Humla lies in the mountainous region of district of Karnali zone in Mid-Western Nepal. The district shares its border with Mugu in east, Bajura and Mugu in south, Tibet – China in north and Bajhang in west. The areas of the district are 5,655 sq km and its altitude varies from 4,000 to 24,064ft. The district headquarter of Humla is Simkot and situated at 9,242ft. The total population of the district is 40,749 (Female 19,733, Male 21,016 with 6974 households – census 2001). The district has total 27 VDCs, 9 Municipalities and one constituency. More than 80 percent of Humli’s spesk Nepali and Humli-Khas and the remaining 15 percent speak Lama-Kham as their mother tongues. Until today, more than 75 percent of Humli’s and the other 20 percent are Buddhist by religion.
Tacked in between the rugged mountains it is highly inaccessible and thus, Humla district can be categorized as one of the most remote places in the world. Many of the Humli’s live in complete isolation without access to basic health care, education and employment opportunities. The literacy rate of the district is 22.62% while the literacy rate of women is only 8.87%. Although, Humla is one of the poorest districts in the country, it is very rich in terms of its biodiversity and cultural heritage. The district is known for its different aromatic and medical plants. Due to its varying terrain there are deciduous and coniferous forests with a wide range of wild flowers in Humla. Furthermore, the presence of both Buddhists and Hindu’s means that it is also a melting pot of two cultures.
Flora and Fauna
Since the elevation of the district begins from 4,000ft to 24,064ft, one can find different species of animals and plants in different ranges.
Medicinal Plants
Some of the aromatic and medicinal plants which can be found in Humla are: Morchela Easclenta (Guchi Chayu), Cordyceos sinensis (Yarsha Gumba), Dactlorhiza haatagirera (Panch Aunle), Plcroriza sceopphu lariflora (Katuki), valerliana wallichallii (sugandhawal), Bhojpatra, Taxus Baccta (Louth Salla),Cupressus torulosa (Dhupi), Acorus calamus (Bojho), Aconitom heterophyllum (attis), nardostachays grandiliflor (Jatamansi), Delphium denudatum (Nirmansi). These plants are extremely high in medicinal properties and can be used to cure several kinds of illnesses.
Indigenous food
The indigenous food of Humla is buckwheat, potato and millet. The people in Northern Humla eat food with Tibetan influence and those in South part prepare food which is very Nepali.
Festivals and rituals
Both Buddhist and Hindu festivals are celebrated with zest in Humla. Major festivals of the Hindus are Gaura Parva, Dashain, Tihar, Sawance Purnima, Maghe Sakranti and the festivals of Buddhists are Losar, Mane and Ralling Purnima.
Tourism Service, tax and utilization
Government of Nepal (Local Act, 1999) has given authority t collect local taxes for local development. District Development Committee (DDC) collects tax from the sale of herbs which is exported outside the district from tourists. Since 2003, the DDC has decided to charge each foreign tourist a total fee of USD 10 for entering Humla. This fee will be used to developing the local tourism infrastructure of Humla. DDC utilizes the income for local infrastructure development (trekking roads, suspension bridges, safe drinking water, local culture etc.) with the view of providing better facilities for the local as well as tourists.
Existing Tourist Destinations in Humla
> Lord Shiva Mandir (temple) is historic Hindu temple situated in East-West corner of Simikot valley. From there one can have a panoramic view of the Karnali River, ancient Kharpunath temple and the Panchamukhi himal.
> Kharpunath Temple is Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord. X. This temple is situated on the banks of the Karnali rigver and lies in east west of Simikot.
> Raling Gumba: Built in 1312 AD, this is a historical Buddhist monastery. It takes almost six hours to reach the Gumba from Simikot.
> Yalbang Gumba: This Buddhist Gumba is on the way to Mansarowar. Yalbang Gumba is a three day walk from Simikot.
> Kermi Hotspring: One the way to Mnasarwar, lies Kermi VDC which is known for its natural hot springs. Kermi VDC which is an eight hours walk from district Simikot.
