Humla Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural Trek
Date of Departure
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Date of Departure
Trip Information
Duration
10 days
Max Altitude
Raling Gompa (3,930 m)
Difficulty
Moderate
Starts from
Kathmandu
Trips Ends at
Kathmandu
Activity
Trekking
Learning a new Culture and Tradition
View of mesmerizing snow-covered mountains
Different flora and fauna
Buddhist Monastery of Railing Gompa
Unique and Cultural trekking experience
Humla Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural Trek Overview
Simikot is the midwestern region of the remote top western district of Humla. It is the district’s headquarters in the Karnali zone and is the gateway to numerous treks in the region. Here, you can see people getting by with the bare essentials and leading a simplistic life.
Reaching Simikot is a challenging task in itself, with the airport runway being too short at over 3000 m altitude. If you want to see undiscovered Nepal in all its religious and cultural glory, the Simikot to Railing Gompa Cultural Trek is custom-tailored for you.
After switching flights at Nepalgunj from Kathmandu, you reach Simikot. The small town alone has a few attractions that are worth a day’s visit. A short hike to Simikot Lagna will reward you with great views of the Karnali valley, and calm your senses at the Shiva Temple at the edge of the town.
Trek to the Railing Gompa is probably the shortest in the region and goes through the Nyimba-inhabited valley.
What Humla Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural Trek Offers
Being a part of trek means that apart from getting grand views of rivers, rolling valleys, and tall, steep snow-covered mountains, you also get to experience their ancient culture integrated into Tibetan Buddhism.
On this trail, you also pay a visit to Guru Rinpoche’s Siddhi Caves, Kharpunath Temple, and a close encounter with Mt. Shelmogang (5,300m). It is also known as Crystal Peak. Here, you can see cultures like Bonpo and Milarepa Culture.
As it’s a remote place, you can learn and accumulate the Culture and Tradition of the locals. Its less touristic area and is a gateway to Mt. Kailash, Tibet.
Why pick Humla Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural Trek
The Humla/Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural Trek is a unique trekking package of Adventure Mission Nepal Treks. If you are lucky enough to reach the famous Railing Monastery at the end of this Trek during the Saga Dawa Festival.
You will get to see all the people from the valley gathered in beautiful attire, celebrating with rituals, food, prayers, and masked dance. Get colored in their culture and lifestyle during your tour, and we bet you will not regret a single second.
Highlights of this wonderful trek:
Learning a new Culture and Tradition
View of mesmerizing snow-covered mountains
Different flora and fauna
Buddhist Monastery of Railing Gompa
Unique and Cultural trekking experience
Best Season for Humla Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural Trek
Humla falls in a unique high-altitude climate in Nepal. As such, it is a rare destination that shines through even in the monsoon. Yes, it is one of the few places where you can trek in three seasons.
Peak Season is Summer for Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural Trek
Unlike most treks in Nepal, the Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural trek is best during the monsoon. The region is in the dry rain shadow, unlike the rest of Nepal, soaked in rain.
Furthermore, the Saga Dawa Festival is celebrated during the summer/monsoon. You can witness the community in full cultural glory. The trails are also filled with wildflowers, and temperatures become comfortable for camping.
Spring & Autumn: Nature view and Mountain Views
Autumn and spring offer the best atmospheric clarity. These months offer the grand views of the Karnali Valley. You find steep, snow-covered peaks like Shelmogang become at their sharpest.
The nature in the lower trails comes alive during spring. It is the best time to explore the forest’s beauty. During these months, the woodland is at its greenest.
Season to Avoid: The Winter Lockout
Trekkers are strongly advised to avoid the Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural Trek during winter. Landing at the Simikot Airport becomes risky due to snow and ice. The snowfall blocks the route to Railing Gompa, making it inaccessible.
The native Nyimba and local populations migrate to lower altitudes. They move to a warmer location to escape the freezing temperatures. Also, the lack of modern heating makes camping treks dangerous.
Humla Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural Trek Difficulty
Humla Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural trek is the shortest journey in the region. However, the sheer remoteness and altitude require a respectful approach. Humla Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural trek is considered moderate in difficulty.
The Simikot trek may be short, but the altitude gain is rapid. You reach the elevation of 3,930 meters within a few days of trekking. And from here, you find the view of 5,300m tall Mt. Shelmogang (Crystal Peak).
You trek through the Nyimba-inhabited valley. The route is well-trodden by locals but remains rugged and rocky. This journey is best for adventure seekers with cultural depth. Also, you walk in solitude instead of technical climbs.
Permits for Humla Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural Trek
Humla Simikot Railing Gompa Cultural trek requires two permits. It is a strategic gateway to Mount Kailash. As such, it is a strictly regulated region. Here are the permits you need:
Humla Restricted Area Permit (RAP)
Local Entry Fees at the Kharpunath Temple and the Railing Monastery
Note:
A minimum of two trekkers is required to get the RAP. Likewise, you will need a licensed guide to accompany you during the trek. This package will include a guide and a Restricted Area Permit. Furthermore, we also link you with another trekker trekking to Humla.
Itinerary Detail
What is Included / Not Included
- All airport transfers
- TIMS
- Permit
- Transportation
- Guide and Porter
- Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner with Tea)
- Accommodation
- First-Aid Kit
- Welcome/Farewell Dinner
- All Taxes
Himalayan Trekkers promises to manage the best, most comfortable, and preferred accommodation. Generally, in cities like Kathmandu and Nepalgunj, we arrange basic three-star facilities. If available, you can opt for a more budget-friendly option or upgrade to a more luxurious hotel by paying a little extra.
Although not all the places might have all the modern facilities, we will make sure to arrange safe and comfortable accommodation. In general, hygienic and safe tea houses/local lodges/ home-stays with all the basic facilities are arranged. But you can, if possible, personalize according to your preference.
If your itinerary includes camping or you choose to experience camping during your travel, a proper camping site will be pre-decided. If required, we also provide the basic equipment, which is refundable. Please check the Gear-List for more information.
Meals
Breakfast is usually included with your B&B Accommodation within the cost that is evident. For other meals in the city, you would have to pay separately. Often in the cities, you can choose from many different cuisines and varied food services. We can always help you find the right place to fit your taste.
In more remote areas, usually, there are not many options. But you can always find hygienic and well-prepared food. Moreover, almost all the meals during the trek are included in the cost. We can help you make changes according to your preference and budget, but only if choices are available!
On top of that, Himalayan Trekkers also organizes Welcome and Farewell Dinners as a symbol of warm greetings.
Please go through the detailed itinerary for more information. We are always there to help you travel to your heart’s content.
Drinking Water
For the drinking water, we suggest you carry a reusable 2-Liter bottle/filter bottle and water purifying tablets. You can refill as much as you can from the sources once it is empty.
Another alternative would be to ask for boiled water at the homestays. These establishments charge per liter since they use fuel to boil the water. They take the money to cover the fuel cost.
