Overview

Duration :
20 Days
Secondary Activity:
Nature and Culture
Max altitude :
4,940 m/16,207 ft
Transportation:
Domestic Flight and Private Vehicles
Trip ends in:
Kathmandu
Accomodation:
Lodge and Tent-Camp
Primary activity:
Trekking and Hiking
Group Size:
Min. 2 pax
Country:
Nepal
Trip starts from:
Kathmandu
Diffficulty:
Strenuous
Meals:
Nepali and Continental
Best Season:
Autumn and Spring
Trip route:
Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Simikot-Dharapuri-Kermi-Yalbang-Tumkot-Yari-Hilsa-Manepeme-Til-Halji-Jang-Talung-Shinjungma-Kermi-Simikot-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu

Trip introduction

“The poetry of earth is never dead.”

Simikot Hilsa Limi Valley Trek is very much ‘off the beaten track and affords glimpses of cultures and scenery very different from the rest of Nepal. Most communities and tribes here are Nyinba, Bynsi, Limipa, and Khampa living in stone huts plastered with mud and making their livelihood with animal herding. Authentic Tibetan culture having typical Tibetan language, tradition and lifestyle are prominent cultural aspects noticeable during Simikot Hilsa Limi Valley Trek. The main attractions of the Simikot trek are walking in a remote part of western Nepal, Humla and Simikot, the forest and Rivers of west Nepal, life, peoples, and culture of ethnic Nepali peoples, Alpine caravans, walking and camping in Nepali villages and hills in Nepal part.

Overview of Simikot Hilsa Limi Valley Trek

For this, we have to take a domestic flight from Nepalgunj to Simikot. Then trek will follow the trails up to Tibet Border crossing villages. This wilderness trekking trail follows the Karnali River. The journey takes us to the isolated and very beautiful valley of Limi via Simikot; this area is untouched by urbanization and has preserved the beauty of nature in its natural self. After crossing Nara-la pass the ways follows steep down to the Tibet border called Hilsa. Trekking here is fairly difficult. But you are rewarded almost always being alone with nature since only a few trekkers are coming here. This trek runs on the trails banking the Karnali River, the longest river in Nepal. It has a lot of wonderful aspects to offer to trekkers.

The amazing mountain ranges such as Nalakandad and Saipal can also be nicely visible during the trek. The valley of Limi is also referred to as Shangri-la. The trek takes us to the thick evergreen forest of the Karnali gorge inhabited by rare and endangered species of animals and vegetation. Very big and beautiful villages like Haljee and Gombayok are located in the wide patches of the Limi Khola. To protect the fragile ecosystem of the high country, the government of Nepal issues only a limited number of permits for that hidden valley. If you are looking for wilderness solitude and can overcome the logistical complications of the region; this trek is a good choice.

Best time for this trek

The valley has a special geographical position called” rain shadow”. This means trekking is also very well possible during the monsoon in the month of June, July, and August while the rest of the country is soaked in rain. That is why Sep – Nov & Apr – Aug is the best seasons for our Simikot Hilsa Lima Valley Trek. So, contact Nepal Mountain trekkers now and join us for this trek to the isolated Simikot & Hilsa region.

Special Note:

If this itinerary doesn’t suit your requirement or if you want to customize it, please feel free to contact us. This trek could be customized as per your required time frame and budget limits.

Overview

  • Day 1
    Arrival at Kathmandu (1,345m/4,412ft):
  • Day 2
    Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation:
  • Day 3
    Flight Kathmandu to Nepalgunj:
  • Day 4
    Flight Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,950m/9,678ft):
  • Day 5
    Simikot to Dharapuri(2,300m/7,545ft): 4 hrs.
  • Day 6
    Dharapuri to Kermi (2,670m/8,759ft):
  • Day 7
    Kermi to Yalbang(3,020m/9,908ft): 5 hrs
  • Day 8
    Yalbang to Tumkot (3,380m/11,089ft): 5 hrs
  • Day 9
    Tumkot to Yari (3,700m/12,139ft):5 hrs
  • Day 10
    Yari to Hilsa (3,720m/12,204ft), across Nara La (4,620m/15,157ft): 6 hrs
  • Day 11
    Hilsa to Manepeme (3,900m/12,795ft): 5 hrs
  • Day 12
    Manepeme to Til (4,000m/15,091ft): 6 hrs
  • Day 13
    Til to Halji (3,660m/12,007ft): 3 hrs
  • Day 14
    Halji to Jang (3,930m/12,893ft): 4 hrs
  • Day 15
    Jang to Talung (4,370m/14,337ft): 8 hrs
  • Day 16
    Talung to Shinjungma (3,620m/11,876ft), across Nyalu La (4,940m/16,207ft): 8 hrs
  • Day 17
    Shinjungma to Kermi (2,670m/8,759 ft): 7 hrs
  • Day 18
    Kermi to Simikot (2,950m/9,678 ft): 6 hrs
  • Day 19
    Fly Simikot to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu:
  • Day 20
    Departure Day:

