Trip Details

  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Moderate
  • Trip Style: Trekking
  • Transport: Private Vehicle & Flight
  • Food: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse or Lodge
  • Max Elevation: Nyalu Pass (4990m)

Highlights

  • A sublime trek to the remote and untouched valley of Limi.
  • Enjoy bathing at the natural hot spring of Chugzur.
  • Witness the ancient Tibetian influenced settlements and monasteries.
  • Witness the ever-flowing Karnali Lake as it cuts through various rock formations.
  • Cross the thrilling Nyalu La pass at 4,940m.
     

Description

Do you wish to embark on a journey to one of the most pristine and untouched lands of Nepal? If so, then this 18-day Humla Limi Valley Trek can be the perfect opportunity for you! Stepping into the hidden lands of Humla feels like stepping back in time due to its isolated location, which remains untouched from the development of the outside world.

Limi valley is a valley perched between the remote moraines of Nepal and Tibet. Since it lies distant from the modern world, it still retains the ancient Tibetan culture and norms. The government of Nepal only opened the site for foreigners since 2002, making the region extraordinarily pristine and untouched. Likewise, to preserve the ecosystem of the area, the government only issues a limited number of permits every year, ensuring that the flora and fauna of the Limi region remain intact.

In this 18-day Humla Limi Valley Trek, you travel to the heart of the Limi Valley as you pass through the desolate moraines, enchanting landscapes and challenging high passes. En route, you can witness the magnificent sights of Mt Saipal and Mt Api gleaming in the backdrop! Aside from the landscapes, you can also observe some rare and elusive animals, namely the snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, and the musk deer.

This magnificent Humla Limi Valley trek features an alternate side of Nepal than that is seldom found in the other conventional trekking courses. The flawless and pristine sights of this trek more than compensate for the problematic climbing of some long days. 

18 Days Humla Limi Valley Trek Itinerary

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Our journey starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. The flight takes about 50 minutes and blesses you with diverse views of the landscapes. They usually contrast from verdant hill landscapes to the cultivated lands of Terai. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, our representatives will escort you to the hotel for spending the night.

  • Meals: Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Altitude: 150m

The following day, we board an early morning flight to the airport of Simikot which lies in the Humla district. Simikot is a small town which acts as the gateway to WestermTibet and Kailash Mansarovar. The flight takes about 50 minutes and is an entirely scenic one providing a majestic panoramic view of the snow-capped peaks. Overnight stay at Simikot.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Altitude: 2910m

Your trek today begins with a short climb of about an hour to a little pass perched at 9,800 ft (3000 m). After crossing the pass, the trail converts into a steep descent into Dharapori.

The trail perches high along the Karnali river, passing through lush pine forests and light settlements of diverse tribes. Along the way, you will meet numerous individuals who often carry their loads through the trail. Overnight stay at Dharapori.

Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 2300m

The walk today is quite short and more comfortable. We start by departing the settlement of Dharapori as we pass through the narrow gorges and elevated rocks. Likewise, the trail also follows alongside the Karnali river with occasional ascents and descents.

After 3-4 hours of walking, we finally reach the Buddhist village of Kermi. Kermi features two significant monasteries, namely the Laikyo Gompa, and the Lhundrup Choeling Gompa which comprise of rich ancient history. Overnight stay at Kermi.

Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 2670m

After a wholesome breakfast, we start the journey departing from Kermi. The trail starts with a slightly uphill path past the barley and buckwheat fields. After about 2 hours of continuous walking, we cross a small pass and start a steep descent. After 30-35 minutes of descending, we cross a suspension bridge across the Sali River.

We then continue on the trail as we pass through the abundant pine forests. After 5-6 hours of walking, we finally make it to Yalbang for staying the night. If you have some spare time, you can visit the Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery in Yalbang. Here you can indulge yourself in the daily puja that happens from 7 am and 4 pm every day.

Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 3020m

On the sixth day, we leave Yalbang and start heading towards Tumkot Khola as we walk through some uphill and downhill rocky trails. After 20 minutes of walking, we reach the village of Yangar. We keep on the path for another hour and finally reach the suspension bridge across the Karnali River.

You can slowly see the difference in the landscapes as the terrains start getting rockier, and the small bushes start replacing the giant pine trees. After crossing the suspension bridge, we climb high above the Karnali river and alongside a deep gorge, eventually leading to the village of Muchu. After some quick refreshments, we further continue our journey for another hour which leads us to Tumkot Khola. Overnight stay at Tumkot Khola.

Trekking Duration: 5 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 3380m

The trail from Tumkot onwards starts getting a little more challenging with occasional steep climbs. You will also start noticing that the landscapes begin to get more desolate and rocky with only a few juniper trees here and there.

