Location and surroundings
Himluṅ is situated in the Peri Himal, a range that spans both Nepal and China. Within the broader Central Asia and Himalayan hierarchy, it is part of the Central Greater Himalaya. In Nepal, it ranks as the 72nd highest of 1,076 named peaks. The surrounding area is characterized by high-altitude terrain, glaciers, and rugged mountain passes, falling under the jurisdiction of the Annapurna Conservation Area.
Neighbouring peaks
- Nemjuṅ Goṭh: 6,510 m, 1.8 km S
- Cheo: 6,550 m, 2.9 km E
- Gyajin Kang: 7,038 m, 6.8 km SW
- Gya La: 6,175 m, 11.1 km SE
- Ratna Chuli̇̄: 7,035 m, 11.3 km NW
- Gyālā: 5,973 m, 15.2 km E
- Lārke Bhañjyāṅ: 5,125 m, 15.6 km SE
- Yoṅmoso Ḍā̃ḍā: 5,102 m, 17.0 km W
The view from the summit
From the summit of Himluṅ, several major peaks are visible within a 25 km radius. The highest nearby mountain is Nimjung, which reaches 7,140 m and is located 4.0 km to the south. Other notable summits include Phu Khang North (6,566 m) at 4.7 km north, Phungi (6,524 m) at 6.8 km north, Chombi (6,704 m) at 13.3 km southwest, Kāṅgāru Himāl (6,981 m) at 17.3 km southwest, and Manaslu North (6,994 m) at 24.4 km southeast.
The range
The Peri Himal is a mountain range spanning Nepal and China, containing 66 named peaks. Himluṅ is the second-highest peak in this range. The highest point of the Peri Himal is Nimjung, which stands at 7,140 m and is situated just 4 km south of Himluṅ.
Climbing routes
The primary route to the summit is the Normal route, which approaches from the west via Phu. This route is graded PD+ on the alpine scale, involves 2,276 m of ascent, and typically requires 10 or more days to complete. The first ascent of the mountain was achieved in 1983.
Access and starting points
Expeditions to Himluṅ typically begin in the town of Koto. From there, the approach involves trekking through the region to reach the mountain's base, with the full expedition including acclimatization usually spanning 3 to 4 weeks.
Climate and weather
Based on estimates from NASA POWER climate data (2001–2020), the mean temperature at the summit ranges from about -8 °C in the warmest month of July to about -21 °C in the coldest month of January. No month sees a mean temperature above freezing at the summit. Annual precipitation in the surrounding area is about 800 mm, with July being the wettest month (about 195 mm) and November the driest (about 5 mm). High-altitude weather in this region is prone to rapid changes, strong winds, and extreme cold.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Himluṅ is high-alpine, characterized by rocky slopes, glaciers, and sparse vegetation typical of the Central Greater Himalaya. The area is protected under the Annapurna Conservation Area, which serves to preserve the local environment and biodiversity. Wildlife in this high-altitude zone is limited to species adapted to extreme cold and low oxygen levels.
Guides and organised ascents
For a peak of this height and technical difficulty, hiring a certified guide is strongly advisable. In Nepal, the Nepal National Mountain Guide Association (NNMGA), which is a member of the IFMGA/UIAGM, represents professional guides. The Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) also oversees mountaineering activities. Established guiding companies such as Seven Summit Treks and Asian Trekking, both based in Kathmandu, operate in the region. Note that trekking in conservation areas requires a permit and a licensed guide, and peak climbing requires an expedition permit arranged through a registered agency.
Safety and preparation
Climbing at this altitude demands significant physical preparation, technical skill, and proper acclimatization to prevent altitude sickness. The terrain is challenging, and weather conditions can be severe. In case of an emergency, the contact number for the Tourist Police is 1144, while the general police can be reached at 100 and ambulance services at 102. Helicopter evacuations are typically coordinated through your insurance provider and local agency.
History and name
The first ascent of Himluṅ was completed in 1983 by a Japanese expedition led by Masayuki Shinohara.
Interesting facts
Himluṅ is the 2nd highest of 66 named peaks in the Peri Himal. Its nearest higher peak is Nimjung, located only 4 km to the south. The mountain is situated within the Annapurna Conservation Area.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Himluṅ? The summit of Himluṅ reaches 7,126 m.
Where is Himluṅ located? It is in Nepal, within the Manang district of the Gandaki Province, part of the Peri Himal range.
Are there huts on Himluṅ? There are no huts mapped within 2 km of the summit; climbers typically use a series of camps (Base Camp, Camp 1, Camp 2, and Camp 3) during their expedition.
How hard is it to climb Himluṅ? The Normal route is graded PD+ on the alpine scale, which is the easiest route listed.
How long does it take to climb? The full expedition from Koto to the summit, including acclimatization, typically takes 3 to 4 weeks.
Is there water on the way to Himluṅ? In this high-altitude, glaciated terrain, water is primarily obtained by melting snow. Always carry a stove and fuel to melt snow and ensure it is treated before consumption.
Is there mobile phone coverage? Coverage in these remote high-altitude regions is generally patchy and depends on the operator. It is recommended to download maps before setting out and to carry a satellite communication device.