Mt. Himlung (7,126m) has been becoming a popular 7,000m peak day by day among the climbers and this mountain is infrequently visited the mountain of Nepal. It’s situated between the border of Nepal and Tibet in the north of the Annapurna and Manaslu, majestically located above the Tibetan village of Phu in the western region of Nepal that was opened in 1992 by the Nepalese government. Ever since it was opened for trekking/expeditions only a few expedition teams including Japanese, French and Australian have carried out the expedition on this mountain.
Mt. Himlung is not a tough climbing but moderately challenging one. Therefore, if you have gained the following experiences then you are fit to participate in our Himlung expedition. If you are looking forward to climbing an 8,000m peak or even Mt.Everest (8,848m), then it would be the right step to test yourself to check how you perform at high altitude. This expedition will be your pre-training before attempting any 8000m peak.
You must be well aware of the mountaineering gears like Crampon, boot, Ice axe, harness etc and if you are used to rock-climbing would be plus point. If you have climbed peaks in Europe or any other parts of the world and looking for a challenging climb in the Himalayas, then it’s your prefect choice.
We establish our Base Camp at 4842m on grassy land and three high camps are required to attempt the summit. Camp I at 5,619m, CampII at 5,987m and CampIII as the last camp at 6,400m. While our strong team of Sherpa staffs set up various high camps, members have the chance to going up and down for good acclimatization and we attempt the summit on a favorable day for everyone. Due to our good strategy and expert logistics support, the success rate to this mountain has been high every year and we use the normal route (west face) to ascent this peak.
After 8 hours drive to Bulbhule via Beshishar, our trek commences from the classic Annapurna circuit route till Dharapani and then leaves towards the route from Koto, then to Tibetan village, Kyang, Phugaon where we spend one day extra for proper acclimatization and local exploration. From the Phugoan, we do a day trek to get into the base camp and we have about 15 days for the establishment of high camps, necessary acclimatization and to attempt the peak. We will take 5 days trek back to Bulbhule from the same way; we went up to the base camp.
DETAILS ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m), Transfer to Hotel and briefing
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
Sight tour, necessary preparation for expedition
You will be transferred to our office for documentation work. You will also be introduced with your crew members and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. In the afternoon, half day sightseeing tour will be organized during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3
Drive to Besisahar (800m) 8hrs
Leaving Kathmandu early in the morning, we will follow Prithvi Highway till we reach Dumre. We will take a branched path from Dumre to Besisaharwhich is the district headquarter of Lamjung. Our journey is exciting with scenic views of green hills, river and forest at the backdrop. Hotels and lodges are found in abundance in Besisahar. Stay overnight at Besisahar.
Day 4
Drive to Koto (2600m), 6-7 hrs
From Besi Sahar, we will lower down to Bhalam River and pass through the small settlements of Khudi, Bhulbhule and Ngadi which will take us to yet another river. We will cross this river and walk through rice terraces to Syange village. Moving ahead, we will reach small village of Jagat and lower down to Marsyangdi River. Walking along the eastern edge, we will walk through forest. We will climb uphill to Sattale and pass through small settlements of Tal Besi and Tal Karte to Dharapani. Walking further through forest, we will reach Timang from where we will take brief walk to Koto for overnight stay.
Day 5
Trek to Meta (3560m)6hrs
We will cross river that continues to Nar Phu valleys and walk to the forest located above Phu River. The trail continues further along cave to Dharmasala. Walking along canyon, we will reach pasture land and continue walking to the temporary settlement of Meta. Stay overnight at Meta.
Day 6
Trek to Kyang(3820m) 6hrs
Leaving Meta, we will pass through temporary winter settlement of Nar where we can see yak grazing lazily on Himalayan herbs. Walk through the low shrubs and bushes with scenic mountain views at the backdrop to Junam which is the semi-permanent settlement. Enjoy the views of glaciers as we head towards semi-permanent settlement of Chako. Taking series of ups and downs from Chako, we will reach Kyang where we will stay overnight.
Day 7
Trek to PhuGaon (4080m) 5hrs
We will follow the descending trail to river. Following the river, we will walk through settlements where we can see colourful chortens. The trail continues along glacial stream, Canyonlands and gorges and arrive at Phu gate. This ancient gate is known as PupigyalKwe. Enjoy the views of three villages of Phu from this ancient gate. Enter PhuGaon for overnight stay.
Day 8
Rest & Acclimatization at Phugaon
This is a rest day. We will visit local villages to meet with locals. Dzong and remains of two forts are also place of interest in Phugaon. Time permitting, we will visit Tashi Lhakhang Gompa to meet with Lama Karma SonamRimpoche. Stay overnight at PhuGaon.
Day 9
Trek to Himlung Base camp(4842m) 5hrs
Leaving PhuGaon early in the morning, we will head towards Himlung Base Camp. The trail is moderately challenging. We will pass through rocky section and climb narrowly rising slope to reach the base camp. HimlungBase Camp is located in a scenic place with great views of surrounding mountains. Stay overnight at Himlung Base Camp.
Day 10-25
Load ferry, acclimatization, route opening and Summit attempt on Mt. Himlung(7,126m)
We will allocate first few days for preparation to climb Himlung. Guide will share Himlung climbing strategy with team. He will also provide you with necessary instructions and teach you what to do and how should you call for help if in case of emergency. Once the Sherpas make way and fix cables wherever necessary and set up High camps, we will begin Himlung Climbing.
Base Camp to High Camp I (5619m)
We will choose the commercial route that begins from western face. High Camp I is located on the southeast ridge.
High Camp I to High Camp II (5987m)
We may need to use oxygen mask from Camp I onwards. We can get the view of long ridge reaching to the summit from High Camp I.
High Camp II to High Camp III (6400m)
We will set our Camp3 on ledge. Crossing glacier, we will make 40 degree climb and reach snowfield with help of fixed ropes.
High Camp III to Summit and Back to Base Camp
We will climb 40 degree slope and move through snow and ice to reach to the summit. We will enjoy the breath-taking views of summit and lower down to Camp4.
Day 26
Trek to PhuGaon 5hrs
We will celebrate the successful climb of Himlung Peak. After clearing the base camp, we will retrace the route back to PhuGaon through moraine valley. Stay overnight at PhuGaon.
Day 27
Trek to Meta 6hrs
This is going to be a long descending trek. From PhuGaon, we will reach Kyang and walk through Chako and Junam to Meta. Following the green pasture land, we will reach temporary settlement of Meta where we will stay overnight.
Day 28
Trek to Koto 6hrs
After an early morning tea, we will walk through pasture land to Dharmasala. The trail continues along cave to forest located above Phu River.
Day 29
Drive to Beshishar, overnight guesthouse 6hrs
Leaving Koto, we will reach Timang village. Walking through the forest area, we will arrive at Dharapani from where the trail continues through small settlement of Tal Karte to Sattale. Lowering down from Sattale, we will cross forest and pass through Jagat village to Syange village. Crossing Ngadi village, we will reach Besi Sahar where we will stay overnight.
Day 30
Drive to KTM 8hrs
8hours of scenic ride will take us back to Kathmandu. We will join Prithvi Highway at Dumre and return to Kathmandu where you will be transferred to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 31
Extra/Free day in KTM
Spend the rest of the day as you like. You can go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items. We can also arrange for guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, you can arrange your photo albums an
d jot down memories in your journal. Stay overnight in a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 32
Depart for home, transfer to Int'l airport
We will transfer you to the Airport as per your scheduled flight for your onward destination. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.
