Saribung Pass and Peak Climbing: From Mustang to Nar Phu Valley
The journey begins in Upper Mustang, a remarkable region known for its arid landscapes, red sandstone cliffs, ancient caves, traditional Tibetan-influenced villages, and historic Buddhist monasteries. As the trail moves deeper into the Damodar Himal, the scenery changes from dry Himalayan valleys to rugged mountain terrain, glacial landscapes, and remote high-altitude wilderness.
One of the expedition's major highlights is crossing Saribung Pass (6,042 m), a demanding mountain pass connecting Upper Mustang with the Naar and Phu region. The expedition also includes an attempt to climb Saribung Peak (6,328 m), providing a challenging mountaineering experience with expansive views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
After crossing the high mountain terrain, the route continues toward the remote villages of Phu and Naar. These traditional settlements offer a glimpse into Himalayan culture, with ancient monasteries, stone houses, and customs preserved over generations.
Saribung Peak climbing requires excellent physical fitness, proper acclimatization, and previous high-altitude trekking and mountaineering experience. Depending on weather, snow, and glacier conditions, climbers may need crampons, ice axes, ropes, and other technical equipment. A carefully planned itinerary and experienced climbing support are essential for managing the challenges of this remote expedition.
With experienced guides and professional logistical support from Alpinist Club, participants can explore the spectacular landscapes and cultural heritage of Upper Mustang and the Nar Phu Valley while undertaking a demanding Himalayan climbing adventure.
From Mustang's dramatic desert scenery to the glaciers of the Damodar Himal and the traditional villages of Naar and Phu, the Saribung Pass Trek and Peak Climbing expedition offers an exceptional combination of remote trekking, cultural discovery, and high-altitude mountaineering in Nepal.
Itinerary
Expand All- Transfer to hotel
- Final altitude: approximately 1,350m
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: night in the hotel
- Day tour
- Final altitude: approximately 1,350m
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: night in the hotel
- Accommodation: hotel.
- Meal: Breakfast (no Lunch and dinner)
- Transfer: 6 hrs drive.
- Flight is optional
The small twin-engine aircraft flies over the deep Kali Gandaki valley: with spectacular views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, landing at Jomsom. To avoid hiking on the dusty trail of the lower Mustang, where the wind often blows in gusts, we take advantage of a transfer to Samar (3,660m). We are entering a world of great mineral beauty. We cross the villages of Kagbeni (2,810m) and then Tangbe (3,030m), a pretty little fortified village, before reaching Samar (3,660m) where we will spend the night.
NB: The flight to Jomsom is subject to weather hazards and is very regularly canceled during the rainy season (in summer). In the event of cancellation, the flight may be postponed to the next day. If the weather conditions do not forecast any improvement and the terrain conditions permit, a transfer by jeep can be organized.
- Accommodation: lodge.
- Meals included: morning, noon, and evening.
- Transfer: 45 minutes flight
- 4 hours drive.
- Positive altitude difference: 850 m.
- Negative altitude difference: 500 m.
- 5 hours of walking.
- Accommodation: lodge.
- Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Transfer: 1 hour
- Positive altitude difference: 540 m.
- Negative altitude difference: 710 m.
- 4 to 5 hours of walking.
- Accommodation: lodge.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive altitude difference: 400 m.
- Negative height difference: 150 m.
- 5 hours of walking.
- Accommodation: lodge.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- 1 to 2 hours of walking.
- Accommodation: lodge.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive altitude difference: 400 m.
- Negative height difference: 400 m.
- 5 hours 30 minutes walk.
- Accommodation: lodge.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive altitude difference: 680 m.
- Negative altitude difference: 800 m.
- 6 hours of walking.
- Accommodation: Tent.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive altitude difference: 650 m.
- Negative height difference: 50 m.
- 2 hours 30 minutes walk.
- Accommodation: Tent
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive altitude difference: 1,200 m.
- Negative height difference: 250 m.
- 6 hours 30 minutes walk.
- Accommodation: Tent
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive altitude difference: 580 m.
- Negative altitude difference: 350 m.
- 4 hour 30 minutes walk.
- Accommodation: Tent.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive altitude difference: 570 m.
- Negative altitude difference: 570 m.
- 5 hours of walking.
- Accommodation: Tent.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive altitude difference: 270 m.
- 3 hours 30 minutes of walk.
- Accommodation: Tent.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive altitude difference: 530 m.
- Negative height difference: 50 m.
- 5 hours of walking.
- Accommodation: Tent.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive altitude difference: 700 m.
- Negative altitude difference: 900 m.
- 10 hours of walking.
- Accommodation: Tent.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive elevation: 100 m.
- Negative altitude difference: 900 m.
- 5 hours 30 minutes walk.
- Accommodation: Tent.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
- Positive elevation: 100 m.
- Negative altitude difference: 700 m.
- 3 hours 30 minutes walk.
- Accommodation: tent.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive altitude difference: 510 m.
