What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: Humla Restricted Area Permit (USD 50 per week for first 2 weeks), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 3770m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal. Related permit guides: Simikot Hilsa Trek Reviews Permits Altitude Guide.

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory. Read our altitude safety guides: Simikot Hilsa Trek Emergency Oxygen Altitude Support, Rara Lake Trek Emergency Handling Remote Western Nepal.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Home Stay. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list. Packing guides: Limi Valley Trek Package Camping Gear Meals Staff Simikot Flights.

What permits and documents do I need?

Required permits: Humla Restricted Area Permit (USD 50 per week for first 2 weeks), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos. You also need a Nepal visa (USD 30 for 15 days, obtained on arrival at Kathmandu airport) and travel insurance covering trekking to 3770m and helicopter evacuation. Bring your original passport, visa, insurance certificate, and photos to Nepal. Related permit guides: Simikot Hilsa Trek Reviews Permits Altitude Guide.

Is altitude sickness a risk and how do I prevent it?

Above 3,500m, altitude sickness (AMS) affects 25-40% of trekkers. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen, and they are trained to identify early symptoms. Prevention: ascend slowly (no more than 300-500m sleeping altitude per day above 3,500m), drink 3-4 liters of water daily, avoid alcohol above 3,500m, eat light meals, and report any symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation (USD 10,000) is mandatory. Read our altitude safety guides: Simikot Hilsa Trek Emergency Oxygen Altitude Support, Rara Lake Trek Emergency Handling Remote Western Nepal.

What accommodation and meals are included?

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Home Stay. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) are included during the trek with tea and coffee. Menu includes dal bhat, momos, noodles, soups, and seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian options are widely available.

What should I pack and what equipment do you provide?

Essential gear: 4-season sleeping bag (-15C to -20C), down jacket, broken-in trekking boots, merino base layers (2 sets), mid-layer fleece, hard shell jacket, trekking pants (2), warm hat, gloves, 4-5 pairs wool socks, headlamp, 2L water bottle, sunscreen SPF 50. We provide free rental: sleeping bag (USD 30 deposit), down jacket (USD 20 deposit), duffel bag, trekking poles, first-aid kit, and emergency oxygen. See the Things to Carry tab above for the complete list. Packing guides: Limi Valley Trek Package Camping Gear Meals Staff Simikot Flights.

Simikot Hilsa Trek

Transportation
Flight + Private Vehicle
Group Size
Max 12
Maximum Altitude
3770
Accomodation
Star Hotel, Tea House, Home Stay
Fitness level
Moderate to High
Arrival on
Kathmandu
Departure from
Kathmandu
Best season
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer the best weather. Summer (June to August) sees some rain but Rara and Khaptad are relatively dry. Winter (December to February) is cold but offers clear mountain views.
Guiding method
Live Personal Trekking Guide
Tour type
Trekking
Language
English
Meals
Includes (BLD)
Permits
Humla Restricted Area Permit (USD 50 per week for first 2 weeks), TIMS Card.
Destinations
Western Nepal Region
Activities
Hiking, Trekking
Trip Type
Cultural, Nature Friendly
Difficulty
Medium

Map

The Simikot Hilsa Trek is a 12-day moderate trek along the ancient salt trade route from Simikot (the district headquarters of Humla) to Hilsa on the Tibet-Nepal border. The route follows the Humla Karnali river through traditional Tibetan-Buddhist villages, ancient monasteries, and dramatic gorges, ending at the border town of Hilsa (3,770m) where traders still cross into Tibet. The trek is the approach route for the Mount Kailash pilgrimage in Tibet and offers a glimpse into a way of life that has changed little in centuries – yak caravans, salt traders, and Tibetan-Buddhist farmers. The maximum altitude of 3,770m at Hilsa is moderate and accessible to most fit trekkers.

