Sometimes people and places remain frozen in time and it is the case with Humla district in Nepal. Surrounded by exotic mountains like Api, Saipal, Kanjirova with Karnali – the longest river in Nepal, gushing through its heart, Humla is the very essence of paradise. The people here dress themselves in rustic but beautiful looking ancient ornaments and live in ancient dwellings and pray to gods that the world has long forgotten and sing songs that still connect them to their ancestors. Exotic is the wrong word to describe the region – rather old…beautiful…thoughtful.
The trek in the Humla valley passes through deep gorges, old settlements perched precariously on mountainsides, coniferous and hardwood forests and streams of mules which is the only form of transport here. All the while the snow capped peaks of the Himalayas look down solemnly on your progress. It is a trek that will reconnect you with yourself, your past and your ancestors.
ItineraryDay 01:
Arrive Kathmandu, upon arrival transfer to hotel, stay overnight in Kathmandu Hotel.
Day 2
Free day in Kathmandu, Obtain trekking permit and sort our equipment-Stay in Hotel in Kathmandu
Day 03
Afternoon: Fly to Nepalgunju, transfer to Hotel. Overnight in Nepalgunj. The flight duration is about one hour. Nepalgunj is located in the far south west of Nepal. It is a busy crowded city, which lies close to the Indian border.
Day 04
Fly to Simikot (2856m) then trek to Dharapuri (2400m) – camp Fly by fixed winged Charter flight to Simikot, the headquarters of Nepal’s most remote district, Humla. After meeting our crew, set out for trek, climbing up from the airstrip on a rocky trail past fields of barley and wheat, ascend a forested ridge above the town of Simikot, before making a long steep decent past Dandaphoya. The trail is then fairly level, through walnut and apricot trees, until you come to the scattered village of Dhara Pokhari which is divided by the Yakba Khola.
Day 05
Trek to Salli Khola (2400m) – Camp Leave campsite and then cross a long screed slope and follow the river to a waterfall near the shepherds’ camp at Chachera. The trail then climbs over a ridge and bypass the village of Kermi before entering a big valley with walled fields of potato and buckwheat. After walking through a sparse pine forest you will descend from the ridge to the Salli Khola. Camp by the river.
Day 06
Trek to Muchu (2920m) – Camp Cross the river and climb over a rocky ridge before descending to the gray waters of the Humla Karnali. After crossing another ridge there comes a sandy meadow where goat herders often camp by the river. Beyond the meadow the valley narrows and cross several more ridges, passing the villages of Yalbang and Yangar. The trail then winds its way precariously above the river before you cross a suspension bridge to the village of Muchu
Day 07
Trek to Sipsip (4330m) – camp From Muchu, the trail follows over a ridge to the Tumkot Khola and then along the rocky streambed for a short distance before beginning a steep climb through a rock-filled gully. Pass through Palbang and its bright yellow mustard fields to the small settlement of Yari and beyond here the route climbs up the valley towards a pass, the Nara Lagna. Camp below the pass in a meadow known as Sipsip.
Day 08
Trek over Nara la pass (4325m) – camp at Hilsa -Camp A steep ascent will take you to 4580m. and the Nara La. From the top of the pass it is a steep and rough descent to the Karnali river. A short distance from the river, you will see stone pillars that mark the boundary between Nepal and China.
Day 09
Trek to Manepema (3990m) – camp There is check post at Hilsa, follow the trail that meet the main trail from Sher to the limi valley. You head north east looking down to the Humla Karnali river, the trail here is ups and downs, enjoy the stunning views of Himalaya and good chance to see exotic blue sheep and snow leopards. Manepeme is named after huge stone that is carved with a mantra “Om Mane Padme ome”.
Day 10
Trek to Til (4200m) – camp After breakfast the trail weaves in and out of ravines on the side of the valley, climbing gradually towards the foot of the rock place. The trail descends to a tiny stream then continues down and cross a slope. Climb over two rocky ridges and make a short descend to two chortens that marks the end of ridge above Til Chu. You get to see the first view of Til Gompa across the valley and the barley fields of the Till village. You descend all the way down to a campsite at its confluence with Takchi chu and Til chu.
Day 11
Trek to Limi (4600m) – camp Follow the river of Takchi Chu crossing it on a wooden bridge. After a short walk pass the barley field into Halji, 3670 m. You can bypass the village staying near the river in a pleasant plantation of willow trees. Visit Rijziling Gompa in the heart of the Halji village. The Gompa is dated back to 1000 years and 30 monks are serving there. People depend on farming barley and trade to the boarder at Tibet. Trek further to a small village Sunkhani and reach to a beautiful village Limi.
Day 12
Trek to Yang (4400m) – camp The valley becomes rockier as a trail makes gradual ups and downs. People in Limi make well finished wooded bowls from pine, birch and maple trees that grow on the south side of the river. Pass the village and trek uphill you come to camp site where you see Hot spring, enjoy bathing at hot spring.
Day 13
Rest day – exploration day – camp
Day 14
Trek to Talung (4370m) – camp A short climb takes you over a rocky ridge. Talung is a village that was abandoned many years ago, parts of remnants are still there. There is little hot spring spring on the way. After the lake you ascent about 1 hour to our camp site at Talung.
Day 15
Between the valleys, camp at Dhingba (3610) – camp Talung to Dhingba is strnous, longday crossing 3 pass, Pali La, Kuki la and Sechi la (4530m). Arriving at Dhingba you feel relieved.
Day 16
Yakba (3060m) – camp Easy and short day to reach Yakba, it is a pleasant day.
Day 17
Simikot (2950m) – camp/lodge Trek to Simikot for overnight, last day with staffs, fare well and good night.
Day 18
Fly Nepalunj and connect flight to Kathmandu. Hotel.
Day 19
In Kathmandu – free day to explore Kathmandu own Hotel
Day 20
Transfer to airport, depart Kathmandu.
Cost includes:
01. All meals and full camping trek arrangement with all camping gears
02. Cooking and eating utensils.
03. Service of trek guide, cook, kitchen and sherpa assistants.
04. Porters to carry personal baggage (each 15 kg.), food and camping equipment.
05. Warm clothing, shoes, blankets and dark goggles for high altitude porters as required.
06. Accident insurance for staffs and porters.
07. Domestic Airfare according to programme
08. Nationalpark/conservation entry permit as per programme
09. Arrival and departure transfers.
10. Local / Public transport as shown in the programme
11. Hotel Accommodation on BB (3 star category) as per programme
Cost does not include:
01. Personal clothing and sleeping bag
02. Personal accident and health insurance
03. Emergency evacuation and oxygen cost, and medical-box
04. Alcoholic and bottled beverage, laundry, and tips
05. Sightseeing tours and meals in Kathmandu
06. Any other services and expenses that are not specifically mentioned in the programme.
07. Expenses due to flight delay, sickness other contingencies