Saribung Himal & Damodar Traverse
A journey shaped by the landscapes, people and experiences of Nepal.
Offered by Cho La Adventures Pvt. Ltd.
NEPAL · TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
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Saribung (6327m) located in the remote Damodar Himal, and close to the border of Tibet, this expedition is a challenging adventure but without technical difficulty. The route initially follows the Annapurna Circuit to Koto before heading off into the wilds of the Nar Khola Valley. The trails are rugged and at times requiring glacier travel. The climbing to this Expedition Peak is suitable for beginners and you complete the adventure by traversing through Damodar and Mustang regions to Jomsom before flying to the lakeside at Pokhara.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1KATHMANDU (1360m) — Kathmandu, the incredibly diverse capital of Nepal is a fascinating blend of centuries old Hindu and Buddhist shrines, traditional architecture and a city embracing the 21st century. Upon arrival your leader will transfer you to the Shangri La hotel in Lazimpat close to Thamel, a popular choice with tourists, with colourful handicraft stalls, trekking gear shops and excellent restaurants. In the evening, after your trek briefing, your leader will join you out on the town for dinner.
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Day 2KATHMANDU (1360m) — Sightseeing approx: 4 hours
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Day 3KATHMANDU (1360m) — Free Day A full day in Kathmandu for optional sightseeing as we process the restricted area permits for Nar Phu and Mustang.
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Day 4BHULBHULE OR NGADI (930M) — Driving: 6 hours / Trekking: 2 to 3 hours.
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Day 5JAGAT (1340m) — Trekking: 6 hours
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Day 6DHARAPANI (1890m) — Trekking: 6 hours
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Day 7FOREST CAMP (2830m) — Trekking: 7 hours
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Day 8META (3530m) — Trekking: 6 hours
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Day 9KYANG (3820m) — Trekking: 5 hours
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Day 10PHU (3980m) — Trekking: 4 hours
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Day 11PHU (3980m) — To aid acclimatisation we will take a rest day here and explore both the Tashi and Samdu Choling Monasteries and this remarkable village. There is a small local tea house here where there is an opportunity to try Tibetan tea and something stronger – the local brew – rakshi. Here we are only a short distance from the Tibetan border and an optional walk up the Layju Khola is highly recommended for spectacular views of both the mountains and a birds eye view of Phu village.
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Day 12TSHARIN (4615m) — Trekking: 7 hours After crossing the Phu Khola we contour around the monastery and climb gradually with great views of Himlung Himal (7126) to the east. After an hour or so the trail reaches a pass at 4010m. From here we follow the right bank of the Phu Khola, passing a number of chortens, gradually ascending with great views of the Tibetan border peaks to the north. We enter the Jhyamdani Khola and descend to the deserted village of Nagoru Kharka where we take lunch. From here onwards the trail is poor and after traversing the hillside for a short while the trail drops to the river. There is no bridge, so it’s boots off and necessary to wade across the narrow river. After crossing to the west bank it is a steep climb up the valley that leads to the summer grazing pastures of Tsharin (4630m) where we make camp in full view of Chakku and Lagula peaks.
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Day 13SARIBUNG BASE CAMP (4950m) Trekking: 6 hours — Trekking: 6 hours You are now very close to the Tibetan border and todays walk takes us into the heart of the Lugula Himal to our base camp for the attempt on Saribung. The first part of the walk is on a small yak herders trails following the western side of the Phu Khola Valley. After a couple of hours the trail bears west behind the peak of Pokarkan(6342m) where Blue Sheep are often seen grazing on the hillsides. The trail ascends steeply from here leading to a an easy walk over a small pass at (5010m). From here there are magnificent views of Bhrikuti and Chaku Himal as the trail descends to base camp located high on the lateral moraine of the Bhatchauk Glacier.
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Day 14SARIBUNG BASE CAMP (4950m) — Rest & Acclimatisation Base camp is sighted at this location as it’s the last position for running water. The camp is surrounded by wild mountain terrain and there is a true feeling of being in a very remote wilderness location. Today we will take a rest and acclimatization day to help with our preparations for the climb ahead. During this day we will update our rope skills and check provisions and porter loads for the days ahead.
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Day 15GLACIER CAMP (5425m) — Trekking: 6 hours
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Day 16CAMP 1 (5730m) — Trekking: 3 hours
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Day 19DAMODAR KUND (4980m) — Trekking: 9 hours
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Day 20DAMODAR KUND (4980m) — Rest Day
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Day 21PHARSE KHOLA (4820m) — Trekking: 6 hours
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Day 22YARA (3605m) — Trekking: 8 hours
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Day 23TANGBE (3360m) — Trekking: 7 hours
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Day 24CHHUSANG (2955m) — Trekking: 8 hours
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Day 25JOMSOM (2730m) — Driving: 2 hours
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Day 26POKHARA (860m) — Flight time: 25 mins
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Day 27KATHMANDU (1360m) — Flight time: approx 30 min After breakfast we are transferred back to the airport in the morning for our return flight to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu we are met and transferred back to our starting hotel. The rest of the day is free to do souvenir shopping or further sightseeing. Located in the south of the city, Patan is also worth a visit with its own Durbar Square full of historic structures and statues of past kings.
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Day 28DEPART KATHMANDU (1360m) — Your trip ends today after breakfast. Your leader will be on hand to advise and assist with your onward travel arrangements. A departure transfer to the airport is included.
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What's included in your experience
Included
- Arrival & Departure International Flight Transfers
- 4 nights accommodation at Shangri La Hotel on B&B basis Twin Share
- 1 night accommodation in Hotel Barahi Pokhara on B&B basis Twin Share
- 22 nights lodge and tented accommodation on trek on Twin Share
- All meals on the trek
- Trek Pack comprising of Down Sleeping bag, Fleece Liner, Down jacket and kitbag
- Climbing Boots, Ice Axes, Crampons, Harness,Ropes,Carabiners
- Experienced Climbing Sherpa
- Experienced English speaking local leader trained in Wilderness First Aid
- Insured and Fully equipped porters and support crew
- Domestic airport transfers
- Medical Kit
- Portable Altitude Chamber/Bottled Oxygen
- Trekking and National Park Permits
- Nar Phu Restricted Area Permits
- Saribung Expedition Climbing Permit
- Jomsom to Pokhara Flights
- Flights Pokhara – Kathmandu
- Transfer from Kathmandu to Besisahar in a private vehicle
- Transfer from Besisahar to Jagat or Nadi in a local jeep
- Pre departure trek dossier
- Trekking map
Not included
- International flights
- Nepal visa
- Travel Insurance
- Lunches and Dinner in Kathmandu & Pokhara
- Items of a personal nature, laundry
- Tipping to the crew
Essential trip information
Fitness & eligibility
1
Meeting point
Kathmandu
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