Saribung Expedition (6,346m) situated between the Mustang and Annapurna region of Nepal and only a few tourists have visited the area and few have climbed this mountain because of its remoteness and due to the lack of information about the area and the peak. Damodar Saribung traverse is at the perimeter close to Tibet, where rugged landscapes and primitive culture merge in a very unique interpretation of land forgotten by time.
Dream Himalaya Adventures start the trek from one of the world’s famous trekking route “Annapurna Circuit” to the hidden valley of Narphu area, and then on to Saribung Peak, via Bhrikuti base camp. This climbing expedition includes a crossing of the few high passes including Saribung La (6,020m) and emerges to the mystical land of Narphu valley and upper mustang, where Tibetan culture thrives in every village and monasteries.
These days, Saribung Expedition is gaining popularity among trekkers because this trip includes a trek to mystical areas of Himalayas viz. “Upper Mustang” and “Narphu” and above all, it's due to altitude variation and remoteness of Damodar Saribung traverse. Saribung Expedition is challenging but doesn't require technical experience.
Before we climb the mountain, we will be trekking through the hidden valley of “Narphu” and after being climbed the peak, we trek towards the ancient Kingdom of Mustang; a place where we can experience the Tibetan cultures and traditions with the border only a few days walking distance. This region is dominated by people of Tibetan origins. The landscape is similar to Tibet in the north as the area is much higher, drier and dustier than the rest of Nepal. We should see some great examples of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries which are some hundred years old. It's a restricted area for trekking, which requires a special trekking permit (min US$500 for 10 days).
This mountain doesn’t require higher camps above the Advance base camp.
The summit attempt can be made from the advance base camp and on the same day, we will descent to the advance base camp on the other side. The climbing is not technically difficult but challenging and tough. So, a high level of fitness is required and it can be compared to MeraPeak in technical difficulty.
We will have highly experienced Sherpa guides who do the fix lines, setting of camps and looking after the entire team. On the trek, even the high altitude porters will never hesitate to assist the team. Everyone has to carry their own daypack with a wind jacket, water, camera and some dry foods in it. In case of bad weather, we have two extra days and your guides will work out if those extra days have to be used or not.
From Kathmandu, we drive to Beshishar by bus and to Syange by jeep. This is the starting point of our trek. Here, our trekking crews will prepare the loads and organize the porters for all the expedition equipment to go to the base camp (BC). We trek to Tal, Koto on the famous Annapurna Circuit trail and enter the hidden valley of “Narphu” for about 4/5 days. We explore the region and get acclimatized before heading to the mountain.
After leaving behind the Narphu area, we make our way slowly upwards crossing Yak Kharka (4,615m) and to Bhrikuti base camp, which is the bottom of the mountain. We snake our way up towards the moraine intermediate camp (5,400m) which will take us around 4 hours time and next day, another 4 hours walk to advance base camp (5,700m) on the glacier. From here we will strike out to the summit in 4 hours and descent to Japanese base camp spending another 4 hours time. Now we trek about 6 days to get Lo Manthang through the high terrains, crossing over few high passes above 5000m of altitudes. This section would be tough if the bad weather and heavy snowfall occurs. Finally, we will get into the kingdom of Mustang, where you can have a chance to meet with the KING of mustang and visit the ancient Buddhist monasteries. We trek down to meet the Annapurna trail to Jomsom and fly to KTM via Pokhara.
DETAILS ITINERARY
Day 1
Kathmandu Arrival, transfer to hotel and briefing
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 2
Kathmandu Sightseeing tour, preparation and packing
You will be transferred to our office for documentation work. You will also be introduced with your crew members and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. In the afternoon, half day sightseeing tour will be organized during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3
Drive to Besisahar(800m) 8hrs O/N guesthouse
Leaving Kathmandu early in the morning, we will follow Prithvi Highway till we reach Dumre. We will take a branched path from Dumre to Besisahar which is the district headquarter of Lamjung. Our journey is exciting with scenic views of green hills, river and forest at the backdrop. Hotels and lodges are found in abundance in Besisahar. Stay overnight at Besisahar.
Day 4
Drive to Koto (2600m) 7-8hrs
From Besi Sahar, we will take a jeep drive to Koto passing through quite a lot beautiful local villages. Instead of walk, we take jeep drive to save few days on the lower altitude; the drive goes through along the main trekking trail. It takes about 7-8 hours to reach Koto. The road isn’t blacktopped pitch road; its muddy road. The road follows the famous Marsyangdi River.
