Limi Valley Trek

Limi Valley Trek

Limi valley is the hidden valley situated in the far western corner of Nepal, Humla district. It offers the real lifestyle of the Himalayas. Travelers have very few footprints on the rugged and remote valley, Limi. Limi valley signifies the ancient gompas, beautiful nature, wonderful culture, climatic variety, rare and endangered wild animals, natural flora and fauna. Isolated by snow and ice and surrounded by Himalayan peaks, this trek follows the ancient salt trade route and pilgrim's trail of Nepal border and Tibet passing through the typical village of Tibetan cultured people with distinct lifestyles. Thus, the Limi Valley Trek will be one of the finest trekking experience in highland Nepal were expecting the unexpected is a certainty.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m/4429 ft.) - Kathmandu

Stop At: Thamel, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal
Flying into Kathmandu is a memorable experience with the Himalaya spread out. Timepass is so quickly, enjoying the views of marvelous Himalayan ranges along with the world's highest peak Mount Everest while being on this flight. The flight will land at (TIA) Tribhuwan International Airport at 1350m after you will receive Nepal entry visa which can be obtained in advance or on entry and for the visa process at Kathmandu TIA, you will take around 45min, it depends on the number of people in a queue. For the Nepal entry visa information, have to visit this Nepal govt. official site Department of Immigration Nepal. After you will exit from the gate, where you will see our representative waiting for you withholding placard written with the company name. Representative welcome you by offering a holy Tibetan scarf and transfer to the hotel in private vehicle. It takes around 30min to reach at Thamel from TIA via means of transportation. The scenes of Pashupatinath, city, full of various vehicles, peoples make our journey more enjoyable and amazing, then we reach the hotel and take rest. Thamel is full of restaurants, shopping centers, and good accommodation. Trek briefing and afterward invited to a host family for welcome dinner.
Duration: 12 hours

No meals included on this day.
Accommodation included: 3* hotel

Day 2: KTM Valley UNESCO Heritage sites Sightseeing Tours (1350m/4429 ft.) - Kathmandu

Stop At: Shree Pashupatinath Temple, Pashupati Nath Road 44621, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
KTM Sightseeing tour will commence after breakfast on most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage sites; Swayambhu Stupa- an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley and popular with “Monkey Temple”, Boudha Stupa- the largest stupas in Nepal, Pashupatinath significant Shiva Temple and cremation center of KTM Valley. After the complete sightseeing tour, we return to the hotel and do preparation for the Himalayas trek.
Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: 3* hotel

Day 3: Scenic flight to Nepalgunj(200m/656ft.), 50min

Stop At: Nepalgunj Airport, H 12, मनिकापुर 21900, Nepal
After having our breakfast in the hotel at Kathmandu we moved towards Tribhuvan International Airport early in the morning. It takes 50 mins to Mahendra Airport in Nepalgunj 200m. Enjoying the view of Himalayan ranges while being on the flight, we reach Nepalgunj(gateway to Simikot). The weather is comparatively warmer than Ktm. Due to the nearness to India, necessities are quite cheap, esp. vegetables. Many Nepali go shopping in Rupaidiha, a little market town beyond the border. The biggest temple of Nepalgunj(Bageshwori Temple) one of the famous and most religious temples in Nepal. It dedicates to goddess Bageshwori- a Durga. Travelers can visit the temple and do arati, a mini zoo with a playground and a few animals. Visitors can also have a bicycle trip to the Rapti river and can experience the elephant safari at Bardia National Park a few distances from the main market of Nepalgunj but if you are interested to participate these activities, you require extra additional days. We will have a look of more than three hundred and fifty species of birds, along with other wild animals like deer, wild boars, wild elephants, crocodiles, dolphins, blue bulls, etc. After the visit back to the hotel where our accommodation is arranged.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch: Dinner
Accommodation included: guesthouse

