Upper Dolpo
In the start of our trek we shall take a flight from the capital city of Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and later take our final flight to Juphal (2,285m/7,496ft). Upon reaching Jhupal we shall begin our first leg of the trek and as we advance further our trail shall pass various colossal mountain ranges, over the Numa La Pass (5,190m/17,028ft), till you arrive at the Phoksundo Lake located at an elevated altitude of 3,611 meters in the Ringmo town inside the Phoksundo National Park. Upper Dolpo looks like similar to Tibetan plains and the area is still unvisited by large number of trekkers. This trek is dependably a decision of orderly trekkers who dependably look for invigorating trek that is less trodden. The vast majority of the tenants of Dolpo area are Tibetans and they take after old Tibetan culture.
On the off chance that you want to observe Tibetan influenced culture nomadic traditions. A trek inside Upper Dolpo is the perfect one for you. Mainly because this region radiates with the alluring reflection of the neighboring autonomous region of Tibet. These days, trekkers from all around the globe can enter Upper Dolpo, the shrouded fortune of Nepal through limited range allows. Offering the chance to think about rural existence of Tibetans, Upper Dolpo Trek is the best decision on the off chance that you need to be far from group and commercialization for quite a while. This specific area is additionally a home to jeopardized Himalayan natural life including Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep and Snow Leopard.
Final Thoughts:
Any trekker who wishes to stroll among its limitless and rough scene with strong, venturesome people who live here, needs to have a sufficient measure of physical fitness to finish the whole trek effectively. In addition to that, spring and autumn seasons are the best time to travel here. However, as the region lies in a rain shadow of the Himalayas, you can even trek here during monsoon seasons.
Itinerary
Day 01: Kathmandu City tour
Today is the day for exploration and fascination; we shall go on a sightseeing tour spend the entire day touring around Kathmandu valley. See and explore the amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered around the valley with our guide. From the most significant Buddhists stupas Boudhanath and Swayambhunath to the sacred Hindu holy site of Pashupatinath, you shall have an opportunity to learn about the ancient historical structures and get in-depth view of Nepalese culture and tradition in this sightseeing tour. And lastly you shall also visit Patan Durbar Square which is full of Hindu temples, Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities & wonderful sculpture carvings and later in the evening you shall return back to your hotel.
Stay overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 02: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj by flight.
This is the day when you actually leave the capital city and start your trek. We shall have our breakfast and later on go to the airport for our domestic flight to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is about 520 km away from Kathmandu so our flight duration is approximately one and half hour long. Today our flight to Nepalgunj shall take us closer to the Terai plains near the southern border of Nepal. And after reaching Nepalgunj, we shall check into the hotel and end our day by feasting on food cooked over firewood.
Stay overnight at Nepalgunj.
Day 03: Nepalgunj to Jhuphal flight and trek to Dunai. 2850m (3/4 hrs)
We shall wake up early in the morning and have our breakfast before leaving for Jhupal today. We shall now catch our scheduled flight to Jhupal in the Dolpo region which is about 35-minute-long. Because this region is very prone to pesky high speed winds which usually start from 10 am, we shall have our flight scheduled in the morning. During the flight you are bound to get scenic views of the mountain ranges with clouds hovering in the sky. Jhuphal is situated at an altitude of 2,354 m and as soon as we reach the flat airstrip of Jhupal we shall formally commence with our trek to Dunai. With a short 3 hour long walk downhill through meadows and past a few houses to the small hotels at Kala Gaura (2,090 m), we shall reach Dunai which is also the headquarter of Dolpo region.
Stay overnight at Dunai.
Day 04: Trek from Dunai to Ankhe. 2660 m (4/5 hrs)
Rerouting from Dunai, we shall now move on to the next destination of our trek. As we finish having our breakfast, we shall head towards Ankhe. Initially we shall walk onward to west via crossing a suspension and a little walk further brings you to the confluence point of the Thuli Bheri and Suli Gad rivers from where you walk along the fluctuating trails towards the north following the Suli Gad River. Eventually, walking along the river we shall pass through Dhera and Rahagaun, to ultimately reach the cultivated farmland of Ankhe which also provides a way in to the Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Stay overnight at Ankhe.
Day 05: Trek from Ankhe to Sulighat. 3500m (5/6 hrs)
Today, we shall follow the route to small ups and downs from Ankhe along the forested riverbed. In usual format our trail possesses many changing terrains so get ready to walk through stony paths with several streams and cliffs today. As you walk ahead you shall eventually leave the forests and traverse into the grassy slope located high above the marine rivers below. The ups and downs can begin to get 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 traverses a grassy slope high above the river. Journey continues upstream along the forested riverbed to finally reach Sulighat.
Stay overnight at Sulighat.
Day 06: Trek from Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake. 3611m (4/5 hrs)
After having our breakfast now we shall continue with our trek as we continue heading towards Phoksundo Lake. Moving on we shall cross the western side of the Phoksundo Khola on a wooden bridge, then the path follows the west bank of the Pungmo Khola which leads all the way to Phoksundo Lake near Ringmo village. From here one can see the distant views of Phoksundo Lake and a spectacular 300m high waterfall, one of the highest in Nepal. Lastly we shall descent through birch forests and reach the deepest lake of Nepal, Phoksundo Lake.
