Nepal is home to some of the tallest mountains in the world and hidden gems like Sringi Himal. Read until the end for more profound insight about the mountain!
It might be new for you, but Sringi Himal is among the notable mountains in Nepal. Sringi Himal lies in the north-central region of Nepal. It is situated in the Gandaki Province towards the south of the Tibetan border. It falls between the Shyar River on the east and the Tom River – Trisuli Gandaki Valley on the west.
The mountain is a striking collection of several mountain ranges. Among them, the highest peak of the Sringi Himal is the Chamar Peak. The peak’s elevation is 7187 meters (23494 feet) above sea level. It is a stunning mountain range visible during Manaslu Trek or Manaslu and Tsum Valley Trek.
The Chamar Peak was first successfully climbed on June 5, 1953. It was climbed successfully by Maurice Bishop and Nyagmel Sherpa. It is roughly 90 km northwest of Kathmandu and 25 km east of Manaslu. Similarly, the Chamar Peak is situated approximately 26 km from Ganesh Himal and 32 km from Himchuli Himal.
Sringi Himal has rugged peaks and snow-covered slopes. It lies in a remote valley with pristine and untouched wilderness. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It provides a unique opportunity to explore and discover the hidden gem of Manaslu.
Getting to Sringi Himal
You can access the Sringi Himal route through Tsum Valley. It is a less frequented area that lies near the Manaslu Conservation Area. The trekking expedition takes you through the harsh and challenging terrain of the Himalayas. Here’s how you can get to Sringi Himal via Tsum Valley:
You must drive from Kathmandu to Soti Khola or Machha Khola. The drive takes 8 to 10 hours. You can travel by local bus or by a private jeep. The local bus is budget-friendly but slower. In contrast, a Jeep is comfortable and fast but expensive. The road from Kathmandu up to Arughat is smooth. Upon reaching Arughta, your off-road and bumpy ride will begin.
You can start trekking from Soti Khola, the popular starting point. However, driving to Machha Khola and beginning the trekking from here will give you a day’s head start. Your trek will follow the trail of Tsum Valley. You will trek from sub-tropical forests to highland alpine pastures.
En route, you will pass through picturesque villages like Jagat (1340 meters), Lokpa (2240 meters), Chumling (2386 meters), Rachen Gompa (3240 meters), Chhokrangparo (3031 meters), and many more. Tibetan Buddhism has a massive influence in the region. Thus, you can see traditional houses with Tibetan architecture.
Similarly, you will also pass by ancient monasteries, gompas, prayer flags, mani walls, chortens, etc. It is also essential to take acclimatization days during the trek to prevent altitude sickness.
From Tsum Valley, you will head towards the Sringi Himal. It lies in the northeast direction of the Tsum Valley. First, you have to cross the Sringi La Pass. Then, you will trek to the base camp and finally climb the mountain. There is a Philim police post at the base camp, which also serves as a help center. Tumje is the last settlement before Chamar Peak.
Reaching the top of the peak can take a few days, depending on the weather conditions and your pace. It is a technical and physically demanding climb. After successfully climbing the summit, you will return to the base camp. Then, you will retrace your steps to Tsum Valley and the ending point.
The ending point of the trekking expedition can vary depending on the itinerary. You will drive back to Kathmandu via the Prithvi highway.
Sringi Himal Difficulty
Conquering the Sringi Himal is a challenging and adventurous feat. It requires meticulous preparation and planning. Also, it requires technical climbing skills and mountaineering skills. You need to have knowledge of using mountaineering gears. There are steep ascents and descents sections.
Additionally, the terrain is rugged, with icy slopes and loose rocks. The weather also becomes unpredictable as you move higher. The rapid weather change, high winds, snow, and cold temperatures make climbing difficult. Some sections may require ice and rock climbing.
The climb requires experience, good physical fitness, stamina, and endurance. The trek duration is long, and you must trek for 5 to 7 hours on average daily. You have to hire an experienced guide and carry proper equipment and gear. Similarly, you should hire a porter to reduce physical strain during the trek.
During the Sringi Himal climb, you will cross an elevation of 6000 meters. Hence, there is a significant risk of altitude sickness. The reduced oxygen level and extreme weather conditions can lead to climbers facing physical and mental difficulties.
Attractions of Sringi Himal
Although Sringi Himal is less popular in comparison to other peaks of Nepal, it has its attraction and appeal. Here are a few attractions of Sringi Himal:
Pristine and Untouched Nature
The Sringi Himal lies in one of the remote regions of Nepal. Hence, the nature is pristine and untouched. The natural beauty and wilderness are pure. The trail goes through the luscious forests, alpine meadows, glacial lakes, and moraines. It is a less frequent trail that offers a pleasant and peaceful trekking experience. It is ideal for trekkers looking for an authentic or solitary trekking experience.
Adventure
The Sringi Himal climb is a challenging trekking expedition perfect for adventure seekers. The harsh and rugged terrain makes the trek demanding. Similarly, the remote location further adds a sense of adventure and thrill. Climbing to the summit requires technical skill. Adventurous climbers can test their skills by summiting this remote peak of the Manaslu region.
Biodiversity and Cultural Exploration
The trail to Sringi Himal goes through the Manaslu Conservation Area. Hence, the region is rich in diverse flora and fauna. You will be able to trek from sub-tropical forests to highland pastures. Likewise, you can also encounter wildlife like snow leopards, musk deer, Himalayan tahr, and many more. You can also view various species of birds while trekking.
En route, you will come across numerous charming villages. Different ethnic groups like Gurung, Tamang, and Sherpa live in this region. As you move to higher elevations, you will also come across a few Tibetan settlements. You can experience the culture and traditions of these various ethnic groups. Also, you can interact with locals and get deeper insight into their lifestyle and local customs.
Cost Of Climbing The Sringi Himal
The Sringi Himal is open for climbers and expeditions. You will have to pay specific royalty fees for the climb. The cost of climbing the Sringi Himal varies depending on the seasons. Also, the fees are different for Nepalese citizens and foreigners. The costs are as follows:
| Seasons | Foreigners Fee |
| Spring | USD 500 |
| Autumn | USD 250 |
| Summer/Winter | USD 125 |
