Mt. Himlung Expedition-34 Days

 Mt. Himlung Expedition

Highlights

“Adventure in the high alpine valley of Manang around Nar & Phu,around remote and hidden corners of northern Annapurna massif mountain range,a classic and tough exciting Himlung Expedition at 7,126 meters / 23, 380 ft,
on off beaten trails around Phu valley to isolated Mt. Himlung close to Manaslu range. Exploring cultural villages and monastery of isolated areas around Phu valley”

Himlung Expedition Introduction

White Hill Adventure Treks & Expedition presents a fascinating and true adventure to Mt. Himlung around the hidden pockets beyond high Manang to Phu valley. Certainly a journey of life experience and challenge to hardcore mountaineers to stand at an altitude of 7,126 m /23,380 ft offering fantastic views of the high massif of Mid North-West Himalaya rarely seen by other trekkers.

Mt. Himlung, located north of great Annapurna Himalaya range
of mountains close to Damodar and Manaslu area, a perfect peak of above 7,000 meters of the technical and physical challenge to conquer the summit of this majestic Mt. Himlung. Nar-Phu region opened in 1992 by Nepal Government, before it was a restricted area, situated around the remote and hidden corner of Nepal, close to Tibet border.

This wonderful expeditions trekking and climb offers, marvelous scenery with traditional and cultural villages on popular Annapurna circuit route, and then off the mainstream trekking trail for many weeks in the complete wilderness in the harmony of nature and high mountains. This region is unspoiled by the modernization as very few trekkers have ventured this region, so this will be a great opportunity to explore traditional Tibetan Buddhist cultures and lifestyle of mountain people of remote Nar & Phu areas.

The adventure begins from lower Marshyangdi river valley, with visit of Gompas and unique cultural settlements. Trekking through lovely forest and villages as the higher altitude walk finally leads at Phu valley and the base camp for Himlung climb at 4,900 m / 16,076 ft;

After Base Camp setting few more camps to complete Himlung Expedition where our expert guide will provide full support throughout the climb and bringing you back safely.Our climb leads to Advance Base Camp at 5,450 m /17,880 ft, Camp 1 at 6,000 m /19,685 ft) and Camp II at 6,350 m /(20,833 ft) which will make more approachable to reach the summit top, after a successful climb feeling high in great spirit and concluding this great adventure with a drive back to Kathmandu.For the climb of above 7,000 m high around remote areas of Nepal this will be perfect choice of expedition before joining other major expeditions.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu with optional sightseeing tour and preparation for expedition.
Day 03: Drive to Dharapani 1,920 m via Jagat 1,290 m and Bhesisar 800 m – 08 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Kotto 2,670 m – 05 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Singenge / Dharmasala 3,230 m – 05 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Kyang 3,020 m – 05 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Phu village 4,080 m – 06 hrs.
Day 08: Rest day at Phu village to explore Phu Valley.
Day 09: Trek to Himlung base camp 4,540 m – 04 hrs.
Day 10: Rest and acclimatization day at Himlung base camp.
Day 11-25: Climbing period for 15 days with return to the base camp.
Day 26: Clean up day at Base Camp and packing.
Day 27: Trek back to Phu valley – 04 hrs.
Day 28: Trek to Kyang 3, 020 m – 05 hrs.
Day 29: Trek to Dharmashala – 05 hrs.
Day 30: Trek to Koto – 05 hrs.
Day 31: Trek to Dharapani – 05 hrs.
Day 32: Drive back to Kathmandu via Bhesisar.
Day 33: In Kathmandu free day at leisure.
Day 34: International departure for homeward bound.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
On reaching at Kathmandu international airport where White Hill Adventure Treks & Expedition staff will receive and then transfer you to respective hotels around Kathmandu city.After getting refresh from the flight our guide brief you with information of hotel, Kathmandu and Mt. Himlung Climbing Expeditions and trekking around Phu area.

Day 02: Sightseeing tour and trek preparation.
Morning optional sightseeing tour at places of interest as Kathmandu valley full of world heritage sites, temples, monasteries, old king’s palaces after an interesting tour back to hotel, preparation for the trek and expeditions to Phu and Himlung.

