Upper Mustang Saribung la pass and Nar Phu Valley Trekking 

Upper Mustang Saribungla pass and Nar Phu Valley trekking is well renowned adventure trip in Mustang, Nepal. The trekkers who intend on crossing high passes without any technical climbing knowledge will be a lesson to trek throughout this Himalayan adventure route. This trekking trail is located in the remote part of Mustang region of Damodar Himal close to the border of Tibet.The trails here are rugged, cutting high into cliff sides and passing through small Buddhist villages that have changed little over the centuries. The trekking route of Saribung trek starts from Jomsom after 23 minutes flights from Pokhara and towards the upper Mustang region treking trail by crossing some high passes. The trek will continue towards the Nar Phu trekking region and finally end at Syange (Starting point of Round Annapurna Trek and ending point of Manaslu Trek).

This trek is combination of scenery, religions, geographic elevation and will cross the challenging passes near Mt. Saribung . The trekkers really enjoy its fantastic and picturesque views of Himalaya and beyond.  During the trekking, trekkers meet different villages, monasteries, culture and religion of Tibetan style every day.

 

FACT OF THIS TREK
Trip Duration      20 days  trek
Max. Altitude: 6042m./19938 ft.
Minimum Altitude: 840m./27272ft.
Grade: Hard
Activities: Trekking
Accommodation: Lodge/Tented 
Meals: Breakfast, lunch , Dinner 
Transportation: By plane/By overland
Trek Departure: Every day throughout the week
Group Size: 1 person  to 20  persons (maximum)
Best season: June, July, August, April, May, Sep, Oct & Nov
Available Time: All months except December, January and February
Per day hiking: 4 to 6 hours

