Upper Humla Circuit Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport, transfer to the hotel. After some refreshment, there will be a short briefing about the trek regarding the schedule, required trekking gears, services, and facilities we provided during the drive and trekking areas.

The rest of the time is free for trekking preparation.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Half-Day Sightseeing Tour and Trek Preparation.

After breakfast, proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City including the World Heritage Sites. It includes a tour of two sites below:

• Pashupatinath Temple - the Temple of Lord Shiva situated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River. The temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square) - an ancient durbar (palace) with numerous old palaces, temples, and pagodas, the Temple of Living Goddess "Kumari", and the Kasthamandap Temple, which is believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree from which Kathmandu derives its name.
• Bouddhanath Stupa- an ancient colossal stupa and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world
• Swayambhunath Stupa - the oldest Buddhist stupa of Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. It is also known as the "Monkey Temple"!!
• Patan City - a city of 55 major temples, and 136 Buddhist monasteries, and famous for the production of Thangka and Paubha Paintings.
• Narayan Hiti Palace Museum
• National Museum

The rest of the day is free for trekking preparation, such as trekking gear shopping, packing on a duffle bag, etc.

Eve: Trip briefing followed by welcome dinner at Authentic Nepali restaurant with cultural program.

Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu. (B, L, D)

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (109m/357ft) - 50 minutes

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Kathmandu Domestic Airport to board an onward flight to Nepalgunj for about 50 minutes. Upon arrival at Nepalgunj, transfer and check into the hotel.

Later, explore Water Parks, Mahendra Park, Bagheswori Temple, and many more places of Nepalgunj. Shopping on the street, exploring the new culture, trekking preparation, etc. are the activities that can be done in Nepalgunj.

Overnight at a hotel in Nepalgunj. (B, L, D)

Day 04: Flight to Simikot (2,950m / 9,676ft) - 1 hour

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Nepalgunj Airport to board an onward flight to Simikot for about 1 hour.

Simikot, situated at an altitude of 2,950 meters (9,676ft), is the administrative headquarter of the Humla district of Western Nepal which is also known as the gateway to Limi valley, Hilsa of Humla, Saipal North Base Camp of Nepal, and Mansarovar and Mt. Kailash of Western Tibet. This region is also suitable to travel and trek during the monsoon season in Nepal, however, the flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot requires good weather at the same time. We will find the mix-up culture of local Humla and Tibetan culture in Simikot.

Upon arrival, spend the day acclimatizing and making last-minute preparations including meeting local people and porter team, and mule drivers for the expedition.

Overnight at a hotel in Simikot (B, L, D)

Day 05: Trek to Dojam (2,480m /8,135ft) – 5 hours

Leaving Simikot, we will begin our trek with the strong team and mules loaded with camping gears and equipment and guest's Duffel Bags towards Dojam via Thehe village. Dojam will be the last village for a couple of weeks. There will be no permanent human settlement above Dojam but we will meet Yak herders and shepherd's huts in different valleys.

Overnight Camp at Dojam (B, L, D)

Day 06: Trek to TumlingKhola (3,500m/11,480ft) – 6~7 hours

Leaving Dojam village, the trail will follow the bank of Chuwa Khola. The trail is narrow and gently ascends but, is well maintained to walk for mules and trekkers. Crossing Ghatte Khola, the trail ascends to the confluence of Tumling Khola which passes through Syamboyak. This will be the place where we will set up camp and explore wildlife such as; blue sheep.

Overnight Camp at Tumling Khola(B, L, D)

Day 07: Trek to LorKhola (4,000m/13,120ft) – 5~6 hours

Following the left bank of Chuwa Khola, the trail goes uphill through alpine vegetation and enters the widening rocky valley of Dhyualing. Further walking, we will reach the confluence of Lor Khola. The rest of the day is free for excursions to Lor Khola Valley.

Overnight Camp at Lor Khola (B, L, D)

Day 08: Trek to Gurukpa (4,150m/13,612ft) – 5~6 hours

Leaving Lor Khola, we will cross the river and follow the right bank of Chuwa Khola till Gurukpa or Karching Kharka. Gurukpa is the confluence point of NingKhola and Chuwa Khola. At Gurukpa, the track divides. The right one leads to the Chang La Border pass (5,293) to Tibet, whereas the left one leads to Ning Valley Route.

Overnight Camp at Gurukpa (B, L, D)

Day 09: Acclimatization day at Gurukpa (Excursion to Chang Valley)

As per the study on high altitude sickness, it has been found that most people suffer or show signs of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) from the altitude of 14,000 ft. Thus it is highly recommended to have a rest day to acclimatize at this altitude before starting an ascent. On this day, we will do some day hikes to the nearby hills.

