27 Nights/28 days
Duration
Dolpo, Kathmandu
Location

Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek route is a remote and unspoiled area near the Tibetan border of Nepal. Nepal’s first English subtitle movie and Oscar nominated Himalaya or Caravan were also shot in this region.  The customs and traditions seem here are quite similar to those of Tibet. It is one of the restricted trekking regions of Nepal and requires a special permit. It passes through beautiful valleys, interesting places, local settlements, gigantic mountains and greenery forest of pines, Rhododendrons, Oaks, etc.

Upper Dolpo Trek highlights the holy mountain called “Crystal Mountain” where each year, hundreds of pilgrims travelers visit the Upper Dolpo region and make a circuit of the mountain. The people of this region mostly speak Tibetan languages. Rarely some people can understand the Nepali language.Upper Dolpo is a remote area to the north of Dhaulagiri mountain range in Mid-Western Nepal. This remote and vast region of Karnali is naturally and culturally rich. Trekking to Upper Dolpo trek lets you explore remote areas and peek into lives of people living in that isolated world.

Although people of Upper Dolpo are poor, the region is abundant in natural resources. Dolpo has an abundance of green lush meadows, subalpine and alpine forest and snow-covered mountains. The wilderness of Upper Dolpo is a home to snow leopard, blue sheep, mountain musk deer and more.

Furthermore,

Dolpo presents you with the nature in its raw form. The entire district depends on yaks, mules, and horses for transportation. Roads exist only a few kilometers in lower Dolpo. Upper Dolpo is yet to see a wheel rolling on its land. So, trekking is the only option if you want to explore upper dolpo. As you trek to Upper Dolpo, you pass through some of the highest settlements of the world. People here live even above 4000 meters. You witness their amazing Tibetan-influenced Buddhist culture and tradition.

Tour Highlight
  • An ancient, spectacular landscape, mesmerizing Shey- Phoksundo Lake
  • Isolated villages of Ringmo and the centuries old monasteries
  • Explore the rare and diverse wildlife, pristine lake, soaring peaks and people’s lifestyle
  • Indulge yourself in the close-up views of the mighty Himalayas.
  • Experience some true Himalayan wilderness.
  • Test your endurance at some serious altitude
  • Crossing Kang La (5350m) and Jyagla pass

 

Upper dolpo trek
Upper dolpo trek

Additional information

Hotel1 Star, 2 Star, 3 Star, 4 Star, 5 Star
Available OptionsMountain Flights, Cable Car
1

Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Katmandu

You will be met and greeted with a traditional welcome by our Travhill Representatives and be transferred to your hotel.A brief orientation along with the necessary documentation will be carried out by your guide. Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

 

2

Sightseeing in Kathmandu

After breakfast your tour around Kathmandu will commence where you will be accompanied by a guide of your lingual preference. The tour will include a visit to the following places:
  • Boudhanath: A major Buddhist stupa located at the north eastern outskirts of Kathmandu.
  • Pashupatinath: The most revered temple by Hindus in Nepal, the temple carries a significance of mystical proportions and is a site to many important life events of Hindus.
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square: Durbar Square or the Palace  Square is ancient courtyard the then Malla Kings of Kathmandu Valley which is abundant is breathtaking architecture.

Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Includes: Breakfast

3

Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

We will take an early morning flight to Neplagunj lying in the western part of Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, mini-zoo and nearby villages.

Overnight stay at Nepalgunj.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

4

Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhuphal (Dolpo, 35-40 min) and trek to Dunai (2,850m, 2-3 hours trek)

We fly to Jhupal(45min) after the breakfast. The town is beautifully located over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to its north. Here, we meet our trekking staff and begin the adventure. We will walk through terraced fields to the Bheri River and its narrow gorge. We continue walking to Dunai, which is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. We explore the small town in the evening.

Overnight stay at Dunai.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

5

Dunai- Chhepka Trek(2,896m, 5-6 hours trek)

We leave Dunai and cross a suspension bridge and turn to the west following a trail past a hospital. On our way, we will pass through  Thulo Bheri Valley and Phoksundo river valley and will also get delightful view of the Kangmara mountain.

