Hilsa-Limi Valley Circuit Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

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

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Half Day Sightseeing Tour and Trek Preparation.

In the morning time (office time),we will apply for the restricted area permit for Humla Region. After then, we will proceed for half day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu City including the World Heritage Sites. It includes a tour of two sites among below:

• Pashupatinath Temple - the Temple of Lord Shiva situated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River. The temple is listed on a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square) - an ancient durbar (palace) with its 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, 136 Buddhist monasteries and famous for production of Thangka and Paubha Paintings.
• Narayan Hiti Palace Museum
• National Museum

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, D)

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

After breakfast, check out from the hotel transfer to Kathmandu Domestic Airport to board an onward flight to Nepalgunj to 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, explore the unexplored culture, trekking preparation, etc. are the activities that can be done in Nepalgunj.

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

Day 04: Flight to Simikot (2,950m / 9,676ft) - 1 hour and trek to Dharapuri (2,310m/7,576ft) – 4 hours

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

Simikot, situated at an altitude of 2,950 meters (9,676ft), is the administrative headquarter of Humla district of Western Nepal which is the gateway of 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 at Simikot Airport, collect the luggage and meet the trekking staff team (porters, local guide, and camping management team), and start trek to Dharapuri. The trail is a rough rocky road filled with pine forests which passes through the Gwalekhor and Syada villages. The trail is same as the route to Hilsa or Limi valley which is alongside of the Humla Karnali River.

Overnight at teahouse in Dharapuri. (B, L, D)

Day 05: Trek to Kermi (2,670m/ 8,758ft) – 5 hours

Following the trail along the bank of Humla Karnali River, we will reach to Kermi at about 5 hours. The trail will passes through the farmland of barley, buckwheat, rice and potatoes. We will walk through the narrow gorges and high rocky cliffs following the bank of Karnali River. On the way, we will enjoy the view of Chyanduk Watefall. After 2 hours walk, the trail will be easy as we will walk through the Limi-Lhapcha Road to Kermi. Kermi is a small village where we will find most of people follow of Buddhism. We will visit the monasteries; LakiyoGompa and LhundrupChoelingGompa.

Overnight at teahouse in Kermi. (B, L, D)

Day 06: Trek to Yalbang (3,020m/9,905ft) - 6 hours

Crossing the trail through the Buckwheat and Paddy fields, we will walk to Yalbang with the easy and finest trail. We cross a small pass and descend down to the Salli River and cross it via suspension bridge made up of iron. Enjoying the Himalayan landscapes with the scenery of Karnali River, we will reach Yalbang. Later we will explore Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery.

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

Day 07: Trek to Tumkot (3,075m/10,027ft) – 6 hours

Leaving the motor able road from Yelbang, we will descend to Yangar village via narrow trekking route. After we pass Yangar village, we will walk on a rocky trail following the Karnali River. After 4 hours’ walk, we will reach Muchu Village which is full of terraces field. From Muchu, we will walk further an hour to reach Tumkot crossing the streams.  We will find these areas with few green bushes.

The only one shakya Monastery of Humla, Pal Saghon Dhungkar Choezom Monastery, lies in this area. After some rest and refreshment, we will hike uphill to about 30 minutes to reach the monastery and explore the view around there.

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

Day 08: Trek to Yari (3,663m/12,015ft) – 6 hours

Crossing the river, the trail gradually ascends with the changing landscapes. We will enter to amid landscapes with the altitude. Walking through the road, we will reach to Pani Palbang and stops for lunch break. After a while, we will descend to the trekking trail and reach to Kotak. Walking through the greenery terraces field, we will reach to beautiful Yari village.

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

Day 09: Trek to Hilsa (3,647m/11,962ft) via Nara La Pass (4,560m/14,957ft) – 6 hours

Early morning, we will start to trek as we need to cross a pass. From Yari, the trail ascends towards Thado Dhunga where we will find few teahouses. The steady and hard climb leads to the trans-Himalayan amid landscapes of Humla where there is no trees. We will find Tibetan wild animals along the way. Walking for about 3 hours, we will reach to the top of Nara La pass. From the top, we will enjoy the far insight of Tibet. The pass is often considered as the holy sites where Tibetan prayer flags are kept. Walking down through Rani Dharmasala and crossing small pass of Chori Lagna (4,107m) will takes us to Hilsa, close to the border with Tibet. Hilsa is the gateway of Mount Kailash and Mansarowar Lake. Thousands of pilgrims can be seen crossing the border on August to September.  It is often named as Yulsa.

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

Day 10: Trek to Manepeme (3,950m/12,956ft) – 5 hours

After breakfast, we will start trek to Manepeme. Crossing the Humla Karnali River, we continue ascent from Tibetan boarder (from Nepal Side) though the newly built road towards Limi Valley. The trail follows the Karnali River with the pleasant walk through steep uphill terrains and rocky landscapes. 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 11: Trek to Til (3,577m/11,667ft) – 6 hours

After breakfast, we will start trek through the base of Chyang Lungma rocky mountain. The trail leads uphill and steeper path that passes through 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’. 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. The trail further ascends to the Lamka La pass (4,300m) and then heads downhill to reach 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 Dzang.

