Saribung Expedition Trek

Nepal, Annapurna Region
Challenging
Available Departures: Autumn
24 Days
Trip Code: SBE

Saribung Expedition Trek

At a glance
  • Trip Start: Kathmandu
  • Trip End: Kathmandu
  • Trek Start: Jomsom
  • Trek End: Dharapani
  • Trip Durations: 24 Days
  • Maximum Altitude: 6,346m.
  • Season: Autumn
  • Group Size: 4-16
  • Accommodation: Lodge + Camp
  • Meals: Full Board
  • Accommodation Info: 4 night Hotel, 9 night Camp & 10 night Lodge

We start our journey in Mustang, the legendary kingdom. It is located on the dry northern side of the Annapurna massif in a fascinating landscape of deeply carved canyons, beautifully eroded sandstone formations in beautiful luminous pastel colours and mountain plateaus with views of gleaming white glaciers. This is the ideal area to enjoy all this beauty and acclimatise for the high passes and the summit climb during the trek to Phu, another hidden gem in Nepal.
After 10 days in Mustang we start the trek to the base camp of the Saribung. We walk through a completely deserted area and cross two 5000+ meter passes. After 16 days of trekking we are well acclimatised and ready for the summit attempt. The ascent of the Saribung runs over a glacier and is technically easy.
After the climb we walk close to the Tibetan border to Phu, an extremely isolated and authentic village. The trek continues to the Annapurna trail and ends there where we can take the bus back to Kathmandu.

Itinerary

Namaste! And welcome to Kathmandu, the colourful capital of Nepal where ornately carved balconies mingle with beautiful shrines and temples. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting on arrival at the exit gate of Kathmandu airport. Our staff will welcome you and pick you to your accommodated hotel. Please seek our company palmplate to find our staff at the main exit gate of the airport. Rest of the day you can relax at the hotel or short evening walk around local market on your own as per your wish.

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

None

Drive

30 mins

A well-deserved rest day at cosy of hotel after a long tiring flight. This day, one can move around nearby local market to purchase or hire trekking equipment that is necessary for the trekking like sleeping bags, walking sticks etc, exchange currency as requirement or simply walk around in the local market or Kathmandu Durbar squire nearby with small entrance fee as per your preference on your own. Evening at the hotel lobby there will be pre-trip briefing in which you will be introduced with your trekking guide and explained about your trip in short, instruction for safety etc.

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

Leaving Kathmandu behind early this morning, journey to the enchanting Nepalese town of Pokhara by fly. Pokhara enjoys a delightful setting on a lake beneath the snow-capped peaks of the Annapurna range, making it an excellent place to relax and contemplate what lies ahead. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. This afternoon you’ll have your trek briefing and preparation. There are also plenty of cafes where you can put your feet up and enjoy international cuisine, while the main street is full of shops and stalls selling a wide range of Nepali and Tibetan souvenirs. If you need to hire some extra trekking gear, then there are numerous shops available offering everything you could possibly need.

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

Fly

25 mins

Today we will take an early morning flight to Jomsom which is famous for its apples, strong winds and the landscape. We begin our trek on an open trail alongside a beautiful valley. We pass through Eaklibatti village before reaching Jomsom which is ideally located at the bank of two rivers. The village is beautiful with flat-roofed houses and also has ruins of an old fortress.

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Fly

20 mins

Time

3 hours walking

We get our permits checked then begin our trek on a trail alongside the Kali Gandaki River. We walk on sand amidst strong winds before ascending on a hill. We reach the Tangbe Village and admire its narrow alleyways, white-washed houses, barley and buckwheat fields, and apple orchards. We continue our walk and pass another village and cross a river on our way. Next, we walk on a ridge before reaching Chele Village.

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Time

5-6 hours walking

Today we will climb the rugged hills and eventually come to a stone cairn at 3540m at which point we descend to the small village of Samar with its chortens (stupa religious– monuments) and other Buddhist structures. After leaving Samar we descend into a large canyon and then again ascend to a 3800m ridge before again descending to the remote Shyangmochen Village and then head to Geling Village where we stay the night. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Time

5-6 hours walking

From Geling, the trail leads up to of Nyi La Pass (3932m) and then heads down and follow the Tangmar Chu River and its Mani stone walls (stones inscribed with Lamaist prayers). We then follow the trail to Charang Village with its enormous five –storey Dzong (monastery) and red Gompa (type of monastery) and Thankas (forms of art).