Day 5
Trek to MethangPati (3,560m) 6hrs
We will cross river that continues to Nar Phu valley and walk to the forest located above Phu River. The trail continues further along cave to Dharmasala. Walking along canyon, we will reach pasture land and continue walking to the temporary settlement of MethangPati. Stay overnight at MethangPati.
Day 6
Trek to Kyang (3820m) 6hrs
Leaving MethangPati, we will pass through temporary winter settlement of Nar where we can see yak grazing lazily on Himalayan herbs. Walk through the low shrubs and bushes with scenic mountain views at the backdrop to Junam which is the semi-permanent settlement. Enjoy the views of glaciers as we head towards semi-permanent settlement of Chako. Taking series of ups and downs from Chako, we will reach Kyang where we will stay overnight.
Day 7
Trek to Phu (4080m) 5hrs
We will follow the descending trail to river. Following the river, we will walk through settlements where we can see colourful chortens. The trail continues along glacial stream, Canyonlands and gorges and arrive at Phu gate. This ancient gate is known as PupigyalKwe. Enjoy the views of three villages of Phu from this ancient gate. Enter PhuGaon for overnight stay.
Day 8
Explore the area of Phu
This is a rest day. We will visit local villages to meet with locals. Dzong and remains of two forts are also place of interest in Phugaon. Time permitting, we will visit Tashi Lhakhang Gompa to meet with Lama Karma SonamRimpoche. Stay overnight at PhuGaon.
Day 9
Trek to Yak Kharka (4615m) 6hrs
As today’s walk is also quite long day walk, so we eat early morning breakfast and start our long day walk to Yak Kharka (4,615m). We follow the trek route towards to Damodar Kund to Bhrikuti base camp along with Layju Khola (river) and crossing the Nagoru. On today’s walk we won’t get any teahouse in between so possibly having pack lunch, we keep walking until we reach to Yak Kharka for our over night camp.
Day 10
Trek to Bhirkuti Base Camp (4980m) 5hrs
We will cross the glacier and follow the escalating trail to Bhrikuti Base Camp. The trail continues through lateral moraine and rubble strewn glacier. Later, we will arrive at point where there is no distinct path. We will set our camp under the shadow of southern face of BhrikutiMountain. The camp site will be located close to the frozen lake. We can enjoy the close-up view of Saribung Mountain from our camp. Stay overnight at Bhrikuti Base Camp.
Day 11
Stay at BhirkutiBase Camp and fix rope climbing trainings
This is the preparation day. Our Sherpa crew will explore the glacier for a location for our high camp while the guide will share Saribung climbing strategy with team. He will also provide you with necessary instructions and teach you what to do and how should you call for help if in case of emergency. Sherpas will make way and fix cables wherever necessary and set up High camps while we will practice climbing glaciers. Stay overnight at Bhrikuti Base Camp.
Day 12
Trek to Interim camp (5,400m), on the moraine 5-6hrs
Saribung Climbing begins on this day. We will pack our things and get ready for the challenging climb. Walking through the moraines of en route glacier, we will follow the snowy trail that allows the close-up views of KhumjunggarPeak (6,959m) and DamodarMountain. We will arrive at our Interim Camp that is located on moraine at an altitude of 5400m where we will stay overnight.
Day 13
Trek to Advance Base Camp (5700m), on the glacier 3-4hrs
We will continue our journey along the moraines and glacier till we reach the point where the glacier separates two valleys. The valley to the right side head towards the Kunlun Pass (6035m). We will choose the left trail toBharchauk Cwm. The path is scenic where we will be surrounded by snow covered mountains. We will set our camp on ice. SaribungMountain will be towering above us. Stay overnight at Advance Base Camp.
Day 14
Climb the Pass (6020m), Summit the Peak (4 hours), cross to the another side and trek continue to the Japanese base camp 7hrs
We will reach to the summit of Saribung on this day. We will start much early before sunrise. Although the trail is not much slope, we may need to use rope to climb to the summit through crevassed route. The summit allows incredible views of Tibet to the north. We will descend from summit and cross to another side from where we will head towards Japanese Base Camp. Stay overnight at Japanese Base Camp.
Day 15
Spare day for Climbing
Including a spare day in our itinerary makes sure that our trip goes according to plan even if we get delayed by unforeseen circumstances like bad weather and other factors.
Day 16
Trek to Damodarkunda (4890m) 5hrs
It is named Japanese Base Camp because there is a chorten which is built by Japanese expeditioners. We will follow the river bed for couple of hours and walk through kharkas to DamodarKunda where we will stay overnight.