COVID-19 health and safety measures

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

Suggested Itinerary 

Day 1: Pokhara-Jomsom over flight –Trek to Kagbeni ( 2858m./9375ft.) 3 hours walk
After an early breakfast transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Jomsom, a super scenic flight of 25 minutes brings you at Jomsom, the district headquarter of Mustang. This is a large town. it is also a major village on the Kaligandaki area linking the age old Trans-Himalayan Salt Trade route to Tibet. From Jomsom onwards it is very windy in the afternoon, the trek continues on the gradual path on the Kali Gandaki river bed for about 3 hours and finally reaching at Ekley-bhatti village. After good stop here an hour of easy walk reache to Kagbeni , which lies at the bank of two rivers. Kagbeni, an interesting wind swept villages situated on the main age old Trans himalayan salt trade route to Tibet via Upper Mustang area. On arrival, check in the hotel with afternoon free for a stroll around the village. Stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Kagbeni –chele ( 3050m./10004ft.) 5 hours walk
Our Trek starts with a special permit check up and onwards to the riverbank of Kaligandaki up stream. During the walk we have scenic picturesque place to stop through the sandy and windy trails. This trails follows the up and downhill. Firstly we will reach at Tangbe village with crops field. From here we trek forward to Chhusang after 1½ hour walk and crossing the river head up to the huge red chunk of conglomerate that has fallen from the cliff above, forming a tunnel through which the Kaligandaki follows. We head on to small ridges reach at Chele village after 18 kilometers then stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Chele -Syanbochen ( 3475m./11398ft.) 6 hours walk
Today, we start our trek again and walk further to Eklo Bhatti. We will climbs to Taklam La Pass (3,624m/11,923 ft) through plateaus and narrow stretches with views of Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang, Nilgiri and Damodar Danda. Further descends a little to the village of Samar for our lunch. Further walk around 3 hrs similar walk will reach you at Syanbochen then stay there overnight at lodge. Remaining time explore the surrounding area.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Syanbochen -Ghaymi ( 3520m./11546ft.) 5 hours walk
After breakfast we trek uphill to the Yamda La (3,850m /12,667ft) passing few teahouses, chortens and local villages which is like Tibetan style of houses with open Varanda, and crosses over a few other passes. The longer climb will be to Nyi Pass (4,010m/13,193ft) after lunch, we descend to our overnight stop at Ghaymi. Then stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Ghaymi-Charang ( 3500m./11480ft.) 6 hours walk
We start trek after breakfast with a pleasant walk and easily get to the Charang. After crossing Ghaymi Khola, the trail climbs to a plateau and passes beside a very long Mani wall (Secret stone wall of the Buddhism). From the end of the wall the trail heads east to Tsarang after 11 kilometers up and down then stay there overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Charang -Lo-Manthang ( 3700m./12136ft.) 4 hours walk
Today, we trek to Lo-Mangthang with a magnificent view of Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti peak. The trail first descends to Tsarang Chu Canyon and then climbs steeply after crossing the river. Further the trail ascends gently to the 3,850m windy pass of Lo, from where you can see the Lo-Mangthang Valley. While descending to Lo-Mangthang, views of the walled city appear magnificent with its hills on the Tibetan Border. We stay there overnight at lodge. Rest of the time explores the surrounding area.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Explore the Lo-Manthang
Today you may have many choices to explore the surrounding areas. Visit Namgyal Gompa and Tingkhar. Namgyal Gompa situates on a hilltop, which serves as an important monastery of the local community and also as a local court. After visiting Namgyal Gompa continue the tour to Tingkhar, which is a village of around 40 houses, the last main village to the northwest of Lo-Mangthang and stroll back to camp. Or you may have another option to visit the Tall Champa Lakhang "God house" the red Thugchen Gompa, Chyodi Gompa and the Entrance Hal which are the main attraction of this town. Another attraction is the four- story building of the Raja's palace as well as the surrounding panoramic views of the Himalaya. The interesting place where you may not tired to explore more and more. There are many places to explore and manage your time to explore the places. Every monastery requires the donations and entry fees which is made by your own. Stay at same lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Trek from Lo-Manthang - Yara  ( 3900m./12870ft.) 6 hours walk
We start our trek after breakfast, leave the village and keep by gently ascending going until we reach Day-La which takes about 1 hour. This is the last point where we can see Lo-Manthang. After 3 hours we reach Dhi village then we descend for about 1 hour down where we have lunch break.  After lunch we pass the small Khola and make a short steep climb to Yara village. It takes about 1 and half hour. We can see innumerable caves at the stone walls. Stay overnight at tent.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Trek from Yara to Yak Kharka ( 3800m./12540ft.) 3 hours walk, day hike to Luri Cave Monastery ( 3950m./13035ft.) 30 minutes
Today, we make short trek to Yak Kharka .  In the morning, we continue through the river route to Luri cave Monastery which takes about 3 hours.
There are actually two monasteries. First we visit one which is situated below of Luri Cave monastery. Then a short steep ascent brings us to Luri Cave Monastery which takes us about 30 minutes. This is the oldest and most famous cave monastery in the Mustang region which was constructed in the 15th century. It is situated at an elevation of 4005m. Inside the cave we can see a big Old Chhorten and many images and statues of Protectors and Deities. Stay overnight at tent.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Yak Kharka  - Ghuma Thanti ( 4600m./15180ft.) 5 hours walk
We follow the barren valley after crossing 5100meter pass; today we prepare pack lunch due to no appropriate cooking possibilities on the trek.  We reach Ghuma Thanti.  Stay overnight at tent .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Ghuma Thanti - Namta Khola ( 4890m./16137ft.) 6 hours walk
In this day, we start after breakfast, the trail continues with ups and downs. After crossing another 5600meter pass we will reach High Altitude Damodar Kunda. We need to make lunch pack due to no appropriate cooking possibilities in the trail. We continue to Namta Khola after passing Lake. We will reach  Namta Khola. Stay overnight at tent.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Trek from Namta Khola - Damodar Kunda ( 4900m./16170ft.) 5 hours walk
We head to Damodar kunda which is religious pond and big celebration in June/July is special occasion.Stay overnigth at tent. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 13: Damodar Kunda - Saribung Base Camp ( 5300m./17490ft.) 6 hours walk
In this day, walk in the Tibetan plateau gaining high altitude with passing high traverses until reaching Base Camp. We need to make lunch pack due to no appropriate cooking possibilities in the trail. We will get Saribung Base Camp.  Stay overnight at tent.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Saribung Base Camp - High camp ( 5700m./18810ft.) 4 hours walk
Today, we just walk short to high camp to ensure for avoding AMS and cross pass succefully. Stay overnight at tent. 
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 15: High Camp - Saribung pass ( 6042m.) - Brikuti base camp ( 5000m./16500ft.) 7 hours walk
Morning after breakfast, we will traverse over the Saribung pass and trek steep down through the snowy trail and follow the small stream until reaching Brikuti base camp. We need to make lunch pack due to no appropriate cooking possibilities in the trail. Stay overnight at tent .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 16: Brikuti base camp - Phu Gaun ( 4080m./13464ft.) 6 hours walk
In the morning after breakfast, we will start our trek from our camp and walk on the Tibetan plateau and barren valley viewing very good view of snowy peaks until reaching Phu Gaon. Now we are in one of the unique Lost/ Hidden Valleys. We can see their cultures, natural diversity, and religion of the ethnic groups like Lama, Gurung and Ghale. The people are depending on subsistence agricultures, animal breeding and seasonal migrations. The very old Buddhist Monastery known as Tashi Lakhang Monastery is listed out of the 108 world’s great Buddhist Monasteries; it is believed to be the last monastery constructed by Karmapa Rinpoche. We have a great view of Himlung Himal and other snow peaks. We stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17: Phu Gaon- Meta ( 3560m./11748ft.) 5 hours walk
Morning after breakfast, we will walk on the Tibetan plateau and pass the kani/gate end of the village and drop down in the narrow valley and arrive in Kyang where we just see the remnants, particularly the ruined forts of the Khampa settlement (the place which Khampa refugees from Tibet once captured and lived illegally) at places like Jhunam, Chyakhu and Kyang. Then we continue the trail until reaching Meta. We can see the very spectacular view of Annapurna II and Lamjung Himal. Stay there overnight at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18: Meta-  Koto ( 2600m./8580ft.) 6 hours walk
In this day, we start trek steep down for the while and walk through the pine forest passing many streams and picturesque water fall near the Dharmashala. We cross over the many suspension bridges and arrive in Koto after 6 hours we reach Koto . Stay overnight at lodge .
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner 

