Upper Mustang to Narphu valley via Saribung climb

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, a representative from Mountain of Nepal will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in the city. After check-in, you can rest after your international flight or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel, known for trekking shops and cultural atmosphere. In the evening, there will be a short briefing about the upcoming expedition, including an overview of Upper Mustang, Saribung Peak, and Nar Phu Valley logistics. The team will also verify your equipment list and provide suggestions for any missing gear. Overnight stay in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : Permits and expedition briefing in Kathmandu

Today is dedicated to official preparations with the Mountain of Nepal. Your climbing and trekking permits for Upper Mustang, Nar Phu Valley, and Saribung Peak will be processed, including restricted area permits and Annapurna Conservation Area entry permits. A detailed expedition briefing will take place with your guide, covering route overview, altitude challenges, safety protocols, and emergency procedures. You will also meet your climbing and trekking team. Final gear checks and shopping for any missing supplies will be completed. The rest of the day is free for relaxation or exploring cultural landmarks in Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Drive to Kagbeni (2,800 m) via Pokhara – approx. 10–12 hrs drive

The journey begins with a long scenic drive from Kathmandu to Kagbeni via Pokhara. You will travel along winding highways, rivers, terraced hills, and rural settlements, gradually entering the Himalayan region. After Pokhara, the road continues towards the Kali Gandaki Valley, one of the deepest gorges in the world. Kagbeni, the gateway to Upper Mustang, is a beautiful medieval-style village with Tibetan influence and strong winds. Upon arrival, you will check into a local teahouse and explore the village monastery. Overnight stay in Kagbeni, preparing for entry into the restricted Mustang region.

Day 4 : Drive to Ghiling (3,570 m) – approx. 7–8 hrs drive

After completing permit checks at the Upper Mustang entry point, you drive deeper into the restricted region towards Ghiling. The landscape gradually transforms into a barren, desert-like terrain with red cliffs, ancient caves, and dry riverbeds. You will pass through traditional villages like Tangbe and Chhusang, experiencing authentic Tibetan-influenced culture. Ghiling is a peaceful settlement surrounded by wide open valleys and distant snow peaks. On arrival, you will rest in a local lodge and acclimatize to increasing altitude. The evening is spent exploring the village and preparing for the journey toward Lo Manthang.

Day 5 : Drive to Lo Manthang (3,810 m) – approx. 6–7 hrs drive

Today’s drive takes you to the legendary walled city of Lo Manthang, the cultural capital of Upper Mustang. The road passes through dramatic desert landscapes, monasteries perched on cliffs, and ancient chortens. Upon arrival in Lo Manthang, you will immediately feel its unique Tibetan heritage, with narrow alleys, whitewashed walls, and centuries-old palaces. After check-in, there is time to rest and adjust to the altitude. The team from Mountain of Nepal will brief you about exploration routes around Choser Valley and upcoming trekking sections toward Mustang Khola.

Day 6 : Explore Lo Manthang & Choser – approx. 3–4 hrs walk/drive

This day is reserved for exploration and acclimatization. You will visit the ancient monasteries of Lo Manthang, the royal palace, and the surrounding villages. A short excursion to the Choser Cave area reveals ancient meditation caves carved into cliffs, believed to have been used by Buddhist monks for centuries. The unique desert landscape, prayer flags, and traditional Tibetan lifestyle make this day culturally enriching. Light walking and short drives help your body adjust to altitude. In the evening, your guide will prepare you for the trekking phase into more remote wilderness areas.

Day 7 : Trek to Mustang Khola Camp (3,600 m) – approx. 5 hrs walk

The trekking portion begins as you leave the village settlements behind and head toward Mustang Khola Camp. The trail descends gradually into isolated valleys, crossing dry riverbeds and rocky terrain. The silence of the region becomes more pronounced as you move away from inhabited areas. You will camp in a remote location near Mustang Khola, where the Mountain of Nepal crew will set up tents and prepare meals. This is your first night in a fully expedition-style camping environment, marking the beginning of the wilderness section of the journey.

Day 8 : Trek to Amka (4,250 m) – approx. 4–5 hrs walk

Today’s trail becomes more rugged as you gain altitude steadily toward Amka. The terrain consists of barren hills, loose scree, and occasional glacial streams. You will notice dramatic changes in the landscape, with snow-capped peaks becoming more visible. The climb is gradual but demanding due to thinning air. Amka serves as a remote camping site surrounded by vast open valleys. Upon arrival, the team sets up camp while you rest and hydrate. The evening briefing includes preparation for the upcoming high-altitude trek toward Yara and Ghuma Thanti.

Day 9 : Trek to Yara (3,650 m) – approx. 6 hrs walk

The trail descends slightly before climbing again toward Yara village. The route offers stunning views of eroded cliffs, deep canyons, and ancient fossil-rich formations. Yara is a traditional Mustang village with mud-brick houses and Buddhist shrines. You will experience local hospitality and a glimpse of Himalayan desert life. The trek is moderate but long, requiring steady pacing. Upon arrival, you can rest and explore the village surroundings. The Mountain of Nepal crew ensures comfortable accommodation in a teahouse or tented camp, depending on conditions.

Day 10 : Trek to Ghuma Thanti (4,600 m) – approx. 7–8 hrs walk

This is a challenging ascent into high-altitude wilderness. The trail climbs steeply through barren landscapes with minimal vegetation. You will cross remote ridges and frozen streams, gradually entering a more alpine environment. Ghuma Thanti is a seasonal high camp area used by trekkers and pilgrims heading toward Damodar Kund. The air becomes noticeably thinner, requiring careful pacing and hydration. Camping here provides a dramatic view of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. The expedition team from Mountain of Nepal ensures proper acclimatization support and warm meals.

