Limi Valley - Karnali region and far west of Nepal

Detailed Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4265ft):
Arrival in Kathmandu greeted by Basanta Adventure representative and transferred to Hotel which is usually a walking distance to any good restaurants and shops. We will be given a short briefing on hotel facilities and safety as well as a short introduction to the area.  Next day there will be a comprehensive trip briefing. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 02: Sightseeing of World Heritage sites:
After breakfast, trek briefing will take place around 9 am. All aspects of gear and conditions are discussed to make sure you are fully prepared for the trip, introduce guide and any last-minute questions would be answered. We then visit Boudhanath, also known as little Tibet. Then we visit Pasupatinath one of the revered holy temple of the Hindus, this temple is also known for its cremation ceremonies that take place next to the holy river Bagmati. O/N in Hotel at Kathmandu (BB)

Day 03:  Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj 1 hour, transfer to Hotel:
Morning until 2 PM you are free on your own, in the evening we will depart for Nepalgunj by flight. Nepalgunj is lowland Terai region it is 500m from sea level. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, transfer to hotel (BB).

Day 04: Fly Nepalgunj to Simikot (2856m/9370ft), 50mins:
After breakfast, weather permits, you will have an early thrilling flight to Simikot takes approx. 50 mins. We will also be provided with the packed lunch at the hotel. Welcome by rest of the camping crew at the Simikot airport and transferred to a Guest house. You have a free day after that. O/N Guest House (AP)

Day 05: Trek Simikot to Dharapuri (2400m/7874ft), 4 hrs:
Our 65-km trek to the Tibetan border begins by climbing from the Simikot air-strip, and passing by the water source for the upper Simikot Khasa village. Climbing the trail from here, we reach the Simikot Lagna Pass, at 3000 m. It does not look far, but it is a long 300-metre pul to the top of forested ridge overlooking the town. After descending for 1 hour the trail goes toward Darapori for overnight halt. O/N Camp (AP)

Day 06: Trek Dharapuri to Kermi (2690m/8825ft), 4 hrs:
The trail starts off at a reasonable level. We pass by a Thakuri village called Tuling, and wild nut and apricot trees provide welcome shade along the bank of the River Karnali as the trek passes through Dharapuri at 2300m. We cross the Yabka Khola (also known as Dharapuri Khola), and soon we reach the campsite of Dharapuri, which has a few teashops. Walking another 10 minutes brings us to the Thakuri village of Dharapuri situated on the top of a ridge which also has a police check-post. Below this village, a bridge over the Humla Karnali leads to a couple of Lama Village called Jad Kholsi and Khangalgaon. These villages belong to the Tugchulungba community and the route to these villages passes the Thakuri village of Hitan (thakuri) Kholsi. This is the last Thakuri village in the valley and the upper limit of rice cultivation. From Dharapuri, the trail goes straight along the right bank of the Karnali River to the Gharapori Khola, a small tributary of the Karnali. Ascending from this stream of Dharapuri Khola, the trail undulates along the Karnali River up to Chachera at 2350 m, a cave campsite used by sheep caravans (ancient tradition of transporting food specialy salt from Tibet in Nepal). There is beautiful waterfall nearby. Just above these waterfalls is a Lama village called Chyadog, which also belongs to the Tugchulungba community. Then climb over a ridge past swarms of lizards sunning themselves as we approach Kermi, situated besides a stream, at 2690 m. Kermi is the last Tugchulungba village. The actual route by passes Kermi and the only camp nearby is below the village. O/N Camp (AP)

