Himlung Himal 7126M difficulty: Entry-level challenging 7000M mountain expedition - Namas Adventure
Near the summit of Himlung Himal 7126M
How hard is it to climb Himlung Himal? How difficult is it to climb Himlung Himal?
Climbing a Himlung Himal 7126M peak can be a physically and mentally demanding undertaking that requires a high level of physical fitness but not so much technical climbing skill. This 7000M+ peak expedition is classed as easy/safe (amongst the 7000M peak expeditions) and records one of the highest summit successes at the 7000er level. However, any climbers interested in this expedition should not underestimate the challenges this expedition poses.
Climbers who have a strong foundation of endurance and strength training, as well as experience with rock climbing, will be better prepared to handle the physical demands and technical challenges of this expedition.
Difficulty grade: AD+ and Fitness level: 4.
(Alpine / Fitness grade link)
The trek up to the base camp is a gradual several-day hike, slowly adapting and acclimatizing to the altitude and environment. Climbing high to Camp 1 involves a relatively easy 4-6 hour climb through glaciers, moraines, and small valleys. However, the traverse from Camp 1 to Camp 2 is more challenging, involving a steep and exposed scree slope that may be affected by snow conditions. The route to Camp 2 also involves traversing a glacier and avoiding crevasses, and fixed ropes will be used on the steeper and more exposed parts of the route. The risk of avalanches is generally low on both Camp 1 and Camp 2, but conditions should always be checked by the guide members.
The summit push on Himlung Himal is expected to be the longest and most challenging part of the climb. It involves a steep 45-50° vertical climb of 1100 meters in altitude, which is physically and mentally demanding. It is important for climbers to carefully plan their energy reserves not only for the ascent but also for the descent back to Camp 1, which can be a long and physically demanding journey. Your summit push day will be a 10 - 12hr+ journey.
Upon completing the Himlung Himal climb, you will have gained valuable experience that can prepare you for other challenging climbs in the Himalayas, such as Baruntse (7129 meters), Ama Dablam (6810 meters), Annapurna IV (7525 meters), or Manaslu (8163 meters). Our team is here to guide you through this exciting and remote expedition climbing journey.
Let’s climb. Go. Live Your Story
Visual journey of Himlung Himal expedition - Namas Adventure
Climbing Himlung Himal is one of the most exhilarating experiences in the remote corner of the Nepal and Tibetan border. A 7000M+ mountain peak expedition with a picturesque visual and a challenging climb. Himlung Himal is considered one of the safest and easiest amongst the 7000er expedition with the highest summit records. If you are ever considering your first ever 7000M peak expedition that has fewer objective dangers then Himlung Himal should be your choice of the expedition.
In this blog post, we take you on a visual journey of the Himlung Himal climb. (We will update images with even better visuals). Follow along as we describe the entire journey in images, as we take the beautiful yet challenging journey up to the summit of Himlung Himal 7126M. Hopefully, this will inspire you to go climbing this amazing peak.
The journey begins with a 10-hour jeep ride from Kathmandu to Dharapani before we begin our trek. Also, meeting cheeky local faces is a welcoming sign. Images by - Vicente Di Loreto
Next 3 days of trekking from Dharapani - Mehta to the final settlement village of Phu. We trek deep down the gorge into the further corners of the Annapurna circuit. Images by - Vicente Di Loreto
Trekking via the beautiful and rugged gorge we arrive at Phu-Gaon 3800M. This is the final village settlement and we stop here for one additional day for acclimatization before heading out to the Himlung Himal base camp. Images by - Vicente Di Loreto
Himlung Himal base camp 4850M/15920FT. Home for the next 15 days of climbing.
Puja ceremony at Base camp. Namas Adventure team on an expedition (October 22)
Climbing high to Camp 1, 5400M/17716FT, and Camp 2, 6200M/20340FT. Rotations and camping at camp 1 and camp 2 before summit push to 7126M.
Photos @Adidoesultra (Link)
The final stretch to the summit, climbing via the ridge is a surreal experience. Summit push day is the longest and most challenging part of the entire expedition. Expect around 10+ hours of climbing to the summit and back to camp 1. Annapurna massif, Manaslu 8163M, and other 6000M peaks are visible from the summit of Himlung Himal. Images by - Vicente Di Loreto
Himlung Himal 7126M summit.