Detail Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Kathmandu (1,345m/4,412ft)::

As you arrive at the International Terminals of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be met by our office representative and driven to your hotel. Upon check-in at the hotel, enjoy our complimentary drink and enjoy your free time relaxing in a cozy room or stroll around the tourist hub Thamel area until the end of the day.

Day 2 : Kathmandu sightseeing and trek preparation::

After having our early meal, we start our day with a visit to the Nepal Mountain Trekkers office at Thamel. After being introduced to our team including the tour guide, trekking leader, and director of operations, we head for necessary trekking preparations, getting needed equipment with the initiation of Kathmandu sightseeing around world heritage sites. Kathmandu durbar square, Swayambhunath stupa, Pashupatinath temple, and Boudhanath stupa are UNESCO world heritage sites that we explore till sunset. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu. B included.

Day 3 : Flight Kathmandu to Nepalgunj::

The regular 55 minutes flight on a Jet stream/Beech aircraft arriving in Nepalgunj. The overnight accommodation and meals are arranged at a local hotel. Nepalgunj is a border town in the Western Terai with extremes in climate. Stay overnight in Nepalgunj.

Day 4 : Flight Nepalgunj to Simikot (2,950m/9,678ft)::

After having our breakfast at Nepalgunj, we get ready to catch our next flight to Simikot and meet our trekking crew over there. Upon arriving at Simikot, we start our trekking activity from here. Excellent landscape views with gorges and terraced farming lands are visible on our way. We stay overnight at Simikot.

Day 5 : Simikot to Dharapuri(2,300m/7,545ft): 4 hrs.:

Today we will start our trekking adventure with a descent toward Humla Karnali River and follow the trail to Dharapuri via Pine forests. Along the way, we shall cross several small rivers, suspension bridges, and many small settlements before we reach Dharapuri where we shall stay overnight.

Day 6 : Dharapuri to Kermi (2,670m/8,759ft)::

This is going to be an enthralling day as we shall be encountering a beautiful waterfall known as Chaya Chahara by locals after we begin our day with an ascent to the village of Kagalgaon and walk past that village. From Chaya Chahara after some photo sessions and enjoying the moment, we shall continue our trip with a steep ascend thru the trail above the gorge of Humla Karnali river before we finally reach Kermi. You can also enjoy a relaxing bath in hot springs nearby Kermi. Stay Overnight at Kermi.

Day 7 : Kermi to Yalbang(3,020m/9,908ft): 5 hrs:

We will have several ascends and descends this day on our way to the Gompa in Yalbang. We initiate our journey with a downhill walk to cross the suspension bridge over Salli Khola and follow the trail to ascend above the Humla Karnali River. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery from Yalbang and learn about the lifestyle, culture, and ethics of the Monks in the Gompa who are proficient in speaking English. Stay Overnight at Yalbang.

Day 8 : Yalbang to Tumkot (3,380m/11,089ft): 5 hrs:

We ascend towards the village of Yangar from Yalbang walking high above the Karnali River. We then cross the river on a wooden suspension bridge after which the trail ascends along the upper side of the deep valley. And we will continue our journey towards Tumkot via Muchu enjoying the bright green view of Humla Karnali. After reaching Tumkot, we can visit and explore Mota Gompa as well. Stay Overnight at Tumkot.

Day 9 : Tumkot to Yari (3,700m/12,139ft):5 hrs:

From Tumkot, we will ascend with a gradual uphill climb and experience the changes in the landscape which becomes stony and isolated with our ascent. After moving past the small village called Pani Palbang and crossing Yari East and Yari West, we reach our destination for today i.e., Yari which is also known as Thado Dhunga and we stay overnight there.