Day 07: Trek Kermi to Yalbang Gompa (3000m/9843ft), 5 hrs:
After enjoying freshly cooked plentiful breakfast by our chef, we begin by walking over a ridge to a big valley with walled potato and buckwheat fields, and climb through a sparse pine forest to a rock cairn on a ridge at 2900 m. This is the Salli Pass, where the trail meets up with the on from Limi. If we want to be proceeding via Limi, turn right and follow the path into the jungle. Otherwise, descending steeply to the Tsongsa Khola (Salli Khola), we will cross a suspension bridge. After this, climb a steep rocky ridge and drop back towards the fast-flowing, light grey waters of the Humla Karnali.Climb over another ridge before descending to Yalbang Chaur, a meadow and goat herders' camp beside the river at 2760m. An annual barter trade between traders from Taklakot and the Humli people used to take place at this site in November. But, since the Taklakot people no longer face food shortages, they have stopped coming. From Yalbang Chaur, after climbing over two more ridges, we reach Yalbang village at 2890m.From this village onwards to Yari, all villages belong to the community of the Yultsodum. Yalbang shares its hydroelectric power supply with its neighbour, Yangar, a few kilometers away. After a half-hour ascent from yalbang, we reach a newly built Nyingmapa monastery called Taglung Gompa or Yalbang Gompa at 3000 m, which has an excellent camping site. O/N Camp (AP)

Day 08: Trek Yalbang Gomba to Tumkot (2850m/9350ft), 7 hrs:
From this monastery, walk straight for about 15 minutes until the trail branches into two alternative trails to Muchu. The route to the straight is the old route that follows a steep trail over a high ridge called Hilling La (pass) at 3500m.The advantage of this route is, we can see the beautiful valley of Muchu and Yari. Now the route descends sharply to the Karnali River to reach a suspension bridge where we meet the newly built trail. Fortunately, we can now follow a new route, a lower path that avoids the climb. The newly built Yangar-Muchu trail passes through the compact settlement of Yanga, in some places going through tunnels beneath the houses, then climbs behind a rock spur to a fast –flowing stream. From there, the route descends smoothly to the bank of the Karnali River at 2770m. After walking along the river, for an hour of ups and downs, we reach a new suspension bridge (metal briedgs are popular in Himalayas), at 2800 m, which crosses over the Karnali below Muchu, where one meet the Hilling pass trail. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Carnal River ascend to a stream, rock-hop across it and climb past apricot orchards to a totally defunct Kangnyi, marking the entrance to Muchu village at 2920 m. In this village there is a gompa where the image of Jowo (Bodhisattva) Sakyamuni has been installed. The trail passes below the gompa (monastery) and stone houses of Muchu. Climb through the orchards and fields of the village to a ridge, then drop into a ravine and climb to a chorten on the opposite side. There are a few houses on the ridge which offers a good view of the upper part of the valley and of Tumkot village and a border police post hidden just behind it and its large white gompa on the next ridge. At the foot of the gompa is Tumkot Khola, which is at 2850m, is our campsite. O/N Camp (AP)

Day 09: Trek Tumkot to Thado Dhunga (3800m/12467ft), 6-7 hrs:
We walk straight to Bungmachhe Khola (a tributary of the Karnali) at 2900m. There you cross a wooden bridge and the Humla Karnali disappears into a steep cleft northward behind the high ridge that will make you climb uphill for the next two days. The first part of the climb from the Bungmachine Khola is quite steep. The route enters a steep, rock-filled gully. It is a long, slow slog up to Lanang ridges at 3270m. The path levels out as it ascends to a cairn, at 3310m, then descends gently through juniper trees and climbs again to Palbang, with its single tea house at 3380m. Palbang, has a Nepali name, Pani Palbang. After walking straight for about an hour, we reach the teashop of Bhyagute Pani. From there, walking straight for about half an hour, we enter the villages of Yari. After Chang Ngoi village of Yari, you reach the customs office and check post, at 3670m, and ascending about 15 minutes, you reach the beautiful Zing Jyan campsite of Yari at 3750m. Then we ascend a bit toward Thado dhunga to the base of Nara La Pass (4330m) for overnight halt. O/N Camp (AP)

Day 10: Trek Thado Dhunga to Hilsa, (4970m/16306ft), 5 hrs:
From this camp morning walk leads to a climb on a ridge with huge rock atop at Nara Lagna pass at 5,000m/ 15,030ft, the highest spot of this walk on Nepal side. The pass offers grand panorama of Tibetan plateau with Humla Karnali River down below and green barley fields of Sher or Sera, distance views of Api and Saiphal peaks. After a pleasant stop walk downhill on dusty trail to Humla Karnali River to reach Nepal border at Hilsa village, a frontier post with few tents and stone houses surrounded with barley fields, just across the bridge a stone pillar marks Nepal-Tibet border. Camp crew will welcome you by fresh tea/coffee with snacks followed by mouth water dinner prepared by your own private chef. O/N Camp (AP)

