loader image
Skip to main content

Himalayan Outdoor Project

HOP — Header (Live Data)
Himlung Expedition — Preview (hopsummit- widget)
Himlung Expedition

28°49'39"N · 84°14'15"E — MANASLU REGION, NEPAL

Himlung Expedition

Follow the path of myths to the foot of the sky.

Expedition Data

Himlung expedition route map
Month
April – May | September – November
Group Size
4 – 14 adventurers
Duration
30 days
Transportation
Private transportation
Difficulty
Challenging

Packages

Standard PackagePer Climber$9,500
Deluxe PackagePer Climber$11,000
Private PackagePer Climber$14,000

Mission Brief

Himlung Expedition: A Stepping Stone to the Giants, on a Remote Path to 7,126 Metres

Expedition Overview

Himlung Himal, standing at 7,126 metres in the remote Nar-Phu Valley of Nepal's Manaslu region, is rapidly becoming one of the most sought-after 7,000-metre peaks in the Himalayas. Located near the Tibetan border, Himlung offers a true high-altitude expedition experience without the extreme difficulty or overcrowding found on other peaks. It is the ideal stepping-stone for climbers aiming to progress from 6,000-metre peaks to the 8,000-metre giants like Everest or Manaslu.

The mountain was first climbed in 1992 by a Japanese expedition via the east ridge from the south. Since then, Himlung has become the preferred choice for climbers seeking to gain valuable 7,000-metre experience. Nepal now requires every Everest permit applicant to have at least one 7,000-metre summit, and Himlung has become the most popular way to tick that box.

The journey begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, followed by a trek through the legendary Annapurna Circuit before diverting into the remote Nar-Phu Valley. The trek passes through medieval stone villages and ancient monasteries. Upon reaching Base Camp at 4,900m, the expedition transitions into high-altitude rotations through Camps I (5,400m), II (5,900m), and III (6,300m) before the final push to the summit.

The Himlung Expedition is not merely about reaching a summit; it is about proving your readiness for the 8,000-metre peaks that lie beyond. It is a once-in-a-lifetime journey that demands exceptional preparation but offers rewards that last forever.

Trip Highlights

  • Summit the spectacular 7,126-metre peak in the remote Nar-Phu Valley
  • Follow the Northwest Ridge route the standard and most achievable path
  • Expedition led by Tashi Chhumbel Sherpa
  • Small expedition teams with high guide-to-climber ratios
  • Trek through the Nar-Phu Valley a restricted area closed to outsiders until the 1990s
  • Experience ancient Tibetan-Buddhist culture in the medieval stone villages of Phu Gaon
  • Exceptional summit views of Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and the Tibetan plateau
  • Ideal training ground for climbers preparing for 8,000-metre peaks like Everest or Manaslu
  • Low traffic far fewer climbers than Everest or Manaslu
  • Carefully designed acclimatisation and rotation strategy

Route Profile

Elevation Profile - 30 Days Through the Nar-Phu Valley

7,126mSummit altitude
3High camps
30Expedition days
Trek / travel day Base Camp / rotation / rest Summit day

highpeak
PeakMt Himlung
elevation
Elevation7,126m / 23,379ft
region
RegionManaslu Region, Nepal
route
RouteNorthwest Ridge
grade
Co-ordinates28°49'39"N 84°14'15"E
weather
Weather ReportsLive Weather Report
trek
Walking Per Day5 – 7 Hours
peak
Highest CampCamp III (6,300m)
tent
AccommodationHotel | Lodge | Tent
duration
Best SeasonSpring (Mar – May) | Autumn (Sept – Nov)
support
Oxygen SupportSupplemental above high camps