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Time

5-6 hours walking

Today the trail is mostly uphill as we initially head to Lo-Gekar home of one of the oldest Tibetan monastery’s in the world. Lo-Gekar Gompa is older than the Samye Gompa in Tibet. After visiting Lo Gekar we travel by horse to Lo-Manthang. The trail passes the ancient walled city of Lo-Manthang before descending and crossing a stream before reaching Lo-Manthang. Breakfast, lunch & dinner included.

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Time

3-4 hours walking

Today we take time to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes. Health experts recommend staying active on this day. So, what we can do is climb to Namgyal Gompa situated at the top of a peak and then we proceed to Tingkhar north-west of Lo Manthang. It is a small village consisting of about 40 houses and then we return to Lo Manthang for the night.

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Today we will follow the trail for six to seven hours until we reach Yara where we will stay overnight.

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD

Time

5-6 hours walking

The Luri Cave Monastery is said to be the oldest (15th century) cave monastery in the Mustang region. Today’s we will trek is of about three to four hours until we reach Luri Cave Monastery where we will stay overnight.

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD

Time

4-5 hours walking

Today we trek for about five to six hours and cross a 5100m pass before reaching Ghuma Thanti where we set up our tents for the night.

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD

Time

5-6 hours walking

Our trek today is of about six to seven hours with our first obstacle being the 5600m pass until we reach Damodar Kunda (lake) and then continue until we reach Namta Khola where we camp overnight.

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD

Time

6-7 hours walking

Today we will trek then climb for six to seven hours until we reach base camp where we will set up our tents for the night.

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD

Time

6-7 hours walking

Today is time to acclimatize and maybe explore the surrounding area in order to improve the process. Tonight we will set up our tents here.

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD

We make an early start on a five to six-hour trek. Climbing at high altitudes and through snow makes it physically tiring. We will camp here overnight.

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD

Time

5-6 hours walking

We have an eight to nine-hour day ahead of us, hence we are up very early. This is the day that the adrenalin flows as we trudge through the snow to the summit. At the top, you will be breathless – firstly because of the energy spent getting there, and secondly because of the absolutely amazing panoramic views. This is a real camera-clicking moment. We will then head back to Base Camp for the night.

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD

Time

8-9 hours walking

Today we head across the Saribung Pass and down the trail until we reach Nagoru where we will stay overnight.

Accomodation

Camp

Meals

BLD

Time

6-7 hours walking

Today we trek for five to six hours across the arid and dry Tibetan plateau and through the valley until we reach Phu Gaon Village. This area is secluded and often considered lost to the world and his home to Gurung, Lama and Ghale. There is an old Buddhist Monastery, Tashi Lhakhang, which is said to be one of the world’s great Buddhist monasteries constructed by the famous Karmapa Rinpoche. There are some fantastic views of the Himlung Himal and other snow capped peaks from Phu Gaon. We will camp here overnight. .

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Time

5-6 hours walking

Today we have a five to six-hour trek along the Tibetan plateau and then descend to Meta Village. Along the trail we pass the remains of previous Khampa settlements where Tibetan refugees lived after escaping from Tibet. From Meta, we have a great view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. We will camp here overnight.

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Time

5-6 hours walking

Today we follow the trail for about six to seven hours descending through a pine forest and a beautiful cascading waterfall before reaching Koto Village where we stay overnight.

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Time

6-7 hours walking

The first village we come to on our five to six-hour trek today is Timang where we can catch sight of Mt. Manaslu and other snow-capped peaks, before heading down to Danque Village where we will stop for lunch before proceeding to Dharapani where we will stay overnight.

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

BLD

Time

5-6 hours walking

Today is our final day as we head back to Kathmandu where on arrival you will be taken to your hotels.

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

Drive

7-8 hours drive

We say 'Namaste' for memories that will last a lifetime. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is at 12 noon. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel. For your final departure, our staff will pick you up from the hotel and transfer to Kathmandu airport approximately 3 hours prior to your international flight time.

