HIMLUNG HIMAL EXPEDITION ( 7,126 M )

This 30-day Himlung expedition will take you to the summit of the 7126 meter Mt. Himlung (Himlung Himal) situated in the Manaslu region of Nepal close to the Tibetan border in the Nar-Phu Valley. This is a very remote region of Nepal and sometimes the Nar-Phu Valley is referred to as the Hidden Valley of Nepal – due to its isolation and being well off the beaten track. Mt. Himlung is an excellent warm-up for those wishing to attempt higher peaks, but in itself, it offers all the thrills of a true mountain climbing expedition. You will be trekking and climbing within the Manaslu Conservation Area and will be well away from the more common Annapurna trail with your base established just above the Tibetan village of Phu Gaon (4250m) in the very secluded and restricted Nar-Phu region of Nepal. There are no roads into this region and the only way to get in goods is by yak, mule or carried by porters. At these altitudes you will find yaks grazing and a profusion of Tibetan prayer flags. It is a pretty uncomplicated and less technical climb to the peak, however, you will still have to be a fit and experienced mountain climber in order to reach the summit and tolerate the high altitude. Himlung Himal was first climbed in 1992 thus putting it on the map as a climbing destination. Before arriving at base camp you will trek along the banks of the Phu River in the peaceful Phu Valley passing through conspicuously Tibetan Buddhist villages rich with their unique culture and history. Leaving Kathmandu we drive to Bhulbhule (840m) and then start trekking to the villages of: Jagat (1300m), Dharapani (1860m), Koto (2670m), Chame (2650m), Meta (3650m), Phu Gaon (4250m – the largest Tibetan village in the region, and on to Himlung Base Camp (4850m) that will be home during the 14 day climbing period. From here we will begin our preparation and continually practice the methods we will employ to reach the summit, including taking shorter climbs up to higher camps and returning to a lower camp. This is also an ideal time to acclimatize by taking short climbs and then returning to lower altitudes. We have allowed several extra days at these camps to wait out poorer weather conditions or for some to adjust to these altitudes. We will establish three higher camps at 5450m, 6000m and 6250m, where we can spend time acclimatizing before our attempt of the summit.