Day 19: Koto- Dharapani- Besisahar by overland ( 790m./2607ft.) 6 hrs. drive
In the morning after breakfast, we will start driving in the level trail passing small villages until Timang through the Pine forest. We can see short glimpse of Mt. Manaslu and other snow peaks. Then, we drop down to Danaque, Dharapani, Chamje and reach Besisahar. Stay overnight at lodge.
Meals included : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 20: Besisahar- Kathmandu 6 hours drive
Early morning, drive to Kathmandu passing beautiful landscapes and picturesque villages. The views of mountains are spectacular during the driving.
Meals included : Breakfast,

Trek Ends  

Upper Mustang Permit
Upper Mustang permit costs US$ 500 per person of the minimum first 10 days and US$ 50 per person per day thereafter. It must be undertaken only through Registered Trekking Agencies from Government of Nepal (Nepal alternative Trekking Company -Registered no. 303047487) the department of immigration in Kathmandu. This permit is included in the package. 

Nar Phu Special Permit
Nar Phu valley special permit is necessary for this trek. The rate is fixed by Department of immigration of Nepal September to November $ 100 or equivalent  per person per week and December to August $ 75 or equivalent per person per week. It has to be obtained through government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks with certain formality and proceedure. It can be issued only from department of immigration of Nepal - Kathmandu . We have included in our package. 

Annapurna Conservation Area Project ( ACAP)
The provision of  ACAP is to maintain and build local tourism infrastructure and preserve the nature.  Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP)  permit is necessarily required for this trip. It can be obtained from government registered trekking company as Nepal alternative treks & Expeditions.  It's fee is fixed by NTNC Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand rupees) per person to Upper Mustang Trekking. You can not obtain along the entry point, they may return you without carrying ACAP permit. You need passport copy, one passport size photograph and fee in Rs. 3000 ( Three thousand  rupees) or equivalent  in cash to apply the permit. This permit you can use only single entry in the area but no limitation of period.

Clothing equipment for Upper Mustang Teri la pass and Nar phu valley Trekking
When you select your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you will be trekking, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items:

- Lightweight walking boots "walked" them in prior to arrival in Nepal to avoid blisters. 
- Light weight pants, shorts
- At night -track top, pants 
-  T-shirts. 
- Long sleeve shirt, if susceptible to sunburn. 
- Sun hat - sunburn is severe at rarefied altitudes. 
- Thick outer wooden socks, thin inner cotton 
- Vaseline for feet and crutch.
- Water bottle - 2 liters.
- Sunglasses and strap 
- Small headlamp/flashlight /torch
- Personal medical supplies - do not forget ban - aids, elastic bandage 
- Sunscreen, sun bock, sun - tan lotion. 
- Small daypack - 25 liters. 
- Wind proof jacket 
- Small towels 
- Warm down fiber filled jacket ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 
- Sleeping bag to -15c with inner sheet ( You can get on rent at Thamel) 
- Thermal underwear, woolen shirts and thick sweaters. 
- A pair of gloves 
- Snow glasses and strap 

Travel insurance 
It is a condition of joining any of our trips that be protected against comprehensive expenses potential to incur due to medical issues or accidents (to include air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please be noted that we don’t arrange or sell insurance. A relaxed trip is not possible without good travel insurance. In the event of any sickness or injury, the cost of emergency treatment and evacuation is shocking. Therefore, travel insurance is strongly recommended for everyone who signs up with Nepal alternative Treks. 

