German Version
Our staff will come to pick up at airport and transfer to hotel.
Saribung Mustang Trek itinerary
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara
Early in the morning drive with Tourist bus to Pokhara, It takes about 7 to 8 hours drive.
Day 3 Flight from Pokhara to Jomsom & Trek to Kagbeni 2810 m
After our breakfast we fly from Pokhara to Jomsom. The scenic flight takes about 20 minutes; we have a view of the 8'000er the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Jomsom is the capital of the district of Mustang; it is also the capital of the region Khali Gandaki which is cross-linked for decades with the old Trans-Himalayan salt route to Tibet. We follow the river bed of the river Khali Gandaki for about 3 hours and reach the village Ekley-Bhatti. After another hour we arrive in Kagbeni. Kagbeni is an interesting, windswept village in the middle of the old Trans-Himalayan Salt Road.
Day 4 Kagbeni to Chele 3050 m
Our day begins with a check of our entry permit; we continue upstream along the Khali Gandaki. Later we reach the village Tangbe with its narrow streets and whitewashed houses, wheat, barley, buckwheat fields and apple garden. We walk to the beautiful village Chhuksang with its fantastic rock formations. After crossing a bridge, it is worth to take a look back at the impressive rock face. Hundreds of years ago high up, a cave system was beaten in the rock. It is believed that the caves were used for ritual purposes and for protection. In Mustang, we will encounter similar caves. After a short, steep climb, we reach Chele.
Day 5 Chele to Syanbochen 3800 m
Today we cross the Taklam La Pass 3'624 m, walking across the plateau, where we have the opportunity to see the Tilicho Peak, Yakawa Kang and the Damodar Danda. Once we have reached Samar the trail goes on a ridge and then down to a stream. We pass the Ramchung stalactite cave where Guru Padmasambhava, is said, to have meditated in the 8th century. In rock imprints of his hands and body can be seen. We continue through a spectacular ravine and arriving in Shyanbochen. In this area juniper trees are found, the locals dry them and use it as a kind of incense to invite gods.
Day 6 Syanbochen to Ghami 3520 m
After breakfast we climb up the Yamda La pass 3’850 m, we passing Chorten and villages that are characterized by the Tibetan style. Another pass is upon us, the Nyi Pass 4’010 m; after we arrived down we reach Ghami, the third largest town in the region Lo.
Day 7 Ghami to Charang 3560 m
After crossing the Ghami Khola,we climb up to a plateau and pass a long impressive Mani Wall, a sacred stone wall made by the followers of Buddhism. We are keeping east and reach Charang with its labyrinth of fields, willow trees and houses which are separated by stone walls of Tsarang Chu Canyon. The huge five-storey Dzong and red Gompa, as well as many large paintings of Buddha are impressive.
Day 8 Charang to Lo Manthang 3810 m
Along the way we have magnificent views of the Nilgiri, Tilicho, Annapurna I and Bhrikuti Peak. We first go down the Charang Chu Canyon, after crossing the river it goes steeply up. Now after we have left the windy Lo Pass 3’950 behind us, we can already see the Lo-Manthang valley. The old historic royal city with its white and red buildings, as well as the city walls are coming closer.
Day 9 Explore Lo Manthang
Today, we have enough time to enjoy the region. The Namgyal Gompa, which is located on a hill, is worth a visit; it is one of the most important monasteries of the local community and even includes the local court. Then we can explore Tingkhar, the last village in the north-west of Lo Manthang. For those who still have the desire to explore the area, the option is open, to visit Champa Lakhang "God's house" the red Thugchen Chyodi Gompa and the Gompa with its "entry hall" which is a main feature of the area. Another is the four-storey building of the Raja's palace and the panoramic view of the Himalayas.
Day 10 Lo Manthang to Luri 4085 m
In a prospective height route we reach a Pass 3’920 m and get on a steep path to the gorge of the Kali Gandaki and down to the village Dri. This is a very spectacular way through a rock wall. On a bridge we cross the river, walking into the valley of the Puyon Khola and to the village of Yara. We are able to see many fossils on the way. After two hours hiking up we arrive at Luri Gompa. The small cave monastery sticks like an eagle's nest in the steep rock face.
Day 11 Luri to Ghuma Thanti 4750 m
This path not many people using. We cross a nameless pass with a height of about 5’000 meters.
Day 12 Ghuma Thanti to Namta Khola 4900 m
We walk through impressive desert-like landscape. The Tibetan border is close and from our next pass 5’300 m we have a beautiful view towards Tibet. The descent into the canyon of Namta Khola is steep.
Day 13-14 Namta Khola to Damodar Kund 4890 m
Another pass with its fantastic mountain scenery is awaiting us. Our destination today is the same as for many Hindu pilgrims and sadhus. The holy lakes of Damodar Kund considered as one of the most difficult-to-reach pilgrimage destinations in the Himalayas. The largest of the three lakes (or rather ponds) is called Dudh (milk) Kund and is regarded as the source of the Kali Gandaki river. A ritual bath in the lake supposed to release the pilgrims from their sins. There is second rest day in Damodar Kunda.
Day 15 Damodar Kund to Saribung Base Camp 5250 m
The stage is kept short because of the altitude. We climb up the valley to the Base Camp of Saribung La.
Day 16 Saribung Base Camp to Saribung High Camp 5800 m
Over impressive glaciers and moraines we ascend to the High Camp.
Day 17 Saribung High Camp Summit Saribung La
When it is still dark we making our way up to the pass, which has an incredible height of around 6’000 meters. Those who like can climb from here to the Saribung peak. Technically, the summit is not difficult, but the high altitude becomes noticeable as well the steep slope of the peak. The snow ridge is 30 degrees steep. The fantastic views from 6'328 meter peak compensate the efforts of ascent. Afterwards we climb down the east side of the pass.
Day 18-19 Saribung La to Phu 4080 m
Each step leads back towards the civilization: we let a large Chorten behind us and arriving in Phu with its traditional house.
We take a rest day in Phu which is also an extra day, in case of bad weather condition or other reasons. In the village of Phu we feel back in time of the Middle Ages. We have enough time to enjoy the village and the local way of life. It’s worth to visit the Monastery Tashi Lhakhang Gompa. But perhaps the most interesting are the inhabitants of Phu and their traditional lifestyle. You will see people who spinning yak or sheep's wool, mashing mustard seed and maybe we will be invited for a cup of butter tea. Another idea is to hike to the Himlung Base Camp.
Day 20 Phu to Meta 3560 m
We leave the beautiful village of Phu and descend to Kyang and continue to Naar Phedi with the large Chorten and arriving after awhile in Meta.
Day 21 Meta to Koto 2600 m
Juniper bushes, flowers and willows line our way through the Naar Phu Kola Gorge. We pass several waterfalls in a jungle kind of ground. Koto is located on the classic Annapurna Round.
Day 22 Koto to Besisahar 760 m
On a bumpy and sometimes adventurous road we drive slowly to Besisahar.
Day 23 Besisahar to Kathmandu
Drive by local bus or jeep, it takes about 5 to 6 hours to reach Kathmandu.
Day 24 Departure
Our staff will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport. Have a safe journey and hope to see you again.