Saribung Pass Trek – 22 Days

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted at Tribhuvan International Airport by your trekking representative and transferred to your hotel in the vibrant Thamel area. After check-in, you can relax and recover from your journey or take a leisurely walk through the bustling streets filled with trekking gear shops, handicraft stores, and local restaurants.

In the evening, your guide will conduct a detailed pre-trek briefing covering the Saribung Pass route, altitude risks, required gear, and overall logistics. This day is important for orientation and ensuring all final arrangements are perfectly in place before heading toward the mountains.

After breakfast, you spend the morning completing final preparations such as permit verification (ACAP and restricted area permits), gear organization, and last-minute shopping if necessary. Once everything is ready, you take a short but scenic flight to Pokhara. During the flight, you can enjoy breathtaking aerial views of snow-capped peaks including Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri.

Upon arrival, you are transferred to your hotel near Phewa Lake, where you can relax and enjoy the peaceful lakeside environment. In the afternoon, you may explore the lakeside market, enjoy a boat ride, or simply rest and mentally prepare for the journey into the remote Mustang region.

Early in the morning, you take a thrilling mountain flight to Jomsom, known for its dramatic landscapes and strong winds. After landing, you begin your trek along the wide, windswept Kali Gandaki riverbed. The trail offers stunning views of Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri peaks while passing through dry, desert-like terrain that contrasts sharply with the greenery of lower Nepal.

After several hours of gradual walking, you reach Kagbeni, a fascinating medieval village with narrow alleys, ancient monasteries, and traditional mud-brick houses. Kagbeni serves as the gateway to Upper Mustang, and you will spend time exploring its cultural richness before settling into your lodge for the night.

Today marks your official entry into the restricted Upper Mustang region after permit checks at the checkpoint. The trail gradually ascends along the Kali Gandaki River, passing through barren cliffs, deep gorges, and wind-carved rock formations that define Mustang’s unique geography. The environment becomes increasingly arid, with minimal vegetation and dramatic canyon scenery. You pass small settlements like Tangbe, known for its whitewashed houses and apple orchards, before climbing steep ridges toward Chele.

The final ascent can be physically demanding due to altitude gain and strong winds, but the panoramic views make it worthwhile. Upon reaching Chele, a small village perched above the valley, you rest and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

This is a challenging yet rewarding day involving multiple ascents and descents over high passes. The trail climbs steeply through rugged terrain, crossing narrow ridges and descending into deep canyons before ascending again. Along the way, you visit the sacred Rachung Cave monastery, an important pilgrimage site for locals, offering a peaceful spiritual atmosphere. As you continue, the landscape opens into vast dry plateaus with expansive views of the Mustang region.

The altitude gain becomes more noticeable, so maintaining a slow and steady pace is essential. Eventually, you reach Syangboche at 3,600 meters, a quiet settlement surrounded by barren hills and distant snow peaks. Overnight stay here allows further acclimatization.

Today’s trek takes you across one of the most visually stunning sections of Upper Mustang. You begin with a gradual ascent to a high pass, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and distant Himalayan peaks. From the pass, the trail descends into Dhakmar, famous for its striking red and orange cliffs. According to local legend, these cliffs were formed from the blood of a defeated demon, adding cultural significance to the already breathtaking scenery.

The village itself is small but incredibly picturesque, with traditional houses set against the dramatic backdrop. The unique landscape, combined with the spiritual stories, makes this one of the most memorable days of the trek.

After breakfast, you begin the day with a gentle ascent toward one of Mustang’s most historically significant monasteries, Ghar Gompa. This ancient monastery, believed to be over a thousand years old, holds deep spiritual importance and is associated with Guru Rinpoche. Pilgrims believe that making a wish here can fulfill desires, adding a sacred dimension to your journey.

After spending time exploring the monastery, the trail gradually opens into vast high-altitude plains with sweeping views of the Mustang landscape. As you approach Lo Manthang, the terrain becomes flatter and more expansive. Entering the walled city feels like stepping back in time, with its narrow alleys, royal palace, and centuries-old monasteries. You will have time to explore the cultural richness of this former kingdom and interact with locals who still follow traditional Tibetan-influenced lifestyles.

This day is dedicated to acclimatization and exploration around Lo Manthang, which is crucial for preparing your body for higher altitudes ahead. You take a side trip to Chhosar village, located a few hours away, where you can explore the mysterious sky caves carved high into vertical cliffs. These caves, some of which are multi-storied, were historically used for living, meditation, and burial purposes.

