Nepal has 8 of the 14 highest mountains in the world, all of which are situated along the Himalayan range. The world's highest peak, Mt. Everest stands high above the range, side by side with other spectacular mountains.

Ever since the country was first opened to climbers in 1949, the Nepalese Himalayas has become a great theatre for mountaineering activity. It has provided the backdrop for the drama of many mountaineering successes and failures and has provided the impetus to many men and women striving to meet the ultimate mountaineering challenge. Known as a paradise for mountaineers, setting their foot on the Nepalese mountains, is a life time's dream for many.

Nepal has earned its reputation for being the only country in the world which is able, with its many mountains of all shapes and sizes, to meet the needs and abilities of the entire range of climbers. For the Nepalese themselves anything under 5.000 meters is considered to be only a hill! During the summer months, the legendary Sherpas live at high altitude in the shadows of these soaring summits with their unique and wonderful vistas but during the winter season, when mother nature bedecks the area with snow, they descend to the lower ground.

Himlung Himal could be called a "forgotten" mountain. It is situated in the Manaslu region, a remote corner of Nepal, close to the border with Tibet. Opposite to the in the media recently highlighted Everest-expeditions, Himlung Himal is a mountain off the beaten track.

Until 1992, the Nepalese government didn't allow expeditions to access the valley which is the gateway to Himlung Himal. Although the region has now been opened up for a decade, only 3 expeditions to date have made it to the top of this 7.126 meters high peak - 1 Japanese and 2 French teams - and so far, no Belgian expedition has been to the mountain.

So when we were looking for a new challenge and since most of our expedition members have been several times above 6.000 m, we settled on this elusive mountain as our target. We're planning to be the first Belgian team to reach the summit of Himlung Himal!

An expedition with all respect to the beautiful country and its people, who delight in offering warm hospitality and friendship.