Himlung Himal Expedition
Expedition Overview
What is Himlung Himal Expedition?
Himlung Himal (7,126m / 23,379ft) is a magnificent mountain in the Manaslu Conservation Area in the northern part of Nepal, close to the border with Tibet. First climbed in 1992 by a Japanese team, Himlung has been increasingly gaining popularity as one of the best 7,000m peaks to climb in Nepal, with a technical grade much lower than the higher 8,000m peaks.
The mountain is located in a remote and untouched wilderness, and the villages of Nar and Phu are the only ones that can be found here — people there still maintain their unique Tibetan-influenced culture, preserved for centuries due to their isolation. The Himlung Himal climb is a journey of adventure and culture, offering a unique opportunity to explore one of Nepal's most remote valleys.
The climbing permit and restricted area trekking permit make Himlung much less crowded than other similar peaks such as Mera Peak and Island Peak, providing a more personal and committed high-altitude experience for the serious alpinist.
Why Climb Himlung Himal?
Himlung Himal is a perfect choice for those looking to take a step beyond the 7,000m mark but not yet ready to commit to a peak like Manaslu (8,163m / 26,781ft). Here is what makes this peak one of the most compelling 7,000m expeditions in Nepal:
Ideal 7,000m milestone
Ideal stepping stone to the 8,000m giants from 6,000m trekking peaks — technically challenging without being overwhelming.
Low crowd factor
Limited numbers allow Himlung to stay uncrowded — a rare and intimate feel for an expedition in the heart of the Himalayas.
Spectacular panoramas
360° vistas of Manaslu, Annapurna II, Cheo Himal, Kang Guru, and peaks deep into Tibet that very few mountaineers ever see.
Unique cultural immersion
Travel through the Nar-Phu Valley — ancient Tibetan-Buddhist villages far from mass tourism, accessible only to limited numbers.
Excellent success rate
Non-technical upper slopes and a well-established route make Himlung one of the higher-success 7,000m peaks in Nepal.
Genuine alpine experience
All the elements of true expedition mountaineering — high-altitude camps, glacier travel, fixed ropes and crampons.
Himlung Himal Route & Approach
The ascent of Himlung Himal follows the traditional route into the restricted Nar-Phu Valley from Koto on the Annapurna Circuit. The climbing route heads up the mountain's northwest face through a series of high-altitude camps on the glacier.
Kathmandu to Koto (trek start)
Drive or fly to Besisahar/Chame, then trek to Koto (2,600m / 8,530ft) — the entry point to the restricted Nar-Phu Valley, which requires a special permit.
Nar-Phu Valley approach trek
A 5–6 day journey through the narrow gorge of the Phu Khola valley, past the ancient fortress village of Phu (4,080m / 13,385ft) — one of Nepal's most restricted and culturally immersive trekking areas.
Base Camp — 4,200m / 13,780ft
Established on the moraine above Phu village with sweeping views across the Tibetan plateau. Acclimatization rotations and gear organisation begin here.
Camp I — ~5,400m / 17,717ft
Established on the lower glacier after crossing the initial icefall. Fixed ropes are installed on the steeper sections above.
Camp II — ~6,200m / 20,341ft
High camp on the northwest glacier, established after acclimatization rotations between Base Camp and Camp I. This is the launch point for the summit push.
Summit push — Himlung summit 7,126m / 23,379ft
The Himlung summit push from Camp II follows a long snow ridge to the upper dome, with the final section crossing moderate mixed terrain before the broad summit plateau. Round trip from Camp II: approximately 10–14 hours.
How Difficult is the Himlung Himal Climb?
Himlung Himal is a technical high-altitude expedition and is not advised for beginners. It is highly recommended that climbers have prior experience at 6,000m peaks — such as Mera Peak (6,476m / 21,247ft) or Island Peak (6,189m / 20,305ft) — along with glacier travel experience before attempting the Himlung Himal climb.
