Where Humla is and why people go
Humla is Nepal's north-western corner, bordering Tibet to the north and west. It is one of the least developed districts in the country, with no reliable road link to the south and a population of Hindu Thakuri and Chhetri communities in the lower valleys and Tibetan Buddhist communities in the upper Karnali and Limi. Simikot, the district headquarters, sits on a ridge at 2,910 m above the Humla Karnali river.
Visitors come for three reasons. Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims use Simikot as the shortest route to Tibet, flying in from Nepalgunj and continuing by helicopter to Hilsa on the border. Trekkers come for the Limi Valley loop and the old salt-trade trail up the Karnali. And a small number of travellers come simply to see a part of Nepal that still lives largely by plane, mule and foot.
Getting to Simikot
Almost everyone flies. From Kathmandu, fly to Nepalgunj in about an hour, spend the night, and take a morning small-plane flight to Simikot. Flights are operated with Twin Otter and Dornier aircraft suited to Simikot's short runway, and they run most mornings in season. Weather is the deciding factor: cloud or wind at Simikot regularly delays or cancels flights, and Kailash season demand can fill seats weeks ahead.
Helicopter charters from Nepalgunj or Surkhet are the backup when flights are full or a group must keep to a Tibet timetable. There is no practical road from the south; the Karnali Corridor road from Bajura is under construction, and a road links Hilsa with Tibet but not with the rest of Nepal.
| Option | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kathmandu–Nepalgunj flight | ≈ 1 h | Several daily; overnight in Nepalgunj |
| Nepalgunj–Simikot flight | 40–50 min | Morning only; 15 kg baggage; frequent delays |
| Nepalgunj–Simikot helicopter | ≈ 1 h 15 min | Charter; payload reduced at altitude |
| Simikot–Hilsa helicopter | 25–30 min | Kailash groups; several shuttles per morning |
| Overland from Jumla | 8–10 days' trek | Remote; for experienced trekkers |
Restricted area permits for Humla
Simikot town itself can be visited on arrival, but most of Upper Humla, including the Karnali trail to Hilsa and the Limi Valley, is a restricted area. To trek there you need a restricted area permit issued by the Department of Immigration through a registered Nepali trekking agency. You must walk with a licensed guide, and you also need a TIMS card. Until March 2026 the permit was only issued to groups of at least two foreign trekkers; on 22 March 2026 the Department of Immigration dropped that minimum, so solo trekkers can now apply, still through an agency and with a guide.
The fee for Humla's restricted area has been US$50 per person for the first seven days and US$10 for each additional day. Kailash pilgrims who fly directly from Simikot to Hilsa travel under arrangements made by their Kailash operator, combined with Chinese permits for Tibet. Fees and rules change, so check current status before you travel.
| Permit | Who needs it | Fee (as last published) |
|---|---|---|
| Humla restricted area permit | Trekkers beyond Simikot (Karnali trail, Limi) | US$50 first 7 days, then US$10 per day |
| TIMS card | All trekkers | Set by Nepal Tourism Board; arranged by agency |
| Tibet permits and Chinese visa | Kailash pilgrims crossing at Hilsa | Arranged by Kailash operator; rules vary by nationality |
The Kailash route via Simikot and Hilsa
The Simikot route is popular with Indian and international pilgrims because it cuts the overland journey from Kathmandu. A typical itinerary flies Kathmandu–Nepalgunj, then Nepalgunj–Simikot, spends a night acclimatising, and takes a helicopter to Hilsa at about 3,640 m. Pilgrims cross the bridge to the Chinese border post, drive to Purang (Taklakot), and continue to Lake Manasarovar at about 4,590 m and the three-day Kailash kora, which crosses Dolma La at about 5,630 m.
From Nepalgunj the round trip usually takes 9–12 days. Because of the altitude gain, older pilgrims should spend two nights in Simikot if possible. Rules for Indian passport holders, quotas and border opening dates are set by Chinese and Indian authorities and change from year to year; check current status before you travel.
Treks from Simikot
Humla's trekking is remote and camping-based, with very few lodges beyond Simikot. The most popular routes are the Limi Valley loop and the Karnali trail to Hilsa, which can be walked as an alternative to flying for Kailash. Shorter options include a two- or three-day walk to Kermi's hot springs. All need a licensed guide, restricted area permit and full support.
| Trek | Walking days | Highest point | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simikot–Kermi hot springs | 2–3 days return | ≈ 3,000 m | Moderate |
| Simikot–Hilsa (Kailash approach) | 5–6 days | Nara La ≈ 4,620 m | Challenging |
| Limi Valley loop | 15–17 days | Nyalu La ≈ 4,950 m | Strenuous |
| Jumla or Rara to Simikot | 8–10 days | Passes ≈ 4,000 m+ | Strenuous |
Weather and best months
Humla lies partly in the rain shadow of the main Himalaya, so summer rainfall is lighter than in central Nepal, especially north of Simikot. May and June are warm and dry; July and August bring some rain and cloud that can disrupt flights, though trekking in Upper Humla remains possible; September and October are clear and cool. This makes the Kailash season, May to September, workable here when other parts of Nepal are wet.