Himlung Himal Expedition
Namas team departs to Himlung Himal every year. For more information on our Himlung Himal 7126M expedition or any of our other international expeditions check out our website. (Call/WhatsApp) - +44 7446976060 or send us an email at bookings@namasadventure.com
How to prepare for Himlung Himal climbing expedition? - Namas Adventure
Himlung Himal summit
To climb any 7000M peaks, your pre-requisite previous experiences of climbing 4000M - 6500M+ semi/technical peaks are a must. ✅
Getting straight to the point, you can consider Himlung Himal as your first ever 7000M peak expedition. This will be a crucial extreme altitude climbing experience to progress into 8000M peaks or other technical peaks like Ama Dablam 6810M or Cholatse 6440M (more technical skills will also be needed, but we can make recommendations on that too). But yes, without a doubt Himlung Himal is a 7000M+ peak to climb if you are planning your first ever 7000er mountain peak. The climbing route at Himlung Himal is considerably safer and semi-technical in difficulty but like any high-altitude mountain expedition, you need to have a determined mindset, training preparation, and will to go on an adventure. Be ready for a long climb that will test you mentally and physically. Our team is there is motivate you and guide you to the summit (safely).
In this blog article, we will recommend prerequisite expeditions that will help you to be ready for Himlung Himal climb. This mountaineering experience is for everyone. (Yes, even if you have summited Everest, K2, or other tougher peaks). Mountain climbers are in love with the process of climbing, the journey, and not just the summits. If you are a novice/beginner climber, you are 1 or 2 climbing experiences (minimum) away, before taking on this beautiful climb. For experienced climbers; once you assess our recommendations below, should this expedition satisfy your next mountaineering adventure, then please get in touch with our team as we plan the Himlung Himal climb every year. (Spring/autumn).
Himlung Himal 7126M Expedition is for intermediate+ to pro experience level climbers. Now that you have an understanding of what it takes to climb this 7000M mountain, let’s start with our step-by-step expedition recommendations.
Step 1 (Novice level/Beginner Level) - Introduction to Mountaineering or Mera Peak 6476M
If you are an absolute beginner, who has never been to any previous high-altitude adventures trekking or climbing and you are inspired and dream of climbing extreme altitude mountains one day, then we can suggest these peaks, to begin with. With our team in Nepal, you can participate in our introductory expeditions to Introduction to Mountaineering - Yala Peak 5732M or Mera Peak 6476M to begin your mountaineering journey. This expedition’s objective will be to teach you the basics and fundamentals of mountaineering, test/expose yourself to any high-altitude environment on a non-technical peak climbing adventure in Nepal.
You will have to be in a good shape (run 5K, 2-3 times a week coupled with strength sessions) and upon completion, this experience will give you the confidence to climb other higher and semi-technical peaks.
Expedition Outcomes
Introduction and learn the basics of mountaineering
Learn the basics of mountaineering from certified local guides
High altitude experiences
Fun times in the mountains
Step 2 (Beginner + to intermediate level) - Lobuche East & Island Peak
At this level, you should have some kind of previous high altitude and exposure to mountain climbing. You have the understanding and experience of the fitness/mental level required when climbing high-altitude mountains. At this stage of beginner+ to intermediate level, you will further learn climbing at higher altitudes with some technical pitches. Meaning you will be re-introduced to all the previous basic climbing skills, adding further technical climbs. You will learn to navigate mixed rocky/snow/ice sections. Scramble/traverse on exposed sections and jumaring on the fixed-line rope to take on vertical sections of the mountains.
These skills are very necessary as you progress on your mountaineering journey and expeditions of this type will give you that extra confidence to take on other tougher and technically challenging peaks in the Himalayas or around the world. We recommend peaks such as Island Peak 6189M + Lobuche East 6019M, Khumbu Three Peak Expedition, Chulu West 6419M, and Three Peak Peru, expeditions for climbers at this stage. This expedition provides all the technical and physical challenges for climbers looking to progress at the Intermediate/+ level.
Expedition Outcomes
Introduction or Re-introduction to classic mountaineering climbs
Familiratisation with technical climbing gears
Climbing/scrambling/traversing in mixed section. (i.e- rock/ice/snow)
Experience climbing on exposed sections. (i.e. Ridge and couliors)
Jumaring in fixed-line to climb vertical sections.
