Himlung Expedition

Key Information
  • Duration27 Days
  • DestinationNepal
  • Difficulty Level Technically Challenging
  • Max Altitude 7126m
  • Starts/Ends Kathmandu - Kathmandu
  • Best Season March - May and September - November

Trip Highlights

  • Himlung Himal summit 7126m.
  • Less technical, easy accessible and less risky.
  • Meet the Nepali climbimbers and exchange climbing experience.
  • Enhance mountaineering skills.
  • Visit the local villages, the local monasteries and explore the Tibetan Buddhist culture.
  • Get to see the unique lifestyle of the mountain people and witness a diverse landscape.

Trip Overview

Mt Himlung Himal sits in a remote corner of the Manaslu region on the border between Tibet and Nepal. This magical, unspoilt corner of the Himalayas was previously off limits to foreigners, with the Nepalese government only opening the area 1992. Because of this not many have ever seen this majestic peak never mind climb it. Local knowledge and the few previous expeditions have recognized however that for a mountain that stands at over 7000m it is safe and relatively untechnical making it one of the more accessible mountains of its size.

The five day approach to the mountain follows a valley that is often described as one of the most beautiful in the world. Picture cascading waterfalls, Monasteries perched on mountain sides and hanging glaciers, all before we even reach Base Camp.

You shall be immersing yourself in the incredible Nepalese culture, staying in quaint mountain villages and rustic teahouses as you ascend towards base camp where the climbing period will begin. Supported by a team of experienced guides and Sherpa your camps will be established and all supplies and amenities catered for on the mountain so you can focus on acclimatization and taking it all in before your push for the summit.

How do we climb Mount Himlung Himal?

Mount Himlung Himal climbing is divided into two phases- trekking and climbing.

Trekking Phase:

Mount Himlung Himal expedition starts with a long drive (9-10 hours) to Koto village via Besisahar, Besisahar is the gateway of the popular trekking destination Annapurna Circuit Trek. From Koto you will trek through beautiful villages, crossing numerous suspension bridges over the Marshyangdi River. Landscapes and mountain views are incredible throughout the trek.

The trail then ascends to Phu village which is situated at the most remote area of Nepal where you will interact with local people, explore their culture and see their lifestyle. You will visit the ancient Tibetan Buddhis monasteries, you will stay overnight in the local guesthouses during trekking and you will have an opportunity to taste local Nepali foods.

Climbing Phase:

The route to the base camp of Mt. Himlung Himal is mixed rugged and steep. Upon reaching the Himlung Base Camp, you will be welcomed by our staff, and from here onwards, the real adventure begins. At the base camp, you will spend 12 to 15 days doing acclimatization rotations. Mt. Himlung has three different camps where you spend your nights above base camp.

"Your team leader will also organize pre-climbing training sessions during which you will polish your climbing skills and learn some basic climbing vocabulary and how to use climbing gear."

Camp I is situated at 5430 meters. First, you will climb to Camp I, return to the base camp, and rest. This is your first rotation. The climbing route to Camp I follows through glacier, rocky trail and takes around 4-5 hours to reach. On the way, you will navigate via large rocky glacier and climb an easy fourth-class piece without any fixed ropes. 

For the next rotation, you will climb to Camp II, which is located at 6000 meters. It takes around 3 hours to reach Camp II from Camp I. From the Himlung Base Camp, you will climb to Camp I, spend a night here, and proceed to Camp II the next day for the acclimatise purpose then you will return all the way back to Base Camp. 

For the final push, you will begin climbing from the Himlung Base Camp to Camp I and stay overnight here. The following day, climb to Camp II and stay overnight here. On day three, physically fit climbers do the summit push and return to Camp II or Camp I to spend the night. Whereas average climbers ascend to Camp III situated at 6350 meters, spend the night there, and then push to the summit the next day and return to Camp II or Camp I.

While climbing from Camp II to Camp III, you will use fixed ropes along the entire way. The surrounding mountain views are excellent. It takes around 2 hours to reach Camp III from Camp II and trails are not very steep climbing. 

From Camp III to the summit (7126m) involves demanding slopes of snow-ice climbing at a 60-degree + angle. After the summit push, you will return to the base camp. Our team will be all ready to welcome you with a hot drink followed by a celebration dinner.

You will then trek back to Koto, retracing the path via Phu village and Koto village and drive back to Kathmandu.

*Note: Our support crew will set up all the tents and take care of your meals. You will be all focused on acclimatizing, climbing, and resting.

Join on our expedition 2024

Ascent Adventures Nepal first organized this expedition in 2022 between March-April. We have fresh experience on how to make a successful summit and now we are organizing every Spring and Autumn season. If anyone is looking for a mountain above 7000m we highly recommend Himlung. Feel free to contact us and get more information.

History- Himlung Himal was first climbed via the East Ridge on October 27-1983.

 

Itinerary

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These are our regular itineraries; please feel free to contact with us if you would like to customise them to suit with your budget and timetable.

One of our company representatives will be waiting for you to welcome and receive you from the airport. Outside of the exit gate, he will be standing with your name written on a board. You will easily find him; he will greet you, and then he will take you to the hotel by private vehicle. Our hotel will be located in Thamel, which is in the heart of Kathmandu city. In the evening we will take you for a welcome dinner at a Nepali restaurant where you will test Nepali cuisine and observe Nepali cultural shows.

