Saribung Peak Climbing

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
The hills of Kathmandu welcome you. On arrival, a representative of Alpine Adventure Team will be ready to pick you up from the airport. You will be dropped to the hotel. If you have the time and desire to explore, feel free to explore the area around your hotel. Or spend the rest of the day resting after a long flight. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Permit Procedure and fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara, and transfer to Hotel.
The trek involves traveling through restricted areas and climbing. This means permits are required. Today your permits will be secured and prepared, and you will be cleared to go on the journey. In the afternoon you will be transferred to Pokhara via a flight. It’s a short half hour-long flight. Pokhara is a beautiful and accommodating city with lots to explore. Spend the day today resting along the lakeside with some authentic Nepali cuisine. Overnight in Pokhara.

Day 03: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni 2800m/3-4 hours,
Pokhara to Jomsom is a short one and is done early in the morning. You will land in the district town of Jomsom. The beautiful town of Jomsom is split by the Kali Gandaki River and is known for being notoriously windy. We will follow the Kali Gandaki River through dirt, dusty and rocky trails to the town of Kagbeni. Kagbeni is a beautiful village on the Banks of the Kali Gandaki. The green cultivated fields surround its tightly knit medieval village. The Large monastery that overlooks the town is worth exploring. Overnight in Kagbeni.

Day 04: Trek from Kagbeni to Tsaile 3100m/5-6 hours,
After leaving Kagbeni we enter the “Bara Gaunle”, or 12 villages’ area. These villages and sub-villages are of Tibetan ancestry. Following the left bank of the Kaligandaki River, we will arrive at Tangbe (3060m), a village very similar in appearance to Kagbeni. From here we continue on to the village of Chhuksang about an hour or so away. On your way, you will see some cave dwellings on the west bank of the river. After moving away from Chuksang we notice spectacular rock formations on the cliff sides, colored in a red hue. The small village of Tsaile has many shops and lodges. Overnight in Tsaile.

Day 05: Trek from Tsaile to Syangmochen via Chungsi Cave 3570m/6-7 hours,
The landscape today is treeless and desolate as we climb along with the switch back to the Tsaile La pass (3630m). From here we gradually descent into Samar (3620m). We will then take a spectacular trail amidst the brown canyons to the Chungsi La pass at 3810m. From here, we will head on to the Chungsi caves. They are canyon side cave-dwelling, also doubling up as a monastery. The red bricks and prayer flags mark the entrance. Make a short climb to it and explore the area. The caves hold great significance as it was said the Great Guru Rinpoche used to meditate here. After exploring we will need to climb back up in altitude through dry meadows up to Syangmochen. Overnight in Syangmochen.

Day 06: Trek from Syangmochen to Drakmar 3560m, 6-7 hours
We will head to the village of Tama Gaon (3710m) after crossing the pass at Syangmochen La. Continuing along the trail we pass the campsites of Chunggar and Jaite. We will now be trekking on the high trail above the Gheling valley which we will leave as we ascend up to the Nyi La pass (4020m). The views of the landscape below are breathtaking as we head from here to the village of Ghemi through the Ghemi La pass. We will bypass Ghemi from a trail that takes us above and then subsequently to the Drakmar village. Drakmar is a beautiful village with a massive expanse of cultivated fields and green meadows, with colorful cliffs nearby. Overnight in Drakmar.

Day 07: Trek from Drakmar to Lo-Manthang 3840m via Ghar Gompa
We head out today through desolate and serene lands as away from Drakmar there are no permanent settlements. As we cross the high passes and traverse through ridges, we will also be able to see villages of Marang and Tsarang villages below. We will soon arrive at Lo Gekar, which houses the small magnificent Ghar Gompa. The Ghar Gompa is built focusing housing for the monks and has many small individual rooms. The Gompa sits isolated but amidst trees and Chortens. Leaving Lo Gekar we will pass the Tsarang River to a series of passes and high meadows. When we arrive at the pass of Chogo La (4325) we get a glimpse of the large walled city of Lo Manthang. Overnight in Lo Manthang.

