Humla is the highest, most remote and northerly region of Nepal, lying on the border with Tibet. The region’s main town of Simikot is reachable only on foot or by plane in the absence of paved roads.
Life for the Humli people is challenging as the agricultural season in these high mountain valleys is short and the winters long and severe. Farming amidst the region’s difficult, though extraordinarily beautiful and dramatic terrain, is the people’s main source of income and vitality. This mountain landscape of high peaks, cut through by green valleys, turbulent rivers and forests of rhododendrons teeming with wildlife, featuring Hindu and Buddhist temples, shrines and religious sacred places, makes trekking this region an extremely rewarding and rejuvenating experience.
Trekking to the magnificent Rara Lake should be top on every naturalist’s To-Do list. Not only will you get to experience the biggest lake in Nepal (16 km 2), but you will also get to trek through the Rara National Park. Here you will see an abundance of flora and fauna, while getting to soak in breathtaking views of the mighty Himalayas. A bit of stamina is required for this trek as you will be walking on mountain paths. These paths will take your through picturesque villages that will give you a taste of every-day Nepali life
We meet you at Trek Nepal’s sales office and provide you with all the necessary information regarding the trip. The same day you will also have an opportunity to meet your travel group before the final departure. 1,350m.
We walk north through the arid plateau lands that stretch up to Tibet. The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. This enjoyable start is at the same time picturesque, with views of big peaks all around such as Dhaulagiri (8167m), Tukuche (6920m) and, in the west, the awesome mountain above Kagbeni-Nilgiri. Over to the south and southwest the entire Annapurna Massif can be seen.
Flight Kathmandu-Nepalgunj, drive to Surkhet (3 hrs)
In the midst of tranquil valleys, mysterious gorges and magical forests we follow the Jugad Khola River up to Carya Chaur, where we camp before the high Danphya Lagna pass, surrounded by beautiful views and pine meadows. 2,700m.
Starting trek walking through beautiful mountain sceneries and continue the journey to one of the highlights of the trip: the famous Rara Lake, Nepal’s biggest lake! 2,980m.
Free day: Enjoy Rara Lake and its superb natural surroundings. Here we can take a swim, walk around, take pictures, enjoy drinks, read a book or just do nothing.
We hike up to Gamgadhi, the administrative center of Mugu Distict where we can re-supply ourselves. 2,042m.
It’s adventures day to cross Changkheli pass. 3,800m.
Once you are at Simikot, you feel like you are in a different realm because of the sudden rise in altitude and sudden fall in temperature. To leave behind the scorching hot climate and be in a tiny mountain village, breathing cool, fresh air gives you an adrenaline rush as well as a refreshing feel. We then start our trek to Dharapuri. We pass through a pine forest where we see local Hindu and Buddhist people in their traditional attire accompanied by their herds of cattle. The cattle carry the load for the people in this part of the world because there are no other modes of transport. 2,300m.
Today we start our trail following the Karnali River. We walk along the fields cultivated mainly with barley, buckwheat, rice and potatoes. In afternoon we relax in natural hot springs. Kermi is a small agricultural, Buddhist village. We visit two interesting, ancient Buddhist monasteries close to Kermi; Laikyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa. 2,670m.
Trekking to Yalbang is a flat & steep ascent until reaching a small pass and crossing an iron suspension bridge over the Sali River. From here there are beautiful pine trees & the emerald Karnali downhill. We will visit Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery and a clinic in the monastery. 3,020m.
The path leaves the Karnali River below when it reaches the tiny village of Yangar. The greenery begins to vanish and so do the smaller bushes. They give way to pine trees and rocky hills. In the afternoon, after reaching Tumkot, we visit to Dhungkar Choezom Monastery, one of the most important Sakya monasteries in the Tibetan region. 3,380m.
It will not be long before you feel the change in climate, vegetation and landscape. After a few miles of hike, the change begins to mark its authority. The landscape becomes more rocky and desolate. The trees that you see are not pine trees anymore. They are now short and low junipers. 3,700m.
Today is a tough day as we cross the first pass of the trek. The trees are gone by now and the landscape looks more like that of Tibet. After crossing the 4,620m Nara La pass, we will be instantly captivated by the breathtaking view of Tibet on the one side and spectacular view of Yari Village down below. We will find barren mountains in brown, copper, ash and dark yellow colors as far as you can see. From here on, it is a shaky descent down until we find ourselves standing in the border of Nepal and Tibet. 3,720m.
A big iron bridge bids you adieu from Hilsa. This trails follows the Karnali River in the eastern direction up to Manepeme. The path then climbs gradually with a few steep up and downs. You walk in a dramatic landscape of bare, steep rocks of amazing colors. 3,990m.
The trail climbs on and winds its way through the high, steep rocks. Between a small and wider path, we follow the small path since as it passes a meditation cave, Ya Yip Phuk. The trail is teeming with lush and green vegetation. We can find rampant juniper trees along the way, with some other shorter bushes. By the time we arrive at Til, we will find the environment has gotten green veils. The soil is fertile and the village is surrounded by birch trees and terraced barley fields. We can view two beautiful snow-capped mountains with impressive glaciers towering above the village. Til is one of the most beautiful Tibetan villages in Limi Valley. The gateway to the village is a chörten. The villagers still wear their traditional dresses. 4,000m.
We enter the Halji village passing a gate with chörten, after which a very big mani wall or, low wall with many stones in which holy mantra’s and Buddhist deities are carved, appears. In the afternoon, we visit ancient Rinchenling Gompa, a clinic, a micro-hydro power plant and solar plant close to the village. Then we move to Jang village. It’s very special to be in such a secluded place where the Tibetan culture still continues relatively untouched, as far from the modern day world as you can be. 3,930m.
Acclimatization day which gives us time for a sightseeing tour or an excursion towards the village of Jang.
During this trail, there won’t be any more villages until Kermi and you will be walking through impressive, completely desolate landscapes. The trail remains slow and steady and goes up until Talang. 4,370m.
Today is the second spectacular pass of our trek. Even it’s very tough, yet rewarding climb to the highest point of the trek, the Nyalu La, at 4,940 meters. From the pass you have a breathtaking 360 degree view into Humla and Tibet, with the glimpse of glorious mountains like Mount Saipal (7,031m), and Mount Kailash (6,714m) that make you want to push the limits. The path climbs down after you are beyond and across the pass. Getting lower, the nature changes dramatically and suddenly you see trees. 3,690m.
It’s a pleasant walk through pine and birch forests and along the beautiful Sali Khola, with rocks towering on both sides of the trail. You can relax a little bit here and dip your tired body into the hot springs. In the afternoon we visit Laikyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa. 2,670m.
The day begins with few up and downs along the road until we reach Simikot. 2,950m.
Early morning flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
Your time is free to either further explore Kathmandu and its shops or simply chill out. 1,350m.