Abseiling/Rappel several hundred feet down on fixed-line
Summits and small-scale expedition environment, tons of climbing fun
Step 3 (Intermediate to +/Advanced level)
Himlung Himal Camp 2, 6200M
At this stage, you are all ready for Himlung Himal Expedition. Like any mountaineering adventure, Himlung Himal climbing should not be underestimated. The climbing routes are well exposed starting after 6300M, as we climb the final ridge section of the mountain to reach the summit. Summit day is the longest during the whole expedition. With the assistance of your guide and attached to a fixed rope you, will be climbing uphill on the ridge slope section for an extended period of time and that also means a lot of abseiling while descending down the mountain. You will have to be mentally/physically ready and your confidence/experience/patience is super key.
7000M expedition of this nature will test you. Your previous knowledge of climbing/traversing/abseiling in the exposed mixed section will be put to further test. There will be two high alpine camps and colder/longer days at higher altitudes. You are constantly exposed to the forces of nature and challenged mentally/physically for an extended period of time compared to your previous expeditions. The climbing route is faced on the west side, hence the sun only hits the slopes in the later part of the day, resulting in a colder climbing condition.
The final summit push day will be longer, more demanding, tougher, technically, physically, and mentally challenging than your previous camps. You will also have to learn how to co-operate as a team, there may be some weak links in the team so you will have to adjust, and understand how grouped expedition runs, allowing everyone to achieve the same goal of summiting a 7000M peak.
Expedition outcomes
Developing climbing skills at 7000M level.
Understanding of full expedition setups
Climbing/scrambling/traversing in mixed section. (i.e- rock/ice/snow) at higher altitudes above 6000M.
Longer exposure to climbing on exposed sections. (i.e. 6300M steep ridge to the summit)
Jumaring in fixed-line to climb vertical sections.
Abseiling/Rappel in longer and exposed ridge sections.
Testing your physical and mental ability and pure grit at extreme altitudes.
Summits and climbing moments at 7000M level
Bonus - Step 2. 1 even 8000ers or Pro level climbers (Grades TD+)
This is a bonus step. Many experienced climbers are attracted to the remoteness and challenge of climbing Himlung Himal. Even after completing 8000er peaks like Everest, Manaslu, Makalu, K2, and Ama Dablam climbers return to enjoy the climb at this 7000M peak. So if you have done 8000M peaks then you are 100% qualified for HH expedition. You will already have an understanding of big mountain expeditions and what it takes to climb challenging mountains.
Will this Himlung Himal 7126M expedition help me to climb 8000M mountain peaks?
Most certainly YES. Many climbers skip this crucial experience of climbing, experiencing, and testing themselves at 7000M+ extreme altitudes. No amount of reading knowledge surpasses your personal experiences. Also, the benefit of climbing 7000M is that not only does it challenge you to prepare for 8000M peaks like Manaslu 8163M or Broad Peak 8051M but its charm is in its remoteness and not many climbers are there to attempt the climb. So, you preety much have the whole of the mountain to your group or let’s say you can avoid the traffic.
Himlung Himal expedition is a very achievable mountaineering objective so the question remains. Are you ready for this Himalayan adventure?
Planning to climb Himlung Himal 7126M or simply a 7000M peak? You do not have the right experiences or need help preparing for 7000M climbs? Our team is here to understand your goals and help you plan strategically with the right experiences. Please go through our Alpine /fitness grades (link) to understand the difficulty and climbing grades of Himlung Himal and other peaks. We hope the guidance and suggestion on this blog post have helped you to have an understanding of what it takes to climb this amazing 7000M peak. There are a lot of other factors when climbing any extremely high altitude semi-technical peaks in the Himalayas. Our team can help you prepare in the best way gaining the right experience to complete your dream of climbing Himlung Himal 7126M peak.
A 7000er is a beautiful climb that will remain in your memories forever. Let’s go and climb this remote peak in the Shadow of Manaslu and Annapurna massif ranges.