Day 08: Exploration Day: Visit Chhoser Village
Lo Manthang is a large and beautiful city with many traditional buildings, shrines, a grand palace all inside tall walls. We will be heading to the Chhoser village for exploration. After exiting from the entrance gate, we head east to the Chhoser valley. The village of Chhoser sits on an ancient trade route with Tibet. The village itself has two beautiful Monasteries, Garphu, and Nyphu Gompas. These monasteries are built close to each other while the Nyphu Gompa sinks into the canyon outcrop itself and is attached to many cave dwellings. There are several other cave dwellings which the ancient ones were said to have navigated all the way to Tibet. Overnight in Lo-Manthang.

Day 09: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Yara 3900m/6-7 hours
We will be trekking along with some dramatic landscapes, on a trail historically used by the locals in winter. We will first cross the Lo La pass and catch a final glimpse of Lo Manthang below. From here on, we cross the pass of Dhi-La at 3950m and then travel down to the Dhi village, a green oasis amongst the arid landscape. Yara village is a few hours away along this route that takes you east along the river. We will pass the village of Surkhang before arriving at Yara. Yara has a monastery that looks over the village. Overnight in Yara.

Day 10: Trek from Yara to Luri Cave Monastery 3-4 hours
We will head to the Luri Cave Monastery, which is a relatively short trek. You will traverse along the river and arrive at the village of Luri. The Luri village sits across the Puyan River, amidst the eroded cliffs. The two monasteries and shrines here date back to almost the 14-15th centuries and are said to be the oldest cave monasteries of Mustang. The monasteries sit vertically from each other. Visit the lower monastery, the inner cave and the monastery that sits perched atop the outcrop of the cliff. Overnight in Luri cave monastery.

Day 11: Trek from Luri Gompa from Ghuma Thanti 4600m/5-6 hours
We will walk along the dry switchbacks gaining altitude as we go. The landscape looks more alien and beautiful. We will pass several passes that border the height of 5,000m. Along the way, we will get great views of the Tibetan mountains up north and the Dhaulagiri Mountain in the west. The final pass which sits close to a height of 4940m will lead you to the opening of Ghuma Thanti. Descend down to the campsite, which historically was made for pilgrims wishing to travel to Damodar Kunda. Overnight in Ghuma Thanti.

Day 12: Trek from Ghuma Thanti to Namta Khola 4890/7-8 hours,
The trek for today will be truly strenuous and challenging as we trek on high altitudes and keep climbing and descending through rough passes. We will begin by crossing a pass at 5320m which provides great views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Massifs. The route will then take you down at river bed level of the Parche River before climbing back again. The passes along the way provide great views of Dhaulagiri and the Damodar Mountain ranges, Saribung’s parent range. We will pass by the holy lake of Damodar Kunda, and the several shrines made in tribute to the location. Our journey today will finally make a tiring end at the banks of the Namta River. Overnight in Namta Khola.

Day 13: Trek from Namta Khola to Saribung Base Camp 4950/6-7 hours
There are no settlements ahead from here on out. We will need a packed lunch for the days ahead. The trek will transcend into the great Plateau of Tibet, beginning on this side of the border. The gain in altitude is not significant but the gradual climb-ups and downs will keep you on your toes. Also, pass the hill slopes and passes with caution as the loose rocks may spell trouble. It’s to your best interest to not hurry and take it slow. However, taking it slow will not test your patience due to the beautiful landscapes on display. Overnight in Saribung base camp.

Day 14: Trek from Base Camp to Camp I 5730m/5-6 hours
The trail remains rough and strenuous especially on your feet and ankles. The trail will be alternate between rocky and snowy terrain. We will stop by halfway to have lunch and then continue walking. Trekking through an undefined trail, we will be heading towards the mouth of the glacier moraine that leads up to the camp. We will follow this glacier carefully up to the base camp 1. The views here include the up close and unobstructed views of the Damodar Mountain range as well as the Khumjungar Himal (6,959m). Soak in the views of the surroundings on arrival then set up camp for your stay tonight at Camp 1. Overnight in Camp 1.

Day 15: Summit to Saribung Peak 6346m and back to Base Camp 4950m/8-9 hours,
In Order to avoid possible weather problems in the afternoon and to make it back on time, we begin really early. Ascending along the rocky terrain we will transition to icy and snow-covered gullies. After following the glacier moraine edge up to the main Mountain, it will be a rough climb up to the summit. Sometimes it may call for prefixed ropes for easier travel up to the peak. Stick together and carefully tread to the top. The top of Saribung will offer stunning views of the Himalayan Amphitheatre that includes, the Annapurna range, Himlung, Gyajikhang, Chub Himal, Kharsang Peak, and Bhrikuti amongst many others. After a while of witnessing these beautiful peaks, we will tread back down carefully to base camp. Overnight in Base Camp.