Essential skills include: crampon and ice axe proficiency, fixed rope ascending and descending (jumar), glacier travel, experience in high-altitude camps above 6,000m / 19,685ft, and strong physical fitness. The upper Himlung route, while not as technically demanding as many Himalayan routes, requires full commitment given the altitude, remoteness, and weather conditions.
Best Season for Himlung Himal Expedition
The Himlung Himal expedition has two major climbing seasons. The pre-monsoon spring season is the most popular, while the post-monsoon autumn season offers colder but highly stable conditions with excellent visibility across the Nar-Phu Valley and into Tibet.
Spring (April–May): The main and most popular summit window. Stable weather, milder temperatures, and settled conditions make this the ideal time for the Himlung climb. Slots fill up fast — early booking is essential.
Autumn (October–November): Post-monsoon clarity brings outstanding views and fine, stable weather. A great alternative with less permit competition, and widely regarded as the best season for the Nar-Phu Valley approach too.
Himlung Himal Expedition Cost
Expedition packages can be tailored to suit your requirements.
Our Himlung Himal expedition packages are tailor-suited for your team size, level of service and departure date. Prices are dependent on group size & inclusions. Please request a full quote from our expedition team.
Detailed Itinerary
Click on each day to view details
| Day | Program | Meals | Accom. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m or 4,593 ft) & hotel transfer | Breakfast | Hotel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, enjoy welcome dinner with expedition team.
2
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Rest and preparation, expedition briefing, and climbing gear check |
B/D |
Hotel |
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| Rest, prepare, attend expedition briefing, and inspect climbing gear for safety.
3
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Drive from Kathmandu to Besi Shahar (760m or 2,493 ft) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
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| Travel by road from Kathmandu to Besi Sahar at 760 metres (2,493 ft) elevation.
4
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Drive from Besi Shahar to Koto (2,600m or 8,530 ft)) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
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| Drive from Besi Shahar, ascending to Koto at 2,600 metres (8,530 ft) elevation.
5
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Trek from Koto to Meta (3,560m or 11,680 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
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| Trek uphill from Koto to Meta, reaching 3,560 metres (11,680 ft) altitude.
6
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Trek from Meta to Kyang (3,840m or 12,598 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
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| Trek from Meta, ascending to Kyang, situated at 3,840 metres (12,598 ft) elevation.
7
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Trek from Kyang to Phu Gaun (3,900m or 12,795 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
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| Trek from Kyang to Phu Gaun, gradually gaining altitude to 3,900 metres (12,795 ft).
8
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Acclimatization day at Phu Gaun with short hikes |
B/L/D |
Tent |
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| Rest and acclimatize at Phu Gaun, including short hikes for adjustment.
9
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Trek from Phu Gaun to Himlung Base Camp (4,900m or 16,076 ft) and set up camp |
B/L/D |
Tent |
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| Trek from Phu Gaun to Himlung Base Camp at 4,900m (16,076 ft) and camp.
10 - 20
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Acclimatization rotations from Base Camp to Camp I and Camp II and back |
B/L/D |
Tent |
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| Perform acclimatization rotations from Base Camp to Camps I and II, then return.
21 - 26
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Summit window – Climb from Base Camp to Camp I, Camp II, summit (7,126m), and return to Base Camp |
B/L/D |
Tent |
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| Climb from Base Camp through Camps I and II to summit, then descend safely.
27
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Trek from Base Camp to Meta (3,560m or 11,6780 ft) |
B/L/D |
Tent |
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| Descend from Base Camp, trekking back to Meta at 3,560 metres (11,680 ft) elevation.
28
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Trek from Meta to Koto (2,600m or 8,530 ft) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
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| Trek downhill from Meta, reaching Koto at 2,600 metres (8530 ft) altitude.
29
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Drive from Koto to Besi Shahar (760m or 2,493 ft) |
B/L/D |
Lodge |
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| Drive from Koto descending to Besi Shahar at 760 metres (2,493 ft) elevation.
30
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Drive from Besi Shahar to Kathmandu |
B/L |
Hotel |
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| Drive from Besi Shahar returning to Kathmandu, completing the expedition journey.
