Limi Valley TrekLimi Valley Trek

Limi Valley Trek

    Starting at Simikot and extending down the Karnali River to the Tibetan border, Humla Limi Valley Trek is a strenuous but rewarding excursion through Nepal's pristine and hidden Limi Valley. This undiscovered gem provides a unique opportunity to take in the stunning scenery, local customs, and culture. The walk traverses the vast Tibetan Plateau, where nomadic herders and their yaks graze on high-altitude meadows, as well as a number of high passes, including Nyalu La Pass (4,940 m). Although the hike demands a high level of fitness and endurance, the rewards are well worth the effort. The walk offers stunning scenery as it follows the Karnali River, which is Nepal's longest river and a major Ganges tributary. The trek is most enjoyable from May to October because, because of its remote location and high altitude, it requires enough acclimatization.

    • Humla Limi Valley Trail is a unique, untraveled route with several features.
    • Beautiful views of the Himalayas, including the peaks of Saipal, Api, Nalakankar, and Nampa, may be seen during the trip.
    • The trek takes you through remote and challenging terrain in the remote northwest of Nepal, where you may learn about the unique customs and way of life of the locals.
    • You will stop at traditional Tibetan villages and monasteries along the trip to gain insight into the customs and way of life of the area.
    • High mountain crossings like the Nyalu La Pass and the Karnali La Pass, which provide breathtaking views and a strenuous trekking experience, will be traversed.
    • The hike also offers a view of the sacred Kailash Parbat in Tibet, which is recognized as one of the most significant spiritual.

    Best season of Simikot Humla Limi Valley Trek

    Especially in the Humla Limi Valley Region of Simikot, April to May and September to November are regarded as the best months for hiking and trekking. April through May is considered the spring season. The lower elevations of the valley experience temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. The weather is often mild and pleasant throughout this time. The walking routes are surrounded by lush, green forests and beautiful blossoming flowers. Fall season: September through November brings cool weather, with lows of 10 to 20 degrees Celsius in the valley's lower reaches. The air is fresh, and the sky is frequently brilliant, offering breathtaking views of the nearby Himalayan peaks. In addition, fall is harvest season in the area, so hikers may savor fresh organic veggies like grapes, apples, and walnuts.
    Beyond everything else, it is crucial to remember that the weather in the Limi Valley region is completely unpredictable; therefore, you should constantly be ready for unforeseen changes in the weather. You should also be aware of the warning signals of altitude sickness and take the appropriate safety measures to avoid it.

    Expectations for a Humla Limi Valley Trek

    On the Humla Limi Valley Trek, your camp crew will start their day early, preparing a cup of tea and hot water for you to freshen up, followed by a hearty breakfast. Around 8 a.m., you’ll begin your trek with drinking water and a packed lunch provided by the camp cook.
    Expect to walk 5 to 7 hours daily, averaging 6 hours on rough yak and mule trails, sometimes crossing mountain passes or hiking through forests. Lunch is eaten on the trail, and upon arrival at camp, you can enjoy snacks and tea while the crew sets up. Dinner is prepared by the chef, and you'll have an early bedtime, as mornings on the trail start early too.

    Detailed Cost and Itinerary of Limi Valley Trek

    20 day Limi Valley trek offers a journey through diverse climates, from tropical to alpine, with a unique insight into Tibetan Buddhism. Starting with your arrival in Kathmandu, the trek proceeds after a brief stay in the city, followed by flights to Nepalgunj and then Simikot, the gateway to Humla District. The trek follows the Karnali River, where you might encounter wildlife like blue sheep, wild yaks, and snow leopards. Before reaching Limi Valley, the route passes through Hilsa, offering stunning views of Mount Kailash (6,638 meters), a sacred Tibetan peak.
     
    Limi Valley, often called Shangri-La, is celebrated for its untouched natural beauty and cultural richness. The valley's "rain shadow" feature allows trekking even in the monsoon, and its Tibetan-like terrain is home to communities practicing the ancient Bon Po religion. The trek includes visits to monasteries, Chortens, stupas, Mani walls, and prayer-flag adorned passes. You’ll traverse isolated villages, steep passes, forests, and barren landscapes, making the trek unique and rewarding.
     
