Humla Changla Valley Trek

Welcome to Kathmandu, the lively capital of Nepal. As your plane lands, you may catch your first views of the Himalayas in the distance. At the airport, our team will meet you and take you to your hotel. Once you’ve settled in, we’ll have a short briefing about the trek ahead. The rest of the day is free to rest or take a gentle walk around the bustling streets nearby.

Today, you will fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a town in the lowlands near the Indian border. The flight takes about an hour. If the sky is clear, you can catch views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. For the best view, sit on the right side of the plane. After landing, you’ll head to our hotel. Nepalgunj has a very different feel from Kathmandu—warmer and more open—and it’s a nice first glimpse of the variety Nepal has to offer before the trek begins.

Today you take an early morning flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot, the gateway to the Changla Valley Trek. The flight is short but offers some of the most beautiful views of the Himalayan ranges, with snow-capped peaks stretching across the horizon. As you approach Simikot, the landscape shifts from flat plains to rugged hills and valleys. Once you land, our team will assist with your transfer to the lodge, where you can rest and breathe in the fresh mountain air. After some rest, you will take a day hike to Buraunse Village to experience the local lifestyle, enjoy traditional food, taste local wine, and then hike back to Simikot for an overnight stay at the lodge.

Today you begin your trek from Simikot to Dhojam. Along the way, you pass through the Nyin Valley, where the local people are friendly and often greet you with smiles. You will get to enjoy seeing the mountains around you and glimpsing how life comes and goes in this remote part of Humla.

Today you walk from Dhojam to Shambakong (Mathilo Shangu). There’s a newly opened jeep trail along the way, but no vehicles are running yet, so you will follow it on foot. The path goes through junipers and pines. The smell of the forest is strong, and the air feels fresh.
You’ll see flowers along the trail. A few small wooden bridges cross clear streams. It’s simple, but the scenery keeps you moving.
After about five hours, you reach Shambakong. It’s a wide meadow with yaks grazing.
Day 6: Trek From Shambakong to Fwaji (3,800m)-6hrs
Today you walk from Shambakong to Fwaji. The trail takes about six hours with some ups and downs along the way. We pass through patches of juniper and birch trees, and trails goes along with Humla karnali.
By afternoon you will arrive at Fwaji. It is a quiet place at 3,800 meters, a good stop for the night.

Today you walk from Shambakong to Fwaji. The trail takes about six hours with some ups and downs along the way. We pass through patches of juniper and birch trees, and trails goes along with Humla karnali.
By afternoon you will arrive at Fwaji. It is a quiet place at 3,800 meters, a good stop for the night.

Today you walk from Fwaji to Gurukpa, a steady climb that takes around six to seven hours. The trail passes through pine and rhododendron, with streams crossing the path from time to time via Koron valley. As you go up likely to see Chagla Himal range.
By late afternoon, you will reach Gurukpa, a summer pasture used by herders. The wide, open meadows here make a good campsite. As the sun sets, the mountains around slowly change color, giving a peaceful end to the day.

You leave Gurukpa and start walking to Sumna. The trail goes up and down a little, and it takes about five to six hours. Along the way, you cross some small streams, and the path is mostly open land with some alpine trees here and there.
You may meet local people with their yaks. On the hills, if you’re lucky, you might see wild yaks or blue sheep. It’s quiet and far from any busy places.

Today’s trek from Sumna to Phyajang base takes around 5 to 6 hours. The trail moves steadily through the valley, winding past streams. Mountains rise on either side, creating a peaceful and open feeling along the path.
After a few hours, you will arrive at Phyajang base, a calm spot surrounded by mountains. It’s a good place to rest, take in the view, and appreciate the simplicity and serenity of the valley. The landscape leaves a lasting impression and reminds us why trekking in this part of Humla is so special.

After staying overnight at High Camp, the trek today to Nying Kuna feels much easier and more comfortable. You cross Phyajang La Pass (5,496m), the highest point on this part of the trek. The rest from the previous day makes the climb smoother for everyone.
The trail offers stunning views along the way. Snow-capped peaks, wide valleys, and the distant Tibetan ranges create a breathtaking panorama. The path gradually descends, winding through rocky sections and open slopes.
After about 6 to 7 hours, you will reach Nying Kuna, a peaceful spot surrounded by mountains. Here, you rest and enjoy the scenery, feeling accomplished after a challenging but rewarding day.

Today’s trek to Chhorten Chhobu is gentle trek compared to the previous days. The trail is wide gentle and the elevation gain is low, moving gently across wide valleys and soft slopes. There is ample time to enjoy the surroundings and fresh mountain air.
After you wind your way through the long trekking, you will arrive at Chhorten Chhobu. Chhorten Chhobu is comfortable, quiet, open and new. Opportunity to stop here is welcome and a moment to rest while enjoying the welcome of mountains.