Day 11: Trek to Manepeme (3900m/12795ft), 5 hrs:
After breakfast we will start our trek to Manepeme. This valley is famous for the habitat of Snow Leopards and Bharal, Himalayan blue sheep. After trekking for 4-5 hours, we will camp at Manepeme at an elevation of 12,900 ft (3,930 m). The camp gets its name from the Mani Mantra engraved on a large rock. O/N Camp (AP)

Day 12: Trek Manepeme to Tilzung (4200m/137780ft), 6 hrs:
The trail ascend continues up a narrow path to a meditation cave, Ya Yip Phuk. Here you can observe cave which is important in Buddhism history where Lotsawa Rinchen Sangpo (985-1055 AD), a famous translator of Buddhist scriptures meditated in this very cave. The trail leads to Lamka La Pass (4300m) then descend to the Village Til. O/N Camp (AP)

Day 13: Trek Tilzung to Halji (4600m/15902ft), 4 hrs:
Today we may have a chance to observe wild animals, mountain goats, Snow Leopards, and even blue sheeps. The Halji village has beautiful Mani wall which is built up with many stones with holy mantras and Buddhist deities carved on them. You may want to explore Halji monastery which is believed to be built in 11th century by great scholar Ringchen Zangpo who translated several sutra of Sanskrit into Tibetan. Day excursion to the Limi Valley. O/N Camp (AP)

Note: Offer Lungta or prayers flag (printed prayers for the peace and good health/happiness) together with our Guide. Offering prayer flag in high passes and sacred sites is believed to bring good fortune and long life in Buddhist culture.

Day 14: Trek Halji to Hot spring (3800m/12467ft), 2 hrs:
Today we will be camping at a wonderful place where hot springs are available. So you can just relax and enjoy the hot spring. O/N Camp (AP)

Day 15: Trek Hotspring to Taklung (4370m/14337ft), 5-6 hrs:
Today we will walk spectacular wilderness area of Limi valley trekking area. The landscape is arid and the trail leads few rivers and streams. From here we will assent to the Talung. O/N Camp (AP)

Day 16: Trek Taklung to Shingjungma (3620m/11877ft), 8 hrs:
The trail leads to Nyalu La Pass (4940m) which is highest elevation of this trek. From Pass we have chance to observe spectacular views of Humla and Tibet and some glorious mountains, Mount Saipal (7031m) and Mount Kailash (6714m). Descend to Shinjungma via Selma Tso (lake). Our guide will organise a prayer and offer Lungta (Prayer flag) for good health and happiness for all the members. O/N Camping (AP)

Day 17: Trek Shingjungma to Dharapuri (2400m/7874ft), 7hrs:
Today we have again a long way to go, we will be walking all the way down and then again we will climb up. We will see few shops at sallikot and we will be walking all the way across the river. O/N Camp (AP)

Day 18: Trek Dharapuri to Simikot (2856m/9370ft), 4-5 hrs:
We will start our way walking up for 1:30 hr and then we reach the Simikot Lagna Pass, at 3000 m. It does not look far, but it is a long 300-metre pul to the top of forested ridge overlooking the town and passing by the water source for the upper Simikot Khasa village. This will be the last night with our trekking crew except trekking Guide, this is best time to tip the staff (not compulsory but it’s a customary), an impromptus little ceremony and always enormous Sherpa smiles. Then something of a party is inevitable. Try local drink called “Rakshi”, please be aware; it does not taste good and is very strong. O/N Camp (AP)

Day 19: Fly Simikot – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu:
Weather permits, early morning we fly back to Nepalgunj and after transit in domestic airport take onwards flight to Kathmandu. O/N Hotel (BB)

Day 20: Free day in Kathmandu:
Leisure day, you can either relax at hotel or enjoy shopping around the nearby shops.

Day 21:  Kathmandu International Airport for final departure:
Today holiday extension for another tour or transfer to the airport for final departure. Tour conclud