Day 03: Drive to Dharapani 1,920 m via Jagat 1,290 m and Bhesisar 800 m – 08 hrs.
Morning with interesting and scenic long drive towards Nepal mid west, journey leads to Beshishar town then on the dirt road to Khudi, Bhulbule and Ngadi following the Marsyangdi River upstream, drive continues through rice terraces fields and villages to Syange, from here with a slow climb to Jagat village, a farm village with many lodges for trekkers.From Jagat village drive leads for another hour to reach at Dharapani village for overnight stop, Dharapani a nice village situated on the junction of Annapurna circuit and Manaslu trekking trail.

Day 04: Trek to Koto 2,670 m - 05 hours.
Morning first day walk leads to Koto village near Chame town (headquarter of Manang district), on a gradual up, following river Marsyangdi upstream passing number of villages of Bagachap, Danque, Ratmanang and Koto, leading through beautiful pines and rhododendron forested area with views of Annapurna II, Lamjung Himal and if Manaslu mountains, on reaching at Koto transfer to a nice lodges after a great day of trekking.

Day 05: Trek to Dharmasala 3,230m -05 hours.
Morning leaving the main Annapurna Circuit trail, heading to Nar & Phu area, trek leads into narrow gorge between great walls of high rock cliffs and entering a cool alpine woodlands of pine and rhododendron trees, and then through farm huts and sheds and in a gorge, the walk leads Nar-Phu khola upstream passing remote area through number of scattered small farm houses at Dharmashala for overnight stay.

Day 06: Trek to Kyang 4,100 m - 6 hrs.
After a pleasant stop at Dharmasala, walk continues towards higher area, leading beyond north towards Phu region in complete wilderness with chances of seeing some wildlife the rare blue sheep and snow leopards with other animals, walk passes several cattle herder’s shades and huts to reach at Kyang for overnight stop.

Day 07: Trek to Phu village 4,080 m - 06 hours.
From Kyang village, morning walk to Phu valley and in the main Phu village, in one of the highlight of this trip, as the walk continues towards Phu Khola upstream and descend to a river walking along the river banks, on leaving the river leading uphill into a wide glacial valley and at Phu village for overnight stop.

Day 08: Rest at Phu village and explore Phu Valley
A necessary rest day with acclimatization, before heading higher altitude at Himlung base camp and climb, a short hike around Tashilkhang and Samdu Choling Monastery with Kyauchyu water fall, Nar and Phu villages has strong Tibetan influence of Buddhist lifestyle and culture.

Day 09: Trek to Himlung base camp 4,540 m - 04 hours.
Today a short hike to reach at Himlung base camp, as the walk leads with tremendous views of mountains in complete wilderness, around remote corners of high above Manang valley and Phu areas. A few hours of walk hike reaching at Himlung Base Camp for overnight stops for more than 2 weeks period, here in the afternoon practice climbing and our expert guide will instruct and brief regarding climbing techniques and skills required for the climb to the summit of Himlung.

Day 10: Rest and acclimatization day at Himlung base camp.
This day for acclimatization and preparation for the climb, our climbing guide and leader will teach you some climbing techniques and skills, sharing all his knowledge, rest or short hike around base camp.

Day 11-25: Climbing period to the top of Himlung at 7,126 m /23,380 ft (15 days duration). 
These 15 days of mountaineering expeditions where you will be setting necessary high camps to make the route to the summit accessible, some days have to stay at base camp till weather improves, weather around high Himalaya is the main factor for the climb and it can be unpredictable, on this climb one has to be mentally and physically strong from the base camp heading higher to set Advance Base Camp at 5,450 m /17,880 ft, with rest days and preparation, the climb is technical and quite challenging than other mountains. Camp I situated at an elevation of 6,000 m /19,685 ft and Camp II at 6,350 m /20,833 ft on the southeast ridge, and from here might need oxygen to reach the summit, after crossing two camps and spending couples of nights. Depending on weather condition for the ascent to Himlung summit, finally reaching on top of the peak spending some time enjoying marvelous view of high Himalaya range and then descend back to Advance base camp and unto base camp.Descend is technically more difficult than climb up to the summit, however it not as much difficult like other major expeditions mountains but you might face some challenges like low level of temperature and low atmospheric pressure after being high altitude for many days.

