Overview

Join this totally unique Saribung Peak Climbing experience in Nepal’s mysterious Upper Mustang region. The route first passes through the undisturbed land of the former Lo Kingdom. The caves, extraordinary rock formations and desert-like landscape give this place a mystical vibe. It is truly like no other place on Earth.  Some trekkers say they feel as if they have been transported to Mars. From desert caves to snowy peaks to pockets of a green oasis, this journey is quite surreal.  Those who live in the area carry out traditional practices of Tibetan Buddhism and live in a way as if isolated from the forces of modernization. The Upper Mustang Saribung Peak Climbing gives us a feeling of peace and joy that fills our hearts and minds.

The highlight of the trek is summiting the breathtaking Saribung Peak Climbing(6346 meters/20,820 feet). As far as climbing expeditions go, it’s relatively easy. From the top, climbers are treated to stunning views of Gyajikang, Himlung, Bhrikuti, and more while Dhaulagiri can be seen on the way up. Head through the “Hidden Valley” of Phu, a place with its own magic, before connecting with the Annapurna Circuit towards the end of the trek. 

The Upper Mustang Saribung Peak Climbing route is connected to the Tibetan terrain, just north of the Annapurna massif.  The area, which used to be the caravan route to trade with Tibet, was opened to foreigners in 1992.  This ‘off-the-beaten-path’ trek begins from Jomsom, which is considered the headquarters of the Mustang region.  Heading north through the upper Kali Gandaki River Valley, we find ourselves in Kagbeni. After crossing various villages, we reach Lo-Monthang, the capital of Upper Mustang.  Within the long stone walls, ancient monasteries and elegant palaces are preserved. Trekkers will find stupas, mani walls, Chortens, and other monuments to Tibetan Buddhism.  This Upper Mustang trek and Saribung Peak climbing combination are unlike any other in the world, so come check it out!

Upper Mustang is a restricted area, meaning that you need a special permit, as well as a licensed guide to enter.  The cost is $500 for the first 10 days and $50/day after that. The cost is included in the price of the package.

Saribung Peak Climbing is possible throughout the year, but Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) provide the best weather.  During the Spring, there is a bit more color along the trail, and in the Autumn months, the skies are generally clearer. Winter months are much colder and bring danger to the climb. The Upper Mustang Saribung Peak Climbing requires moderate fitness and acclimatization to avoid acute mountain sickness. Breeze Adventure arranges the climb with complete management. Please, feel free to contact us for more detailed information. 

Trip Highlights

Climb the icy, snowy to the summit of Saribung Peak (6346m) with Himalayan peaks all around and the Tibetan Plateau in the distance

Trekking through the Kali Gandaki Valley – the deepest gorge in the world

Learn about the cultural beauty of local Tibetan Buddhist villages – particularly in Lo-Monthang

Explore the ancient, sacred caves, unique rock formations and desolate landscape that resembles the Tibetan Plateau

Traversing several high-altitude passes for mind-blowing views of snow-clad peaks 

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan airport and transfer to hotel.
  • Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (823m).
  • Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2858m). – 3-4 Hours trek
  • Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3050m). – 5-6 hrs.
  • Day 06: Trek from Chele to Syangboche (3475m). – 6-7 Hours
  • Day 07: Trek from Syangbochen to Tsarang (3500m). – 7-8 Hours
  • Day 08: Trek from Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3730m). – 5-6 Hours
  • Day 09: Explore Lo-Manthang; acclimatization day.
  • Day 10: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Yara (3900m) – 6-7 hours.
  • Day 11: Trek from Yara to Luri Cave Monastery (4005m) – 3-4 hours.
  • Day 12: Trek from Luri Cave to Ghuma Thanti (4600m) – 5-6 hours.
  • Day 13: Trek from Ghuma Thanti to Namta Khola (4890m) –7-8 hours.
  • Day 14: Trek from Namta Khola to Saribung Base Camp (4950m) – 6-7 hours.
  • Day 15: Rest day for acclimatization and exploration.
  • Day 16: Trek from Base Camp to High Camp (5730m) – 5-6 hours.
  • Day 17: Summit Saribung Peak (6346m) and back to Base Camp – 8-9 hours.
  • Day 18: Trek from Saribung Base Camp to Nagoru (4400m) via Saribung-La Pass (6020m) – 6 hours.
  • Day 19: Trek from Nagoru to Phu Village (4080m) – 5-6 hours.
  • Day 20: Trek from Phu Gaon to Meta (3560m) – 5-6 hours.
  • Day 21: Trek from Meta to Koto (2600m) – 6-7 hours. Overnight at guest house.
  • Day 22: Drive from Koto to Besishar and Kathmandu. Driving 9-10 hours. Overnight at hotel.
  • Day 23: : Departure from Nepal.

