Upper Dolpo Trekking

Arrival in Kathmandu (1400 m)
During your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, our office representative will be waiting for you at the airport gate. He will be holding a board with your name tag. A private vehicle will be sent for your hotel transfer. The vehicle will drop you at the vehicle and rooms will be assigned as per the reservation.

Accommodation:Hotel on BB Plan | Transportation:Private Vehicle

Trek preparation and Kathmandu sightseeing tour.
On this day, you will meet your trek guide and helpers for your Upper Dolpo Trek.
Our city guide will meet you at the hotel for Kathmandu sightseeing tour. You will visit some of the UNESCO world heritage site of Kathmandu valley. A private vehicle will be sent for the tour. You will explore an ancient royal palace dating back since the 16th century known as Patan Durbar Square. Then, you will approach to Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in Asia. After that, you will visit Pashupatinath, a famous Hindu temple. During dusk, you will visit Swayambhunath for an amazing sunset along with Kathmandu valley view. After that, the vehicle will drop you at the airport.
Accommodation:Hotel on BB Plan | Transportation:Private Vehicle

Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
You will have your breakfast at the hotel. Then, you will drive to the domestic terminal of Tribhuwan International Airport for Kathmandu-Nepalgunj flight.
Nepalgunj is a town in the western part of Nepal, very close to the border of India. It is hot and tropical at Nepalgunj.
A private vehicle will pick you from the hotel and drop you at the airport. Our trek guide will be with you during the flight. The flight duration will be approx. 50 minutes. At Nepalgunj, our office representative will transfer you to the hotel
Accommodation:Hotel on BB Plan | Transportation:Flight/Private Vehicle

Fly Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475 m); Trek to Dunai (2140m/ 3hrs).
After breakfast, you will drive to Nepalgunj airport for Nepalgunj-Juphal flight. The flight duration will be approx. 35 min to reach Juphal. After landing at Juphal, we will start our trekking.
As this is the starting point of the trek, the trail is not difficult. You will walk comfortably and descend for 45 minutes to reach Kalagauda. Then, you will walk another 2 hours along Thuli Bheri River to reach Dunai. After reaching Dunai, rooms will be assigned as per the reservation.

Dunai is the headquarter of Dolpa district. There are some government and private schools, college, government offices and police check post.

You can hike up to Bon Gumba from where you can enjoy the view of whole Dunai and other villages.
Accommodation:Guesthouse(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek Dunai to Chhepka (2687 m/ 6hrs)
Today is the day, we start our trek adventure. The trek begins along the classic route of Dolpo. The walk is comfortable. At Silughar check-post, we will present the trekking permits to Dolpo and Shey Phoksundo National Park. From here, we are officially inside Shey Phoksundo National Park. Then, we will follow the trail along Phoksundo river. Furthermore, we will witness a drastic change in the landscape, walking through the lush tropical forest. We will pass Kageni, Jutung and Shangta. We will cross bridge over Phoksundo lake and at the confluence of Phoksundo and Maiba Khola. We will head towards north to reach Cheppka. Reaching Cheppka, we will put our camps at a suitable location.
Accommodation:Guesthouse(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek Chhepka to Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital (3000 m/ 6hrs).
Today we will be walking along the famous trail of Lower Dolpa Circuit trek. We will trek the opposite direction of the river flow. We will cross the bridge over Phoksundo river twice. This trail is amazingly peaceful. We will reach Rechi; our lunch stop at an altitude of 3010m.

After lunch, we will again walk along the river side. At sulligad dovan, we will cross a bridge to pass the confluence of Phoksundo river and Yulung Khola. Then, we will reach Amchi Hospital where we will put our camps for the night.

Amchi means the traditional doctors who use medicinal herbs to cure infections and diseases found around Dolpo. Hence, this hospital is a treatment center for locals of Dolpo.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3600m/ 5-6hrs).
Today, we will head towards the deepest lake of Nepal, Shey Phoksundo. We will walk along the direct trail to Phoksundo Lake. We will ascend the forest of cedars to reach Palam. Palam is a winter settlement of locals from Ringmo village.
First we will descend to an elevation of around 3300 m. Then we will climb up to a ridge, about 3,875meters, from where we will have the most staggering views of a 300meters waterfall, the highest in Nepal, and our first view of Phoksundo Lake, a study in turquoise. We will then descend through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo Khola and on to the picturesque settlement of Ringmo with its mud plastered chortens and Mani walls. The village now has solar panels helping to improve the quality of life of the villagers. From the settlement it is a short walk to the shores of Phoksundo Lake where we will set up the camps.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Rest day at Phoksundo Lake.
Today, we will have an exploration day around Phoksundo Lake and the Ringmo village. Firstly, we will explore around the Ringmo village. Ringmo village is a typical Tibetan village with its own unique culture and tradition. Then head towards Tshowa, a Bon monastery at the lake-shore. It was built around 900 years ago. We will explore inside the monastery which will be a fascinating experience. After that, we will descend down to Phoksundo Lake.
We will visit some other monasteries and Bon-po religious sites on this day.

