HIMLUNG HIMAL EXPEDITION 7126M: HOW TO PREPARE TO CLIMB?

Himlung Himal Expedition 7126M: How to prepare to climb? Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, Himlung Himal is a spectacular peak that provides a tempting combination of rugged trails and unspoiled natural beauty. It is located close to the boundary between Tibet and Nepal in the Manaslu region and rises to a magnificent height of 7,126 meters. Trekkers looking for a less traveled trail and a more remote Himalayan experience have been drawn to Himlung Himal, despite it not being as well-known as grander contemporaries like Everest or Annapurna.

The journey to Himlung reveals a fascinating tapestry of many terrains and civilizations, ranging from busy metropolitan hubs to peaceful small hamlets, deep woods, and expansive icy vistas. The journey starts in Nepal’s vibrant capital city of Kathmandu, which is also the main entry point for the majority of Himalayan expeditions.

Adventurers start with the drive-by vehicle from Kathmandu to Besisahar. The trek’s second section passes through charming villages like Phu Gaon and Koto, each of which provides a different perspective on the customs and culture of the area. The scenery changes as hikers get closer to the Himlung Himal base camp, with wide-open snow fields and majestic peaks taking the main stage. It is strongly advised that trekkers be accompanied by our experienced guides and trekking organizations due to the remoteness of Himlung Himal. In addition to offering priceless information about the environment and terrain, we also watch out for the trekkers’ security and well-being. Himlung Himal, a hidden treasure of the Himalayas, is likely to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences as more travelers set their sights on it.

HIMLUNG HIMAL HIGHLIGHTS

Starting Point:

Kathmandu, the energetic capital of Nepal, is the starting point of all trips to the Himlung Himal. The gateway to the Himlung is Besisahar, which can be reached by road.
The trekking trail winds its way from Besisahar to the Annapurna Conservation Area, taking in breathtaking scenery and settlements. Before arriving in the village of Phu Gaon, Koto is a worthwhile halt.

Base Camp Establishment:

Located next to Phu Gaon, the base camp is the main starting place for the last ascent of Himlung Himal climbs.

Climbing Route:

Due to its combination of difficulty and captivating panoramic vistas, the Northeast face is the most popular route for those wishing to try the summit.

Cultural Immersion:

The trip provides a thorough understanding of the regional way of life, with chances to engage with native populations, see historic monasteries, and take part in celebrations.
Flora & Fauna: The path offers views of a variety of habitats, including alpine meadows and lush woods in the lower areas. If you’re lucky, you may even spot rare animals like snow leopards.

Technical Ascent:

Climbers find more difficult terrain above Camp 1, challenging their climbing abilities and providing a rewarding experience for experienced climbers.

Untrodden Path:

Climbing Himlung Himal provides a more remote and uncrowded experience than some of the more well-known peaks in the region.

Himlung Himal Insurance: Ensuring a Safe Climb

Trekking or climbing in the Himlung Himal requires the appropriate permits, physical preparation, and insurance. Being well-protected is essential because of the dangers involved in trekking and climbing at high altitudes. The following information will help you choose the appropriate insurance for your trip up the Himlung Himal:

Coverage at High Altitudes:

As the Himlung Himal reaches a height of 7,126 meters, be sure that hiking and mountaineering up to this altitude are covered by your insurance. There may be limits on altitude on certain insurance plans. Ensure your insurance policy states the highest altitude it will cover.

Helicopter Evacuation:  

In the event of a medical emergency, particularly at higher elevations, helicopter evacuation may be the only expedient means of escape. These evacuations may incur exorbitant costs.
Verify that your insurer pays for helicopter evacuations without having a large deductible.

Health Insurance:

Significance: Make sure that the complete medical coverage included in your insurance policy covers hospital stays, treatments, and medicines in case of altitude sickness or other probable health problems. Some insurance may not cover certain ailments or therapies, so it’s important to carefully read the terms.

Cancellation or interruption of a trip:

Significance Several unanticipated circumstances, ranging from health concerns to world events, may force you to postpone or cancel your vacation.

You can protect your financial investment in such a vacation by purchasing an insurance policy that covers cancellations or delays.