Trail Manifest

Itinerary | 30 Days to the Summit

DAY 01Arrival in Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel1,400m
Arrival in Kathmandu, hotel check-in, equipment verification, and permit processing.
DAY 02Final Gear Check, Permit Preparation and Expedition Briefing
Final gear check, permit preparation, and a comprehensive expedition briefing.
DAY 03Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar800m
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, the gateway to the Annapurna and Manaslu region roads.
DAY 04Drive from Besisahar to Koto2,600m
Drive from Besisahar to Koto, entering the Manang region along the Annapurna Circuit road.
DAY 05Trek from Koto to Dharapani1,860m
Trek from Koto to Dharapani.
DAY 06Trek from Dharapani to Kaga2,540m
Trek from Dharapani to Kaga.
DAY 07Trek from Kaga to Tilche3,100m
Trek from Kaga to Tilche.
DAY 08Trek from Tilche to Phu Gaon4,080m
Trek from Tilche to Phu Gaon, a medieval stone village in the restricted Nar-Phu Valley, closed to outsiders until the 1990s.
DAY 09Acclimatization Day: Explore Phu Gaon & Ancient Monastery4,080m
Acclimatization day exploring Phu Gaon and its ancient monastery.
DAY 10Trek from Phu Gaon to Himlung Base Camp4,900m
Trek from Phu Gaon to Himlung Base Camp (4,900m), the expedition hub.
DAY 11–12Acclimatization & Training at Base Camp (Icefall Practice)
Acclimatization and training at Base Camp, including icefall practice with fixed ropes and crampons.
DAY 13Establish Camp 15,400m
Establish Camp I (5,400m).
DAY 14Rotation: Climb to Camp 1 and Return to Base Camp
First acclimatization rotation climb to Camp I and return to Base Camp.
DAY 15Rest Day at Base Camp
Rest day at Base Camp.
DAY 16Move to Camp 15,400m
Move up to Camp I.
DAY 17Establish Camp 2 and Return to Camp 15,900m
Establish Camp II (5,900m) and return to Camp I.
DAY 18Return to Base Camp for Rest
Descend to Base Camp for rest and recovery.
DAY 19Rest and Final Preparation for Summit Push at Base Camp
Rest day and final preparation for the summit push, waiting for the weather window.
DAY 20Move to Camp 15,400m
The summit push begins move to Camp I.
DAY 21Move to Camp 25,900m
Move to Camp II.
DAY 22Move to Camp 36,300m
Move to Camp III (6,300m), the final staging point before the summit push.
DAY 23Summit Himlung Himal & Descend to Camp 27,126m
Summit day on Himlung Himal (7,126m), ascending steep snow and ice slopes of up to 70–80 degrees on the final pitches, then descend to Camp II.
DAY 24Continue Descent to Base Camp
Continue the descent from Camp II back to Base Camp.
DAY 25Contingency Day (Weather / Reserve)
Contingency day reserved for weather delays.
DAY 26Trek from Base Camp to Koto2,600m
Trek from Base Camp back to Koto.
DAY 27Drive from Koto to Besisahar
Drive from Koto back to Besisahar.
DAY 28Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu & Farewell Dinner1,400m
Drive from Besisahar back to Kathmandu, followed by a farewell dinner with the team.
DAY 29Leisure Day in Kathmandu for Rest & Shopping
Free day in Kathmandu for rest, souvenir shopping, and exploring Thamel.
DAY 30Final Departure: Transfer to International Airport
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure.

The HOP Difference

Special Forces Leadership. Veteran Sherpa Experience. One Team. One Mission. One Summit.

At Himalayan Outdoor Project, every expedition is approached as a mission. Founder and Expedition Planner Ex. Special Forces Maj. Rajiv Chand served for more than twenty years in the Nepali Army Special Forces, leading teams in complex and demanding environments where preparation, leadership, teamwork and risk management determined success. That same philosophy now guides every HOP expedition.

Our expeditions combine:

  • The leadership, planning, discipline and risk-management systems of Special Forces operations with
  • The mountain wisdom, resilience and experience of Nepal's most accomplished climbing Sherpas

This combination creates an expedition environment built on trust, professionalism, teamwork and safety essential ingredients for the immense physical and mental challenge of climbing a 7,000-metre peak.

Our Expedition Philosophy

Plan. Prepare. Execute. Return Safely.

Successful Himlung expeditions begin long before arriving at Base Camp and they end only when every climber is safely home.

