Himlung Himal

Height: 7,126 m
Duration: 28 days
Country:
Nepal flagNepal
Himlung Himal offers a climb that navigates through remote regions of Nepal, providing a less crowded alternative to more popular Himalayan peaks. The ascent combines technical ice and rock sections with the challenge of high-altitude climbing, set against a backdrop of untouched landscapes.
Prepare for an adventure climbing Himlung Himal. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.

Route

  • 4,526 m gain over 28 days
  • Starting and ending in Besisahar / Koto
  • approach: drive, walk in

Walk in

  • +2,300 m over a 35 km approach
  • 6 - 7 days in
  • 3 - 4 days out

Climb

  • +2,276 m over 9 - 11 days.
  • 3 high camps. Camp 3 is optional

Difficulty

  • AD: Fairly hard (alpine grade 3)

Cost

  • $6,400 - $27,000 guided

When to go

  • April and May
  • October

Permits

  • 3 permits are needed
  • costing around $1395 total

Guide mandatory?

  • no

These are pictures taken while climbing Himlung Himal. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Himlung Himal, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.

Guide links

These guides offer organised mountaineering expeditions for Himlung Himal. From here you can check each guides profile, or browse directly to their website to see the trip. You can separately view the guides directory to browse all guides in one place.
Below is a curated list of independent mountain guides offering expeditions for Himlung Himal. Each guide provides their own experience, allowing climbers to select the approach that best suits their style, budget, and experience level. You can explore each guide’s dedicated trip page to review what they offer, from logistics and support to pricing details, with no additional influence from us.
The climbing itinerary for Himlung Himal includes stops at Base Camp (4850m), Camp 1 (5600m), Camp 2 (6200m), Camp 3 (6700m), and finally, the summit at 7126 meters.

base-camp
Base Camp

The starting point of the climb, located at an altitude of 4850 meters.
4,850 m

high-camp
Camp 1

A campsite situated at 5600 meters above sea level.
5,600 m

high-camp
Camp 2

An intermediate campsite positioned at 6200 meters.
6,200 m

high-camp
Camp 3

A high camp established at 6700 meters on the mountain.
6,700 m

summit
Summit

The majestic summit of Himlung Himal, standing at an elevation of 7126 meters.
7,126 m
Explore the 3D route map for a realistic view of the ascent to Himlung Himal. This interactive map provides a close-up look at key points like base camp and high-altitude camps along the way. For those planning their own expeditions, it offers a helpful overview of the mountain's terrain and surroundings.

Himlung Himal weather

How is the weather on Himlung Himal, and when is the best time to go.

The weather conditions on Himlung Himal vary throughout the year. The most popular climbing months are April, May, and October, which generally offer more favorable weather conditions. The mountain experiences colder temperatures and higher rainfall during the winter and monsoon seasons. It is crucial to plan your climb during the optimal months to ensure safer and more enjoyable climbing conditions.

The best time to climb Himlung Himal is in these months:

  • Apr
  • May
  • Oct

Himlung Himal Gear Packing List

What To Take to climb Himlung Himal

  • Clothing:
    • Insulated jacket
    • Waterproof jacket
    • Down or synthetic sleeping bag
    • Base layers (thermal tops and bottoms)
    • Hiking pants
    • Fleece or softshell jacket
    • Gloves (inner and outer)
    • Warm hat
    • Sun hat or cap
    • Gaiters
    • Hiking socks
    • Mountaineering boots
    • Camp shoes or sandals
  • Equipment:
    • Mountaineering backpack
    • Sleeping pad
    • Trekking poles
    • Climbing harness
    • Crampons
    • Ice axe
    • Helmet
    • Climbing rope
    • Carabiners
    • Prusik cords
    • Rappel device
    • Headlamp with spare batteries
    • Sunglasses with UV protection
    • Water bottles or hydration system
    • Water purification tablets or filter
    • First aid kit
    • Map and compass
    • Sunscreen and lip balm
    • Toiletries
    • Trekking towel
  • Food and Nutrition:
    • High-energy snacks
    • Dehydrated meals
    • Energy gels or bars
    • Electrolyte powder
  • Miscellaneous:
    • Camera with spare batteries
    • Portable charger
    • Multi-tool or knife
    • Repair kit (for clothing and equipment)
    • Duct tape
    • Ziplock bags (for waterproofing)
    • Cash and identification
    • Travel insurance documents
    • Permits and necessary paperwork
    • Emergency contact information

Himlung Himal Services

Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation

The Himlung Himal route offers basic services catering to climbers and trekkers. While the facilities may be more limited compared to popular routes, there are accommodation options, guides, porters, and some basic medical services available. It's important to plan and prepare accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the route.

