“Climb the mountains and feel their blessings. Nature’s calm will enter you as sunlight nourishes the trees. The winds will refresh you, the storms will energize you, and your worries will fall away like autumn leaves.” – John Muir
Himlung Himal, rising to 7,126 meters, is located between the Annapurna and Manaslu ranges in Nepal. Although it is in a remote part of the country, it has become a popular training peak for climbers preparing for 8,000-meter mountains. The first recorded ascent occurred in 1983 when a Japanese team reached the summit via the south and eastern ridge. In 1992, another Japanese climber successfully ascended using the northwest route.
Situated in the Peri Himal range of Manang district, within Nepal’s Gandaki zone, Himlung Himal is a quiet and isolated area. Lodging options are limited, so expeditions typically begin with camping from Meta. The mountain lies only 1.5 kilometers from the Tibetan border. Manaslu is approximately 28 kilometers to the southeast, while the Phu Khola, a tributary of the Marsyangdi River, flows along the north and west sides. Trekking routes in this region feature towering peaks, glaciers, remote villages, narrow gullies, dense forests, striking rock formations, natural springs, Buddhist monasteries (Gompas), and vibrant local cultures.
The trek to Himlung Himal offers a mix of stunning landscapes and cultural experiences. Strong Tibetan influences are visible in the area, and travelers can witness traditional Buddhist practices among the friendly locals up to Phu Gaun. Beyond Phu, trekkers continue independently toward the higher camps.
This expedition provides sweeping views of notable peaks including Nanda Devi, Rajramba, Api Himal, and Kappa Chuli. Despite its remoteness, the climb is relatively non-technical for its altitude, making it suitable for beginner alpinists. Typically, climbers establish three camps along the ascent. Himalayan Traverse Adventure has structured this expedition for beginners and all mountaineers seeking an adventurous journey enriched with Nepal’s breathtaking natural beauty.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft.)
Day 02: City sightseeing in and around Kathmandu valley and
Briefing of the Trip
Day 03: Preparation for Expedition, etc.
Day 04: Drive to Besishar (1385 m/4544 ft.): 6-7 hrs drive
Day 05: Drive to Koto (2600m/8530 ft.): 5-6 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Meta (3560m/11,680 ft.): 7-8 hrs walk
Day 07: Trek to Pisang(3,250m/10,670ft):
Day 08: Trek to Ngawal(3,650m/11,975ft)
Day 09: Acclimatization day at Ngawal(4,110m/13,484 ft)
Day 10: Trek to Nar Via Kangla pass(5,306m/17,450ft.)
Day 11: Trek to Kyang (3840m/12,598 ft.): 5-6 hrs walk
Day 12: Trek to Phu Gaon (3900m/12,795 ft.): 4-5 hrs walk
Day 13: Acclimatization Day at Phu Gaon
Day 14: Trek to Himlung Himal Base camp (4,920m/16,141 ft.): 4-5 hrs walk
Day 15: Preparation for the Climbing
Day 16-30: Climbing period
Day 31: Trek back to Phu Gaon
Day 32: Trek back to Meta
Day 33: Trek back to Koto
Day 34: Drive to Beshisahar
Day 35: Drive to Kathmandu
Day 36: Final Departure
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft.)
Welcome to Nepal, the Land of Himalayas! Upon your arrival our representative from Himalayan Traverse will welcome to you at the airport and take you to your respective hotel. As it is the first day, we will make you brief introduction on your trip and your guide/s too. Overnight in Kathmandu Hotel.
-Included meals: Breakfast
Day 02: City sightseeing in and around Kathmandu valley and Briefing of the Trip
A city guide will accompany you on a half-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu’s major religious sites, including the Pashupatinath Hindu Temple, Boudhanath Buddhist Stupa, and Swayambunath Temple. This tour offers an insightful glimpse into both Hindu and Buddhist cultures. In the evening, there will be a trek briefing, providing a chance to ask any questions about the upcoming journey or other inquiries you may have. The day concludes with a welcome dinner at a traditional Nepalese cultural restaurant.Stay overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.
--Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: Preparation for Expedition, etc.
Today we relax, get ourselves both physically and mentally ready for the trip, and all the remaining preparations. We re-check and make sure we are ready for the expedition. If we have anything lacking, shopping for those items is also to be done this day. Overnight at Kathmandu Hotel.
-Included Meals: Breakfast
Day 04: Drive to Besishar (1385 m/4544 ft.): 6-7 hrs drive
Today we drive to Chamche, marking the first destination of our journey. Although the roads can be rough and dusty, the surrounding scenery makes the drive enjoyable. Along the way, we pass the Phu Khola as we approach Besisahar. Overnight stay is at a hotel in Besisahar.-Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05: Drive to Koto (2600m/8530 ft.): 5-6 hrs.
Trail to Koto is mostly of uphill route. We take a jeep through the lush forests enjoying the beauty of flora and fauna. We take our lunch at Timang, quite in the middle of forest. It takes us 5 to 6 hours to reach Koto, the point where Annapurna Circuit Trekking Trail and Nar Phu Trekking Trail are distinguished. Overnight at hotel in Koto.
-Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06: Trek to Meta (3560m/11,680 ft.): 7-8 hrs walk
We cross Phu Khola today and won't be seeing this river on the further trip. We walk through much dense and long forests today around for 4 to 5 hours. After reaching Meta, we may stay at hotel or camping too; it's depending on situation there. Overnight at hotel in Meta.
-Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07: Trek to Pisang(3,250m/10,670ft):
Day 08: Trek to Ngawal(3,650m/11,975ft)
Day 09: Acclimatization day at Ngawal(4,110m/13,484 ft)
Day 10: Trek to Nar Via Kangla pass(5,306m/17,450ft.)
Day 11: Trek to Kyang (3840m/12,598 ft.): 5-6 hrs walk
Today’s trek involves both uphill and downhill sections, providing a balanced hiking experience. We will also cross a small river along the way. Compared to earlier parts of the trek, the forests and vegetation will be sparser from Kyang onward. From today, camping will be required. Overnight stay will be at a hotel in Kyang.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Trek to Phu Gaon (3900m/12,795 ft.): 4-5 hrs walk
Phu Gaon is the last village before on the route to Himlung Himal where we will be seeing loal peopl and their settlements. Walk to Phu Gaon will be interesting as the sights are beautiful. Phu Gaon is like a center for local people here, we can see peopl influenced by tibetan culture and their settlements here. Overnight at hotel in Phu Gaon.
-Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Acclimatization Day at Phu Gaon
Phu-Gaon is a beautiful village with smiliing local people, their primitive llifestyle, buddhists monasteries, mud houses, livestocks like yak, sheep,etc and small shops, As today is a free day for us, we try to explore this place as per our wish. We could do hiking around the place and experience the local culture and lifestyle from closer view this day. Overnight at hotel in Phu Gaon.
-Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Trek to Himlung Himal Base camp (4,920m/16,141 ft.): 4-5 hrs walk
Today we trek toward Himlung Himal Base Camp. The trail passes mostly through dry, uninhabited terrain. As we gain altitude, we slow our pace to adjust to the thinner air, gradually making our way to the base camp. Along the route, we climb gentle hills and cross small rivers. Overnight stay is at Himlung Himal Base Camp.-Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Preparation for the Climbing
These three day we will be using for setting ourselves up in the Himlung base camp and get prepared for the further up journet. We fix the days, and make ourselves physically and mentally prepared for the ascent. Overnights at Himlung Base Camp.
-Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16-30: Climbing period
For the ascent of Himlung Himal. Though Himlung Himal is not so technical compared to other mountains, it cannot be underestimated either. We make generally three camps for the journey to the summit of Himlung Himal. We acclimatize and make ups and down on the higher camps depending upon the condition. The period of 2 weeks may be more or less enough for ascent. But we can never be sure as these are high mountains. Overnights at camps.
-Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 31: Trek back to Phu Gaon
After the success on the mountain, we today return to Phu Gaon again after the pack ups.
We rest and overnight at Phu Gaon. Overnight at hotel in Phu Gaon.
-Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 32: Trek back to Meta
And today it's Meta. We make our way back to Meta slowly and reach Meta. Overnight at hotel in Meta. This will be the last camping night for us.
-Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 33: Trek back to Koto
Today we trek back to Koto and overnight at hotel in Koto. A good sleep at hotel at last.
-Include Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 34: Drive to Beshisahar
Today we drive for the last day for Beshisahar. We rest and overnight at hotel in Beshisahar.
-Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 35: Drive to Kathmandu
Finally, today we drive back to Kathmandu. We get ourselves away from outer part of the valley slowly and return again to the busy city. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
-Bed and Breakfast
Day 36: Final Departure
Today marks the end of our journey together. We hope you will return to Nepal soon for another exciting adventure. We will accompany you to the international airport a few hours before your scheduled flight, and then you will depart for your homeland.
-Breakfast
(Note: Booking must be confirmed 6 months before in advance)
You must bring the important documents mentioned below in your trip.
We first met Dorjee Sherpa in 2012 and did a trek with him to Langtang before it was devastated in the earthquake. We quickly fell in love with the himalayas, the Nepalese people, their culture, and Dorjee shepa. The Langtang trek was a beautiful trek and a great introductory to the…
Matt massey, United StatesOctober 17, 2025
Just got home from our second trek in the Himalayas with Dorjee sherpa. We treked to tengboche for the mani rimdu festival. The festival was incredible and the mountains are magnificent. Dorjee is a great guide and we really enjoyed staying at his Buddha lodge and meeting his wonderful family.
Matt massey, United StatesOctober 17, 2025
My family and friends from Maui completed a 10 day trek through Sagarmatha National Park to Tengboche to view the Mani Rimdu Festival in November . Our Guide Dorjee Sherpa and his associates arranged a fantastic trip for us. We stayed at his Buddha Lodge in Phakding and were treated very…
Kevin Horan, NepalOctober 17, 2025
I spent very memorable days in the Everest region in Nepal. I used to dream to see this highest peak of the world and now I arrested it in my camera. My guide arranged everything and helped me a lot. He did not let me feel tired and boring.
Austin, Netherlands AntillesOctober 17, 2025