Himlung Expedition

On the first day, after you land at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will greet you and help you transfer to the hotel in Kathmandu. You will travel on a private vehicle on your way to your hotel. Once you check in, you can take time to rest and freshen up.

If you feel rested, you can take a short walk around the nearby streets. Kathmandu is full of cafes, local shops, and colorful markets. Or, if you’re tired, you can relax at your hotel and enjoy a peaceful evening. Try some local food and get a good night’s sleep to get ready for the upcoming adventure.

Today is all about getting ready for the Himlung expedition adventure. In the morning, you will visit our office for a short briefing. You’ll learn about the climbing plan, day-to-day itinerary, safety rules, and how to respect local culture and the environment.

After the briefing, you can check your climbing gear. If you need anything extra, there are many shops in Thamel where you can buy or rent trekking and climbing items. In the afternoon, you can relax at a local cafe or enjoy food at a rooftop restaurant while taking in views of the city. Before the day ends, make sure your bags are packed for tomorrow’s road trip to Besisahar. End your day with a good rest at the hotel.

On this day, you will enjoy a scenic road journey from Kathmandu to Besisahar. This day marks the start of your Himlung expedition. After having an early breakfast, the road journey to Besisahar begins following Prithvi Highway. The route passes through green hills, farmlands, and charming villages.

You will get stunning views of Trishuli and Marsyangdi rivers on the way. In addition, you will also catch glimpses of modern and traditional houses. In between, there will be several brief breaks for lunch and refreshments. Enjoying a thrilling drive along the winding roads for around 7 to 8 hours, you will reach Besisahar. Besisahar lies in Lamjung District. This beautiful stop offers a range of accommodation options for travelers. You will stay at one of the finest lodges/teahouses in Besisahar.

• Drive Distance: 179 km

After breakfast in Besisahar, you’ll begin a 5-hour drive to Koto. The road follows the Marsyangdi River and passes through small villages, terraced fields, and forested hillsides. Parts of the road are rough, making the ride a bit adventurous. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of green landscapes, waterfalls, and the distant snow-capped peaks of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal.

Koto is a quiet village in the Manang district. It’s home to the Gurung and Manangi people, who have their own culture and language. Many treks and climbs start from here, so you may see other trekkers in the area. After arriving, you’ll rest at a local teahouse for the night.

• Drive Distance: 65 km

The actual trekking phase of the Himlung climbing will begin on the 5th day. After breakfast, you’ll leave Koto and cross the Marsyangdi River. The trail leads into the Nar Phu Valley, a quiet and less-traveled area. You’ll walk through peaceful pine forests, pass small natural caves, and see waterfalls along the way. You’ll also cross suspension bridges, which adds a bit of adventure to your hike.

The path then goes through a narrow gorge where you’ll get amazing views of Annapurna II. You might also see yaks and sheep grazing nearby. The vegetation becomes scarce and the terrain turns rocky and dry as you progress further. Soon afterward, you will arrive at Meta village. There are a few lodges along the route that provide comfortable accommodation to the trekkers. You can feel a raw and tranquil Himalayan atmosphere in Meta. Enjoy a warm meal and rest in your comfortable lodge in Meta.

Following the Himlung Mountain Expedition scheduled itinerary, after breakfast in Meta, you’ll begin your trek to Phu Gaon. The trail heading to Phu Gaon is immensely scenic. It rewards you with awe-inspiring views. You can see rugged cliffs, ancient chortens, and mani walls featuring centuries of Tibetan Buddhist heritage on the route.

You will walk along the narrow gorges and gradually follow the uphill path. Continuing further, you may spot sheep on the hillsides. After a scenic and exhilarating five hour walk, you will reach Phu Gaon. There are several stone buildings, prayer flags, and monasteries in Phu Gaon. You will stay at Phu Gaon, soaking up the atmosphere and trying a delicious dinner at the teahouse.

Day 7 is the first acclimatization day of your Himlung climbing expedition. On this day, you will spend a day getting used to the thinner air at the higher altitude. However, during this acclimatization day, you can explore certain areas with your guide. You may choose to visit Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, which is one of the most significant religious sites in the area.