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Welcome dinner
  • Altitude: 1350m
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast only

Today is your preparation day. You will meet with your guide, who will brief you about the entire trip and check your gear to make sure you have enough equipment for the entire journey. If you don't have proper gear, then the guide will advise you to purchase enough. You can buy or rent from the trekking shop nearby the hotel.

We will take you on a short Kathmandu city tour. The tour guide will take you to Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, which is situated at a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will get an opportunity to engage with locals and witness Nepalese customs, culture, religion, and tradition during the tour. 

  • Distance:
  • Altitude: 2610m
  • Duration: 9-10 hours
  • Accommodation: Local guest house
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Distance:
  • Altitude: 3560m
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Accommodation: Local guest house
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Distance:
  • Altitude: 3900m
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Accommodation: Local guest house
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Hike to Monastery and back to village and rest
  • Distance: 10kl
  • Altitude: 4900m
  • Duration: 4-5 hours
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner served by chief.

During the Himlung Summit, you will spend most of the time at base camp. At base camp, you will do puja rituals, ceremonies for blessings, and climbing training. First, climb up to camp 1, then return to base camp for acclimatisation and take a rest according to your physical condition. The next climb will be up to camp 1 and spend the night, and the next day, climb up to camp 2 and return all the way back to base camp. Spend a few days resting at base camp according to your physical condition. 

When you and all your teams are ready for the last push, then you will climb up to Camp 1 and spend the night; the next day, Camp 2, spend the night; the next day, Camp 3, spend the night, and climb for the summit from Camp 3. On the summit day, you can walk all the way back to camp 2 or camp 1, then walk back to base camp, celebrate, and prepare for your return.

  • Distance: 24km
  • Altitude: 3560m
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Accommodation: Local guest house
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinnerm
  • Distance: 15 kl
  • Altitude: 2610m
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Accommodation: Local guest house
  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Distance:
  • Altitude: 1350m
  • Duration: 10 hours
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast only
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast and farewell dinner
  • Meals: Breakfast only

 Ascent Adventures Nepal representatives will transport you to the airport by private vehicle for your smooth departure around three hours prior to your scheduled flight. 

Cost Details

Includes
  • Arrival pickup and drop-off by private vehicle
  • 4 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu in a 4-star category hotel on the BB plan.
  • Welcome & Farewell diner in a tourist-standerd restaurent in Kathmandu.
  • PERMITS: expedition royalty and a permit fee of the Nepal government to climb Himlung Himal, Annapurna conservation area entry permit, and Nar-Phu restricted area permit fee.
  • Garbage: garbage management fee.
  • LISIAN OFFICER: 1 government liaison officer with full equipment, salary, and accommodation.
  • Insurance: Emergency helicopter rescue insurance for Nepali climbers. Medical and accidental insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and expedition.
  • TRANSPORTATION: Member's transportation by private vehicle.
  • Expedition stuff transportation: all the necessary expedition equipment transportation.
  • FOOD AND ACCOMMODATION 3 meals a day, such as breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including hot drinks such as tea and coffee. Accommodation in a local guest house during the trek and individual tents at Basecamp and C1, C2, and C3 on a sharing basis, and we will have a toilet tent and shower tent at Basecamp.
  • High-altitude foods, EPI gas, cooking pot as required.
  • CLIMBING GUIDE: 1 member-1 climber, including his insurance, equipment bonus, daily wages, food, and accommodation.
  • PORTER: to carry members's baggage and to transport all the necessary expedition equipment.
  • COOK: 1 professional Basecamp cook and kitchen helper.
  • HEATER: Heater at base camp in the dining room and solar power/generator for battery charging and lights.
  • Oxygen bottle in case of an emergency with an appropriate charge.
  • ROPE: Fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period as required.
  • Satellite Phone: A satellite phone for emergency calls is also available for members with an appropriate charge and walkie-talkie.
  • Medical kit
  • Certificate after successful summit.
Excludes
  • International flight.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from the Expedition than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu than the schedule program and in case of early return.
  • Insurance policy: insurance covering both medical and high altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation,etc.
  • Personal expenses.
  • Personal climbing equipment.
  • Toiletries.
  • Internet service.
  • Summit bonus minium $700 for summiter climbers.
  • Tips: tips for basecamp staff –minimum $200 per person.
  • Extra: any other services or activities, which are not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the "cost includes" section.
Client Reviews
  • rating starIncredible trip with Ascent Adventures.

    We climbed Himlung Himal with Ascent Adventures and had the most incredible trip.
    First I want to mention the amazing people on the team. We were in the mountains with them for 3 weeks and they looked after us so well. We were like one big family for the whole time and we got very connected to them. The connections we had were some of the best memories for me.

    The supported us so well on the climb and planned everything so well.
    We had amazing food and facilities for how remote we were up the mountain.

    Finally I want to mention our lead guide Bigraj. He works so hard to make sure we were always safe and enjoying the trip.
    He Perfectly chose the team of guides and Sherpa’s for our group and the trip and everything ran so smoothly.
    Great energy and communication skills.

    Thanks for a memorable trip.

    Arron
    ArronUnited Kingdom, January 13, 2024
    TripAdvisor
  • rating starNew World Record with Bigraj!

    We took to Himlung Himal 7126m trying to break a world record for the highest altitude climbed by a team with spinal cord injuries. We broke the previous record and had an unbelievable 3 weeks with Bigraj and his team. Memories that will last a lifetime and a guide that should be crowned King of NEPAL. Unbelievable Bigraj thank you so much for all your hard work!!!

    Beetle
    BeetleUnited Kingdom, January 08, 2024
    TripAdvisor
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