Humla Limi Valley Trek

Welcome to Nepal! When you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, a member of our team will be there to greet you and take you to your hotel in Kathmandu. You will have the rest of the day to relax, recover from your journey, and take in the sights of Nepal’s bustling capital. In the evening, you will be briefed about the trek and prepare for the incredible journey into the Limi Valley!

Before heading into the Limi Valley Trek, it’s a great pacemaker day in Kathmandu. You should visit the UNESCO world heritage sites, walk through the colorful markets in Thamel, or take an optional Everest scenic flight, which will give you birds-eye views of the great Himalayan range. In the afternoon, you will meet with your guide who will review your gear, finalize permits, and brief you about the route and mountain conditions.

Today, you will take a short flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a busy town in the lowlands that sits close to the Indian border. This flight is only about an hour, and if the skies are clear, there is a chance you’ll see the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges far off in the distance gleaming above the clouds. Once you have landed, you will transfer to your hotel, and will then rest for the day. The warm, flat landscape of Nepalgunj stands in stark contrast with the hills and valleys of Kathmandu; this is the promising introduction to your adventure in Humla and Limi Valley.

Today you will take a beautiful mountain flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot, the first stop and gateway to Humla, and the starting point for the Limi Valley Trek. The small plane climbs from the flat southern plains into the heart of the Himalayas within just 45 minutes – a stunning change from the warm lowlands to cool mountain air. You will see terraced fields, stone-roofed houses and sweeping ridgelines in this remote district as your plane descends towards Simikot.

When you land, you will meet your trekking crew and get organized. The rest of the day is yours to relax, wander through the small bazaar and adjust to the higher altitude.

Today marks the beginning of your actual trek by leaving Simikot. The trek starts with a gentle uphill slope along wheat and barley fields with nettleness on your two sides leading up to forested ridge with large stones overlooking the town. After approximately 45 minutes, you climb down steeply via rocky switch backs to Tuling (Majgaon, 2,270m). From Tuling, the trail rolls along some ups and downs beside the Karnali River with glimpses of local fields, pine forests, and small settlements. When you get to the late afternoon, you will eventually arrive the Dharapori campsite (2,265m). After a long day’s trek, you’ll have a chance to rest and appreciate the surroundings of the Himalayas taking in your first night sleeping under the stars and experiencing life on a camping trek.

Today’s trek moves along the north side of the Karnali River, with a lot of gentle ups and downs. Along the way, you will get amazing views of the river valley, but be sure to stop halfway to visit the giant Chyachhahara Waterfall (2,365m), which is a great place to rest and take some fresh pictures.

After the waterfall, the trail continues steeply up some stairs and then gradually steepens again to Danda Kermi (2,650m)—you will bypass Kermi village itself. If you have time, and in good weather, an hour above the village are some natural hot springs—this is a hidden gem for people who want to enjoy a warm soak.

From this point, you will then climb a ridge into a large valley, before traversing a distance on a fairly level path through mostly barren pine trees, where there is a mani wall and a rock stack at 2,990m. From this point on it is a series of switchbacks down to Salli Khola (2,830m), where you will cross a small suspension bridge to set up camp on the opposite bank of the river.

A newly jeep track has opened along part of this route, but has been arbitrarily opened to rid their areas of troublesome clients. The trek you just went on has only come upon lightly used sections. The serenity is intact and you are still presented with the breathtaking views and seclusion that made Limi Valley such a profound experience.

Today’s hike begins with an ascent on a steep rocky ridge and then a descent to the speedy Karnali River before continuing the upwards ascent to Yalbang Chaur (2,800m) and after a short walk over to the Namkha Kyong Zong Monastery, a lovely still place to rest and appreciate the area. Afterward, the trail continues through the village of Yangar, a modest village where the daily pace of life follows a slower time-honored rhythm. The trail gradually starts to descend to the river at 2,770 meters before connecting to the Gerik Pani Bridge (2,800m), the first crossing of the Karnali River, to the south part of the river. After the bridge, the trail climbs past streams and apricot orchards into Kagni, the gateway to Muchu village (2,920m). You will see a few chortens, and depending on what time of day it is, you can camp here or continue another 30 min to Tumkot village (2,885m) for the night.

Today may be one of the harder, more rewarding days of the trek. It starts off gently sloping down the valley and you will end up at the bottom of Tumkot village (2,885 m). This would also be a good place for a tent camp if you needed one.

From Tumkot, the ascent will begin in earnest. You will cross the Bumchhiya Khola, a small mountain stream, and will continue steeply ascending for about two hours, passing through the normal villages of Palbang, Pani Palbang, Bhaise Pani, and Bhaikunte Pani. The terrain will gradually change again as you ascend from pine forests into dry, high-altitude terrai with very little vegetation.