Overnight Camp at Gurukpa (B, L, D)

Day 10: Trek to NingKhola Valley (4,700m/15,416ft) – 6~7 hours

Taking the left route, we will follow NingKhola and enter a side valley to cross Nying La Pass. We will stopover at the bank of the river at an elevation of 4,700m and prepare to cross the high pass. The trail passes through the rocky terrain.

Overnight Camp at Low Camp (B, L, D)

Day 11: Trek to Nyalu Khola (4,600m/15,088ft) via Nying La Pass (5,448m/17,870ft) –8 hours

Early breakfast and start trek to cross the transverse of Nying La Pass of elevation 5,448m. It is possible to cross the pass from June to September. In the remaining months, it may be covered by snow. The trail ascends gradually until we reach the high pass. Exploring the view from the pass, we will descend to NyaluKhola Valley and trek through the bank of the river, and set up camp at an elevation of 4,600m.

Overnight Camp at NyaluKhola Valley (B, L, D)

Day 12: Trek to Takchhe (4,230/13,875ft) – 5~6 hours

Walking through the valley, we will reach Selima Tso Lake. We will connect to Limi Lapcha Road from the shore of the Lake, which is under construction. In these areas, we will meet Yak herders from June through September. Following the road from Limi to Lapcha, we will set up camp on the banks of Takchhe Khola and the rest of the time is free for the exploration of wildlife and birds found around there.

Overnight Camp at Takchhe (B, L, D)

Day 13: Trek to Gumna Yak (4,700m) via Risarba (4,790m) – 6~7 hours

On this day, we will follow Limi Lapcha road, constructed by China. After crossing Takchhe Khola, the road gradually ascends to Risarba Pass and enters the Tibetan Plateau. Upon reaching Gumna Yak, we will hike to Sakya Khola Valley. We will do a side excursion up to 4,900m.

Overnight Camp at Gumna Yak (B, L, D)

Day 14: Hike up to Holy Mt. Kailash & Lake Mansarovar View Point (5,130m/16,826ft) inside Nepal and return to camp

Early morning, start an excursion up to the Holy Mt. Kailash& Lake Mansarovar View Point through Limi-Lapchha Road. This point offers majestic views of the Holy Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash (6,638m).

Mount Kailash is undoubtedly one of the world's most sacred places where each year pilgrims of the Buddhist, Hindu, Jain, and Tibetan Bön faiths come to complete ritual walks around the base of the mountain. This great mountain was believed to be the source of four life-giving rivers, and indeed, the Indus, Brahmaputra, Sutlej, and Karnali, which are major tributaries of India's sacred Ganges River begin in the area surrounding Mount Kailash which is very highly revered as the earthly manifestation of mythical Mount Meru, or Sumeru and the spiritual center of the Universe in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain cosmology.

Often Mount Kailash, popular as the heavenly abode of Lord Shiva, is prevalent for its majestic beauty and Mansarovar the Holiest of Lakes, an inseparable part of Mount Kailash, is a large freshwater lake situated in Tibet (China). Each year, thousands of pilgrims and tourists from across the world visit Mansarovar to experience the beauty and piousness of the place.

Mansarovar, as the name suggests, is a combination of two Sanskrit words: manas means 'mind' and 'intellect' and Sarovar means 'lake'. Holy lake Mansarovar is compared with the mind of the Gods which are as calm as water and as strong and tranquil as a mountain.

Overnight Camp at Gumna Yak (B, L, D)

Day 15: Trek to Chagzur Hot Spring

On this day, we will descend to Takchhe and enter the beautiful Limi Valley. After entering the valley through a motorable road, we will reach Tholing. After 2 hours from Tholing, we will reach Natural Hot Spring at Chagzur where we will do laundry and have a bath.

Overnight at Camp at Chagzur Hot Spring (B, L, D)

Day 15: Rest Day at Dzang Village

This day is free for rest and exploring the valley to see the wonderful views. We will walk for about 1.5 hours and set a camp at Dzang Village which is surrounded by cliff rocks and peaks.

