Genuine Reviews on :

Limi Valley Trek

  Nepal , Off the Beaten Path Trek , Restricted Region Trek

Duration

20 days

Tour Type

Trekking/Hiking

Group Size

2+

Accommodation

Tea house/camping

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Max. Altitude

4,100 m

Best Season

Through Out The Year

Departure from

Kathmandu

Hightlight

  • Scenic flight to Simikot from Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
  • One of the best offbeat treks of Nepal
  • Exploration of unspoiled nature and typical culture
  • Various animals and birds in the lush forests
  • Ancient monasteries, mani walls and chortens
  • Amazing Himalayan view of Mt. Saipal (7,031m), Mt. Api (7,132m), Mt. Kanjirowa (6,883m), Annapurna (8,091m) Massif, Mt. Kailash (6,638m) and many more

Overview

Limi Valley Trek is a popular off the beaten path trek to the far western Nepal. It was only opened only from 2002 AD for the foreign trekkers. As it is a restricted area trekking in Nepal, you need a special trekking permit.

You walk along the banks of the Karnali River, Nepal’s longest river. Spending the nights at the tented camp in complete wilderness is something giving you a lifelong experience.

Limi Valley trek rewards you with amazing variety of flora, fauna and captivating view of the Himalayas of Nepal and Tibet as well.

While traversing through the pine, birch, oak and rhododendron forests, you might have glimpses of wild birds and animals. The common species of animals you come across are snow leopard and blue sheep.

Similarly, the stunning view of Mt. Saipal (7,031m), Mt. Api (7,132m), Mt. Kanjirowa (6,883m), Annapurna (8,091m) Massif, Mt. Kailash (6,638m) makes your trip more worth of visiting.

The cultural aspects of this hidden valley are also notable. Most of the people here follow Tibetan Buddhist customs and costumes. It is so because Limi Valley is closer to Tibet than the urban areas of Nepal.

You can see a large number of monasteries, chortens and mane walls. The colorful prayer flags add to the beauty of these Buddhist shrines. You will visit Laiko Gompa, Chundrup Choeling Gompa, Namka Khyung Dzong Gompa and Dhungkar Choezon Monastery.

Actually, Limi Valley trek focuses on three villages of this serene village. Til, Halji and Jang are the prominent villages standing like a showcase of Buddhist lifestyle, culture and tradition intact for centuries.

The 1,000-years-old Halji Gompa and Jang Gompa are the evidence of Tibetan Buddhist practices in this region. You can talk to the monks and the Rinpoche (Guru) to know more about their history.

Limi Valley Trek Itineary

The average Limi Valley trek itinerary ranges from 18 days to 22 days. If you want to spend a couple of days in the Limi Valley, the itinerary obviously becomes longer. On the other hand, you can shorten it by minimizing the acclimatization days.

Likewise, you can do Kailash Mansarovar trek via Simikot while doing Limi Valley trek. This gives you double-pack experience of visiting the best pilgrimage of Tibet and the hidden valley of the far western Nepal.

You will reach the Roof of the World, Tibetan Plateau as well as explore the natural and  natural wonders of Limi Valley. In this way, Kailash Mansarovar & Limi Valley trek itinerary becomes longer influencing its cost as well.

Limi Valley Trek Cost

As Limi Valley trek is completely a camping trekking in Nepal, the cost is obviously different from that of teahouse trekking in Nepal. The cost happens to be a little higher as you have to pay for the crew.

To carry the camping equipment from one location to another, you need a few porters. The average cost of a porter is nearly USD 20 – USD 25.

Nevertheless, as you have to eat the food items prepared by your own crew, the cost may be minimized. You have no option to choose from the menu of a teahouse or hotel.

But, the domestic flight to and back from Simikot, the cost differs from travelling via the roadway transportation. You can also choose Kathmandu-Nepalgunj two-way travel by using roadway transportation.

Similarly, you have to pay for the restricted area trekking permit, which results into a little higher amount.

Food & Accommodation Facilities

Limi Valley trek is one of the most popular off beat path trek in Nepal. As it is a newly explored trekking region of Nepal, you don’t find teahouses or lodges on the route. It is completely a camping trekking in which the trekking agency(company) itself is responsible for providing food and accommodation facilities.

The agency hires the crew that comprises the crew leader, a cook, kitchen helper and the porters. The porters carry the camping equipment like cooking items and food supplies. You have to compromise on the large varieties of food items.

Whatever your cook prepares, you must be happy with it. But, camping trekking in Nepal has its own interesting story behind. You can enjoy the wilderness of the trekking region and share happiness with the fellow travelers.

Trek Difficulty

Despite the remoteness, Limi Valley trek difficulty is of moderate type. Once you reach Simikot, you have an off-road to reach Limi Valley. You can ride on a jeep by  sharing with other fellow trekkers as well.

But the off-road track may be dusty in hot season and muddy in rainy season. Travelling to Limi Valley by jeep in monsoon is quite challenging as the way is blocked due to the landslides.