PREPARATION

You must have prior experience climbing semi-technical summits at elevations between 4000 and 6500 meters to summit any 7000-meter mountain.
To cut right to the chase, you may think of Himlung Himal as your very first excursion to a 7000-meter summit. To advance to 8000M summits or other challenging peaks, this will be an essential severe altitude climbing experience. If you’re thinking of climbing a 7000er mountain peak for the first time, Himlung Himal is unquestionably one to do so. The Himlung Himal climbing path is far less dangerous and only moderately technical in difficulty, but as with any high-altitude mountain excursion, you must be willing to take on an adventure and have a strong mental attitude.

NOVICE TO BEGINNER LEVEL: INTRODUCTION TO MOUNTAINEERING / MERA PEAK 6476 m

To start, we can recommend these peaks if you are a complete novice who has never experienced any high-altitude trekking or climbing experiences before but you are motivated to conquer severe altitude mountains eventually. Join our beginner mountaineering adventures to Mera Peak 6476M or Yala Peak 5732M to start your climbing adventure. This trip aims to provide you with an introduction to the fundamentals and methods of mountaineering, as well as to test and familiarize yourself with high-altitude environments through a non-technical peak climbing experience in Nepal.

You’ll need to be in decent physical condition (run a 5K two to three times a week in addition to strength training), and once you’re done, the experience will boost your confidence enough to take on more challenging and semi-technical peaks.

BEGINNER TO INTERMEDIATE LEVEL – LOBUCHE EAST & ISLAND PEAK

You should have some experience climbing mountains and at high altitudes at this level. You know what kind of physical and mental condition is necessary to climb mountains at high altitudes. At this beginner+ to intermediate level, you will learn more about climbing on tough pitches at higher elevations. This means that in addition to introducing more challenging climbs, you will be reintroduced to all of the prior fundamental climbing abilities. You’ll pick up navigation skills for rough, snowy, and icy terrain. Take on steep mountain parts by scrambling/traversing exposed areas and jumping on a fixed-line rope.

These abilities are crucial as your mountaineering trip advances, and these kinds of expeditions will boost your confidence to take on more difficult and technically demanding peaks in the Himalayas or throughout the world. At this point, we advise climbers to attempt summits like Island Peak 6189M + Lobuche East 6019M, Khumbu Three Peak Expedition, Chulu West 6419M. Climbers aiming to advance to the Intermediate/+ level will find all the technical and physical obstacles they need on this trip.

INTERMEDIATE TO +/ADVANCED LEVEL – HIMLUNG HIMAL

You are completely set for the Himlung Himal Expedition at this point. Climbing the Himlung Himal is a mountaineering experience that should not be taken lightly. Beginning at 6300 meters, the climbing routes become quite exposed as we ascend the mountain’s last ridge segment to the summit. The expedition’s longest day is the summit day. You will be ascending the ridge slope part for a considerable amount of time with the help of your guide and secured to a fixed rope, which requires a lot of abseiling as you down the mountain. You will need to be physically and psychologically prepared, and patience, experience, and confidence are crucial.

This kind of 7000M trip will put you to the test. You will be tested further on your prior experience climbing, traversing, and abseiling on the exposed mixed part. At higher elevations, there will be two high alpine camps and longer, colder days. Compared to your prior adventures, you are intellectually and physically pushed for a longer amount of time and are continually exposed to the forces of nature. Because the climbing path faces west, the sun only reaches the slopes later in the day, making the climbing conditions chilly.

Compared to your prior camps, the last push day for the summit will be longer, harder, more rigorous, technically difficult, and emotionally taxing. Together with these skills, you will need to understand how a grouped expedition operates so that everyone can reach the common objective of summiting a 7,000-meter mountain. There may be weak links in the team, so you will need to make adjustments.

WHAT FORM OF TRAINING IS NEEDED FOR HIMLUNG HIMAL?

For those wishing to take on a semi-technical, high-altitude trip or their first 7000-meter summit, Himlung Himal is an excellent choice. With a high success rate, it is regarded as one of the safest and simpler 7000-meter mountains. It is crucial to remember that no mountain top is simple to reach and to take part, climbers must have prior high-altitude expertise (at or above 3000 meters). For those looking for a climbing trip that is both tough and feasible, Himlung Himal could be the ideal peak.

Mountains are ranked according to their physical and technical challenges. It might be challenging to replicate in your training the unique obstacles you’ll encounter on the mountain, such as navigating crevasses. Nonetheless, there are a few general fitness exercises that can improve your strength, stamina, and core stability. Cycling, long-distance running (10K–20K), long-distance trekking (6 hours+), and hiking with a weighted backpack are a few of them. To make sure that you are in optimal physical condition, we advise planning your training at least five to six months before to your climbing trip.

