Trip Overview
🏔️ Himlung Himal Expedition 2025/2026 Overview
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Peak: Himlung Himal (7,126m / 23,379ft)
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Location: Nar-Phu Valley, Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal
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First Ascent: October 3, 1992, by Akio Koizumi (Japan) and team
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Best Seasons: Spring (April–May) and Autumn (September–November)
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Duration: Typically 25–32 days
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Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (PD++), suitable for climbers with prior high-altitude experience
🌤️ Best Time to Climb
The optimal periods for ascending Himlung Himal are:
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Spring (April to May): Offers longer daylight hours and fewer climbers. However, expect more snow and potential weather disturbances. highpasstreks.com
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Autumn (Mid-September to October): Characterized by stable weather, clearer skies, and drier trails, making it the most popular season for expeditions.
🧭 Route & Itinerary
The expedition typically follows this route:
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Kathmandu to Besisahar: Drive to the trailhead.
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Besisahar to Koto: Continue by vehicle to Koto.
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Koto to Phu Gaon: Trek through the Nar-Phu Valley, passing remote villages and experiencing rich Tibetan culture.
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Koto to Phu Gaon: Trek through the Nar-Phu Valley, passing remote villages and experiencing rich Tibetan culture.
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Phu Gaon to Base Camp (4,900m): Establish base camp near Phu village.
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Climbing Route: The ascent involves setting up three high camps:
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Camp I: 5,450m
- Camp II: 6,000m
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Camp III: 6350m highpasstreks.com
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The climb includes glacier travel, snow slopes, and manageable ridges.
🛂 Permit Requirements
Climbing Himlung Himal necessitates several permits:
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Expedition Royalty Fee: USD 500 for peaks between 7,000m and 7,500m. nepaltrekhub.com
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Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP): Required for entering and trekking within the conservation area.
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Restricted Area Permit: Necessary for the Nar-Phu Valley region.
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TIMS Card: Trekking Information Management System card for trekkers.
These permits can typically be arranged through registered trekking agencies in Nepal.highpasstreks.com
💰 Cost & Inclusions
Expedition costs vary based on group size and services:
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Solo climber: USD 10,000
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Group of 2–4: USD 8,000 per person
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Group of 5–10: USD 7,000 per person
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Group of 11–20: USD 6,000 per person
Inclusions:
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Airport transfers and hotel accommodations in Kathmandu
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All necessary permits and national park fees
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Transportation to and from the trailhead
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Full board meals during the trek and expedition
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Camping equipment and base camp facilities
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Experienced Sherpa guides and support staff
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Emergency equipment like Gamow bags and satellite phones
Exclusions:
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International flights and Nepal visa
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Personal climbing gear
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Travel insurance covering high-altitude activities
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Meals in Kathmandu
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Tips for guides and support staff
🧗 Experience & Preparation
While Himlung Himal is considered a moderate climb, it requires:
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Prior experience with high-altitude trekking or climbing
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Familiarity with the use of crampons, ice axes, and fixed ropes
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Good physical fitness and endurance
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Acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness
Training should begin at least six months prior, focusing on cardiovascular fitness, strength training, and hiking with a loaded backpack.
🏞️ Cultural & Scenic Highlights
The Nar-Phu Valley offers a unique cultural experience:
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Visits to ancient Tibetan-influenced villages
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Exploration of Buddhist monasteries and chortens
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Panoramic views of Annapurna, Manaslu, and other Himalayan peaks
This remote region provides an immersive experience into the traditions and lifestyles of Himalayan communities.
🗓️ Fixed Departures for 2025/2026
Several operators offer fixed departures:
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Autumn 2025: October 1–30 and October 9–November 9
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Spring 2026: April and May departures available
Booking in advance is recommended to secure spots and permits.
🧳 Packing List Essentials
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Clothing: Layered clothing suitable for temperatures ranging from -20°C to 20°C
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Footwear: Mountaineering boots and camp shoes
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Climbing Gear: Crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet, carabiners, ascenders
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Camping Gear: Sleeping bag rated for -30°C, sleeping pad
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Personal Items: Sunscreen, lip balm, personal first aid kit, water purification tablets
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Documents: Passport, visa, insurance documents, permits
📝 Final Thoughts
The Himlung Himal Expedition is an excellent choice for climbers seeking to advance their high-altitude experience. It combines technical climbing with cultural immersion in one of Nepal’s most secluded regions. Proper preparation, acclimatization, and choosing a reputable expedition operator are key to a successful and memorable ascent.
For more detailed information and to plan your expedition, please visit our website: highpasstreks.com
Detail Itinerary
Trip Includes
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Airport Transfers:
- Arrival and departure transfers between the airport and the hotel in Kathmandu.
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Accommodation:
- Accommodation in Kathmandu before and after the expedition in a standard hotel.
- Tent accommodation during the trekking and climbing phases, including Base Camp and High Camps.
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Meals:
- Full board meals during the trek, climb, and rest days.
- Meals include a variety of local and international dishes to meet nutritional requirements.
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Internal Flights:
- Round-trip flights between Kathmandu and Lukla (if applicable).
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Trekking Permits:
- Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP).
- Restricted Area Permit for the Nar Phu Valley.
- Climbing permit for Himlung Himal.
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Professional Guides:
- Experienced and licensed trekking guides.
- Climbing guides with knowledge of Himlung Himal and technical climbing skills.
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Porter Services:
- Porter services to carry trekking and climbing equipment and personal belongings during the trek and climb.
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Climbing Equipment:
- Group climbing equipment (ropes, ice screws, snow bar, etc.).
- Personal climbing gear may not be included and should be arranged individually.
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Climbing Sherpa:
- A qualified climbing Sherpa to assist and guide during the ascent.
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Climbing Clinic:
- Basic climbing training and instruction at Himlung Himal Base Camp.
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Safety Equipment:
- Group first aid kit.
- Emergency oxygen and high-altitude medical kits.
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Transportation:
- All ground transportation in Nepal as per the itinerary.
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Contingency Plans:
- Contingency days in the itinerary for acclimatization and unforeseen circumstances.
- Helicopter evacuation services (if necessary).
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Certificate:
- Summit certificate upon successful completion of the Himlung Himal climb.
Trip Excludes
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International Flights:
- Airfare to and from Nepal is generally not included in the expedition package.
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Travel Insurance:
- Comprehensive travel and medical insurance coverage is usually not part of the package. Climbers are advised to obtain insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and climbing activities.
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Personal Gear:
- Climbing and trekking gear such as boots, crampons, harness, helmet, and personal clothing are typically not provided and need to be arranged individually. Some agencies may offer gear rental options.
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Visa Fees:
- The cost of obtaining a Nepalese visa upon arrival in Kathmandu is not included.
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Vaccinations and Health Expenses:
- Vaccinations and any health-related expenses are usually not covered.
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Meals in Kathmandu:
- Meals in Kathmandu (other than those specified in the itinerary) are not included.
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Personal Expenses:
- Expenses for items such as snacks, beverages, souvenirs, and personal toiletries are not covered.
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Tips and Gratuities:
- Tips for guides, porters, and climbing Sherpas are generally not included in the package.
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Additional Accommodation:
- Any extra accommodation needed due to unforeseen circumstances or changes in the itinerary.
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Additional Services:
- Optional activities or services not specified in the standard itinerary.
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Excess Baggage Charges:
- Charges for excess baggage on domestic flights or other transportation modes.
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Evacuation Costs:
- Costs associated with emergency evacuation by helicopter in case of altitude sickness or other emergencies.