Shey Phoksundo Lake is the deepest lake of Nepal with its famous turquoise colored water and mind-blowing scenery. We will enjoy the wonderful natural sceneries and spend overnight at the campsite.

Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek Phoksundo to Sallaghari (3630m/ 5-6 hrs).
Today, we will have the one of the best trekking days of the Dolpo trek. We will climb along the narrow trails along the cliffs above Phoksundo Lake. This part of the trek is similar to the fantasy walk described by writers in their fiction novels.
We will then descend along the beautiful forest for around one and half hour. After that, we will reach the other side of the lake, Phoksundo Khola camp. Then, we will ascend the final part of today’s trek and reach Sallaghari. We will put our campsite among the beautiful pine forest.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek Sallaghari to Nangdala High Camp (4717m/ 5-6 hrs).
This day, we will have a short trek of around 3 hours up to Nangdala High camp. We will begin our trek with an ascending of the narrow trail of Tuk Kyaksa river. We will switch the riverside several times. We will cross a bridge over the river where the rapids are calmer.

After walking around 30 minutes from the bridge, we will reach a wide valley. From there, we will walk another 2 and half hours along the canyon. Then, we will set our campsite at the massive rock slab i.e. Kang La/ Nangdala Base Camp.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek Nangdala H.C. to Shey Gompa (4343m) via Nangda LA pass (5350m/ 5-6hrs).
Today, we will trek to Shey Gompa and the Crystal Mountain, the most sacred peak of Dolpo region. This day, we will enter the real fascinating Dolpo region. Before reaching there, we have to cross the Kang LA or the Nangda LA pass.

To cross this pass we have to ascend the graveled trail uphill for around 3 hours. This effort of 3 hours will reward us with magnificent views from the top.

This magnificent view from the top includes Crystal mountain, the Tibetan territory mountain and the mesmerizing landscape of the Dolpo region. Peaks like Shey Shikhar and Kang Chunne can also be admired during the walk.

There is a red chorten at the entrance of Shey Gompa. A grand festival is held every dragon year (once in 12 years) according to the Tibetan calendar. A lot of people from different part of the country join this grand festival.
We will put our campsite at Shey Gompa.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa (4360m) via Shey La Pass (5100m/ 6-7hrs).
This day we will explore around Shey Gompa. This monastery is believed to be 800 years old with ancient scroll describing the myths behind the Crystal Mountain. Shey Gompa is locally known as Shelri Sumdho Gompa.

This monastery hosts a summer festival popular as Shey festival. Shey Gompa is well described in “The Snow Leopard” written by Peter matthiessen and pictured in Eric Valli’s “Caravan” movie as Thinley’s son’s Gompa.

We will begin our trek after the exploration. We will follow the trails along Sephu khola for around two hours. You will be very surprised with the typical Dolpo landscape. We will ascend Shey LA top in around two hours. Magnificent view of Mustang, Tibet, Kanjirowa, Kagmara and the crystal mountain can be admired during the trek. We will descend another 2 hours to reach Namgung. We will set up the campsite here.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek Namgong Gompa to Saldang (3770m/ 4-5hrs).
Firstly, we will explore the monastery of Namgung. This beautiful monastery is set on a flanking high cliff. After that, we will begin our trek. We will follow the trails along Namga Khola. We will pass more summer herding spots to reach Saldang village.

Saldang is a beautiful village including a lot of dry land which are surrounded by amazing hills. We will explore around the village and interact with the locals. Do not forget to taste some salt butter tea or Chyang (Barley beer) at Saldang. Ancient Buddhist tradition and Amchi tradition in Dolpo flourished at this village.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Rest day at Saldang; hike to Yangjer Gumba (4590m).
After an early breakfast, we will hike to Yanjer. It is the richest monastery of this region. We will explore around the monastery and have our packed lunch during the exploration. After that, we will return back to Saldang campsite.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek to Komash Village (4060m/ 6 hrs).
Today’s trek will be approx. six hours. We will head towards Komash village after our breakfast. We will follow the Saldang Lek along the rapyha Khola. We will ascend up to 4500 m and then descend down to Komash village. This village is similar to most of the Tibetan villages. We will set up our camp at Komash village.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek Komash Village to Shimen (3850m/ 6hrs).
We will begin our trek after having breakfast. During our trek this day, we might encounter some rare species like Blue sheep and snow leopard. We will pass various small villages during today’s trek. This part of the trek is filled with highland deserts with shrub like vegetations. The trails are comfortable and not so difficult. After walking for around 4-5 hours, we will reach Shimen. We will set up the camp at a potential campsite.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek to Tinje village (4110m).
Today, we will be following the trails along the Panjyang Khola. We will pass some beautiful villages and monasteries along the trails to reach Tinje. The walk duration will be around 5 hours.