Day 4: Scenic flight to Simikot (2950m/9678ft.) & trek to Dharapuri(2300m/7545ft.), flight 45min+3-4hr walk

Stop At: Simikot Airport, Jahaaje Baato, Simikot 21000, Nepal
Our trek starts following the Karnali river with narrow and high rocky slopes. We will observe the fields of barley, buckwheat, rice, and potatoes, etc. Kermi the small village of Buddhist, we will see Monastery and Chorten with beautifully craft Mane wall every village. The famous two gompas: Lakiyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa built a century years ago. We will visit the monasteries and around the villages. There are hot springs near Kermi where the visitors can relief their body aches. We will have the strange howls of jackals and hyenas coming from the bushes.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: teahouse

Day 5: Trek to Kermi(2670m/8760ft.), 4-5hr walk

Stop At: Karnali River, India
Ascending to Yalbang, the trail goes through a pass till the Sali River Bridge. On the way, we will see the beautiful forest, Pine trees, home of a children’s hospital, and Karnali River. We will also visit the monastery called Namkha Khyung Dzong. It origins from the Nyingmapa Lineage a great magician Guru Rimpoche around the 7th century. The gompas have a huge statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and other statues of Guru Rimpoche. We will visit the gompa during the prayer time morning at 7 am and in the afternoon at 4 pm. We will have an opportunity to soak with the spiritual vibes. After the visit to Gompa, we finally lead towards Yalbang.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: teahouse

Day 6: Trek to Yalbang (3020m/9908ft.), 5hr walk

Stop At: Yalbang Monastery, Limi Lhapcha Sadak, मुचू 21000, Nepal
Ascending to Yalbang, the trail goes through a pass till the Sali River Bridge. On the way, we will see the beautiful forest, Pine trees, home of a children’s hospital, and Karnali River. We will also visit the monastery called Namkha Khyung Dzong. It origins from the Nyingmapa Lineage a great magician Guru Rimpoche around the 7th century. The gompas have a huge statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and other statues of Guru Rimpoche. We will visit the gompa during the prayer time morning at 7 am and in the afternoon at 4 pm. We will have an opportunity to soak with the spiritual vibes. After the visit to Gompa, we finally lead towards Yalbang.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: teahouse

Day 7: Trek to Tumkot(3380m/11089 ft.), 5-6hr walk

Stop At: Karnali River, India
Early in the morning after having breakfast we ascend to Tumkot. The trail leads to the Yanger village. We head to three-sided tunnel-like trails. We will experience the climatic change every hour. Moving ahead we will see ample pine trees and rocky hills. Then crossing the wooden suspension bridge over Karnali River we start to climb Rocky mountains until reaches. During the walk, we get to see ancient modes of trading existing in the same old fashion like the sheep carrying the sacks of salt on their backs. Across the army camp, we will get mobile restaurants serving tea, coffee, and snacks. Before Tumkot, we cross the Muchu village. Muchu is the home to Dhungkar Choezom Monastery affiliated to Shakya Lineage. Walking half an hour on the top of a rocky mountain, we will visit the monastery considered as the important in Tibetian region. We will get the every minute details of a monastery having in its bosom. Now we will head to Tumkot.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: guesthouse

Day 8: Trek to Yari(3690m/12106ft.), 6hr walk

Stop At: Karnali River, India
Leading towards Yari, the trail begins through up and steeper. We will experience the change in climate, temperature, and landscape. Due to climatic change, we will only see short bushes rather than the trees. The forests give way to a more barren landscape as we reach higher and higher. On the way, we get some tea houses where we will have a cup of tea and some snacks. The trail forms into a dirt road all the way until reaching Yari. Yari is the beautiful village from where we will have the beautiful scenery of Erega Mountain and the vicinity of Thado Dhunga (4,043m).
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: Basic teahouse