Day 16: Trek from Base Camp to Nagoru 4400m via Saribung Pass 5600m,
We will be heading to the campsite at Nagoru today. However, in order to get there, we will need to cross the Saribung pass at 5600m. Being in the foot of the Peak itself, the Saribung pass area is mostly covered in snow throughout the year. Thus, it will be a slow and steady journey along the snowy slopes through the Saribung pass. We can have our lunch break at the Saribung pass with great views accompanying us, before heading down to Nagoru along the snowy banks of an infant river. We can follow this trail all the way down to Nagoru where we will be camping for the night. Overnight in Nagoru.

Day 17: Trek from Nagoru to Phu Gaon 4080m/5-6 hours
Today we will have transitioned to Manang as we head down through the arid high valleys again. Although the landscape seems similar to that in mustang, we can witness a bit more greenery due to the fact that much of the region is not in the rain shadow area. Trekking along this landscape, we will soon arrive at the village of Phu. Phu Gaon is a beautiful medieval village. The Khaki colored mud houses are stacked on top of each other along the Cliffside. Nearby the village is the Tashi Lhakhang monastery, said to be the last Gompa constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. There are Great Mountain views all around, notably of Himlung peak nearby. Overnight in Phu Gaon.

Day 18: Trek from Phu Gaon to Meta 3560m/5-6 hours
We will move along through Kyang where we can notice the ruins of the Khampa forts. Khampa were the Tibetan Nomads, who came here and unlawfully captured lands for their stay. More fort ruins can be seen in the following villages of Junam and Chyakhu. After leaving these villages, we will arrive at a monolith that marks a steep trail. Following this we will descend down to the scenic gorges and canyons carved out by rough winds and the rivers. Continuing onwards we will reach a vast opening, signifying our entrance into the Meta area. The village sits amongst big open fields. Overnight in Meta.

Day 19: Trek from Meta to Koto 2600m/6-7 hours
From Meta to Koto, there is a sharp increase in vegetation as we will be entering well into the tree line. Begin the trek by descending down a steep hill down from Meta. We will bypass the village of Dharmasala which has a stunning waterfall nearby. Then we move through Narrow Canyons and can see cave dwellings that pilgrims used to use for their stay. Crossing these gorges and canyons also takes us through many suspension bridges. Then further on ahead are beautiful woods studded with coniferous Pines, Rhododendrons and some wildflowers. We will reach Koto a village that lies on the old Annapurna circuit route. Overnight in Koto.

Day 20: Trek from Koto to Dharapani 1860m/5-6 hours
From Koto, we will be heading through small settlements that increase in frequency. These settlements include the Lama and Bhotia (Tibetan) and as you descend down the Gurung settlements will increase in frequency. Glimpses of Manaslu and other mountains can be exchanged from the Tree Shades or meadow openings. We will stop by Danakyu for lunch. The trail ahead will not be so rough now. We shall descend a bit before arriving at Dharapani. Overnight in Dharapani.

Day 21: Trek from Dharapani to Jagat 1300m/5-6 hours,
On our way from Dharapani. We will pass by the populated villages of Kotro, Tal and the district headquarters of Chame. Between villages, there are thickly vegetated forests. Chame has many shops and lodges and will be a good place for Lunch. It is the headquarters of Manang district. From here on continue onwards to Jagat village. Overnight in Jagat.

Day 22: Trek from Jagat to Kathmandu 7-8 hours by the private land cruiser and transfer to Hotel.
From Jagat, we will be heading along the Marsayangdi River to the town of Bhulbhule. The Marsayangdi River is at its adolescent stage and many tributaries join in making the river larger. Follow its blue waters to Bhulbhule. From here it will be a rough first half of the drive on our Private vehicle, before reaching the blacktopped roads. We will then climb up the hills of the valley back into Kathmandu. You will be transferred back to the hotel, where you can rest reminiscing the wonderful journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Day 23: Final Departure from Kathmandu
Bid your farewells to your climbing friends, your guides and companions. We will also bid you farewell with warmest regards. A representative of Alpine Adventure Team will be ready to escort you to the airport for your departure back.