Otherwise, this trek is accessible even for the beginners. The longest duration to trek is 8 hours but there are not many high passes. The highest pass is Nyalu La Pass (4,940m) while trekking from Talung to Shinjungma.

You follow the trails just high above the Karnali River. Some sections of the trail are made by cutting the rocks of the hill. To cross such sections, you must really be careful!

 Altitude Sickness

Yes, there is possibility of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) during Limi Valley trek. You spend most of the time above 2,500 meters elevation.

However, there can avoid altitude sickness by taking some precautions. First of all, you must drink enough water as well as have hygienic food items and sound rest. Walking slowly along the steep hilly trail is another way to minimize the risk of shortness of breath.

Similarly, avoid the substances like smoking cigarette and drinking alcohol to keep your physical condition balance. Don’t forget to keep the first aid box that cure the AMS.

Last but not the least, as soon as you feel any symptom of AMS, you must consult with the trekking guide. The trekking guide is well known about such problems so that he can give you better suggestions to avoid any mishaps.

Itinerary

Reception at the Kathmandu Airport and transfer to the hotel. Option to visit Thamel in the leisure time on your own.

Guided tour around the KathmanduValley. The Monkey Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Boudddhanath Stupa will be visited. After returning to the hotel, briefing about Limi Valley trek itinerary from the trekking guide. Management of trekking gears as suggested by the team leader.

Scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. After landing at the Ranjha Airport, hotel transfer. Bageshwori Temple, Banke National Park, Muslim Bazaar, Water Park, Christian Mission and the Rapti River are some of the must-visit sites.

Domestic flight to Simikot by enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Terai, Hilly and Himalayan regions. Explore the mixture of local Humli culture and Tibetan culture in this electric town.

 

As you reach nearly 3,000m from 150m in an hour, you may feel some symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Therefore, take enough water, rest and hygienic food to maintain the physical and psychological health state.

Walking downhill in the beginning and then ascending towards a 3,000m-pass, you move high above the Karnali River. You go across the dense pine forests and a few villages while come across the people carrying loads. Finally, you set up a tented camp near the Karnali River.

Following the rocky trails winding up and down, you walk along the Karnali River through the narrow gorges. Then, the trail runs through the terraced fields of buckwheat, rice, barley and potatoes. Enjoying the natural hot springs on the way, you reach Kermi Village.

 

Kermi is a small Buddhist village that is based on agriculture. Here, you can explore two old monasteries: Laiko Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa. Overnight stay at a tented camp enjoying the splendid wilderness.

By witnessing the stunning view of Mt. Saipal (7,031m), you move along the Karnali River through the pine forests. Then, you move on to the Sali Pass (3,113m) and then continue through the Chumsa Khola Valley.

 

On the way, you come across many travellers with the caravans of yaks and dzopas carrying loads. As this is the trading route to Simikot from Tibet via Taklakot. These people are going to or coming from Taklakot with the goods.

 

Finally, you reach the Alban School area and set up your camp there. Here, you will visit a 50-year-old Namka Khyung Dzong Gompa. Here, you can find 130 monks led by a Rinpoche (Guru of Buddhists). In the rest of the time, spend the time by observing the astounding view of the Himalayas of the upper Humla region.

Following the snaky trail, you walk past Yangar Village. Then, by crossing the pine forests, you go across a wooden bridge over the Karnali River. Moving further through the gorges, you reach Muchu Village. Finally, you reach Tumkot to set up the tented camp.

 

A little further from the camp site, there is the Dhungkar Choezom Monastery. It is the only Shakya Monastery located in Humla district and one of a handful in Nepal.

Ascending gradually through the rugged trail, you go across La Nagla (3,310m). From here, you feel the landscape changing into less vegetation. Then, you crossing the juniper bushes, you reach a new track being constructed presently.

 

Thereafter, you reach a small village Pani Palwang that has a couple of teahouses. Finally, by leaving Yari Village, you reach Thado Dhunga to spend the night at a tented camp.

Walking along the Tibetan Plateau-like landscapes, you reach Nara La Pass. Although the trekking is challenging, the scenery is rewarding! The pass is highly decorated with the colourful Buddhist prayer flags. From here, you can have the amazing mountains of Humla district, Tibetan Plateau and the Yari Valley.

 

Descending from the pass, you reach Hilsa Village, the gateway to Kailash Mansarovar trek via Hilsa. You set up the camp amidst the barren hills of Upper Humla region just a few miles away from Nepal-Tibet border.

As Hilsa is the exit to Tibet, you come across thousands of trekkers making Kailash Mansarovar trek via Simikot. Crossing a suspension bridge over the Humla Karnali River, you turn northwards along a dusty road under construction. This road leads you into Limi Valley enjoying the running Himalayan blue sheep. At the end of the day, you reach Manepeme to spend the night at a tented camp.