Tinje is a beautiful valley with a natural air strip where a British aircraft landed and took off once.
We will set up our camp at Tinje village.

Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek Tinje Village to Yak Kharka.
This day, we will head towards Yak Kharka which will be around 5-6 hours walk. We will follow the trails along Panjyan River passing small settlement of Chhamdang. After Chhamdang, we will walk along the river bank for some times and then to the confluence of Chholtam khola and Panjyan Khola. We will cross a bridge over Thalum khola and then reach an open grazing ground for yaks and sheep. This open ground is known as Yak Kharka.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek to Tokyu (4240m).
We will head to Tokyu from Yak Kharka today. Firstly, we will cross a bridge over Sulun Khola which takes us to Choila North pass at an altitude of 5040 m. This part of the trek is a bit difficult one. We will ascend almost 2 hours to reach the top of Choila pass. The top offers a beautiful sight of Tokyu camp. After descending down from the pass, we will reach Tokyu where we will set up our campsite.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Tokyo to Dho Tarap (3944m) Rest day.
This day, we will trek to Dho Tarap. It is a very short trek of around one and half hour. After reaching Dho Tarap, we will explore around the village of Dho Tarap.

Dho Tarap is a large village settlement beautifully decorated with colorful Buddhist prayer flags. There are various chortens, mani walls and monasteries around Dho Tarap. Beautiful fields of wheat, buch wheat, barley, potatoes and other green vegetables add more beauty to this village. There are small tea shops and lodges at Dho Tarap. People here resemble the Khampas of Tibet. This refer to men with ponytail and red tassel coiled around their head. Women wear musk deer’s teeth necklaces.

This village is well pictured in Eric Valli’s popular movie “Caravan”, where Karma, Thinley and their groups set off with their salt trade for Barley over the high passes.

We will enjoy wonderful natural tour as well as participate in cultural programs performed by the villagers with their traditional Tibetan dance and songs.

You will have choice to explore some monasteries around Dho Tarap so choose wisely. Some of the monasteries are Ribo Bumpa Monastery, Drakmar Dewa Monastery, Mekhyim Monastery & Dhoro Monastery.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Dho Tarap to Naworpani (3475m)
Today’s trek will be a long one as we have to cover a long distance than other days. We will trek along the flat traail which will takes us to the confluence of Tarap Khola and Mirubabane Khola. Then, we will cross a bridge over Klang Khola, Langa Camp.

We will continuously follow the trails along the Tarap Khola. Beautiful picturesque view of the magnificent landscape can be admired during this part of the trek. We will pass various beautiful settlements of Sisaul, Gyamghar and Toltol. After that, we will reach our campsite destination, Naworpani. We will set up the camp at Naworpani.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Naworpani to Lashicap (2775m).
Today also, we will follow the trails along the Tarap Khola. Walking for some time, we will witness some change in the view and landscape. Green forest will start to emerge as we move more forward. We will then ascend to Lamchaur high over Tarap Khola. After crossing Lahini Odar, we will descend down and reach Chhedhul Gompa.

Again, after following some time along the Tarap Khola, we will reach Laisicap where we will set up the camp.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek Lashicap to Dunai (6hrs).
Today, we will trek along the green lands above Thuli Bheri river to reach Tarakot. After reaching Tarakot, we will cross a small bridge over a stream. We will pass Lawan and Byasgad on this day. Today’s trek will offer some greenery and forested region and cultivated terraced fields. Reaching Dunai, rooms will be assigned.
Accommodation:Tent Camp (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Trek to Juphal
Today is the last day of the trek. We will follow the trail along the Bheri river until we reach Kalagawda. After Kalagawda, we will ascend some times to reach Juphal. It will be a short trek of around 3 hours up to Juphal.
Accommodation:Guesthouse(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Includes)

Fly Juphal to Nepalgunj; Fly Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
Early morning, we will have our breakfast and head towards Juphal airport for the early morning flight to Nepalgunj. We will fly to Nepalgunj this day. At Nepalgunj, you will have some time to explore around depending on your flight schedule.
In the afternoon, you will approach to Nepalgunj for Kathmandu flight.

At Kathmandu, our office representative will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. Rest of the day is free to explore and enjoy the nightlife of Thamel.

Farewell dinner will be provided at a typical Nepali restaurant with some musical program.
Accommodation:Hotel on BB Plan | Transportation:Flight/Private Vehicle

Final Departure.
You are free to shop and explore around Thamel bazaar until your final departure depending on your flight schedule. Our private vehicle will drop you to Tribhuwan International Airport for your final departure.
Namaste!