Limi Valley lies in the Humla district on the Northwest border of Nepal and Tibet. It is also known as the hidden valley of Tibet, deeply touched by the outstanding scenery, the curious nature of rare species of wildlife, and the friendly hospitality of the Limi people. Although the beauty of Limi valley can’t be express in words the major attraction and popularity of the Limi Valley are splendid vistas of Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Kailash, Mt. Saipal(7030m), Api, Mt. Kanjiroba, diverse landscape, rolling valleys, wildlife, vegetation, Tibetan culture, photogenic and Buddhist religion.
The main occupation of the Limi people is animal husbandry and farming. Men frequently travel to different parts of the country to do the business of traditional wooden pots and cups. Most of the people are living their life simple with basic needs only. Due to the lack of infrastructure, it is one of the regions untouched by modernization and the least visited area. This trek needs a special permit from the Nepal immigration department and it is only issued under the legally registered trekking companies. Himalayan Wander Walkers organize this trek to Limi Valley by arranging all the services that you need during trekking in Far West Nepal.
Getting to Limi Valley:
The Limi Valley trek starts by flying to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu and switch to a smaller flight to Simikot, headquarter of the Humla district. Due to the remoteness of the location, a camping trek is the best option to visit Limi valley rather than chartering a Helicopter. This trek is for those who appreciate simple living to experience the rural mountain of western Nepal. Hiking all the way to the old town of Hilsa, Manepeme, Hilja are occasionally strenuous but worth experiencing this journey. All the attractions en route to the trail will make your trip more memorable.
Variation of Limi Valley trek:
Humla Limi valley is one of the popular routes for Mount Kailash pilgrimage, especially for Indian citizens. It was once a trade road to Tibet. Travelers who are fearful of altitude sickness prefer this route for the Kailash Manasarovar trip through Humla district. Himalayan Wander Walkers have designed two different itineraries from Simikot to Tibet. They are KAILASH TREKKING VIA SIMIKOT WITH GUGE KINGDOM and KAILASH TREKKING AND OVERLAND TOUR VIA SIMIKOT
Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu at TIA, a representative of Himalayan Wander Walkers will warmly welcome you to Nepal and will escort you towards your hotel. If your arrival time is in the morning you can do a short tour or you can just relax and walk around the town. Sometimes you have come a few days earlier for a permit. For that, we will let you know when to arrive in Kathmandu and need your original passport.
Overnight: at the hotel set with BB plan.
Kathmandu Sightseeing and preparation
Visit the world’s heritage sites. Which is the oldest of the three major cities in Kathmandu Valley – famous for its Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples, and you can catch the traditional artisans working with woods, stones, and metals? Today after breakfast we will start the city tour to most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu valley. These landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swyambhunath), and the world largest Buddhists stupa, Bouddhanath. Briefing regarding the trek with two-way question-answer with the trip leader (The Guide).
Overnight: at the hotel set with BB plan.
Flight to Nepagunj from Kathmandu
From Kathmandu, we fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia National Park. It is a major transport hub for the western, mid-western, and far-western regions of Nepal. Possibly, on the same day flight to Simikot 2,910 m. If no flight to Simikot on this day, sleep in a hotel in Nepalgunj.
Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Nepalgunj to Simikot(3500m) and acclimatization
Take the early morning flight 135 miles (218 km.) north to Simikot, the district headquarters of Humla. The town is situated on a ridge overlooking the Humla Karnali River. The flight is spectacular, cruising just over the tops of a mass of snow-covered peaks. If the flight is on-time, arrive before lunch and be met by your friendly trekking crew. Simikot is an atmospheric village, a mix of local Humla and Tibetan culture, and provides endless fascinating opportunities for exploring. It's likely that you will feel the jump in altitude, so take it easy today, making sure you drink plenty of water. After lunch, slowly we shall explore Simikot and the surrounding valley.
Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Simikot to Dharapori (2300m)
Today we start our first day of this beautiful trek with a short climb of about an hour to a little pass just over 3000m. After the pass it’s a long and steep descent to Dharapori; another beautiful town. The trail goes high above the Karnali River, partly through pine forests, passing a few villages. Along the way, you meet local people, both Hindu and Buddhist, sometimes carrying their heavy loads all the way up the steep trail. People from these regions can be really friendly.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Dharapori to Kermi (2670m / 8757ft) [3 hours]
It is a rather short walk today. The trail keeps on following the Karnali River, sometimes high on the slope, with the river far below you and sometimes almost level with it. The river finds its way through narrow gorges with high rocky slopes. You pass along fields with mainly barley, buckwheat, rice, and potatoes.