    The trek cost covers accommodation, transportation (including flights), a guide, camp chef, porters, and meals. One night’s stay and breakfast in Nepalgunj are included, but you’ll need to pay for lunch and dinner. Spending opportunities are limited, but you might find local items like hand-woven rugs or snacks. The estimated cost is $5,500 to $6,500 USD, excluding tips. Nepal Nomad Trekking, based in Kathmandu, manages all permits and provides top-notch transportation and accommodation. With our experienced guides and porters, you’ll have an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

    Itinerary

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    As you fly into Kathmandu, enjoy stunning views of the valley, Himalayas, and terraced fields below. After customs, a representative will guide you through the bustling streets of Kathmandu and help you settle into your hotel. Once settled, explore a cultural highlight of the city. In the evening, head to Thamel, the tourist hub, where you can choose from a variety of restaurants offering both Western and local Nepali dishes.

    • Max. Altitude:1,400 metres (4,600 feet)

    In the early morning, Kathmandu has a serene atmosphere as the city gradually wakes up. It's the perfect time to stroll through the streets or enjoy a chai overlooking a courtyard or Durbar Square. With many incredible sights in the Kathmandu Valley, you have plenty of options for the day. In the evening, dine at one of the city's great restaurants, or your specialist can arrange a home-cooked meal with a local family.

      A scenic afternoon flight brings you to Mahendra Airport in Nepalgunj, the largest city in the steamy Terai, near the western border of Nepal and India. The drive to your hotel passes through a historic village, offering a glimpse into the 'old' Nepal. You'll stay in a comfortable, air-conditioned hotel, ensuring a restful night's sleep before an early wake-up the next morning.

      • Max. Altitude:150 meter (490 feet)
      Wake up early for your flight north to Simikot, the district headquarters of Humla, perched on a ridge overlooking the Humla Karnali River. The flight offers breathtaking views, cruising just above snow-capped peaks. If the flight is on schedule, you’ll arrive before lunch and be greeted by your friendly trek crew.
       
      Simikot is a unique village, serving as a gateway to Mount Kailash and Western Tibet, and boasts a blend of local Humla and Tibetan cultures. At nearly 10,000 feet (3,000 meters) in elevation, you may feel the effects of altitude. Take it easy today, drink plenty of water, and take breaks while exploring the village.

        Your trek begins with a short climb of about an hour to a pass just over 9,800 feet (3,000 meters). From there, descend steeply to Dharapori. The trek takes around 4-5 hours, passing high above the Karnali River, through pine forests, and several villages. You'll encounter local people, both Hindu and Buddhist, carrying heavy loads up the trail. Tonight, you'll camp near the Karnali River.

          Today's walk is short, allowing you to recover. The trail follows the Karnali River, sometimes high on the slopes and other times almost level with the water, passing through narrow gorges and fields of barley, buckwheat, rice, and potatoes.

          In the afternoon, relax in one of the two natural hot springs near the village, a 30-minute uphill walk from Kermi village. Kermi is the first Buddhist village on the trail, with two interesting monasteries nearby: Laikyo Gompa, about 45 minutes away, and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa, about 30 minutes away. Both are rarely visited by tourists.

            Today's trail is mostly flat or slightly uphill, passing fields of barley and buckwheat. You'll cross a small pass after 2 hours, followed by a steep 20-minute descent to an iron suspension bridge over the Sali River. The route goes through beautiful pine forests with views of the emerald Karnali River and occasional caravans of mules and dzopas.
            After 5-6 hours of trekking, you'll reach Yalbang, where you'll find the Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery. The largest monastery in the region, it houses around 130 monks. A monk will show you around and invite you for tea. You can also attend the daily puja (Buddhist prayer ceremony) at 7 am and 4 pm.
              Leaving Yalbang, the trail climbs high above the Karnali River. After 20 minutes, you'll pass the small village of Yangar. The path is mostly "Nepali Flat" with a mix of flat, uphill, and downhill sections, sometimes carved out of rock, creating a three-sided tunnel effect. The environment becomes rockier, with smaller bushes replacing large pines. You'll cross the Karnali River via a large wooden suspension bridge.
               
