Simikot is the headquarters of Humla, Nepal's remote far north-west, perched on a ridge at about 2,950 m above the Karnali River. It is reached by small plane from Nepalgunj, and is the starting point for the Limi Valley trek and the classic route to Mount Kailash via Hilsa on the Tibet border.
Quick answer: Humla's upper areas are restricted and need special permits. Many pilgrims fly Nepalgunj–Simikot–Hilsa by plane and helicopter to reach Kailash. See Kailash Mansarovar guide.
Simikot at a glance
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Altitude | About 2,950 m |
| District | Humla, Karnali Province |
| Access | Flights from Nepalgunj |
| Treks | Limi Valley, Kailash route |
| Permits | Restricted area permit for upper Humla |
Why go
- Gateway to Kailash.
- Tibetan-influenced villages of Limi.
- Some of the least-visited trails in Nepal.
Trips and guides
Plan your visit
Simikot is the edge of the map for most travellers. Contact us and our Kathmandu team will help you plan it.