Trip note

Accommodation

SAribung Peak Climbing includes accommodation in the cost.  While in Kathmandu, we provide a 2/3 star hotel for you.  During the trek and Peak climbing, our guides will pick the best lodge for you to stay in based on their experience as well as room availability.  On our Climbing period, we set our tents for our climbers and all team at Saribung Base Camp and Pass.

Food

Upper Mustang Region has a wide variety of food and it is easy to cater to your needs.  If you are a vegetarian/vegan, gluten or lactose-free, we are able to work around that if you let us know ahead of time.  During your time in the hotel in Kathmandu, your breakfast is included.  Lunch and dinner must be covered on your own.  On the trek, breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided.  For teahouse treks, we will order our meals from teahouses.  While camping, we will prepare the meals for you.

Guide & Porters

A government-licensed climbing guide will lead the trail.  All our guides have tremendous experience on the trails and are passionate about the trekking industry.  Our guides and porters are dedicated to making your experience of trekking in Nepal a memorable one.  If there is any worry during your trek, our guides will address it.  Your safety is our number one priority.  For groups of more than six people, there will be two guides. For teahouse treks, there will be one porter for every two trekkers.  For camping treks, we will need more porters in order to carry the food, kitchen equipment, tents, etc.    

Acclimatization/Fitness/Experience

Saribung Peak Climbing lead us high into the Himalayas, it is necessary to let our bodies sufficiently get used to the altitude.  Our trip has acclimatization days built into the itinerary.  It is best to take it slow to prevent altitude sickness. On average, expect to walk an average of 5-6 hours per day while on the trail.  Generally, this peak can be done with an average level of fitness.  More important than fitness or experience is one’s personal determination and positive attitude toward finishing and enjoying the trek and climb. 

Travel Insurance

We strongly recommend having travel insurance before going on Saribug Peak Climbing.  We do our best to take care of you, but something can happen that is out of our control.  In case of a medical emergency, leading to a helicopter evacuation, it is best to have insurance.  You are unable to obtain medical insurance in Nepal and must do so in your home country.  Be sure that your insurance covers accidents abroad and high in the mountains. 

Best Time to Travel

The peak seasons for traveling in Nepal are during the Spring (March to May) and the Autumn (September to November).  These times provide the best scenery and clearest skies, but of course, they are a little more crowded than the off-season.  It is also possible to climb during the monsoon season (June to August), though the views will likely be covered by clouds and all grounds would be very colorful with different wild Himalayan flowers.

 