Day 9: Trek to Hilsa(3720m/12204 ft.), 5-6hr walk

Stop At: Hilsa Heliport, Ngari 21000, Nepal
The trek from Hilsa via Nara La Pass is quite tough. The view of dry land and landscape looks similar to Tibet. On the way, we will see caravans of yaks, the herd of Dzopas and mules. After a couple of hours of walk, the trail leads to the Nara LA Pass from where we will have the view of Tibetan plains and the Yari village below. We might see some snow on the trail. We will see the Buddhist prayer flag, piles of stones symbolize good luck. Furthermore, Travellers can capture the view of Tibet on the one side and Yari village down below. After then we descend towards Hilsa. It is a border town of Nepal-Tibet border(way to Mt. Kailash). It is the collection of the grey building across the suspension bridge of Karnali river flows from Tibet to Nepal. From here you can continue to Mt.Kailash Manasarovar tour, Tibet rather than to make Limi Valley circle trek. In this trek, we layout the itinerary clockwise direction but if you would like to do Mt. Kailash Tour via Limi Valley then it could be a good idea if you start the trek with Anti-clock direction and continue to Mt. Kailash Manasarovar Lakes, Tibet. From the direction, you will get more opportunity to explore in nature without Limit, to experience a truly in a wild, unspoiled trail with nature, unique cultural experience but in this trek, there is no other option left rather do camping trek with carrying all the food, kitchen teams, porters, etc. In Tibet also after the Mt. Kailash and Manasarovar tour, you have option drive to Lhasa and take a 1hr flight to Kathmandu or continue to drive to Kerong via Sags, Shigatse, etc.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: Basic teahouse

Day 10: Trek to Menepeme(3990m/13090ft.), 5-6hr walk

Stop At: Karnali River, India
Crossing the large iron bridge over the Karnali river, we will leave the Hilsa village. We will move through a narrow trail until the main route on the high slope. The trail follows the river way to Menepeme. The trail goes ups and downs into steep slopes. The way to check our physical strength with ups and downs. The amazing landscape, barren mountains, jungle, steep rocks in amazing colors will make us feel relaxed. Then we will reach a small flat area of Menepeme(today's destination).
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: tent

Day 11: Trek to Til(4000m/13123ft.), 5-6hr walk

Stop At: Karnali River, India
Ascending for a couple of hours the trails lead to the famous Ya Yip Phuk meditation cave. The famous translator of Buddhist scriptures for meditation. He had a great contribution to exchange cultural exchange between Tibet and India. The trail continues with lush and green plants. We will find some rampant juniper trees with some short bushes. Continuing more we keep going until reach Lamka La Pass. We will have the view of Til and the white monasteries. Getting closer to the Til, We will find Chortens (Stupas) as a sign of settlement. We will see white buildings attached to the slope, which got to be the monastery with some retreat houses on the edge of the Gumpa. We lead to downward the village of Til. Till has been influenced by Tibet which is shown by their lifestyle, buildings, and clothes. From there we will have a panoramic view of the glaciers and mountain ranges. The senior citizen spins around prayer wheels and humming “Om Mani Padme Hum”. This mantra (chant) is believed to be possessed by Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva who supposedly stays on Earth to anchor humanity to enlightenment and compassion. The soil is fertile and has the view of birches, terraced barley fields, and the two beautiful snow mountains. Walking for an hour takes us the Chorten gate, the entrance of Till village.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: tent

Day 12: Trek to Halji(3660m/12007 ft.), 3-4hr walk

Stop At: Karnali River, India
After taking breakfast, we head to Halji following along the Limi Valley. On the way, we will pass through the villages and have a look around the monasteries. Richening Gompa in Halji which is the main attraction of Limi Valley. This monastery holds great religious and spiritual importance. We will have an opportunity to see the Mani walls built with many stones with holy mantras and deities carved on it. It provides us much information to visit inside it. We will see the decorated idol of Shakyamuni Buddha, in other room the small statues, complete version of Kenjur, masks, and costumes used in cultural carnivals. The Visitor need not pay the entry charge but only the charge of taking pictures. A day with wildlife, natural beauty, and spiritual importance that awaits us at the end of the day. We have chances to spot blue sheep and the elusive snow leopard.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: tent

