Villages of the beautiful Valley of Wild West, Limi

doplo-trek12

Quest of enlightenment

The very rarely trodden the Wild West Humla of Nepalese territory, the Limi Valley is one of the most beautiful Himalayan valleys. The traditional culture of the valley that dates back to ancient era also unfolds the enchanting landscapes- rugged and tranquil. Valley comprising three main hamlets- Jang, Halji and Til is the home to almost 2,000 inhabitants. Limi Khola, a major tributary of the longest Nepalese River, Karnali rushes through this enticing valley at an altitude of almost 4,000m.
Limi, a unique valley firmly holds the true values of human compassion and still practices the prosperous Tibetan culture as beautifully as they were conducted in the ancient days. The natives of Limi make their living in a traditional style. Carving the adorned wooden bowls from maple wood is their major source of income. Though, the valley once was a major gateway to trade in Tibet, the modern policies have reduced the possibility of easy trading these days.

doplo-trek13

A view during a breather

Northwest to the main Limi Valley nestles Til at 3950m, on a gentle East slope of the vertical valley. A suspension wooden bridge over a forceful stream at the village doorway followed by a small stupa leads to the amazing village of Til. Beautiful terraced fields of barley encompass the village. Barley used for brewing local beverage Chang and traditional Tibetan cuisine Tsamapa is the staple food of the region. High waterfall making its way to the southeast of the hamlet from the high rocky cliff is a water supply to the village. The houses built using natural raw materials are designed in such a way that having a conversation with the neighbor is easy possibility any time. Women sharing the latest village news while spinning wool can be very well seen in the village square right outside the Mani Lakhang.

doplo-trek11

A sparsely populated hamlet

The farthest hamlet of Limi that faces Limi River on the gentle slope of the northern valley at an altitude of 4000m is Jang. Though surrounded by the terraced barley fields the village lies beneath a rocky cliff atop a stunning rocky spire. The fields and the main road separate the village in two clusters whereas; the monastery lies above the hamlet overlooking Limi River and the village. As any other mountainous hamlet, the entrance to Jang has a big stupa, chortens and mani walls engraved with Buddhist prayers. The long line of prayer flags fluttering can be viewed vertically to the north. Locals gather at the village center in the Mani Lakhang, to pass the leisure time.
The most cultivated village of the valley, Halji 3750m settles at the rim of flat plain protected by Limi River bank. The terraced and irrigated fields of Halji are very much farmed. Right behind the village the valley rises to highland grazing lands and snowcapped peaks. High rocky cliffs to the northeast create theatrical surroundings to Halji. The clean glacial streams running thorough the village is sources of drinking water, irrigation and power for traditional grinding mills. The 11th century monastery where several festivals and rituals of the region are observed in traditional Tibetan way is the major attraction at Halji. The interlinking roofs of the houses at Halji, make possible for easy communication between neighbors. As other villages of Limi, Halji also has stupas, chortens and mani walls at its entrance.

doplo-trek14

A gateway to primitive valley