Saribung Peak Climbing

Saribung Peak Climbing or Saribung Expedition is truly an off-the-beaten-path excursion, which adds to its new, untamed allure, and mystique location, where few people go.

This journey is newer and more interesting than many others, with a climb up to the magnificent Saribung Peak (6346 m) that lies near the Damodar Mountain Range in a remote section of Mustang and a stone's throw from the Tibetan border. 

This is considered a challenging expedition that takes you over an otherworldly landscape of sculpted canyons, surreal rock formations, medieval villages, ruined fortresses, Tibetan Buddhist gompas, soaring snow peaks, and distinct Himalayan cultures.

Upper Jomsom, the restricted region of Upper Mustang, strikingly beautiful Nar Phu Valley, and the lonely Hidden Valley are all included in one excellent adventure.

In addition, this newly discovered trekking route crosses the challenging Saribung Pass (6042 m), which is one of the highest passes in Nepal. The trail to the pass is surely not easy, but the views you will get to see from the top of this pass are truly rewarding.

You will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Himlung Himal (7126m), Nilgiri Himal (7061m), Lamjung Himal (6983m), Mt. Manaslu (8163m), and Annapurna II (7937m) from the summit of Saribung Peak.

The region is also part of the Annapurna Conservation Area, Nepal's largest protected area and home to Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m), the world's seventh-highest mountain. Tukuche Peak (6920m), Nilgiri South (6839m), Yakwakang Peak (6462m), and Damodar Himal (6004m) are among the 6000m+ peaks in the area. 

Hence, Saribung Peak Climbing is certainly a once-in-a-lifetime journey that includes mythological sites, wild and remote locations, spectacular pass crossings, a special trek, and one-of-a-kind trips.

Saribung Peak Climbing Trip Highlights 

• Discover an isolated part of the Mustang region that lies within the Damodar Himal Range

• Trekking experience through low sub-tropical woods to high alpine rocky terrain

• Upper Jomsom, Upper Mustang, isolated Nar Phu Valley, and Hidden Valley in one excellent adventure

• Get the insights into a Tibetan-like environment, culture, and people

• Face the challenges of not only climbing Saribung Peak at 6,328m but also traversing the 6,042m Saribung La pass 

• Wonderful views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and the Annapurna range

• Take in the striking vistas of Himlung Himal, Nilgiri Himal, Lamjung Himal, Mt. Manaslu, and many other peaks

Difficulty Level of Saribung Expedition 

Saribung Peak Expedition is not a technical climb, but it is considered a difficult excursion due to the altitude change and isolation of the location. With the challenging routes and off-the-beaten paths linked with Saribung Peak, this journey is where you will be ascending to a staggering height of 6,328 meters.

Between the Damodar Kunda (lake) and the Nar-Phu valley, there are numerous passes with ice and crevasses. Two of the most notable challenges are the Kang La high pass and the Saribung La pass, which is located above 5200 meters.

For the most part, these will necessitate glacier travel mode, with only a few portions of fixed-line requiring the use of a jumar. As a result, climbing the Saribung Peak necessitates a basic understanding of mountaineering methods, excellent physical shape, and a lot of determination.

Trekkers must walk an average of 6 to 7 hours per day off-trail or over tough terrain, with a total elevation gain of more than 1000 meters or 20 kilometers. And, if you are an experienced mountaineer, ascending Saribung Peak will be quite easy for you. 

Altitude Mountain Sickness (AMS) during Saribung Peak Climbing 

The well-planned Saribung Peak Climbing itinerary includes two practical and beneficial acclimatization days and pre-climb training, which helps in the adaptation to the thin air and reduces the chance of mountain sickness.

However, to avoid getting AMS, we recommend that you stay hydrated and walk at a relaxed pace. If any symptoms are seen, immediately inform the guides, as our guides are always equipped with a first-aid kit and a pulse oximeter (which measures the amount of oxygen in your blood).

Every one of our mountain commanders is experienced, smart, and insightful, and can deal with any health risks or unforeseen occurrences.

Best time to do the Saribung Peak Climbing 

Saribung Peak climbing is best done in the spring (March to May) and autumn (mid-September to November). 

During these seasons, the weather is pleasant, providing perfect circumstances for hiking and climbing with less snow and clear mountain vistas. 

Monsoon and winter are considered off-seasons, and climbing during these times is not recommended due to wet, slippery trails, unsatisfying vistas and heavy snowfall, and extreme cold. 

Permits for Saribung Peak Climbing 

Saribung Peak Climbing needs the following permissions:

• Documentation for Permits/Entry from the Department of Immigration

• Saribung Peak climbing fees/Royalty 

• Naar- Phu Valley RAP (Restricted Area Permit)

• ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Permit)

• Upper Mustang RAP (Restricted Area Permit)

Useful Information

Drive from KTM to Dharapani/kyoto and then trek to Nar - Phu, and beginning the expedition and completing it, and trekking to yara- luri and Lo Manthang and then kagbeni and jomsom and end, or reverse the route starting from KTM-Pokhara-Jomsom-Kagbeni-Lomanthang-Luri-Yara and completing the climb and trekking to Nar -Phu then Dharapani/Kyoto and back to Kathmandu

Based on our experience it is better to start from nar phu for adventure enthusiasts as peak climbing is a tough journey so to make you properly acclimatize and get used to the challenging trek we prefer to start by the nar phu as the mustang portion is rather easier and sometime could lack acclimatization and training/technical experience so we prefer you relax later after the climb

There are two possible routes for the incredible journey that combines the remote wilderness of Nar Phu Valley with the ancient Tibetan-influenced culture of Upper Mustang. One option is to begin by driving from Kathmandu to Dharapani or Koto and then trekking to Nar and Phu villages. From there, you can begin the peak climbing expedition, and after the summit, continue your trek towards Yara, Luri Gompa, Lo Manthang, and finally descend through Kagbeni to Jomsom before returning to Pokhara or Kathmandu. Alternatively, you can start from Kathmandu or Pokhara, fly or drive to Jomsom, and begin your trek through Kagbeni, Lo Manthang, Luri, and Yara. After completing the Mustang portion, you would then head toward Nar Phu and end your trek in Dharapani or Koto before returning to Kathmandu.

However, based on our extensive experience organizing treks and expeditions across Nepal, we strongly recommend starting your adventure from Nar Phu, especially since you are undertaking peak climbing. The Nar Phu route offers a more gradual ascent, allowing better acclimatization and preparation before reaching the technical climbing phase. This region’s challenging terrain and high-altitude passes naturally build stamina and mental resilience, essential for any demanding expedition. In contrast, the Mustang region, although breathtaking, tends to be relatively easier in terms of terrain and altitude, and starting from there may not provide sufficient acclimatization or physical readiness before the climb. By tackling the harder sections first, you not only prepare your body and mind for the peak but also get to enjoy the scenic and culturally rich trails of Mustang as a more relaxed and rewarding conclusion to your adventure. For seasoned trekkers and climbing enthusiasts alike, starting from Nar Phu ensures a safer, stronger, and more fulfilling expedition experience.