expedition.

Spend the day at Himlung Base Camp for acclimatization and preparation for the climbing period. Use this day to explore the surrounding area, including potential acclimatization hikes to higher altitudes, and finalize your climbing gear and logistics. The base camp provides an excellent opportunity to rest and adjust to the altitude before the climbing phase begins. The serene environment and stunning views offer a perfect setting for relaxation and mental preparation.

The climbing period for Himlung Himal begins on Day 12 and continues through Day 21. During this time, you will follow a planned route to ascend the peak, which involves several high-altitude camps and acclimatization climbs.

Days 12-14: Establish and acclimate at Camp I and Camp II, which are set up at strategic locations on the mountain to help you adjust to the high altitude. The climbing route involves challenging terrain, including ice and snow slopes, requiring careful navigation and use of climbing equipment.

Days 15-18: Climb to higher camps, such as Camp III or advanced base camps, to prepare for the final summit push. These days involve rigorous climbing and acclimatization at high altitudes to ensure that you are fully prepared for the summit attempt.

Day 19: Summit Day. Depart early for the final ascent to the summit of Himlung Himal (7,126 meters / 23,379 feet). The climb involves challenging terrain and can take 10-14 hours, depending on weather and climbing conditions. Reach the summit, enjoy the breathtaking views, and descend back to the high camp.

Days 20-21: Return to the base camp, taking necessary rest days and descending safely. Use these days to recover from the climb, debrief with your team, and prepare for the trek back.

After completing the climbing period, trek back from Himlung Base Camp to Phu Gaon. This trek covers approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) and takes about 4 to 5 hours. The descent offers a chance to reflect on your successful climb and enjoy the changing scenery as you make your way back to the village. Upon arrival in Phu Gaon, spend the night in a local lodge and relax after the challenging expedition.

Today’s trek takes you from Phu Gaon back to Meta, covering about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) and taking 6 to 7 hours. The trail follows the same route as the ascent, passing through picturesque landscapes and remote villages. Upon arrival in Meta, check into a lodge and unwind from the trek. This is a good opportunity to reflect on your journey and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

From Meta, trek to Koto, a distance of approximately 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) that takes around 5 to 6 hours. The trail descends through scenic landscapes and small villages, following the Nar Phu Khola River. Once in Koto, check into your lodge and relax after the day’s trek. This marks the final stages of your return journey.

Today, drive from Koto back to Besisahar, covering approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) and taking about 4 to 5 hours. The drive retraces the route you took earlier, offering a final opportunity to appreciate the beautiful landscapes of the region. Upon arrival in Besisahar, check into a guesthouse and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Early in the morning, drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu. This drive covers approximately 180 kilometers (112 miles) and takes 6 to 8 hours. Once back in Kathmandu, check into your hotel and take some time to relax and clean up after the expedition. You may spend the rest of the day shopping for souvenirs or simply enjoying the city.

Enjoy a leisure day in Kathmandu to recover from your journey and explore the city further. This day provides an opportunity to relax, visit any sights you may have missed earlier, or simply enjoy the local cafes and markets. It’s also a great time to catch up with friends and family or reflect on your adventure.

On your final day, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some additional time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Bid farewell to Kathmandu and head to the airport for your onward journey.