Day 10 : Yari to Hilsa (3,720m/12,204ft), across Nara La (4,620m/15,157ft): 6 hrs:

This is going to be a rather tough yet worthwhile trekking day today. We will be crossing the Nara La Pass (4,620m/15,157ft) and continuing the journey toward the border town of Hilsa. Moving ahead from Yari and as we keep ascending, the backdrop will start to seem desolated yet enthralling. The fluttering prayer flags and the view of holy and spiritual Mount Kailash make the demanding ascent worthwhile. After a bit of rest and a photo session, we will then descend along the rocky trail towards Hilsa where we might meet pilgrims making their way to Kailash Mansarover. Stay Overnight at Hilsa.

Day 11 : Hilsa to Manepeme (3,900m/12,795ft): 5 hrs:

Continuing our journey, we will be leaving Hilsa behind crossing the bridge above Humla Karnali River, and following the thin track above the gorge of Humla Karnali River before we finally reach Manepeme via the off-the-beaten-path with marvelous sceneries of barren peaks and lush bushes along the way. Stay Overnight at Manepeme.

Day 12 : Manepeme to Til (4,000m/15,091ft): 6 hrs:

Today, we will be entering the Limi Valley with an ascent from Manepeme via a high and steep rocky trail, leaving the Humla Karnali behind. Our first destination in the Limi valley is going to be Til village where we can visit a holy and spiritual meditation cave known as Ya Yip Phuk in the local language which carries historic significance as it is believed to have been the meditation cave of Lotsawa Rinchen Sangpo, a renowned decipherer of Buddhist scriptures. We will stay Overnight at Til.

Day 13 : Til to Halji (3,660m/12,007ft): 3 hrs:

Walking thru the Limi River upstream, we will make our way towards Halji. It is going to be an enthralling and divine experience to arrive at Halji as it is full of fluttering prayer flags, Chrotens, Mani walls, Tibetan stone sculptures, an ancient monastery, ornaments and costumes and so many cultural and traditional aspects of Buddhism to explore. Stay Overnight at Halji.

Day 14 : Halji to Jang (3,930m/12,893ft): 4 hrs:

Today we will be arriving at the last village of Limi Valley, Jang, walking through the bank of Limi River with an easy and leisurely walk. Similar to Halji, we can explore the beautiful and meaningful ancient Gompa with colorful paintings of Buddhist deities in Jang as well. We Stay Overnight at Jang.

Day 15 : Jang to Talung (4,370m/14,337ft): 8 hrs:

Now it’s time to leave Limi Valley behind and ascend alongside Takchhe Khola on a rather arduous trail passing via several wooden bridges on the rivers and streams along the way before we reach Talung. Stay Overnight at Talung.

Day 16 : Talung to Shinjungma (3,620m/11,876ft), across Nyalu La (4,940m/16,207ft): 8 hrs:

One of the most exciting and remarkable days of our Simikot Hilsa Limi Valley trek is here. We will be making our way to the highest point of our trek, Nyalu La Pass (4,940m/16,207 ft). Though the trail is demanding, the view from the top will make you feel that the arduous trail is worthwhile with the wonderful vistas of beautiful mountain ranges including Mt. Saipal, Mt. Kailash, the 360-degree view of Humla and Tibet, and a lot more to sight from the pass. From the pass, we will have a steep descent towards Shinjungma following the Sali River and several small settlements. Stay Overnight at Shinjungma.

Day 17 : Shinjungma to Kermi (2,670m/8,759 ft): 7 hrs:

Today we will be following our way back to Kermi village with a descent alongside the Sali River and get back to Humla Karnali River bank again. We shall be walking via Pine and Birch forests on uneven solid ground so the journey might get a little exhausting so we can go and relax in the natural hot spring after we reach Kermi. Stay Overnight at Kermi.

Day 18 : Kermi to Simikot (2,950m/9,678 ft): 6 hrs:

Now it’s time to accomplish our Simikot Hilsa Limi Valley Trek by finally making our way back to Simikot from Kermi. We will be following the same route and enjoy the same vistas but from another angle now. Stay Overnight at Simikot.

