Humla Limi Valley Trek

In the morning, you make a thrilling flight over the mountain to Simikot at 2,980m (9,777 ft). The small plane flies very near the hills and snow peaks, which provide spectacular sights. When one comes to Simikot, it is like getting into a new world of cool air, stone houses, and mountain views.

The trekstarts after preparations from Simikot. The path is a gradual ascending one out of Simikot, through pine trees and little hamlets. You pass over the Karnali River, which is the longest river of Nepal. Thence it follows a road running up and down through hills and sees deep valleys. You meet the villagers in the fields and children welcoming the trekkers. The scenery is serene and isolated.

Beyond a small ridge, the path leads down to Dharapuri, a small village of 2,270m (7,447 ft) on the banks of the river. The camp is located close to fields and trees.

Activity: Flight & Trekking

Max. Altitude: 2,980m/9,777ft. (Simikot)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

Today on the Humla Limi Valley Trek, you trek along the Karnali River on a middle path. The day begins with breakfast at camp and with running water. The route has moderate rises and falls on rocky cliffs and agricultural fields. You get fields of barley and buckwheat that grow on steep hills. Good caravans of mules with goods are frequently seen passing by, and trade is still done in such out-of-the-way places.

After some hours, you arrive at Kermi at 2,690m (8,825 ft), which is a beautiful village, composed of stone houses and Buddhism. The crew set up camp nearby.

Kermi is renowned with natural hot springs, where you can take off your shoes and rest some of your worn-out muscles. Above the village are two old monasteries, Laikyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa. Tibetan Buddhism exerted a heavy influence on prayer flags and the use of chortens. It is a special stop on the Humla Limi Valley Trek as it has peace in terms of the village life and mountain views.

Activity: Trekking & Cultural Exploration

Max. Altitude: 2,690m/8,825ft. (Kermi )

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

The Humla Limi Valley Trek goes further into the mountains. Breakfast, and, leaving Kermi, you walk up the Karnali River. The valley is thinner and wilder. The path ascends through pine and juniper-forests. White mountains begin to emerge in the view. Since you acquire altitude, you are walking very slowly and drinking a lot of water.

You pass little brooks and suspension bridges. Certain sections of this trail are rocky and rough. At lunchtime, you have your lunch with mountain views. The trail then continues to climb above lunch and up to the Chumsa Khola Valley at approximately 3,400m (11,155 ft). This is a very quiet place with open grazing ground on which the yaks feed.

We set up camp near the river. The air has gone colder, and the sky has become bigger and clearer. You sleep in the evening and have peace with nature. The Humla Limi Valley Trek is a magical experience as the stars shine brightly during the night.

Activity: Trekking

Max. Altitude: 3,400m/11,155ft. (Chumsa Khola )

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

A Humla Limi Valley Trek on this day makes the scenery wilder and higher mountain-like. You start a lengthy ascending expedition after breakfast in the camp of Chumsa Khola Valley at 3,400m (11,155 ft).

The green forest gradually fades away, and the path leads into a dry area of the Alps, which is rocky and open. You pass over rugged terrain and glacial moraine, over which the rocks are loose beneath your feet. Little brooks run over the path, and occasionally you have to walk over stones or timber.

The higher you go, the more difficult it is to walk due to the reduced thinness of the air. You have frequent rests, drink water and walk slowly. The scenery is expanded in the broad crevices and snow-peaks.

You are then at Dharmashala at 4,000m (13,123 ft), a high pasture on which the yak herders graze. There are some mere stone shelters here. The camp is isolated and quiet, with mountains which enclose it. Evenings are quickly dropping in temperature. Hot tea and a warm meal are particularly good on this night of your adventure in the Humla Limi Valley Trek.

Activity: Trekking

Max. Altitude: 4,000m/13,123ft. (Dharmashala)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

It is among the largest days of the Humla Limi Valley Trek. In Dharmashala, where you will stay at 4,000m (13,123 ft), you wake up very early and begin trekking before sunrise. The day is cold in the morning, but the sky is always clear.

It starts by climbing down slightly before proceeding to a long and steep trek uphill to Nyalu La Pass at 4,940m (16,207 ft), which is one of the high passes of this trek. You are walking slowly, breathing the thin air very carefully.

The peak of Nyalu LaPass is a memorable one. The big wind is blowing prayer flags, and massive Himalayan mountains enclose you. During clear days, even Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar can be seen in the far distance in Tibet.

After taking photos and resting, you start a slow descent on rocky slopes. The path leads down to a large valley, and after several hours, you reach Talung at 4,380m (14,370 ft). The humblest of campsites by a stream is the entrance to Limi Valley, which is one of the sights of the Humla Limi Valley Trek.

Activity: High Pass Crossing & Trekking

Max. Altitude: 4,940m/16,207ft. (Nyalu La Pass)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

The Humla Limi Valley Trek today seems more open and peaceful. It begins at Talung at 4,380m (14,370 ft) and follows the Limi River in a wide valley. The trail is largely smooth with little rises and falls. The scenery is broad, characterised by grasslands, short bushes and enormous skies. This is wildlife country, and it is possible to find blue sheep on the hills or birds, such as eagles, flying over.

