Himlung Himal Expedition

These two days are devoted to the last preparations for the climb: administrative formalities, a full equipment check and a briefing with the technical team on the use of mountaineering gear. Depending on the time available, you can also explore some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu valley — Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath and Durbar Square are among the main places to visit. Nights in Kathmandu (1,400 m).

A first day on the road takes you from Kathmandu to Besisahar. The Prithvi Highway winds west following the course of the Trishuli River, through the small towns of Malekhu and Mugling. The landscape gradually changes, between natural and cultural diversity. Night in Besisahar (760 m).

The road continues today from Besisahar to Koto, for another long day. After breakfast, it passes through Syange and then Dharapani, against a backdrop of snow-capped peaks, waterfalls and green hills, to Baharchhap. From there, the rough tracks of the Annapurna Circuit lead to the village of Koto. Night in Koto (2,600 m).

This day marks the entry into the restricted area of the Nar Phu valley, after presenting the permits at the police checkpoint. The trail leads to Meta, following the Soti Khola River through pine and rhododendron forests, past waterfalls. From the hamlet of Dharamsala, the trail becomes steep, climbing in narrow switchbacks up sloping hillsides to the village. Night in Meta (3,560 m).

From Meta, the trail leads to Kyang, with Pisang Peak (6,091 m) as a backdrop. It passes through Jhunum and then the village of Chyakhu, where two rivers are crossed, including the Murju Khola River, before crossing long stony stretches dotted with chortens to the hamlet of Kyang. Night in Kyang (3,840 m).

After Kyang, and the crossing of the Phu Khola River, the trail enters a vast blue-pine forest, watched over by Annapurna I (8,091 m) and Annapurna IV (7,525 m). A few monasteries line the climb to Phu Gaon, a small medieval village with a distinctive culture and traditions, where Himlung Himal appears for the first time in the distance. Night in Phu Gaon (3,900 m).

The trail leads from Phu Gaon to Himlung Base Camp, through yak pastures, snow-covered terraces and long glaciers. The trail leaves aside the branch to Ratna Chuli, then climbs steeply to the top of a ridge before reaching the camp, where the tents are set up for the climbing period. Night at Himlung Base Camp (4,900 m).

These days make up the climbing window itself. After a day of rest and technical preparation at base camp, the climb begins towards Camp I, crampons and ice axe in hand, across snow-covered terraces and glaciers, watched over by high snow-capped mountains. The climb from Camp I to Camp II is steep and made on a fixed rope; on arrival, the view opens onto the Annapurna massif and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m). Camp III is then reached by traversing snow slopes, a stage that may require several attempts depending on conditions. It is from there that the final climb to the summit of Himlung (7,126 m) sets off, at the end of which a panorama opens onto a multitude of snow-capped peaks. The descent is made by the same route to base camp. Nights in a tented camp.

The return begins with the walk from base camp to Phu Gaon, on the same trails as the outward journey: yak pastures, forest, sharp slopes and high hills. The views of Annapurna I (8,091 m), Annapurna IV (7,525 m) and Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) accompany the descent. Night in Phu Gaon (3,900 m).

Watched over by Himlung Himal (7,126 m), the trail descends to Meta, crossing the Phu Khola River, then long stretches dotted with chortens. After the hamlet of Chyakhu and the Murju Khola River, the view opens onto Annapurna II (7,937 m), Pisang Peak (6,091 m) and Lamjung Himal (6,983 m). Night in Meta (3,560 m).

After breakfast, the trail leaves Meta to reach Koto. It descends through the rhododendron and pine forest, with its wildlife and lush vegetation, to the hamlet of Dharamsala, then follows the Soti Khola River, crossing many waterfalls and suspension bridges, largely following the course of the Nar Khola River. Night in Koto (2,600 m).

Today is a day on the road: the way back from Koto to Besisahar goes down the Marsyangdi valley. Near Baharchhap, the distinctive traditions of the Sherpa and Gurung peoples are revealed, and the road passes through the village of Dharapani, still offering a few glimpses of the snow-capped peaks. Night in Besisahar (760 m).

Today, you say your goodbyes to the Himalayas. The road takes you back from Besisahar to Kathmandu, via the towns of Mugling and Malekhu, along the Trishuli River. The last panoramas of the mountains and hills accompany the journey before arriving in the capital, where the end of the day can be spent on last-minute shopping. A farewell dinner in the evening brings the expedition to a close. Night in Kathmandu (1,400 m).

Last day in Nepal. A representative of our local partner accompanies you to Tribhuvan International Airport two hours before the scheduled time of your flight — a chance to share your impressions of this expedition. Goodbye!