> Limi Valley: This valley is known for its unique Buddhist tradition. It takes seven days to reach Limi from Simikot.
> Other interesting sites in Humla are places Changla Himal, Dudhe Daha, and Phuna Chhahara water fall.
> One can also be adventurous and raft in the Karnali River.
Source: Nepal Tourism Board
Tacked in between the rugged mountains it is highly inaccessible and thus, Humla district can be categorized as one of the most remote places in the world. Many of the Humli’s live in complete isolation without access to basic health care, education and employment opportunities. The literacy rate of the district is 22.62% while the literacy rate of women is only 8.87%. Although, Humla is one of the poorest districts in the country, it is very rich in terms of its biodiversity and cultural heritage. The district is known for its different aromatic and medical plants. Due to its varying terrain there are deciduous and coniferous forests with a wide range of wild flowers in Humla. Furthermore, the presence of both Buddhists and Hindu’s means that it is also a melting pot of two cultures.
Flora and Fauna
Since the elevation of the district begins from 4,000ft to 24,064ft, one can find different species of animals and plants in different ranges.
Medicinal Plants
Some of the aromatic and medicinal plants which can be found in Humla are: Morchela Easclenta (Guchi Chayu), Cordyceos sinensis (Yarsha Gumba), Dactlorhiza haatagirera (Panch Aunle), Plcroriza sceopphu lariflora (Katuki), valerliana wallichallii (sugandhawal), Bhojpatra, Taxus Baccta (Louth Salla),Cupressus torulosa (Dhupi), Acorus calamus (Bojho), Aconitom heterophyllum (attis), nardostachays grandiliflor (Jatamansi), Delphium denudatum (Nirmansi). These plants are extremely high in medicinal properties and can be used to cure several kinds of illnesses.
Indigenous food
The indigenous food of Humla is buckwheat, potato and millet. The people in Northern Humla eat food with Tibetan influence and those in South part prepare food which is very Nepali.
Festivals and rituals
Both Buddhist and Hindu festivals are celebrated with zest in Humla. Major festivals of the Hindus are Gaura Parva, Dashain, Tihar, Sawance Purnima, Maghe Sakranti and the festivals of Buddhists are Losar, Mane and Ralling Purnima.
Tourism Service, tax and utilization
Government of Nepal (Local Act, 1999) has given authority t collect local taxes for local development. District Development Committee (DDC) collects tax from the sale of herbs which is exported outside the district from tourists. Since 2003, the DDC has decided to charge each foreign tourist a total fee of USD 10 for entering Humla. This fee will be used to developing the local tourism infrastructure of Humla. DDC utilizes the income for local infrastructure development (trekking roads, suspension bridges, safe drinking water, local culture etc.) with the view of providing better facilities for the local as well as tourists.
Existing Tourist Destinations in Humla
> Lord Shiva Mandir (temple) is historic Hindu temple situated in East-West corner of Simikot valley. From there one can have a panoramic view of the Karnali River, ancient Kharpunath temple and the Panchamukhi himal.
> Kharpunath Temple is Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord. X. This temple is situated on the banks of the Karnali rigver and lies in east west of Simikot.
> Raling Gumba: Built in 1312 AD, this is a historical Buddhist monastery. It takes almost six hours to reach the Gumba from Simikot.
> Yalbang Gumba: This Buddhist Gumba is on the way to Mansarowar. Yalbang Gumba is a three day walk from Simikot.
> Kermi Hotspring: One the way to Mnasarwar, lies Kermi VDC which is known for its natural hot springs. Kermi VDC which is an eight hours walk from district Simikot.
> Limi Valley: This valley is known for its unique Buddhist tradition. It takes seven days to reach Limi from Simikot.
> Other interesting sites in Humla are places Changla Himal, Dudhe Daha, and Phuna Chhahara water fall.
> One can also be adventurous and raft in the Karnali River.
Source: Nepal Tourism Board
