Limi Valley Trek – 17 Days

The Limi Valley Trek in western Nepal is one of the finest off-the-beaten-path treks. This remote trek follows the ancient salt trading route and offers unique cultural and natural experiences. It was opened to trekkers in 2002 because of its proximity to the Tibetan border. To protect the fragile ecosystem of the Limi Valley, authorities issue only a limited number of permits each year. This restriction keeps visitor numbers low, ensuring the area’s flora and fauna remain intact for future generations.

Most of the time, Limi Valley Trek pursues unexplored paths that frequently lead to ancient settlements. The nomadic, genuine way of existence has been frozen in time for a long time. On the Limi Valley Hike, authentic Tibetan culture, with its unique language, traditions, and way of life, is clearly visible. Trekkers can explore living museums at villages like Halji and Gombayok, where they can best view ancient Tibet.

The hike up to Gyuo Kharka, at a height of 5150 meters, is the Limi Valley Trek’s primary feature. This offers the chance to see the view that will make you fall in love with nature’s splendor. The stunning beauty of the Himalayas, including Saipal (7031m), Byas Rishi, Api, Kanjirowa, Kanti, and the Gorakh Mountains, can be seen from the summit of this pass.

Limi Valley Trek Highlights

Meeting the locals.

Seeing first hand the lowland city of Nepalgunj which is very different from most towns in Nepal.

Flying through the Himalayas and landing at Simikot in Humla district.

Trekking through the home of the snow leopard.

Entering the Limi Valley, so remote there are very few people living there.

Seeing over into the Tibetan Plateau, particularly Mt Kailash and Lake Manasarovar.

Crossing mountain passes.

Having a fantastic camping experience.

Gazing at the snowy peaks and night sky.

Learning about Buddhist culture, architecture and history.

Humla Limi Valley Trek itinerary

Day 1: Fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu

Upon landing at Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our representatives will meet and drive you to your accommodation. Later in the day, you will take a flight to Nepalgunj, located in the country’s western lowlands. After the hour-long flight, you will have time to explore the town.

Day 2: Fly to Simikot and trek to Dharapuri

After breakfast, you will board a flight to Simikot, the district headquarters of Humla. It is the starting point of the beautiful Limi Valley Trek. During the 45-minute flight, you will be treated to magnificent views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival, your actual trek begins from Simikot to the small settlement of Dharapuri, which sits at 2300 meters. You will traverse several suspension bridges and pass through quaint villages.

Day 3: Trek to Kermi

After breakfast, you’ll begin your walk toward Kermi. This trek will take us through charming pine forests and little towns. After trekking along the Karnali River, we will cross it on a suspension bridge and head to Kermi, a little village well-known for its hot springs. You may take in the stunning surroundings when unwinding in the hot springs.

Day 4: Trek to Yalbung

During today’s excursion, you may encounter a few challenging hills along the trail. However, your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountains as you pass through enchanting woodlands. Your destination for the day is Yalbung, a little settlement at 3060 meters above sea level.

Day 5: Trek to Talkot

After breakfast, you will continue your journey to Talkot. The trail offers breathtaking views of the mountains as you pass through lovely valleys. You will arrive at Talkot, a little settlement situated at a height of 3073 meters.

Day 6: Trek to Yari

Today’s hike presents a bit more challenge as you ascend the 4620-meter-high Nara La Pass. The terrain is hilly, requiring a certain level of physical fitness. Yet, the breathtaking vistas of the Mountains and the nearby valleys make the effort worthwhile. Your today’s destination is the little settlement of Yari, situated at 3663 meters above sea level.

Day 7: Trek to Hilsa via Nara La Pass

After a brief journey today, you will arrive at Hilsa, a small settlement situated at an altitude of 3700 meters. Along the trail, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the mountains as you pass through picturesque valleys. You will also traverse the Nara La Pass, towering at 4620 meters.

Day 8: Trek to Manepeme

You will go off on your trip toward Manepeme after breakfast. The trail offers breathtaking views of the mountains while you pass through lovely valleys. You will arrive at the little community of Manepeme, which is 3990 meters above sea level.

Day 9: Manepeme to Til

After a brief journey today, you will arrive in Til, a little community at a height of 4000 meters. The trail offers breathtaking views of the mountains while you pass through lovely valleys.

Day 10: Rest day in Til

Today is a rest day. You can explore the village and surrounding areas, interact with the locals, and learn about their culture and traditions.

Day 11: Trek to Tatopani via Halji

After leaving Til, we’ll cross a little river to go to Halji hamlet, a stunning old monastery. It is one of the oldest monasteries in the Humla region and features stunning statues and murals. We’ll hike on to Tatopani after touring the monastery. We will pass lovely waterfalls, prayer flags, and breathtaking mountain vistas on the route.

