Day 1: Arrival in Nepal and passport to Himalayan Quests.

Day 2: Trek briefing and preparation

Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj on the border of India. Overnight in a hotel in Nepalgunj.

Day 4:  Early in the morning we fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,910m) heading over the Terai and into the foothills of the Himalayas. On the 45 minutes flight, we will have a first chance to glimpse the high snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Landing in Simikot, the center of Humla district, we will have some time to explore the streets of this small hill town and have lunch, prepared by our crew. After lunch, we will walk to Dharapuri (2,300m), through the spectacular landscape of the Karnali River valley. We will camp in Dharapuri, approx. 5 hours.

Day 5: Dharapuri to Kermi (2,870m). Today we will follow the Karnali River Valley, passing through little Hindu and Buddhist villages. We will have a hot lunch on the
 way and camp high above the Karnali, with magnificent views of the valley. Close to Kermi (approx. 30-minute walk) are small hot springs, where we can relax our bodies. Kermi is the first of the completely Buddhist villages on our way and from here on, we will be passing many other little Buddhist villages and settlements, and their little temples – gompas, approx. 6 hours.

Day 6: Kermi to Yalbung (3,060m). Again today we walk mostly by the Karnali River. On the way, we will meet caravans of mules, goats, and dzos (crossbreed of a yak and a cow) that are bringing goods from Tibet to the villages in Humla. We will have a hot lunch by the river along the way and again, camp above the river below a small village and one of the biggest and most important monasteries in this area – Namkha Khyung Dzong Gompa, approx. 6 hours.

Day 7: Yalbung to Talkot (3,073m). Today we walk to Talkot. The path will lead us high, the scenery will change from dense forests to more bare areas of stone and sand, with low bushes scattered all around. After we reach our campsite by the river, we can take a 30-minute walk to one of the most important monasteries of the Sakya lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in this region – Dhungkar Choezon Gompa, approx. 5 hours.

Day 8: Talkot to Yari (3,663m). A very slow and gradual ascent brings us high on to deserted land, below the Nara La Pass. About halfway we reach a dirt road that was built to connect the China/Tibet border to the villages lower in the region. This night we will camp below the Nara La Pass, with beautiful views of the valley, approx. 7 hours.

Day 9: Yari to Hilsa (3,700m) via Nara La Pass (4,620m). Today is a strenuous day as we cross the Nara La Pass. The pass is marked by colorful Tibetan prayer flags, fluttering in the strong wind, sending prayers out into nature. The views of the mountains on the other side of the pass are breathtaking. Descending from the pass we can see the Limi Valley and Tibet. We then make a long descent to Hilsa, a small town on the Tibet – Nepal border. Camp in Hilsa, approx. 6 hours.

Day 10: Hilsa to Manepeme (3,990m). Today we continue our ascent taking us from the Tibetan border into the beauty of the Limi Valley. Camp in Manepeme, approx. 5 hours.

Day 11: Manepeme to Til (4,000m). First, we head up over a small pass and then down, all the way to the River Limi, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue for a short while to our camping spot in Til, approx. 6 hours.

Day 12: Rest day in Til by the Limi River, where we can do short day walks, rest by the river and observe the big Himalayan vultures – griffons, nesting right above us.

Day 13: Til through Halji to Tatopani (3,950m). This long day takes us first to the small town of Halji, nestled between the snow-peaked mountains in the south and the glacier in the north. With its beautiful gompa – Buddhist temple and a long wall of mani stones, Halji makes an interesting stop on our way. Just out of Halji we stop for lunch and then continue to a camping place called Tatopani, which means “hot springs”. Natural hot springs, coming from the ground beneath our camp offer an opportunity to wash both our clothes and ourselves.  Camp in Tatopani, approx. 8 hours.

Day 14: Tatopani to Talung (4,370m). From Tatopani we walk through the swampy wetland, and up over a small pass and then back down, passing a beautiful turquoise lake to our camping ground by the river in Talung, approx. 8 hours.

Day 15: Talung via Nyalu La Pass (4,949m) to Shinjungma (3,620m). We start early for the climb up over Nayalu La Pass. From the top of the pass, there are breathtaking 360-degree views. This long day takes us through beautiful grasslands, up over a high pass and back down to the river to our camping ground, approx. 8 hours.

Day 16: Shinjungma to Kermi (2,670m). A long day of mostly downhill walking, taking us through rhododendron forests. We hit the trail once again in Kermi, where we will camp above the Karnali River, approx. 7 hours.

Day 17: Rest day in Kermi with possible day walks and a visit to the local hot springs.

Day 18: Kermi to Dharapuri (2,300m). Today we retrace our steps along the river to Dharapuri. Camp by the river in Dharapuri, approx. 6 hours.

