Simikot Limi Valley is a restricted trekking zone in Nepal located in the far western region of Nepal. Since the valley lies in the trans-Himalayan region, it receives no rainfall during monsoon season and is perfect for trekking during summer, spring and autumn. However in winter the temperature drops below zero and is often not recommended.
As it is a restricted zone, trekkers are required to obtain trekking permits offered by the Department of Tourism. Also, trekking groups will have to hire government licensed trekking guide and trekking company. The trekking route is also a popular route for tourists who would like to visit Mansarovar or Mt. Kailash.
The region features unique Tibetan culture and customs practiced by Bhotia people who still retains close relation with their Tibetan counterparts. The trekking starts from Simikot, headquarters of Humla district. Crossing over Nara La Pass (4620m) before reaching Hilsa will be a challenge filled with adventure. Hilsa is a border point along Tibet and Nepal and the last point of our trek. You will trek back the same route passing through enchanting Limi Valley and traversing Nyalu La Pass at 4995m, which is the highest point of the trek.
Along the route you will be able to catch splendid views of the Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Api (7132m), Mt. Saipal (7031m) and Kanjiroba (6883m) on Nepal side and Mt. Tise or Mt. Kailash and Mt. Gurla Mandata on the Tibet side! Wild animals such as Blue Sheep, Musk Deer, Snow Leopard are some of the signature species of the region.
The mode of trekking in this trail is mainly camping though home stays and lodges are also available. Travelers will have to fly or drive from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then take a flight to reach Simikot.
Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj which takes about an hour. Nepalgunj is a border town along Nepal-India border in the southwestern part of Nepal. Stay overnight at Lodge/Hotel.
Take early morning flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot in Northwestern Nepal. Simikot is a gateway to Humla as well as Tibet. Enjoy scenic mountains such as Mt. Saipal and wonderful valleys. Stay overnight at Camp/lodge.
Your trekking starts from today. Most of the trail passé through uninhabited land dotted with green vegetation and pine forests till you reach Majgaon. One of the peculiar experiences is of seeing donkeys carrying loads-the only mode of transport in this remote area. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
The trail further goes alongside the Humla-Karnali River passing over high rocky slopes. You will see typical Neplali houses flanked by blooming barley, buckwheat, potatoes and rice. Once you reach Kermi you will get introduced to Buddhist culture. Lakiyo Gompa and Lhundrup Choeling Gompa are two popular monasteries in the area. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
Much of today’s walk is through barley and buckwheat fields and pine forests. You will be crossing the first suspension bridge over the Sali River. Don’t forget to visit the monastery of the Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery. The monastery hosts a big statue of Sakyamuni Buddha as well as of Guru Rinpoche. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
You will continue walk through villages and forests. The landscape changes into barren open meadows studded with low bushes. This track follows the Karnali River, an ancient trade route for bring salt from Tibet. You will pass Muchu village and walk toward Tumkot. One of the prominent landmarks of Tumkot is Dhungkar Choezom Monastery which is made in Tibetan architecture with statues and rare mural designs. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
By this time you should already be acclimatized with high altitude. Our trek further goes up into the Alpine region with less vegetation. The trek to Thado Dhunga will take about 3-4 hours. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
Be prepared to overcome some tough challenges today. You will be trekking along Yak and mule tracks and passing through a landscape familiar to Tibet. It will be interesting to watch local people leading caravans of mules and yaks. It will be another 2-3 hours before you come to Nara La pass (4620m), one of the highest passes in the Himalayas. An impressive view of the Himalayas and Tibet can be observed from the pass. The houses here are adorned with Tibetan prayer flags. It is an easy descent from the pass to Hilsa. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
Today you will do a short and easy trek to Manepeme. Much of the trail is straight with few ups and downs. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
The path ahead is rocky and barren adorned with few Juniper trees here and there. Along the way you will stop by to observe Ya Yip Phuk an ancient cave used by Lotsawa Rinchen Sangpo (985-1055), a famous translator of Buddhist scriptures, for meditation. You will pass through Lamka La at 4300m, before descending down to the village of Til (4000m.). Til is a scenic village with monasteries, whitewashed building, well paved courtyards and surrounded by fields of barley. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
From here on the trail will be rocky. By now you have reached the upstream of Limi River. The river provides a good ecology for such rare animals as mountain goats, snow leopard and blue sheep! Halji is a small village of Bhotia people who follow Tibetan ritual and practices. The 14th century monastery of Rinchenling Gompa is located right in the center of the village. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
It’s an easy 4-hour walk from Halji to Jang, along the Limi Khola (river). Jang is the third and the last village in the Limi Valley. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
Trek to Talung will take at least 4 hours. You will be again gaining altitude as you pass through uninhabited landscapes. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
The trek from Talung to Shinjungma is the high point trek of the entire trip. Our difficulty to cross the Nyalu La Pass (4949m), one of the highest passes in the world is rewarded by a spectacular view of Humla district along with Tibet in the north. Impressive mountains such as Mt. Saipal (7031m) and Mount Tise or Kailash (6714m) will leave you spell bound. Once you leave the pass you will head towards Shinjungma (3620m) passing through beautiful high Altitude Lake of Selma Tso. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
Your next stop is Kermi village. You will be making a impressive descend of almost 1000m today. It’s a pleasant walk through pine and birch forests and along the beautiful Salli Khola, with rocks towering on both sides of the trail. Kermi is popular for hot spring, where traveler can relax. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
Today you will pass through Darapuri and Majgaon is to return to Simikot. Stay overnight at Camp/Lodge.
You will catch early morning flight to Nepalgunj and then a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Below is a list of equipment and clothing required for trekking. The necessity of these items depends on the type, altitude, timing and destination of trekking. Appropriate trekking gears are not only required for the comfort/pleasure of your trek but also to improve safety factor. Please have a look over these items in order to fully prepare and thoroughly enjoy the trekking.
General Items:
Daypack, Rucksack, Sleeping bag, Duffel bag, Walking Poles, walking boots, sandals, Toiletries (Soaps, Toilet papers, Sanitizers, toothpaste, tooth brush, etc.)
Clothing Items:
Thermal underwear, Down jacket, Shorts, Trekking trousers, Towels, Woolen gloves, Gaiters, Fleece jacket or Pullover, Wind/water proof jacket, Raincoat, Warm socks, buff
Sun-worn Items:
Sun hat, Sunglasses, Snow goggles, Sunscreen, Lip balm
Gadgets:
Headlamp, Flash light, Binoculars, Cameras (chargers and batteries),
Liquid/Snacks:
Water bottle/bladder, Water purification Iodine tablets, Energy bars and snacks
Medical Essentials:
First Aid Kit
Optional:
Altimeter, Compass, Binoculars, Books/magazines, GPS, Pocket knife, Candles (for lodges), Notebook with pencil/pen, etc
Additional items for camping trek:
Tent, Stove and fuel, Utensils for cooking, eating and drinking, sleeping mattresses
Note: We can also provide sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, walking poles, and First Aid Kit in case if you don’t have one. These items are inclusive of total package price.
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