Several hours later, you pass a low ridge, and the Jang village appears at 4,070m (13,353 ft). Jang is among the few villages in the Limi Valley. There is a strong Tibetan culture, evidenced by the presence of stone houses that have flat roofs and prayer flags.

Upon arrival at the camp, you are able to sightsee the village and visit the local monastery to meet villagers. Here, life would be based on barley farming and the raising of yaks. This is one of the unique aspects of the Humla Limi Valley Trek because one can experience this traditional way of life.

Activity: Trekking & Cultural Exploration

Max. Altitude: 4,380m/14,370ft. (Talung)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

This is a very essential rest day in the Humla Limi Valley Trek. Being in Jang at 4,070m (13,353 ft) allows your body to adapt to the high altitude. You will take a rest today after many days of climbing. You have got time to have a bit more sleep and a leisurely breakfast.

There is the possibility of an optional hike. When walking to an adjacent ridge or vantage point above 4,500m (14,764 ft), one can have great views of the valley and the mountains around. High and low walking assists with acclimatisation.

You can spend the day either exploring Jang village, talking to the locals or visiting the monastery, if that is your preference. You can find people turning prayer wheels or drying barley in the sun. Consumption of ample water and rest are major components of the Humla Limi Valley Trek nowadays. The mountain scenery makes this a nice and needed rest day.

Activity: Acclimatisation& Short Hike

Max. Altitude: 4,070m/13,353ft. (Jang)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

The Humla Limi Valley Trek follows the west after a peaceful acclimatisation day. You leave Jang at 4, 070m (13, 353 ft) and use a downslope trail with the Limi River. The stroll is less demanding now, the wide-open stretches of valley appearing once more, and the farms returning.

In a couple of hours, you arrive at Halji at 3,670m (12,041 ft), which is the biggest and the oldest village in Limi Valley. The settlement is surrounded by a green field of barley and buckwheat, which makes it appear vibrant as opposed to the other villages.

Halji is also known as the home to the Rinchenling Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Nepal, dating back to around the 10^th or 11^thcentury. There are its ancient walls, its prayer wheels turning with the flowing water and its peaceful courtyards. You can explore it.

The atmosphere of spirituality is produced by monks singing and villagers strolling around the monastery. Having established camp, you walk through small alleys made of stone, observing the everyday life of yaks and goats. This has been one of the greatest cultural experiences of the Humla Limi Valley Trek.

Activity: Trekking & Cultural Exploration

Max. Altitude: 3,670m/12,041ft. (Halji)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

On the Humla Limi Valley Trek, today, you are walking towards the final village of Limi Valley. The trail crosses the river, leaving Halji at 3,670m (12,041 ft). Some hours later, you have crossed a suspension bridge over the Tagtsi Khola. The road then passes through a narrow rocky ravine before again joining fields. In no very long time, you get to Til at 3,700m (12,139 ft), a small and silent village with some families.

Til is not affected by contemporary living. The traditional mountain life is demonstrated in stone houses, terraced fields and grazing yaks. You may take a walk after lunch to Rinzing Ling Gompa, which is a Buddhist monastery of the Drukpa Kagyu background.

There are colourful pictures of Buddhist gods and prayer flags inside, contributing to the spiritual experience. This is one of the memorable stops in the Humla Limi Valley Trek due to the peaceful environment and welcoming village people. It is the quietness of the mountains and the clear stars in the camp.

Activity: Trekking & Monastery Visit

Max. Altitude: 3,700m/12,139ft. (Til)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

Today, you leave the villages on the Humla Limi Valley Trek. At Til at 3,700m (12,139 ft), the path goes south into the remote mountain. The walk consists of gradual ups and downs. Two hours later, you arrive at Ya Yip Phuk cave, where the Buddhist saint Rinchen Zangpo is said to have meditated. This is a historical site that demonstrates the strong spiritual heritage of the land.

You proceed then to Lamka La Pass with an elevation of approximately 4,300m (14,108 ft). There are prayer flags at the summit, and you have broad panoramic scenery of bare mountains. Having crossed the road leads down along rocky lanes.

Afternoon, you reach the isolated camp of Manepeme, 3,990m (13,091 ft) in the highlands. There are no villages around, just open nature. This is a real wilderness experience in the HumlaLimi Valley Trek due to the quietness of the environment.

Activity: Trekking & Pass Crossing

Max. Altitude: 4,300m/14,108ft. (Lamka La Pass)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

This day of the Humla Limi Valley Trek takes you out of the Limi Valley. Beginning at Manepeme, 3,990m (13,091 ft), you take a path cut out of the cliffs on the bank of the Humla Karnali River. Certain areas are thin, and therefore, caution must be taken. The path consists of a series of gentle rises and falls with the spectacular views of rivers below.

After some hours, you get a view of a bridge and buildings ahead, which is Hilsa at 3,720m (12,205 ft), a border outpost of Nepal with Tibet. It is an exhilarating experience to be on the suspension bridge across the river and realise that Tibet is on the other side of the river.

