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In Through Forbidden Mustang
Saribung links two of Nepal's most restricted regions in a single line — in through Upper Mustang, over a glaciated pass, out into Nar Phu. Few expeditions are this complete.
01 — DOSSIER FACTS
Two forbidden valleys. One mountain between them.
Saribung is the rarest kind of Himalayan objective: a genuine summit embedded in a genuine journey. The expedition enters through Upper Mustang, the former Kingdom of Lo, closed to outsiders until 1992 and still governed by restricted permits — passes the walled city of Lo Manthang, and climbs into the high desert of the Damodar Himal. After the summit there is no retracing: the route crosses the glaciated Saribung La and descends into Nar Phu, itself a second restricted region, completing one of the great high traverses of Nepal. Thamserku has operated across the Damodar and Mustang ranges — Bhrikuti, Gaugiri, Saribung, Pokharkang — as part of its long exploration record. What this expedition rewards is not the summit alone but the rare combination of the mountain and the country it sits in — two restricted regions, two cultural worlds, and a high glaciated pass between them.
Saribung Stats
Max Altitude
6,346m
Destination
Damodar Himal, Nepal
Season
Spring (Mar - May) & Autumn (Sep - Nov)
Duration
23 days
Fixed Departure
Group Size
4–12 members
Difficulty Level
Moderate · Sustained remoteness · Double restricted area
Edition
B · E
Sherpa Support
1:1 Sherpa-to-member ratio
Lead Guides
IFMGA/UIAGM-certified
Route
Northeast Standard Route
Prerequisite
Previous high-altitude trekking or a 6,000m summit; roped glacier competence.
Saribung Expedition Highlights
A one-way traverse crossing two restricted Himalayan regions, Upper Mustang and Nar-Phu, linked by the glaciated Saribung La, with a 6,346m summit at its centre.
Saribung's glaciers and northern slopes offer sustained skiable terrain for experienced ski mountaineers, with natural fall lines toward the Nar-Phu side when conditions align.
IFMGA/UIAGM-certified lead guides with extensive high-altitude experience, supported by a dedicated 1:1 personal climbing Sherpa ratio from Base Camp to summit and return.
Carefully sequenced rotations through the Mustang and Damodar plateaus, balancing acclimatisation, recovery, and summit readiness across the operational schedule from arrival to descent.
Five-star Kathmandu hotel before and after the expedition, comfortable lodges through Upper Mustang and Nar-Phu, and heated private tents with full amenities at high camps.
Comprehensive medical kit, emergency oxygen backup, standby rescue Sherpa team, helicopter contingency framework, Leave No Trace policy, and guaranteed gratuities and bonuses for crew.
Standard Itinerary
B — Breakfast · L — Lunch · D — Dinner
What's Included
Expedition royalty, climbing permit, Annapurna Conservation Area entry, and restricted area permit fees
Garbage deposit, waste management, and stool transfer fees as per government regulations
Government-appointed liaison officer with full logistical support, transportation, meals, and accommodation
Comprehensive medical and emergency rescue insurance for all Nepalese expedition staff
Contribution toward route fixing by veteran Sherpa teams
Reliable weather forecasting throughout the expedition
Official summit certificate issued by the relevant authorities upon successful ascent
Expedition gear transport between Kathmandu and Base Camp using the most appropriate logistics support
Up to 40 kg of personal and expedition baggage carried by porters, mules, or yaks
Full-board accommodation in comfortable lodges throughout the trek
Hygienic meals, drinking water, and unlimited hot beverages during the trekking phase
Licensed English-speaking trek guide (1:3 ratio) with porter support
Private airport transfers for all international and domestic arrivals/departures
Four nights' accommodation in a 5-star hotel on a single-room BB basis
All ground transportation as per the expedition itinerary
All ground transportation as per the expedition itinerary
One exclusive Thamserku Expedition duffel bag
Hosted farewell dining experience at a premium Kathmandu restaurant
Commemorative expedition souvenir presented upon program completion
Premium camp infrastructure with heated dining facilities, private tents, shower and toilet facilities, and full camp support
Freshly supplied international and Nepali cuisine, prepared by dedicated expedition cooks with soft drinks, coffee, and fresh juices
