After leaving Jang and the Chagzur hot springs, the trail climbs the Talung valley to a high camp at about 4,350 m. On crossing day you leave in the dark, climbing scree and moraine to Nyalu La, at roughly 4,950 m. Height gain is around 600 m, but at this altitude every step counts.
From the top, on a clear morning, you see the Saipal range to the south, the ridges of Humla, and north to the bare plateau of Tibet. A frozen lake below the pass, Selima Tso, often appears in trekkers' photos. Prayer flags mark the crest, and groups rarely linger long because wind rises by mid-morning.
The descent is long and steep at first, losing well over 1,000 m to the camp at Shinjungma at about 3,620 m. Total walking time is 8–9 hours. Early season snow can make the pass difficult in June or late October, and your leader will decide on the day whether conditions are safe.
Good for
- Solo
- Photographers
- Groups
Questions travellers ask
How high is Nyalu La?
Nyalu La is usually given as about 4,950 m, with sources quoting from 4,940 to 4,990 m. It is the highest point of the Limi Valley loop. The crossing day takes 8–9 hours, starting from a high camp around 4,350 m and descending to about 3,620 m on the far side.
Is Nyalu La dangerous?
It is a serious high pass but not technical in normal conditions. The main risks are altitude, cold, wind and fresh snow, which can hide the trail. Good acclimatisation from the previous days, an early start and an experienced leader make it manageable. Groups wait if weather is poor.
Do I need crampons for Nyalu La?
Usually not in mid-summer and early autumn, but microspikes are a sensible precaution in June and from late October, when snow and ice may lie on the approach. Our crews carry them when needed. Good boots, trekking poles and warm gloves matter more on most crossings.
