Himlung Himal Expedition

Himlung Himal Expedition

Max Altitude

7126m

Duration

29 Days

Difficulty

Extreme

Best Season

Spring & Autum

Start Point

Kathmandu

Group Size

2-15 People

Book Now

Trip Overview

The Himlung Himal Expedition is an adventurous 29-day mountaineering journey to the 7,126-metre summit of Himlung Himal. Located in Nepal’s remote Nar Phu region near the Tibetan border, the mountain offers a serious Himalayan climbing experience away from the busier expedition routes.

 

Himlung Himal is often selected by experienced climbers progressing from 6,000-metre peaks towards higher Himalayan objectives. Although its established route is generally considered less technical than many other 7,000-metre mountains, the expedition involves glacier travel, crevasses, fixed ropes, steep snow and ice, exposed high camps and prolonged exposure to extreme altitude.

 

The journey begins in Kathmandu with an expedition briefing, equipment inspection and final preparation before travelling overland to Koto. From there, the approach enters the restricted Nar Phu Valley and continues through Meta and Kyang to the remote settlement of Phu Gaun.

 

An acclimatization day in Phu Gaun allows the team to adapt gradually before continuing to Himlung Base Camp at approximately 4,900 metres. Base Camp serves as the operational centre of the expedition, providing sleeping tents, kitchen and dining facilities, communication systems and essential logistical support.

 

Before the main climbing period begins, participants complete technical preparation, acclimatization activities and a traditional puja ceremony. Training reviews fixed-rope movement, crampon and ice-axe technique, glacier safety, jumar use, controlled descent, oxygen-system operation and emergency procedures.

 

Days 11–22 provide a 12-day operational climbing period for acclimatization rotations, high-camp movements, equipment carries, recovery, route preparation, weather contingency and the summit attempt. The exact programme remains flexible according to weather, snow and glacier conditions, participant health and high-camp readiness.

 

Once the necessary rotations are complete, the expedition leader monitors professional weather forecasts, route conditions and team readiness before selecting a suitable summit window. The final summit programme progresses through the established high camps towards the 7,126-metre summit before beginning the demanding descent.

 

The expedition includes personal climbing Sherpa support, supplementary oxygen for the summit programme, high-altitude tents, fixed-rope services, professional weather forecasting, required permits and fully supported Base Camp logistics.

 

Himlung Himal remains a serious high-altitude expedition requiring previous mountaineering experience, strong physical preparation and sound technical skills. All rotations, high-camp movements and summit plans remain subject to weather, route conditions and participant readiness, with the expedition leader retaining final authority over safety and turnaround decisions.

Accommodation & Food standards

Standard

Standard

  • Teahouse / lodge accommodation
  • Basic but comfortable rooms
  • Hygienic Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Premium (Comfort)

Premium (Comfort)

  • Upgraded lodges / boutique hotels where available
  • Private rooms with better facilities
  • Enhanced meal options with greater variety and comfort
Meal Types

Meal Types

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch 
  • Dinner

Day-By-Day

Your 29-Day Itinerary

A Hatti Hatti Treks representative will welcome you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, use the remainder of the day to recover from your journey and begin organising personal expedition equipment.

 

Max Altitude

1440 m

Accomodation

Four-star hotel in Kathmandu

Meals

Not included

Meet the expedition leader and climbing team for a detailed briefing covering transportation, the Nar Phu approach, Base Camp operations, climbing strategy, oxygen systems and emergency procedures. Your personal mountaineering equipment will also be inspected before departure.

 

Max Altitude

1440 m

Accomodation

Four-star hotel in Kathmandu

Meals

Breakfast

Leave Kathmandu for the long overland journey towards Koto via Besisahar and the Marsyangdi Valley. The route continues onto increasingly rugged mountain roads towards Dharapani and Koto, the gateway to the Nar Phu Valley. Journey time depends heavily on traffic, road conditions, weather and seasonal access.

Max Altitude

Approximately 2,600 m

Accomodation

Teahouse in Koto

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Complete the required entry formalities before entering the restricted Nar Phu Valley. The approximately 6–7 hour trek follows a deep river gorge through forest, waterfalls, bridges and several steep sections before reaching Meta.

