Saribung Pass Trek

Trip Overview

Saribung Pass Trek is challenging, physical demanding and very popular trekking trail with beaten track and difficult pass (6,346m). Saribung pass is situated to the north of Mustang region of Damodar Himal, the last frontiers close to the border of China (Tibet). The trails are rugged, ancient culture merge in a very unique interpretation of lands forgotten by time, cutting high into cliff sides and pass villages that have changed little over the centuries. On this stunning traverse from Mustang, we cross numerous high passes including the De Hults Pass (6,225m) and emerge to the Annapurna region. On this trek Tibetan culture thrives in the small villages and monasteries we pass. The highlight is the beautiful landscapes; it is a must for keen photographers who will appreciate the scale and grandeur of the high plateaus and solitude this region has to offer. Saribung Trek can be done in anti-clockwise for which the trek start from Phu and then ascend to Saribung pass and enter in the Mustang "Hidden Valley" and return to Jomsom or clockwise for which the trek start from Jomsom and follow Upper Mustang trail and descend to Nar-Phu valley and end at Besisahar. For mountaineering, it is easy to do Expedition but there are many passes with ice and creases in between the Damodar Kunda region and Nar-Phu valley. The trek starts from one place to another with great sceneries, cultures, religion and geographical variations. Hence trekkers can enjoy the fantastic and picturesque views of diversity in this region.

Trip Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1300m).

At the airport; you will be meet by representative of our company and transferred to the Hotel, where you will meet us. A pre-trek briefing will be held at approx. 6:00pm to 7:00pm in the evening and is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members before heading out to dinner. Welcome dinner at the authentic and typical Nepalese cusine with culutural dance.

Day 02: Full day Guided Tour with City Tour Guide

Today you explore Kathmandu valley with a local city Guide:

SWOYAMBHUNATH, also known as the monkey temple, is climbed by a long set of steps and has great views of Kathmandu.
BOUDHANATH STUPA has many traditional Gompas hung with strings of multi-coloured prayer flags; it attracts many Sherpas and Tibetans for the circumambulations of the stupa (koras).
PASHUPATINATH is a Hindu temple with burning Ghats on the banks of the Bagmati River.
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, which is one of the old capitals of the Kathmandu valley, has a blend of Hindu and Buddhist temples

Day 03: Kathmandu to Pokhara (820m)

We have breakfast then leave for Pokhara which is 200km west of Kathmandu, also known as The Lake City owing to the large number of lakes in the city. Driving along the Trisuli River, you follow upstream to its junction with the Marsyangdi River. You follow the Marsyandi gently up through heavily terraced fields and small hill towns. You will enjoy the scenic drive. Upon our arrival in Pokhara, we are rewarded with magnificent views of the Himalayas. We then check-in to our hotel and take a rest. We enjoy boating in the Fewa Lake and stroll in the city’s quaint streets. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 04: Pokhara to Kagbeni (2,820m)

You take the early morning flight to Jomsom from Pokhara which again will give close-up views of the Annapurna range, Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, 20 minutes flight in a small aircraft land at Jomsom. The trail is quite barren with craggy rocks and sand and is mostly flat, which makes it very easy going. This very easy, enjoyable start is at the same time picturesque, with views of big peaks all around such as Dhaulagiri, Tukuche and in the west the awesome mountain above Kagbeni, Nilgiri. Upon reaching Kagbeni there is a taste of scenes to come in Upper Mustang, what with its narrow alleyways and tunnels, irrigation canals, green fields of wheat and barley and a large red gompa (Monastery) At the check-post at the north end of the village there is a sign saying ‘Restricted area, tourists, please do not go beyond this point. Here you will complete your paperwork formalities for you to enter this long-forbidden region of Nepal.

Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele (3,075m)

We go up the Kali Gandaki valley through arid landscapes to Thangbe, large fortified village with Chorten being painted, dominated by its ''strong'' in ruins. We continue to go up this high desert valley with high cliffs eroded by wind and pierced with caves. We pass the village of Chhuksang (2,980m) and then we follow the river one last climb leads to the village of Chele

Day 06: Chele to Syanbochen (3,475m)

We leave the Kali Gandaki River by climbing through a deep canyon to the pass Chele La (3,600m): beautiful view of the village of Gyakar (3,562m), dominated by its “rock Sphinx". We slowly descend to the village of Samar (3600m) then we climb to the Bhen La pass (3,830m) and finally reach the village of Bhen: with a beautiful view of the Damodhar Himal to the east. We climb to Yamda La pass (3,870m). We descend to the village of Syangmochen or Syanbochen (3,800m) and then, after one last pass, we begin the long descent to the village of Geling, dominated by a fort, a palace and two monasteries.