Plan

Every detail matters Route | Logistics | Weather | Equipment | Contingencies | Emergency response. Nothing is left to chance. The remote location and three-camp system of Himlung require precise planning and careful route management.

Prepare

Preparation creates confidence. Every climber receives guidance on: Physical training, Technical skills, Expedition systems, Equipment selection, Nutrition and hydration, Mental preparation for the 7,000-metre challenge.

Execute

In the mountains conditions constantly change. Our team adapts, communicates and makes informed decisions based on: Weather, Route conditions, Team health, Individual performance, Safety considerations.

Return Safely

The summit is only halfway. Our objective is simple: Bring every climber home safely. Safety First. Summit Second.

Preparation Program

HOP Himlung Preparation Program

Most expeditions start in Kathmandu. Ours starts months before.

Physical Preparation

Develop the endurance, strength, and resilience required for thirty days in the Himalayas and the demands of a 7,000-metre summit.

Technical Preparation

Build confidence in fixed rope travel, ascender systems, crampon techniques, ladder crossing, glacier travel and ice axe skills. Himlung requires proficiency on moderately steep snow slopes and glacier terrain.

Mental Preparation

Manage fatigue, uncertainty, fear, stress, team dynamics, and the psychological demands of high-altitude climbing on a remote 7,000-metre peak.

Equipment Preparation

Our team provides detailed equipment consultation and gear recommendations. Final equipment checks are conducted in Kathmandu.

Your Expedition Team

Veteran Sherpa Team. Partners. Mentors. Teachers. Leaders.

This expedition is led by Tashi Chhumbel Sherpa. Our climbing Sherpas are not simply support staff they are expedition partners, mentors, teachers and leaders. Many members of our Sherpa team have extensive experience on 7,000-metre and 8,000-metre peaks, including Himlung. Their knowledge of the mountain, weather, terrain, and high-altitude decision-making is invaluable. Experience matters.

That is why we work only with highly experienced, government-certified climbing Sherpas who share our commitment to professionalism and safety.

Fit Check

Who Is This Expedition For?

  • Have previous high-altitude experience
  • Have climbed at least one technical peak above 6,000m
  • Possess excellent physical fitness
  • Have experience using fixed ropes
  • Are comfortable in expedition environments
  • Understand teamwork and expedition commitment
  • Possess the patience and resilience for a 30-day expedition
  • Are preparing for an 8,000-metre peak like Everest or Manaslu

Recommended Experience

Before You Sign Up

  • Previous 6,000m+ climbing experience is strongly recommended
  • Glacier travel experience
  • Fixed rope experience
  • Crampon and ice axe skills
  • Strong endurance background
  • Recommended training period: Minimum 12 months
  • Ideal preparation for climbers who have completed Lobuche East, Island Peak, or Mera Peak

Acclimatization Strategy

Gradual Ascent, Careful Monitoring

Proper acclimatisation is one of the most important factors in successful Himalayan expeditions.

  • Gradual ascent through the Annapurna Circuit and Nar-Phu Valley
  • Active acclimatisation hikes in Phu Gaon (4,080m)
  • Multiple acclimatisation rotations Base Camp, Camp I, Camp II, Camp III
  • Planned recovery periods
  • Continuous health monitoring
  • Every climber acclimatises differently. The itinerary remains flexible to maximise safety and success.

Base Camp Life

Life At 4,900 Metres

Himlung Base Camp (4,900m), nestled near the upper borders of Phu village, becomes home for several weeks. Facilities include:

  • Comfortable expedition tents
  • Dining tent
  • Kitchen tent
  • Communication facilities
  • Charging facilities
  • Daily weather updates
  • Team meetings and briefings
  • Hygienic meals
  • Rest and recovery facilities
  • Medical support
  • Traditional Puja ceremony for good luck and safe passage

Safety & Risk Management

Safety Is The Foundation

  • Experienced expedition leadership
  • Veteran climbing Sherpas
  • High Sherpa-to-climber ratio
  • Daily health monitoring
  • Supplemental oxygen systems
  • Satellite communication
  • Comprehensive medical kits
  • Professional weather forecasting
  • Emergency evacuation coordination
  • Established contingency plans