- Negative altitude difference: 1100 m.
- 5 hours 30 minutes walk.
- Accommodation: tent.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Elevation gain: 1,175m.
- Negative height difference: 100 m.
- 5 hours 30 minutes walk.
- Accommodation: Tent.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive altitude difference: 820 m.
- Negative altitude difference: 1570 m.
- 7 hours of walking.
- Accommodation: lodge.
- Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Positive elevation: 100 m.
- Negative altitude difference: 1025 m.
- 4 hours 30 minutes walk.
- Accommodation: lodge.
- Meals included: morning, noon, and evening.
- Transfer: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Accommodation: hotel.
- Meals included: morning, noon. Free meal: evening.
- Transfer: 4 hours on the track and 6 hours on the road.
- Meals included: Breakfast.
- Airport Transfer
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
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Trip Information
Saribung Pass Trek and Peak Climbing – Trip Information
The Saribung Pass Trek and Peak Climbing is a challenging Himalayan adventure combining remote trekking, high-altitude camping, glacier travel, and mountaineering. The journey reaches approximately 6,042 m at Saribung Pass and 6,328 m at Saribung Peak. Due to the altitude, remote terrain, and changing mountain conditions, participants need excellent physical fitness, proper acclimatization, suitable equipment, and previous high-altitude trekking or mountaineering experience.Alpinist Club organizes the trekking and climbing support, accommodation, meals, transportation, and expedition logistics according to your confirmed package.
Read More1. Your Guide and Expedition Team
Alpinist Club coordinates your journey from arrival in Kathmandu to departure after the expedition. Your guide leads the trekking team, manages daily activities, monitors weather and route conditions, and prioritizes everyone's safety.
Your support team may include:
- Guide (Team Leader): Coordinates trekking staff, logistics, and daily operations.
- Climbing Sherpa: Provides technical climbing assistance, supports rope work, and assists climbers during the ascent and descent.
- Assistant Guide: Supports the team leader, assists participants, and helps coordinate camps.
- Cook: Prepares meals during camping stages.
- Kitchen Assistants: Help prepare meals and manage kitchen supplies.
- Porters: Carry personal baggage and group supplies according to the agreed weight allowance.
All participants must follow the guide's instructions, particularly during high-altitude trekking and technical climbing. Alpinist Club arranges appropriate insurance and equipment for its Nepalese staff according to the requirements of the expedition.
2. Personal Baggage Allowance
Porters carry your personal baggage during the trek according to the agreed weight limit. Please pack carefully and carry only essential items in your daypack.
3. Accommodation During the Expedition
Accommodation varies between Kathmandu, lodge-based trekking sections, and remote camping areas.
Accommodation in Kathmandu
You will stay in a comfortable tourist-standard hotel in Kathmandu, generally on a twin-sharing basis. The final hotel depends on availability and the confirmed package. Single-room accommodation may be available at an additional cost.
Lodge Accommodation During the Trek
During lodge-based sections of the expedition, you will stay in local teahouses or mountain lodges. Rooms are generally twin-sharing, although facilities vary between villages.
Lodges in Upper Mustang and the Annapurna region often provide dining areas and basic amenities. Bathrooms may be shared or private, depending on the property. Hot showers, electricity, and internet access may be limited in remote locations.
Camping Accommodation
Approximately 12 nights of camping are planned for the remote sections between Upper Mustang and the Nar Phu region, subject to the final itinerary.
During camping stages, the expedition team provides:
- Two-person sleeping tents, generally shared by two participants.
- Sleeping mattresses, as specified in the package.
- A dining tent with tables and seating.
- Kitchen facilities and cooking equipment.
- Toilet facilities suitable for the camping environment.
The team aims to make camping as comfortable as possible in remote mountain areas. However, facilities become basic at higher elevations, and cold temperatures, wind, and changing weather can affect sleeping conditions.
4. Meals During the Saribung Pass Trek
Meals in Kathmandu
A welcome dinner is provided on arrival, and a farewell meal is arranged after the expedition. Breakfast is provided during the specified hotel nights. Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu are generally at your own expense unless stated otherwise.
Meals During Lodge-Based Trekking
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at local teahouses or lodges. Meals typically include rice, lentils, vegetables, noodles, potatoes, eggs, soup, bread, and other locally available dishes.
Meals During Camping
During camping stages, the expedition cook and kitchen team prepare meals using available ingredients. Meals may include rice, pasta, lentils, potatoes, vegetables, eggs, and other suitable foods.
Hot drinks, including tea and coffee, are provided according to the package arrangements. Lunch may be served hot or as a packed meal, depending on the day's walking distance, weather, and available facilities.
Sample Daily Menu
- Breakfast: Eggs, toast, chapati, Tibetan bread, or pancakes, with tea or coffee.
- Lunch: Rice, noodles, or another main dish, with a hot drink.
- Dinner: Soup, a main course, and fruit when available, with tea or coffee.
