Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1337m)

Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, renowned for its historical monuments, sacred Hindu temples, and serene Buddhist monasteries. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, one of our friendly company representatives will be there to greet you. They will hold a display board with your name and “Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition” clearly written on it. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel, where you can relax and unwind. The evening is yours to enjoy at your leisure, with dinner on your own to explore the city’s diverse culinary delights.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu(1337m)

A tour guide according to the need of our guests will be provided. The guide takes the guests for sightseeing in Kathmandu. The sightseeing includes Pashupati area, Boudhanath, Patan, and Swoyambhunath area. The time for sightseeing begins after breakfast; it goes generally 9.00am to 5.00pm. On the same day, the company makes the permit and does other paper works for the trekking. Lunch and dinner will be on your own.

Day 03: Kathmandu-Pokhara (827m) by bus 6-7 hours

This day we travel for 6-7 hours if we are going the bus. But if we are going by air it will take just 35min to fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara. Immediately after you left Kathmandu you climb to the pass over the mountain ridge that surrounds Kathmandu valley. If it is a clear day, you can enjoy the phenomenal view of Ganesh Himal, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and Annapurna on the way. The road descends to about 400 meters and runs along the Trishuli River. Sometimes we can see a group of people in rafts in the Trisuli River. The bus stops for lunch on the way. Finally, we reach Pokhara the most beautiful city of Nepal by the afternoon. From today onwards, after the dinner or before we go to bed, the Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition trekking guide will take a report and give a briefing in every evening about the trek that we are going to make next day.

Day 04: Pokhara-Jomosom (2720m)-Kagbeni(2810) 20-minute flight 2-3hours of walking (2850 m)

We fly to Jomsom today early morning or let’s say, before noon, It is because the weather in Jomsom is often windy in the afternoon. The small plane, often twin otter, floats northward from Pokhara between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri by the Kali Gandaki valley. After about 20 minutes we land on the runway of Jomosom. All of a sudden we feel that we are in a totally different world. We take tea/coffee right after we land in Jomsom and get ready to walk. We go through check post of ACAP. In Jomsom, we can visit, later on, Mustang Eco Museum, ACAP Unit Conservation office, Shiva and Ganesh Temple. Jomsom has a telephone, internet, and sauna facilities.

We do not stay here today because we stay here on the way back, hence we to one of the beautiful villages of a Himalayan region called Kagbeni from where the Upper Mustang begins and that is to see everything through the dress of the people, the monastery, the narrow crawl-by-stealth-through passage, and the barren landscapes.  This is the place where we can encounter the tourists who trek around the Annapurna.

Day 05: Kagbeni to Chele (3050m) 4-5 hours

From Kagbeni we walk first several hours through the riverbed of Kali Gandaki. We pass several Buddhist people villages so we could also see a monastery among the villages. We see the giant rocks here and there. Sometimes, there are many-carved holes in the rock walls where people/army during the war made their shelter. We wonder how they could ever have used them as high above the river. Near Chele we see the Kali Gandaki River flowing through the rock tunnel. It looks really amazing. We cross a suspension bridge over the river and walk uphill to Chele, a village of Gurung people, originally from Tibet. So they speak Tibetan.

Day 06: Chele to Shyangbochen (3800m) 4-5 hours

The path goes slightly uphill for the whole trek today. In some parts the climb is steep. The barren lands, white Himalayan peaks, rivers, and streams are the common scenery in this area. Today, we cross 4 passes. The first one is Taklam La (3624m), the second one is Dajori La (3735m), the third one is Bhena La (3860m) and the 4^th or the last one is Yamda La (3860m). Finally, we reach Shyangbochen where there a couple lodges for the trekkers. Telephone service is available here.

Day 07: Shyangbochen to Ghami (3520m)  4-5 hours

Today the path goes uphill, flat and downhill. In the beginning, we walk uphill. On the way, we can visit the village of Geling. We can visit a monastery and some beautiful stupas here. After Geling we cross a pass called Nyi La (4025m). From the pass, we can view Mustang valley, Mt. Annapurna range and Mt. Neelgiri. Then the path goes down to the big beautiful medieval village Ghemi. Before we reach the village Ghemi, we cross a pass called Ghemi La (3765m) This area is largely isolated and deserted.