Training programs such as introductory climbing courses are also beneficial. Technical abilities include learning how to walk on ice, snow, and rock with crampons, ascend with a rope on five or six anchor points using ascenders, abseil effectively, and be aware of general gear safety checks.

Himlung Himal Expedition 7126M

Himlung Himal Expedition 7126M offers trekkers in the Manaslu Region with yet another surprise. Situated northeast of the Annapurna Range, Mt. Himlung boasts an impressive height of 7,126 meters. This mountain is located on the remote border between Tibet and Nepal. Himlung Himal is a classic Himalayan expedition renowned for being one of the least challenging and easiest 7000+ meter+ mountains to climb. Compared to other summits, it has the greatest documented summit success rate. This mountain has all the excitement of a real mountain climbing adventure on its own, and it’s a great warm-up for those looking to go higher. Himlung Himal is also well known for being one of the easiest summits to climb, requiring little technical skill. Since it is part of the same Himalayan belt as other formidable mountains like Manaslu and the Annapurna massif, the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

Located in the remote and secluded Nar-Phu area of Nepal, your base will be just above the Tibetan settlement of Phu Gaon (4250m), within the boundaries of the Manaslu Conservation Area and far from the busier and more popular Annapurna path. The trip starts with a  trek to Annapurna Trail before taking a detour to see the secluded and picturesque villages of Nar and Phu. At 4900 meters, the upper edge of Phu village, the expedition teams establish their base camp. The three higher camps are situated at elevations of 5,450 meters, 6,000 meters, and 6,350 meters, in that order. The path to the peak of the pinnacle is icy and steep in its last section. Reaching the base camp and summit of Himlung Peak usually takes ten to fifteen days. Climbing Himlung Peak demands a high degree of fitness even if it’s easier than other summits. Himlung Himal is a beautiful, remote peak that offers an amazing exploratory hike to the summit.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Exploring the captivating off-the-beaten path before reaching the peak of Mt. Himlung, one of the Himalayan 7 thousanders.
  • Take in the breathtaking mountain peaks and exceptional beauty of the Manaslu area.
  • An eight-thousander summit guided excursion that allows you to climb with our knowledgeable Everest and other mountain guides and mountaineers
  • Discover charming towns and breathtaking scenery along the route.
  • Discover the amazing culture of Tibetan Buddhism in the area.
  • With the assistance of three higher camps and one base camp manned by highly skilled mountaineers, guides, and crew members

OVERVIEW

PEAK: Himlung
ELEVATION: 7126 meters / 23,379 feet
DURATION: 26 DAYS
EXPERIENCE: Advanced
ROUTE: South-West
BEST TIME: AUTUMN
ACCOMMODATION: Hotel/Lodge | Camping: Base Camp, Camp 1, Camp 2, Camp 3
GRADE: Hard/Difficult

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Day 02: Trip Preparation | Sightseeing of the UNESCO heritage sites in Kathmandu

Day 03: Drive Kathmandu to Besisahar
Altitude: 840m | Drive: 6-7 hrs | Accommodation: Lodge | Meal: BLD

Day 04: Drive to Kodo
Altitude: 2600m | Trek: 5-6 hrs | Accommodation: Lodge | Meal: BLD

Day 05 : Trek to Meta
Altitude: 3560m | Trek: 7-8 hrs | Accommodation: campsite | Meal: BLD

Day 06: Meta to Phu
Altitude: 4400m | Trek: 5-6 hrs | Accommodation: Campsite | Meal: BLD

Day 07: Acclimatisation Day (unto 4200m)- Overnight in the lodge

Day 08: Phu to Himlung Base Camp
Altitude: 4850m | Trek: 4-5 hrs | Accommodation: Campsite | Meal: BLD

Day 09 – 20: Climbing Period for Himlung Himal Summit (7,126m) (14 Days of climbing, Base Camp. Puja ritual ceremony, contingency day, Training, and preparation for a summit bid. Camp 1, Camp 2, and Summit)

Day 21: Preparation, packing, and ready to return overnight camp.