Day 26: Clean up the Base Camp.
After great tough days on climb to the summit and feeling at ease on reaching base camp with overnights, today start cleaning garbage and packing gears as Nepal Himalaya has thousands of trekkers and climbing peaks every year. As a result, piles of unwanted trash and rubbish exist,White Hill Adventure Treks and with Government effort help and support in reducing pollution around as we do have responsibility towards Mother Nature. So clean up the base camp which will be a help reducing the impacts of global warming, then pack up necessary stuff and prepare for return journey.

Day 27: Trek back to Phu valley.
From today onwards retracing the journey back on the same route, with a short descend to Phu valley. Walk offers spectacular mountain scenery of high Himalaya.  A few hours of walk brings to Phu valley for overnight stop.

Day 28: Trek to Kyang 3, 020 m - 05 hours.
Today with more downhill and chances of spotting some wildlife as the walk descend downstream of Phu Khola all the way to Kyang for overnight stop, with enough time in the afternoon for short hike around.

Day 29: Trek to Dharmashala - 05 hours.
The trail first gently descends leading to a deep river gorge, after crossing a bridge over Phu-khola (stream) walk along river bank. A few hours of trek brings to a small settlement of Dharmashala for last overnight stop around Nar-Phu area.

Day 30: Trek to Koto - 05 hours. Leaving Dharmasala continue trek to Koto with complete new experience  and feeling high spirit after a successful tough climb, walk leads to warmer area as the altitude drops with change in vegetations and into tree lines, a few hours walk brings to Koto for overnight stop.

Day 31: Trek to Dharapani - 05 hours.
Today trek downhill to Dharapani village following nice trail which passes through village Timang which is a vantage view point over Mt. Manaslu  8,163 m /26,781ft and has best lodges and hotels. This region is also rich in its age old culture, from Timang, walk for few hours along the mule track through forest of rhododendron, fir, pine, oak and maple to reach Dharapani for overnight stop and concluding the trekking journey.

 

Day 32: Drive to Kathmandu via Beshisar 830 m - 06 hours.
After a last breakfast of this great trip board on a vehicle for the drive to Kathmandu following the narrow dirt road and Marsyangdi River downstream after few hours’ drive passing villages and towns of Syange, Bulbule, Khude and Bhesisar a large town and headquarter of Lamjung district, from here another hour reaches to Dumre joining Pokhara-Kathmandu highway and then an interesting drive back to Kathmandu, after a great experience in complete wilderness and mountains.

Day 33: In Kathmandu free day at leisure.
A free day in Kathmandu for individual activities and shopping where leader and guide have to submit the report of the expeditions at respective Government department for future records with rest of the day at leisure with farewell dinner.

Day 34: International departure for home ward bound.
After a memorable and great adventure in Nepal with amazing Mt. Himlung Climbing expeditions around Nar-Phu area, and great services of White Hills Hill Adventure Treks & Expedition guides, our staff transfers you for final departure homeward bound flights.

Cost Information

Equipment

For Head

1. Sun hat / Scar
2. Sun glasses and Head light

For Upper Body

1. Water Proof Jacket
2. Down Jacket / Warm Jacket
3. Light Weight T-shirt (At least 1 pair)

 For Lower body

1. Water Proof Pants
2. Running tights
3. Light Weight Pant

For hand

1. Gloves

For  Feet

1. Thin Inner socks (At least 2 pairs)
2. Woolen socks
3. Trekking boots (preferred comfortable boots)

Other accessories

1. Sleeping bag
2. Water bottle etc
3. Suncream
4. Water purification tablets
5. Toiletries (Toilet paper etc)
6. Warm hat
7. Trekking Bag Etc.

Other Climbing Equipment

1. Harness
2. Zummer
3. Crampons
4. Ice axe
5. Plastic boot
6. Carabineers
7. Helmet etc.

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