In the evening, you may take a leisurely walk through this beautiful traditional village. The peaceful spiritual atmosphere, unique local customs, traditions, and way of life will make your exploration day more joyful. This rest day during the trekking phase of the Himlung expedition in Nepal helps you acclimate to altitude and appreciate the surreal vistas, enhancing your overall experience.

After a full day of rest in Phu Gaon, your trek continues toward Himlung Base Camp today. The trail goes uphill through rocky paths and fields where yaks graze. You’ll see glacial streams, cliffs, and rocky slopes as you walk. You’ll pass the Kari Koblar Base Camp and cross the Pangir Glacier.

Then, by following the rugged boulders, you will reach the serene Himlung Himal Base Camp. The air is thinner here because of the high altitude, but reaching the camp feels exciting and rewarding. At the base camp, the expedition team will set up tents. You’ll rest here and get ready for the next stage of the expedition. The views of the mountains from the base camp are truly beautiful.

Days 9 to 24 of your Himlung Himal Expedition are dedicated for the summit of Himlung Himal. During these days, your main focus will be climbing and proper acclimatization. You will train and rest in rotations between Base Camp and three higher camps to help your body adjust to the high altitude.

The process starts at Base Camp (4,900 m). You will climb to Camp I (5,450 m) and then return to Base Camp to rest. This rotation helps your body get used to thinner air. Next, you’ll go back up to Camp I for an overnight stay, then move higher to Camp II (6,000 m), and return again to Base Camp. The climb from Camp I to Camp II is short. However, it is demanding due to slope and high altitude. It involves navigating steep snow slopes with patches of ice. Some sections require the use of fixed ropes and cautious footsteps.

Camp III is a high-altitude base camp. It is located at the top of a thin snow ridge. This camp serves as the last camp before the final push for the summit day. The final climb to the top can take 7 to 9 hours and includes steep snow slopes and a narrow ridge. At the summit (7,126 m), you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the Annapurna massif and Manaslu mountain. After enjoying the summit, you will descend to Camp II for rest.

The next day, it’s time to climb down from Camp II back to Base Camp. The descent usually takes around 7 hours. Once at Base Camp, you can celebrate your successful high-altitude mountain expedition with your team.

The exact climbing plan will be made by your guide based on the weather and your condition. The usual plan includes:

• First rotation: Base Camp to Camp I and back
• Second rotation: Base Camp to Camp I (overnight), then Camp II (overnight), and back to Base Camp
• Rest and prepare for the summit push
• Summit push: Base Camp to Camp II (overnight), Camp III (overnight), summit, then descend back to Camp II or III, and finally Base Camp

On Day 25, you’ll begin your return journey from Himlung Base Camp to Phu Gaon. You will have a nourishing breakfast prepared by the climbing crew at the campsite. Then, the whole team will dedicate some time to clean up the base camp area, ensuring we leave nothing behind.

Once the cleanup is complete, you will start trekking downhill toward Phu Gaon. The descent follows a rugged trail through glacial moraines and open alpine terrain. The views remain stunning as you retrace your steps through this remote landscape.

After around 5 to 6 hours of trekking, you’ll reach Phu Gaon, where you’ll be welcomed by the familiar sight of stone houses, fluttering prayer flags, and peaceful surroundings. You’ll spend the night in a teahouse, resting and reflecting on the successful expedition.

On Day 26, after an early breakfast in Phu Gaon, you’ll begin your trek back toward Meta. Today’s trail winds through the beautiful Nar Phu Valley, offering incredible views of Pisang Peak and surrounding mountains. As you descend, you’ll pass ancient monasteries, chortens, and traditional stone structures that reflect the region’s deep Buddhist heritage.

The landscape changes gradually, revealing terraced fields, narrow ridges, and quiet forest patches. Along the way, you’ll cross a suspension bridge and continue through the peaceful village of Chyaku. After around 5 hours of scenic walking, you’ll arrive at Meta, where a cozy teahouse awaits for your overnight rest.

