Mt. Saribung Expedition - Brief Introduction
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 trail” 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 monastery. 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” 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.
The highlights of Saribung Expedition in Damodar Saribung traverse include the beautiful landscapes, dry stretched rugged terrain and glacier. This trip is a must for keen photographers who love to appreciate the scale and grandeur of the high Himalayan plateaus.
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 base camp. The climbing is not technically difficult but challenging and tough. So, a high level of fitness is required and it can be compared to Mera Peak 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 Annapuran 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 Bhrikuti base camp the same day. Now we trek back the same way via Phu, and to Koto and we drive from Koto to Beshishar and to KTM.
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 Methang Pati (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 Methang Pati. Stay overnight at Methang Pati.
Day 6
Trek to Kyang (3820m) 6hrs
Leaving Methang Pati, 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 Pupigyal Kwe. Enjoy the views of three villages of Phu from this ancient gate. Enter Phu Gaon 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 Phu gaon. Time permitting, we will visit Tashi Lhakhang Gompa to meet with Lama Karma Sonam Rimpoche. Stay overnight at Phu Gaon.
Day 9
Trek to Yak Kharka (4615m) 5-6hrs
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 Bhrikuti Mountain. 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 Bhirkuti Base 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 Khumjunggar Peak (6,959m) and Damodar Mountain. 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 to Bharchauk Cwm. The path is scenic where we will be surrounded by snow covered mountains. We will set our camp on ice. Saribung Mountain will be towering above us. Stay overnight at Advance Base Camp.
Day 14
Summit the Peak (4 hours), descend to the Bhirkuti base camp, 4hrs
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 to the Bhrikuti Base Camp and stay overnight there.
Day 15
Spare day for Climbing/Trek to Yak Kharka
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, otherwise we start our walk back to Yak Kharka for the over night stay.
Day 16
Trek to Phu (4080m) 5hrs
As we have started our return way, so we slowly walk to Phu and take a good rest there.
Day 17
Trek to Methang (3060m), 5 hrs
We will walk slowly to the lower altitude, which makes us stronger. We pass through Kyang & Chyako and Nar Phedi and finally reach at Methang Pati where we stay for the overnight
Day 18
Trek to Koto (2600m), 5hrs
From Methang Pati, we walk for the Koto leaving behind the Dharamsala camp. We cross over the few wooden bridges along side the Naar Khola. We stay over night at Koto, now are back to the Annapurna Circuit trail.
Day 19
Drive to Beshishar (800m) 8-9hrs
We take local jeep drive to Beshishar, which takes about 8/9 hours and at Beshishar we stay at the Guesthouse with more warmer bad and room.
Day 20
Drive to Kathmandu, 8 hrs
Today we drive for Kathmandu with nicer road. Once we reach KTM, we will be transfer to the hotel, we do check in and go straight to hot shower. In the evening will be a group celebration dinner with the staffs. We will enjoy the meals and beers.
Day 21
Free day in Kathmandu
Today is free day, every one is allowed to do their own stuff, see around the Thamel, buy gift for the family, friends, girl friend/boy friend etc.
Day 22
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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