Day 08: Ghami to Ghar Gumba (3950m)  4-5 hours

We cross a wooden over Ghemi Khola then the path goes uphill. We see a hospital made by Japanese that provides health services here and the longest Mani wall of Mustang on the way. We cross a village called Dhakmar that lies in the altitude of 3820m. After this village, we cross red cliffs where we can get the chance to view blue sheep. We cross a pass called Mui La (4170m). From the pass, we see the most parts of Mustang valley and various peaks of Himalayas. We walk flat and downhill to Ghar Gumba. A big monastery lies here. The slogan we hear that is “ Pure Virtue of Lo Nying Sect scriptures of Padmasambhava. We camp beside the Gumba (monastery). If we visit the Gumba, we will be welcomed by Tibetan Butter Tea (su tea). A big Sculpture of Buddha in Padmasambhava is seen inside the Gumba.

Day 09: Ghar Gumba to  Lo Manthang (3810m)  4-5 hours

The path goes uphill first then flat for some time and then downhill to Lo Manthang. We cross a pass called Lo La (3950m) before we reach Lo Manthang.

Lo Manthang the capital city of Mustang Kingdom is surrounded by a very high wall with square towers at the corner points. Only a white palace of four levels and three red colored monasteries can be seen. The town has only one port. We can camp outside the city wall.

Day 10: Lo Manthang Rest or hiking

Today we have a rest in this beautiful city of Mustang. We can go to visit the palace and meet the King and Queen of Mustang riding the wooden ladder. Also, we can take pictures along with the royal couple. But we have to take an appointment at least a day before. We are welcomed by Tibetan Su Tea in the palace which we drink staying along with the royal couple. We have to honor the royal couple with the Khada.

Lo Manthang has lots of stupas, few Gumbas, chyortens and we can see the city decorated with lots of colorful prayer flags. A school and police check post lie here where our permits will be checked. Internet and telephone facility is available here. Also, we can use a cell phone.

A special festival called Tiji falls in the month of May here. Tiji festival is one the greatest festival and celebrated for 3 days. The people around the Lo Manthang gather in the city in great number (around 5000-6000). The tribes living around wear their cultural costumes during the Tiji. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition trekking guide arrange for our visit to the various places today

Day 11: Lo Manthang – Chosar – Namgyal Gompa – Lo Manthang  (3810m)

Today is the special and exciting day in Mustang. We hire a horse for hiking.  Let’s say we are going for ‘horse hiking’. We ride the horse almost for the whole day today. We visit Kim along, Chosar and Ghar fu, small and beautiful villages in the Himalayan region. We visit several caves. We visit a special monastery made in a cave. Hence, we have to carry small torch lights today. We visit the cave that lies in the altitude of 4275m. We cross several wooden bridges over Chhokardokpa Khola and Nhichung Khola during our horse hiking. We walk through rough roads in some sections. We back to the other way round to Lo Manthang crossing Namgyal Gompa, the famous monastery in Mustang. .On that day we do the hiking of Namgyal where we can see monastery like  Gelup sep Monastery of victory.

Day 12: Lo Manthang – Yara (3650 m) 4-5 hours

Today we begin the trip with the trip to Yara. First, we cross the Dokpolo Khola. Then we go uphill and cross a windy pass from where the view of Lo Manthang is spectacular. Then the path goes downhill and flat. Then the path is steep descent to Kali Gandaki River. We cross the big river in Mustang (Kali Gandaki) on the eastern shore. But first, the path takes us on a high-altitude route from where the views are fantastic. The steep descent to the river is just as spectacular and the only bridge made of two separate wooden beams. So we need to be aware while crossing. We may also hire a horse to cross the river. After crossing the river we go directly into a side valley to spend the night after a strong rise in the village of Yara.

Day 13: Yara-Luri Gompa (4050m) 

Today we are going to have hiking to visit the village of Tashi Kabum and Luri Gompa. Luri Gompa is one of those places in the Himalayas where words fail. In a bizarre landscape of pink and yellow pinnacles and humps stand two little monasteries. One of the monasteries is housed in a cave. This cave is then almost completely filled with a stupa which local people say it was born naturally. The whole is framed with fantastic rock paintings from ancient times and also very different from the ideas that we normally see in Buddhist monasteries. If we wish, we can hire a horse even today.

Day 15 Lori gompa to  Ghuma Thati (4780 m)

Today we will really go up. After we descend to the river, we climb more than 1000 meters on the other side of the road for a couple of hours in a row to a false pass at 4930 meters. Now that we leave the Kali Gandaki valley, the landscape becomes a little greener again, on the mountainside the sheep can find just enough green to survive.

Just past the `pass’ the path descends steeply to the green meadow of Ghuma Thati. There is water here and the local shepherds have their beads where the goats and sheep spend the night.

Day 16 Ghuma Thati Hiking day 

Now that we are camping 1000 meters higher compared to Luri gompa, it is wise to acclimatize for a day. The day of tomorrow is one of the longest of the draw. You can of course also take a day walk in the vicinity of the camp.

Day 17 Ghuma Thanti to Damodar Kund (4990 m)

We leave as early as possible to reach our next camping spot before dark. It is a long trekking day over two more than 5000 meters high passes, the first 5310 meters high, the second even 5480 meters! Between the passes we descend to 4900 meters.

The path we follow is in reasonable condition, every year pilgrims from India pass by on their way to the holy lakes of Damodar Kund. The area we walk through is completely uninhabited, only in the summer there are shepherds roaming around with their herds.

After we have left Ghuma Thati we climb very gradually while walking along a stream to the first pass. At this altitude nothing grows anymore, with clear weather the view is fantastic. Via a great zigag path you descend steeply to the steel golf plate shelter at an altitude of 4900 meters, a great lunch spot.

After lunch it goes up steeply again, now that you already have a pass in your legs it is hard work, after 600 meters steep climb you are on the next pass where you have a powerful view of the Dhaulagiri I and the Bhirikutisali on the border with Tibet. The valley that we follow to the Japanese base camp and the Saribung is also clearly visible.

After a long descent, we cross a river and camp on the lawn close by. It is also possible that we continue to the lakes of Damodar Kund.

Today we say goodbye to the horses and their guides, from here only the porters can go even further.

Day 18 to the `Japanese` base camp Saribung (5200 m)

For a not too long day, we now walk close to the river and then quite a bit above it to the Japanese base camp at the foot of the glacier. Now that we are past Damodar Kund, the trail is no more than a trail. The Japanese base camp is a spacious place where everyone can easily find a place in front of the tent.

Day 19 to (5500 m camp)

Now that we are getting higher and higher and our top attempt is approaching, it is important to acclimatize properly. In the coming days we will therefore only rise 300 meters per overnight stay.

Early in the morning we jump over the half-frozen river that flows from under the glacier to the other side and start the climb against the stone-covered glacier. It is not the easiest terrain, the boulders are often loose. Although the Saribung is only a few kilometers from us as the crow flies, you cannot see the mountain.

The camping spot for today is one out of thousands, between two glaciers there is a fairly flat spot on the ice where there is enough space for all our tents. In addition, there is probably running water so that there is no need to use too much fuel to provide us with sufficient moisture.

In the afternoon we check our climbing gear and practice walking on the rope.

Day 20 to ABC  ( 5800m)

We follow the corridor between the ice walls as long as possible until we reach the completely flat glacier. We have to cross this road to the moraine covered with stones and rocks, which lies to the east of us. It is a risky cleft area and we are therefore taking the lead.

Today we are also at the campsite for lunch.

In contrast to the previous location, our tents are full of wind here. The view all around is fantastic, over snow and high peaks.