Cost Breakdown

What's Included

Cost Includes

Permits & Logistics

  • Himlung Peak Expedition Permit
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit (ACAP)
  • Restricted Area Permit for Nar-Phu Valley
  • Garbage deposit
  • Expedition royalties and government taxes

Accommodation & Meals

  • Kathmandu hotel accommodation
  • Tea house accommodation during trek
  • Full board meals during trek and expedition
  • Base Camp accommodation

Transportation

  • Airport transfers
  • Private vehicle (Kathmandu – Besisahar – Kathmandu)
  • Expedition cargo transportation

Expedition Support

  • Expedition leader (Tashi Chhumbel Sherpa)
  • Veteran climbing Sherpas
  • Base Camp staff
  • Porters
  • Route fixing charges
  • Group climbing equipment

Training & Additional

  • Technical and ladder training
  • Expedition briefings
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • HOP expedition merchandise
  • Expedition certificate

Cost Excludes

  • International flights
  • Nepal visa fee
  • Personal climbing equipment
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Emergency evacuation insurance
  • Personal expenses
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Personal tips
  • Additional accommodation due to delays
  • Costs arising beyond our control

Mandatory Insurance

  • Comprehensive travel and high-altitude rescue insurance is mandatory. Coverage must include:
  • High-altitude helicopter rescue
  • Medical treatment
  • Emergency evacuation
  • Repatriation

Important note: Climbing Himlung Himal is a serious undertaking in one of Nepal's most remote regions. Weather, route conditions, and health issues may require itinerary changes. Flexibility, patience, resilience, and teamwork are essential. Himlung involves glacier travel, moderately steep snow slopes, and fixed rope ascents, with sections of the summit push reaching 70–80 degrees. Climbers must be proficient with crampons, ice axes, and fixed rope systems. The remoteness of the Nar-Phu Valley adds an additional layer of challenge logistics are more complex and emergency response times are longer than in more frequented regions. Our mission is simple: Professionally Planned. Thoroughly Prepared. Safely Executed.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

I've never climbed a mountain before. Can I join a summit expedition?
  • Yes.
  • Several Himalayan peaks are suitable for first-time climbers who have good fitness and a willingness to learn.
  • Our guides provide instruction, support, and mentoring throughout the expedition.
  • For many guests, a HOP summit expedition becomes the beginning of a lifelong passion for mountaineering.
What is the difference between trekking and climbing?
  • Trekking follows established mountain trails and does not require technical climbing equipment.
  • Climbing involves ascending a mountain summit and may require equipment such as crampons, harnesses, helmets, ropes, and ice axes.
  • Climbing expeditions demand greater preparation, but they also offer one of the most rewarding achievements in mountain travel.
How physically demanding are summit expeditions?
  • Summit expeditions require a higher level of fitness than trekking.
  • You should be comfortable hiking for multiple days, handling steep terrain, and maintaining consistent effort at altitude.
  • Our team provides detailed preparation advice before every expedition to help you arrive ready and confident.
Do I need technical climbing experience?
  • Not always.
  • Many trekking peaks in Nepal are specifically designed for climbers who are new to mountaineering.
  • Our guides teach the skills you'll need during the expedition and ensure you're comfortable using equipment before summit day.
  • More advanced peaks require previous climbing experience, and we'll always advise honestly on what is appropriate for your ability level.
What happens if weather prevents a summit attempt?
  • Mountain weather always has the final say.
  • If conditions become unsafe, our guides may postpone, modify, or cancel a summit attempt.
  • While reaching the summit is the objective, returning safely is the true measure of a successful expedition.
  • This commitment to safety is one of the reasons travelers trust HOP.
Why choose Nepal for your first summit?
  • Nepal is home to some of the world's best introductory climbing peaks.
  • Combined with experienced guides, breathtaking Himalayan scenery and a rich mountaineering heritage, there is no better place to begin your climbing journey.
  • Standing on your first Himalayan summit is an experience you'll never forget.