Day 19: Dharapuri to Simikot (2,950m). On our last day of the trek, we finish with the long uphill back to Simikot. We will camp in the small camping ground at Simikot and the afternoon can be spent relaxing and exploring the local bazaars, approx. 6 hours.

Day 20: In the morning we fly from Simikot back to Nepaljung and from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu on the same day.

Himalayan Quests uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments that retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain, and snow.

This is a guideline only

Your trek cost includes:

• Pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
• Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
• 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
• 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
• Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
• Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
• During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
• All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
• Porters
• Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
• Rescue assistance
• Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

• International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
• Visa for Nepal
• Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory.  Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
• Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
• Meals unless specified
• Sightseeing
• Gratuities
• Excess baggage on internal flights
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Quests

Day 1: Arrival in Nepal and passport to Himalayan Quests.

Day 2: Trek briefing and preparation

Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj on the border of India. Overnight in a hotel in Nepalgunj.

Day 4:  Early in the morning we fly from Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,910m) heading over the Terai and into the foothills of the Himalayas. On the 45 minutes flight, we will have a first chance to glimpse the high snow-capped Himalayan peaks. Landing in Simikot, the center of Humla district, we will have some time to explore the streets of this small hill town and have lunch, prepared by our crew. After lunch, we will walk to Dharapuri (2,300m), through the spectacular landscape of the Karnali River valley. We will camp in Dharapuri, approx. 5 hours.

Day 5: Dharapuri to Kermi (2,870m). Today we will follow the Karnali River Valley, passing through little Hindu and Buddhist villages. We will have a hot lunch on the
 way and camp high above the Karnali, with magnificent views of the valley. Close to Kermi (approx. 30-minute walk) are small hot springs, where we can relax our bodies. Kermi is the first of the completely Buddhist villages on our way and from here on, we will be passing many other little Buddhist villages and settlements, and their little temples – gompas, approx. 6 hours.

Day 6: Kermi to Yalbung (3,060m). Again today we walk mostly by the Karnali River. On the way, we will meet caravans of mules, goats, and dzos (crossbreed of a yak and a cow) that are bringing goods from Tibet to the villages in Humla. We will have a hot lunch by the river along the way and again, camp above the river below a small village and one of the biggest and most important monasteries in this area – Namkha Khyung Dzong Gompa, approx. 6 hours.

Day 7: Yalbung to Talkot (3,073m). Today we walk to Talkot. The path will lead us high, the scenery will change from dense forests to more bare areas of stone and sand, with low bushes scattered all around. After we reach our campsite by the river, we can take a 30-minute walk to one of the most important monasteries of the Sakya lineage of Tibetan Buddhism in this region – Dhungkar Choezon Gompa, approx. 5 hours.

Day 8: Talkot to Yari (3,663m). A very slow and gradual ascent brings us high on to deserted land, below the Nara La Pass. About halfway we reach a dirt road that was built to connect the China/Tibet border to the villages lower in the region. This night we will camp below the Nara La Pass, with beautiful views of the valley, approx. 7 hours.

Day 9: Yari to Hilsa (3,700m) via Nara La Pass (4,620m). Today is a strenuous day as we cross the Nara La Pass. The pass is marked by colorful Tibetan prayer flags, fluttering in the strong wind, sending prayers out into nature. The views of the mountains on the other side of the pass are breathtaking. Descending from the pass we can see the Limi Valley and Tibet. We then make a long descent to Hilsa, a small town on the Tibet – Nepal border. Camp in Hilsa, approx. 6 hours.

Day 10: Hilsa to Manepeme (3,990m). Today we continue our ascent taking us from the Tibetan border into the beauty of the Limi Valley. Camp in Manepeme, approx. 5 hours.

Day 11: Manepeme to Til (4,000m). First, we head up over a small pass and then down, all the way to the River Limi, where we will stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue for a short while to our camping spot in Til, approx. 6 hours.

Day 12: Rest day in Til by the Limi River, where we can do short day walks, rest by the river and observe the big Himalayan vultures – griffons, nesting right above us.

Day 13: Til through Halji to Tatopani (3,950m). This long day takes us first to the small town of Halji, nestled between the snow-peaked mountains in the south and the glacier in the north. With its beautiful gompa – Buddhist temple and a long wall of mani stones, Halji makes an interesting stop on our way. Just out of Halji we stop for lunch and then continue to a camping place called Tatopani, which means “hot springs”. Natural hot springs, coming from the ground beneath our camp offer an opportunity to wash both our clothes and ourselves.  Camp in Tatopani, approx. 8 hours.

Day 14: Tatopani to Talung (4,370m). From Tatopani we walk through the swampy wetland, and up over a small pass and then back down, passing a beautiful turquoise lake to our camping ground by the river in Talung, approx. 8 hours.

Day 15: Talung via Nyalu La Pass (4,949m) to Shinjungma (3,620m). We start early for the climb up over Nayalu La Pass. From the top of the pass, there are breathtaking 360-degree views. This long day takes us through beautiful grasslands, up over a high pass and back down to the river to our camping ground, approx. 8 hours.

