HIMLUNG HIMAL SKI EXPEDITION

A full expedition briefing covers the route, camp structure, skiing logistics, safety protocols, acclimatization plan, and permit formalities for the restricted Nar-Phu Valley. You receive your Alpinist Climber Expeditions duffel bag, cap, and T-shirt, and confirm equipment ahead of the drive west. Ski equipment is checked and any last-minute adjustments made before departure.

An early private jeep departs Kathmandu heading west along the Prithvi Highway toward Besisahar — the gateway to the Annapurna region and the starting point for the trail north into the Nar-Phu Valley. The drive takes most of the day through lush lowland countryside before the valley begins to narrow and the mountains close in from both sides.

The road continues north from Besisahar, climbing steadily through the Marsyangdi River valley. Koto is the last village before the restricted Nar-Phu area begins — permits are checked here before entry. The landscape changes noticeably above Koto: drier, more austere, and increasingly Tibetan in character.

The trail enters the Nar-Phu Valley proper, following the Phu Khola upstream through a dramatic narrow gorge. The terrain is stark and strikingly beautiful — towering cliff walls, glacial streams, and the occasional mani wall or chorten marking the way. Meta is a small seasonal settlement used as a rest point for expeditions heading further up the valley. The altitude gain is modest but the trail is rugged.

The trail continues to Phu Gaon — one of the most remote and intact traditional villages in Nepal. Stone houses, butter lamps, ancient gompas, and prayer flag strings strung across narrow lanes create an atmosphere that feels genuinely removed from the modern world. The village sits at 3,900m against a backdrop of high peaks and open sky. This is a place worth spending time in, and the stay here before Base Camp is one of the quieter highlights of the expedition.

A structured acclimatization day in Phu Gaon before the ascent to Base Camp. A morning hike above the village to approximately 4,200–4,400m follows the classic principle of climbing high and sleeping low, helping the body begin adjusting to the reduced oxygen at altitude. The afternoon is spent resting, exploring the village, or visiting the local gompa. Proper hydration and rest are the priorities.

From Phu Gaon, the trail climbs steadily onto open moraine and glacier margin terrain. Himlung Himal comes into full view as altitude is gained — its broad upper slopes and summit visible above the surrounding ridgelines, the skiable terrain clearly apparent from this angle. Base Camp at 4,850m is established on solid ground at the head of the valley. Tents are pitched, equipment is organized, and the climbing phase of the expedition formally begins.

The Puja ceremony is conducted at Base Camp — a traditional Sherpa blessing ritual led by a lama, attended by the full team. All climbing and skiing equipment is blessed before use on the mountain. This ceremony is an authentic part of every expedition we organize and one of the most memorable moments of the journey. The rest of the day is dedicated to rest, equipment sorting, and settling into life at altitude.

An IFMGA guide leads a technical session at Base Camp covering the mountain-specific skills for this expedition — crampon technique, ice axe use, fixed rope management on glacier terrain, and crucially, ski preparation for high-altitude conditions. Skins are fitted and tested, bindings are adjusted, and the team skis on terrain near Base Camp to familiarize equipment and technique before the higher slopes. Any concerns about equipment are addressed here before they become problems higher up.

The team makes a controlled push to approximately 5,300m before returning to Base Camp. This rotation confirms equipment function at altitude, familiarizes the team with the lower section of the route, and initiates the physiological acclimatization process above Base Camp. An early return ensures recovery without unnecessary fatigue.

A rest day at Base Camp. The body consolidates its adaptation to altitude. The team eats, rests, hydrates, and prepares for the move to Camp 1 the following morning. The guide reviews weather forecasts and confirms the climbing plan.

The team ascends from Base Camp to Camp 1 at 5,800m — moving through glaciated terrain and crossing the lower section of the glacier with skis on packs. Camp 1 is a well-positioned camp on the upper glacier, with the summit slopes of Himlung now clearly visible above. Tents are pitched, a hot meal prepared, and the team rests with Camp 2 the objective for the following morning.

The route from Camp 1 to Camp 2 crosses more demanding terrain — steeper slopes with crevassed glacier sections and exposed ridgeline movement requiring rope management and careful footwork. Camp 2 at 6,400m is the final high camp and the launch point for the summit push and ski descent. Hot food and drinks are prepared on arrival. The team rests carefully, eating well and staying fully hydrated in preparation for the summit day.

A dedicated reserve day built into every Himlung Himal Ski Expedition. Conditions at 7,000m are inherently unpredictable, and this buffer ensures the team can wait for a clean weather window without compromising the summit opportunity. All decisions at this stage are made by the expedition leader based on real-time weather data, route conditions, and team readiness. If conditions are favorable on Day 15, the leader may choose to summit a day early and use Day 16 as the descent day.

Summit day begins in the early hours from Camp 2. The team moves upward in the darkness with headlamps and crampons, ascending the upper slopes of Himlung on foot — the terrain above Camp 2 is steep enough that skis are carried or left at a transition point. The final push to the summit at 7,126m is demanding but the angle eases as the broad summit plateau comes into reach.

From the summit, the Annapurna range fills the horizon to the south and west — Annapurna I, II, III, and IV, Gangapurna, and Manaslu all within view. The Tibetan plateau stretches to the north. After time at the top, the ski descent begins — skins removed, bindings adjusted, and skis pointed downward onto the upper slopes of Himlung Himal. The descent covers the most consistent and open terrain on the mountain, dropping several hundred metres on skiable snow with an extraordinary mountain panorama on every side. The team skis to the transition point above Camp 1, then continues on foot or skis to Camp 1 for the night.

From Camp 1, the team descends on skis and foot back to Base Camp. The lower slopes allow a final stretch of skiing before the glacier gives way to moraine and the tents of Base Camp come into view. Base Camp is broken down over the rest of the day in preparation for the return trek beginning the following morning.

The team leaves Base Camp and descends to Phu Gaon. The altitude drop is immediately felt — breathing is easier, the pace is comfortable, and the warmth of the lower valley is a welcome change after days above 5,000m. A final evening in one of the most remote villages in Nepal before the return journey continues.

The trail continues down the Nar-Phu Valley, retracing the approach route in reverse through the gorge and the dry high-altitude terrain above Koto. The walk out has a different quality to the walk in — faster, lighter, and viewed from the perspective of people who have been to the top.

The descent continues to Koto, where the restricted area ends and the broader Annapurna approach rejoins the main route. Porters and mules who carried loads through the valley are thanked and bid farewell here.

The final trekking day descends steeply through the Marsyangdi River valley back to Besisahar. The altitude drop is dramatic and the vegetation — lush and green compared to the high valley above — marks the full transition out of the mountain world.

A private jeep returns the team to Kathmandu — a long but comfortable drive through the Prithvi Highway corridor. The city arrives in the early evening, and 4-star hotel accommodation provides a genuine contrast to the weeks spent at altitude.

A free day in Kathmandu for recovery, exploration, and shopping. The city's temples, markets, and restaurants are all accessible. An optional guided city tour of UNESCO-listed heritage sites can be arranged on request.

A buffer day in Kathmandu providing flexibility for flight adjustments, additional rest, or any final arrangements before departure. This day ensures no pressure on international connections.

Private airport transfer is arranged for your outbound flight. The Himlung Himal Ski Expedition concludes — a 25-day journey through one of Nepal's most remote valleys to the summit and ski descent of a 7,000-metre peak. Few expeditions anywhere in the world offer this specific combination of altitude, cultural immersion, and ski mountaineering at this level.