Max Altitude

3,560 m

Accomodation

Teahouse in Meta

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Continue through the isolated upper valley towards Kyang on an approximately 6–7 hour trek. The route crosses exposed slopes and increasingly high-altitude terrain as the landscape becomes drier and more rugged.

 

Max Altitude

Approximately 3,840 m

Accomodation

Teahouse in Kyang

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Follow the valley towards Phu Gaun on an approximately 6–7 hour trek through a dramatic trans-Himalayan landscape. The remote settlement is characterised by stone houses, agricultural terraces and a strong Tibetan-influenced cultural tradition.

Max Altitude

Approximately 3,900 m

Accomodation

Teahouse in Phu Gaun

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Spend a second night in Phu Gaun to support gradual altitude adaptation. Depending on weather and team condition, the expedition leader may organise a controlled hike above the village before returning for rest, hydration and Base Camp preparation.

Max Altitude

Varies according to the acclimatization hike

Accomodation

Teahouse in Phu Gaun

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Leave Phu Gaun and continue for approximately 4–5 hours into increasingly remote mountain terrain towards Himlung Base Camp. On arrival, settle into the expedition camp and receive an introduction to Base Camp facilities and daily procedures.

Max Altitude

Approximately 4,900 m

Accomodation

Expedition tent at Himlung Base Camp

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Spend two days at Base Camp preparing for the climbing programme. The expedition leader and climbing Sherpa team review crampon and ice-axe technique, fixed-rope movement, jumaring, controlled descent, glacier safety, crevasse procedures, oxygen-system operation and emergency protocols.

A traditional puja ceremony is also organised before the main climbing programme begins. The training serves as an expedition-specific review and does not replace previous mountaineering experience.

 

Max Altitude

Approximately 4,900 m

Accomodation

Expedition tent at Himlung Base Camp

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

These 12 days form the main operational climbing window and provide time for acclimatisation rotations, high-camp movements, equipment carries, rest, route preparation, weather contingency and the summit attempt.

The exact programme cannot be fixed in advance. The expedition leader adjusts climbing activities according to weather forecasts, snow stability, glacier and crevasse conditions, participant acclimatisation and high-camp readiness.

Acclimatisation Rotations

Climbers progressively move above Base Camp towards the established high camps. These rotations provide additional altitude exposure and allow participants to become familiar with glacier terrain, crevasses, fixed ropes and movement in high-altitude climbing equipment.

Participants return to lower camps or Base Camp for recovery according to the expedition strategy.

High-Camp Programme

A series of high camps supports the acclimatisation and summit programme. Exact camp positions may change according to snow conditions, glacier movement and the expedition leader’s operational plan.

Movement between camps may involve glaciated terrain, fixed ropes, steep snow and ice, crevasses and exposed sections. High-altitude tents and shared group equipment support climbers throughout the rotation programme.

Summit Programme

After completing the planned rotations, the team rests while the expedition leader evaluates professional weather forecasts, route conditions, participant health and high-camp readiness.

When a suitable summit window develops, climbers begin the final rotation through the established camps. Summit day normally starts during the night, allowing sufficient time to progress towards the 7,126-metre summit and begin the descent.

Supplementary oxygen is available for the summit programme according to the confirmed expedition allocation. Climbers must maintain an appropriate pace, follow fixed-rope procedures and respect the established turnaround time.

Reaching the summit is only part of the objective. The descent remains physically demanding and requires continued concentration and compliance with the instructions of the expedition leader and climbing Sherpa team.

The expedition leader may modify rotations, postpone or cancel the summit attempt, establish turnaround times or withdraw a participant whenever safety or operational conditions require it.

 

Max Altitude

7,126 m

Accomodation

tents

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Following the climbing programme, the expedition team begins clearing Base Camp and preparing equipment for transportation. Non-essential facilities are packed while the sleeping, kitchen and safety services required for the final night remain operational. Expedition waste is managed according to applicable regulations.

Max Altitude

Approximately 4,900 m

Accomodation

Expedition tent at Himlung Base Camp

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Begin the return journey from Himlung Base Camp through the Nar Phu Valley, descending past the Phu Gaun area before continuing towards Meta. This is a long trekking day, and the expedition leader may adjust the pace or route according to trail conditions, weather, expedition cargo movement and participant condition.

