Simikot Trek
"Far-Western Nepal, Made Accessible."
Trek Gallery
Your Journey Through Humla
Follow every step of the Simikot Trek — from Kathmandu to Kathmandu. Click on any waypoint to see detailed information.
3,380m
Highest Point
Tumkot
100 km
Total Distance
Estimated trail distance
12
Key Waypoints
Villages, camps & peaks
+1,980m
Elevation Gain
From Kathmandu
💡 Tip: Click on any waypoint on the map to see detailed information about that stop
Trek Overview
The Simikot Trek is the ideal introduction to Nepal's remote far-western Humla district, a shorter, lower-altitude alternative to the full Limi Valley expedition that still delivers genuine cultural immersion, dramatic Karnali River scenery, and a level of solitude found almost nowhere else in Nepal. Reached only by a scenic flight through Nepalgunj, Simikot and the surrounding Karnali Valley remain one of the country's least-visited trekking regions.
The trek follows the Karnali River from Simikot through a mix of Hindu and Buddhist villages, including a soak in the natural hot springs at Kermi and a visit to the large Namkha Khyung Dzong Monastery at Yalbang, before reaching the remote settlement of Tumkot near the confluence of two rivers. Unlike the full Limi Valley Trek, this route doesn't cross into high-altitude pass territory or continue to the Tibetan border, making it a genuinely accessible way to experience Humla's raw, unfiltered scenery and culture without committing to a multi-week expedition.
This is a trek for travelers who want the authenticity of far-western Nepal, a region almost entirely bypassed by mainstream tourism without the extreme physical and logistical demands of the full Limi Valley journey.
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
- Tea house accommodation in Simikot, camping during the trek
- 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, with a basic teahouse available in Simikot itself. On the trail beyond Simikot, this is 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 throughout Humla.
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, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are always available. Supplies are flown into Simikot and carried in by porters for the remainder of the trek, so meals are hearty and functional rather than varied.
Difficulty & Fitness
Requirements
- Ability to walk 5–7 hours per day on remote river-valley terrain
- Comfortable with sustained daily walking, though no high-altitude pass is involved
- No serious heart, lung, or blood pressure conditions
- No previous trekking experience strictly required, though helpful
- Comfort with full camping conditions and remote logistics
Training Tips
- Start cardio training 4–6 weeks before the trek
- Include regular hiking with a light-to-moderate backpack
- Add stair climbing to your weekly routine
- Build up to walking 10–12 km comfortably
- Take at least one weekend hike before departure
Packing List
- Moisture-wicking base layers (3–4)
- Waterproof outer shell jacket
- Warm hat and sun hat
- Warm socks (4–5 pairs)
- Insulating fleece/down jacket
- Trekking pants (2 pairs)
- Gloves (liner + insulated)
- Comfortable camp clothes
Best Time to Trek
March - May (Spring)
Pros
- Pleasant trekking temperatures along the Karnali Valley
- Clear mountain views
- More reliable Simikot flight schedule than winter or monsoon
Cons
- Occasional early-spring cold snaps at Tumkot
Safety & Altitude Awareness
Safety Measures
- All guides are government-licensed and experienced in the Humla region specifically
- Camping cook and support crew trained in remote first response
- Guides carry first aid kits and pulse oximeters
- Regular health checks throughout the trek
Altitude Sickness
- Since this trek stays below 3,400m, altitude sickness risk is meaningfully lower than on the full Limi Valley Trek or Nepal's high-pass treks
- Mild AMS symptoms are still possible, particularly for trekkers flying directly into Simikot at 2,910m
- Symptoms: headache, nausea, fatigue, difficulty sleeping
- Prevention: proper hydration, steady pace, awareness in the first day or two after arrival
Emergency Protocol
- Satellite communication support carried by your guide, given limited mobile network coverage in this region
- Helicopter evacuation can be arranged, though response times are longer given the remoteness
- Portable first-aid kit and oximeter carried by your guide
- 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.
$2,150
per person
12 Days
adventure
4.6
0 reviews
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