Mount Himlung Expedition (7,126 m)

We complete the Himlung climbing permit and the Nar-Phu restricted area permit, and attend the expedition briefing. Your climbing leader checks every item of personal equipment so that anything missing can be bought or hired in Thamel. Oxygen bottles, masks and regulators are tested and packed with the expedition food and group gear. In the evening we discuss the acclimatisation plan, communication and safety procedures over dinner.

After breakfast we drive west along the Trishuli river on the Prithvi Highway, then turn north at Dumre into the Marsyangdi valley to Besisahar, the gateway to the Manang district. The drive takes around 5-6 hours depending on traffic, with tea and lunch stops along the way. Besisahar is a busy market town surrounded by rice terraces, and we spend the night in a local hotel.

A 4WD jeep takes us up the Marsyangdi valley on the rough road of the Annapurna Circuit, past waterfalls and terraced villages, through Dharapani, where the valley turns west towards Manang. The road climbs into pine forest and reaches Koto, close to Chame, after around 6-7 hours. Koto is the entry point to the restricted Nar-Phu valley, and permits are checked here. Overnight in a lodge.

We cross the Marsyangdi and enter the Nar-Phu valley, following the Phu Khola through a dramatic gorge and dense forest of pine and fir. The trail passes waterfalls, crosses several bridges and climbs steadily past the small settlement of Dharamshala before emerging onto the open plateau at Meta, with views back to Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. It is a long day of 7-8 hours, so we start early.

The trail continues north past chortens and the small settlement of Chyako, with the Phu Khola far below and glaciated peaks closing in on either side. Kyang is a winter settlement used by the people of Phu, set on a high plateau with wide views back towards the Annapurna range. A shorter day of about 4-5 hours helps acclimatisation. Overnight in a simple lodge or our tented camp.

Following the river along a narrow trail cut into the cliffs, we pass through the old entrance gate to Phu, guarded by chortens. The village itself is a remarkable cluster of stone houses stacked on the hillside, with prayer flags fluttering and yaks grazing all around. Walking time is about 4 hours. Phu feels remote and deeply traditional, with a culture closer to Tibet than to the lower valleys.

A rest day to adapt to the altitude before base camp. In the morning we visit Tashi Lhakhang Monastery, the village gompa, and take a hike above Phu to around 4,200 m, returning to the village to sleep. In the afternoon your climbing guides check equipment and run a refresher on fixed-rope techniques, jumar use and abseiling. Overnight in a lodge.

A steady climb leads out of the village along a narrow and in places unstable trail above the river, then onto the grassy pastures where base camp is pitched at around 4,900 m. The walk takes 5-6 hours. Our kitchen and Sherpa team will have set up the dining tent, kitchen and your individual box tent with mattress and pillow. Rest, eat well and drink plenty of fluids.

After a puja ceremony, the Sherpa team fixes ropes and establishes Camp 1 at around 5,450 m, Camp 2 at around 6,100 m and Camp 3 at around 6,300 m, crossing glacier, a rocky gully and broad snow slopes. Members complete acclimatisation rotations with their two Sherpa guides, returning to base camp to recover. With daily weather reports and satellite phone contact, we choose a window for the summit push, then descend safely to base camp.

We dismantle base camp, pack out all rubbish and descend to Phu. Losing around 800 m of height brings better sleep and a returning appetite, and the village lodges feel very comfortable after weeks under canvas. Walking time is around 4-5 hours. In the evening the whole team celebrates together, and there is time to visit the monastery again if you wish.

We retrace the trail through the Phu gate and down past Kyang and Chyako to Meta. The route is now familiar, and with more oxygen in the air the walking feels much easier, though it is still a full day of around 6-7 hours. Look back for final views of the peaks around Himlung and the long, bare ridges of the upper Nar-Phu valley.

A long descent of 6-7 hours brings us back past Dharamshala, through the forested gorge of the Phu Khola and out of the restricted area to Koto on the Annapurna Circuit. The warmer air, tall trees and birdsong are a pleasant change after the high country. In the evening we share a celebration meal with our porters and camp staff. Overnight in a lodge.

A 4WD jeep carries us back down the Marsyangdi valley on the rough road through Dharapani, Tal and Jagat, with the river crashing below and waterfalls tumbling from the cliffs. The drive takes 6-7 hours depending on road conditions. The warmth and green rice terraces of Besisahar make a striking contrast with Phu. Overnight in a local hotel.

We drive back along the Marsyangdi and Trishuli rivers to Kathmandu, a journey of about 6 hours depending on traffic, with stops for tea and lunch. On arrival, we transfer you to your five-star hotel for a long shower and a well-earned rest. The evening is free to enjoy Kathmandu's restaurants and reflect on the climb with your teammates.

A free day to explore the Kathmandu Valley at your own pace. You might visit Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath or the old royal squares of Patan and Bhaktapur, or simply relax at the hotel. Our office in Boudha is happy to help with any arrangements. In the evening we host a farewell dinner to celebrate your Himlung expedition with the team.

Our team transfers you to Tribhuvan International Airport around three hours before your flight home. If your flight leaves later in the day, there is time for a final stroll around Boudha or some last souvenir shopping in Thamel. Thank you for climbing with Nima Adventure; we hope Himlung is the first of many Himalayan summits with us.