Overnight stay at Chhepka.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

6

Chhepka to chunuwar Trek

Our trail ascends and descends along a wooded riverbank and climbs on a steep trail (5-6 hrs trek). The ups and downs can be a bit monotonous, but there are several streams along the way that offer a chance to cool off. The trail eventually leaves the forests and passes through a grassy slope high above the river. We trek downhill on a trail surrounded by lush forests before reaching a cliff followed by a dizzying drop on a wobbly stone staircase to the river bank. We continue trekking until we reach chunuwar where we spend the night.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

7

Chunuwar to Phoksundo Lake Trek(3,611m,4-5 hours)

Today we will make a trek of about 5-6 hours towards the picturesque Phoksundo Lake passing through the Ringmo village. There you will also be able to marvel at the beautiful Suligad waterfall, one of the highest in the world.

Overnight stay at Phoksundo.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

8

Rest Day at Phoksundo

Today will be a well deserved rest day for acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake. During the day we can embark on a short hike to the village of Ringmo and it’s Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. During our short walks, we also get a chance to get acquainted with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon color and they favor Tibetan-style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise.

Overnight stay at Phoksundo.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

9

Trek to Phoksundo Khola(4-5hrs)

Our trail moves around the top western end of the Phoksundo Lake as it contours on a rocky ledge along the lake’s western bank. This unsteady trail suspended on a gangway of wood supported on pegs driven into crevasse in the rocks, signals the remoteness of the area we are about to enter. At the westernmost edge of the lake the path leads through a lush meadow that opens up into the flood plain of the Phoksundo Khola. Then we walk through the valley, crossing the river and avoiding the occasional boggy marsh underfoot and then coming on the bank of the river to the overnight camp.

Overnight stay at Phoksundo Khola.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

10

Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang

For an hour or so we walk on a trail that leads us along the level path through a glacial valley which heads due north. At the confluence of the Phoksundo Khola and another mountain stream, there is an old wooden bridge. From here, we walk towards the north-east. A long climb brings us to a sheep meadow where our trail veers up a steep ravine. A hard climb to the top brings us to yet another valley where we can see the Kang-La pass. We set up our camp near the pass in a place that Peter Matthiessen christened ‘Snowfields Camp’. During our trek today we also get to admire the views of Chhamlang peak 6 (6739m) and peak 7 (6105m).

Overnight at Phoksundo Bhanjyang.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

11

Trek to Shey Gompa Via Kang La Pass

Today we will make an initial arduous ascent to the Kang La Pass from where you will be able to witness the panoramic view of the valley below. Then on we will descend towards Shey Gompa, the total length of the trek being 5-6 hours.

Overnight stay at Shey Gompa.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

12

Rest Day at Shey Gompa

Shey Gompa was built in 1655 and the monastery is noted for its giant copper with gilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha. To the east of the gompa is Crystal Mountain which is one of the strangest mountains, as its contorted cliffs are laced with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. Today is another well-earned rest day for acclimatization. We spend the day hiking around Shey village which is famous for its ancient pre-Buddhist culture, the Bon Po. In Dolpo the ancient Tibetan way of life combines animism with the teaching of Buddha. Overnight in Shey Gompa.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

13

Trek to Namduna Gaun(4,800m) via Saldang La(5,200m, 6-7 hours

We begin the day by following a pleasant trail amidst juniper trees which descends into a grey, stony canyon. Then the path begins to zigzag over bare rocks and coarse eroded soil until it eventually brings us to the top of Saldang-la pass. The subsequent descent towards the north is long and tiring but grazing yaks and sheep, and nomadic tents made from yak hair is a comforting sight. In Namduna Gaun we visit Namgung monastery. The red stone monstery is built against the backdrop of a cliff on the north wall of a gorge.

Overnight stay at Namduna Gaun.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

14

Trek to Saldang(3,620m, 4-5 hours

We leave the village and climb up a slope and begin a long walk along dusty barren mountains. After 4-5 hours of hard climb, we begin to see Saldang Village below us on a plateau high above the Namga Khola stream. It has a picturesque appearance. Saldang is the largest village of the inner Dolpo area. The village stretches for nearly two kilometers on an open slope and consists of five villages having about eighty well-built houses with nearly six hundred people. It is a prosperous village not only agriculturally but also for its strategic location on a trade route to Tibet.