              The trail continues high above a deep gorge with views of the emerald Karnali River below. You might see flocks of sheep carrying salt, a traditional trade. After 3-4 hours, you'll reach the village of Muchu. From there, it's an hour's walk to Tumkot, where the main trail passes by small teahouses and a campsite. The village of Tumkot is 20 minutes south of the trail. Near the campsite is the Dhungkar Choezom Monastery, a significant Sakya monastery in Humla, which requires a 20-30 minute climb to reach. It’s the only Sakya Monastery in Humla and one of the few in Nepal.
                Leaving Tumkot, the trail steadily climbs with some steep sections. The landscape becomes increasingly rocky and desolate, with only low junipers remaining. Part of the trail follows a dirt road currently under construction.
                You’ll pass through the small village of Pani Palwang, where you can stop for tea or lunch. Afterward, continue for another 1.5 hours to Thado Dunga, just past Yari. The day's trek takes about 7 hours, ending with a camp just beyond Yari village.
                  Today, you'll trek to Hilsa, which borders Tibet. The terrain gradually becomes desolate, with trees disappearing and occasional yak caravans in the distance. Some tent hotels offer food and drink services along the way.Today's trek involves crossing a high pass above 4,000 meters, so start early to avoid strong winds. You'll face rugged terrain and a steep climb to Nara La Pass at 4,620 meters. Snow can make the climb challenging, but the pass, adorned with Tibetan prayer flags, offers rewarding views.
                   
                  After the pass, the trail descends into a dry, desert-like landscape with ash-colored, copper, brown, and dark yellow hills. After a few hours, you’ll reach Hilsa, a bustling town with government checkpoints for traded goods. Hilsa is mainly inhabited by Tibetan Buddhists and is a stop for pilgrims heading to Lake Mansarovar and Mount Kailash.

                    Hilsa, the nearest port to Tibet, sees thousands of Indian pilgrims heading to Mount Kailash during the high season. After breakfast, you'll cross the Humla Karnali River suspension bridge and head north on the newly built road towards Limi Valley. The valley is known for snow leopards and Himalayan blue sheep. After 4-5 hours of trekking, you'll camp at Manipeme at 12,900 feet (3,930 meters), named for the Mani Mantra engraved on a large rock.

                      From Manipeme, you’ll cross the Chenglungma caravan campsite before reaching the Cha-sa Nam-ka Dzong cave, located in a rocky cliff. The cave, facing south and near firewood, is popular for retreats. The trek from Hilsa to Til covers about 7 hours and can be challenging due to its dry, sloping terrain with ups and downs. This route, part of the Trans Himalaya Dread Path, is rough with heavy pack animal traffic, so navigate carefully around yaks and sheep.
                       
                      Til, the closest village to the Tibet-China border, sits at around 13,500 feet (4,100 meters) and is surrounded by barley fields. It’s the smallest of the three Limi Valley villages, with about 30 families. The 300-year-old Kunzum Do-Nag Monastery on the village’s right side is worth a visit.

                        Today’s trek starts with a downhill walk for about an hour to Tiljung, then crosses the Tagtsi Khola, a tributary of the Karnali River. From Tiljung, cross a suspension bridge, follow the Tagtsi River into a narrow valley for two hours, and cross another bridge. Bear left and walk northeast for about 30 minutes to the plain area of Halji village.

                        Halji is the largest village in Limi and home to the 800-year-old Rinchhen Ling Gompa monastery. After visiting the monastery, follow the wide trail past Buddhist gates and Mani walls, then walk for 1.5 hours to reach Jang at 12,900 feet (3,930 meters), which has a 250-year-old monastery. From Jang, it’s another hour’s trek to the Chagzur hot springs, making the total trek today about 7 hours.

                          Today is a rest day after a strenuous 10-day trek. You can either relax, do laundry, and enjoy the natural hot springs or, if the weather permits, take a trip to Lapcha Syar at 16,000 feet (4,900 meters) for views of Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet. To reach the viewpoint, you'll need to hire a truck, as the road can be rough. The round trip to the viewpoint takes about 5-6 hours.

                            From Chagzur hot springs, you’ll walk towards Tagtsi, where the old Humla-Manasorover and Humla-Limi caravan trails intersect. About 30 minutes before Tagtsi, you'll pass Tugling, a new settlement with VHF phone service and a restaurant run by locals.
                             