Detail Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival at Tribhuvan airport and transfer to hotel.
    Welcome to Nepal! A representative from Breeze Adventure will welcome you our hotel. We will prepare you with information and gear for your Saribung Peak Climbing. Overnight at hotel.
    • Kathmandu
    • Breakfast
    • 2/3 Star Hotel
    • 1400m
  • Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (823m).
    We drive about a 6-7 hrs along the Prithvi Highway to the gorgeous lakeside city of Pokhara. The scenery along with drive, full of by terraced hilly rice fields and valleys builds excitement within us for the upcoming trek. Pokhara is a relaxing town with beautiful Annapurna range Himalayan range, a nice contrast to Kathmandu’s busy-ness. Overnight at hotel.
    • Pokhara
    • Breakfast
    • 2/3 Star Hotel
    • 823m
  • Day 04: Fly to Jomsom and trek to Kagbeni (2858m). – 3-4 Hours trek
    The exhilarating 20-minute flight brings us to Jomsom - the district headquarters of the Mustang region, linking Nepal to Tibet via an ancient salt trade route. The flight provides awesome views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna ranges. Moving along the Kali Gandaki River, we get panoramic views of Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri, Dhampus, and Tukuche. Then, we descend to Kagbeni, an ethnically Tibetan village located at the confluence of two rivers. Overnight at guest house.
    • Kagbeni
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 2858m
  • Day 05: Trek from Kagbeni to Chele (3050m). – 5-6 hrs.
    The trail proceeds further along the eastern edge of Kaligandaki River and climbs uphill towards Tangbe Village. Weaving through the alleys between houses and fields of apples and wheat, we will arrive at Chuksang village. A little later, we cross the Kali Gandaki River on a steel bridge before we climb a hill to the village of Chele, located on a ridge above the gorge. Overnight at guest house.
    • Chele
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 3050m
  • Day 06: Trek from Chele to Syangboche (3475m). – 6-7 Hours
    Our trail leads through the hilly and arid landscape before heading down a small hill. Then, we climb the Taklam La Pass (3624m), enjoying a panoramic view of Tilicho Peak and Damodar Danda. Soon, the route spirals downward as we pass chhortens to Samar Village. Here, the trail drops further to a large ravine. Another 3 hours of walking brings us Ramchung Cave, which we explore for some time. We arrive at Syangboche shortly thereafter. Overnight at guest house.
    • Syangboche
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 3475
  • Day 07: Trek from Syangbochen to Tsarang (3500m). – 7-8 Hours
    After breakfast, we proceed through Tibetan styled houses and Buddhist monuments all the way to Yamda La. Take your time and appreciate the scenic beauties that the trial offers. Move slowly through the fields of barley to climb the Nyi Pass (4010m). The steep descent from Nyi Pass will take us to Ghami, nestled in the rugged mountains. We cross the Ghami River and soon reach Tsarang village (3540m) at the top of Tsarang Chu Canyon. The village is mostly inhabited by Lhobas - the natives of the area. Overnight at guest house.
    • Tsarang
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 3500m
  • Day 08: Trek from Tsarang to Lo-Manthang (3730m). – 5-6 Hours
    After a gentle descent from Tsarang, we cross the Tsarang-Chu and climb uphill on the rocky path with views of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikiuti Peaks throughout. Later, we move up and then down the hill to another plateau to reach Lo-Manthang. Overnight at guest house.
    • Lo-Manthang
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 3730m
  • Day 09: Explore Lo-Manthang; acclimatization day.
    Today we take a well-deserved rest and exploration day. This allows us to be re-energized for the trail ahead. We explore around the historic village of Lo-Manthang which includes a visit into the western valley of Tingkhar, where the summer palace of the Raja exists. The place offers majestic views of Kimling, Phuwa, and the Namgyal Gompa, which we visit later. Overnight in a guest house.
    • LO-Manthang
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 4000m
  • Day 10: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Yara (3900m) – 6-7 hours.
    Take off from Lo-Manthang village and after about 4 hours, we reach Dhi village. Have lunch or a snack here and then descend to a small stream, from where the trail ascends to Yara village. Throughout the day, a plethora of caves can be seen scattered high on the stone walls. Overnight in a tented camp.
    • Yara
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 3900m
  • Day 11: Trek from Yara to Luri Cave Monastery (4005m) – 3-4 hours.
    It’s a short day as we take our time moving to Luri Cave Monastery (Gompa). A brief but steep climb leads us to the first monastery. It is the most well-known monastery in the Mustang region. It is also the oldest, constructed in the 15th century. Inside the cave, there is an ancient chhorten and a sacred text. We then explore the second monastery, lying just beneath the first. Overnight in a guest house.
    • Luri Cave Monastery
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 4005m
  • Day 12: Trek from Luri Cave to Ghuma Thanti (4600m) – 5-6 hours.
    Make a short descend to the main trail and then carve along the tops of hills through grazing pastures. Go up and up until the trail flattens on a wide, grassy plateau with views of the majestic Dhaulagiri peak. Continue further up to a pass at 4940 meters before descending to Ghuma Thati, a village that houses Buddhist pilgrims en route to the sacred Damodar Kunda Lakes. Overnight in a tented camp.
    • Gumpa Thanti
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Tented Camp
    • 4600m
  • Day 13: Trek from Ghuma Thanti to Namta Khola (4890m) –7-8 hours.