The most famous among them, the Jhong Cave, features interconnected chambers, narrow passageways, and ancient relics that provide a glimpse into Mustang’s ancient civilization. Throughout the day, you also enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding arid valleys and distant snow peaks. Returning to Lo Manthang, you can spend the evening visiting monasteries or simply resting to aid acclimatization.

Leaving the historic capital behind, you head toward the less-explored eastern region of Upper Mustang. The trail descends gradually from Lo Manthang into remote valleys that see very few trekkers compared to the main route. The landscape becomes more rugged and isolated, with dramatic cliffs, eroded hills, and vast open spaces dominating the scenery.

You may encounter occasional shepherds or small settlements, but the sense of remoteness is very strong. After several hours of trekking through these wild terrains, you reach Yara, a peaceful village surrounded by barren hills. This part of the trek offers a more authentic and untouched experience of Mustang, far from the more frequented routes.

Today is one of the spiritual highlights of the trek. You begin with a relatively short but scenic hike toward the hidden Luri Cave Monastery, located within a towering cliff. The trail involves crossing small streams and navigating narrow paths along the rugged terrain. Upon reaching the cave, you explore its fascinating interior, which includes ancient Buddhist murals, chortens, and religious artifacts that date back centuries.

The atmosphere inside the cave is peaceful and mystical, reflecting the deep spiritual heritage of the region. After spending time at the monastery, you either return to Yara or stay nearby depending on the trekking plan. The day is less physically demanding but highly rewarding culturally and spiritually.

From today onward, the trek becomes more remote and expedition-like as you leave behind permanent settlements. The trail heads deeper into isolated wilderness, following faint paths across rocky terrain, dry riverbeds, and open valleys. There are no proper villages along this route, and camping becomes necessary. The sense of isolation is profound, with only the sound of wind and distant rivers accompanying you.

Ghuma Thanti is a basic camping site where you set up tents and rest for the night. The lack of infrastructure and increasing altitude require careful pacing and good physical endurance. This section marks the transition from a cultural trek to a more adventurous high-altitude expedition.

Today’s journey continues through rugged and untouched terrain as you follow the trail along riverbeds and rocky paths toward Namta Khola. The route may involve crossing small streams and navigating uneven surfaces, making the trek physically demanding but incredibly scenic. The surrounding landscape is wild and dramatic, with towering cliffs, glacial valleys, and no signs of modern civilization.

Upon reaching Namta Khola, you set up camp near the river, where you can rest and enjoy the serene natural environment. The sound of flowing water and the vast open sky create a peaceful yet adventurous atmosphere, preparing you for the higher altitude challenges that lie ahead in the coming days.

Leaving Namta Khola behind, you gradually ascend toward the high alpine zone where vegetation becomes almost nonexistent and the terrain turns increasingly rugged and glacial. The trail follows a steady uphill route across rocky moraines, loose scree, and occasional snow patches depending on the season. As you gain elevation, the air becomes thinner and colder, requiring a slower pace and frequent rest stops.

The surrounding scenery transforms into a dramatic high-mountain environment with towering peaks, icy ridges, and vast open silence. After several hours of careful trekking, you arrive at Saribung Base Camp, a remote and windswept campsite situated beneath the massive glacier leading to the pass. Here, your team sets up camp, and you prepare for the upcoming high-altitude crossing, ensuring all gear such as crampons and ropes are ready if required.

This is a crucial acclimatization day that significantly increases your chances of safely crossing the high pass. Instead of complete rest, you take short hikes to higher elevations and return to base camp, following the principle of “climb high, sleep low.” These acclimatization walks help your body adapt to reduced oxygen levels while also allowing you to familiarize yourself with the terrain.

Your guide may also conduct basic training on using trekking equipment such as crampons or ice axes if snow conditions demand it. Throughout the day, you stay well-hydrated, eat nutritious meals, and monitor your physical condition closely. The peaceful yet extreme environment of the base camp, surrounded by glaciers and snow-covered peaks, creates a true expedition atmosphere and prepares you mentally for the most challenging day ahead.

This is the most demanding and rewarding day of the entire trek. You start very early, often before dawn, to ensure stable snow conditions for crossing Saribung Pass, which rises above 6,000 meters. The ascent involves navigating glaciers, steep snow slopes, and potentially icy sections where careful footing is essential. Depending on conditions, ropes and technical support may be used for safety.

