Trip overview
East spur and northwest ridge of Changwatang (6,130m) is located in the Far West in Nepal near Chinese border. Changwatang has more to offer than its low elevation suggests. The mountain provides some nice surprises, including an alpine-style climbing path. This massif is a call to all those seeking peace and quiet, to all those seeking to discover a Nepal other than the well-known massifs of the Khumbu and Annapurna’s, a Nepal that is still untamed. Here you must plan your journey, choose your valley to climb, your top to climb and learn everything there is to know about the area.
Western Nepal is a largely unknown territory. As a result, the massif’s name is somewhat ambiguous. It is no longer Dolpo, nor is it the Tibetan plateau, but the Limi region, located in the center of the massif. Many peaks exceed 6000 m. Magnificent, very alpine peaks, with slender, glacial paces, and others more debonair. Huge potential for those who want to climb, trek and explore. The starting point for these mountains is the small village of Simikot (capital of the district of Humla) which can be reached by plane from Nepalgunj. Otherwise, you will need 24 hours by bus and 6 days of walking from Nepalgunj.
Changwatang was not formally opened until 2002, but four Japanese and two Sherpas led by Tamotsu Ohnishi had made the ascent two years prior. This party is thought to have climbed the northwest ridge in its entirety, approaching from the west and setting up a high camp at 5,730 meters. The second ascent, along the south ridge, was made by Michihiro Honda’s Japanese expedition in 2008.
The Limi massif, which stretches between Simikot and Changwatang, boasts more than 16 peaks above 6,000 meters, as well as numerous glaciated lower peaks and nameless passes. Every one of these peaks is unclimbed, and a high-altitude trip from here north to Changwatang is possible. Aside from alpinism, Changwatang offers a gateway to another universe. It’s a good excuse to travel to a part of Nepal that’s rarely visited, where youngsters don’t bother you for pens or pencils as you pass.
The Limi Valley, tucked away in northwest Nepal, is a magical spot. Three ethnic Tibetan villages—Jang, Waljie and Til—make up the community. These villages are difficult to reach from Nepal and are shut off totally during the winter months. A valley that has been forgotten.
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Day-01- ArriveKathmandu(KTM),stay Hotel
Day-02- Rest visit Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation for permit
Day-03- Fly to Nepalgunj
Day-04- Fly to Simikot
Day-05 to 11 Trek to BC,302002N,81 5559E,4950m/16,240’
Day-12- Trek to Changwatang ABC, back to BC
Day-13- Trek to Changwatang HC set up high-altitude tents, drop food & fuel, return to ABC
Day-14- Trek to Changwatang HC with guide,stay at HC
Day-15- Summit Changwatang Himal, 6130m return to HC, dismantle HC and return to ABC
Day-16- Return to BC
Day-17 to 18- Spare/restdays
Day-19 – 20 Spare/restdays
Day-20- Helicopter flight back to Kathmandu/ or Day 20- 25 trek back to Simikot and fly back to KTM
Changwatang Himal Expedition Itinerary
Expand AllArrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft)
🛬 Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport. Meet our team and transfer to your hotel. Evening trek briefing and gear preparation.
🕒 No trekking
Rest Day – Permit Processing
🏛 Visit the Ministry of Culture, Tourism & Civil Aviation for climbing permits. Free time for last-minute shopping or exploration in Kathmandu.
🕒 No trekking
Fly to Nepalgunj (200m / 656ft)
🛫 Take a scenic flight to Nepalgunj, located in the southern plains of Nepal. Relax and prepare for the mountain flight the next day.
🕒 No trekking
Fly to Simikot (2,910m / 9,550ft)
🛫 Morning mountain flight into the remote airstrip of Simikot. Acclimatization walk around the area possible.
Trek to Base Camp (4,950m / 16,240ft)
🥾 Begin the trek through remote valleys, alpine meadows, and high-altitude terrain en route to Base Camp. The journey includes gradual altitude gain and proper acclimatization.
Trek to Changwatang ABC (approx. 5,300m / 17,388ft) – Return to Base Camp
🎒 Acclimatization hike to Advance Base Camp with gear and supplies, then return to Base Camp for the night.
Trek to Changwatang High Camp (approx. 5,500m / 18,045ft) – Set Up & Return to ABC
🧗♂️Our superman( Porters) and staff will carry food, fuel, and high-altitude gear to High Camp. Set up tents and return to ABC.
Trek to High Camp (5,500m / 18,045ft)
Summit Changwatang Himal (6,130m / 20,112ft) – Return to ABC
🏔 Early alpine start to summit Changwatang via East Ridge. After summit, descend to High Camp, dismantle the camp, and return to ABC.
Return to Base Camp
⬇️ A relaxed descent from ABC back to Base Camp.
Spare/Rest Days
🧘♂️ Extra days for rest, contingency, or bad weather. Ideal for recovery or exploration near Base Camp.
Additional Spare Days (if required)
🌧 Reserved for delays due to weather or additional summit attempts.
🕒 No trekking unless used for re-climb or movement
Option A: Helicopter Return to Kathmandu
🚁 Aerial pickup from Base Camp and flight back to Kathmandu for debrief and celebration.
🕒 No trekking
Option B: Trek Back to Simikot – Fly to Kathmandu
Kathmandu
🥾 Begin the return trek to Simikot, retracing your path through beautiful highland terrain.
🛫 Final day includes flight from Simikot to Nepalgunj and onward to Kathmandu.
Not quite satisfied with this itinerary?
No worries – every traveler has unique preferences, and we’d be happy to adjust the plan to match your style, comfort, and interests. Let us know what you’d like to add or change, and we’ll create a journey that feels truly yours.
Customize TripCost Includes
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Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
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Domestic airfare (as per itinerary) including applicable departure taxes
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Accommodation during the trek
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All meals during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with tea/coffee)
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Experienced English-speaking climbing guide, assistant guide, and local porter(s) including their salary, food, lodging, insurance, and necessary transportation
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Climbing peak permit, TIMS card, national park entry permits, and all necessary documentation
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First aid medical kit
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All government and local taxes (including 13% VAT and 10% service charge)
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Private transportation as per the agreed itinerary
Cost Excludes
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Nepal entry visa fee
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Travel insurance and emergency evacuation expenses
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International airfare
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Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
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Extra baggage charges on domestic flights
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Additional accommodation or expenses due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the trek (outside of scheduled itinerary)
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Personal expenses such as gear/clothing rental, phone calls, battery charging, hot showers, etc.
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Tips for guides and porters
Additional Informations
Accommodation
From Kathmandu to the remote trails of Simikot and beyond, all accommodation is thoughtfully managed by Firante Treks and Expeditions. In the city, you’ll stay in comfortable hotels, while in the mountains, we provide a mix of local teahouses and well-organized tented camps.
Our team ensures every campsite is safe, clean, and cozy, even in high-altitude regions. We also serve freshly prepared, local organic meals—cooked by our experienced kitchen crew—to keep you energized throughout the journey. With Firante, you’re not just trekking—you’re being looked after, every step of the way.
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