Upper Dolpo Trekking - 25 Days

The adventure of a lifetime begins on your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in the legendary city of Kathmandu. Outside of the arrival gate will be your Trekking Mart representative with a welcoming smile who will take you to your hotel to rest up from your long flight. In the evening, be treated to a traditional Nepali welcome dinner with a cultural program.

After breakfast today, we start the guided tour of Kathmandu's most historical and spiritual spots, UNESCO World Heritage sites. The expert city guide will guide us to the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath), and the Buddhist shrine (Boudhanath), which is also one of the largest stupas in the world. Sometime after lunch, we will meet with the guide and have a briefing about the trek as we prepare your trekking permit, and you prepare your trekking stuff. Thamel region has an excellent selection of restaurants to choose from for your dinner. Choose from continental, oriental and other cuisines.

After early morning breakfast, transfer to airport and fly to Nepalgunj. This delightful 1-hour flight offers you the opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of western Nepal. Book a seat on the right-hand side of the plane to see the mighty peaks of the Himalayas. On reaching Nepalgunj, shift to the selected hotel. We will have whole afternoon and evening to explore around the town. Nepalgunj is in southern Nepal near the border of India; it is famous for its street food and for experiencing the unique blend of Nepali and Indian culture. It includes Bageshowri temple, Nepal’s one of the important Hindu temples. Overnight stay at Nepalgunj.

By early morning, we take a flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. This 35-minute scenic flight goes northward and offers spectacular views of the Himalayan foothills, including the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges, along with countless snow-capped peaks. Juphal is a small mountain village, where we can breathe cold and refreshing mountain air in contrast of Nepalgunj that is more in keeping with neighboring India. We will stay here because we have to arrange porters and other remaining equipment. We will spend the night in Juphal as you take time to relax and enjoy the incredible views. The journey into the heart of the Upper Dolpo region begins tomorrow.

After breakfast, we finally start our first day of trekking! We start by descending from Juphal through organic terraced fields and traditional villages to the Thuli Bheri River. Crossing on a suspension bridge, we enter Shey Phoksundo National Park which is Nepal’s largest national park, renowned for its unique trans-Himalayan ecosystem and rich biodiversity. Following the scenic Suligad River, the trail winds through beautiful forests of pine, juniper, fir, and bamboo with occasional views of the Dhaulagiri range. Mt. Dhaulagiri is the 7th highest peak in the world. After a rewarding day of trekking, we arrive at the peaceful village of Chhepka, surrounded by lush greenery and cultivated fields.

Today, we will start our trek to the remote village of Palam. The trail gradually climbs along the valley through beautiful forests, following the river with several small ascents and descents along the way. Crossing the river over small bridges, we reach Reechi village. On the trail, we can see local people traveling with their mules and dzopas (a crossbreed of yak and cow) loaded with goods for trade. Between Reechi and Chumuwar, there is a dramatic point where two rivers of distinctly different colors merge to form a the Phoksundo River. Continuing through the scenic forested trail, we arrive at Chumuwar, where there is an Amchi Hospital. An Amchi is a doctor educated in traditional Tibetan medicine, providing treatment through herbs and natural remedies. Interested visitors may also donate to support the hospital. After leaving Chumuwar, we continue towards Palam. Overnight at a tented camp with full-board meals included.

Today is one of the most exciting days of the trek as we finally reach the beautiful Phoksundo Lake with its vibrant, turquoise blue waters. The trail climbs steeply for about two hours, rewarding us with breathtaking views of the 107m Phoksundo Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Nepal. It’s no trickle of water as it surges downward with a roar. We also pass the meeting point of the Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers before descending to the charming Ringmo Village, known for its mani walls, chortens, and unique Bönpo culture. After a permit check at the entrance of Shey Phoksundo National Park, we continue to the stunning turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake. Overnight at a tented camp with full-board meals included.

At Phoksundo, we take a rest day to admire the beauty of Phoksundo Lake and allow our bodies to acclimatize. It is better to go on a short hike to Ringmo village. The local tradition, lifestyle and Tibetan Buddhist Monastery are the unique attraction of the place. You might even want to try swimming in Phoksundo Lake. Be warned: these are glacier-fed waters that will make any dip short and refreshing! Overnight at Tented Camp, inclusive of full board meal.