    Today, we traverse two more high passes. After breakfast, begin the climb up and onward. The pass, at 5320 meters, offers spectacular views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna I. Take some pictures and move down to Parche Khola before again climbing up to another pass 5490 meters. Again, epic mountain views are there to welcome us. Moving ahead from the pass, the trail brings the sacred site of Damodar Kunda. After admiring the old Hindu and Buddhist shrines, move along to Namta Khola. Overnight in a tented camp.
    • Namta Khola
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Tented Camp
    • 4890m
  • Day 14: Trek from Namta Khola to Saribung Base Camp (4950m) – 6-7 hours.
    The rugged trail takes a high altitude route through landscapes that resemble the Tibetan Plateau. At the end of the day, we reach Saribung Base Camp and our excitement builds even more. Overnight in a tented camp.
    • Saribung Base Camp
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Tented Camp
    • 4950m
  • Day 15: Rest day for acclimatization and exploration.
    Take some rest, as our bodies are quite tired from the journey so far. Explore the surrounding hills of the Base Camp and rest well. Overnight in a tented camp.
    • Saribung Base Camp
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Tented Camp
    • 4950m
  • Day 16: Trek from Base Camp to High Camp (5730m) – 5-6 hours.
    At this point, we start trekking on the moraine of the glacier, a hard snowy trail. The mountain trail gives us views of Khumjungar Himal (6959 meters) and Damodar Himal. Overnight in a tented camp.
    • Saribung High Camp
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Tented Camp
    • 5730m
  • Day 17: Summit Saribung Peak (6346m) and back to Base Camp – 8-9 hours.
    Today is the big day! Hike up to Saribung Peak, starting at the crack of dawn. Have some moments at the top, enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime views. From the top, we have incredible views of Gyajikang, Himlung, Bhrikuti, and more. Tread back down the mountain and feel the beautiful feeling of accomplishment the rest of the day. Overnight in a tented camp.
    • Saribung Base Camp
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Tented Camp
    • 6346m
  • Day 18: Trek from Saribung Base Camp to Nagoru (4400m) via Saribung-La Pass (6020m) – 6 hours.
    Still beaming with excitement from the day before, we cross the high pass of Saribung La and then descend all the way to Nagoru. Overnight in a tented camp.
    • Nagoru
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Tented Camp
    • 6020m
  • Day 19: Trek from Nagoru to Phu Village (4080m) – 5-6 hours.
    Today’s trail guides us across the landscape similar to the Tibetan plateau, characterized by a barren valley with snowy peaks in the background. We feel a sense of truly being in the middle of nowhere. The area is home to a diverse set of ethnic groups, who have roots in Tibet. Today we also explore the Tashi Lakhang Monastery, constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. Enjoy the splendid cultural and natural fascinations throughout the day. Overnight in a guest house.
    • Phu Village
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 4080m
  • Day 20: Trek from Phu Gaon to Meta (3560m) – 5-6 hours.
    Descend through a narrow valley, passing Kyang along the way. Kyang has an ancient Khampa settlement which is interesting to explore. Continue until reaching Meta, with views of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal along the way. Overnight in a guest house.
    • Meta
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 3560m
  • Day 21: Trek from Meta to Koto (2600m) – 6-7 hours. Overnight at guest house.
    Head out on the steep downward trail through pine forests, streams, and small villages to eventually arrive in Koto. We pass a rushing waterfall near Dharmashala before arriving at our destination. Here we join the ancient Annapurna circuit trail. The next morning we take a jeep ride to Besishar.Overnight in a guest house.
    • Koto
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • Teahouse
    • 2600m
  • Day 22: Drive from Koto to Besishar and Kathmandu. Driving 9-10 hours. Overnight at hotel.
    We start our day early by taking a jeep to Besishar, stopping for lunch along the way. After starting the bumpy ride to Kathmandu, we pass Ghermu and Chamje waterfalls, the Marshyandi River and get views of the beautiful mountain Manaslu peeking behind the hills. We reach our destination after in the late after. We celebrate a successful climb with a farewell dinner in the evening. Overnight in a hotel.
    • Kathmandu
    • Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
    • 2/3 Star Hotel
    • 1400m
  • Day 23: : Departure from Nepal.
    Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. Thank you for choosing Breeze Adventure as your Adventure guide! We look forward to your next adventure with us.
    • Breakfast

Cost Details

Cost Includes

  • Transportation to and from Tribhuvan Airport. 
  • Three nights in a 2-3 star hotel in Kathmandu, breakfast included.
  • All transportation for the trek. 
  • Local guest house accommodation in mountain.
  • Government-authorized, experienced guide and porters
  • Insurance, food, accommodation, and wage for guides and porters 
  • Hygienic meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • All equipment (sleeping bag, warm layers, etc.)
  • Tented Camp & supplies (kitchen, sleeping bag, etc.).
  • Upper Mustang Restricted Area permit and all additional permits 
  • Saribung Peak Climbing Permit
  • First Aid Kit
  • Maps
  • Service charge and government taxes
  • Post-trek celebration dinner in Kathmandu

Cost Excludes:

  • International airfare
  • Meals in Kathmandu (besides breakfast)
  • Your personal expenses, shopping, etc.
  • Shower and electronic charging fees at guest houses during the trek
  • Alcoholic drinks, chocolates, tea and coffee
  • Tips for guide and porter
  • Extra accommodation and meals outside of itinerary
  • Costs from unexpected occurrences (i.e. cancellations, weather problems, damages of property, illness, etc.)