31
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Leisure day in Kathmandu for sightseeing and rest |
Breakfast |
Hotel |
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| Spend a relaxing day in Kathmandu exploring sights and resting comfortably.
32
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Departure and transfer to the international airport |
Breakfast |
... |
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| Transfer from hotel to international airport for departure flight home. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Services
Includes
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✅ Assistance for cargo clearance in Nepal’s Customs, clearance cost is subject to a charge.
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✅ Expedition Royalty and permit fee from the Nepal Government to climb Himlung Himal, Conservation Area entry permit and fee.
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✅ Restricted area permit fee.
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✅1 Government Liaison officer with full equipment, salary, and accommodation.
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✅ Stool Shipment Transfer & Garbage Deposit fees.
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✅ Walkie-talkie permit for all members and staff.
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Trekking and Expedition map.
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One Altipro Adventures Duffle Bag.
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✅ Drive from Kathmandu – Besi Shahar – Koto and while returning, Koto – Besi Shahar – Kathmandu by a tourist jeep, as per itinerary.
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✅ All necessary expedition equipment transportation for all Members and Staff from Kathmandu to Koto (by jeep) and to Base Camp (by Porters / Mules) – While returning: Base Camp to Koto (by porters/mules) and Koto to Kathmandu (by Jeep). Based on the Condition, different transportation variants may be adopted.
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✅ Up to 60 Kg per member as personal baggage during the trek to be carried by porters or mules.
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✅ All necessary logistic arrangements for Camping during the trek.
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✅ All Nepalese staff and porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food, and clothing.
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✅ Weather forecast report during the entire expedition.
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✅ Airport – Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop), by private vehicle.
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✅ 4 nights’ hotel in Kathmandu (5-star category) – single room on bed and breakfast plan.
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✅ One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with the Office Staff.
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✅ Three (3) meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), including tea, coffee, and hot water during the trek in sharing basis. Hygienic foods will be served throughout the trek.
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✅ Three (3) meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), including tea, coffee, juice, soft drinks, etc., will be provided at Base Camp. Additionally, a comfortable box tent will be provided for accommodation. Hygienic and fresh food facilitated by helicopter flights. Well-managed Base Camp setup including dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet, and shower tent for members & staff.
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✅ Porters per member up to the Base Camp and from Base Camp (both ways).
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✅ Experienced and well-trained Base Camp Cook and kitchen Helpers as required.
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✅ Each member will have an individual tent (4-person tents) in Base Camp.
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✅ Single Tent, foam mattresses and pillow per member, 1 dining Tent, 1 Kitchen Tent, 1 Communication tent, 1 Toilet & 1 Shower Tent, 1 staff tent, 1 Tent for Nepalese base camp staff, Store tent, Tables & chairs & all necessary cooking gears.
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✅ Heater at base camp in each Dining and in other necessary camps.
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✅ 1 Solar panel and Generator for lights at base camp, for battery charges, laptop, and other electronic devices.
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✅ High Altitude Tent, Necessary cooking EPI gas, cooking pot, High food for a member, Sherpa, and other crews at (C1), (C2), and (C3 – optional).
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✅ Group climbing gears, fixed and dynamic rope during the climbing period as required.
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✅Members will share tents in high camps (2 members: 1 tent).
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✅ The team of experienced Sherpas will fix the rope and the route.
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✅ Oxygen, Mask Regulator, Ice wall, and gear training at Base Camp by an experienced Sherpa Guide.
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✅1 veteran and government-licensed climbing Sherpa per member (1 Member: 1 Sherpa) during the entire climb from Base Camp to the summit and back, and on each rotation.
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✅ Climbing Sherpa to assist in carrying your gear to the high camps.
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✅ Climbing Sherpa Salary, Equipment, Food, and Clothing.
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✅ Carry Bonus of Sherpas and Route Fixing Charges.
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✅ Back up Oxygen Cylinder, mask, and regulator.