A few hours walk leads us to the village of Pani Palwang, where we will have some quick refreshments. Another one and a half-hour walk from Pani Palwang leads us to Thado Dhunga where we will be staying the night. Thado Dhunga is a light settlement just above the village of Yari.

Trekking Duration: 6 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 3750m

On this day, we cross the thrilling and well-famed Nara La Pass. The trail is quite challenging due to the steep climb and the high altitude, but the views from the top compensate for it all! The trail starts with a 2-3 hour steep climb from Thado Dhunga. As you ascend, you will find that the landscapes become completely barren resembling the beige hills of Tibet.

Along the route, you can occasionally find tent hotels serving food and beverages for the passerby. Upon reaching the top, you can view the magnificent view of the Tibet side and the village of Yari on the other side. From Nara La Pass (4620m), we continue our journey to the other side of the pass towards the border Hilsa. Overnight stay at Hilsa.

Trekking Duration: 6 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 3720m

After a quick breakfast, we depart from Hilsa by crossing the suspension bridge over the Humla-Karnali river and heading northwards towards the Limi Valley. Throughout the journey, you can witness the Nepal-Tibet border and thousands of Indian pilgrims heading for Kailash Mansarovar. After 4-5 hours of walking, we reach Manipeme which gets its name from the Mani Mantra scribbled on a rock.

Trekking Duration: 5 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 3990m

We commence the journey today by crossing the Chenglungma caravan campsite before coming to the old cave of Cha-sa Nam-ka Dzong. The cave perches just up the hill, below the trail in a rocky cliff and is popular amongst passing travelers. We further continue along the rough Trans Himalayan Trail towards the Til village which takes about 6-7 hours.

Til Village is a light settlement close to the border and comprises of barley fields at its western surroundings. While in the Til village you can also visit the 300-year-old Kunzum Do-Nag monastery. Overnight stay at Til Village.

Trekking Duration: 6 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 4000m

Today we start with a comfortable descent for about an hour until we reach Tiljung. From Tiljung, we cross over the Tagtsi River and continue walking towards the right. We then pursue along the banks of the Tagtsi River into the tight valley towards the east for around two hours and arrive at another bridge over the same stream.

We then cross the extension and head towards the left. After walking eastwards for about thirty minutes, we arrive at the lovely territory of Haji town. Haji is one of the most important sites of the Limi village and features an 800-year-old Rinchhen Ling Gompa monastery which is a must-visit! A few hours of more walking leads us to Chagzur where we will stay the night.

Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

We take this day off to relax our muscles at the natural hot springs after ten days of strenuous walking. However, if you want to make the day more productive, you can hire a jeep up to a viewpoint. The viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the Mansorabar lake and Mt Kailash. The total journey will take about 4-5 hours. Overnight stay at Chagzur.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

On the 12th day, we leave the settlements of Chagzur and head towards Jade. A few hours of walking leads us to Tagsti, where the two familiar trails, Humla-Limi and Humla to Mansoravar intersect with each other. Before reaching Tagtsi, we pass through a newly opened settlement inhabited by local Limi residents.

After crossing the Tagsti bridge, we walk beside the ruined village of Limi, inhabited years ago! From here we cross the Nyingchhu River, which enters to Tshomgo Lake. After some well-spent time at the Tshomgo lake, we continue walking for a few hours, eventually arriving at Jade. Overnight stay at Jade/Nyalu base camp.

Trekking Duration: 7 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse

We start the journey early from the Nyalu Base Camp towards the Nyalu pass(4,990m), which takes about 2-3 hours of challenging climb. Up top, you can witness the magnificent panoramic view of the towering peaks. After some well-deserved photographs, we slowly start our descent from the Nyalu Pass as we pass through a beautiful lake called the Sheliman Lake.

We continue our descent, making our way to Tshonga meadow and finally crossing the Tshonga river. From here we start getting the first glimpse of lush trees and vegetation. After a 7 hour walk along the Tshonga rocks, we finally reach Sheng Jungma at 3,620m. Overnight stay at Sheng Jungma.

Trekking Duration: 7-8 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 3620m

Today the trail takes you over the Tshongsa River. We start walking along the left bank of Zhetse Khola towards the east. And further climb for around 3-4 hours. Before passing the scaffold, you can visit the day camp of the Chyadok town herders. After a one hour walk, we will finally reach the Langdogd Base with the magnificent sites of the surrounding lovely landscapes. Overnight stay at Langdogd Base.

Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 3300m

After a quick breakfast, we exit the campsite of Langdogd Base and head towards Lekh Dinga, our destination for the day. We start the journey by ascending through rich forests filled with rhododendron trees. Then after a few hours, we start descending steeply Juniper trees arriving at Takhor Khola. After another 1.5 hours of walk, we reach Lekh Dinga. Overnight stay at Lekh Dinga.

Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Altitude: 3100m

As our trip nears its end, we slowly start heading back to Simikot to catch our return flight back to the capital. The journey begins by passing through the villages of Yapka and Aul Dinga. We further descend steeply until we reach Yapka Khola. Then crossing the wooden bridge, we again start ascending towards the Thakuri Village of Okhreni for another two hours. After some quick refreshments, we walk for another few hours, eventually arriving at Simikot. Overnight stay at Simikot.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Altitude: 2910m

As we arrive at the final day of our fantastic 18-day journey, we catch an early flight from Simikot airport to Nepalgunj airport. From Nepalgunj, we further board a connecting flight back to Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu and checking in, you can explore the city on your own or enjoy the up top view from your hotel room!

Total Flight Duration: 2 hours

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Altitude: 1320m
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What to Expect

Cost Includes

  • Airport Pickup and Drop (International and Domestic)
  • Roundtrip Flight Ticket Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Simikot
  • Trekking Permits
  • Guide with foods, accommodation, salary, and insurance
  • Porter with foods, accommodation, salary, and insurance
  • 1 Night Hotel accommodation with full board meals in Nepalgunj 
  • 16 Night Teahouse accommodation with full board meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during trekking 
  • Use of sleeping bag & Duffel bag (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed)
  • All government and local tax

Cost Excludes

  • International Flight Ticket and Nepalese Visa Fee
  • Hotel & Meals in Kathmandu
  • Extra night accommodation in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the trek (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Personal expenses (Wifi, Phone calls, Laundry, Bar bills, Battery Recharge, Water, Shower, and Tea / Coffee)
  • Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section
  • Travel and Rescue Insurance
  • Tips for Guides, Porters, and Helpers

Useful Information

How to Reach Limi Valley

The journey starts with a 50-minute flight from the capital to Nepalgunj from where we will board another flight leading to the mountain top airstrip of Simikot. From Simikot, our trek officially commences.

The trail passes through the settlements of Dharaponi, Kermi, Yalbang, Thado Dunga eventually into Hilsa via the well-famed Nara La Pass. The landscapes slowly start contrasting from lush green vegetation to yak pastures and alpine vegetation. En Route, you can also catch the fantastic glimpses of the two snow-capped peaks of Api and Saipal gleaming in the distant.

Further, the trail continues through the settlements of Manipeme, Til Village and Halji and Chagzur. The site of the crystal clear waters and the desolate mountains come into the picture which offers you with the most picturesque scenery! You shall also start to observe the remoteness of the places as you get higher!

After reaching the Nyalu Base Camp, the trip finally nears its end as we start walking back passing through Sheng Jungma, Langdogd Base and Lekh Dinga eventually into Simikot. From Simikot, we will take a flight to Nepalgunj and a further connecting flight back to the capital.

Note: If you want to get away from the crowded conventional trails and look for solace in complete solitude, the Humla Limi Valley Trek is one of the best options out there! We here at Mount Mania can organize special trekking packages for you with customized itineraries according to your available days. Feel free to contact us for any additional queries regarding the trek.

Best Time For The Humla Limi Valley Trek

Since the trek involves crossing high passes and rocky terrains, it is a must to travel in the favorable seasons to avoid any possible risks. The best months for this trek range from May to October when the skies are much clearer, and there are fewer chances of snowfall.

Since Lima Valley lies in the rain shadow area, the monsoon season will not pose an issue. So you can opt for the trek during the rainy season without any potential hazards. However, avoid the winter season if possible, as the cold climate brings heavy snowfall on the high passes. When this happens, the trail can become quite challenging to penetrate through. Also, frequent snowfall or rainfall can cause unwanted flight delays.

Difficulty Of The Humla Limi Valley Trek

The Humla Limi Valley Trek is a little harder trek, but if you’re sound in health and physical stamina, you can definitely opt for it. The paths usually are off-beaten with steep climbs and descents occurring occasionally. You will have to walk on average 4-5 hours every day along with the winding trans Himalayan paths.

The high altitude can also pose an issue for many travelers. Since the majority of this trek takes place in altitudes above 3000m, altitude sickness may arise for some people. If you do feel some signs of altitude sickness, be sure to alert your guide, who will take the appropriate actions.

Also, due to its remote locations, finding proper hospitals or health posts can be an issue. So always be sure to carry a first aid kit for unforeseen circumstances. Also, note that carrying a water purifier can be extremely beneficial as the local water might not be healthy.

Highest Point During The Humla Limi Valley Trek

The highest point that we will be venturing during the Humla Limi Valley Trek is the Nyalu Pass. It sits at an altitude of 4,990m just above the Nyalu Base Camp.