Today, we enter the restricted area of Upper Dolpo and follow the famous trail of the Oscar-nominated movie HIMALAYA directed by Eric Valli. This adventurous trail is an ancient salt trade route used by the people of Dolpo and Tibet, winding along the lake and through dramatic landscapes. Reaching an elevation of 4,085m, the trail descends through dense forests before climbing into a wide-open valley with spectacular views of Kanjirowa Himal (6,612m). Continuing through the alpine area with junipers, we arrive at the beautiful camping site of Salla Ghari. Overnight at a tented camp with full-board meals included.

Today, trek from Salla Ghari to Lar Tsa, following the Phoksundo River through a landscape of high rock walls and crossing a couple of streams. The trail is relatively easy, with occasional mild ascents, as we pass through a narrow gorge. Lar Tsa, also known as Kagla Base Camp, serves as a campsite for Kagla climbers. To help with altitude acclimatization, we set up camp here for the night. We find we are increasing in elevations and that requires taking the necessary time for proper acclimatization to prevent Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Overnight at a tented camp with full-board meals included.

Meal included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

After morning breakfast, we continue our trek by following along the Tuk Kyaksa River and make a long, strenuous climb of about 2 ½ hours to Kang La (5,350m), also known as Nangdalo-La or Ngadra La. The trails offer astounding panoramic views before a steep descent through snow-covered terrain. After about three hours of descending, we reach Shey Gompa, a small village with a couple of houses and the Gompa. It is a 11th-century monastery beneath the Crystal Peak at the confluence of two rivers. Known as the spiritual heart of Dolpo, it attracts many pilgrims who come to perform the Kora around the distinctive Crystal Peak. Overnight at a tented camp, inclusive of full-board meals.

This rest day is worth taking a day to the hike around the Shey Gompa (i.e. Crystal monastery). Just north of Shey Gompa, there is another gompa called Tsakang Gompa and is famous as a meditation center of Lamas. Crystal Mountain is to the east of Shey Gompa, it is considered as a strongest mountain because it is supposed to be made with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. Shey Gompa area houses number of prayer mills turned with water force. The site is extremely enriched in ecological and cultural varieties and their integrity. Overnight camping at Shey Gompa.

Today, we trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung. In the beginning, the trail goes down juniper forest up to the stony canyon. Then ascent to Saldang La offers breathtaking panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas and the expansive Dolpo valleys below. After passing the Saldang La we enter the north trail to the grassland grazing yaks and sheep. Descending towards the Namgung, a remote traditional village where we will see authentic Tibetan-style houses and experience the region’s unique culture. The people of Namgung heartily welcome us. These people don’t often see visitors, and they are excited to be your host. It is a beautiful place with a friendly environment. Overnight at Tented Camp inclusive all board of meals.

After breakfast, we start our trek to the village of Saldang. In the beginning the trail route goes up along the dusty barren mountains to 4700m before going down steep slopes to the picturesque villageof Saldang. Saldang village is the largest village of inner Dolpo situated above the plateau. Saldang remains a densely populated village in the Dolpo region. (Population is just over 2000 and for Dolpo region, that’s a metropolis!) It is a famous strategic point as a trade route to Tibet. Overnight camping at Saldang.

Today, we will start our trek to Sibu. To reach Sibu we have to pass through the barren, dramatic landscapes of this region that can look like moonscapes. Stupas, Chortens, mani walls and a Chaib monastery abound. After few hours to walk the path it gradually descends along Nagon Khola, passing small settlements, mani walls, and cultivated fields. Along the way offers magnificent views of the surrounding valleys and traditional Tibetan-influenced villages. We will set camp near the small settlement of Sibu for our overnight camping.

After breakfast, we retrace the path along the river valley that is “mostly” straight. Two hours later, we cross a stream, and the valley we entered is a side valley where the slope is much steeper. The trail gradually ascends to the base of Jeng-La Pass through large alpine meadows and wild mountain ridges. These alpine meadows often are ablaze with wildflowers in certain seasons. Stunning views of the surrounding peaks begin to appear as we go. Finally, we arrive at the Base of Jeng-La Pass, a lovely campsite in a very peaceful alpine area. This spot is also well-known for its mesmerizing night skies because of the isolation and minimal light pollution in the area. At night, gaze at the heavens above and see the stars like you’ve never seen before. Overnight at Tented Camp with all meals included.