Highlights

Walk the ancient salt trade route from Simikot to the Tibet border at Hilsa.
Experience traditional Tibetan-Buddhist culture in remote Humla villages.
Witness yak caravans and salt traders crossing between Nepal and Tibet.
Visit ancient monasteries including the 1,000-year-old Yalbang Gompa.
Cultural trek on the approach route to Mount Kailash pilgrimage.

Things to Carry for Simikot Hilsa Trek

Headwear

Warm fleece or wool beanie hat (essential for cold mornings)
Sun hat with wide brim for UV protection
Neck gaiter or buff (multi-purpose for dust, wind, cold)
Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 3 or 4)
Ski goggles for high-altitude passes and snow

Upper Body Layering

2x merino wool base layers (long sleeve)
1x mid-layer fleece jacket
1x soft shell jacket for wind and light rain
1x hard shell jacket with hood (Gore-Tex)
1x down jacket rated to -25C (we provide rental for USD 20)

Lower Body

2x trekking pants (quick-dry, one convertible)
1x thermal bottom layer for cold nights
1x rain pants (Gore-Tex)
2x merino wool underwear
1x swimwear (for hot springs)

Hands

1x thin liner gloves (merino or fleece)
1x insulated waterproof gloves

Footwear

1x sturdy trekking boots (broken in for 50+ km, waterproof)
1x camp shoes or sandals for evenings
4-5x pairs merino wool trekking socks
2x pairs liner socks
Gaiters for snow, scree, and mud

Sleeping Gear

1x 3-season sleeping bag rated to -15C (we provide rental for USD 30)
1x sleeping bag liner (silk or fleece)

Trekking Equipment

1x trekking poles pair (essential for descents, we provide rental for USD 15)
1x headlamp with spare batteries (200+ lumens)
1x 20-30L day pack
1x large duffel bag 80-100L (we provide free)
1x dry bag for electronics
1x water bottle or hydration bladder (2L minimum)

First Aid & Health

Personal prescription medications (with doctor’s letter)
Diamox for altitude sickness (consult your doctor)
Ibuprofen and paracetamol
Imodium for stomach issues
Rehydration sachets (ORS)
Blister treatment (Compeed, moleskin)
Antiseptic wipes and bandages
Lip balm with SPF 30+
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (bring 2 tubes)
Insect repellent (DEET 30-50%)
Hand sanitizer
Toilet paper and wet wipes

Electronics

Camera with extra batteries (cold drains fast, bring 2-3 spares)
Power bank (20,000mAh minimum)
Universal power adapter (Nepal 220V, Type C/D/M)
Headphones
eReader or book

Documents

Valid passport (6+ months validity, 4 extra passport photos)
Travel insurance certificate (covering trekking to 3770m)
Flight tickets
Credit cards and USD cash
Emergency contacts

What We Provide (Rental)

4-season sleeping bag (rental USD 30 with deposit)
Down jacket (rental USD 20 with deposit)
Duffel bag for porter carriage (free, you keep it)
Trekking poles (rental USD 15)
First-aid kit, pulse oximeter, emergency oxygen
Water purification tablets
Satellite phone on remote treks

Related Packing Guides

Read our detailed packing guides: Limi Valley Trek Package Camping Gear Meals Staff Simikot Flights, Island Peak Technical Gear And Rental In Nepal, Island Peak Technical Gear Rental Nepal, Nepal Trek Packing List 14 Days.

Note: Pack light. Porter weight limit is 15kg per trekker. Layers are key for mountain weather. We send a detailed seasonal packing list after booking.

Know Before You Book – Simikot Hilsa Trek Information

Trip Name: Simikot Hilsa Trek – 12 Days
Duration: 12 days
Difficulty: Medium
Maximum Altitude: 3770m
Group Size: Max 12

Difficulty & Fitness

This trek is rated Medium. Medium treks involve 5-7 hours of walking daily with significant elevation gain. Suitable for fit trekkers with some experience. The maximum altitude is 3770m. You need a fitness level of Moderate to High – cardio training 3-4 times weekly for 8-12 weeks before departure, hill walking with a day pack, and core strength exercises.

