Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel.
Day 2
Final Preparation & Ministry Briefing
Full preparation day in Kathmandu. Final gear checks, equipment organization, and team meeting. Attend the official expedition briefing at the Ministry, where permits and expedition formalities are completed.
Day 3
Drive to Besishar & Jeep to Koto (2,628 m)
Drive from Kathmandu to Besishar through scenic countryside with views of rivers, terraced farms, and rolling hills. From Besishar, continue by jeep along rugged mountain roads to Koto, the gateway to the Nar-Phu region. Overnight in lodge.
Day 4
Trek to Dharmasala (3,164 m) – 6–7 hrs
Begin trekking along forested trails and narrow valleys following the Phu River. Gradual ascent leads to Dharmasala, surrounded by dramatic Himalayan scenery. Overnight camping/lodge.
Day 5
Trek to Kyang (3,886 m) – 6 hrs
Continue trekking through alpine landscapes, crossing suspension bridges and passing remote settlements. The scenery becomes more rugged as you gain altitude. Reach Kyang for overnight stay.
Day 6
Spare / Acclimatization Day
Rest day in Kyang for acclimatization. Short hikes around the area help the body adapt to increasing altitude while enjoying panoramic mountain views.
Day 7
Trek to Phu Gaon (4,131 m) – 5 hrs
Trek toward the ancient Tibetan-style village of Phu Gaon. The route offers spectacular canyon scenery and unique cultural experiences. Overnight stay in this historic high-altitude village.
Day 8
Acclimatization Day in Phu Gaon
Rest day to explore Phu village, visit the monastery, and further acclimatize before heading toward Base Camp.
Day 9
Trek to Himlung Base Camp (4,842 m) – 7 hrs
Ascend gradually across glacial terrain and open alpine landscapes to reach Himlung Base Camp. Settle in and prepare for the climbing period ahead.
Day 10 - 26
Ascent of Himlung Himal (7,126 m)
Climbing period dedicated to acclimatization rotations, establishing higher camps, fixing ropes where necessary, and preparing for the summit attempt. Weather windows are carefully monitored for a safe summit push. Himlung is considered one of the more accessible 7,000m peaks, offering a rewarding high-altitude experience.
Day 27
Clean Base Camp & Packing Day
Dismantle Base Camp, clean the area as per environmental guidelines, and organize loads for descent.
Day 28
Trek to Kyang (3,886 m) – 7 hrs
Begin descent from Base Camp back to Kyang, retracing the scenic alpine route.
Day 29
Trek to Koto (2,628 m) – 7 hrs
Continue descending through the Nar-Phu valley back to Koto. Overnight stay in lodge.
Day 30
Drive to Besishar
Return by jeep from Koto to Besishar, enjoying the changing landscapes as you descend.
Day 31
Drive to Kathmandu
Drive back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel. Enjoy a well-earned rest.
Day 32
Free Day in Kathmandu
Leisure day for relaxation, sightseeing, shopping, or cultural exploration.
Day 33
Ministry Debriefing & Free Day
Attend the official debriefing session at the Ministry. Celebrate the expedition’s completion with the team.
Day 34
Final Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward international flight, marking the conclusion of the Himlung Himal Expedition.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/FITNESS
The technical difficulty of this climb is not high, but it is physically demanding with long days and sections with a lot of exposure. The trip is ideally suited to strong, experienced climbers who want to climb the peak in its own right, or to use the trip to gain experience for higher peaks in the future. To move efficiently and enjoyably we recommend you have experience of Alpine PD+/AD routes and /or an ability to climb Scottish grade 1/ll winter routes and previous experience of altitude of at least 4800m before.
A TYPICAL TREKKING DAY
Starts around seven am (not a problem as it’s usual to go to bed early!) with you packing your overnight gear into a kit bag before enjoying a hearty breakfast ready to leave camp whilst it’s still fairly cool. The pace on the trek will be leisurely with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, chat to the locals and keep hydrated. Lunch is usually in a fine spot by the side of the trail and, most days, you will be arriving at our overnight camp mid afternoon ready for a well earned cup of tea. This leaves an hour or so to rest or explore before a three course evening meal. It is quite remarkable what the locals can produce in these remote circumstances.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The Post and Pre monsoon conditions experienced from October into mid-December. April-May are usually very fair, dry and stable. Daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm in the valleys (20-30C) whilst cool to very cold (especially with wind chill) high on Baruntse. Night time temperatures are cold to very cold (possibly as low as minus 30C) and you should make sure you have a very warm sleeping bag (-30c), an expedition weight down jacket and good quality down mitts.
