I joined the Himlung Himal Expedition with Kalapatthar Trek & Expedition after spending months comparing different operators in Nepal. My goal was to gain experience on a 7,000-meter peak before attempting an 8,000-meter mountain, and Himlung Himal turned out to be the perfect choice.
From the moment I landed in Kathmandu, everything was organized professionally. A member of the Kalapatthar team greeted me at Tribhuvan International Airport and transferred me directly to a comfortable 5-star hotel in Thamel. The welcome dinner was a great opportunity to meet other climbers, the expedition leader, and several Sherpas who would be supporting us throughout the expedition.
The preparation day in Kathmandu was extremely helpful. The team carefully checked every piece of equipment, answered questions, and made sure nobody was missing essential gear. As someone who has climbed in South America and Europe before, I was impressed by how detailed the safety briefing was.
The drive to Besisahar and then onward to Koto was long but scenic. Once we entered the Nar-Phu Valley, it felt like we were entering a completely different world. The valley is remote, quiet, and far less crowded than any trekking route I have experienced in Nepal. During the approach trek we stayed in local teahouses which were basic but comfortable. Meals were surprisingly good, with plenty of dal bhat, noodle soups, Tibetan bread, eggs, and tea available every day.
One of my favorite parts of the expedition was visiting Phu Gaon. The village feels untouched by modern tourism and gave us a fascinating glimpse into traditional Himalayan life. The acclimatization day there was valuable and helped prepare us for the higher elevations ahead.
When we finally reached Base Camp, I was honestly surprised by the level of comfort. I had expected a typical expedition camp, but Kalapatthar had created something much better. We stayed in spacious personal dome tents with heated bedding, enjoyed hot meals prepared by the kitchen staff, had access to hot showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and even charging facilities. Considering we were at nearly 5,000 meters, the comfort level was remarkable.
The three-day technical training program at Base Camp was probably one of the most important parts of the expedition. Although I already had some mountaineering experience, the guides spent time teaching proper fixed rope techniques, jumar ascents, crampon movement, and rappel procedures. The IFMGA-certified expedition leader and Sherpa team were patient, professional, and focused heavily on safety.
One thing that stood out throughout the expedition was the medical support. The doctor stationed at Base Camp checked our oxygen saturation, pulse rate, and overall condition every day. On one occasion I developed a mild headache and loss of appetite after arriving at Camp I. The medical team monitored me closely and adjusted my hydration and rest schedule. Thankfully the symptoms disappeared after proper acclimatization, but it gave me confidence knowing experienced medical support was always available.
The move through Camp I, Camp II, and Camp III became progressively more demanding. Above 6,000 meters every step required concentration and effort. The Sherpa team worked tirelessly carrying equipment, fixing ropes, and preparing camps before our arrival.
Summit day was the most challenging day I have ever experienced in the mountains. We left Camp III shortly after 1:00 AM under clear skies and freezing temperatures. The route followed fixed ropes across snow slopes and ridges, and there were moments when I questioned whether I had enough energy to continue. My Sherpa encouraged me constantly and helped me maintain a steady pace.
Standing on the summit of Himlung Himal at 7,126 meters was one of the most rewarding moments of my life. Seeing Annapurna, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri, and countless Himalayan peaks stretching to the horizon made every difficult step worthwhile. After spending a short time on the summit, we carefully descended back toward Camp II.
The weather throughout our expedition was excellent, but having reserve days built into the itinerary removed a lot of stress. It allowed the leadership team to make decisions based on safety rather than rushing for a summit attempt.
Back at Base Camp, the atmosphere was fantastic. Climbers celebrated successful summits, shared stories, and enjoyed a well-deserved rest before beginning the journey back through the valley.
Looking back, what impressed me most was the professionalism of the entire operation. Every permit, transfer, accommodation, meal, and safety procedure was handled efficiently.
For anyone looking for a serious 7,000-meter expedition with excellent logistics, strong safety standards, and an experienced local team, I would confidently recommend Kalapatthar Trek & Expedition.
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