Menu options depend on the location and availability of ingredients. Special dietary requirements should be communicated to Alpinist Club before departure.
5. Drinking Water
Safe drinking water is essential throughout the expedition. Carry reusable water bottles and use water purification tablets, a suitable filter, or another approved treatment method.
Avoid drinking untreated water from streams or other natural sources. Limiting single-use plastic bottles also helps reduce waste in remote mountain environments.
6. Saribung Pass Trek and Peak Climbing Difficulty
The Saribung Pass Trek and Peak Climbing expedition is a challenging high-altitude adventure reaching approximately 6,042 m at Saribung Pass and 6,328 m at Saribung Peak. The route involves long trekking days, remote camping, cold weather, glacier travel, and technical climbing. Depending on conditions, climbers may need crampons, an ice axe, a harness, a helmet, and ropes.
Participants should have excellent fitness, previous high-altitude trekking experience, and appropriate mountaineering skills. This expedition is not recommended for unprepared beginners. Contact Alpinist Club to discuss your experience and preparation before booking.
7. Physical Preparation
Begin training several months before departure to develop the endurance and strength required for this demanding expedition.
Recommended preparation includes regular hiking, uphill walking, cardiovascular exercise, and strength training for the legs and core. Practice long walks while carrying a daypack and, if possible, train on steep or uneven terrain.
Previous experience using mountaineering equipment is beneficial. Climbers should also practice essential techniques, including crampon use, ice-axe handling, and movement on snow and ice, under qualified instruction.
Increase your training gradually and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your fitness.
8. Medical Check-Up Before the saribung Trek
A medical check-up before departure is strongly recommended. Discuss the expedition's altitude, physical demands, and remoteness with your healthcare professional.
A dental check-up is also advisable before travelling to isolated mountain areas where medical and dental services may be limited.
If you have concerns about altitude or an existing medical condition, seek advice from a doctor experienced in mountain medicine before booking.
9. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect anyone at high altitudes. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, loss of appetite, and unusual fatigue. Inform your guide immediately if symptoms develop, and never continue ascending if they worsen.
Severe altitude sickness can be life-threatening and may require urgent descent and medical treatment. Medication such as Diamox should be discussed with a healthcare professional before departure. Gradual ascent, proper acclimatization, and timely decisions about descent are essential for a safer expedition.
10. Transportation During the Trip
Airport transfers and scheduled transportation are arranged by private vehicle according to the confirmed itinerary.
Depending on the route, transportation may include airport transfers in Kathmandu, road journeys to the starting point of the trek, and return transportation from the trek's ending point.
Road conditions, traffic, weather, and the remoteness of the region can affect travel times. The exact transportation arrangements will be confirmed before departure.
11. Group Size
The expedition is planned for small groups of approximately 1–10 participants, subject to the confirmed departure arrangements.
Small groups allow for more personalized support, efficient coordination, and a better experience in remote mountain communities.
The guide-to-participant ratio, climbing Sherpa support, and group arrangements will be confirmed before booking.
12. Camping and Climbing Equipment
Alpinist Club arranges the group camping and climbing equipment specified in the expedition package. Depending on the confirmed arrangements, this may include:
- Sleeping tents for camping stages.
- Dining and kitchen tents.
- Cooking equipment and fuel.
- Sleeping mattresses at designated camps.
- Group ropes and technical climbing equipment required for the planned route.
- High-altitude tents and suitable cooking equipment for climbing camps.
The exact equipment provided depends on the itinerary, group size, and climbing conditions. Confirm the included equipment list with Alpinist Club before departure.
13. Personal Trekking and Climbing Equipment
Personal trekking and climbing equipment is generally not included unless specified in the package. A detailed equipment checklist will be provided before departure. Essential items may include:
- Warm, layered clothing and an insulated down jacket.
- Waterproof jacket and trousers.
- Trekking boots and suitable mountaineering boots.
- Warm gloves and mountaineering mittens.
- A sleeping bag suitable for expected temperatures.
- A headlamp with spare batteries.
- A climbing harness and helmet.
- Crampons and an ice axe.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and personal toiletries.
Selected items, including down jackets and high-altitude sleeping bags, may be available for rent by prior arrangement. Rental prices, availability, and deposit requirements should be confirmed before travel.
14. Safety and Communication
Safety is a priority throughout the Saribung Pass and Peak Climbing expedition. The guide and climbing leader monitor weather forecasts, route conditions, altitude-related symptoms, and the overall condition of the team.
The itinerary and summit attempt may be adjusted or cancelled if weather, snow conditions, route safety, or the team's health make the planned ascent unsafe. Reaching Saribung Peak's summit cannot be guaranteed; the safety of the team always comes first.
Mobile network coverage and internet access may be unreliable in remote areas. Communication arrangements and emergency procedures should be explained during the pre-expedition briefing.
All participants must have travel insurance that explicitly covers high-altitude mountaineering, emergency medical treatment, and helicopter evacuation up to the maximum altitude planned for the expedition.
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