Day 17
Rest day at Damodarkunda
DamodarKundaor Damodar Lake is the holy pilgrimage sitewhere many Hindus visit each year. There is an ancient Buddhist chorten on ridge which marks the holiness of this site. Explore the surrounding areas and stay overnight at DamodarKunda.
Day 18
Trek to BarsyoKhola, 6hrs
Leaving scenic DamodarKunda area, we will move higher throughpasture land to Barsyo River. We will set our camp nearby Barsyo River. Stay overnight at BarsyoKhola Camp.
Day 19
Trek to Yara (3650m) 6hrs
After an early morning tea, we will walk along Barsyo River. The trail criss-crosses forest and takes us through narrow stone path where we can see yaks carrying load. We will pass through tiny settlements to Yara where we will stay overnight.
Day 20
Stay atYara and explore the area (entry point to Lomanthang)
This is rest day. Yara is considered as entry point for Lomanthang. Explore around Yara and stay overnight.
Day 21
Trek to Lo Manthang (3810m) 5hrs
Leaving Yara, we will lower down to river. Walking along river, we will arrive at metal bridge. We will cross this bridge and reach Dhie village. Climbing uphill from Dhie, we will reach Lomanthang where we will stay overnight.
Day 22
Explore the area, visit to the King and monasteries
This is an acclimatization day. We will explore around Lomanthang which is the ultimate destination of Upper Mustang Trek. Lo Manthang is the capital City of Mustang. There are several interesting places around Lomanthang that we can visit on this day. Tingkhar is one of such attractions. Tingkhar is the last village of Mustang. Similarly, monasteries like NamgyalGompa, ThugchenGompa and ChyodiGompa are other attractions. We can also visit ancient Lo Manthang Palace which is the residence of local king. Stay overnight in Lo Manthang.
Day 23
Trek to Charang (3560m) 5-6hrs
Lomanthang is a fortified city where we can visit Royal Palace and monasteries. We will follow the scenic path from Lomanthang which allows spectacular views of Nilgiri, Annapurna, Bhrikuti, Tilicho and other peaks and mountains. We will follow Chalang River for brief period before arriving at Charang where we will stay overnight.
Day 24
: Trek to Ghami (3520m) 6-7hrs
Charang is an amazing settlement which is crowded with chortens and gompas. Charangholds the largest library in Lo. We will walk past trees and fields and climb Choya La Pass to reach Dhakmar. Crossing Ghami River, we will reach Ghami where we will stay overnight.
Day 25
Trek to Chele (3050m) 7-8hrs
From Ghami, we will head towards Gheling and continue climbing to Chyangmochen. Crossing Yamdo La Pass, we will head towards Gheling. Walking past chortens decorated in red and yellow, we will reach Samar village. Crossing Chele La Pass from Samar, we will arrive at Chele where we will stay overnight.
Day 26
Trek to Kagbeni (2810m) 4-5hrs
Leaving Chele, we will lower down to Kali Gandaki River and walk through gorges till we reach Chhusang village. From Chhusang, we will walk past tiny Tangbe village and walk through beautiful valley toKagbeni. We can get scenic view of Nilgiri Peak. We will walk through wheat field and apple orchards to Kagbeni where we will stay overnight.
Day 27
Visit to Muktinath (Hindus holy monastery), and continue to Jomsom by jeep 6hrs
Muktinath, the Lord of Salvation is a holy site that is hold sacred by Hindus and Buddhists. From Kagbeni, we will trek all the way up to Muktinath where we will visit Muktinath Temple and Jwalamai temple, the temple of eternal flame. We will return from Muktinath to Jomsom where we will stay overnight.
Day 28
: Fly to Pokhara, O/N pokhara
20minutes of scenic flight fromJomsomwill take us to Pokhara. Take rest. You can explore around Pokhara. Seti Gorge, David Fall, Mahendra Cave, Gupteswor Cave and Mountaineering Museum are some of the places of interest in Pokhara. Visiting Phewa Lake in the evening is a fine idea. Stay overnight in Lakeside hotel.
Day 29
: Fly to KTM and free evening, dinner
We will drive to Pokhara Airport in the afternoon. Scenic flight from Pokhara will take us to Kathmandu. Take rest. Write a journal and arrange your photo albums. You can visit the ultimate shopping destination for tourists, Thamel in the evening to buy gift items. Stay overnight at hotel.
Day 30
Depart for Int’l flight to home
We will transfer you to the Airport as per your scheduled flight for your onward destination. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.
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