By the late afternoon, you will arrive at Yari village (3,730 m), which sits on a high plateau with expansive mountain views. An opportunity to experience a glimpse into “traditional” living in one of the last remote places in Humla. A perfect place to rest and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Today you will start with a steady climb just beyond the Chinese check post, and you will then have steep ups and downs through rugged rocky trails over high barren slopes. It takes about five hours to go from Yari to Manepeme (3,970m), and you will be following along a dramatic gorge that has been carved out by the Karnali River.

The Limi Valley is one of the most remote areas in Humla, and has been largely untouched by modernity. The local population, which is about 1,800, is of Tibetan ancestry and has preserved their distinct traditions, culture, and lifestyle over hundreds of years. Manepeme itself is tucked behind a ridge in large side canyon where a stream flows to provide a very nice place to camp away from everything with horrendous high Himalayan scenery.

Today you continue your journey away from Hilsa, the isolated corner of the Nepal-Tibet border, and into the still-untouched Limi Valley. The trek starts off with a climb up and down rocky, high-altitude slopes near the Chinese check post. While arduous, the effort is quickly forgotten by the all-encompassing views of the Karnali River gorge and the Himalayan peaks in the distance.

To Manepeme (3,970m), it takes roughly five hours to trek. Situated behind a ridge in a large side canyon, nestled amongst a clear mountain stream, is Manepeme, a beautiful little high-altitude village. The community in the village, which is about 1,800 people, is primarily comprised of Tibetan descent, has largely retained its heritage, tradition, and culture, and in this part of the Himalayas, there is no indication of modernity. For the trekkers, escaping into the past where life existed in centuries before is something special.

This section of the Limi Valley Trek is an attractive and stunning place to experience a remoteness not experienced in western Nepal, that combines rugged landscapes, delightful villages, and Tibetan culture programming that adds to the enjoyment of experiencing an ancient life.

Today you will trek from Manepeme to Til Village at 4,100m, which should take about five hours of walking through the heart of the Limi Valley. The landscape of this trek varies from mild uphills/downhills on rocky trails, to narrow trails, but there will be panoramic views of the Himalayas in our surroundings, and high-altitude sceneries.

Til is the first major village in the valley, where life has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Once we arrive to Til you will have time to walk around their traditional stone houses, engage with the local communities, and visit their extensive monastery – an old home for Tibetan Buddhist culture. Til sits on a high plateau from where one can view the sweeping Limi Valley as well as the distant peaks, making it a wonderful place from which to rest and enjoy the remote beauty of Humla.

Today you will trek from Til to Halji Village (3,800m) in the beautiful Limi Valley. The trek is three hours. You’ll start on a nice, gentle one-hour descent, then walk for two hours mostly flat on the floor of the valley. All the while, you will continue to enjoy views of the higher peaks of the Himalaya, the expansive valleys below you, and settlements of the region that highlight what makes this region of Humla special for trekking.

Halji is the middle village of the three main villages in Limi Valley, comprising an estimated 80 households. Halji is a tranquil village that acts as a center for traditional Tibetan culture. The main attraction in Halji is the 10th to 11th century Halji Rinchen Ling Monastery established by the translator of the Tibetan texts, Rinchen Zangpo. This ancient Drikung Kagyu Buddhist monastery contains murals, statues, and artifacts that are in stunning condition and allow you to see the majority of the Tibetan spiritual world intact and hundreds of years old. Trekking through this preserved site is highly respectful and small donations to support the monks and monastery which is highly encouraged.

While in Halji, you’ll have time to explore the village, walk through traditional houses, and meet the warm, welcoming locals. Observing the daily life and unique customs in this remote Humla region provides an authentic cultural experience that few other places can offer.

On this day you will be travelling from Halji to Jang Village (3,700m). You should expect this to take about four hours of hiking, and the elevation gain will be gradual, as you will be following the right bank of the Limi River, while traversing through wide valleys, high altitude pastures, and stunning views of the Himalayas. Feel free to enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings and the untouched beauty of this remote place.

Jang Village is small and peaceful. Over the years many families have moved from the high mountains to lower altitudes or towns. Thus, there are very few families that remain in Jang village. It has the feeling of being remote and untouched. The Buddhist monastery in Jang village is still functioning and is an important aspect of village life. You will have the opportunity to walk around, explore, visit the monastery, and participate in the unique traditions of this high Himalayan community.
After your trek today you will be camping for the night in Jang village with the comforting backdrop of the mountains and the gentle sound of the Limi River flowing nearby.

Today, you will trek from the settlement of Jang to Nyalu Base Camp, located at the far end of the Limi Valley in Talung Valley, which will take about six hours, ideally passing through high-altitude pastures and landscapes of drama typical of the Himalayas. Along the way, you will have a stop at a stunning highland lake.

You will take lunch near the small settlement of Thakche, where you will eventually stop at a bridge which crosses the Thakche Khola. Shortly after reaching Thakche, you will encounter the Nying Khola, which can be crossed in one of two different ways; if the water level is shallow then you can wade across, or alternatively, one can take a 1½ hour detour to a bridge nearby. Either option will allow you to pleasantly enjoy the surroundings and wilderness of this remote area of Humla.