Namas Adventure Team
Live Your Story
When is the best time to climb Himlung Himal? Spring or Autumn? - Namas Adventure
Climbing the final summit ridge at Himlung Himal 7126M
Himlung Himal is one of the best options to climb a 7000M+ peak in the remote corner of the Annapurna region. This 7000M peak expedition is classed as one of the most accessible, safest, semi-technical climbs with a higher summit success rate at 7000M peak mountain expeditions.
This peak is suitable to climb during both seasons but more success stories have been officially recorded of the autumn season’s climb. See our blog post on Baruntse or Himlung Himal for data from 2017 to 2020 (Link). For those interested in their first 7000M peak expeditions, we often get asked when is the best time to climb Himlung Himal?
With years of running expeditions and gathering local information passed on from our guides, who have been climbing year in and out, and collecting data from local databases, we would say it depends on your preference for climbing a mountain in different conditions. The great news is that Himlung Himal is suitable to climb during late spring and during early to mid-autumn. Here, we aim to lay out the conditions during spring and autumn so that you can choose to climb in the season you prefer.
What is the difference between Spring & Autumn climb? 🧗
There are fewer climbers during the spring season compared to the autumn season.
More snow during spring compared to autumn climbs
A high probability of wind speed picking up and extreme freezing temperature drop during late autumn.
The spring season sees a longer daylight duration compared to the autumn season.
Late April to May and Mid-September to October are the best time to climb.
Autumn sees more stable weather compared to the spring season.
In spring (late April - May) some of the winter snow will have melted in the mountains making it favorable to climb. Himlung Himal is known to have more snow (more so during spring), so do not underestimate the grit you will have to go through when climbing this peak. Weather can never be guaranteed in the mountains and you should expect some weather-related disturbances during your climb even though this is the best time to climb. If you are one who enjoys a bit of an extra challenge at extreme altitude peak climbing then spring expeditions might your pick.
Every mountain definitely tests your patience especially when things don’t go according to the plan and teams will have to improvise and wait out for climbable conditions. Spring sees fewer climbers than other peaks (Everest/Lhotse excluded) compared to autumn. When spring does open up with a clear weather window it is one of the best times to climb in Nepal. Oh! and not to forget you and your team will have the whole of the mountain to yourself. There is hardly any team in Himlung Himal during the spring season.
Autumn (Mid September - October) is the next time to climb Himlung Himal. A number of teams can be expected during this season compared to the spring season. After Manaslu 8163M teams are focused on either Himlung Himal 7129M, Baruntse 7129M, or Ama Dablam 6810M (the most teams). Guides have reported that as soon as November hits high winds start to pick up in the mountain and this has been the case for the past several years most summits have been in October or in the first week of November.
Himlung Himal has the highest summit records during the autumn season when compared amongst all the commercial 7000M+ expeditions that operate in Nepal. So under good to perfect conditions and the mountain not being super-difficult to climb, technically, Himlung Himal is the best 7000M+ expedition to climb during autumn.
Conclusion
Whichever is your preferred season, climbing Himlung Himal 7129 is an amazing 7000M+ expedition to be undertaken. Spring hosts fewer climbers when compared to autumn and conditions are suitable to climb during both seasons as mentioned above. If you are up for a challenge and prefer to see fewer climbers during the expedition then spring departures are for you. If you are comfortable with some amount of teams being in the mountains then autumn is still a great time to climb this 7000er peak. The thrill and challenges of climbing a remote Himalayan peak are guaranteed. You as a climber choose your climbing condition and the thrill of a great climbing experience is guaranteed. Either way, it is an amazing peak to climb and an accomplishment of a lifetime.
Let’s go, and climb Himlung Himal and other peaks around the world.
Go. Live Your Story.
Question.
Which season do you plan to climb Himlung Himal? Please comment below, we’d love to hear from you.
We organize Himlung Himal 7129M peak expedition every year during spring and during autumn. Planning to climb a 7000M+ peak one day? Whatever your climbing goal is drop us an email. Our team will be glad to have you onboard and together we shall achieve the summit and enjoy the climbing experience. Our team is here to assist and make your climb in the Himalayas an enjoyable, accessible, and comfortable one.
Himlung Himal Expedition (Experience, fitness level and skills) requirements - Namas Adventure
Himlung Himal Summit 7126M.
What previous experience is required to climb Himlung Himal?
