Himlung Himal Expedition Highlights
Following the routes of Annapurna Circuit trek and Nar Phu Valley trek
Cultural villages of the Northern Himalayan region
Biodiversity of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)
Customizable trip
Reaching Himlung Himal Summit (7,140m)
Wonderful vista of Manaslu (8,163m), Annapurna Massif, Annapurna South, Gangapurna and Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993m)
Himlung Himal Expedition is one of the most fascinating experience you can ever get in mountaineering. It is far more challenging than Nepal trekking and peak climbing in Nepal. Initially known as Nemjung, Himlung Himal (7,140 m) is located in the Manang district amidst the other mightier Himalayas.
Himlung Himal is around 150 kilometers Northwest from Kathmandu while just 25 kilometers Northwest from Mount Manaslu (8,163 m). Despite many other attempts made earlier, the first Himlung Himal expedition was successfully made on October 27, 1983. It was the joint expedition team of Nepal and the Hirosaki University Alpine Club led by Junji Kurotaki.
Besides, the Himalayas, this trip rewards you with the opportunity to witness the flora and fauna of Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The quaint lifestyle, culture and tradition of Nar Phu Valley are the major cultural attractions of this region.
The ancient monasteries, chortens and mani walls make the journey more meaningful. The Tibetan Buddhist tradition of Nar Phu Valley and mixed ethnic identity of Annapurna region are worthy of experiencing.
From the top of 7,140 m, you will see the Himalayas and Tibetan Plateaus surrounding the massive snowline. Manaslu (8,163 m), Annapurna Massif, Annapurna South, Gangapurna and Mt. Machhapuchhre (6,993 m) are seen above the clouds from Himlung Summit.
Himlung Himal expedition itinerary ranges from 23 days to 35 days. The itinerary is always a subject that can be customized according to the situation. Nepal Trekking Routes has made this voyage for 27 days. As Annapurna Circuit trek is also possible after doing this, the proposed itinerary can further be revised.
Himlung Himal Expedition Route
To reach Himlung Himal Base Camp (4,830 m), you follow the trails of Annapurna Circuit Trek in the beginning. Diverting towards Nar Phu Valley trek route, you cross Nar and Phu Valley. After spending a night at the classic Nar Village, you trek to base camp along the rugged trail.
For the acclimatization purpose, you spend 14 days at the base camp. During this time, you get traine to use the mountaineering tools and other techniques. Time and again, you climb up to Camp 1 (5,400 m) and return to the base camp.
Likewise, next time you ascend to Camp 2 (6,000 m) to test whether you are ready to make this feat! Doing this ascent and descent to and from Base Camp to Camp 1 and 2, you finally reach the summit of this 7,000 m+ peak.
When you reach the top, you trek down to the base camp and then traverse up to Meta Village. If you want to make this journey short, you can drive back to Kathmandu right from Koto. Or else, you will trek to Dharapani and Chamje adding two more days. From Chamje, you return Kathmandu from Chamje via Besisahar.
Himlung Himal Expedition Difficulty
While making a plan, you definitely want to know Himlung Himal Expedition difficulty level. It is obvious that the expedition is far more different from that of trekking or peak climbing in Nepal. Moreover, Himlung Himal is above 7,000 m that requires certain extra preparedness for this expedition.
You need to have good enough preparation and strong mental readiness for reaching the peak of Himlung Himal. Besides, it demands a good deal of training from an authorized agency and by a professional mountaineer.
Yes, it is not as difficult as Everest expedition or Annapurna expedition. But also, you must prepare yourself physically and mentally as if you were going to reach the summit of the 8,000 m+ peaks. In other words, you must plan something bigger to achieve a big feat in the Himalayas!
If you have the previous experience of peak climbing or trekking in Nepal across the high Himalayan passes, you can benefit from it. Nevertheless, if you are physically fit and mentally committe, you will do it!
The Sherpa guide of Nepal Trekking Routes will train you sincerely by giving you all the tricks to win over this challenge. As the time you spend at the base camp of Himlung Himal (7,140 m), it can be properly utilize.
You must be flexible to extend the mission unless you feel confident enough to make this expedition. Because, I think lifelong experience of mountaineering in Nepal is the most valuable thing for you, right!
The Best Time for Himlung Himal Expedition
Spring and autumn has been known as the peak season for all types of adventure tourism in Nepal. It means, these seasons are the best time Himlung Himal expedition and other peak climbing in Nepal.
The months March and April are comparatively safer time for any expedition to carry on. It is so because the weather is fine and the temperature is relatively stable. There is no risk of avalanches.
The months of October and November are also appropriate for making this voyage. Due to the favorable weather, the temperature remains constant ensuring safety. Even in the natural calamities prone zones, there is low or no chance for avalanches and blizzards.
Himlung Himal expedition in summer is a bit trickier. The rainfall may disturb the trails which are often wet. In winter, the higher altitude remains frozen that it is almost impossible to make any mountaineering or expedition schedule.
Food & Accommodation Facilities for Himlung Himal Expedition
While in Kathmandu, you find a large variety of food items chosen from a menu. You begin the trekking in Nepal after driving to Koto from Kathmandu along the black topped and off-road. Until you spend the night at Nar Village, you will get food services according to the availability in teahouses or lodges.
Generally, the typical Nepali cuisine, dal bhat is fo almost everywhere. However, in addition, some continental, Chinese and fast food items will be also find. Pizza, burger and other food items are also available in these lodges.
As soon as you leave Nar Village, you will spend the nights at a campsite. Here, you won’t have much choice. You must eat the food stuffs cooked by your crew members or yourself. You know expedition is not all about getting all the luxury of urban areas!
The food and accommodation services after you leave for Camp 1 and Camp 2 are more compromising. You will have a portable stove on which you cook as per the situation. You also know that it is hard to carry a heavy load of foodstuffs while climbing along the massive icy mountains!