Accommodation

Accommodation options along the Himlung Himal route primarily consist of basic tea houses and tented camps. Tea houses provide simple lodging with shared facilities, while trekkers may also need to carry their own camping gear for some sections of the route.

Food

Food is available along the Himlung Himal route, but the options may be limited. Tea houses and trekking agencies offer meals such as local Nepali dishes and some international cuisine. It is advisable to carry some high-energy snacks and consider dietary preferences and requirements in advance.

Guides

Experienced guides are available for the Himlung Himal route and are highly recommended, especially for climbers with limited mountaineering experience. Guide fees can vary depending on the duration and level of support required. It's crucial to select a qualified and licensed guide who can provide necessary assistance, navigation, and safety expertise.

Porters

Porters are available to assist with carrying heavy equipment and supplies during the climb. Hiring porters helps alleviate the burden of carrying a heavy load and allows climbers to focus on the ascent. Porters' fees are typically based on the weight of the load and the duration of the trek.

Medical facilities

Limited medical services are available along the Himlung Himal route. Basic first aid and medical facilities can be found at tea houses or base camps, but it is important to carry a personal first aid kit. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation in case of any medical emergencies.

Gear rental

While some gear can be rented in Kathmandu or nearby towns, climbers are generally expected to bring their own personal climbing equipment, including mountaineering boots, crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and other essential gear. It is crucial to have appropriate gear for the challenging terrain and cold weather conditions.

Transport

To reach the Himlung Himal route, a combination of domestic flights, bus or jeep rides, and trekking is typically involved. The starting point for the route is usually reached by flying to Besisahar and then driving to Koto. Optional helicopter services may be available for a more direct and convenient access.

Internet / Phone

Connectivity along the Himlung Himal route is limited. Mobile phone coverage may be available at certain points, but it can be unreliable and sporadic. Internet access and Wi-Fi are scarce. It is advisable to inform your loved ones about the limited communication options and consider alternative means of communication or emergency devices.

ATMs

There are no ATMs available along the Himlung Himal route. It is recommended to carry enough cash for the entire duration of the trek, including additional funds for unforeseen circumstances.

Shops

There are limited shops along the route, primarily at tea houses or small settlements. These shops offer basic supplies such as snacks, bottled water, toiletries, batteries, and some trekking gear. However, the availability of items may be inconsistent, so it is advisable to carry essential supplies and equipment beforehand.

Himlung Himal permits

What permits are needed for climbing Himlung Himal

Climbing Himlung Himal requires several permits to ensure compliance and support local conservation efforts. The permits cover access to restricted areas and provide necessary support during the climb.

1. Restricted Area Permit (RAP)

  • $18 (~2,000 in the local currency)
  • Allows entry into the restricted areas along the Himlung Himal route.
  • The RAP can be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal before starting the climb.

2. Climbing Permit

  • $1350 (~150,000 in the local currency)
  • Authorizes climbing Himlung Himal and includes necessary support from the local authorities.
  • The Climbing Permit must be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal before starting the climb.

3. National Park Entry Permit

  • $27 (~3,000 in the local currency)
  • Allows entry into the national park where Himlung Himal is located.
  • The National Park Entry Permit can be obtained at the entry checkpoint or through a registered trekking agency in Nepal.

Himlung Himal access - getting there

How to get to Himlung Himal

Start walking in from either Koto or Besisahar (for a bit more acclimitization).

  • Arrival:
    • Fly to Kathmandu, Nepal
    • Take an international flight to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.
  • Domestic Flight:
    • Take a domestic flight to Besisahar
    • From Kathmandu, take a domestic flight to Besisahar, a town in the Lamjung District. This flight saves time and provides a convenient access point for the Himlung Himal route.
  • Overland Travel:
    • Drive to Koto via Besisahar
    • From Kathmandu, travel by road to Besisahar, and then continue the journey to Koto, the starting point for the Himlung Himal climb. This overland option allows you to experience the scenic beauty of the region.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Himlung Himal. From route highlights to summitsummit views, these clips showcase the mountain’s beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Himlung Himal video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future climbers.
What you can see from the summit of Himlung Himal. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.

These are variations on the typical route. Which could be added on; either part way along or at the start / end to extend the trek.

Pisang Peak Climb

add 4 extra days

Include a side trip to climb Pisang Peak, a popular trekking peak near Himlung Himal, providing an additional mountaineering challenge and acclimitization for the main climb

Himlung Himal questions

What to know about climbing Himlung Himal

Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.

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