From November, nights fall well below freezing and high passes such as Nara La and Nyalu La start to collect snow. Winter, December to March, is harsh, with snow in Simikot and passes closed. Few visitors come outside April to October.
As a guide to temperatures, Simikot sees roughly 10–23 °C in June and about −6 to 8 °C in January, while camps in the Limi Valley at 3,700–4,000 m drop below freezing on most nights even in summer. Afternoon wind in the Karnali gorge is strong from spring onwards, which is one reason flights and helicopter shuttles run in the early morning.
Simikot town: stays, food and tips
Simikot spreads along a ridge above the airstrip, with government offices, a district hospital, a few shops and simple lodges within a 10-minute walk of the runway. Rooms are basic twins with blankets and shared toilets; a few have attached bathrooms and solar hot water, and all fill quickly when Kailash groups are waiting for the weather to clear.
Food is dal bhat, noodles, potatoes, buckwheat bread and salt-butter Tibetan tea. Rice, vegetables, fuel and bottled drinks are flown in or carried by mule, so prices are noticeably higher than in Nepalgunj. Power comes from solar panels and a local supply, and cuts are common. Mobile signal covers the town and some lodges have slow wifi, but coverage drops away quickly on the trail.
Beyond town the culture shifts with altitude. Thakuri and Chhetri villages such as Dharapori and Kermi give way to Tibetan Buddhist Lama communities from Yalbang upward, where a large monastery is the main religious centre of Upper Humla, and then to the Limi villages near the border. Mule trains carrying rice north and Chinese goods south still use the old trade trail. These are the points we brief every group on.
- Keep at least one spare day at each end of a Simikot itinerary for flights
- Pack within 15 kg for the Nepalgunj–Simikot flight and store extra bags in Nepalgunj
- Carry all the Nepali cash you will need; banking services are limited and unreliable
- Rest on arrival and walk slowly; 2,910 m is a big jump from Nepalgunj at 150 m
- Bring a warm sleeping bag; lodges are simple and nights cold outside summer
- Carry copies of your passport and permits when walking beyond town
- Respect local customs in Buddhist villages: walk clockwise around chortens and ask before photographing
- Expect Chinese goods in shops and higher prices for everything flown in
Places in this guide
Questions travellers ask
How do I get to Simikot from Kathmandu?
Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in about an hour, stay overnight, and take the morning flight to Simikot, about 40–50 minutes. There is no reliable road. Flights are weather-dependent, so keep spare days, especially before connecting to a Kailash group or starting a trek.
Do I need a permit to visit Simikot?
You can visit Simikot town without a trekking permit, but walking beyond it into Upper Humla requires a restricted area permit and a licensed guide; since March 2026 solo trekkers can apply through an agency. The fee has been US$50 per person for seven days and US$10 per day after. Check current status before you travel.
Is the Kailash route via Simikot easier than overland?
It is shorter, avoiding long drives through Tibet from Kerung, and suits pilgrims with limited time. The trade-offs are weather-dependent flights and a fast altitude gain from Nepalgunj to Hilsa. Many pilgrims find it easier overall, but it costs more than the overland route because of flights and helicopters.
Can Indian pilgrims go to Kailash via Simikot?
Indian passport holders have travelled to Kailash via Simikot and Hilsa with licensed operators, subject to Chinese rules, quotas and seasonal openings, which change from year to year. Arrangements require Tibet permits and a group visa organised in advance. Check current status before you travel.
What is the best time to visit Simikot and Humla?
May to October. May, June, September and October are best for weather; July and August are workable in Upper Humla because of the rain shadow, though flights may be disrupted. From November to March, cold and snow close passes and few visitors travel.
How long is the trek from Simikot to Hilsa?
Five to six days along the Humla Karnali via Dharapori, Kermi, Yalbang, Tumkot and Yari, crossing Nara La at about 4,620 m before descending to Hilsa. It needs a restricted area permit, licensed guide and camping or homestay support. Most pilgrims fly this stretch by helicopter in about 25–30 minutes.
Are there hotels in Simikot?
Simikot has simple lodges and guesthouses near the airstrip, with basic rooms and local food. There are no star-rated hotels. During the Kailash season, lodges fill with groups, so book early. Treks beyond Simikot are mostly camping, with occasional homestays.
Is Humla safe for trekkers?
Yes, Humla is peaceful and local people are welcoming. The risks are environmental: altitude, cold, exposed trails in the Karnali gorge, remote locations and flight disruptions. Trek with an experienced crew, carry satellite communication and insurance covering helicopter rescue, and allow spare days.
Can I drive to Simikot?
Not from southern Nepal in any practical way. A road links Hilsa with Tibet, and the Karnali Corridor road from Bajura is under construction, but there is no dependable route for visitors. Flying from Nepalgunj remains the only realistic option; check current status before you travel.
