Day 1
Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
Arrival in Kathmandu where our team welcomes you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel. Expedition briefing and introduction to staff in the evening.
Day 2
Drive to Besishar and Continue to Syange
Early morning drive from Kathmandu to Besishar, then continue by local bus or jeep along a rugged mountain road to Syange. The journey follows river valleys and rural hillside villages.
Day 3
Trek to Dharapani (1,860 m)
Begin trekking through subtropical forests, waterfalls, and traditional settlements. The trail gradually ascends to Dharapani, a charming village on the Annapurna trail.
Day 4
Trek to Koto (2,600 m)
Follow the Marsyangdi River valley, passing through pine forests and Tibetan-influenced villages before reaching Koto, the gateway to the Nar–Phu Valley.
Day 5
Trek to Dharmasala (3,300 m)
Enter a more remote landscape as the trail narrows along cliffs and river gorges. Gradual ascent to Dharmasala surrounded by alpine scenery.
Day 6
Trek to Kyang (3,740 m)
Climb steadily through high-altitude terrain with expansive mountain views, reaching the small settlement of Kyang.
Day 7
Trek to Phu Gaon (4,100 m)
Cross suspension bridges and traverse arid landscapes to reach Phu Gaon, an ancient Tibetan-style village rich in culture and tradition.
Day 8
Trek to Nagoru (4,400 m)
Ascend gradually through yak pastures and rugged terrain toward Nagoru, gaining further acclimatization.
Day 9
Trek to Saribung Base Camp (4,950 m)
A 7–8 hour trek across glacial terrain leads to Saribung Base Camp. Rest and acclimatization in preparation for higher climbing days.
Day 10
Base Camp to High Camp (5,730 m)
Climb over rocky and icy sections to establish High Camp beneath the summit slopes of Saribung Peak.
Day 11
Summit Saribung Peak (6,346 m) and Return to Base Camp
Early alpine start for the summit push. The climb involves glacier travel and snow slopes leading to the summit at 6,346 m. After enjoying panoramic Himalayan views, descend carefully back to Base Camp (8–10 hours).
Day 12
Base Camp to Namta Khola (4,890 m)
Descend from Base Camp into remote valleys toward Namta Khola, entering the Upper Mustang region.
Day 13
Cross High Pass to Ghuma Tanti (4,600 m)
Cross a high pass of approximately 5,600 m, enjoying dramatic trans-Himalayan landscapes before descending to Ghuma Tanti.
Day 14
Cross High Pass to Luri Gompa (4,100 m)
Traverse another high pass (approx. 5,100 m) before descending to the ancient cave monastery of Luri Gompa, an important spiritual site in the region.
Day 15
Trek to Surkhang (3,500 m)
Descend through dry valleys and traditional Mustang villages to Surkhang.
Day 16
Trek to Lo Manthang (3,840 m)
Continue trekking across the windswept plateau to reach the walled kingdom of Lo Manthang in Upper Mustang.
Day 17
Exploration Day in Lo Manthang
Rest and explore Lo Manthang, visiting monasteries, royal palace areas, and experiencing authentic Tibetan culture.
Day 18
Trek to Charang (3,560 m)
Descend gradually to the village of Charang, known for its monastery and red cliffs.
Day 19
Trek to Syangboche (3,800 m)
Follow high desert trails with wide mountain vistas en route to Syangboche.
Day 20
Trek to Chele (3,050 m)
Descend through dramatic canyons and eroded cliffs to Chele.
Day 21
Trek to Kagbeni and Jomsom (2,700 m)
Continue descending to Kagbeni and onward to Jomsom, a major settlement in Mustang.
Day 22
Fly to Pokhara
Scenic morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, enjoying views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
Day 23
Return to Kathmandu
Drive or fly back to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel and free time.
Day 24
Kathmandu Sightseeing and Shopping
Guided sightseeing of cultural landmarks and time for souvenir shopping.
Day 25
Final Departure
Transfer to the international airport for your onward journey home.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE/FITNESS
The technical difficulty of this climb is not high, but it is physically demanding with long days and sections with a lot of exposure. The trip is ideally suited to strong, experienced climbers who want to climb the peak in its own right, or to use the trip to gain experience for higher peaks in the future. To move efficiently and enjoyably we recommend you have experience of Alpine PD+/AD routes and /or an ability to climb Scottish grade 1/ll winter routes and previous experience of altitude of at least 4800m before.
