Mt. Himlung Expedition (7,126m) - 32 days

Mt. Himlung (7,126m) has been becoming a popular 7,000m peak day by day among the climbers and this mountain is infrequently visited mountain of Nepal. It’s situated between the border of Nepal and Tibet in 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 few expedition team including Japanese, French and Australian have carried out 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 on our Himlung expedition. If you are looking forward to climb any 8,000m peak or even Mt.Everest (8,848m), then it would be a right step to test yourself to check how you perform in 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.

Climbing Route and High Camps

We establish our Base Camp at 4842m on a 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 well acclimatization and we attempt 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.

Journey

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.

TRIP HIGHTLIGHTS

Expert & experienced cook and crews
Excellent and comfortable camping logistics
Medical back up Oxygen with mask set throughout the trip
Trek & Climb to the area without crowds
Trek in and out via, the world famous trek route “Annapurna Circuit”
Perfect mountain as pre-Expedition to any 8000m mountains
Trek into mystical area (Narphu), where still the pure Tibetan cultures and traditional exists
Climb the 7,000m peak not technically tough challenging, with professional and Everest Summitted Sherpa Guides

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 and 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.

Start Date

End Date

Availability

Price

Min.

Start Date

14th Oct 2019

End Date

14th Nov 2019

Availability

GUARANTEED

Price

USD 6,800

Min

Book

REMARKS : If you have private team (+2 persons team), contact our sales person for special group based discounted cost

COST INCLUDES

Climbing Royalty fee and all govt. taxes for Mt. Himlung
Special trekking permit fee for Nar &Phu area
National Park/Conservation permit fees
4 nights, 3 star hotel accommodation on twin shared room BB basis
Kathmandu to Syange by private transport
Liaison officer wages, allowances & insurance
Expedition Sherpa Guide
Climbing support Sherpas on 1:2 ratios
Cook (s) and necessary kitchen staffs
Require number of porters and yaks to & from Base Camp (BC)
All necessary Climbing hardware gears including fixed ropes
All necessary camping and kitchen gears
Meals (B/L/D), during trekking and climbing period
High altitude food for higher camps
Best quality single or twin shared tent with sleeping mattress at Base Camp
High altitude tents as require
Oxygen with regulator set for medical purpose at BC
Gamov/PAC bag for medical purpose
A group medical kit
Satellite phone for emergency call purpose (personal calls on payable basis)
Walkie-talkie sets
High camps stoves and gases (EPI gas with burners)
Insurance of climbing Sherpa and local team members
All airport/hotel transfers by private vehicles
Celebration dinner

COST EXCLUDES

Medical/Personal high risk travel insurance
Personal trekking and climbing gears (gear list will be provide upon booking the trip)
Major meals in Kathmandu
Boiled water, Bottle water, Hot shower, Battery Charging etc while on trek in/out base camp
Cost of personal nature expenses
Cost of electronic appliances
International air ticket and departure tax
Tip to the local staff
Cost occurred due to delay and cancellation of flights, extension of trek and climbing period etc.

Fitness

Any expedition that goes to 7,000m requires a very high level of aerobic fitness. Being fit will certainly improve your chances of reaching your chosen summit. Your resting heart rate should be below 60 but preferably below 50. You should be able to run 20km on flat ground in under 2.5 hours and walk with a very light pack for 100km in less than 20 hours on a mixture of flat and hilly terrain. Endurance and the ability to carry a heavy pack of up to 25kg is more important than sprint ability. Upper body strength will not be a big factor in this climb, more legs and lungs.

In order to get ready for this challenge, you need to be trained at least for about 6 to 8 months to prepare yourself as strong candidate. You can go to fitness center every morning for about 2 hours, do hiking every weekend with increasing weights on your pack (i.e.10kg, 15kg, 20 kg, and up to 25kg), manage some time for cycling for couple of hours for 3 or 4 times a week. However during climbing and acclimatization, there might be little symptoms of altitude illness like mild headache, fatigue etc. but take it as normal and just drink a lot of water (4 – 5 liters) every day. On this trek, youneed to be able to hike 6 – 10 hours over hilly terrain up to 6,000m of altitude with daypack.On the summit push, extra effort is required walking on ice and climbing up to 12 – 14 hours. We will have porters to carry our heavy camping equipment, food and also the climbing gears.

Experience Required

This trip is aimed at the moderately experienced climber and/or very fit athlete wanting to test them at high altitude before attempting the 8000m peak. Suitable experience would be a past climbing trip to one of the 6,000m peak in the Himalayas (i.e. Island Peak 6,160m, Lobuche Peak 6,119m, Mera Peak 6,476m or any other one), or have completed technical mountaineering course and a good level of proficiency with leading rock climbs combined withiceand skiing experiences. If you are fit and motivated but lacked technical climbing skills or suitable experience, we have options to keep you safe and get you high. This might be a personal Sherpa or a pre-trip training course.

You must have well knowledge about how to play with mountaineering gears, good with rock climbing and ice climbing, will surely increase the chances of reaching thesummit and also previous trekking and mountaineering experiences is mandatory butdoesn’t really require any extreme technical experience.

Are you preparing for any 8000m peak Expedition?

This will be a great trip to test yourself at high altitude, preparing for a climb of 8000m or even climbing the Mt. Everest. This would be a great stepping-stone that would give your body to experience with adjusting the extreme altitude and give you the confidence of working with the Sherpa people who would be with you on Everest. The Dream Himalaya Adventures' familiarity with the Himalayas has possessed the great potentiality of letting you experience the footsteps of Hillary and Tenzin on Mt. Everest.