Day 07: Syanbochen to Dhakmar (3,810m)

We continue up the valley to the village of Chunkar (3,750m) and its beautiful "Stupa". We start the steep climb to the Nya La pass (3,990m) and then, after crossing a small pass second, the Ghami pass (3,770), we arrive at Ghami (3,510m), a pretty village in the middle of a green oasis. We pass a huge stone wall engraved ("mani"), and then we go back another desert valley to the north, dominated by beautiful cliffs eroded. Our path crosses several "stupas" before reaching the village of Dhakmar.

Day 08: Dhakmar to Tsarang (3,570m)

We go up to Mui La pass (4,145m) and then we go down to one of the oldest monasteries “Tibetan" Nepal: Ghar Gompa, the sect "Ningma" (unreformed), which are nicknamed "Red School", and more commonly called "red caps" because of the color of the cap. This monastery was founded at the same time as that of Samye, the oldest monastery of Tibet ...We admire the statues and frescoes and begin the long descent through the villages of Lo-Gekar (eleventh century monastery) and Marang to finally arrive to Tsarang in the fields of mustard, barley or buckwheat. Visit Mustang's second city whose palace and monastery are backed by a precipice.

Day 09: Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3,820m)

We walk in the great valley to Tholung Lo La pass (3,945m) on which floats tens of prayer flags and where the view is great on the "capital" of the Mustang and its surroundings. Lo-Manthang short descent (3,820m) and then we spend the afternoon to discover this walled city through its maze of alleys. We visit the main sites and monuments of Lo-Manthang: the Jhampa Lhakang which houses a huge Buddha statue and huge mandalas, the monasteries of Thubchen Chodey and then, if the "Raja" is in residence, we may be visit the grand Palace.

Day 10: Excursion day in Lo-Manthang

Today is free to explore the fascinating city of Lo Manthang, untouched since the 14th century. The city contains about 150 houses, as well as residences for its many lamas. There are four major temples within the city and one of these, Champa Lhakang, contains a huge clay statue of Buddha as well as elaborates mandalas painted on the walls. The king's palace is an imposing building in the centre of the city and is occupied by the current King and Queen. Although his duties are largely ceremonial, the King is respected by the people and consulted about many issues by villagers throughout the kingdom. If you wish you can take a day trip to the upper valley and back by horse or on foot.

Day 11: Lo-Manthang to Yara (3,580m)

After breakfast, leave the village of Lo - Manthang and keep gentle ascending to reach Lo La with sandy path. The trail slightly mounts on the ridge viewing the scenic landscapes until reaching small pass. Then, we walk through a steep and dusty descent in the narrow path. We again come to a wide plateau and tumble down the wobbly and knee crunching trail reaching Dhi village. After lunch we pass suspension bridge over the Kaligandaki River and ascend a steep path. Then, we chase down the upstream of Puyung Khola viewing the astonishing landscapes and countless caves at the stone walls. Eventually, we reach Yara village at an 3610 meter after walking 7 hours

Day 12: Hike to Luri Gompa (4,000m)

Today, we make short trek to Luri Gompa. In the morning, we continue through the river route to Luri cave Monastery which takes about 2 hours. There are actually two monasteries. First we visit one which is situated below of Luri Cave monastery. Then a short steep ascent brings us to Luri Cave Monastery which takes us about 30 minutes. This is the oldest and most famous cave monastery in the Mustang region which was constructed in the 15th century. Inside the cave we can see a big Old Chhorten and many images and statues of Protectors and Deities. There is an also highly sacred religious text which is always closed. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Day 13: Yara to Ghuma Thanti (4,745m)

You leave the last resident place Yara. The path goes into the large grassy plateau which emerges the majestic mountain views of Mt. Dhaulagiri and many more mountains. After 5 hours of walking, by passing 5,010m, you descend down to your camp at Ghuma thanti, nestled near the river. It is also a stop for pilgrims who come to us as sacred lakes of Damodar Khunda.

Day 14: Ghuma Thanti to Bacha Khola (4,970m)

You climb steep slopes of lunar landscape and it is the long step through two passes over 5,000m. The trails are well marked and easy to follow but can be a high risk for altitude. There is steepest descent down to reach Bacha Khola.

Day 15: Bacha Khola to Damodar Kunda (4,890m)

You go up the gorge over 200m before taking a large slope on the left bank of the river by a steep path that allows us to quickly gain altitude by crossing the pass of 5490 m that offers the views of Dhaulagiri and the peaks of Damodar Himal. You reach the sacred lakes and pilgrimage site Damodar Kunda. It is Hindu shrine upstream from the camp and a very old Buddhist chorten on the ridge marking the sacredness of the place.

Day 16: Damodar Kunda to Japanese BC (5,200m)

We follow small paths running to lead kharkas. A magnificent trophy of Marco Polo sheep and many sheep decorate these saligrams altitude. The end of the route in the river bed is uncomfortable. Can be served directly to the camp where a large chorten built by the Japanese. The mules were filed the day before our equipment, beyond only holders can ride.

