Mount Saramati (Saramati Peak)

3,841 m (12,602 ft)

The trekking part of this expedition takes 3 days, however, it takes 7 days in total including making your way to the starting point and back again.

The Mount Saramati trek takes climbers through dense forest, over grassy ridges, up and down steep ascents and descents and past plenty of shrubbery. 

The trekking starts in a small village called Thanamir village. The first part consists of steep uphills, low, green vegetation, including bushes and ferns on either side of the trail, and mossy as well as rhododendron forest. On the way to base camp, you’ll encounter a 90° rock face which must be conquered by using your hands to grab onto parts of the rock and hanging vines. It takes 5-7 hours to get from the village to Mount Saramati base camp. 

At the higher altitudes, there are not many trees and you may encounter snow. It takes about 2 hours to get from the base camp to the summit. The last part of the trail leading up to the summit goes along a ridge and then along the side of a bank, with a sheer dropoff on one side of the narrow trail, and the ground rising like a wall on the other.

From the summit, there are breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains including the Chin Hills, Naga Hills, and both India and Myanmar. The sea of clouds here is also a wonderful sight to see when visible.

The climate In this general area of India is subtropical. 

The warmer months are from May to mid-October. The cooler months are from mid-October to April.

The rainiest and most humid months are from June to September, and the drier months are from October to May. You’ll find clearer skies between November and March. 

The best time to plan a climb is from late March to late May or during October. Conditions are more favourable in these two periods. 

Take note that the weather will be colder as you ascend.

Some important items to pack are waterproof hiking boots, a raincoat, insect repellent, and a sleeping bag. Hiking poles and gloves are suggested as well as you may need the extra support, and hand protection given the nature of the terrain.

There are no water sources between the start of the trek and base camp. The base camp consists of two wooden cabins; one is used as a kitchen by the guides and the other is used for sleeping. You will need to take all your own snacks and plenty of water.

Guides and porters are necessary.  For this trek, the guides and porters usually prepare the food as part of your package. Make sure to find out what is included in your package.

Mount Saramati is located in northern Myanmar, on the border between Myanmar and India. It is usually accessed from Nagaland State, on the Indian side of the mountain.

Kohima, the capital of Nagaland state is west of Saramati Peak. To get to the starting point hikers usually start in Dimapur, Nagaland’s largest city. From Dimapur, hikers go to Kohima or Pungro Town, which is closer to the peak, and then go on to Thanamir, the closest village to the peak. This journey usually takes about 2.5 days.

On the second half of the third day, trekkers start their trek in Thanamir towards Saramati base camp.

This climb does include actual rock climbing and walking along places where you could slip and fall causing a tumble down the mountain, potentially resulting in fatal injuries. Take care and make sure to go with a guide.