Overnight stay at Saldang.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

15

Saldang-Yangze Gompa Trek(4,960m/16,267ft)

From Saldang, we walk further north along the Nagon Khola (river) on a wild and barren terrain(4-5hrs) We begin our walk on a fairly gradual path with few ups and downs. On the way, we pass through Marang and Ki villages. Next, we cross a tributary of Panzang River and walk towards the east and cross the river again before reaching Yangze gompa which houses an old Bon-Po Monastery.

Overnight stay at Yangze Gompa.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

16

Yangze Gompa-Sibu Trek

On this day we will make a trek through a much shorter route to Sibu which should take around 6-7 hours. On our way we will pass through  terraced fields, stupas, chortens, heaps of mani stones and a Chaiba monastery which will make the trek that much more interesting.

Overnight stay at Sibu.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

17

Sibu-Jeng La Phedi Trek

The trail today follows the Nam Khong Khola for a while on the morning walk coming across caravan of laden yaks that are on their way towards Tibet border. After days of following the same river, finally we part turning east till we arrive at the confluence of two small tributaries, from here our walk leads to a steep climb to the bottom of Jeng la for the overnight on a nice meadow.

Overnight stay at Jeng La Phedi.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

18

Trek to Tokyu Gaon via Jeng La, 5-6 hours trek

Today we will make an initial ascent of about two hours to reach the top of Jeng La which provides excellent views of the snow capped mountains. Then on we descend towards Tokyu Gaon via the Tarap valley.

Overnight stay at Tokyu Gaon.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

19

Trek to Dho Tarap

On this day we head eastwards to the village of Dho Tarap along the downhill course of the Tarap Chu. We should reach Dho Tarap in about 4-5 hours.

Overnight stay at Dho Tarap.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

20

Rest Day at Dho Tarap

Today we will devote the day to mingling with the people of Dolpo and learning about their culture and lifestyle.

Overnight stay at Dho Tarap.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

21

Trek to Tarap Khola

On this day we will trek for about 6-7 hours towards Tarap Khola. We will make camp on a lovely meadow called Kamakharka.

Overnight stay at Kamakharka.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Trek to Khani Gaon

Today we will head towards KhaniGaon which should take around 4-5 hours. We will continue down the gorge of the Tarap river.

Overnight stay at Khani Gaon.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

23

Khanigaon to Tarakot Trek

On this day we will trek towards Tarakot, which is an old fort known locally as Dzong. Some beautiful terraced fields will mark our entry to Tarakot.

Overnight stay at Tarakot.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

24

Tarakot to Dunai Trek

The walk continues beside the Bheri River in a tremendous gorge with pine trees and an ingenious path built about seven meters above the river. On reaching Dunai after completing the circuit with time for celebration, particularly as bottled beers is available in Dunai or you may also try the local brew.

Overnight stay at Dunai.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

25

Dunai to Jhupahal Trek

Today we will retrace our steps towards Jhuphal which will take around 2-3 hours.

Overnight stay at Jhuphal.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

26

Jhuphal to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu Flight

We will take an early morning scenic flight to Nepalgunj. Then we will take another connecting flight to Kathmandu.

Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Includes: Breakfast & Lunch

27

A day to yourself in Kathmandu

You will have the day to yourself to indulge in activities of your preference; perhaps collecting some souvenirs to take a little part of Nepal back home might tempt you.

Overnight stay at Kathmandu.

Includes: Breakfast

28

Final Departure

You will be taken by our TravHill Representative from your hotel to the airport as per your schedule. You will reach the airport 2 hours prior to your flight.

Includes: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Cost Includes

  • Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
  • 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Tea house accommodation during the trek
  • All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
  • Welcome and farewell dinners
  • All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Nepalgunj -Jhupal round trip)
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
  • An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag  (to be returned after trip completion)
  • Himalayan Glacier’s trekking bag/duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes

  • Nepalese visa fee
  • Excess baggage charge(s)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
  • International flights
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
  • Drinks & Beverages
  • Extra Activities other than mentioned in the itinerary/ cost inclusion section