Recommended Travel Insurance Companies

For Travelers from Thailand

  • AXA insurance Thailand - https://www.axa.co.th

  For Travelers from USA and  CANADA

For Travelers from ENGLAND

  • Ali Ramzi | Operations Specialist Specialty Group (UK) Limited - Europoint, 5/11 Lavington Street, London, SE1 0NZ, United Kingdom UK tel:  + 44 (0)20 7902 7405 UK fax: + 44 (0)20 7928 4748 USA tel: +1 215 489 3785 USA fax: +1 215 489 8525 Email: Ramzi@specialty-assist.comwww.specialty-group.com  For Urgent : ops@specialty-assist.com
  • FirstAssist Services Limited Wheatfield Way, Hinckley Fields Industrial Estate, Hinckley Leicestershire LE10 1YG England Telephone 01455 251155 Fax +44 (0)1455 254001

 http://firstassist.co.uk

For Travelers from EUROPE and SLOVENIA

For Travellers from AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND

  • Cover More Travel   Insurance covermore.com.au
  • CGU Insurance Limited cgu.com.au
  • Worldcare Travel Insurance PO Box 162 Toowong Qld 4066 Australia Phone: 1800 008 614 between 0800 and 1800 AEST Monday to Friday E-mail: sales@worldcare.com.au

For Travelers from SOUTH AFRICA Travel insurance Consultants Pty .Ltd 5th Floor, 296 Kent Avenue Randburg Johannesburg Cremerview, 2060 South Africa www.tic.co.za

What is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) ?

Acute mountain sickness is an illness that can affect trekkers at high altitudes, usually above 8,000 feet (2,400 meters).

How do we know if I get AMS ?

Your symptoms will also depend on the speed of your climb and how hard you push (exert) yourself. Symptoms are as below:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rapid pulse (heart rate)
  • shortness of breath with exertion
  • Cannot walk in a straight line

Treatment 

  1. Rest, Rest , Rest
  2. Go down, down, down
  3. Diamox

Diamox may be given to help you breathe better. It can help reduce mild symptoms. This medicine can make you urinate more often. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug. This medication works best when taken before reaching a high altitude.

Prevention and pre-cautious 

Keys to preventing acute mountain sickness include:

  • Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
  • Drink plenty of fluid – 3 liters per day
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Eat regular meals, high in carbohydrates
  • Sleep well
  • Be well equipped

First aid

Owing to a sudden change in climate, altitude and other factors, it is obvious that there could arise some alterations in your health. It would be hard to know all aspects of Nepal's health problems.You will be eating and drinking in various outlets. Diarrhea is a common illness that a tourist would be facing. So, it is recommended to drink purified water and eat in clean outlets. Drinking and eating precautions will surely help to take care of many health problems that could arise during the trip. Staying hydrated during the travel, trekking, tours is highly recommended too. If any problem should arise during the trip. Being on good health before leaving for a trip would help you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.Though Nepal alternative treks will be carrying first aid medical kid, you are also suggested to take personal basic first medicines for in case.

Accommodation

We will leave you free to choose hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara as there will various choices to select yourself. We will arrange twin share basis room in lodges during the trek. We will arrange with shared washing and toilet.

Meals

During our tour, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) in lodges tour. There will be served for breakfast, lunch and dinner three times in a day along the route with your choices from MENU .

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
Upper Mustang Saribung la pass and Nar phu valley Trekking is hard type of trek . As we will  get the highest elevation  6042 meter, you are preferred an excellent health with average physical fitness, have a positive attitude and strong determination, we can accomplish the tour successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly is good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Nepal alternative treks before booking the trek.

Peter Macfarquhar

USA

It was my second trek through this company. Tej organized this trip very well too, Dhan treated me in very professional way and Strong porter. It was different in my last trip to upper mustang and this trip to Khumbila pass but no difference in arrangement. It was quiet along the pass and weather was perfect. There were no clouds at all for whole trekking. I think, I was very lucky and Tej recommended me in best time to trek. It is unforgettable moment for me. I already planned to trek again in Nepal. See you next year ! Thanks to all your team!

Norm Woraankhom
Thailand

It’s very impressive to get the tour with NAT. I went to poonhill trek with guide “ Dhan”. He is very nice and considerably helpful. I am really appreciated with him. Also unbelievable treat I get with NAT.

Everything is the best!

Norapong Woraakhom
Thailand

I heard about Mustang “ The hidden Kingdom” many year ago and NATE can make me accomplish to this area. It was so excited to get into the existing Tibetan culture and the most important thing is to get close to the Mustang king. I had a wonderful hot lemon in the palace such a memorable.
Thanks NATE !

Map

TESTIMONIAL

Lea-pp-size.jpg

Thank you Tej and Nauser For ever ...

10th.September.2014 

We did the Manaslu circuit and Tsum valley. ...

Nepal Alternative Treks

Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
Cell: 00977-9851130491
E-mail: gurungtej2003@yahoo.com
Website:
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