This is an expedition to the Nepal Himalaya where we cross Saribung La at an altitude of 6,042m. There is also an option to climb to the summit of Saribung at 6,328m.
Saribung Expedition is an adventurous trip through a very remote region in Nepal. After leaving the Annapurna Circuit at Chame we walk to the isolated village of Phu. From there we hike up into the remote Phu valley. At the head of this valley we cross the rarely trekked Saribung La pass to enter Upper Mustang. There is an option to climb Saribung peak (6,328m) which is 300m higher than the pass.
Saribung Peak would be suitable if you have basic mountaineering skills. You should also have previous experience of trekking at high altitude. The climbing route is a moderate angled snow slope on a glacier with crevasses. For this expedition we use international leaders working together with Sherpa guides. Having an experienced leadership is key for a safe and enjoyable experience. The leaders will provide refresher training for key mountaineering skills during the trip.
We designed our Saribung Pass trek itinerary for gradual acclimatisation to high altitude. This increases your chances of crossing Saribung La and making an ascent of Saribung. This works better by starting from the Phu side where we trek up to Pokharkang Base Camp (5,030m). This trail is rarely visited by other trekkers. It is a beautiful valley with blue sheep often seen grazing near Base Camp.
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu (1,400m)
Day 2: Briefing, permits and kit check in Kathmandu
Day 3: Drive to Jagat (930m)
Day 4: Trek to Dharapani (1,940m)
Day 5: Trek to Koto (2,700m)
Day 6: Trek to Meta (3,500m)
Day 7: Trek to Kyang (3,891m)
Day 8: Trek to Phu (4,080m)
Day 9: Acclimatisation walks around Phu (4,080m)
Day 10: Trek to Yak Kharka (4,494m)
Day 11: Trek to Pokharkang Base Camp (5,030m)
Day 12: Acclimatisation walk around Pokharkang BC (5,030m)
Day 13: Trek to Bhrikuti Base Camp (5,070m)
Day 14: Trek to Saribung Base Camp (5,339m)
Day 15: Trek to Saribung High Camp (5,800m)
Day 16: Cross Saribung La (6,042m) and climb Saribung Peak (6,328m), descend to Japanese Base Camp (5,250m)
Day 17: Trek to Damodar Khunda (4,890m)
Day 18: Trek to Bacha Khola Camp (4,859m)
Day 19: Trek to Ghuma Thati (4,800m)
Day 20: Trek to Yara (4,300m)
Day 21: Trek to Charang (3,560m)
Day 22: Jeep to Jomsom (2,670m)
Day 23: Fly to Pokhara & Kathmandu
Day 24: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 25: Fly back home
- All internal transport and transfers including airport collections.
- Internal flights. The flights are from Jomsom to Pokhara & Kathmandu.
- One day sightseeing in Kathmandu with Nepalese cultural guide and private vehicle.
- Twin share rooms at Hotel Tibet or Hotel Ambassador in Kathmandu.
- Breakfast only in Kathmandu, all meals included while on trek.
- Twin share tents while on trek using our Western branded tents.
- Trekking arrangements. Including permits and fees, tents, International and Sherpa guides, porters and cooks. The Upper Mustang Restricted Area Permit costs US$500. Peak permit to climb to the summit of Saribung is an extra cost.
- Porterage. The allowance for your main bag is 20kg.
- Weather forecasts from EverestWeather.com.
- Thuraya satellite phone for organising logistics and medical evacuations. It can also be also used for personal calls at extra cost.
- GPS tracking on Google Maps. Your friends and family can track your progress during the trek.
- Trekking map given to you on arrival to Kathmandu.
- Rubberised luggage tag posted to you before departure.
- Full financial protection. Our Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) number is 10921. Our Association of Bonded Travel Operators Trust (ABTOT) membership number is 5365).
- Pre departure support and advice from The Mountain Company. We are available by email, phone or face to face meetings.
- International flight to/from Kathmandu.
- Travel & trekking insurance.
- Nepal visa for 30 days.
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
- Personal clothing & equipment. Take a look at the kit list.
- Peak permit to climb to the summit of Saribung.
- Entrance to the monasteries in Lo Manthang (US$10)
- Tips. Each trekker should budget for giving tips into the group fund. This should be in region of 21,000 Nepalese rupees (£135, US$175 or €150).
- Other items not listed in “What is included”.
Roland and guide Jo were in touch from well before arrival in Nepal to answer questions and help planning. The trek and climb were outstanding and we had the opportunity to be in a remote part of the Nepal Himalaya with solitude. Staff and porters went beyond the call of duty on difficult days. Would not hesitate to choose a future trek/climb with The Mountain Company.
The Saribung Trek is a great combination of initially walking up the Naar Khola Valley up to the beautiful village of Phu, there is plenty of time to explore. From here the trek ascends into the stunning and remote mountains. Plenty of snow, ice and mountain scenery. With TMC we had the benefit of exceptional guides, well trained, attentive and experienced. On a trek like this you want confidence that the guides are trained to help you through the mountains and all conditions. You certainly get with these people. Wonderful to be in the mountains
If like me you have been trekking in Nepal for many years, then you will know that once you have ticked off all the usual treks it becomes more difficult to find challenges. Not with The Mountain Company. Roland is always striving to find new adventures for his clients and Saribung La is just that. There are few treks now where you wont see anybody else but your own crew and trekking companion for a whole week once you leave the last village, this was one was nearer 10 days. awesome scenery, Jo Clark is a first class guide. the crew support and food top notch. For the best and most challenging Boutique trekking company around contact Roland@themountaincompany.co.uk
Holiday experts to the Himalaya and Karakoram