A TYPICAL TREKKING DAY
Starts around seven am (not a problem as it’s usual to go to bed early!) with you packing your overnight gear into a kit bag before enjoying a hearty breakfast ready to leave camp whilst it’s still fairly cool. The pace on the trek will be leisurely with plenty of time to enjoy the scenery, take photos, chat to the locals and keep hydrated. Lunch is usually in a fine spot by the side of the trail and, most days, you will be arriving at our overnight camp mid afternoon ready for a well earned cup of tea. This leaves an hour or so to rest or explore before a three course evening meal. It is quite remarkable what the locals can produce in these remote circumstances.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The Post and Pre monsoon conditions experienced from October into mid-December. April-May are usually very fair, dry and stable. Daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm in the valleys (20-30C) whilst cool to very cold (especially with wind chill) high on Baruntse. Night time temperatures are cold to very cold (possibly as low as minus 30C) and you should make sure you have a very warm sleeping bag (-30c), an expedition weight down jacket and good quality down mitts.
CATERING ARRANGEMENTS
Food on the trek and at Base Camp is excellent and designed to stimulate your appetite despite frequent altitude induced loss of appetite. Breakfast includes porridge and cereal followed by eggs (fried, boiled poached or omelettes) and either bread or chapattis with jam, honey, peanut butter etc. Lunch starts with juice and may include chips, rice, lentils, vegetables, salad, sandwiches, beans, tinned fish and tinned meat. Dessert is usually fresh/tinned fruit and tea. The evening meal always starts with soup (often with a healthy dose of garlic to aid acclimatisation) accompanied by poppadums, popcorn or prawn crackers. The main meal varies from local style – Dal Bhat (rice and lentils with an onion and vegetable sauce), Yak stew, momos etc. to western style – yak burgers, chips, pasta, even pizza! Desserts are equally appealing and include apple pie, cake, custard etc. You will not be hungry! Once on the mountain we use dehydrated meals supplemented by chocolate, muesli bars, cheese, nuts, salami, etc.
IMPORTANT – The small print
Please note, flights to and from Lukla can be delayed due to the weather. Please be patient and bring a good book to read. If the flight is delayed overnight accommodation is included on a B&B basis. In cases of longer delays, optional helicopter flights are sometimes offered at an extra cost.
MISSED INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
We allow one extra day in the itinerary for bad weather. If you are delayed longer (unusual) we can re-book your International flight but additional costs may/will be incurred. Tickets can be changed according to availability and the class of ticket, you may need to upgrade and be flexible on your return date. All additional payment would need to paid for in Kathmandu (card payments accepted).
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
We employ local staff to work alongside our own group leader giving employment beyond farming. We ask that you restrict showers to those lodges that have electricity or solar power, thus reducing deforestation. Be prepared to wash using bowls of warm water or ‘wet ones’. We recommend you dispose of burnable rubbish at the lodges but take other items such as bottles and batteries back to Kathmandu. Avoid plastic bottles of water by bringing iodine tablets and a refillable bottle to drink local pumped water. Soft drinks should be purchased in glass bottles that can be recycled.
ALTITUDE
Our itineraries generally allow sufficient time for your body to acclimatise. The best way to avoid any problems is to do everything slowly, walk at a gentle steady pace and drink plenty of fluid. Our leader will give an appropriate briefing on arrival.
USEFUL TIPS
Just in case your main luggage goes missing en route, it is a good idea to wear your boots on the plane. Most other things can be replaced but comfortable, well worn-in boots are more difficult to replace easily.
EQUIPMENT
A detailed equipment list is provided on booking. Specialist items such as sleeping bags and down jackets can be hired or purchased.
BAGGAGE
For your own comfort travel light. Normally airlines restrict baggage to 20kg and the Lukla flight 15kg, but you will be wearing boots and one set of trekking clothes. Some items can be left at the hotel for your return.
VISAS AND PERMITS
US/UK citizens and most EU nationals can purchase Visas on arrival. All other countries should check with their local embassy. Passports must be valid for at least six months after the end date of the trip.
LOCAL COSTS
Most meals are inclusive, please see the key above. Individuals are responsible for drinks throughout and hotel meals which gives the flexibility to choose where you eat.
CURRENCY
Nepalese Rupee. UK Sterling, Euros and US Dollars can easily be changed in Kathmandu. ATM (cash machines) are available in Kathmandu.
TIPPING
Tipping is generally expected and part of everyday life. We generally tip our own local staff as a whole. It is also usual to put approximately 1000 rupees into the pot for the Puja or mountain blessing – a very important part of Himalayan climbing.
EXTENSIONS
Everest Flight
An early morning spectacular flight over Everest.
Chitwan Wildlife Safari (plus 4 days)
You can round off your trek with a three day wildlife safari. This includes a jeep safari, jungle walk, river canoe trip and elephant ride combined with a cultural program in search of rhino and the famous Bengal tiger.
