Join our community of
mountaineers
Himlung Himal
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.
Table of contents
GuidesPictures
Itinerary
Route
Weather
Gear
Services
Permits
Access
Videos
Summit View
Variations
FAQs
Similar
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
- $7,500 - $9,555 guided
When to go
- April and May
- October
Permits
- 3 permits are needed
- costing around $1395 total
Guide mandatory?
- no
Guide links
| Guide | Info | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Highland expeditions | more info | $7,999 |
| Nepal guide trips & expeditions | more info | $9,555 |
| Nepal wilderness trekking | more info | $7,900 |
| Exciting nepal treks & expedition | more info | $8,500 |
| Alfresco Adventure travel | more info | $7,500 |
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
The starting point of the climb, located at an altitude of 4850 meters.
4,850 m
Camp 1
A campsite situated at 5600 meters above sea level.
5,600 m
Camp 2
An intermediate campsite positioned at 6200 meters.
6,200 m
Camp 3
A high camp established at 6700 meters on the mountain.
6,700 m
Summit
The majestic summit of Himlung Himal, standing at an elevation of 7126 meters.
7,126 m
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 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.
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.
These treks are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Himlung Himal trek and provide beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and a sense of adventure.