In the afternoon you can relax your muscles in one of the two natural hot springs close to the village. It’s a 30-minute walk, passing Kermi village. Kermi is a small agricultural village and is the first completely Buddhist village on the trail. From Kermi onwards, all the villages are Buddhist. There are two interesting Buddhist monasteries close to Kermi: Laikyo Gompa, a few hundred years old, is about 45 minutes from the campsite and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa, less than half a century old, is about 30 minutes from the campsite. Both are seldom visited by tourists.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Trek Kermi to Chumsa Khola valley (3600m), 5/6 hrs, overnight at tent
The trail of today is 7010 m ascend and just 71 m descend. Detour. Well if we did not spend time in Kermi village, take a small detour and head up through the town before dropping back onto the man trail. Our trail levels out a bit as it makes a long traverse through a sparse pine forest. People traveling to Mt, Kailash follow the trail down to the Chumsa Khola. We drop through the forest, cross a bridge, some shade and reach a flat place for lunch. Further three hrs of the trek we cross the bridge, come to an open field and stone shelters (3400m).
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Trek Chumsa Khola to Dharmasala 4/5 hrs, overnight at tent
The trail of today is 600m ascend, a short day to reach our campsite Nyalu Lagna. The first section of our trail climbs strongly through moss-covered birch and pine forests. After around two hours our trail climbs on top of benign glacial moraine before turning left into the sweeping expanse and gradually we cross several streams and Chusa Khola. If we have a large group then we take our camp a flat area located at about 4000m. But if we have a small group then we go to Dharmasala for the camp.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Trek Dharmasala to Talung Camp (4380m), 7/8 hrs, overnight at tent
To reach Talung we need a journey of 1000m to ascend and 600m descending. We leave early today, need to cross 4990m high Nyalu Lagna La. An early start makes it easy for our pack animals to cross on snow patches. Our initial trials begin with a climb up a grassy gradient and turn on marine and hillside and the western shore of selling Tso (4600m). Trail then Sweeps west into a wide, often filled snow valley. Gradually we reach at prayer flag decorated Nyalu Lagna (4990m). From 20 minutes northwest above the pass offer a great view of the Tibetan plateau, Kailash, and Gurla Mandata. From the pass our trail drop sleepy to a flat expanse dotted with hundred of uprights stone markers. Now from here we steeply gully to the right and properly down to the Talung Valley floor at (440m). If there is snow then we have other alternate option trails to go down. Now from here, around three hours bring us to Talung camp (4380m).
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Trek Talung Camp to Jang (4070m), 6/7 hrs. Overnight at tent
Adventure trek of today is toward descends (450m). From camp, our trails follow high above the Shoreline of the 1200m long Tshom Tso. The head of the lake is dominated by giant white sand dunes. Now further we cross several rivers and the Ling Chu and climb Talung valley through Tukche Valley. From the top we see a 24km trail leading into Tibet through Lapcha La (5688m). Local people sue the trail to bring giant herbs of goats into Nepal fattening up and selling. Below there is Yok Gonpa (4170 m). After four hours of the walkthrough, meadows bring us to Takche. Valley. Our camp will be on before 50 minutes from Jang.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Jang Whole Day
To keep a rest day here for you is really great idea and valuable. We spend here the day with explore Jang village and discovered and wash our clothes, wonder upper part of the Take chu Valley the trail becomes rocky and from here offers an impressive view of the stone house of Jang(3930m), barley field, prayer flag. We found Jang village into three sub-divisions, two above the trail and one below. We found the village bit dry and surrounded by cliffs rock and peaks.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Trek Jang to Halji (370m), 4/5 hrs, overnight at Lodge
Today our trek journey is down toward descend 400m. We start early and follow the trail back to Jang and exit the village through a stone shortens painted roof. It is situated 9km to the west of Jang; visit Renzin Ling Gompa, considered a very important gompa of Limi. The rocky undulating trail turns into steep marrow ascends and then descends then brings us to Halji. Halji is surrounded by gompa and from here offers a good view of barley and wheat field. From time to time great Rinpoche visit along this Gonpa.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Trek Halji to Til (3700m), 5/6 hrs. Overnight at tent
To reach Til, we walk 150 m ascend and 50 m descend. From the campsite climb back to the main trail and walk through irrigated fields, drop back to the Takche Chu and cross the bridge (3719 me), bring us south side of the river. It is a pleasant walk but sometimes wind may come strongly. Further two hrs of walk bring us to suspension n bridge and return to the north side of the river. Now we down to a stone-lined pit local people bait this pit to catch snow Leopards. The rest of the trail climbs up through several Chastens, more or less an hour of walk bring us to a flat area, where we camp and spend overnight. From the Til offer good mountains view.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Trek Til to Manepene (3979 m), 8/9 hrs, overnight at tent
We walk today 872 m ascend and 585 m descend and then nature if the trail is up and down. The first sections of our trail begin climbing through grazing fields and head toward the village and turn left. Our trail climb gradually we could see heli pat. Now entire three hours we walk on a tiny stream and collection of small flat platforms. Now from here, it takes fours to reach Manepene. We walk on a stepped pinnacle and climb again over 4000 m for view of southeast of the Humla Karnali River and gradually reach at Manepene, where we make our camp.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Trek Manepene to Hilsa (3740 m), 4/5 hrs, overnight at tent
