The Limi Valley trek only opened to foreigners in 2002 as this area borders on Tibet in the far west of Nepal. It follows an ancient trading and pilgrim route over challenging trails and high passes. In order to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Limi Valley, only limited permits are issued every year, keeping the number of visitors down, and ensuring the flora and fauna of the area remains intact for generations to come. This is one of last true wilderness area, tucked away inside Humla District where century old Buddhist traditions still exist and the people of the north-western part of the district are more like their Tibetan neighbours to the north than their Hindu neighbours in the south-east part of the district. On this trek, not only can hikers see the great mountains of Saipal, Byas, Rishi, Api, Kanjirowa, and Kanti in Nepal, but also the revered holy Mount Kailash across the border in Tibet.
The trail goes through yak pastures, cultivated land, along rivers and water falls, down ravines and through interesting villages. At the view point of Yak Kharka (4,900m) there is stunning views of Mount Kailash in Tibet. Until very recently it was possible to continue this trek along the traditional pilgrim trail to Mt Kailash, but this practice has been halted by the Chinese Government. Evidence of the ties between Humla and Tibet can be seen by the prayer flags and mani stones that line the trails as well as the beautiful stone (Tibetan style) villages, and the 1,000 year old Rizing Ling Gompa.
Possible wildlife on view includes marmot, wolf, wild yak, and Himalayan black bears. Of the rare mammals, snow leopards and blue sheep are known to live in this area.
This amazing trek highlights a different side of Nepal than that seen in some of the more usual trekking routes. It also gives a glimpse into the mystical land of Tibet without having to go through the formalities of getting there! The pristine sights and sounds of this trek more than make up for the challenging hiking with some long days.
| Days | Itinerary | Altitude | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (Flight) | 150 m | 1 hr |
| Day 2 | Nepalgunj to Simikot (Flight) to Dharapuri | 2270 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 3 | Dharapuri to Kermi | 2629 m | 4 - 5 hr |
| Day 4 | Kermi to Chumsa Khola valley | 3400 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 5 | Chumsa Khola valley to Dharmashala | 4000 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 6 | Dharmashala to Talung | 4380 m | 7 - 8 hr |
| Day 7 | Talung to Jang | 4070 m | 6 - 7 hr |
| Day 8 | Acclimatization Day | 4070 m | 2 hr |
| Day 9 | Jang to Halji | 3670 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 10 | Halji to Til | 3700 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 11 | Til to Manepeme | 3970 m | 8 - 9 hr |
| Day 12 | Manepeme to Hilsa | 3740 m | 4 - 5 hr |
| Day 13 | Hilsa to Palbang | 3389 m | 7 - 8 hr |
| Day 14 | Palbang to Muchu | 2929 m | 4 - 5 hr |
| Day 15 | Muchu to Chumsa Khola | 3400 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 16 | Chumsa Khola to Dharapuri | 2270 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 17 | Dharapuri to Simikot | 2910 m | 5 - 6 hr |
| Day 18 | Simikot to Nepalgunj (Flight) to Kathmandu (Flight) | 1380 m | 1 hr |
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