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

Day 12: Trek to Chagzur Hot Spring – 7 hours

After breakfast, we will descend to reach Tilijung and cross Syogang riever. Later we will cross Tagtsi Khola and walk along the bank of river and enter to narrow valley. After 2 hours walk, we will again cross the river and follow the left bank of river to about 1 hour and reach to Halji village (3,741m). It is the biggest village in Limi valley with the 800 year’s old Rinchhen Ling Gompa monastery. This monastery belongs to the Kagyugpa lineage. After the excursion of Halji village, we will walk another 3 hours to reach Dzang village (3,990m) which is the last village of Limi valley. We will explore 250 years old Dzang Phelgye Ling monastery. From Dzang, we will walk to Chagzur natural hot springs. .

Overnight at tented camp at Chagzur. (B, L, D)

Side Trip: Two days are required for a side trek to Kailash View Point near to Lapche La Border.  

Day 13: Trek to Talung Base Camp (4,380m/14,366ft) – 7 hours

Early morning, we will start trek following the River and reach to Takchhe via Tholing Camp (4,152m).  From Takchhe, we will take the southern route from the side of Selima Tso Lake towards Talung Base Camp.

Day 14: Trek to Shinjungma (3,620m/11,874ft) via Nyalu La Pass (5,001m/16,403ft) – 8 hours

Early morning, start trek to Shinjungma via Nyalu La Pass (5,004m). The trail from Talung gradually ascends to Nyalu La Pass. From the top of the pass, there are breathtaking 360-degree views. This long day takes us through beautiful grasslands, up over a high pass, and back down to the river to Shinjungma.

Overnight Camp at Shinjungma (B, L, D)

Day 15: Trek to Kermi (2,670m/8,757ft) – 7 hours

Trekking down from Shinjungma to Salli top following SalliKhola and connect to Simikot-Hilsa track. Following the bank of Humla Karnali River, trek to Kermi. 

Overnight Camp in Kermi (B, L, D)

Day 16: Trek to Dharapuri (2,310m/7,576ft) – 6 hours

Early morning, hike to hot springs 40 minutes above Kermi and enjoy hot water bathing for about an hour. Later trek down to Dharapuri. 

Overnight Camp in Dharapuri (B, L, D)

Day 17: Trek to Simikot (2,950m/9,676ft) – 6 hours

This day we will follow the route through the banks of Humla Karnali River to reach Simikot. The trail gently ascends to Simikot via different villages. On the way, we will explore the unique cultures of different indigenous groups and visit monasteries. If time permits, we will explore the local town and checking out products and cuisines of Humla.

In the evening, we will have a small celebration of trek success hosted by the Sherpa team.  

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

Day 18: Fly back to Nepalgunj – 1 hour and fly to Kathmandu – 55 minutes

After breakfast, walk to Simikot Airport to board the hour long flight back to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival at Nepalgunj, we will connect with the 55 minutes flight back to Kathmandu with views of Mountain ranges on the left side of the aircraft. On arrival in Kathmandu, meet, assist and transfer to the hotel for the much-deserved Hot Bath, good food and a real bed!!

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

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu (B, L)

Day 19: Contingency day on trek or Kathmandu in case of any unavoidable circumstances

If the plan goes smooth with the flight on the required day/time, this day will be a free day 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 authentic Nepali Restaurant in Kathmandu.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu (B, D)

Day 20: Departure to home country

After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport to board an onward flight to home country 3 hours earlier to 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 staffs 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, Helper  from Kathmandu, whereas required camp helpers and porters will be local people whom we will meet at Simikot.
• On 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, cooking gases for camping.
• Guests are expected to carry only a small light rucksack while walking that includes all  essentials required the long day treks such as; water bottles, warm rain gear, extra T-shirts, light pull over, cameras, medicines, packed lunch, etc.

Transportation

• All arrival and departure transfers will be in an A/C private vehicle/vehicles.
• 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 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 bathroom and Wi-Fi (subject to availability).
• During trekking, we will provide accommodation at best available teahouse lodge or set up camping tents for a if required. We will serve food from the local lodges or houses at different villages or stopover places if available. During the season, the local community operates small huts for catering services at all the stop-over points. This depends upon the season. Timing for breakfast, lunches, dinner can be more or fewer changes due to the availability of lodges or the guest preferences. 
• 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, and 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 activity above 3,500 meters.

Fitness

The trek is slightly difficult due to the increases in altitude. 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 5,001m/16,403ft. Physical fitness is essential & previous outdoor walking experience helps.

Basic infrastructure

The trekking area will lack on electricity facilities and 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 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 Liaison 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 trekkers 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 time period from June to September will be the best time to organize this trek.