Day 11 : Trek to Parse Khola (4,500–4,600 m) – approx. 4–5 hrs walk

The trail today follows remote valleys and glacial river systems toward Parse Khola. The route is less steep but still demanding due to altitude and terrain conditions. You will pass through isolated landscapes where only wildlife and occasional yak herders are seen. Parse Khola serves as a quiet camping area with strong winds and cold temperatures at night. The team prepares protective tents and hot meals to ensure recovery. This short trekking day helps the body adjust before reaching the sacred Damodar Kund region.

Day 12 : Trek to Damodar Kunda (4,890 m) – approx. 7 hrs walk

Today, you reach the sacred Damodar Kund, a high-altitude holy lake considered extremely important in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The trail is spiritually significant and physically demanding, crossing rocky terrain and glacial moraines. Pilgrims often visit during specific seasons, but the region remains largely isolated. Upon arrival, you will witness stunning turquoise lakes surrounded by snow peaks. Camping near Damodar Kund is a memorable experience due to its spiritual energy and extreme remoteness. The Mountain of Nepal team ensures safety and comfort in this high-altitude sacred zone.

Day 13 : Trek to Base Camp (5,200 m) – approx. 3–4 hrs walk

A relatively short but steep ascent leads you to Saribung Base Camp. The landscape becomes fully alpine with glaciers, ice formations, and rugged rock fields. Upon arrival, you will see the towering Saribung Peak for the first time. The base camp is strategically set up with tents, a dining area, and safety equipment. The climbing guide conducts a full briefing for the summit push, including rope techniques and weather assessment. Rest and hydration are critical at this stage as oxygen levels are significantly lower.

Day 14 : Acclimatization at Base Camp

This day is reserved for acclimatization and technical preparation. You may take short hikes around base camp to adjust to altitude while practicing climbing skills such as rope handling, crampon use, and ice axe training. The guides from Mountain of Nepal ensure all climbers are fully prepared for summit day. Weather conditions are closely monitored. Mental and physical rest is emphasized, along with high-calorie meals and hydration. This preparation day is crucial for increasing summit success and minimizing altitude-related risks.

Day 15 : Trek to High Camp (5,600 m) – approx. 4–5 hrs walk

The route to High Camp involves glacier travel and steep ascent over icy terrain. Fixed ropes may be used depending on conditions. The environment becomes extremely cold and exposed, with strong winds and snow-covered landscapes. High Camp is set in a sheltered location near the climbing route to Saribung Peak. After arrival, climbers rest early in preparation for the summit push starting before dawn. The expedition team ensures all safety systems are in place.

Day 16 : Summit Saribung Peak (6,328 m) and return to Base Camp – approx. 10–11 hrs

Summit day begins early, typically around midnight or 1 AM. Climbers ascend through snow slopes, icy ridges, and technical sections using ropes and crampons. Reaching the summit of Saribung Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. After a short celebration and photographs, descent begins carefully back to High Camp and eventually Base Camp. This is the most physically demanding and rewarding day of the expedition. The Mountain of Nepal climbing team provides full technical and safety support throughout.

Day 17 : Contingency day (weather/rest)

This day is kept as a buffer for bad weather, delayed summit attempts, or extra rest after the climb. If the summit was already achieved, this day is used for recovery and packing. Weather conditions in high Himalaya are unpredictable, and flexibility is essential. The team evaluates the best route forward toward Nar Phu Valley. Mental relaxation and body recovery are prioritized.

Day 18 : Trek to Yak Kharka (4,200 m) – approx. 6–7 hrs walk

The descent begins toward lower valleys, gradually leaving the icy environment behind. The trail passes through glacial valleys, rocky ridges, and alpine meadows. Yak Kharka is a seasonal grazing area used by herders. The warmer oxygen-rich environment feels refreshing after high-altitude climbing. Camp is set in a scenic open valley surrounded by mountains.

Day 19 : Trek to Phu Gaon (4,080 m) – approx. 5–6 hrs walk

You enter the Nar Phu Valley region, a hidden Himalayan gem. The trail leads to Phu Gaon, a traditional Tibetan-style village with stone houses and ancient monasteries. The cultural richness of the region is striking. You can explore the village and interact with locals. The Mountain of Nepal crew ensures comfortable lodging in a teahouse or camp setup.

Day 20 : Trek to Meta (3,500 m) – approx. 6 hrs walk

The descent continues through dramatic canyon landscapes and narrow gorges. Meta serves as a transitional point between high valleys and lower trekking routes. The trail is scenic and diverse, with changing vegetation and river crossings. Overnight camp is set in Meta with views of the surrounding cliffs and mountains.

Day 21 : Trek to Koto (2,600 m) – approx. 6 hrs walk

Today marks the exit from the Nar Phu restricted area as you reach Koto. The trail becomes greener and more populated. You reconnect with the Annapurna Circuit route. The lower altitude brings relief after weeks of high-altitude exposure. A celebration dinner is organized by Mountain of Nepal to mark the successful completion of the expedition phase.

Day 22 : Drive to Kathmandu – approx. 9–10 hrs drive

A long scenic drive brings you back to Kathmandu through winding mountain roads and river valleys. You can reflect on the incredible journey from Upper Mustang to Saribung Peak and Nar Phu Valley. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for rest.

Day 23 : Free day in Kathmandu

A free day is available for rest, sightseeing, or shopping in Kathmandu. You may visit cultural sites, UNESCO heritage monuments, or simply relax after the demanding expedition. An optional celebratory dinner with the Mountain of Nepal team can be arranged in the evening.

Day 24 : Departure

Your journey concludes with a transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight. The Mountain of Nepal team will assist with airport arrangements and final farewells, marking the end of a remarkable Himalayan expedition crossing Upper Mustang, Saribung Peak, and Nar Phu Valley.