When planning a Himlung Himal expedition, it is important to consider your previous climbing experience. This 7000M+ peak presents a number of challenges, including the need for comfort and experience with ropes, climbing gear, and fixed-line techniques, as well as the ability to withstand cold and potentially adverse weather conditions.
While Himlung Himal may not be the most technically demanding of the 7000M peaks in Nepal, it is still a significant undertaking that requires a strong level of skill and preparedness. If you have limited climbing experience, this peak may be a good option to start your journey into 7000M+ expeditions. Its relatively high success rate and the fact that it requires the use of gear and fixed lines make it a suitable choice for those looking to build their skills and confidence. Regardless of your level of experience, it is crucial to be physically and mentally prepared for the demands of this expedition.
Preferred Previous mountaineering experiences
Anywhere above 4000M - 6500M+ peaks with semi-technical to technical climbs around the world. For example Alpamayo, Huscaran, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Mt. Kenya, Denali, Mt. Blanc, Mt lenin, Ebrus. The general term is any semi-technical to technical peaks that are higher and have longer ascend and descend sections. These experiences do qualify you to take on Baruntse and other 7000M peaks in the Himalayas.
Fitness level - 4
We have graded fitness level 4 for Mount Himlung. An exceptional level of all-around fitness will be required to cope with the exceptionally strenuous nature of these expeditions. An exceptional level of endurance and strength fitness level is required. The mental toughness aspect is equally required. Experience is required to be able to take on tours of this physical grading.
The difficult issue is how you train for such exceptional conditions. Hard work will be required to get to that fitness level. For a General fitness indication, climbers should be able to run a half marathon or be able to cycle for 2 -3 hours. If you prefer hiking, you should be able to carry a load of 20 kilograms and hike for 3 to 4 hours.
Good strength and muscle endurance training routines can be implemented with a variety of approaches such as taking part in cross-fit sessions and kettlebell training.
Himlung Himal camp 2, 6100M
Skills to be learned.
Guides in Nepal will advise you to keep it real simple. So there are four basic things you must - must know.
Figure 8 knot and how to tie a stopper knot at the end of the rope.
Ascending/jumaring on fixed-line and abseiling with super 8 belay device or ATC descender in multi-pitch sections. You will have to be very very careful and well-rehearsed on abseiling since there is no room for errors when descending. You only get that one chance when coming down so you will have to be super careful. And for safety backup have ‘prusik knot’ tied on the main rope.
Climbing, traversing, and hiking with crampons on for long-duration on ice, rock, and snow surface.
Performing snow arrest and safely getting back up if by any chance climbers slip and slide.
As climbers joining Himlung Himal expedition will already have previous experiences, we recommend climbers to have extra essential skills in their climbing arsenal. If you cant find mountains to climb near your place, rock climbing indoors and outdoors is one of the best ways to keep refreshing your rope skills and staying in climbing shape.
With all commercial expeditions, the majority of your expedition is handled and taken care of by your expedition company. Having competent members from operational management to guiding leaders on the field is key for any successful expedition. Once you are signed up and you’ve got the necessary skills and experience all you need to be is physically and mentally prepared that is your commitment to fitness training.
Challenge yourself.
Go. Live Your Story
Are you planning to climb a remote, rugged, and challenging 7000M+ peak with substantially less objective danger? Whether your goal is simply to climb an extremely high altitude peak, explore and climb remote peaks in Nepal, or progress to higher 8000M+ peaks then our team at Namas Adventure/Expedition is set for your next adventure. Email - bookings@namasadventure.com or Call/Whatsapp us at +447446976060 and our team will be there to answer your inquiry and instruct you with any questions regarding the expedition.
Everything you need to know about Himlung Himal 7126M climbing Expedition - Namas Adventure
Himlung Himal summit 7126M. Rikka 2022 Fall expedition.
Himlung Himal, standing at 7126 meters, is a popular and relatively safe choice for climbers looking to tackle a 7000-meter peak in Nepal. Located in the rain shadow region of mid-western Nepal, this mountain offers a semi-technical climbing route with fixed ropes available to help you reach the summit. The climbing route is mostly on ice and snow, with a steep, exposed ascent to the top. Sherpa guides from different groups often work together to set up the ropes on climbing days. If you're seeking a high-altitude climbing adventure or are looking to progress to 8000M peaks or difficult challenging peaks, Himlung Himal is a must-climb.