Moving along the snaky track going up and down, you continue the trip along the dense juniper bushes. Then, you reach Langa La Pass (4,300m) from where you will see the welcoming view of Til, the village of Limi Valley. Relishing the distant view of the green fields of Halji Gompa, you keep up walking with the slow paces.

 

Thereafter, enjoying the view of the Til Gompa and green fields of Til Village, you reach the conluence of the Takchi Chu and Til Chu. “Chu” is a Tibetan word meaning ‘Stream’. You know as the snow leopards often kill the animals of the villagers, they set up a trap almost in each village! Overnight stay at a tented camp.

Today is the shortest walk of the entire Limi Valley trek. You will walk along some villages by observing the monasteries. After walking for about 3 hours, you reach another village of Limi Valley. On the way, you might have some glimpses of the blue sheep and the elusive snow leopard.

 

The Halji Gompa or Richening Gompa is the major attraction of Limi Valley. This 1000-year old monastery has been resided by 35 taken care by a Rinpoche (Guru). There is a strange system in the village that every household must give a child to the gompa. In the monastery, you can see the Tibetan paintings of Buddha images and scripts.

This is yet another short and easy trekking day. Following the rocky trail across the pasturelands, you reach Jang, which is the last village of Limi Valley. Like in Halji, here is also Jang Gompa that is equally important and beautiful Buddhist shrine. You don’t need any entry fee to visit the gompa; however, you need to pay certain charge while taking photographs. You set up the tent somewhere in the middle of the barley fields to spend tonight.

Today’s track takes you along the completely deserted landscapes without any settlement area up to Kermi. You face a certain challenge as it is the longest walking day on the one side and on the other, the strong wind disturbs the trekking.

 

However, the alluring views of Mt. Saipal (7,031m), Mt. Api (7,130m), Mt. Kailash (6,638m) and amazing Tibetan landscapes makes your trek more memorable. Finally, you reach Talung Village to end up the trek and spend the night at a tented camp.

Today is yet another challenging trek as you have to walk for about 8 hours along the rugged trail. Similarly, you are going to cross the highest point of Limi Valley trek. By relishing the complete wilderness, you ascend to Nyalu La Pass. From here, you will see Mt. Saipal, Mt. Kailash and Tibetan landscapes.

 

And then, you descend down towards the Selima Tso Lake. Enjoy the triangular lake but nobody knows its dimension up to now. Crossing the Sali Khola, you reach Shinjungma and set up the camp for the night stay.

Following the trail along the pine and birch forests, you will walk further towards the human settlement areas. Walking past some natural hot springs, you reach Kermi Village. You can take a short break to observe the beauty of the unspoiled nature. Overnight stay at a tented camp.

You begin the trek after having breakfast by following the same trail you walked a couple of weeks ago. By crossing a small pass, you reach back to Simikot, the administrative center of Humla district. This is the last night you are going to spend in Humla in a tented camp.

After having breakfast, you begin the retreat journey by plane to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. After you arrive at the Kathmandu Airport, you will be shifted to the hotel. In the leisure, you can visit around Thamel to buy some souvenirs and garment items. In the evening, the agency gives you farewell dinner at a cultural restaurant around Thamel.

The representative of NTR takes you to the Tribhuvan International Airport to catch up with your flight.

Inclusion/Exclusion

  • Airport pick-up and drop off service ,
  • Trekking Guide and Trekking porter (Two participant=1 porter =Maximum 25 kg of luggage )
  • Breakfast,Lunch Dinner & accommodation during the trekking and Kathmandu following iteniry
  • Sleeping bags, down jackets, duffel bags and trekking sticks if required,
  • Trekking permit of National park,
  • TIMS(Trekking Information Management System )
  • Flight fare Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Simikot to Nepalhunj to Kathmandu
  • Insurance and equipment for the trekking staffs
  • First aid kit
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with cultural program in typical Traditional nepali resturant
  • Personal expenses
  • Drinks, beverages, hot shower,
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips
  • Meals & hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (with out iteniry )

FAQ's

Limi Valley trek is one of the most remote treks of Nepal situated in the far western part bordering with Tibetan Plateau. It lies in the region from where the holy Mount Kailash Tour via Simikot begins.

Limi Valley trek lets you visit the unspoiled natural beauty and rustic culture unaffected by the modernity. The Himalayas of the far western region, diverse flora and fauna as well as the cultural attractions of the hidden valleys are the rewards of this trek.

No, you can’t.  While doing Limi Valley trek, you will be following the ancient salt trading route between India, Nepal and China. You must take a domestic flight to Simikot via Nepalgunj. From Simikot, the district headquarters of Humla, you formally begin this least frequented trekking.

Limi Valley trek are:

  • TIMS Card
  • Restricted Area Permit to Humla or Limi Valley
  • District Development Committee (DDC) Tax

No, you can’t! Limi Valley is a restricted area to protect the biodiversity and culture. Only an organized trek to Limi Valley is possible. You must be in a group of two members with a registered trekking guide and porter. You must have a restricted area permit by paying the specified cost.

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$2900 /person

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