The Complete Guide for Ama Dablam Expedition
July 5, 2026
Close
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 (5,425m), 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.
Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m) & Transfer to Hotel
Final Gear Check, Permit Preparation and Expedition Briefing
Drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar (800m)
Drive from Besisahar to Koto (2,600m)
Trek from Koto to Dharapani (1,860m)
Trek from Dharapani to Kaga (2,540m)
Trek from Kaga to Tilche (3,100m)
Trek from Tilche to Phu Gaon (4,080m)
Acclimatization Day: Explore Phu Gaon & Ancient Monastery
Trek from Phu Gaon to Himlung Base Camp (4,900m)
Acclimatization & Training at Base Camp (Icefall Practice)
Establish Camp 1 (5,400m)
Rotation: Climb to Camp 1 and return to Base Camp
Rest Day at Base Camp
Move to Camp 1
Establish Camp 2 (5,900m) and return to Camp 1
Return to Base Camp for Rest
Rest and Final Preparation for Summit Push at Base Camp
Move to Camp 1
Move to Camp 2
Move to Camp 3 (6,300m)
Summit Himlung Himal (7,126m) and Descend to Camp 2
Continue Descent to Base Camp
Contingency Day (Weather / Reserve)
Trek from Base Camp to Koto
Drive from Koto to Besisahar
Drive from Besisahar to Kathmandu & Farewell Dinner
Leisure Day in Kathmandu for Rest & Shopping
Final Departure: Transfer to International Airport
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.
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.
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.
Our team provides detailed equipment consultation and gear recommendations. Final equipment checks are conducted in Kathmandu.
Our climbing Sherpas are not simply support staff.
They are expedition partners. | Mentors. | Teachers. | 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.
This expedition is designed for climbers who:
✓ 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
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
Proper acclimatisation is one of the most important factors in successful Himalayan expeditions.
Our strategy includes:
✓ 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.
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 is the foundation of every HOP expedition.
Our safety systems include:
✓ 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
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
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
Comprehensive travel and high‑altitude rescue insurance is mandatory.
Coverage must include:
✓ High‑altitude helicopter rescue
✓ Medical treatment
✓ Emergency evacuation
✓ Repatriation
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. 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.
HIMALAYAN OUTDOOR PROJECT
Education | Experience | Excellence | Expertise