We walk down by 400 m and up by 300 m. from here we follow the trail continuous to behind and jump through landslide from here we catch a magnificent view of Nara La (4590 m). Gradually we walk down through barley field and reach village Hilsa. There are lots of small Lodge and Chinese shops. Hilsa is a busy place. Close to regular heli drop Indian people of Mt. Kailash devoted.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Trek Hilsa to Palbang (3389 m), 7/8 hrs, overnight at tent
As a previous today also we need to walk 800 m ascend and 1200 m descend. we follow gently brace ourselves for a nail-biting ascent of some of the narrowest path, Nara la(4580 m) pass, past the small lake on the top is a giant cairn often blasted by strong winds and down to the road bring us to Sipsip(4330 m), to our right Yori(3670 m), compact settlement of stone house below the trail. From Sipsip it takes us around three hours to reach Palbang through the windy trail where we make the camp.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Trek Palbang to Muchu (2929 m), 4/5 hrs, overnight at tent
Travel of today is 50 m ascend and 489 m descend. Today we can consider as simple day, mostly we walk downhill through the pleasant walk. The day we can meet some trekkers of Mt. Kailash. From Palbang we climb gently through Juniper trees and drop down at the height of 3270 m. Then easy stretch trail brings us to Muchu, from where we walk more around half-hour then reach the flat area where we build our camp.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Trek Mucha to Chumsa Khola , 5/6 hrs, overnight at tent
After walking 200 m ascend and 261 m descend reach to Chumsa Khola. The day will remain really beautiful for us. We follow the extremely blue water of Humla Karnali. From our camp, we cross the bridge and follow the lower trail which is easy and can mark. Around 45 minutes ups and downs walk we reach Yabang (2890 m). Village Yangar gets electrify from Yalbang. From Yalbang we follow the steep trail climbs to the opposite hillside to Puinya, where people of Yalbang live during the summer time. This is also one important treading center of Humli and Bajura. The place is also the route of Mt. saipal south base. Now around half hr of the walk, we cross the suspension bridge and Chumsa Khola where we found a beautiful campsite.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Trek Chumsa Khola to Dharapani ( ) 5/6 hrs, overnight at tent
On the second last day of our trek walk 230 m ascend and 743 m descend. We did a complete circle. Short drags to 2990 m return our trail junction and pass where we turned to head towards the Nyalu Lagna. The rest of the trail is the same we already used while we go up. Some hrs of the journey we arrive in Dharapani where we spend overnight.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Trek Dharapani to Simikot, 6/7 hrs, overnight at Lodge
We walk 980 m ascend and 278 m descend today. We take the low route to Masigaon and climb up 900 m top of the hill overlooking Simikot. And from the top, we drop down 300 m into the town then we build a camp place where we build before while we come from Ktm.
Overnight stay will be at Tented Camp.
Meal: full-board, three times a day.
Flight from Simikot to Ktm(1380 m), overnight at hotel
We fly to Kathmandu early in the morning. You arrive in Kathmandu after a short flight. Whenever we arrived at the domestic airport, our company-organized private vehicle will be waiting for us in order to drip you in the respective hotel. You can spend your rest time own way. If you need any further assistance then can present with feel free. Solhimal adventures organize a good Nepali typical dinner in a typical restaurant with Nepali cultural dances, folk songs, etc. You will really enjoy it a lot.
Overnight: at the hotel set with BB plan.
Final Departure
We are saying goodbye as your journey to Nepal comes to an end today. If you have more time you can do some shopping or sightseeing. Approximately 3-4 hours before your scheduled flight a representative from Himalayan Wander walkers will take you to the airport. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Meal: Breakfast.
CHECKLISTS FOR LIMI VALLEY TREK, HUMLA
Guiding, Food, and Camping
In Nepal, all trekking supplies - camping equipment, kitchen implements, food - are all carried by pack animals like mules, Yaks, and horses. Even Porters are common in Nepal. All trekkers are accompanied by a guide, a cook, and usually at least one horseman or yak herder. With the surest footing; they lead trekking groups across the passes. The horseman and cook will usually run ahead during a trekking day. They will have prepared a packed lunch for hikers and will go on to the night’s resting place to set up camp. They set up tents, cook dinner, and ready the area for arriving trekkers. When trekkers reach the campsite they are greeted with a hot cup of tea and biscuits in the dining tent. After six hours in the mountains, no drink will ever taste sweeter. For dinner, the cook will usually prepare a buffet of dishes that are as welcome as they are delicious.
DRESS CODE FOR VISITING MONASTERIES, AND TEMPLES
Note regarding itineraries
Although we generally adhere to the schedule, the itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and terrain conditions, suitable campsite availability, and the group's general fitness level. It is important to understand that our trek is logistically complex and it is not unusual that adjustments be made. Our guide will orient you each evening to the following day's plan; their good judgment is the key to the long history of successful treks that Himalayan Wander Walkers has led till now. Please remember that our ability to make adjustments as needed helps to ensure that your trek is successful.
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