Hilsa is tiny, and stone huts and tea stalls are involved in traders and pilgrims. Here, camping is a significant point of junction of the Humla Limi Valley Trek on the way to Simikot via a different path.

Activity: Trekking & Border Approach

Max. Altitude: 3,720m/12,205ft. (Hilsa)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

It is another pass crossing day in the Humla Limi Valley Trek. The trail ascends steeply immediately after leaving Hilsa at 3,720m (12,205 ft). You are walking up dusty hills and getting tired fast. Air is not so thick, and you walk slowly and take rests.

Towards the end of the morning, you arrive at the Nara La Pass at 4,580m (15,026 ft). At the summit, there is arid Tibetan scenery to the north and green valleys of Humla to the south. Prayer flags waving on high winds.

With the sightseeing, you start a sharp downturn. The path descends through resistant hills in the midst of which the yaks and goats may be grazed occasionally. The nature gradually turns greener by going down.

In the afternoon, you come to Palbang at 3,389m (11,119 ft), which is a small settlement with stone houses and farm terraces. Following the distant Limi Valley, there is the indication of village life, which is inviting. The camp is made around the village, and you can relax your legs after this demanding day in the Limi Valley Humla Trek.

Activity: Pass Crossing & Trekking

Max. Altitude: 4,580m/15,026ft. (Nara La Pass)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

The current part of the Humla Limi Valley Trek is less difficult and shorter. At a level of 3,389m (11,119 ft) left behind Palbang, the trail passes down imposing juniper bushes and hillsides. At altitudes of less than 3,000m (9,843 ft), the air feels more enriched, and the walking is easier. You can find pilgrims and travellers in this by-path.

After approximately four hours, you are in Muchu, 2,920m (9,580 ft). This is the village located over the river, Karnali, with a police check post and monastery. This is a significant place on the Mount Kailash pilgrimage route. You find that there is an assortment of cultures here, both the Hindu and the Buddhist cultures.

This place is vibrant after some days of remote camping. You can sightsee the village and visit the monastery, or do nothing. This is a lower altitude where the energy levels are enhanced in the Humla Limi Valley Trek back.

Activity: Trekking

Max. Altitude: 3,389m/11,119ft. (Palbang)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

The Humla Limi Valley Trek follows the Karnali River on this day. A trail ascending Muchu at 2,920m (9,580 ft) runs through the village of Yalbang, which has a huge monastery overlooking the road. As you walk, you can hear monks chanting. The path cuts through pine forest and small villages.

On a suspension bridge over the Karnali River, you come back to Chumsa Khola at 3,400m (11,155 ft), the same valley that you just camped in. The well-known landscape is something that makes the scenery complete.

This camping site is serene as it is surrounded by pine-covered hills, the sounds of the river and mountain air. This is a great place to think of the distance that you have covered in the Humla Limi Valley Trek.

Activity: Trekking

Max. Altitude: 3,400m/11,155ft. (Chumsa Khola)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

The trail is now the bank of the Karnali River. At the 3,400m (11,155 ft) of Chumsa Khola, the forests become denser, and the surroundings turn greener. It is easier to breathe going down. Passing through villages, you can visit some places that you have known previously, such as the Kermi area along the route of the Humla Limi Valley Trek.

It is an afternoon before you reach Dharapuri, 2,270m (7,447 ft). It is the last night of your camping trek. The river is close at hand, and the proximity is less elevated, hence the evening is warmer. The crew organises a special dinner to celebrate the journey. It is a memorable night of the Humla Limi Valley Trek because of the stories and laughter.

Activity: Trekking

Max. Altitude: 3,400m/11,155ft. (Chumsa Khola)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

This is your final day of trekking. The Humla Limi Valley Trek starts at Dharapuri 2,270m (7,447 ft). The path ascends slowly through a way of farms and tiny villages. The trail becomes steeper and steeper after Majgaon, and arriving at Simikot becomes difficult.

In the afternoon, you arrive at Simikot, which is 2,980m (9,777 ft) above sea level. It is a big accomplishment to arrive in town after doing this remote Himalayan circuit. You come to a teahouse or a camp. A final celebration with your crew is the last successful stage of the trekking of the Humla Limi Valley Trek.

Activity: Trekking

Max. Altitude: 2,980m/9,777ft. (Simikot)

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Teahouse

You fly off the mountains today. It is a morning flight that takes off from Simikot at 2,980m (9,777 ft) to  Nepalgunj at 150m (492 ft)and finally, to Kathmandu at an elevation of 1,300m (4,265 ft). It is your Humla Limi Valley Trek, and this is the last glimpse of the Himalayas you see through a window.

The official end of the journey is back in Kathmandu. Urban life is quite different after days in the isolated valleys and mountain passes. You can still remember the mountains, villages, and high trails even after the Humla Limi Valley Trek is over.

Activity: Flights & Travel

Max. Altitude: 1,300m/4,265ft. (Kathmandu)

Meal: Breakfast