After collecting the amazing experiences at Jeng where we will see the view of Mt. Dhaulagiri and the range of snow-covered peaks. Mt. Dhaulagiri is #7 of the 8000+ meter peaks of the Himalayas (8.167 m)/ The trail goes down into the Tarap Valley, which is really one of the largest valleys in Dolpo and it follows the Tarap Chu River. We will see old gompas, chortens cultivated fields, and traditional villages on our way. After walking through this lovely scenery, we will arrive at Tokyu Gaon where we will spend the night in a Tented Camp with full board meals.

Today we follow an easy and well-travelled trail eastward along the Tarap Chu through a broad and beautiful valley. The trail passes numerous mani walls, chortens, lush grasslands, and marshy areas beside the river. The charming walk along the glorious valley takes us to reach Dho Tarap (4,040m). Dho Tarap is a small, Tibentan-style surrounded by an irregular stone wall and consist of just thirty-four houses. We visit around the village and admire their lifestyle. We visit the Buddhist Gompa where a Lama lives and entertain the cultural variance. This is true Tibetan Buddhism in its finest. Overnight at Tented Camp with full board meals.

Today, we will trek to Serkam. The trail goes down into the stunning Tarap Valley. We go through a wide valley that slowly turns into very deep gorges and narrow canyons with the river rushing through below. This place (also called Dho Tarap) is considered one of the most remote as well as highest permanently inhabited areas of the world. Along the way, we walk among junipers and wild rose bushes and maybe meet blue sheep, marmots, yaks, sheep, and goats. The trails also cross several new steel suspension bridges. There are breathtaking views of the landscape around. In the afternoon we reach Serkam where we stay in a Tented Camp.

Following a hearty morning breakfast, we will trek from Serkam to Tarakot. The trail will be dropping in elevation following Tarap Khola river, crossing the new suspension bridge at Khanigaon, and then running alongside the river through narrow gorges and steep cliffs. The trail leads to areas very high above the river before going down again, so some parts are really exhausting. Upon our arrival at the large and fertile valley of the Barbung Chu, we pass millet, sweet corn, barley buckwheat, green bean, and chili fields. Passing through this gorgeous valley, we arrive at Tarakot, which is also known as Dzong in the local language. Tarakot is hugely historical and offers an interesting insight into Dolpo's trading of the past. Overnight at Tented Camp with full board meals.

Today is an easier day as the trail primarily descends gradually through lush hillsides, terraced fields, and traditional villages of the Dolpo region. We will be following the Thuli Bheri River which enters into the large, impressive gorge. The trail follows along through aromatic pine forests till we reach Dunai. In Dunai, the landscape becomes more lively, with increasing signs of local life and activity. We will stay Overnight at tented camp in Dunai.

On our final day of the trek, we will walk back to Juphal. The way is primarily flat as we hear the gurgling sounds of Bheri river. We reach a welcome sight as we see the village of Juphal to make our last camping night.

Early in the morning, we will take a flight from Juphal airport to Nepalgunj. It takes 35 beautiful minutes to reach Nepalgunj where we again fly back to Kathmandu on a connecting flight. On arrival in Kathmandu airport, transfer you to the hotel and free time ahead.

You have earned this day, and you can explore Kathmandu at your leisure. We build in an extra day because sometimes weather conditions can delay us. The mighty Himalayas create their own weather systems which can unexpectantly delay us. Usually we have no problems, and your Trekking Mart representative can help you to get vehicles and suggest interesting places to stay. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with your friends from Trekking Mart.

It was an incredible trip. A journey into upper dolpo is a lifechanging adventure that will show you a very different part of the world. Trekking mart has many more adventures which include into places like tibet, bhutan, india and now east africa. Before leaving nepal, definitely talk to your friends at trekking mart about future adventures.

Our representative of trekking mart will pick you up from the hotel. At about 3 hours prior to your flight time, we transfer you to the airport to fly to your onward destination. The trekking mart family wishes you the best time ahead.