Humla Limi Valley Trek

Humla Limi Valley Trek Overview

The Humla Limi Valley Trek is one of the best off-beaten-trail treks in the western part of Nepal. It is a great opportunity to explore the isolated region of the country that is hardly visited by others. This trekking trail just opened from the year 2002. 

Far from modernization, the Humla district lacks economic resources but reflects the true enigma of spiritual and natural beauty. The communities are largely unaffected by modern development because of their remote location. The people of Limi Valley practice old traditions and lifestyles very much influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Even now, shamanism and centuries-old Buddhist traditions play a significant role in daily life here. Agriculture & animal husbandry is the primary occupation of the people here and the valley also has some trade route to Tibet.

Our trekking trail to Humla Limi Valley passes through the lush vegetation of natural herbs, yak pastures, and cultivated land crossing through many ethnic villages. Some of the rare wildlife like snow leopards and blue sheep are known to be found in the area. Hence, you may see the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, jackals, hyenas, and musk deer while on this walk.

You will travel through a lonely area and cross the Nara La pass (4995 m), which offers breathtaking Himalayan vistas, on the old salt trade and pilgrimage route that runs along Nepal's and Tibet's borders. Mountain views of Saipal, Byas, Rishi, Api, Kanjirowa, Kanti in Nepal, and some views of popular and sacred Mount Kailash across the border in Tibet can be seen in this trek.

Humla Limi Valley is a camping trekking journey where you tent in breathtaking locations amidst snow-capped mountains and stay in little traditional Buddhist towns. And, very few permits are issued to this beautiful Limi valley of Humla district as a way to conserve the ecosystem and the peaceful environment. 

Humla Limi Valley Trek Highlights 

• Experience the real adventure, isolation, and unique lifestyle and culture
• Walk through the ancient salt trading route
• Traverse past the two stunning high mountain passes, Nyalu La Pass at 4995 meters and Nara La at 4620 meters 
• Fantastic views of mountains like Mt. Saipal, Mt. Api, Mt. Kanjirowa, Mt. Byas, Annapurna, Rishi, etc.
• The stunning view of Mount Kailash which sits in the Tibetan Plateau
• Opportunity to discover the beautiful alpine meadows that are a haven for wildlife and plants
• Flora and Fauna like Blue Sheep, Snow leopards, blue sheep, jackals, hyenas, musk deer, yaks, wild horses, rhododendron, etc. 

Humla Limi Valley Trek Difficulty 

The Humla Limi Valley Trek is considered a challenging trekking journey. The trek is considerably long and remote and often requires you to trek for 6-7 hours each day. Prior trekking experience is not mandatory but it is always an advantage if you have engaged in any kind of trekking activity. Hence, a good level of physical health and mental determination is required. 

As this trek involves trekking past the Nyalu La Pass, which is located at 4995 meters above sea level, Altitude Sickness which is also called AMS can be a challenging aspect. The biggest prevention is properly acclimatizing and there are ample possibilities for proper acclimatization given the length of the trek. Other preventions are hydrating yourself, taking a properly balanced diet, getting enough sleep, etc.

Another difficulty you could face in your Humla Limi Valley Trek could be because of bad weather. Therefore, you have to keep updated with the weather of the region and choose the best time to complete it. 

Best Time to do Humla Limi Valley Trek 

Unlike other mountain trekking journeys in Nepal, Humla Limi Valley is best done in the summer/monsoon season as it is a rain shadow area. While the other parts of the country are drenched with rain, especially during July and August, the Humla Limi Valley has dry sunny days with the vegetation at its best state of the year. 

Spring and autumn are also the best seasons to do the Limi Valley Trek when the temperatures are pleasant and the weathers are stable. The skies remain clear and blue allowing the trekkers to get views of the mountains and terrain clear. 

Winters are not recommended for the Humla Limi Valley Trek because of the harsh cold weather and the dropping temperature. The routes are also covered with thick snow, especially at the higher parts making it hard to pass by it. 

Permits required for Humla Limi Valley Trek 

As Limi Valley is a restricted, more like an isolated region, you will need to obtain a permit known as Special Trekking Permit to do the Limi Valley Trek. Only two or more individuals may obtain a permit for this area, and only through an officially recognized Nepali trekking agency. Hence, your permit for Humla Limi Valley Trek will be issued by Himalayan Trekkers on your behalf.