Read our difficulty guides: Far Western Nepal Cultural Experiences Saipal Trek, Simikot To Hilsa Trekking Experience Needed.

Best Time to Go

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) offer the best weather. Summer (June to August) sees some rain but Rara and Khaptad are relatively dry. Winter (December to February) is cold but offers clear mountain views.

Read our seasonal guides: Simikot Hilsa Route Weather Delays Cancellation Terms, Safest Season For Simikot Trek.

Accommodation & Meals

Accommodation: Star Hotel, Tea House, Home Stay. Tea houses are family-run lodges with simple twin-share rooms and shared bathrooms. Luxury lodges (where available) offer heated ensuite rooms. 3-star or higher hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast. Three meals daily (BLD) included during treks with tea and coffee. Vegetarian options widely available.

Food and water guides: Simikot Hilsa Accommodation Food Mobile Network, Simikot Hilsa Accommodation Food Network.

Transportation

Transport: Flight + Private Vehicle. Domestic flights (where applicable) are weather-dependent – build 1-2 buffer days into your schedule. Private ground transport uses comfortable AC vehicles.

Flight and transport guides: Simikot Hilsa Flight Delays Nepalgunj Simikot, Nepalgunj Simikot Flight Reliability.

Required Permits

Humla Restricted Area Permit (USD 50 per week for first 2 weeks), TIMS Card. We arrange all permits on your behalf once we receive your passport copy and 4 passport-size photos after booking. Permit fees are included in your trip cost.

Permit guides: Simikot Hilsa Trek Reviews Permits Altitude Guide, Simikot Hilsa Trek Package Kailash Kora Time.

Altitude Safety

Maximum altitude is 3770m. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness is a real risk. Our itinerary includes acclimatization days, guides carry pulse oximeters and emergency oxygen. Walk slowly, stay hydrated (3-4 liters daily), avoid alcohol above 3,500m, report symptoms immediately. Travel insurance covering helicopter evacuation is mandatory.

Altitude safety guides: Simikot Hilsa Trek Emergency Oxygen Altitude Support, Rara Lake Trek Emergency Handling Remote Western Nepal.

Training & Preparation

Read our training guides: Simikot Trek Older Travelers Good Fitness, Nepal Regions Fog Snow Monsoon Conditions.

Insurance Requirement

Travel insurance is mandatory for all our treks and tours. Your insurance must cover trekking to 3770m altitude (for treks), emergency helicopter evacuation up to USD 10,000, emergency medical treatment, and trip cancellation. We recommend World Nomads, IMG Global, or Allianz Adventure plans. Bring a printed copy of your insurance certificate.

Insurance guides: Nepal Trekking Travel Insurance, Nepal Peak Climbing Travel Insurance Australians Check.

Cultural Etiquette

Dress modestly at religious sites (cover shoulders and knees). Remove shoes before entering temple sanctums. Walk clockwise around stupas and chortens. Ask permission before photographing people. Use your right hand for eating and passing items. Say namaste (palms together) as a greeting.

Culture guides: Remote Nepal Treks Culture Fewer Crowds, Rara Lake Mugu Village Culture.

Booking & Payment

To confirm your booking, a deposit is required (50% for helicopter tours). The balance is due 30 days before departure (7 days for helicopter tours). We accept bank transfer, credit card (4% surcharge), PayPal. Free cancellation up to 60 days before departure. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering trip cancellation. Contact us for current pricing and availability.

What is Not Included

International airfare to/from Kathmandu, Nepal visa fee (USD 30 for 15 days), travel and rescue insurance (mandatory), personal trekking gear and clothing, hot showers and device charging on trek, alcoholic beverages, lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, tips for guide/porter/driver (recommended 10-15% of trip cost), and any costs from unforeseen events like weather delays.