On this day of your journey, you will depart the serene Meta village. The journey sets off in the morning following a downhill trail through tranquil forests.  Along the way, you will cross exhilarating suspension bridges above mountain streams. In addition, you will walk past cascading waterfalls, which will be a truly rejuvenating experience.

This day’s journey takes you through dramatic gorges, pine and fir forests, and narrow cliff-edge trails. The constant sounds of a flowing river en route make your trek more rejuvenating. There are several scattered settlements along the route. So, you will have chances to communicate with the locals and observe their daily life.

In roughly five hours of trekking from Meta, walking along the fir forests and a serene flowing river, you will arrive in the picturesque Koto. You can then have a warm dinner and settle into your cozy teahouse room to rest.

On this day, the trekking portion of the Himlung Expedition in the Himlung region comes to an end. You will wake up early and enjoy your morning meal. Afterwards, you will take a jeep for a visually rewarding road journey towards Besisahar.

In some sections, roads may be bumpy, rough, and uneven. However, changing scenic landscapes at every turn make this adventure more exhilarating.  After days of walking in rugged Himalayan terrains, this day allows you to enjoy a scenic and exhilarating road journey.

You can see green forests and waterfalls along the route. The views will mesmerize you the entire time until you reach Besisahar. After a long 5 hours of driving, you will reach Besisahar, which is your stop before commencing your return to the capital.

• Drive Distance: 65 km

After an unforgettable journey through the mountains, you will enjoy a drive back to Kathmandu. You will depart Besisahar in the morning. The drive through winding roads along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers will keep you captivated. You will stop at various points. This will help you get refreshed and refueled. You will pass through villages, terraced fields, and rolling hills along the route. This journey offers a chance to observe Nepal’s diverse landscapes once again.

You will arrive at your hotel in Kathmandu after a 7 to 8-hour drive. You may spend the afternoon resting. Make sure to enjoy a leisurely dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant. The glow of city lights in Kathmandu provides wonderful ambiance for enjoying dinner and reflecting on incredible moments of your trip.

• Drive Distance: 179 km

Day 30 is your free day in Kathmandu. You can spend this day involved in sightseeing tours. You may explore Kathmandu’s cultural treasures on the day. This historic city has charming and ancient heritage sites with a rich history. You may visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites on this day. Make sure to visit the Swayambhunath Temple. From this historical site, you will get rewarded with panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley. It is among the oldest world heritage sites in Nepal. At this place, you can see people praying and spinning the prayer wheels.

Another popular place that travellers generally choose to visit is the Boudhanath Stupa. You can catch sight of devotees walking around in a clockwise direction. There are many local shops, rooftop cafes, and restaurants at this place. You may visit the cafe, enjoy the local food, and immerse yourself in the stunning sights.

You may visit Pashupatinath Temple, which is a sacred Hindu temple. The temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. This sacred site holds great significance for the Hindus. Here, you can observe ancient traditions, rituals, and architecture.

You can also visit Durbar Square in the evening. Here, you can see temples, palaces, local stalls, and rooftop cafes. Likewise, you will also be treated to a farewell dinner. This moment is also a time for celebration. You can share the experiences of the adventure at this time.

A cultural program will also be organized, providing glimpses of Nepal’s rich culture. Traditional Nepali cuisine will be served. Additionally, you can enjoy energetic performances of folk dances and songs. For the night, you can return to your hotel and get rest after an enchanting cultural program and immersive dining experience.

This is your final day in Nepal. After a leisurely breakfast, you can plan for the day, depending on your flight schedule. You may stroll around Thamel one last time. Likewise, you may also choose to do last-minute souvenir shopping in your spare time. Afterward, we will ensure a smooth checkout from the hotel.

We will drop you at the International Airport in a private vehicle. Then, you may check in and board the flight, leaving Kathmandu with an unforgettable experience. Your Himlung expedition may have come to an end, but the memories you created are something that will be cherished for a long period of time.