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✅ Himlung Himal climbing certificate (after climbing Himlung successfully).
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✅ Satellite Phone for emergency communication carried by Sherpa, also available for members with an appropriate charge.
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✅ Walkie–Talkie for communicating from Base Camp to Mountain and Mountain to Base Camp.
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✅ Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff.
Excludes
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❌ International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
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❌ Nepalese Visa fee is $125 USD for 90 Days.
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❌ Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for trip cancellation, interruption, high-altitude rescue & air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.).
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❌ Personal Medical Kit (included under personal equipment but also relevant for medical coverage).
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❌ Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
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❌ Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
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❌ Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
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❌ Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu (in case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, domestic flight cancellation than scheduled itinerary).
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❌ Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu; soft drinks provided at base camp).
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❌ Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
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❌ Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa – Minimum $800 USD.
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❌Calculate tips for porters $100 USD each, basecamp and high camp staff – Minimum $400 USD.
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❌ Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary or not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
Gear Lists & Useful Information
Expedition Details
Peak Name
Himlung Himal Expedition
Duration
32 Days
Max Elevation
7,126 m / 23,379.27 ft
Best Seasons
Autumn
Region
Mahalangur Range
Expedition Gallery
Explore stunning images from this expedition
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this expedition
Most climbers do not use supplemental oxygen on the climb because the peak is below 8,000 meters. However, the expedition team should have emergency oxygen available at the base camp as a precautionary measure.
The temperatures can get quite chilly, especially at the higher camps. The temperatures can range as follows:
- Base Camp: -5°C to -15°C
- High Camps: -20°C to -30°C
- Summit Day: -25°C to -35°C
The difficulty level of Himlung Himal is moderate for a 7000-meter mountain. However, climbers can use crampons and ice axes for glacier travel and fixed ropes for some parts of the mountain. Additionally, climbers can use crampons and ice axes for glacier travel and fixed ropes for some parts of the mountain.
The Himlung Himal Expedition usually takes between 30 to 35 days. However, this allows for sufficient time for acclimatization before attempting to climb the 7,126-meter mountain. Additionally, climbers can use this period to prepare for the climb.
Yes. Himlung Himal is a good first 7000m peak since it is a 7,126-meter mountain. However, climbers should have experience in climbing 6,000-meter peaks and understand how to use crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and fixed ropes.
The mountain is a good test for climbers before attempting other peaks in Nepal. Many climbers use Himlung Himal as a test before attempting to climb other peaks in Nepal.
While climbing any mountain above 7000m has its own risks and hazards, Himlung Himal is considered one of the safest to climb in comparison to other Himalayan giants in Nepal. The mountain has a relatively stable climbing route with fewer avalanche risks.
The chances of success in climbing Himlung Himal are high if proper acclimatization techniques are followed with favorable weather and experienced guidance.
Yes, it is suitable as a practice climb for 8000m peaks such as Mt. Everest and Mt. Manaslu. The trek provides climbers with valuable experience in the following areas:
- High-altitude acclimatization
- Running a multi-camp expedition
- Glacier walking and fixed rope work
The best time to climb Himlung Himal can be divided into two seasons:
Spring Season: April-May
Autumn Season: September-October
The autumn season is considered to be one of the best times to climb Himlung Himal by many climbers due to clear skies and favorable weather.
The climber should be in good physical shape to climb the peak successfully. A good physical training regimen should include the following:
- Long distance hiking with heavy backpacks
- Cardiovascular training
- Mountaineering practice on 6000m peaks
Being in good physical shape greatly improves the chances of successfully reaching the summit of the peak.
Himlung Himal has gained popularity among climbers due to the following reasons:
- One of the highest success rates in comparison to other 7000m+ mountains in Nepal.
- The climb to the summit is moderately technical.
- The mountain offers breathtaking views of other Himalayan peaks.
- The trek to the mountain through the Nar Phu valley is in a remote location.
- The above factors make it one of the best Himalayan climbing destinations for any mountain enthusiast planning to take up extreme altitude mountain climbing.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
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