Day 21 to high camp (6050 m)

The tension is rising, the next night you will sleep at a height of over 6000 meters and that is exciting. From our camp we follow the stone-covered moraine for as long as possible, you don’t need the rope here. First we pass the valley of the De Hults pass, where it can blow well. Further on we almost walk up against the cliff before the climb to the pass starts. Here we start again. The climb to the pass seems longer than the previous days, we are of course going slower because of the high altitude. During the climb you finally get a view of the Saribung summit! The climb to the pass does not seem to stop, it is always a bit further. Once on the pass it is flat. The Nepali porters go back to the ABC, they come tomorrow with the rest of the stuff and do not sleep at this height.

Day 22 top climbing Saribung (6328 m)

The top of the Saribung is only 300 meters higher and we therefore do not leave before the sun shines on the tents (with nice weather of course). Depending on the snow conditions we will be on our way to the top between 3 and 5 hours.

The entire climb goes on a rope and runs over snow fields where you have to use your crampons depending on the conditions.

The top is a real top with beautiful and powerful other peaks all around. After our peak climb we descend to the base camp of the Saribung La in the direction of Phu.

Along our now dismantled camp we descend fairly quickly over a glacier almost 800 meters to the spot where the glacier is again covered by rocks.

The last 2 kilometers we walk on the moraine boulders and that is a big job at the end of a long day. Next night we will sleep at 5,300 meters.

Day23: reserve day

Day 24 base camp – Nogaru ( 4300 m)

After a night full of oxygen, we also descend 1000 meters to Nogaru today. Almost all day we walk down the moraine boulders in the direction of the base camp of the Bhirikuti, the mountain that we saw for the first time in the distance almost a week ago.

After lunch we descend steeply to the first river that we have to cross. Then we climb steeply again and search high above the narrow river valley for the path towards Nogaru.

As the crow flies it is a long walk today, Nogaru is the first place where there is enough water to camp. It is a deserted village where we can camp perfectly on the disused terraces.

Day 25: Nogaru – Phu (4000 m)

Finally  a short day that starts with a climb to the path high above us on the other side of the valley. Once up it is almost only down to Phu which is visible from far away. We arrive for lunch. In the afternoon you can rest a bit from the heavy days we have had. There is again (expensive) beer for sale!

Day 26: Phu – Meta ( 3560m)

Along a huge row of chörtens we walk to Phu’s old city door and descend along the river through a narrow gorge to Kyang. Only now do you realize that Phu can hardly be reached from this side either.

Day 27 : Meta to Koto (2600m)

From Meta, we will descend towards the bottom of the valley and pass through the stone huts of Singenge and continue descending through the densely forested section. We will cross a suspension bridge over Seti Khola tributary and make a short ascent to reach Koto village. At Koto, there is a traditional stone doorway and a police check-post where our permits are checked and make our registration.post where our permits are checked and make our registration.

Day 28: Koto to Dharapani [1860m/6100ft]

Today is the last day of our trek. Our trail from Koto climbs steeply as we head towards the village of Thanchok. From there we will descend a little before making another short climb to reach Timang where there are few tea houses and offers great views of Lamjung Himal. Our trail from here descends through thick pine and fir forest passing through the village of Bagarchhap and continue trekking until we arrive at the Gurung village of Dharapani.

  Day 29: Dharapani to Kathmandu

After breakfast, we will take a drive from Dharapani back to Kathmandu. today we wake up early for the long drive back to Kathmandu. We pass Besisahar and arrive in Dumre after 3 or 4 hours. Dumre is located on the main road that connects Kathmandu with Pokhara. On the main road it is a 4 to 5 hour drive to Kathmandu.Our drive is a scenic journey that goes over the zigzag hilly roads and through the terraced farmlands, and dense forest areas with good views of Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal ranges. The daily activities of the local people can be seen along the road when we pass through numerous villages and towns before finally arriving back to Kathmandu.

Day 30: Shopping /Rest in Kathmandu Or Sightseeing in Bhaktapur (1401) 3-4 hours

This day is free too. If you wish, a sightseeing trip to the ancient temple/king’s seat of the world heritage site of incredible Bhaktapur can be arranged.  The tour lasts 4 hours and will cost an additional upcharge. In the evening, a Farewell Dinner is given by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition.

 Day 31: Departure from Kathmandu (1337m)

Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye.