HIMLUNG HIMAL EXPEDITION

HIMLUNG HIMAL EXPEDITION

Country

Nepal

Level

extreme

Duration

25 Days

Altitude

7126

Group Size

4-10

Best Season

Spring and Autumn

mountain

Highlights

  • Climb one of Nepal’s most beautiful 7000-meter peaks (7,126 m).

  • Journey through the remote Nar-Phu Valley, rich in ancient Tibetan culture.

  • Acclimatize naturally through gradual ascents and rest days in hidden villages.

  • Witness rare Himalayan wildlife and pristine alpine wilderness.

  • Train and climb with IFMGA-certified high-altitude Sherpas.

  • Enjoy panoramic views of Annapurna, Manaslu, and Kang Guru ranges.

  • Participate in a traditional Puja ceremony for blessings before the summit.

  • Balanced expedition plan with safety, acclimatization, and comfort in mind.

Overview

Hidden deep in the wild folds of the Manang region near the Tibetan border, Himlung Himal (7,126 m) rises in serene isolation; a mountain reserved for those who seek adventure away from crowded routes. The Himlung Himal Expedition 2025 with Altinepal Treks offers a rare Himalayan journey blending true wilderness, high-altitude mountaineering, and authentic cultural immersion.

The route passes through the restricted Nar-Phu Valley, one of Nepal’s most untouched Himalayan corridors. Winding through ancient Buddhist villages, narrow gorges, and yak pastures, the trail follows centuries-old salt-trading paths that still echo with the sounds of wind and prayer wheels. Few expeditions offer this combination of natural purity, remoteness, and approachable climbing height.

Starting in Kathmandu, the journey moves westward to Besisahar and Koto, where teahouse comfort fades into wild, wind-swept landscapes. Gradual trekking days through Ngawal, Meta, and Phu Gaun prepare the body for altitude while immersing the mind in timeless culture - mani walls carved with prayers, fluttering flags over stone roofs, and yak caravans crossing wooden bridges.

 

At Base Camp (4,850 m), surrounded by pristine glaciers and ridgelines, the team trains and acclimatizes before the climb. Himlung Himal is considered a “beginner’s 7000er” - technically moderate but demanding in endurance, patience, and weather sense. Our approach includes multiple acclimatization rotations between Camp 1 (5,450 m) and Camp 2 (6,000 m) before making a final push to the summit.

 

Summit day brings an unforgettable moment - dawn over the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, the distant sweep of the Tibetan plateau, and the thrill of standing where only a few have ever reached. After celebrating this achievement, the descent is calm and reflective, back through Phu Gaun, Meta, and the serene Manang trails toward Kathmandu.

 

Climbing Himlung Himal with Altinepal Treks means climbing with people who call these mountains home. Our certified leaders, experieu nced high-altitude Sherpas, and Nepali logistics team provide not only technical guidance and safety but the heartfelt support that defines real Himalayan climbing.

Itinerary

Meet our team at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, stroll around the vibrant city of Thamel and relax.

 

On the second day, our team will conduct the briefing about the expedition to Himlung. We will conduct a thorough check of all gear and equipment for the expedition and explain the usage of each one.

Scenic drive along the Prithvi Highway and Marsyangdi River valley, passing local villages and terraced fields. Overnight at a local lodge.
Drive time: 6–7 hrs.

1800

Hotel

Breakfast

Off-road drive through dramatic gorges and waterfalls into the Manang region. Overnight at Koto or Ngawal village.
Drive time: 6 hrs.

Short hikes to nearby ridges for panoramic views of Annapurna II and Pisang Peak. Explore local monasteries and adjust to higher elevation.

 

Enter the restricted Nar-Phu Valley. The trail climbs through pine forests and rocky canyons to Meta, where you camp or stay in a teahouse.
Walking duration: 6–7 hrs.

 

A spectacular walk through arid cliffs and chortens. Arrival at Phu Gaun - a timeless village of stone houses and ancient fort ruins.
Walking duration: 5–6 hrs.

 

Visit the 800-year-old Tashi Lhakhang Monastery and explore daily life among yak herders. Gentle hike above the village for acclimatization.

 

Gradual climb following glacial moraines to the base camp area with wide open views of Himlung Himal. Camp setup and orientation.
Walking duration: 4–5 hrs.

 

Rest, practice on fixed ropes, and review climbing techniques. Equipment checks and load arrangements for higher camps.

 

Short hikes to nearby ridges to build stamina and test gear. Sherpa team fixes ropes and establishes a route toward Camp 1.

 

A gradual ascent over glacial ice and snow slopes. Establish Camp 1 and spend the night to aid acclimatization.

 

Push higher to Camp 2 for gear deposit, then descend to Base Camp for rest and recovery.

 

Hot meals, tea, and a full day of rest to rebuild energy before the final climb.

 

Reserve day for changing conditions or additional acclimatization.

 

Final equipment check, team briefing, and spiritual puja ceremony for safe ascent.

 

Gradual climb revisiting familiar route, overnight at Camp 1.

Continue upward carrying summit packs; early dinner and rest for summit attempt.

 

Begin before dawn under starry skies. After 6–8 hours of steady climbing, reach the summit of Himlung Himal. Celebrate, photograph, and descend safely.

 

All team members descend to Base Camp for celebration and debriefing.

Follow the same trail down through Phu Gaun to Meta. Enjoy the warm air and green valleys.
Walking Duration: 6 hrs.

 

Continue descent to Koto; farewell to the restricted valley and rejoin the main Annapurna route.
Walking Duration: 6 hrs.

Return drive via Besisahar to Kathmandu. 

 

After successful completion of our expedition, we will all gather together to celebrate the victory with a closing ceremony accompanied by a farewell dinner. 

 

After the closing ceremony, we will bid you the final farewell for this trip and drop you off at the airport for your flight back home.

 

Includes

Airport pick-up and drop-off
4-night hotel stay in Kathmandu (B&B)
AltiNepal Duffel Bag and Cap
Transportation Kathmandu ↔ Besisahar ↔ Koto
Restricted-area permits and Annapurna Conservation entry fees
Professional certified expedition leader, Liaison officer, staff salary, logistics, insurance
High-altitude Sherpa guides and porters
Insurance for Nepali staff, including helicopter coverage
Teahouse accommodation during the approach trek
Full Base Camp setup: dining tent, sleeping tents, toilet tent, tables, chairs, solar lighting
Expedition meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee)
All climbing logistics: fixed ropes, tents, high-camp meals, stoves, fuel, and communal gear
Group climbing equipment (ropes, ice screws, anchors, etc.), Emergency regulator, mask, and oxygen (available at nominal charge if needed)
Satellite communication, Daily weather forecast during the expedition 
Medical kit and pulse oximeter monitoring
Government royalty and local taxes
Farewell Dinner

Excludes

International airfare to/from Nepal Nepal visa fees  Travel insurance including helicopter evacuation Meals in Kathmandu and personal expenses Personal climbing gear (boots, crampons, harness, etc.) Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks Any cost arising from unforeseen circumstances (weather, political delays, natural disasters) Summit bonus for guide: $800 Tips for base camp staff: $200 per person
International airfare to/from Nepal
Nepal visa fees 
Travel insurance including helicopter evacuation
Meals in Kathmandu and personal expenses
Personal climbing gear (boots, crampons, harness, etc.)
Alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks
Any cost arising from unforeseen circumstances (weather, political delays, natural disasters)
Summit bonus for guide: $800
Tips for base camp staff: $200 per person

Notes

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Climbing Grade: Moderately technical; includes glacier travel, fixed-rope sections, and high-altitude camping.
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Experience Required: Prior 6,000 m experience recommended but not mandatory for fit climbers.
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Weather & Season: Best windows are April–May (Spring) and September–October (Autumn) with stable weather and clearer skies.
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Health & Acclimatization: Two rest days and multiple rotations built in for safe altitude gain.
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Safety: Expedition managed under international climbing standards with satellite communication and oxygen backup.
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Sustainability: All waste carried out; local staff fairly employed under Altinepal’s ethical expedition policy.