Day 12: Trek to Talung

We will trek today to reach the Talung village along the Limi River. It is a little, picturesque settlement that is both distant and composed of stone and wood. We will also travel through a little gorge surrounded by high rocks on both sides. Although the trip is somewhat difficult, the breathtaking scenery will make it all worthwhile.

Day 13: Trek to Shinjungma

Today’s hike will take us through alpine meadows and heavily forested areas. We will cross several small streams through the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Wildlife that we might see includes musk deer, blue sheep, and snow leopards. We will spend the night at Shinjungma hamlet, which is located in a lovely valley and offers a stunning view of the mountains.

Day 14: Trek to Kermi

We will return to Kermi village today, where we can unwind and recover. We can plunge in the naturally hot water and enjoy the hot springs. We can go to the village and talk to the residents there to learn about their culture and way of life.

day 15: Trek to Dharapuri

After leaving Kermi, we will hike through lovely woodlands and terraced farms to Dharapuri. We will also traverse a number of suspension bridges over rivers. Because the hike will be straightforward, we can take our time and savor the stunning views along the way.

Day 16: Trek to Simikot

Today, we will hike to Simikot, the district of Humla’s administrative hub. A suspension bridge will be used to cross the Karnali River after some tiny communities. When we get there, we will check into a guesthouse in Simikot, where we can take hot showers and eat hearty meals.

Day 17: Fly to Nepalgunj and connection fly to Kathmandu

Today, we will fly from Simikot to Nepalgunj and then back to Kathmandu. We will have the chance to reflect on our incredible journey to Limi Valley and the priceless memories we have created. After we return to Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel so that we may rest or explore the beautiful Kathmandu Valley.

What’s Included

• Tribhuwan international airport transfer ( Airport + Hotel + Airport )in Kathmandu .
• All meals ( Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with tea/coffee) during the trip.
• All camping gear and kitchen utensils during the trek
• One experienced, first aid trained, fluent English speaking, local language speaking, friendly and government authorized trekking guide, a cook, kitchen helpers
• 1 Porter per 2 Trekkers and keep luggage weight under 10kg per person.
• Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Simikot and return flights with airport taxes.
• All necessary Limi Valley Trekking permits.
• Guide and staff’s food, accommodation, salary and insurance etc .
• Government tax, vat and office service charges.
• Public liability insurance etc.

What’s Not included

• Hotel accommodation and meals in Kathmandu.
• Hard and soft table drinks such as tea/coffee, coke, fanta, mineral water, beer, desert, hot shower, hot water, battery charge, laundry, phone bill, bar bill etc.
• Personal Travel insurance.
• International Flight Tickets.
• Nepal Tourist Visa
• Tips for guide and staff .( Highly suggested).

Where is Limi Valley Located?

The Limi Valley is in the northwest part of Nepal’s Humla District. It’s a high-altitude valley that borders Nepal and Tibet to the north. The Limi River drains it, a tributary of the Humla Karnali River. The Limi Valley is drained by the Limi River, which flows into the Humla Karnali River. This valley has just three villages: Dzang, Halji, and Til.

These villages are situated at different heights—Dzang is at 3,920m, Halji at 3,700m, and Til at 4,100m above sea level. To reach the Limi Valley, travelers first journey to Simikot, the headquarters of Humla District.

You can reach the Limi Valley from Simikot using two different paths. One route starts by following the Humla Karnali River from Simikot to Hilsa then crossing the river. From there, you ascend the eastern trail to Limi Valley, entering near Til village. This route typically takes 5-7 days to traverse. The other route also starts by following the Humla Karnali River upstream but diverges north at the confluence of the Salli Khola and Humla Karnali rivers. This path takes you over the 4,995m high Nyalu Lagna pass.

Then, it goes into Talung Valley. After a day’s walk, it reaches Limi Valley near Takche, east of Dzang village. Walking this route generally takes 4-5 days.

Can Beginner Trek to Limi Valley?

It’s an ideal spot for those looking for a unique and exciting experience. Yes, a beginner with a strong willpower and a decent fitness can easily overcome this trek. Even though the trek will take numerous days, the majestic views motivate you to keep going. Acclimatization is a must in these cases, as you will be trekking above 5000 meters.

Accommodation and Meal During Limi valley Trek

The Humla Limi Valley trek is one of the least explored regions of Nepal, and it has a very low population. This trek requires total camping as no teahouses or a variety of food options are available. Only a few teahouses in Simikot and some other places provide necessary supplies.

High-quality tents and the kitchen, dining, sleeping, and toilets are provided for accommodation. Essentials like a gas stove for cooking, necessary utensils, towels, hand wash soaps, toilet paper, and dining chairs and tables are also included.

Since there are no teahouses along the trail, you’ll enjoy preparing food with the provided cook. Besides tented camps, rest days are spent in the best available hotels with maximum facilities. Meals include the staple Nepali diet of dal-bhat, vegetable curry, soups, eggs, bread, jam, porridge, herbal tea, ginger tea, coffee, noodles, seasonal vegetables, and salads.