Day 22: Base camp at Phu Village
Altitude: 4400m | Trek: 6-7 hrs | Accommodation: Lodge | Meal: BLD

Day 23: Phu-Gaon to Meta
Accommodation: Lodge | Meal: BLD

Day 24: Mehta to Kodo
Accommodation: Lodge | Meal: BLD

Day 25: Drive to Kathmandu

Day 26: Departure

What prior climbing experience is required to summit Himlung Himal?

Of all the 7000-meter peaks in Nepal, Himlung Himal may not be the most technically challenging, but it’s still a big job that needs a high degree of expertise and preparation. To begin your adventure into 7000M+ excursions, this peak might be a decent choice if you don’t have much climbing expertise. It is a good option for people who want to increase their confidence and skill set because of its comparatively high success rate and the need for enduring lines and equipment. You must be both physically and psychologically fit for the demands of this trip, regardless of experience level.

To successfully climb Himlung or other 7000-meter summits, climbers must have prior high-altitude alpine/mountaineering experience (at or above 4000 meters). Climbers should have experience using crampons on snow, ice, and steep surfaces; they should also be proficient in using fixed ropes to climb exposed and steep sections; and they should be familiar with using climbing gear and basic rope techniques, such as abseiling and tying safety knots. These skills don’t necessarily need to be acquired in Nepal. Climbers attempting the Himlung or other big expeditions in Nepal must also possess mental endurance and the capacity to endure wind and cold. To descend the mountain, climbers will need to use jumars and can rappel and abseil. Climbers must have the strength and endurance to do these things for an extended period.

Physical Fitness

These trips are quite demanding, thus a very high level of general fitness will be needed to handle their intensity. It calls for an extraordinary degree of strength and endurance training. It is equally necessary to possess mental strength. Being able to lead tours of this physical grade requires experience.

The tricky part is knowing how to prepare for such extraordinary circumstances. It’s going to take a lot of work to reach that level of fitness. Climbers should be able to bike for two to three hours or run a half marathon to qualify for a general fitness indicator. If you’re more of a hiker, you should be able to trek for three to four hours while carrying a burden of twenty kg. There are several ways to include good strength and endurance training regimens, like doing cross-fit workouts and kettlebell training.

Best time to climb

Although there are official records of more successful climbs during the fall, this mountain is appropriate for climbing in all seasons.

SPRING

You can ascend the mountains in the spring (late April to early May) since part of the winter snow will have gone. Don’t underestimate the amount of grit you will need to put in to reach the top of Himlung Himal; it is renowned for having more snow, especially in the spring. Although this is the ideal season to climb, the weather in the mountains is never certain, so you should prepare for any weather-related disruptions throughout your ascent. Spring adventures can be your best option if you’re the type of person who likes a little additional challenge when it comes to severe altitude peak climbing.

Every mountain is a true test of patience, particularly when plans don’t work out and teams have to improvise while waiting for favorable circumstances to climb. In comparison to fall, springtime sees fewer climbers than other summits (except Everest and Lhotse). One of the finest seasons to climb in Nepal is when spring finally arrives and there is a clear window of weather. In the spring, there are very few teams in Himlung Himal.

AUTUMN

The best time to climb Himlung Himal is in the fall, from mid-September to mid-October. When comparing this season to the spring one, a greater number of teams might be anticipated. According to guides, strong winds in the mountain begin to kick up as soon as November arrives. This has been the case for the previous several years, with the majority of summits occurring in October or during the first week of November.

Among all the commercial 7000M+ expeditions operating in Nepal, Himlung Himal has the highest summit records during the fall season. Thus, Himlung Himal is theoretically the greatest 7000M+ adventure to climb in the fall, provided that the weather is excellent to ideal and the mountain is not too tough to climb.

Himlung Himal Difficulty

Climbers must be in optimal physical shape before starting the Himlung Himal trip. With a total of 15 days of alpine climbing, the ascent will be mentally as well as physically taxing. To cope with difficulties and altitude, proper diet, hydration, and acclimatization are essential. When we leave the base camp, also called the French base camp, and climb up past glaciers and ice surfaces, that’s when the real alpine struggle starts. There are some slick, steep stretches and several crevasses to cross on the way to the peak. Because the campsites are spread out around the mountain, there is less chance of camping on dangerous cliff faces. There’s also a chance of fresh snow along the way. Your body should have been equipped to manage these demands by proper endurance and strength training.

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