Day 19 : Fly Simikot to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu::

In this way, finally, our amazing Simikot Hilsa Limi Valley Trek comes to the conclusion and we either take a flight back to Nepalgunj from Simikot or another flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, you will be met by our director of operations, Mr. Dhakal, who and offer you a farewell dinner as a complimentary token of love from Nepal Mountain Trekkers Company.

Day 20 : Departure Day::

Today we transfer you to the airport for final departure. We hope the trekkers are left with wonderful memories of the trekking trail. We also hope that you will be returning to this natural wonderland with a great mixture of natural and biotic marvels with our excellent hospitality from the people. You will be transferred to the airport three hours prior to the time of the scheduled flight to your native place. And this is the end of our services.

Price Includes

  • Airport Pick up and drop
  • 3 nights Hotel in Kathmandu(Hotel Green Horizon or similar standard)
  • All accommodation during the trek in the best hotels/tea-houses in the area as well as local homestay and Tent-camp (differing according to the price you wish to spend)
    • Sanitation: The accommodation we provide will be neat and clean with warm hospitality and quality services.
    • Single Accommodation: You won’t have to share your accommodation with anyone else so your privacy is protected.
  • All foods during the trek: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner; any items on the menu as much as you wish to consume.
    • We provide hygienic and safe meals to re-energize you.
    • We request you not waste your meals because it is difficult to transport food in the rural area.
    • You are not allowed to share your meals with anyone else from another group.
  • Domestic flights and all required land transportation
  • Professional and Highly experienced English-speaking Trekking Guide licensed by the Government. Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: Our guides are locals of the region which ensures that you will surely get to explore a bit more during the trek than with any other guides.
    • Experienced: With the experience of more than a decade of working in this field, our trekking guides possess excellent knowledge on briefing during the trek. They are experts in handling all kinds of critical situations that might occur during the trek.
    • Insurance: Nepal Mountain Trekkers have an insurance policy for all our trekking staff.
  • Porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers with a max load of 25 KG). Including their lodging and food.
    • Local Staff: The porters we hire belong to the same region where we trek to provide employment opportunities to the locals and make you explore every prospect of the region.
  • All camping equipment(Dinning Tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Two men Dom Tent, Chairs, Toilet Pan, Tables)
  • Four seasonal sleeping bags, down jacket, Nepal Mountain Trekkers duffer bag, t-shirt, and trekking map (Note: down jacket and sleeping bag are to be returned after trip completion)
  • TIMS Card and National Parks Permit.
  • Rescue arrangement service
  • A comprehensive medical kit
  • 13% VAT and 10% service charges
  • Farewell Dinner

Price Excludes

  • Nepal Entry Visa fee (Visa Information)
  • International airfare and excess baggage charges
  • Travel and rescue insurance cost
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
  • Tips for guides and porters

Trip Gallery

Trip Map:

Equipments

Head

  • Sun hat or scarf
  • Light balaclava or warm fleece hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Head Torch
  • Suncreams(40+) and Lip Balms

Upper Body

  • Cotton t-shirts and thermals
  • Fleece jacket
  • Waterproof jacket
  • Down jacket

Lower Body

  • Lightweight cotton pants (long)
  • Waterproof pants
  • Inner thermals

Feet

  • Thin inner socks (3 pairs)
  • Thick, warm wool hiking socks
  • Comfortable hiking boots
  • Shower sandals

Hands

  • Gloves (Cotton and Waterproof)
  • Creams
  • Sanitizer

Accessories

  • Sleeping bag rated to -10°C +
  • Trekking bag (Rucksack)
  • Duffel bag
  • Large plastic bags (for keeping items dry inside trek bag)
  • Trekking poles (optional, recommended)
  • Water bottle or camel bag
  • Toiletries and Tissue Papers

First Aid Kits

  • Personal Regular Medicines
  • Knee Caps
  • Bandages
  • Ointments
  • Blister Tape

Miscellaneous

  • Medicines: We recommend you bring your regular medicines; we will provide a first aid kit from our side.
  • Light-weighted Towel
  • Swiss Knife
  • Passport and extra passport photos
  • Water Purifying Iodine Tablets, Drop or Sterilizer

Fixed Departures

Departure Date
Group size
Bookable
Price
  • 07/09/2025
    2-10
    Yes
    $8888 $7554.8
 

WE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH