Himlung Himal Expedition
Trip overview
Himlung Himal Expedition, in full
Himlung Himal Expedition itinerary, cost, map, permits, altitude, difficulty, best time, route details and complete trekking guide with Real Himalaya.
Your trip at a glance
- Destination
- Annapurna Region
- Duration
- 35 days
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- Max elevation
- 7126 m
- Group size
- 2-16 people
- Activities
- Scenic Flight, Driving Trekking and Climbing
Day by day
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport
Namaste and welcome to the land of the Himalayas! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by our team and transferred to your hotel in Thamel, Kathmandu’s vibrant tourist hub. The streets are alive with colorful shops, cafés, and the buzz of trekkers and climbers preparing for their expeditions. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Nepali welcome dinner accompanied by cultural dance, while your expedition leader gives a briefing on the adventure ahead.
- 2
Expedition Preparation & Kathmandu Sightseeing
Today is spent both preparing and exploring. In the morning, your team finalizes paperwork and climbing permits for the Himlung Himal expedition. Afterward, you embark on a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley, visiting Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. These UNESCO World Heritage Sites offer blessings before your climb. In the evening, gear and equipment are checked carefully to ensure readiness.
- 3
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar
Leaving the Kathmandu Valley, you drive west along winding roads that follow the Trisuli and Marshyangdi rivers. The journey reveals a patchwork of terraced fields, riverside villages, and rolling hills. Small towns bustle with local life, and the road slowly climbs into greener landscapes. By late afternoon, you reach Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna and Manaslu regions.
- 4
A Scenic Drive from Besisahar to Koto
A rugged jeep ride takes you deeper into the mountains along a bumpy track. The route passes Dharapani and Chame, following cliffs, waterfalls, and narrow valleys carved by the Marshyangdi River. By evening, you reach Koto, a Tibetan-influenced settlement where the Himlung route diverges from the Annapurna Circuit. Here, prayer flags flutter above rooftops, and the sense of adventure grows stronger.
- 5
Ascend to Meta From Koto
Your trekking journey begins with a steady climb through pine and rhododendron forests, crossing suspension bridges and walking along narrow ridges. The trail feels remote and untouched, with glimpses of high snowy peaks in the distance. By afternoon, you arrive at Meta, a small plateau settlement with wide-open views of barren hills and jagged ridges.
- 6
Trek towards Kyang from Meta
The trek continues deeper into the Nar Phu Valley, a rarely visited region of Nepal. The trail follows rocky ridges above gorges, passing scattered chortens and long mani walls carved with prayers. The landscape grows drier and more rugged, with fewer trees and more open alpine scenery. Arriving at Kyang, you find yourself in a quiet and secluded valley where yaks graze freely.
- 7
From Kyang, Moving towards Phu Gaon (
The trail today leads into the cultural heart of the Nar Phu Valley. Walking past carved canyons, ridges, and small stone hamlets, you eventually reach Phu Gaon, a Tibetan-style village that feels frozen in time. Stone houses stack upon one another, and an ancient monastery sits above the settlement. This is one of the cultural highlights of the expedition, blending remote wilderness with centuries-old Himalayan tradition.
- 8
Acclimatization & Rest Day at Phu Gaon
Today is dedicated to acclimatization. You hike to nearby ridges rising above 4,500 m, strengthening your lungs for higher altitudes. Back in the village, you explore the Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, which has been blessed by the Dalai Lama. The day is both restful and enriching, offering cultural immersion as well as preparation for the higher camps.
- 9
Trek to Himlung Himal Base Camp
Leaving Phu, you trek through yak pastures and across rocky moraine fields. The trail gradually climbs until you reach Himlung Himal Base Camp (4,900 m), a wide meadow surrounded by glaciers and towering ridges. Here, colorful tents are pitched against the icy backdrop, and the real expedition atmosphere begins.
- 10
Base Camp Rest & Puja Ceremony
These days are for organizing equipment, resting, and preparing for the climb. A Puja ceremony is held by Sherpa guides, asking the mountain for safe passage. Sherpas build a stone altar, decorate it with prayer flags, and offer chants and incense. Training sessions on rope handling, ice axe use, and crevasse rescue are conducted. These moments bond the team and prepare everyone mentally and physically.
- 11
Climbing Period : Himlung Himal
For nearly two weeks, you establish a series of higher camps, moving steadily up the mountain: ● Camp I (5,450 m): Reached via rocky ridges and glacier moraines. ● Camp II (6,000 m): Set on snowy slopes after crossing crevasses. ● Camp III (6,350 m): High Camp on exposed ridges, the final launch pad for the summit. You move up and down between camps, acclimatizing and carrying loads. Sherpas fix ropes across steep slopes and crevasses, ensuring safety. Summit Day (7,126 m): Starting around midnight, you ascend icy ridges with headlamps glowing. The climb is steep and demanding, involving fixed ropes and glacier crossings. After 8–10 hours of effort, you stand on the summit of Himlung Himal,
- 12
Reserve / Contingency Day
A buffer day is included for weather delays or unforeseen circumstances. If not needed, it allows for additional rest at Base Camp.
- 13
Return Trek to Meta
Descending further, you retrace your steps through barren ridges and alpine valleys back to Meta. The trail feels easier with more oxygen, and the views of the valley appear refreshed and familiar.
- 14
Return to Phu Gaon from Base Camp
After weeks of glaciers and icy ridges, you descend back into the warmth of village life. Arriving at Phu Gaon, the sight of stone houses, prayer flags, and local people feels comforting. The contrast between base camp life and village hospitality is profound.
- 15
Trek Back to Koto form Meta
Continue descending into greener landscapes as forests and rivers return to view. By evening, you arrive in Koto, where your trek merges back with the Annapurna Circuit trail.
- 16
Drive Back from Besisahar to Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu along river valleys and terraced hills. By evening, return to Thamel, where the noise and color of the city feel vibrant after the quiet of the mountains. In the evening, celebrate with a farewell dinner alongside your team and Sherpas.
- 17
Scenic Drive to Besisahar from Koto
Take a long jeep ride along rugged mountain tracks, retracing the road back to Besisahar. After weeks in remote wilderness, the return to small towns feels lively and connected.
- 18
Final Departure from Kathmandu
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. As your plane soars above the Himalayas, you carry home memories of the Himlung Himal expedition, glaciers, Sherpa camaraderie, and the triumph of standing on a 7,000 m Himalayan summit. Thank you for choosing Real Himalaya. For any queries, contact us at +977 985-1026840 www.realhimalaya.com Speak to an Expert Gokul Thapa +977-9851026840 View Dossier Online
