Limi Valley Trek with Kailash Darshan

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. 

In the morning time (office time), we will apply for the restricted area permit for Humla Region. After then, we will proceed for a 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 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, 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, exploring the unexplored 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 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 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 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 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 that pass through the Gwalekhor and Syada villages. The trail is the same as the route to Hilsa or Limi valley which is alongside the Humla Karnali River. 

Overnight at the 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 Kermi at about 5 hours. The trail will pass through the farmland of barley, buckwheat, rice, and potatoes. We will walk through the narrow gorges and high rocky cliffs following the bank of the Karnali River. 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 people follow Buddhism. We will visit the monasteries; LakiyoGompa and LhundrupChoelingGompa. 

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

Day 06: Trek to SalliKhola Camp (4,100m) – 6 hours 

Leaving Kermi, we will follow the short route to reach Limi Valley following the road through the bank of SalliKhola. We will walk on the road that connects Simikot and Limi Valley and further connect to Lapcha La pass. Upon we reach SalliKhola, we will set up a camp for an overnight stay. After some rest, we will do a hike for acclimatization and prepare for the crossing pass on next day. 

Overnight at a tented camp in SalliKhola Camp. (B, L, D)

Day 07: Trek to Selima Tso Lake. 

Early morning, we will ascend the hill to cross Nyalu La pass (5,001m). On the way, we will explore Selima Lake. From the lake, the trail ascends steeply to the top of the pass. Spending some moments at the pass, we will descent to Talun (Limi) Camp. This is the camp which we will stay in while returning to Simikot before crossing the same pass. Entering the valley, we will follow the road and reach the bank of Selima Tso Lake. We can see different high-altitude birds near the lake. 

Overnight at a tented camp in SalliKhola Camp. (B, L, D)

Day 08: Trek to Gumna Yak (4,700m) via Risarba (4,790m) – 6~7 hours

This day, we will follow LimiLapcha road, constructed by China. After crossing TakchheKhola, the road gradually ascends to Risarba Pass and enters the Tibetan Plateau. Upon reaching Gumna Yak, we will hike to SakyaKhola Valley. We will do a side excursion up to 4,900m inside Nepal and return to Gumna Yak..

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

Day 09: Hike up to Holy Mt. Kailash & Lake Mansarovar View Point (5,130m/16,826ft)

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 begins 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 at Camp at GyauKhola Valley (B, L, D)

Day 10: Trek to Talung Camp (4,380m/14,366ft) – 8~9 hours

After breakfast, backtrack to Selima Tso Lake following the same route and further trek down to Talung Camp and prepare for crossing the pass. 

Overnight at Talung Camp (B, L, D)

Day 11: Trek to Shinjungma (3,620m/11,874ft) via Nyalu La Pass (5,001m/16,403) – 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 12: 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 13: 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 14: Trek to Simikot (2,950m/9,676ft) – 6 hours

This day we will follow the route through the banks of the 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 check out the 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 15: 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 16: 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 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 authentic Nepali Restaurant in Kathmandu.

Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu (B, D)

Day 17: 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 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, 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, cooking gases for 22 days 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 the entire trek and back to Simikot. 

Accommodation and Meals

• Four nights in Kathmandu in a 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 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. 
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• 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 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 5,130m/16,826ft. 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 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 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 from June to September will be the best time to organize this trek.