Max Altitude

Approximately 4,900 m

Accomodation

Teahouse in Meta

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Retrace the trail through the river gorge and forest towards Koto. Although the route loses elevation overall, uneven ground and several short climbs require continued care before reaching the teahouse.

 

Max Altitude

Approximately 3,560 m

Accomodation

Teahouse in Koto

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Leave Koto and travel by mountain road through the Marsyangdi Valley towards Besisahar. Road and weather conditions may affect the journey time, particularly after heavy rainfall or landslides.

Max Altitude

Approximately 2,600 m

Accomodation

Hotel or lodge in Besisahar

Meals

Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Continue overland from Besisahar to Kathmandu. After reaching the capital, transfer to your four-star hotel and rest following the expedition and long return journey.

Max Altitude

1400 m

Accomodation

Four-star hotel in Kathmandu

Meals

Breakfast

Enjoy a free day in Kathmandu to rest, organise expedition equipment, purchase souvenirs or explore independently. The day also provides limited flexibility following the mountain and overland return programme.

Max Altitude

1,400 m

Accomodation

Four-star hotel in Kathmandu

Meals

Breakfast

Your Himlung Himal Expedition concludes today. A Hatti Hatti Treks representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your international departure schedule.

Max Altitude

1,400 m

Accomodation

Not included

Meals

Breakfast, subject to departure time

We Accept
VISA Master Card American Express Discover

What's Covered

Inclusion And Exclusions

What's Included

  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in Kathmandu
  • Four nights at a four-star hotel in Kathmandu on a bed-and-breakfast basis
  • Two-way Ground transportation (Kathmandu to Besisahar to Koto) 
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trekking approach and return journey

What's Not Included

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fees
  • Comprehensive travel and mountaineering insurance
  • Emergency rescue and helicopter evacuation

Common Questions

FAQs

The complete Himlung Himal Expedition lasts 29 days. This includes preparation in Kathmandu, the Nar Phu trekking approach, Base Camp training, the 12-day climbing period, the return journey and final departure.

Himlung Himal reaches 7,126 metres and lies in Nepal’s remote Nar Phu region in Manang, close to the Tibetan border.

Participants should have previous high-altitude mountaineering experience and be comfortable using crampons, an ice axe, fixed ropes, jumars and descending devices. Previous experience on a 6,000-metre mountain is strongly recommended.

Days 11–22 provide a 12-day operational climbing period. This window covers acclimatisation rotations, high-camp movements, equipment carries, recovery, route preparation, weather contingency and the summit attempt.

 

Yes. Personal climbing Sherpa support is included. The final guide-to-client arrangement is confirmed before departure according to the expedition contract and team structure.

 

Yes. Supplementary oxygen for the summit programme, together with an oxygen mask and regulator set, is included. The final oxygen allocation is confirmed in the expedition contract.

The package includes four nights at a four-star hotel in Kathmandu, teahouse accommodation during the trekking approach and return journey, accommodation in Besisahar and expedition tents at Himlung Base Camp and the high camps. Breakfast is included during the scheduled Kathmandu hotel stays, while breakfast, lunch and dinner are provided during the specified trekking and climbing sections.

The package includes the Himlung Himal climbing permit, Restricted Area Trekking Permit for Manang District (Nar, Phu & North Tilche), Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP), TIMS Card, fixed-rope charges and applicable expedition administration and government documentation.

 

Road closures, landslides, severe weather, snow or glacier conditions, route changes or participant health may require modifications to the programme. Additional accommodation, meals, transportation or helicopter services resulting from disruption are normally not included unless specifically stated in the booking agreement.

 

No. A Himlung Himal summit cannot be guaranteed. Weather, snow and glacier conditions, route safety, acclimatisation, participant health and high-camp readiness determine whether a summit attempt can proceed. The expedition leader has final authority over summit timing, turnaround decisions and participant safety.

Keep Exploring

Related Packages

Ama Dablam Expedition

Ama Dablam Expedition

26 Days
extreme
Book Now