Day 16: Shinjungma to Kermi (2,670m). A long day of mostly downhill walking, taking us through rhododendron forests. We hit the trail once again in Kermi, where we will camp above the Karnali River, approx. 7 hours.

Day 17: Rest day in Kermi with possible day walks and a visit to the local hot springs.

Day 18: Kermi to Dharapuri (2,300m). Today we retrace our steps along the river to Dharapuri. Camp by the river in Dharapuri, approx. 6 hours.

Day 19: Dharapuri to Simikot (2,950m). On our last day of the trek, we finish with the long uphill back to Simikot. We will camp in the small camping ground at Simikot and the afternoon can be spent relaxing and exploring the local bazaars, approx. 6 hours.

Day 20: In the morning we fly from Simikot back to Nepaljung and from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu on the same day.

Trekking Gear List

Himalayan Quests uses a layering system where different pieces of clothing are worn together or separately to achieve optimum body temperature control. The upper body garments listed here are either synthetic or merino wool garments which retain their insulating properties when wet, or nylon or Gore-Tex layers which help prevent heat loss by cutting wind, rain and snow.    

THIS IS A GUIDELINE ONLY

UPPER BODY LAYERS

• T Shirts – walking 2  Merino wool, Capilene or other synthetic, wicking fabric.  No cotton
• T-shirt – sleeping 1  Can be cotton
• Base layers 1  Light weight or mid weight thermal long sleeved t-shirt
• Top insulating Layers 1  Mid weight fleece that can be worn over other layers
• Fleece Vest 1
• Rain jacket 1
• Down jacket 1

LOWER BODY LAYERS

• Underwear  Sufficient for trek (remember you can wash them)
• Thermal long underwear 1       
• Trekking Trousers  2  Lightweight quick dry trousers (no cotton). Zip-offs are good
• Hiking Shorts  1  If no zip-off trousers. Below the knee for ladies
• Rain Pants  1

PACKS & BAGS

• Day pack  1  35ltrs. HQ will provide you with a duffle bag for your trekking gear
• Sleeping bag & compression sack  1  Minimum 3 season

FOOTWEAR

• Hiking boots  1  Must be well worn and comfortable with ankle support
• Socks  3 or 4  
• Flip flops/Camp shoes  1  Lightweight for evening use

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• Water bottles  2  One litre each, Nalgene or Sig style or a bladder if preferred
• Water purification drops  Cheap and easy to buy in Kathmandu (Piyus)
• Sunscreen  We recommend SPF 30 or greater
• Lip Balm  With SPF factor
• Personal first aid kit  To include any prescribed medications
• Sunglasses
• Bandana/Buff
• Flash light /head torch  Head torch is best as it leaves your hands free + extra batteries
• Travel towel  Lightweight and compact
• Wash kit  Travel size items for the trek & eco friendly if possible
• Hand Sanitizer   Alcohol-based for keeping hands clean
• Sun hat
• Warm hat
• Gloves
• Trekking poles  Optional, but advised if you have dodgy knees
• Toilet paper & rubbish bag
• Trekking snacks  Good selection available in KTM
• Camera  With charger &/or extra batteries
• Book/journal
• Pack of cards/travel game  For evening entertainment
• Mosquito repellent
• Passport photos  Always useful and a must have if you want a local sim card
• Photocopies of all your important documents
• A great sense of humour & positive attitude  Essential – don’t come without it!! J

Much of the above equipment can be bought cheaply in Kathmandu. You do not need to spend a fortune on gear.

Your trek cost includes:

• Pre-trip advice and detailed information
• Expert trip leadership and motivated staff for the duration of the trek
• Airport transfers in Nepal (where applicable)
• 2 nights accommodation pre-trek & 1-night post-trek in Kathmandu
• 1-night accommodation pre or post-trek in Pokhara (where applicable)
• Transportation to and from trek start and finish for you and your trekking team (different budget options available)
• Basic teahouse/lodge/camping accommodation during the trek on a twin sharing basis
• During the trek all meals on a full board basis (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) to include tea/coffee during the meals, but excluding any drinks outside of the meal times
• All permits, conservation area, and restricted area fees
• Porters
• Insurance and equipment for Nepali staff
• Rescue assistance
• Group medical kit

Your trek cost does NOT include:

• International flights to and from Kathmandu, Nepal
• Visa for Nepal
• Travel insurance (insurance to include evacuation is mandatory.  Please make sure you are covered to the correct altitude)
• Personal expenses such as fizzy drinks, chocolate, gifts, snacks, hot showers during the trek, etc.
• Meals unless specified
• Sightseeing
• Gratuities
• Excess baggage on internal flights
• Charges incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Himalayan Quests