After the trek through to the valley you will arrive at Nyalu Base Camp / Talung Valley (4,300m), where you can rest and enjoy the ambiance of the Talung Valley amongst the festooning landscape of Himalayas mountains.

Today will be one of the most enjoyable and adventurous periods of your Limi Valley trek as you cross the Nyalu La Pass (4,990m), the highest point of your trek. After an early breakfast, you start your steady climb from Nyalu Base Camp (4,300m) for approximately three hours to the top of the pass. While the climb is strenuous, you will already be well acclimatized to altitude from the previous days.
You are rewarded, at the top, with stunning views of the great range of the Himalayas, and on a clear day, you often get a view of Mt. Kailash in the distance. After spending some time taking in the scenery, you will start on a long descent to Chongsa (2,900m).
The trail makes a U-turn below the pass, and you head south along the moraine, and reach a stunning high-altitude lake, Seliman Lake (4,570m). Surrounded by jagged peaks, the stunning turquoise water makes it easily one of the best-looking views of the whole trek. After a quick rest at Seliman Lake, you continue the descent through rocky terrain and alpine meadows until reaching a campsite in Chongsa.

As you trek deeper into the valley, you will encounter summer pasture camps of the villagers of Chyadok and Dinga. In good weather, the local herders will bring in their yaks, goats, and sheep to graze, resulting After breakfast, you will leave Chongsa and begin your trek to Langdok Base along a pleasant trail through heart of the Zhetse Valley. You’ll first cross the Tshongsa River, and will subsequently follow the left bank of the Zhetse Khola, through open meadows and cliff and rock formations. This area is undeveloped and wild, and you truly feel a sense of isolation and remoteness.

in a vibrant yet tranquil setting in the backcountry. You will find that hanging out around the camps allows you to appreciate the traditional herding lifestyle that has defined Humla for generations.

You will continue further up the river and further up in elevation, taking in all of the spectacular beauty of the high valley until you arrive at Langdok Base or Dinga Herders’ Camp. It’s a peaceful campsite amongst alpine terrain, so it’s a great location to relax and reflect in the vast wilderness of northwestern Nepal.

This day you will descend from the Langdok Base through the breathtaking Chumsa Khola Valley, through mixed terrain of alpine and woodland. The trail gradually winds down through the dense pine and birch forest with scenic views of the Humla Karnali river flowing far below. After a few hours you will arrive at a fork in the trail — the right route leads into Simikot via Kermi, and the left continues toward Dhinga, which will be your path.
After this point, the path quickly turns east and it soon steepens as it begins to climb with the ridge through the dense pine forest and river stream. The climb continues but becomes less aggressive as you crest the high ridge at 4220m. After descending a short distance your next climb at a slightly less aggressive incline reaches you to Langdok Lagna Pass at 4550m. The views out from the pass are broad and breathtaking across the remote Humla hills and deep valleys.
After leaving the pass the path undulates downward mostly downhill with a few gentle ups and downs through oak, birch, and rhododendron forests sprinkled with some fern and wildflowers you will notice the air is warmer and rich with the smell of trees and the altitude has gained depth slicing into the air. Eventually you will arrive at Dhinga Lagna 3250m and you will pitch camp for the night.

Today is the last day of your trek as you will follow the newly cut jeep trail as it descends very gently to Simikot from Dhinga Lagna. Communities of Hapka, Tangin, and Aul Dinga will stretch past your periphery as you see settlements, stone houses, and mani walls. You are walking through an undisturbed area of Humla.

As you move downward, you will reach the Hapka Khola which you will cross over a metal bridge. After crossing the bridge, the trail takes a steep climb uphill to the Thakuri village of Okhreni. The village is located on a ridge with commanding views of the valleys below. From there, the jeep trail continues to gradually descend through ridges and wooded hills you will eventually arrive at Simikot Lagna overlooking the Nyinba Valley. Then it is a final easy descent into Simikot, where a hot shower, a warm bed, and a big meal awaits you. It will be a perfect way to end your incredible journey into the Limi Valley!

Following your unforgettable trek in Limi Valley, you will fly from Simikot to Nepalgunj in a short flight in the morning. After arriving, there should be some time to relax and grab lunch before your connecting flight back to Kathmandu. This day is more travel than anything else; a chance to relax, reflect and enjoy the scenery from the air.

Today in Kathmandu is your rest day, allowing you to recharge from your trek. You can experience the bustling streets of Thamel, buy souvenirs, handicrafts, or trekking gear, and take in the city’s surroundings. It is also a great time to sit back, enjoy a local café, or walk through nearby temples and cultural sites at your own leisure.

Your time in Nepal comes to an end today. Depending on your flight time, you will be taken from your hotel to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport for your ownward flight. You leave here with unforgettable memories of the Limi Valley trek, its remote villages, stunning Himalayas, and the hospitality of the people you met during your journey.