Saribung 6328 m & Upper Mustang 27 days
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Duration: 27 days
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Trip level: adventurous (info?)
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Maximum altitude: 6328 m
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Accommodation: teahouse/lodge and camping
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Season: May, September, October, November
The Saribung in Upper Mustang is a true climbing peak adventure. The peak is located in the remote and desolate region of Upper Mustang. Up to Lo Manthang you will have a relatively easy hike with nice and comfortable teahouses along the trail. After a visit of the inspiring capital you will head for the lonesome aribung. The peak is challenging peak, but not too technical. The challenge for Saribung lies in the remote and barren landscape of the beautiful Upper Mustang.
After your arrival we have a gear check with you, and make all the necessary preparations for permits. From Kathmandu you travel to Pokhara by private car. From Pokhara you can see all the mighty peaks of the Annapurna region. It is the gateway to the world-famous treks in and around the Annapurna range and beyond. But a walk along the shores of Phewa Lake is very pleasant as well. From Pokhara you travel by plane to Jomsom. From Jomsom you will trek to Kagbeni, the beginning and end of Upper Mustang. The first days there is a lot of climbing along some villages. The area receives little rain and the color landscapes are therefore particularly photogenic. Eventually you walk in the walled town of Lo Manthang. The king of the small kingdom of Mustang passed away in 2016. There are many temples and the monks live scattered throughout the town. During your resting day, you have all the time to watch Lo Manthang and its surroundings. After Lo Manthang we leave the civilized world and the Saribung adventure begins. From the Lo La pass, not far from Lo Manthang, it is a steep descent to the Kali Ghandaki river. You will cross the river and climb a bit to the village of Yara. In a landscape of eroded pillars you arrive at the monastery buildings of Luri Gompa. At Luri Gompa there is time to hike up a zig-zag trail to reach the entrance of the Kagyu Buddhist site which dates from the 13th century. Inside, there are a couple of accessible chambers with colourful wall paintings. From Ghuma Thanti it is pleasant trekking through rough grazing areas, gaining height steadily and reaching an open grassy plateau. Before crossing Damodar Danda you have to climb in a gorge and climb steeply to a high pass. From the pas you will enjoy stunning views of Dhaulagiri and Damodar Himal. After the pass you arrive at the sacred lakes of Damodar Kund. Damodar Kund is a pilgrimage site which is sacred for Hindus. The campsite is on a green meadow which is nice and comfortable camping after some tough days. The trail continues through an area only visited by shepherds and their flocks. Towards Moraine Camp the mountaineering part starts. There is no obvious trail, and you will climb on the glacier towards an altitude of 5720 meters. The camp is set on the moraine near the glacier. From this last camp you will start your final push to the summit of Saribung. A long day of trekking but relatively easy climbing brings you to the summit of the Saribung Peak (6328 m). From the summit, there are fantastic views of several nearby peaks and also a glimpse into Tibet, now just 5 kilometres away to the east. After summiting you will descend easily across glaciated terrain until you reach a trail marked by cairns across a moraine next of the glacier. After the final descent each step leads back to civilization. First we pass by a small village and later you will arrive at the medieval village of Phu. A small village with densely packed houses build of stone and mud-brick. Towards Meta you will pass by some trees since long time. After a long day of trekking you will hike out of the Phu valley and you will pass by some woodlands before your junction with the Annapurna Circuit at Koto. From here it is easy and luxurious trekking with comfortable teahouses. The adventure ends at Dharapani, from Dharapani you will drive back to Kathmandu.
Day 01 Arrival Kathmandu; pick up International Airport Kathmandu
Day 02 Preparations for climbing gear and permits
Day 03 Sightseeing Kathmandu
Day 04 Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara, flight is optional (6 hrs.)
Day 05 Flight to Jomsom, and trek to Kagbeni (2800 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 06 Trek to Chele (3050 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 07 Trek to Shyammochen (3500 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 08 Trek to Geling (3806 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 09 Trek to Tsarang (3560 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 10 Trek to Lo Manthang (3700 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 11 Resting day at Lo Manthang for acclimatization. Optional day hike to visit Lo Manthang and its surrounding area.
Day 12 Trek to Yara (3650 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 13 Trek to Luri Gompa (3900 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 14 Trek to Ghuma Thanti (4850 m – 7 hrs.)
Day 15 Trek to Bharche Khola (4900 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 16 Cross over the Damodar Kund Danda (4975 m) and trek to Damodar Kund (4890 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 17 Trek to Base Camp (5240 m – 4 hrs.)
Day 18 Trek to Moraine Camp (5720 m – 5 hrs.)
Day 19 Climb Saribung Peak (6328 m) and descent to Bhrihuti base camp (5070 m – 9 hrs.)
Day 20 Trek to Phu (4080 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 21 Resting day at Phu (or extra buffer day)
Day 22 Trek to Meta (3560 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 23 Trek to Koto (2670 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 24 Trek to Dharapani (1860 m – 6 hrs.)
Day 25 Drive to Besisahar, and drive back to Kathmandu
Day 26 Sightseeing Kathmandu
Day 27 Departure; drop off International Airport Kathmandu
Sherpa Heritage Trails shows you a starting price. During the trekking season prices may rise. The final price depends on the trekking season, group size and the cost of local transfers.
Please inquire about the price.
When you arrive at the International Airport we will pick you up and bring you to your accommodation. Here we will give you a short briefing about the trek & peak climbing. In addition, we will give you advice about hygienic food, customs, and sightseeing in Kathmandu.
Cost include:
-Pick up and drop off from Kathmandu International Airport to hotel
-5 nights private room in 3* star including breakfast in Kathmandu
-Drive Kathmandu to Pokhara; flight Pokhara to Jomsom: drive Besisahar to Kathmandu
-Certificate of CO2- emission free for all transport in Nepal
-Licensed and certified mountain guide. Well experienced and English speaking
-Licensed and certified climbing Sherpa. Well experienced and -English speaking (prepares fixed ropes during ascent)
– Cooking staff service
-Porter service for carrying luggage, tent equipment and climbing gear. One porter for two persons, max. luggage 12 kg. per person
-Free use of waterproof bag for your luggage
-Free use of tent equipment; including one tent for two persons and a light sleeping mattress
-Three meals a day: breakfast/lunch/dinner; Tea/coffee/hot chocolate/hot water and cookies; if possible fresh fruit
-Climbing gear including: climbing harness, crampons, ice axe, helmet, climbing ropes, prusik ropes, karabiners, abseil 8 or ATC guide and jumar
-Sleeping bag and down jacket
-Salary, food, accommodation, clothing&gear and insurance for the mountain guide, climbing Sherpa, cooking staff and porters
-Climbing permit Saribung Peak, Upper Mustang permit for 10 days ($500,00), Nar Phu valley restricted area permit, ACAP, TIMS card and local taxes
-Support of the Sherpa Heritage Trails head office in Kathmandu
Cost exclude:
-International flight to Kathmandu
-Nepal entrance visa
-High altitude mountain boots (category D/E) and gaiters
-Lunch and dinners in Kathmandu
-All other beverage bills, hot shower, internet services, laundry and battery charge during trek
-Personal travel insurance
-Rescue operation charge in case of an emergency
-Any cost that arises due to a change of itinerary like flight delay, natural calamities, etc.
-Gratitude and tips for mountain guide, climbing Sherpa, cooking staff and porters