Himlung Himal Expedition

Overview

Himlung Himal Climbing is a grand adventure located to the north of Manaslu, right to the Tibetan border. As this mountain was not opened up to foreigners until the early ‘90s, which explains why Himlung Himal wasn’t climbed until 1992, by a Japanese expedition, it is a less explored destination and is untouched by modernization.

Although it was opened late, Himlung Himal has the highest summit success rate among the 7000m expeditions run every year. Thus, it is known as one of the climbable peaks with fewer technical difficulties in western Nepal. It is the best choice to have close-up views of Annapurna and Mansiri (where Mt. Manaslu lies) mountain massifs, green valleys, pristine waterfalls, rural settlements, and to practice summiting 8000m mountains.

An ascent of such mountains will boost your altitude confidence and is an implausible adventure in and of itself in this amazing part of the Himalayas. Make a highly recommended detour off the beaten path to this infrequently visited, Tibetan-influenced region soaked in Buddhism. 

Our journey to Himlung Mountain begins with a drive to Koto, the beginning point of the trek. This will include the beginning point of the Annapurna Circuit trek (Syange or Dharapani) and the ending point of the Manaslu Circuit trek (Dharapani). Trekking further, leaving the main trail of the Annapurna Circuit trek route, we reach Meta, Kyang, and Phu Gaun – the largest Tibetan settlement in the entire region.

Our base for Himlung Himal will be just above the Tibetan village of Phu Gaon (4250m) in the very isolated and restricted Nar-Phu region of Nepal, which is very far away from the more crowded Annapurna trail. There are no roads leading into this region, so the main source of transportation is yak, mule, or porter.

Further trekking, we reach the Himlung Himal Base Camp. Being well prepared here, we climb Camp I, II, III, and the final summit push. The acclimatization climb will be organized repeatedly.  We shall start our training and practice the techniques we will use to reach the summit, including taking it in stages to reach the higher camps.

Spending enough time in the base camp, we set up three higher camps where we can spend time acclimating. Summiting the peak, we climb back to base camp and begin trek again till we reach Koto. Catching the vehicle, we drive back to Kathmandu and end our dream adventure.

Himlung Himal Expedition: Climbing Route

Last year, a guided team of Outward Adventure Treks organized the Himlung Himal Expedition with four clients from Belarus and accomplished the trip successfully. They used a thrilling 25-day itinerary itinerary which takes climbers through the remote and culturally rich landscapes of Nepal, culminating in the ascent of the 7,126-meter peak. The adventure begins in Kathmandu, where participants acclimatize, explore the city’s heritage sites, and prepare for the climb.

From there, a scenic drive leads to Koto, the starting point of the trek into the hidden valleys of the Manaslu region. The trail winds through lush forests, traditional villages, and high-altitude terrain, gradually ascending to the ancient Phu Valley. This initial phase not only helps with acclimatization but also offers a glimpse into the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of the region, with visits to monasteries and interactions with local communities.

The trekking portion of the expedition is as rewarding as the climb itself, passing through picturesque villages like Meta, Chyaku, and Kyang before reaching Phu Gaun, a medieval-style village at 4,580 meters. Here, climbers take an exploration day to visit the historic Tashi Monastery and other cultural landmarks while further adapting to the altitude.

The journey then continues toward the Himlung Himal Base Camp at 4,842 meters, where the real climbing preparations begin. After a rest day to organize gear and review climbing strategies, the team embarks on a series of rotations to higher camps—first to Camp I (5,450m) and then to Camp II (6,000m)—before descending back to Base Camp for recovery. These rotations are crucial for acclimatization and help climbers assess the route’s challenges, including steep snow slopes and crevassed sections.

The summit push is a carefully planned, multi-day effort that begins with a return to Camp I and Camp II before advancing to Camp III at 6,250 meters. From here, climbers make their final ascent under the cover of early morning, navigating icy ridges and high-altitude terrain to reach the summit of Himlung Himal.

Standing at 7,126 meters, the peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan giants, including Manaslu and Annapurna. After celebrating this hard-earned achievement, the team carefully descends back to Camp III and then to Base Camp, ensuring safety remains the top priority. A contingency day is built into the itinerary to account for unpredictable weather, ensuring flexibility for a successful summit bid.

The return journey retraces the route through the Phu Valley, allowing climbers to savor the landscapes and culture once more before driving back to Kathmandu. The expedition concludes with a well-deserved rest day in the capital, where participants can reflect on their achievement, share stories, and celebrate before their final departure.

Throughout the climb, the emphasis is on gradual acclimatization, teamwork, and respect for the mountain environment. The Himlung Himal Expedition is not just a physical challenge but also a cultural immersion, blending adventure with the timeless traditions of Nepal’s high Himalayan communities.

Overall, this expedition is designed for climbers seeking a less crowded but equally rewarding 7,000-meter peak experience. The combination of stunning scenery, cultural encounters, and a well-structured climbing plan makes it an unforgettable adventure.

With experienced guides, proper acclimatization, and a carefully paced itinerary, participants have the best chance of summiting while staying safe and healthy in the high-altitude environment. Whether it’s the serene beauty of the Phu Valley or the exhilaration of standing atop Himlung Himal, this journey leaves a lasting impression on all who undertake it.