Drive

30 mins

Includes/Excludes

Includes

  • Lodge Basis
  • All ground transportation as per itinerary
  • 3 night hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with B/B plan on Sharing Basis
  • 1 night hotel accommodation in Pokhara with B/B plan on Sharing Basis
  • TIMs (Trekking Information Management system) card
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Project Entry Fee (ACAP)
  • Special Restricted Area permit fee + Peak Climbing Permit
  • Domestic flight with airport tax:  KTM-PKH-JOM with member and guide
  • Food for the member during the trek (3 meals a day as per lodge open menu, Tea, Coffee, Hot Chocolate, Hot Lemon, etc.) as per member’s choice during Lodge
  • Lodge accommodation on Twin sharing basis during the trek
  • Professional English Speaking Trekking Guide
  • All Nepalese staffs' insurance as per Nepalese government rules
  • Company service charge, VAT and government taxes etc.
  • Climbing Sherpa
  • Transportation and equipment carriage from Kathmandu to base camp and back
  • Group emergency equipment and satellite phone
  • Two man tent with foam mattress
  • Required local porters for camping basis
  • Required Nepalese staff (Cook, Kitchen Boy, Local Sherpa)

Excludes

  • International flights to/from Kathmandu
  • Food during stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara except Breakfast
  • Mountain climbing rescue and travel insurance in China & Nepal
  • Personal climbing/trekking equipment and clothing
  • Nepalese and Tibetan visas
  • Oxygen (available upon request)
  • Staff and porters Tips...

Equipments

Climbing equipment:
» Climbing harness;
» One 3 metre/10 foot sling and three 2 metre/6 foot slings.
» Figure 8/Abseil belay device;
» 1 large mitten sized ascender (most members use the large petzl) and arm length leash;
» 2 locking carabiners, (1 large and 1 small)
» 4 regular carabiners;
» Good quality Ice axe with leash;
» Crampons - must fit boots perfectly. Steel crampons with anti-balling (anti-bot) plates are the best;
» Optional; Adjustable trekking poles;

Upper Body:
» 2 cotton t-shirts;
» 1 polypropylene t-shirt;
» 1 long sleeve polypropylene shirts, lightweight;
» 1 polar fleece pullovers, medium weight;
» 1 polar fleece jacket.
» Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable;
» Lightweight down jacket for those chilly days in camp;

Hands:
» 1 pr. lightweight poly-liner gloves. These will be worn when tying knots, but not inside your mitts;
» 1 pair mittens, consists of 1 Gore-tex over mitt matched with the very warm polar fleece mitt liner (For more about high altitude mitts.

Head:
» Warm hat wool or synthetic that covers your ears;
» Balaclava;
» Face mask;
» Ballcap or brimmed suncap;
» Glacier sunglasses with side shields (you can purchase these inexpensively in Kathmandu,
» 1 pair ski goggles (Optional) with light and dark lens;
» Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs;
» Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions.

Lower Body:
» Cotton underwear briefs;
» 1 pair walking shorts;
» 1 pair walking trousers for trekking and around camp;
» 1 pair lightweight thermal bottoms;
» 1 pair medium or expedition weight thermal bottoms;
» 1 pair polar fleece trousers;
» 1 pair Gore-Tex trousers, salopettes, or bibs. Waterproof/breathable with full side zips;
Your clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks, bin-liners, or large plastic bags.

Feet:
» 1 pair Double Plastic boots (Koflach);
Modern single waterproof-leather climbing boots with special insulation for cold weather/winter climbing on 4000 metre/13,000 foot high peaks are OK, as long as they will fit comfortably with two thick pair of socks and a vapour barrier liner and the boot will fit the crampon perfectly.
» 1 pair sturdy leather walking boots with good ankle support (we mean leather trekking, not climbing boots) for the trek;
» 1 pair trainers, running shoes and/or sandals for Kathmandu and in camp;
» 1 pair down booties (optional);
» 2 pair med-heavy poly or wool socks;
» 2- pair of liner socks. Polypropylene or wool;
» Vapour barrier liner socks or plastic bread-bags;
» 2 pair lightweight trekking socks, poly or wool;
» Cotton socks for in town.

