Simikot

Simikot is the district headquarters of Humla District, located at 2,950 m in the far north-west of Nepal. It is one of the most remote settlements in the country, with strong Tibetan cultural influences and a landscape of arid, high-altitude plateaus. Simikot is the gateway for treks to Mount Kailash in Tibet (via the Limi Valley) and for exploring the remote Humla region.

The climate is cold and arid. Winters are bitterly cold with snow. The best time to visit is May–September.

By Plane

Simikot Airport (IMK) has daily flights from Nepalgunj (1 hour) and connecting flights from Kathmandu. The airport is 1 km from town. Flights are weather-dependent.

By Train

No railway.

By Car / Road

There is no road connection to Simikot. All access is by air or on foot.

On foot. The town is small.

• Simikot Bazaar – Small market with Tibetan goods.

• Tibetan Buddhist culture – Prayer flags, chortens, and monasteries.

• Himalayan views – Remote mountain vistas.

• Limi Valley – A restricted area with ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries.

• Mount Kailash Trek – A challenging 20+ day trek to the sacred peak in Tibet.

• Humla Valley treks – Explore the remote valleys and villages.

• Cultural immersion – Visit traditional Tibetan Buddhist communities.

Basic lodges serve dal bhat, tsampa (roasted barley), and Tibetan bread.

Tea and butter tea. Purified water very limited – bring purification tablets.

• Budget: Simikot Lodge – Rs 500–1000.
• Mid-range: Hotel Simikot – Rs 1500–3000.

Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, and local woollen goods.

• Hilsa (2–3 days trek) – Nepal–Tibet border crossing.
• Limi Valley (restricted) – Ancient monasteries.
• Jumla (120 km south-east by air or 10+ days trek).
• Mount Kailash (20+ days trek across the border).