Reaching the top of the pass is a truly unforgettable achievement, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan giants stretching into Tibet. After spending a short time at the summit due to extreme altitude and cold, you begin a long and careful descent toward Nagoru. The descent can be equally challenging, requiring focus and stamina. Upon reaching Nagoru, you set up camp and celebrate the successful crossing of one of Nepal’s most remote high passes.

After the intensity of the previous day, today’s trek involves a gradual descent into the hidden and culturally rich valley of Phu Gaon. The trail follows rugged terrain along narrow paths, rocky slopes, and glacial streams before opening into a wide valley where Phu village is located. This ancient settlement is one of the most isolated villages in Nepal, characterized by tightly clustered stone houses, prayer flags, and centuries-old monasteries. The local lifestyle here remains deeply rooted in Tibetan traditions, offering a rare cultural experience. Upon arrival, you have time to explore the village, visit monasteries, and interact with locals, gaining insight into their unique way of life.

Leaving Phu Gaon, you descend along a scenic trail that follows the river through deep gorges and dramatic landscapes. The path involves a series of ascents and descents along rocky cliffs, suspension bridges, and narrow trails carved into hillsides. As you move lower, the environment gradually becomes greener, with patches of vegetation and grazing lands appearing along the route. The journey offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, making it both physically engaging and visually rewarding. After several hours of trekking, you reach Meta, a small settlement situated on a plateau. This peaceful location serves as a comfortable resting point after a long day of trekking.

Today you continue descending toward greener landscapes as you leave behind the remote high-altitude wilderness of the Naar Phu region. The trail gradually transitions into forested areas filled with pine and fir trees, accompanied by the sound of flowing rivers and waterfalls. You pass through small settlements and cross suspension bridges before eventually reaching Koto, which lies on the popular Annapurna Circuit trail. The contrast between the dry, barren Mustang landscapes and the lush greenery of this region is striking. Upon arrival in Koto, you check into a teahouse and enjoy the comforts of a more developed trekking route, marking a significant milestone as the most remote section of the journey comes to an end.

After breakfast in Koto, you begin trekking along the well-established Annapurna Circuit trail. The path follows the Marsyangdi River, passing through dense pine and fir forests, cascading waterfalls, and charming hillside villages. Compared to the remote and rugged trails of the previous days, today’s route feels more comfortable and lively, with fellow trekkers and better trail infrastructure. The gradual descent allows your body to recover from high-altitude fatigue while still offering scenic beauty. You cross several suspension bridges and walk along stone-paved paths before reaching Dharapani, a busy junction where different trekking routes meet. The village offers good teahouses, warm meals, and a relaxing environment after many days of camping and isolation.

Today’s trek continues descending through increasingly green and fertile landscapes. The trail winds through traditional villages, terraced farmlands, and subtropical forests, offering a completely different experience compared to the barren Mustang region. You pass through settlements such as Tal and other small villages where you can observe daily rural life, including farming and livestock activities. The warmer climate and oxygen-rich air make trekking easier and more enjoyable. As you approach Jagat, the trail becomes broader and more accessible, eventually leading you to this charming village with stone-paved streets and traditional houses. Jagat marks the end of your trekking journey, and you can celebrate the successful completion of this incredible high-altitude adventure.

After breakfast, you begin a long yet scenic drive back to Kathmandu. The journey follows winding mountain roads alongside rivers, waterfalls, and terraced hillsides, providing a final opportunity to enjoy Nepal’s diverse landscapes. Depending on road conditions, the drive may take several hours, but it is filled with beautiful views and occasional stops for meals and rest. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you are transferred to your hotel where you can relax, take a hot shower, and enjoy the comforts of the city after weeks in remote wilderness. In the evening, you may choose to explore the city, shop for souvenirs, or attend a farewell dinner organized by your trekking company.

Your unforgettable Saribung Pass Trek concludes today. Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your international departure. As you leave Nepal, you carry with you incredible memories of diverse landscapes—from the desert terrain of Upper Mustang to the icy heights of Saribung Pass and the hidden valleys of Naar Phu. This trek is not just a physical journey but a deeply enriching experience filled with cultural encounters, natural beauty, and personal achievement that will stay with you for a lifetime.