Day 17: Japanese BC to Moraine Camp (5,720m)

The first part of the climb takes place on the left bank moraine of the glacier. the trail is very hard because of the snowy. We must reach the glacier itself to follow through a long row of penitents, splendid. To 5,700 meters, we cross the glacier almost horizontally to change banks and join Moraine right bank. We find the highest peak of the Damodar Himal: the Khumjungar Himal (6,959m).

Day 18: Summit Saribung Peak (6,346m). Back to Saribung BC (4,950m)

Early in the morning, wake up and start to climb up to Summit of Saribung and back to base camp. The climb is done in 3 hours on the moraine and then a little cracked ice and then 280 meters separate us from the summit by an easy path with large snow slopes to 30 degrees and a wide edge. From the top, the view is splendid of the surrounding peaks.

Day 19: Cross Saribung Pass (6,042m). Trek to Bhrikuti BC (5,070m)

Morning after breakfast, you traverse the Saribung pass and trek steep down through the snowy trail and follow the small stream. From the pass, the descent on the opposite side in the second part asks some attention because of many more crevasses. At the end of the glacier, we put the crampons and begin an endless path of the wire from the left bank moraine to camp.

Day 20: Bhrikuti BC to Phu Gaon (4,080m)

In the morning after breakfast, we will start our trek from our camp and walk on the Tibetan plateau and barren valley viewing very good view of snowy peaks until reaching Phu Gaon. Now we are in one of the unique Hidden Valleys. We can see their cultures, natural diversity and religion of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung and Ghale. The people are depending on subsistence agricultures, animal breeding and seasonal migrations with old Buddhist Monastery known as Tashi Lakhang Monastery is listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is believed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. We have a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks.

Day 21: Phu Gaon to Meta (3,560m)

Morning after breakfast, we will walk on the Tibetan plateau and pass the kani/gate end of the village and drop down in the narrow valley and arrive in Kyang where we just see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place which Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived illegally) at places like Jhunam, Chyakhu and Kyang. Then we continue the trail until reaching Meta. We can see the very spectacular view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Overnight in Lodge.

Day 22: Meta to Koto (2,600m)

In this day, we start trek steep down for the while and walk through the pine forest passing many streams and picturesque water fall near the Dharmashala. We cross over the many suspension bridges and arrive in Koto.

Day 23: Koto to Dharapani (1,860m)

In the morning after breakfast, we will start our trek in the level trail passing small villages until Timang through the Pine forest which takes about 2 hours. We can see short glimpse of Mt. Manaslu and other snow peaks. Then, we drop down to Danque through the knee crunching trail and have a lunch. After lunch, walk on the level and flat trail until reaching Dharapani.

Day 24: Dharapani to Jagat (1,300m)

Climb down along the Marsyangdi River, first cross by an iron bridge just end of the Dharapani village. Then, continue up Stream of Marsyangdi River until reaching Koto and cross by a long suspension bridge over the Marsyangdi River. The trail continues right hand through the small battis in the canyon. There is again other suspension bridge, cross over the bridge and drop down to sandy area near the Tal village. After Tal, the trail drop down to the River in rocky trail and climb up the through the dense forest area and again cross by a suspension bridge near the Chyamje where lunch break. Then, the trail continues in the left hand until reaching Jagat Village.

Day 25: Jagat to Kathmandu

After packed all the equipment and upload to the bus and drive back to Kathmandu passing beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages. The views of mountains are spectacular during the driving and transfer to Hotel.

Day 26: Free day in Kathmandu for self shopping and other activities

Day 27: Transfer to Kathmandu International airport for departure

Cost Include

Airport pick up and drop on private vehicle
Welcome dinner at typical and authentic Nepalese Kitchen
4 nights Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at twin sharing room on BB plan
One day full day sightseeing in Kathmandu as per the above mentioned in the itinerary with English speaking guide.
Transfer: Kathmandu to Pokhara and Jagat to Kathmandu on private jeep/Bus
One night hotel accommodation in Pokhara at twin sharing room on BB plan
Domestic flight: Pokhara to Jomsom
Completely camping trekking with full board i.e. breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Twin sharing tented accommodation and camping equipments and Kitchen equipments
Mattress, Toilet tent, shower, Dinning tent, dinning tables, chairs etc.
Special permit of Mustang and Nar-Phu Valley
Climbing permit of Saribung Peak
Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) entrance fees
First aid and medical kits
Climbing Guide equipment charge
English Speaking Trekking Guide, Assistant Guide, Cook, assistant cook and Porters
Accidental, medical and Helicopter Insurance of Nepalese staffs
All government taxes and official charges.

Cost Non-Includes

Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara
Rescue/ emergence and insurance cost
Garbage deposit of Saribung Peak
Beverage and hard drinks and alcohol
Nepal entry visa fee and airport tax during the departure.
Personal Trekking and climbing equipments and personal expenses.
In case of natural calamities i.e. political unrest, cancellation of flight due to weather, landslides etc the extra charge should be born by themselves.

Saribung Pass Trek

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