Overview:
Altitude: 7126M / 23,379ft
Climbers experience level: Intermediate/Advanced
Location: Annapurna Region
When to climb?: Late spring Mid April - May and September - October
Total no of days: 30 Days
Difficulty grading: AD+/4 (Alpine/Fitness grading info)
Accommodation: Lodges and Base camp, Camp 1/2/ 3(Optional)
We have listed 10 useful pieces of information that will help you prepare for your Himlung Himal peak climbing expedition.
1. When is the best time to climb Himlung Himal?
Himlung Himal is best suited to climb during the mid-spring season around mid-April to May or during the early autumn season; just towards the end of the monsoon season. End of August to the end of October.
Note - Himlung is one of the remote climbing peaks with very few teams attempting the climb every year. You can be certain there won’t be many climbers or traffic during your expedition.
2. How much does the Himlung Himal expedition cost? What does it include?
Join the Namas Adventure team for a Himlung Himal expedition at a cost of $9050 per person. Our all-inclusive peak climbing services are of the highest quality and prioritize your safety with a 1:1 guide-client ratio, several successful summits, 100% safety records, and cultural immersion. As a responsible, ethical, and sustainable mountain adventure brand, we are committed to our core values and ensuring that you can fully enjoy your climbing holiday without worrying about any logistics. With our team by your side, you can focus on the fun and adventure ahead.
List of what’s included in your booking.
IFMGA/NMA certified Guide leader
$500 Individual tip pool. Tip pool will be fairly distributed among all Namas staff members. (Guides, porters, drivers, hotel security, and staff). Guest may personally hand in extra tips to our guides and porters)
Namas Branded merchandise (Down Jacket, Cap, Buff)
1:1 Sherpa Guide /client ratio
Head chef and 2 kitchen helpers (Assistants increase with the number of climbing team members )
Arrival hotel in Kathmandu
All trekking and climbing permits (Annapurna Region Permit and TIMS)
All internal-local transportation to and from the trekking trailhead
Expedition tents (2 or 1-person tents ) Brands Salewa, Mountain Hardwear, Samaya equipment, Kailas
40 kgs personal weight
Freezed dried or meals during camping days (Chicken, mushroom, vegan options, etc)
Chocolate, biscuits, canned foods, nuts
Burners and expedition equipment
Walkie-talkie/ Satellite phone
Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner on trek and expedition days.
Lodge accommodation during the trek
Porters per guest
Arrival pick up and departure
Internal flights
Basic First aid kit
Welcome/Farewell leave Dinner
3. What experience do climbers need to climb Himlung Himal? Are guides necessary for Himlung Himal climb?
Experiences - It is essential for climbers to have previous high-altitude alpine/mountaineering experience (at or above 3000 meters) in order to successfully climb Himlung or other 7000-meter peaks. While this experience does not necessarily need to be in Nepal, it is important for climbers to be comfortable using crampons on snow, ice, and steep surfaces, proficient in using fixed ropes to climb steep and exposed sections, and familiar with the use of climbing gear and basic rope techniques such as tying safety knots and abseiling. Mental toughness and the ability to withstand cold and windy conditions are also crucial for climbers attempting Himlung or other major expeditions in Nepal. The use of jumars and rappelling/abseiling skills will be necessary for descending the mountain, and it is important for climbers to have the strength and endurance to sustain these activities for an extended period of time.
Local Guides - According to Nepalese law, all climbers attempting peaks above 6000 meters must be accompanied by a guide. To obtain a permit for climbing Himlung Himal, it is necessary to go through a registered local company. For intermediate-level climbers, we strongly recommend hiring a guide for this peak due to the presence of crevasses and other potential hazards along the usual climbing route. However, if you are an experienced climber with many successful climbs under your belt, you may wish to explore less traveled routes. In this case, it is still a good idea to have a guide as a backup in case of unexpected challenges.
4. What is the best-acclimated itinerary for climbing Himlung Himal Expedition?
Proper acclimatization is crucial for the success and safety of high-altitude climbing trips. It allows the body to rest, adapt, and become stronger, enabling you to reach even higher elevations. At Namas Adventure, we take a slow and steady approach to high-altitude climbing, with itineraries that have been carefully crafted through our years of experience. This ensures that you are well-prepared and able to fully enjoy your adventure.
