Limi Valley Trek
"Nepal's Hidden Shangri-La."
Trek Gallery
Your Journey to Limi Valley
Follow every step of the Limi Valley Trek — from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. Click on any waypoint to see detailed information.
4,990m
Highest Point
Shinjungma
220 km
Total Distance
Estimated trail distance
20
Key Waypoints
Villages, camps & peaks
+3,590m
Elevation Gain
From Kathmandu
💡 Tip: Click on any waypoint on the map to see detailed information about that stop
Trek Overview
The Limi Valley Trek is one of the most remote, physically demanding, and culturally extraordinary journeys in the entire Himalayas, a 20-day expedition into Nepal's far northwestern Humla district, following ancient salt-trading routes along the Tibetan border. With no road access anywhere along the route, everything must be flown into Simikot or carried in on foot, preserving a way of life almost untouched by the modern world.
The journey begins with flights to Nepalgunj and Simikot before the trail follows the Karnali River through a mix of Hindu and Buddhist villages, natural hot springs, and increasingly dramatic terrain. After crossing Nara La Pass (4,620m), the trail reaches Hilsa, a border town on the edge of Tibet and the gateway to Mount Kailash for pilgrims. From there, the route turns into the Limi Valley itself, visiting the three ancient villages of Til, Halji, and Jang, home to the 1,000-year-old Rinchenling Monastery before crossing the trek's highest point, Nyalu La Pass (4,940–5,001m), with views stretching toward Mount Kailash on clear days.
Often called Nepal's "Hidden Shangri-La," Limi Valley offers a rare, largely unfiltered glimpse into a Trans-Himalayan Buddhist culture that has existed for over a thousand years making it a genuine expedition for trekkers seeking Nepal's absolute frontier.
Highlights
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, meet our representative, and transfer to your hotel. Attend a trip briefing and meet your trekking crew.
Altitude
1400m
Distance
N/A
Meals
N/A
Accommodation
Hotel
What's Included
Included
- Airport pickups and transfers in Kathmandu
- Domestic flights: Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Simikot (round trip)
- 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (2 nights) with breakfast
- Hotel in Nepalgunj (1 night each way) with breakfast
- Full camping accommodation during the trek (tents, kitchen crew, camping equipment)
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Experienced, government-licensed English-speaking trekking guide
- Full camping support crew (cook, kitchen staff, porters)
- Humla Restricted Area Permit
- TIMS (Trekker's Information Management System) card
- First aid kit and oximeter
- Trekking map and trip completion certificate
Not Included
- International airfare to/from Nepal
- Nepal tourist visa fee
- Travel and rescue insurance (mandatory for the restricted permit)
- Personal expenses (snacks, drinks, souvenirs)
- Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and charging fees (largely unavailable on this route)
- Bottled water and other beverages
- Tips for guide, cook, and porters
- Personal trekking and camping equipment
- Extra nights in Kathmandu or Nepalgunj beyond the itinerary
- Costs from flight delays due to weather
Accommodation & Meals
Accommodation
You'll spend nights in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj in comfortable hotels before and after the trek. On the trail, this is almost entirely a full camping trek, a dedicated crew of guides, cooks, and porters sets up a mobile tented camp each night, since teahouse infrastructure is minimal to nonexistent through most of Humla and the Limi Valley. A handful of basic teahouses exist in Simikot itself, but expect tented camping for nearly the entire 20-day journey.
Meals
All meals during the trek are included and prepared by your dedicated trekking cook and kitchen crew. Meals typically include dal bhat (rice with lentil soup), pasta, soups, seasonal vegetables, and simple breakfast items. Vegetarian options are always available. Because supplies must be flown into Simikot and then carried in by porter for the remainder of the trek, meals are hearty and functional, the skill of your camping crew, not restaurant-style variety, defines the food experience on this expedition.
Difficulty & Fitness
Requirements
- Ability to walk 4–8 hours per day on remote, high-altitude terrain over an extended 20-day journey
- Comfortable with two separate passes above 4,500m
- No serious heart, lung, or blood pressure conditions
- Prior high-altitude trekking experience strongly recommended
- Mental resilience for extended camping in one of Nepal's most remote regions
Training Tips
- Start cardio training 3–4 months before the trek
- Include regular multi-day hikes with a loaded backpack
- Add stair climbing and sustained leg-strengthening work
- Build up to walking 12–15 km comfortably at altitude
- Consider a shorter high-altitude trek as preparation if this would be your first major expedition
Packing List
- Moisture-wicking base layers (4–5) Comfortable camp clothes
- Waterproof outer shell jacket
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Warm socks (5–6 pairs)
- Insulating fleece/down jacket (expedition-grade)
- Trekking pants (2–3 pairs)
- Gloves (liner + insulated, expedition-grade)
- Comfortable camp clothes
Best Time to Trek
March - May (Spring)
Pros
- Both Nara La and Nyalu La generally clearing of heavy winter snow
- Good visibility for both pass crossings
- More reliable Simikot flight schedule than winter or monsoon
Cons
- Early spring can still see snow at the higher passes
- Cold nights throughout the camping route
Safety & Altitude Awareness
Safety Measures
- All guides are government-licensed and experienced specifically in expedition-style camping treks
- Full support crew (guide, cook, porters) trained in remote first response
- Guides carry first aid kits and pulse oximeters
- Regular altitude/health checks throughout the trek, especially around both major passes
Altitude Sickness
- Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a serious consideration on this trek, given two separate passes above 4,500m and extended time at altitude
- Symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue, difficulty sleeping
- Prevention: proper acclimatization, hydration, gradual ascent
- Our itinerary includes a dedicated acclimatization day at Yari before the Nara La crossing
Emergency Protocol
- Satellite communication support carried by your guide, given the near-total absence of mobile network coverage
- Helicopter evacuation can be arranged, though response times are among the longest of any trek on our site given the extreme remoteness
- Portable oxygen carried by the support crew
- Rescue coverage must be included in your insurance (mandatory for this restricted permit)
- Nearest medical facilities: a basic health post in Simikot, with full medical care only available back in Nepalgunj or Kathmandu
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready for Your Adventure?
Join trekkers from around the world on this life-changing journey.
$3,800
per person
20 Days
adventure
4.8
0 reviews
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