Day 13: Trek to Jang(3930m/12893ft.), 4hr walk

Stop At: Karnali River, India
Trek to Jang is short & easy, Following along Limi valley through grassy fields until we reach Jang. Jang is the last village of Limi valley. Like other villages, it is also full of surprises and beauty. It is untouched by modern culture. We will see visit the beautiful Gompas, hot springs, and the beautiful village. We will visit the inside of gompa with free of cost but like in Halji only the charge of taking pictures is taken. It is facing the river sloping north of the valley amidst terraced barley fields.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: tent

Day 14: Trek to Talung(4370m/14337 ft.), 4hr walk

Stop At: Karnali River, India
Today we have the long hours walk. As we leave Limi valley and the villages we won't see any villages till Kermi so we will be walking through the vast landscape. The trail gets windy and harder so need to slow our pace goes up until Talung. We will have the panoramic views API, Saipal Himal (7025m) and Mt. Kailash. It is the most unbelievable landscapes full of adventures. Talung provides us a fair bit of leveled ground to camp. We will be staying here in a camp overnight at the grassy meadow. After 4 hours walk, we end up in Talung.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: tent

Day 15: Trek to Shinjungma(3620m/11876ft.) via Nyalu La Pass(4940m/16207ft.), 8hr walk

Stop At: Karnali River, India
Today we will reach the highest point among all the trekking days at Nyalu La Pass(4940m/16207ft.). It is difficult depending on the weather. Walking the high elevation it is adventurous and tough. We will enjoy the pure and fresh nature. From the top, we will have a good sight of the two captivating peaks: Mt. Kailash (6714 m) and Mount Saipal (7031 m) which makes the visitors an unforgettable trek and also provide the view of Tibet and Humla. Capturing some pictures and enjoying the nature we will trek down to lake Selma Tso until we will cross Sali River and reach our camp at Shinjungma. The changing climate and landscape, Sali River, steep slopes, Mount Kailash make the trek memorable.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: tent

Day 16: Trek to Kermi(2670m/8760ft.), 7hr walk

Stop At: Simikot Airport, Jahaaje Baato, Simikot 21000, Nepal
Today is the trek below 3000m and back to Kermi. Now we will get human settlements there. We will be passing through the solid ground, amidst pine, birch trees, and along the Sali river by the side. Due to difficulty in the trail, the horses and yaks have to be unloaded. We shall cross the Karnali river further takes to Kermi village. Above 40mins above the Kermi are some hot springs that make the visitors worth. The visitors can relax and dip their exhausted bodies in the hot spring there.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: Basic teahouse

Day 17: Trek to Simikot(2950m/9678ft.), 6hr walk

Stop At: Simikot Airport, Jahaaje Baato, Simikot 21000, Nepal
After having breakfast, we will continue our trek to Simikot with a pleasant hike on flat trails passing villages from where we have started our trek. The trail is along the road and nice landscape. We have to cross the Masigaon Village and shall ascend 2 hours to cross a pass of 3000m altitude. Then after half an hour walk, we will reach Simikot. After reaching there we will have a hot water shower and walk around the market.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast: Lunch
Dinner
Accommodation included: Basic teahouse

Day 18: Flight to Simikot - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu

Stop At: Thamel, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal
After having breakfast in the morning, we will take the flight back to Nepalgunj and fly again to Kathmandu on the very same day. Our representative shall take you to your hotel after your arrival in Kathmandu. You can spend the rest of the by relaxing or shopping for gifts and souvenirs.
Duration: 12 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
Accommodation included: hotel

Day 19: Final departure from Kathmandu

Stop At: Thamel, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal
A representative of IHSA will drop off you at TI airport by private vehicle.
Duration: 2 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.