CATERING ARRANGEMENTS
Food on the trek and at Base Camp is excellent and designed to stimulate your appetite despite frequent altitude induced loss of appetite. Breakfast includes porridge and cereal followed by eggs (fried, boiled poached or omelettes) and either bread or chapattis with jam, honey, peanut butter etc. Lunch starts with juice and may include chips, rice, lentils, vegetables, salad, sandwiches, beans, tinned fish and tinned meat. Dessert is usually fresh/tinned fruit and tea. The evening meal always starts with soup (often with a healthy dose of garlic to aid acclimatisation) accompanied by poppadums, popcorn or prawn crackers. The main meal varies from local style – Dal Bhat (rice and lentils with an onion and vegetable sauce), Yak stew, momos etc. to western style – yak burgers, chips, pasta, even pizza! Desserts are equally appealing and include apple pie, cake, custard etc. You will not be hungry! Once on the mountain we use dehydrated meals supplemented by chocolate, muesli bars, cheese, nuts, salami, etc.
IMPORTANT – The small print
Please note, flights to and from Lukla can be delayed due to the weather. Please be patient and bring a good book to read. If the flight is delayed overnight accommodation is included on a B&B basis. In cases of longer delays, optional helicopter flights are sometimes offered at an extra cost.
MISSED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
We allow one extra day in the itinerary for bad weather. If you are delayed longer (unusual) we can re-book your International flight but additional costs may/will be incurred. Tickets can be changed according to availability and the class of ticket, you may need to upgrade and be flexible on your return date. All additional payment would need to paid for in Kathmandu (card payments accepted).
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
We employ local staff to work alongside our own group leader giving employment beyond farming. We ask that you restrict showers to those lodges that have electricity or solar power, thus reducing deforestation. Be prepared to wash using bowls of warm water or ‘wet ones’. We recommend you dispose of burnable rubbish at the lodges but take other items such as bottles and batteries back to Kathmandu. Avoid plastic bottles of water by bringing iodine tablets and a refillable bottle to drink local pumped water. Soft drinks should be purchased in glass bottles that can be recycled.
ALTITUDE
Our itineraries generally allow sufficient time for your body to acclimatise. The best way to avoid any problems is to do everything slowly, walk at a gentle steady pace and drink plenty of fluid. Our leader will give an appropriate briefing on arrival.
USEFUL TIPS
Just in case your main luggage goes missing en route, it is a good idea to wear your boots on the plane. Most other things can be replaced but comfortable, well worn-in boots are more difficult to replace easily.
EQUIPMENT
A detailed equipment list is provided on booking. Specialist items such as sleeping bags and down jackets can be hired or purchased.
BAGGAGE
For your own comfort travel light. Normally airlines restrict baggage to 20kg and the Lukla flight 15kg, but you will be wearing boots and one set of trekking clothes. Some items can be left at the hotel for your return.
VISAS AND PERMITS
US/UK citizens and most EU nationals can purchase Visas on arrival. All other countries should check with their local embassy. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the end date of the trip.
LOCAL COSTS
Most meals are inclusive, please see the key above. Individuals are responsible for drinks throughout and hotel meals which gives the flexibility to choose where you eat.
CURRENCY
Nepalese Rupee. UK Sterling, Euros and US Dollars can easily be changed in Kathmandu. ATM (cash machines) are available in Kathmandu.
TIPPING
Tipping is generally expected and part of everyday life. We generally tip our own local staff as a whole. It is also usual to put approximately 1000 rupees into the pot for the Puja or mountain blessing – a very important part of Himalayan climbing.
EXTENSIONS
Everest Flight
An early morning spectacular flight over Everest.
Chitwan Wildlife Safari (plus 4 days)
You can round off your trek with a three day wildlife safari. This includes a jeep safari, jungle walk, river canoe trip and elephant ride combined with a cultural program in search of rhino and the famous Bengal tiger.