On the Himlung Himal expedition, we have established 2-3 high-altitude camps to allow climbers sufficient time to acclimatize. This helps to ensure that you are properly adapted to the high altitude and able to successfully reach the summit. Our experienced guides will help you to monitor your progress and provide guidance and support throughout the trip to help you reach your goals.
More details are on our Himlung Himal climbing strategy.
5. What training is required for Himlung Himal? Can you suggest to me a training plan?
Himlung Himal is a great mountain for anyone looking to tackle their first 7000-meter peak or a semi-technical, high-altitude expedition. It is known to be one of the easier and safer 7000-meter mountains, with a high success rate. However, it is important to note that no mountain peak is easy to climb and we do require interested climbers to have previous high-altitude experience (at or above 3000 meters) in order to participate. If you are seeking a challenging yet achievable climbing adventure, Himlung Himal may be the perfect mountain for you.
Mountains are graded based on their technical and physical difficulties. It can be difficult to simulate the specific challenges you will face on the mountain, such as crossing crevasses, in your training. However, there are some general fitness activities that can help you to build endurance, strength, and core stability. These may include long-distance running (10K - 20K), long-distance hiking (6 hours+), cycling, and hiking with a weighted backpack. We recommend scheduling your training at least 5-6 months before your climbing departure to ensure that you are in peak physical condition. More on our training mountain expedition blog.
Courses like beginner mountaineering classes are also a helpful tool. You will learn technical skills like climbing with a rope on 5/6 anchor points using ascenders, how to walk with crampons on ice, snow, and rock, and to be efficient with abseiling and overall gear safety checks awareness.
6. How hard is Himlung Himal climbing expedition?
Himlung Himal is graded at PD+ - AD/4 in difficulty. (Alpine/Fitness grading link).
It is imperative that climbers are in top physical condition before embarking on the Himlung Himal expedition. The climb will be physically and mentally demanding, with a total of 15 days of alpine climbing. Proper acclimatization, hydration, and nutrition are key to coping with the altitude and breathing challenges. The real alpine challenge begins when we depart from the base camp, also known as the French base camp, and encounter glaciers and ice surfaces on the climb. The route to the summit involves traversing some uphill, slippery sections, as well as traversing some crevasses. The campsites are located in wider sections of the mountain, reducing the risk of setting up camp on exposed cliffs. Fresh snow is also a possibility along the route. Proper training in endurance and strength should have prepared your body to handle these challenges.
7. What are the clothing and gears - boots required for Himlung Himal climb (trekking and mountaineering)? Can I rent gears for Himlung Himal climb?
The right gear is essential for a successful and comfortable climb. We recommend that climbers invest in high-quality gear and clothing, and pay attention to layering in order to stay warm in the cold temperatures that can drop as low as -10C/-20C at night. It is important not to skimp on quality, as you will be relying on your gear to keep you warm and comfortable during the climb. Please check our equipment blog for recommended clothing and gear.
Is it a good idea to rent climbing gear in Nepal? In our experience, we do not recommend it. We have tried various gear rentals in Nepal and have not been satisfied with the quality. While it may seem expensive to purchase all the necessary gear, it is worth the investment in the long run. You can also consider renting gear from reputable adventure gear companies in your own city. Gears of well-known adventure brands such as North Face, Mountain Hardware, or Kailas are recommended. Make sure to choose original products from trusted brands to ensure the best performance and safety on your climb.
Boots (trekking and mountaineering) for Himlung Himal
With better technologies, climbing shoes have improved every year. We highly recommend double-layered boots like Kailas Everest 8000M, La Sportiva Olympus Mons Cube, Scarpa 8000 phantom, Millet Everest summit GTX. It is wise to spend on good mountaineering boots, as so with all the gears that we have mentioned in this post above.
More 8000M boots link here (other media article)
8. What types of foods are available during Himlung Himal climb? Is clean water available and how much water intake is recommended? Hydration and nutrition
To ensure proper hydration, we recommend that all clients drink 4-6 liters of water per day. It is helpful to bring hydration tablets or filtration bottles. Obtaining water at higher camps can be difficult, so our team will do their best to boil snow and provide water at higher camps and during the summit push. Most meals are prepared in tea houses, and during climbing days, our Sherpa team sets up kitchen tents at the base camp. Sherpa guide members will cook quick meals at higher camps. While it can be difficult to eat enough in cold, high altitudes, it is important to try to force yourself to eat. We also provide packed dried meals as an alternative option.
