Limi valley and Gyau Khola Valley lies in the Trans-Himalayan Region in the northwestern part of the Humla district. These are the most isolated and unexplored valleys in the Nepal Himalayas. The valleys are exceptionally rich in high-altitude ecosystems, herbal products and wildlife species common in the Trans – Himalayan region.
Limi valley, a trans-Himalayan valley, is located in the northwestern part of the Humla district. It is one of the most isolated and unexplored valleys in the Nepal Himalaya. The valley is exceptionally rich in high-altitude ecosystems and wildlife species common in the Trans - Himalayan region.
The Gyau Khola Valley lies in the Tibetan Plateau of the Trans Himalayan Region of Humla Nepal. This area is rich in Wildlife, Aves, and herbal products. The valley is home to 27 species of mammals and some of them are very rare and found in few areas in Nepal such as Wild Yak BosMutus, Kiang (largest species of wild ass), Himalayan wolf, Black wolf, Snow leopard, Tibetan Gazelle, Musk deer, Himalayan brown bear and Eurasian lynx, Tibetan fox. The valley is home to 132 avifauna. The black-necked crane, a vulnerable bird, is a resident of the valley. Some wild animals and birds migrate to this area from Tibet too. Birds such as Chukar Partridge, Black-necked Crane, Tibetan Sand grouse, Brown-headed Gull, Common Tern, Ibisbill, Rock Bunting, Black Eagle, etc. are migrated to this area in different seasons. The upper grassland areas of the Ngin, the Limi Valley, and Chyakpalung are most important for upland birds. 16 species were recorded for the first time in those areas.
A survey conducted in 2013 in the upper region of Humla district has found Goa (Procapra Picticaudata), also known as the Tibetan Gazelle and Argali or the mountain sheep, which was deemed extinct. During the survey in 2014 and 2015, Tibetan Lark (Melanocorypha Maxima) is the first record in Nepal. In the Wolf Research Expedition in Humla in 2015, two black wolves were recorded.
Highlights of Trek
| Duration | 23 Days |
| Grade | 4 |
| Maximum Elevation | 5,448m/17,870ft Nying La Pass |
| Mountains | Chandi Himal, |
| Rivers | Humla Karnali River, Chuwa Khola, Ning Khola, Takchhe Khola, Salli Khola |
| Ethnic Tribes | Jhakri, Thakuri, Bhotia |
| Forests | Rhododendron & Pine Forests |
| Flights | Kathmandu (KTM) – Nepalgunj (KEP) – Simikot (IMK) – Nepalgunj (KEP) – Kathmandu |
| Landscapes | Hills and Mountains, Grasslands Plateau, Caves, Narrow Gorges, |
| Warning | Altitude Sickness (3000+) |
| Accommodation | Star Category hotels in Kathmandu, Tourist standard lodges and Camping at trekking |
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, 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.
Rest of the time is free for trekking preparation.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Half Day Sightseeing Tour and Trek Preparation.
After breakfast, 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 50minutes. 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 also known as the gateway toLimi 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.
Dinner and 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 ChuwaKhola. The trail is narrow and gently ascends but, is well maintained to walk for mules and trekkers. Crossing GhatteKhola, the trail ascends to the confluence of TumlingKhola which passes through Syamboyak. This will be the place where we will set up camp and explore wildlife such as; blue sheep.
Dinner and overnight at Camp at Tumling Khola(B, L, D)
Day 07: Trek to LorKhola (4,000m/13,120ft) – 5~6 hours
Following the left bank of ChuwaKhola, the trail goes uphill through alpine vegetation and enters the widening rocky valley of Dhyualing. Further walking, we will reach the confluence of LorKhola. The rest of the day is free for excursion of LorKhola Valley.
Overnight Camp at LorKhola (B, L, D)
Day 08: Trek to Gurukpa (4,150m/13,612ft) – 5~6 hours
Leaving LorKhola, we will cross the river and follow the right bank of ChuwaKhola till Gurukpa or KarchingKharka. Gurukpa is the confluence point of NingKhola and ChuwaKhola. At Gurukpa, the track divides. The right one leads to 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
As per the study on high altitude sickness, it has been found that most of the 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. 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 NyaluKhola (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 down 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 LimiLapcha Road from the shore of Lake, which is under construction. In these areas, we will meet Yak herders during June through September. Following the road fromLimi to Lapcha, we will set up camp on the banks of TakchheKhola 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
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.
Overnight Camp at Gumna Yak (B, L, D)
Day 14: Trek to GyauKhola Valley (4,800m)– 1~2 hours
Crossing SakyaKhola Valley, we will trek to GyauKhola Valley which is very near and the route will follow the road passing via Phyalang Thana. Upon reach to GyauKhola, we will set up camp at an elevation of around 4,800m for an overnight stay. The rest of the time is free for exploring Wildlife of GyauKhola Valley.
Overnight Camp at GyauKhola Valley (B, L, D)
Day 15: Explore Gyau Khola Valley
Free to explore Gyau Khola Valley.
Overnight Camp at GyauKhola Valley (B, L, D)
Day 16: Hike up to Holy Mt. Kailash & Lake Mansarovar View Point (5,130m/16,826ft) - 6~7 Hours
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 Godswhich are as calm as water and as strong and tranquil as a mountain.
Overnight at Camp at GyauKhola Valley (B, L, D)
Day 17: 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 18: Trek to Shinjungma (3,620m/11,874ft) via Nyalu La Pass (5,004m/16,413ft) – 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 19: 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 20: 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 21: 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 21: 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 22: 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 23: 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 22 days 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 Gyau 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.
- InNepalgunj and Simikot, there will be tourist category hotels/lodges facilitated with attached bathroom 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, 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 5,448m/17,870ft. 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. The Nying La pass (5,448m) remains open from June to September, which is monsoon in Nepal. Therefore the monsoon season or time period from June to September will be the best time to organize this trek.