Expert camp chef and kitchen team with full logistical support
Salaries, equipment, food, clothing, and allowances for all Nepalese staff
Charging facilities, emergency satellite phone access, and camp-to-camp radio communication
Pre-climb training covering oxygen systems, fixed ropes, ladder crossings, equipment use, and safety procedures
Comprehensive medical support, backup oxygen systems, and essential rescue equipment
Complete high-camp logistics including tents, fuel, stoves, ropes, technical equipment, and high-energy provisions
Double-occupancy high-altitude tents for all summit camps
Nutritious meals and hot beverages prepared by Sherpa support teams throughout the climbing phase
Certified lead guide (1:4 ratio) supported by a personal climbing Sherpa (1:1 ratio) from Base Camp to summit and return
Route support, emergency communications, and emergency oxygen backup with premium masks and regulators
All Sherpa and support staff wages, equipment, food, bonuses, insurance, and route-fixing costs covered
Guaranteed crew gratuities and summit bonuses for guides and climbing Sherpas
Dedicated emergency response and rescue team on standby at Base Camp and designated high-altitude locations
Not Included
International airfare and Nepal entry visa fees
Additional accommodation and meals beyond the scheduled itinerary due to early arrival, delayed departure, or unscheduled return from the expedition
Personal high-altitude travel insurance, including medical, evacuation, and trip interruption coverage
All personal climbing equipment and clothing
Filming, drone, and special documentation permit fees
Any services, activities, or logistical support not specifically listed under the inclusions section
Mandatory Prerequisite
All applicants must have prior experience on high altitude trekking or peak climbing. Thamserku Expedition reserves the right to assess and verify each applicant’s climbing resume before confirming participation. Safety on the mountain begins with the selection process.
Saribung in Every Edition
The details above describe the Crafted Edition — our curated standard. Every Edition below is available on Saribung. Select one to begin designing your expedition.
Alpine Edition
Lean
Bespoke Edition
Personalized
Crafted Edition
Peak-Performance
Definitive Edition
Flagship
Explorer Edition
Exploratory
| Feature | Alpine | Bespoke | Crafted | Definitive | Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expedition Consultation | Project dependent | As required | As required | Upon expedition signup | Project dependent |
| Kathmandu Services | 5-star, Twin, BB (Customizable) | 5-star, Single, BB (Upgradable) | 5-star Premium, FB | ||
| Trekking / Lodges | Standard teahouse Optional upgrade | Enhanced Lodges | Full Circuit, Enhanced Lodges | ||
| Trek Guide Ratio | 1:4 Guide | 1:3 Guide | 1:1 Private Guide | ||
| Luggage Allowance | 30 kg | 40 kg | Up to 100 kg |
07 — ROUTE
From Kathmandu to the summit. 5 points on the line.
The traverse from Jomsom through Upper Mustang, over Saribung, and out through Nar Phu creates a natural arc through three distinct cultural and geographic worlds. This is not a there-and-back climb — it is a continuous line.
The Upper Mustang approach provides gradual altitude gain. A dedicated acclimatisation day at Base Camp. The traverse format means altitude is maintained naturally through the journey.
Late May for spring, late September for autumn. Glacier conditions for ski descent assessed at High Camp. Both Upper Mustang and Nar Phu are restricted areas with limited seasonal access.
"Quiet answers, before you write to us."
Prior high-altitude trekking experience is recommended. The climb itself is moderate, but the traverse format and remote setting require fitness and adaptability.
No. Conditions on the glaciers determine feasibility. The expedition is designed to support a ski descent but safety always takes priority.
A former independent Himalayan kingdom opened to outsiders in 1992. Fortress villages, sky-blue monasteries, and an ancient Tibetan-Buddhist culture preserved by its isolation.
Often called the "Lost Valley" — a restricted area near the Tibetan border with stone villages, Bon and Buddhist monasteries, and very few visitors.
Absolutely. The climb and traverse stand on their own as a cultural mountaineering journey. The ski descent is an option, not a requirement.
Design your Saribung Expedition
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