Overnight at tented camp or teahouse lodges at Dzang Village (B, L, D)

Day 16: Trek to Til Village

After breakfast, we will start trek towards Halji Village. Walking along the bank of the river for about 1 hour, we will reach Dzang village, one of the villages of Limi Valley. After a short tea/coffee break, we will start trek to Halji village, the largest village of Limi valley with the 800-year-old Rinchhen Ling Gompa monastery. This monastery belongs to the Kagyugpa lineage. After exploring Halji Village, continue the trek to Til, a village surrounded by natural green vegetation and a typical Tibetan village. Upon arrival at Til village, we will explore the 300-year-old monastery of Kunzum Do-Nag monastery. Til is the smallest village among the three villages of Limi Valley – Til, Halji, and Dzong.

Overnight at tented camp or teahouse lodges at Til Village (B, L, D)

Day 17: Trek to Manepeme

Leaving Til Village, the trail gradually ascends the Lamka La Pass (4,300m) and descends to Manepeme.

This route is more slippery, uphill and downhill, thus it is more difficult to walk as there will be more Yak and Sheep on the trail which are returning from the border with fully loaded trading packs. En route, we will visit the old meditation cave Cha-Sa Nam-Ka Dzong, a cave that was used as a caravan campsite. Inside the cave, we will find mani stones carved with the mantra 'om mani Padme hum'. Walking through the base of Chiang Lungma rocky mountain, we will reach Manepeme. The name, Manepame gets its name from the Mani Mantra carved on a large rock.

Overnight at tented camp or teahouse lodges at Manepeme. (B, L, D)

Day 18: Trek to Hilsa

After breakfast, start trek to Hilsa, close to the border of Nepal & Tibet. The trail follows the Karnali River with a pleasant walk through steep uphill terrains and rocky landscapes. Upon arrival in Hilsa, we will check into the Lodge. Hilsa is the gateway of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake. Thousands of pilgrims can be seen crossing the border from August to September. It is often named Yulsa.

Overnight at teahouse lodges at Hilsa. (B, L, D)

Day 19: Trek to Yari - (3,663m/12,015ft) – 6 hours

Leaving Hilsa, start trek towards Yari following the route of Simikot Hilsa road. The road gradually ascends to the top of the hill towards Nara La Pass (4,560m) via Chori Lagna (4,107m) and Rani Dharmasala. The pass is often considered a holy site where Tibetan prayer flags are kept. From the top, we will enjoy the far insight of Tibet. We will find Tibetan wild animals along the way. From the pass, the track will descend to Yari via Thado Dhunga with the changes in landscapes with green pine forests and agricultural lands. The motorable road is under construction to connect Hilsa and Simikot and Limi Valley, however, we will find some Tibetan trucks and motorbikes during the trek.

Overnight at tented camp or teahouse lodges at Yari. (B, L, D)

Day 20: Trek to Muchu (3,068m/10,063ft) – 8 hours

On this day, we will trek to Muchu. The trail from Yari ascends to Pani Palbang via Kotak and joins the motorable road. From there, we will descend to Tumkot with the changing landscapes, moreover green hills. Upon we reach Tumkot, we will explore Pal Saghon Dhungkar Choezom Monastery, the only Shakya Monastery of Humla. From there, we will walk about an hour to reach Muchu after crossing a stream.

Overnight at tented camp or teahouse lodges at Muchu. (B, L, D)

Day 21: Trek to Kermi (2,860m/9,381ft) – 8 hours

After breakfast, start trek to Kermi via Yalbang. From Muchu, we will walk about 4 hours on a rocky trail to reach Yangsar Village following the Humla Karnali River. And ascend to Yalbang Village. Here we will explore Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery. And continue to walk to Kermi for about 4 hours following the left bank of the river.

Overnight at tented camp or teahouse lodges at Kermi. (B, L, D)

Day 22: Trackback to Simikot (2,950m / 9,676ft) - 8 hours

This day will be the final day of trekking. From Kermi, we will trek downhill to Dharapuri. After some rest at Dharapuri, we will follow the same route through the bank f Humla Karnali River to reach Simikot. The trail gently ascends to Simikot via different villages. On the way, we will explore the unique culture of different indigenous groups and visit monasteries. If the time permits, we will explore the local products and cuisines of Humla. In the evening, we will have a small celebration of trek success.

Overnight at a hotel in Simikot. (B, L, D)

Day 23: Fly back to Nepalgunj – 1 hour and fly to Kathmandu – 55 minutes

After breakfast, timely transfer to Simikot Airport to board an onward flight to Nepalgunj that takes about 1 hour. Upon arrival at Nepalgunj, we will take the flight to Kathmandu for about 55 minutes with a view of Mountain ranges from the left side of the aircraft. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, transfer and check into the hotel.

(The flight of Simikot-Nepalgunj and vice versa will require good weather for timely operation. In case of any unavoidable circumstances like bad weather, or flight cancellation, we need to wait for the next day.)

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (B, L, D)

Day 24: Contingency day on trek or Kathmandu in case of any unavoidable circumstances.

If the plan goes smooth with the flight on requiring day/time, this day will be free in Kathmandu for leisure activities or sightseeing tours (on your own), last-minute shopping, bag packing, etc. On request, we will arrange a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu.

Eve: Group Farewell dinner at an authentic Nepali Restaurant in Kathmandu.

Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. (B, L, D)

Day 25: Departure to home country

After breakfast, timely transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport to board an onward flight to home country 3 hours earlier than the scheduled flight departing time. We wish you a happy journey during your flight from Nepal to your home country with the hope to see you on your next visit to Nepal.

(Meals Included: Breakfast)

Team Members

• All arrival and departure transfers in a private A/C car/van/coach will be assisted by English-speaking tour escorts.
• On the trek, a government-certified Trek Guide will be with the group.
• A local guide from Simikot to interpret languages with the local staff and community.
• All Camping arrangements will be organized and carefully managed by our trained and trusted trekking staff team members including an experienced Camp cook, Assistant Cook, Kitchen Boy, Sherpa, and Helper from Kathmandu, whereas required camp helpers and porters will be local people whom we will meet at Simikot.
• On the trek, porters will carry a duffel bag or two each of up to a maximum of 30 Kgs/60 lbs., food items, camping equipment such as different types of tents, cooking utensils, and cooking gases for camping.
• Guests are expected to carry only a small light rucksack while walking that includes all essentials required for the long day treks such as; water bottles, warm rain gear, extra T-shirts, light pullover, cameras, medicines, packed lunch, etc.

Transportation

• All arrival and departure transfers will be in an A/C private vehicle/vehicle.
• Round Trip Kathmandu/Nepalgunj/Simikot/Nepalgunj/Kathmandu flights.
• Mules and/or Yaks will be used to carry camping equipment from Simikot to Limi valley and back to Simikot.

Accommodation and Meals

• Four nights in Kathmandu in the star-category hotel on Bed& Breakfast basis.
• Welcome and Farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
• In Nepalgunj and Simikot, there will be tourist category hotels/lodges facilitated with attached bathrooms and Wi-Fi (subject to availability).
• During trekking, we will set up clean and comfortable tents for the night's stay.
• Guests having any specific dietary requirements should inform us in advance.
• Meals are listed as above in Itinerary. (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

Itinerary

We request you to go through the itinerary and information given herein as a basic guideline. The information provided in the itinerary is to the best of our knowledge, marginal variances in the actual distances and altitudes are possible. Weather conditions, roadblocks, local political conditions, flight cancellations, mechanical breakdowns, or any other such unforeseeable circumstances can lead to a change in the itinerary or means of transport.

Insurance

It is most important to purchase a comprehensive travel insurance policy against illness, hospitalization, flight delays, loss of luggage, cancellations, and amendments due to weather conditions, political disturbances, or natural calamities as well as for emergency helicopter evacuation in case of illness, etc. Before purchasing Travel Insurance, please ensure that the policy covers adventure activities and or trekking activities above 3,500 meters.

Fitness

The trek is slightly difficult due to the altitude increases. This trek involves walking 6-7 hours daily while ascending and descending. Previous walking experience at high altitudes is beneficial. The highest altitude that we attain on this trek is Nying La Pass (5,448m/17,870ft). Physical fitness is essential & previous outdoor walking experience helps.

Basic infrastructure

The trekking area will lack electricity facilities and a telephone network. We recommend you carry additional batteries for Cameras, or a solar power bank to charge smartphones. The trek leader will carry a Satellite phone to communicate at offices in Kathmandu for updates or, in case of any emergencies.

Permit

Most of the areas of Humla require a special permit for trekking. We need a Restricted Area Permit to enter these areas. Only group trekkers with a minimum of 2 persons are allowed to trek in these areas with a Liaison and these days, our own Trek Leaders will take charge as a Govt., certified Liaisons on the trek. Restricted Area Permit Fees for Humla is USD 50 per person per week. And USD 10 per person per day beyond 1 week. For a single pax, a ghost permit is required. A single trekker must need to pay for permits of 2 pax although they are single.

Best Season to visit

Since Northern Humla lies in the Trans-Himalayan region, there is less rainfall while most other areas will experience monsoon season. Therefore, the monsoon season or period from June to September will be the best time to organize this trek.