                            From Tugling to Nyalu base camp, you have two routes: a shorter, newer road that crosses the river, or a longer, more scenic trail via Tagtsi. Near Tagtsi, you'll see the ruins of Tshamdo or Zambuk, an old village with only ruins and a chorten remaining. After crossing the Nyingchhu River, enjoy the views of Tshomgo Lake and the Talung meadows. You’ll also pass the camps of Limi and Humli shepherds and yak-herders at Jade/Nyalu base camp. The trek today will take about 7 hours.
                              From Nyalu base camp, it takes about 2-3 hours to climb to Nyalu Pass at 14,000 feet (4,990 meters). At the top, enjoy views of surrounding mountain ranges. Descending, you’ll pass Sheliman Lake at 15,000 feet (4,570 meters).
                               
                              Continue to Tshongsa meadow at 13,600 feet (4,140 meters), crossing the Tshongsa River and entering a rhododendron forest. You’ll also see Tshongsa rocks and the Tshongsi Tsan waterfall. After a 7-hour trek, you’ll reach Sheng Jungma pastureland in a denser jungle area.

                                Today, you'll cross the Tshongsa River and follow the left bank of Zhetse Khola eastward. After about 3-4 hours of ascent, cross the stream to the right. Visit the summer camp of Chyadok village herders, enjoy the Zhetse valley scenery, and explore the Langdogd Base, the campsite of Dinga village herders.

                                  From the campsite, ascend through the jungle to Langdogd Pass at 14,900 feet (4,550 meters). Descend steeply through juniper and birch forests to Takhor Khola. After crossing the stream and walking for about 1.5 hours, you'll reach Laga Dinga (or Lekh Dinga) at 12,800 feet (3,890 meters), a summer village and former autumn trading center. It’s a pleasant spot to spend the night.

                                    Start your day by passing the villages of Yapka and Tangin on your left and Aul Dinga (Lower Dinga) on your right. Descend steeply for about an hour and a half to Yapka Khola at 8,600 feet (2,600 meters). Cross the wooden bridge and then climb for over two hours to the Thakuri village of Okhreni. Continue straight for three hours along a new road to Simikot Lagna, where you’ll enjoy views of Nyinba Valley. A fifteen-minute downhill walk will bring you to Simikot. After a 7-hour trek, rest at a guest house in Simikot before heading back to Kathmandu the next day.

                                      Your trek concludes today. After an early breakfast, head to the airstrip for your flight back to Kathmandu. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore more of the city or do some last-minute shopping. Depart from Tribhuvan International Airport or extend your stay in Nepal. The memories of the mountains will remain with you, and we hope to see you again soon!

                                        What's Included
                                        • Private vehicle airport pick-up and drop-off.
                                        • Deluxe double/twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu.
                                        • Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu with a private vehicle (entrance fees not included).
                                        • Flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Simikot and back.
                                        • TIMS card, national park/conservation permit, and special trekking permit.
                                        • One night deluxe double/twin sharing accommodation with full board in Nepalgunj.
                                        • An experienced, friendly, English-speaking guide with a government license, including their salary, food, accommodation, transport, and insurance.
                                        • One porter per two guests, with their insurance, salary, food, accommodation, and gear included.
                                        • All guide and porter costs, including insurance, wages, food, and lodging, are covered, with a focus on excellent care.
                                        • Twin sharing accommodation/camping equipment during the trek.
                                        • Three meals daily (breakfast, lunch, dinner) with tea/coffee during the trek.
                                        • Snacks such as biscuits/peanuts and seasonal fresh fruit desserts during the trek.
                                        • Welcome dinner at an authentic restaurant.
                                        • First aid kit available.
                                        • Emergency evacuation service arranged (requires your insurance, paid by your travel insurance company).
                                        • Oximeter provided to monitor pulse, oxygen saturation, and heart rate twice daily, ensuring safety against AMS symptoms.
                                        • All applicable government and local taxes as per the itinerary.
                                        What's not Included
                                        • Nepal visa fee.
                                        • International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
                                        • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu.
                                        • Personal travel and health insurance, including helicopter evacuation coverage.
                                        • Extra night accommodation, lunch, and dinner in the city due to early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountains (for any reason) outside the scheduled itinerary.
                                        • Personal expenses such as phone calls, baggage fees, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, additional porters, bottled or boiled water, and showers.
                                        • Tips for the trekking crew and driver.
                                        • Additional costs due to flight delays, strikes, weather conditions, or other uncontrollable events.
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