A demanding 20-day restricted trek through Nepal's remotest district, crossing the Nara La (4,620 m) and Nyalu La (4,940 m) into the ancient Tibetan Buddhist Limi Valley.
All dates are guaranteed departures — we never cancel for low numbers. Book online or send a quick enquiry.
Can’t find a suitable date? We run private departures on any date with as few as 2 trekkers.
The Humla Limi Valley Trek is a 20-day restricted-area trek in Humla district, Nepal's most remote district, through the Limi Valley along the Tibetan border in the far northwest. The route crosses two high passes -- Nara La at approximately 4,620 m and Nyalu La at 4,940 m -- and passes through three ancient Tibetan Buddhist villages, Til, Halji and Limi, that have been largely isolated from the outside world for centuries.
The trek starts with flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then to Simikot (2,962 m), the district headquarters, on a STOL runway in a deep Himalayan valley. From Simikot the trail follows the Humla Karnali river through Dharapuri, Kermi and Yalbang before crossing into the Limi Valley, a high-altitude enclave sitting above 3,600 m and bounded by the Tibetan plateau. Halji monastery, known as Rinchenling Gompa, was founded in the 11th century and is still active; it houses over 200 thangkas and is the oldest functioning monastery in the Humla region.
This trek is physically and logistically demanding. There is no road access to most of the route, resupply is limited, the passes require solid fitness and good acclimatisation, and the Humla Restricted Area Permit and Humla Special Permit add a mandatory administrative layer. Days average 5 to 7 hours on rough, high-altitude trail. The sections below cover permits, passes, accommodation, seasons and what to pack.
Last updated June 2026
Tap any day to expand — altitudes, walking times, meals, and overnight details for every stage of the journey.
Every cost on the trail is broken out below — no hidden fees, no surprises at the trailhead.
Included
11 items
Not included
6 items
The Humla Limi Valley Trek is a strenuous, remote route with no road access, two passes above 4,600 m, and several nights above 3,600 m. Solid fitness, good acclimatisation and experience on long mountain days are required.
In-depth guides on accommodation, food, permits, insurance and special considerations — tap any topic to expand.
The Humla Limi Valley Trek is graded strenuous, and the combination of altitude, remoteness and multi-day high-camp nights is the reason. The route crosses the Nara La at approximately 4,620 m and the Nyalu La at 4,940 m, the highest point of the trek, and spends several nights above 3,600 m in the Limi Valley itself. Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a real risk, and the itinerary builds in gradual altitude gain through the lower Humla Karnali valley before the first pass crossing.
Daily stages run 5 to 7 hours on rough, often unmaintained trail at high altitude, and the pass days are longer and more demanding. There is no technical climbing, no glacier crossing and no ropes required, but the isolation means evacuation is slow and expensive, so fitness, self-awareness and prompt reporting of AMS symptoms to the guide are critical. Swotah guides carry a first-aid kit and a pulse oximeter on all restricted-area treks. Anyone with a heart or respiratory condition should have a medical check before booking.
The full kit list. Anything we loan (sleeping bag, down jacket) is called out — bring everything else.
Everything trekkers ask before booking. Don't see yours? Tap Enquire — we usually reply within a few hours.
Most Nepal operators look the same from the outside. Here's what actually makes the difference.
100% locally owned since 2016. Trek profits support Sherpa families and village schools directly.
Every date on our calendar runs — no minimum group size. You never pay to be cancelled.
NATHM-licensed, WFR-certified, English-speaking. Most were born within two valleys of the trail.
Small groups, typically 6–8 trekkers. You get a real experience, not a convoy.
Sleeping bag and down jacket loaned at no extra charge — both rated to –20°C.
Deposit from 10% to confirm, balance before departure or in cash on arrival. Reschedule up to 30 days prior.
Kathmandu office and dedicated WhatsApp emergency line. We answer at 2am if needed.
TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2023, 2024 and 2025. Hundreds of verified five-star reviews.
Tell us your travel dates and group size. Our team in Kathmandu will put together a tailored itinerary, honest costs, and practical tips — completely free, no commitment.