Sleeping:
» 1 good quality sleeping bag (good to -30 degrees C)
» At least 1 closed cell foam kari-mats. We do not recommend inflatable mats, as we have never seen one not puncture. You can buy these non inflatable mats very inexpensively in Kathmandu. Why carry foam mats around the world, when you can purchase them inexpensively in Kathmandu?
Your sleeping bags should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks, bin-liners, or large plastic bags.

Rucksack and Travel Bags:
» 1 medium rucksack (50-70 litres / 3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for airplane carry);
» 1 or 2 large (120 L / 7500 cubic inch) duffle kit bags for clothing and equipment. Must be durable for use on pack animals or porters;
» Small padlocks for duffel kit bags.

Personal Hygiene:
» female or male hygiene supplies;
» 2 tubes lip sun cream, 1 large tube skin sun cream (min.factor 15);
» anti-mosquito cream;
» 1 toothpaste/brush;
» 1 bar soap or hand sanitizer gel/1 small towel;
» hand wipes.

Medical:
Medications are inexpensive and readily available in Kathmandu with no Doctor`s prescription:
» small personal first-aid kit. (Simple and Light) Aspirin, first-aid tape, plasters (band-aids), personal medications, etc. The leaders will have extensive first-aid kits, so leave anything extra behind. Please let your leader know about any medical issues before the climb;
» 1 skin blister repair kit;
» 1 small bottle anti-diarrhea pills;
» 1 small bottle anti-headache pills;
» 1 small bottle cough and/or cold medicine;
» 1 small bottle stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc.;
» 1 small bottle anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox, Acetylzolamide.
» Do not bring sleeping pills. They are a respiratory depressant;
» 1 small bottle of water purification tablets or water filter;
» 1 set earplugs;
» Extra prescription glasses, contact lens supplies. Contact lens wearers, please bring glasses in case of emergency. A new pair could be quickly made in Kathmandu, Lhasa, or Kashgar for just $20. Please order upon arrival if you are interested.

Personal Food:
On the mountain we supply plenty of food for you to cook 3 hot meals each day. This food will consist of soup, local cheese & sausage, biscuits, dried noodles, potatoes, rice, porridge, butter, dried and tinned vegetables, fruit, meats, and fish, tea with milk and sugar, powdered juice drink, and drinking chocolate. Our sherpas/local porter will be carrying this food to the higher camps.
» We ask each member to bring their own imported daily snack and energy foods. We do not provide cold “snack” food such as chocolate or "energy-bars". We ask that you bring or buy your own "snack" or daily cold energy food, 2-3 kilos/4-6 pounds is a good amount (for the trek and Island Peak combined). A growing variety of imported foods such as European and American cheeses, chocolates, biscuits, cookies, nuts, and locally made power-bars are now available in Kathmandu, at realistic prices. However, imported power bars, GU, re-hydration drinks, dehydrated food, "freeze-dried meals", imported cheese and sausage are not available. If you want these items, you must bring them from your home country. Many of our members, especially Britons, Europeans, and Australians with tiny baggage allowances, now purchase their daily snacks in Kathmandu. Our schedule in Kathmandu allows plenty of time for shopping.

Practical:
» 1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing repair kit;
» 1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box matches;
» 1 compass or GPS;
» Recent good quality map of visiting area.
» 1 battery powered alarm clock/watch;
» 1 camera and film, or digital camera with extra cards and extra batteries;
» nylon stuff sacks For food and gear storage, large Ziplocs are useful also;
» 3 Water bottles (1 litre) wide-mouth Nalgene (1 is a pee bottle);
» 1 plastic cup and spoon;
» 1 small folding knife;
» binoculars (optional);
» 4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks;
» passport, 2 extra passport photos, flight ticket, flight itinerary;
» separate photocopies of passport and relevant visa pages, proof of insurance;
» dollars, pounds or euros cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, Tibet visa, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts;
» credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for use for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler's checks, etc.;
» 1 bathing suit/swimming costume (you never know);
» basecamp entertainment. It is good to bring additional items which you have found to be useful on previous expeditions. For example: paperback books, playing cards, ipod mp3 player, short-wave radio, game boys, musical instruments, ear plugs, lots of batteries, etc.;
» travel clothes for basecamp and in town;

This Peak Climbing equipment list has been prepared by Adventure Zambuling Treks (P) Ltd.
Please submit any equipment questions or concerns to: info@advzambuling.com

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