It is important to avoid smoking and alcohol consumption during the Ama Dablam expedition. While it may be common to see the guiding leaders engage in these activities, they are professionals who have adapted well to high-altitude environments. As a climber on this adventure holiday, it is important to prioritize your health and well-being by abstaining from these harmful habits. Remember to also pay attention to your diet and hydration, as these will greatly affect your performance on the mountain.
9. What trip insurance will I need for Himlung Himal climb? Do I need helicopter evacuation to be included in my insurance coverage?
No matter how prepared you are, you never know when or how things might go wrong. You might be sick suddenly or not that we wish but there might be some incident, you might suffer from altitude sickness or anything we can’t imagine yet. So, for these reasons, it is always good to have insurance cover. Our recommended Insurance companies (link)
Helicopter evacuation is our final emergency option and we do recommend you have one in your insurance, as it is the only means of transport in the Everest region. Our guides will assess your condition and examine if it is a major issue. If not, they will use their experience to motivate and push you through your trip. However, in case of emergency, helicopter evacuation will be called upon.
There is a procedure to follow when calling for emergency evacuation. We will call the insurance company hotline, get approval from your insurance, and only then helicopters are sent to the distress call location. You will have to pay for the evacuation in Nepal from your own pocket but once you are back home you can claim your money back. Make sure you collect helicopter evacuation receipts and a certified doctor’s approval letter. The insurance company will ask for this evidence to back up your claim. There was a huge helicopter scam in Nepal in 2018, so insurance companies are taking extra measures to stop this from happening. Our guides and staff members in Kathmandu will also remind you of this process during briefings.
10. Next climbing goals after Himlung Himal climbing
After completing your Himlung Himal climb we would like to recommend the following challenging expeditions
1. Ama Dablam 6819M and Island Peak 6189M climbing expedition - Click here
Technically difficult and climbing goal for many mountaineers. Ama Dablam is well renowned as one of the most beautiful and exposed Himalayan mountain in the Everest region. It is one of the most sought mountains to climb by mountaineering enthusiasts. Whether you plan to do it before or after your bigger expedition like Everest, Ama Dablam climb in itself is a mountaineering challenge on its own. Ama Dablam is considered "a must-do" for alpinist and mountaineers.
2. Manaslu 8163M Expedition - Click here
Want to experience 8000M+ a death zone altitude and gain the right experience for Everest or other higher extreme altitude climb? Manaslu Expedition is for any aspiring mountaineers who are considering climbing an 8,000m peak or higher. Manaslu has to be one of the preferred options if you are looking to climb the 8000M peaks and is also a necessary option to get that 8000M experience before attempting to climb Mount Everest. The expedition begins with trek to Manaslu trails passing through the village at the foot of the mountain where then arrive at Manaslu Base Camp to begin the climb.
3. Mt. Everest 8848M Expedition, Nepal
Climbing Khumbu Ice Fall, Everest Expedition
Himlung Himal climbing expedition is one of the remote trek and climbing destinations in Nepal. As we will be able to many more expeditions down the year we believe Himlung Himal Expedition can be one of the classic mountaineering adventures at 7000M level that will be accessible and climbable for upcoming climbers. The charm of its remote location tucked away in the not-so-popular area of Nepal, beautiful trek through the Annapurna valley and nomad culture makes the whole trip experience an amazing adventure. We hope the information we have provided above will help you decide/prepare in the best way before you embark on your Himlung climbing expedition. If you are looking for a great climbing trip and have an amazing time in Nepal then we would love to have you on board for our Himlung Himal expedition. You can be assured that you are provided quality services with our fun-loving yet professional guides who have 5 - 10+ years of taking clients on such peak climbing trips. After all, we do aim to be the best adventure specialist in the world and you having a great time, being safe and summiting will always be our priority.
If you do have any more questions, please ask us below in the comment section or you can email us at bookings@namasadventure.com and our team will get back to you as soon as they can. Stay well. Challenge yourself. Dare great things and live your story.