Today’s trek will definitely be one of the most memorable days of our journey, probably one of the prettiest, as you will be walking 5-6hours down the valley towards that of Takchi. It’s certainly a treat every step of the walk as the valley opens up with wide vistas around us. The same streams cross the path again and again with their placid yet clear sparkling water in sunlight, while high mountains rise around us as a dramatic backdrop.
As you walk, the valley is not completely silent as the wind and the birds above sound out occasionally. Wildlife is quite abundant in this area so keep looking up and down. Trekkers have recently seen everything from wild yaks, blue sheep to even wild asses (kyang) hanging around grazing the pastures. Observing any larger of animals in their native home somehow enhances the day and reminds you what somewhat an untouched valley this is.
Takchi, to us, it is an important place – the junction for the Limi villages and also the connector to the trail that heads to the Mt. Kailash viewpoint, the Lapcha Syar. With open skies and wide feeling landscapes, and feeling like we were on an ancient route, Takchi was an appropriate, peaceful and significant location for the end of this first leg of our adventure.

Today’s trek is a true bonus, a relaxing amble into Talung Valley. It’s almost certainly one of the loveliest parts of the journey. The trail takes us right along beside Talung Lake, and you’ll have views of Mt. Ardhang La just rising up in the distance. That view? It seriously stays with you long after you’ve finished the trek.
The valley is so peaceful. It’s you, the wind, and the sound of the streams. Oh, and then you walk across the Nying Chu Khola. The stream’s not big, but the water is freezing cold. It’s a quick shock to the system, but actually, it’s actually very refreshing and one of those little things you’ll remember.
As soon as you reach our campsite by the river, you can just unwind. The open valley and far-off peaks make it the perfect place to relax. Sunset views in the evening over the valley while we settle into our tents is a wonderful way to end the day. Just another one of the fond memories of the Changla Valley trek.

Today is a big day because after crossing Phyajang Pass you will climb to the second highest pass on the trek, Nyalu La (approx 5,000m)! When you reach the top, the climb will seem worth it as we enjoy a 360 view of what seem like all the snow-capped mountains around us!
After a short break, you will trek down to Tsongsa which gives us beautiful views of Sheliman Lake. The walk from Talung to Tsongsa takes about 6 – 7 hours. The trail from Talung to Tsongsa has a new jeep trail for vehicles but only a few really use the trail so it is still peaceful and trekking bliss! Along the way, you see local people a yak herder, busy going about their daily lives.
Tsongsa is not just a campsite, it was an old caravan hub, where traders would gather in year past. You will camp on a very nice flat area on the periphery of a large valley, with mountains and a river around and a large waterfall in close proximity. This is a nice place to rest!

Today you will set off from Tsongsa to trek towards Sechi. The trail gently climbs uphill for most of the day, with some rocky stretches that keep things interesting, and you will gradually move into highland terrain with alpine plants and medicinal herbs that the locals have sought after for generations. The valley seems calm and quiet, aside from the gurgling sounds from a river nearby, and the occasional splash of color from a rhododendron tree along the trail.
After walking for about 5-6 hours in a and steady pace you will arrive In Sechi. Sechi is a wide-open grassy space between low hills, a great camping spot in a tranquil setting. The camp will be set up on the banks of the Sechi River, with a view of Lagdok Pass ahead. The meadow is large and wide open, the water is fresh and clean, and the surrounding area is sheltered and quiet making Sechi a relaxed stop before we head into the next day of trekking.

Today you will cross our last pass, Lagdok La, at approximately 4,200m. The climb to Lagdok La is steady and gradual. When you get to the top, the view opens wide, and the surrounding valleys and peaks come into view. It is always nice to see the reward on a long trek! I always feel a bit special seeing the last big climb of the trek before me.
Once at the top, I start to descend. Eventually the descent becomes steady as you approach Dhiga. The lower elevation makes the walk to Dhiga feel easier, and the air slightly warmer. The landscape is also changing – you will now walk beside green fields, and gentler hills which keeps relaxed compared to the harsher terrain you have crossed above and newly left behind.
By mid-afternoon, you will arrive in Dhiga, a small Buddhist village in the valley, which has stone houses and fields surrounding it. It is peaceful, slow-moving and the end of another long day. To finish our last night ultralight camping, there is nothing like snuggling into your sleeping bag under the stars. You will end the day with a mix of relief, comfort, and quiet joy.

The trail today leads us gently downhill through fields and stone houses. Along the way, you will meet Khas local people, always welcoming with friendly smiles that brighten the path.
You will cross the Hepka Khola, a refreshing stream that adds one last touch of adventure. By afternoon, Simikot comes into sight. Packs come off, legs can finally rest, and there’s a quiet joy in knowing the journey is complete.

This morning, you will take the short flight out of Simikot, leaving behind the high valleys and peaks you’ve been walking through. From the window, the mountains rise sharp and endless — it’s a view that stays with you long after the plane touches down.
At Nepalgunj (150m), the warm air feels completely different from the crisp mountain climate. After a brief stop, you continue your journey back to Kathmandu. The busy streets, the sounds, and the pace of the city feel almost like another world compared to the quiet trails of Humla.
It’s the end of the trek, but the memories of the landscapes, the villages, and the people stay fresh — something to carry long after the bags are unpacked.

An extra day is allocated as a buffer for delays due to weather conditions, especially for flights from Simikot.