Stay overnight at Phoksundo Lake.
Day 07: Rest Day!!
It’s the eight day of our trek and today we shall spend the whole day exploring this beautiful place. You may stroll around this turquoise lake which is considered sacred by the Buddhist communities. The water of this lake often reflects the snowy peaks above this grandiose lake with the pristine air flowing through it. Feel connected and nurture the sight of this cold yet beautiful terrain with many beautiful glaciers near the lake. To better make use of the free time which we have, you have the alternative opportunity to walk to the Ringmo village and the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery.
Stay overnight at Phoksundo Lake.
Day 08: Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola. 5/6 hrs
We shall wake up early and have our breakfast before leaving this all amazing mystic lake. We shall now cross a bridge and follow a trail north to the shores of the lake near the point where the Phoksundo Khola (River) flows out of the lake. Following the wobbly path, we shall finally stop at Phoksundo Khola which shall be the last destination for this day.
Stay overnight at Phoksundo Khola.
Day 09: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang. 5/6 hrs
Today we shall carry on with our trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang which in terms of our previous walks is a bit challenging because we shall walk through rocks and boulders. In our trek today most of the trail will be in the shade of large Pine trees and we shall reach a point where trekkers can see Kang-La Pass. Later on we shall finally reach Phoksundo Bhanjyang.
Stay overnight at Phoksundo Bhanjyang.
Day 10: Trek from Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4500m) via Nagdolo La pass 5110m (6/7 hrs)
Our trail today shall give us opportunity to go through zig-zag rocky course. We shall wake up early in the morning as our trek today shall take us approximately 6-7 hours to reach our final destination. Initially we shall ascend up to Nagdolo La Pass which has an overlooking view of the panoramic scenery of the valleys below. After that we shall reach our final stop of the day at Shey Gompa with an entrance marked in red and white chorten and snaking lines of mani stones.
Stay overnight at Shey Gompa.
Day 11: Rest Day!!
Today is our rest day for acclimatization as we are trekking at higher elevations so today we shall explore around the vicinity of Shey Gompa which is situated at the high altitude of 4500m. So we shall first go for a local hiking around Shey Gompa which is popularly known as The Crystal Monastery. Being surrounded by half a dozen red colored buildings this place is very valued and respected by Buddhists and Bon people.
Stay overnight at Shey Gompa.
Day 12: Trek from Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun (4800m) via Saldang La pass. 5200m (6/7 hrs)
We wake up early, eat our breakfast and then start continuing our journey through narrow contracted valley and then climb up the trail to be rewarded with the view of Tibet in the north and Mustang in the east Mustang. Afterward we shall head towards north through zigzag path over bare rocks and coarse eroded soil to later on eventually reach the top of Saldang La Pass. Now we shall make a long descent to the pastures amidst juniper trees descending into a gray stone canyon to reach at Namduna gaun.
Stay overnight at Namduna Gaun.
Day 13: Trek from Namduna Gaun to Saldang. 3620m (5/6 hrs)
Today we shall begin our trek with a gleaming traverse path full of luminous rays of sunlight. We shall make a steep descent initially and then after 5-6 hours of walking along some dusty barren mountains we shall reach a large village called Saldang which is a collection of five separate villages and is the biggest settlement in Inner Dolpo. This village lies close to the Tibetan border and the some of the salt trade Yak caravans are routed through here.
Stay overnight at Saldang.
Day 14: Trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa. 4960m (5/6 hrs)
From here onward we shall now trek further to north. As usual after finishing our breakfast we shall divert and most of the way we shall follow the trails along the Nang Chu River. Afterward we shall then pass through the Panzang River and reach our last destination for the day. With few steps we shall reach the Yangze Gompa.
Stay overnight at Yangze Gompa.
Day 15: Trek from Yangze gompa to Sibu. 4560m (6/7 hrs)
Today we shall leaving Syangze Gompa and head onward to another village. After finishing our breakfast we shall now turn south following pass through trails with terraced fields of barley. We pass through the scattered village of Nisha gaun and Shimen gaun. Heading due west we shall reach our final destination Sibu village where we shall rest and sleep the respective night.
Stay overnight at Sibu.
Day 16: Trek to Jeng-La Phedi. 4900m (5/6 hrs)
Here onward we shall now move on to a place called Jeng-La Phedi. Our day shall normally begin with a gentle walk following the trail along the river. We shall trek across the caravan of laden yaks en route walk ahead for some few hours with glaring views of this amazing landscape. At last we shall turn away from the main river eventually reach our final destination Jeng La Phedi.
Stay overnight at Jeng-La Phedi.
Day 17: Trek from Jeng-La Phedi to Tokyu Gaun (4200m) via Jeng-La pass. 5090m (6/7 hrs)
Today we have a long walk of 6-7 hours approximately. After having our breakfast we shall carry on with our trek. Initially we have to make a steep climb of roughly about 2-3 hours to finally reach the upper summit of the Jeng-La pass at 4,845 meter. Atop from the summit trekkers can observe the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri standing tall in the south of the pass. Traversing away from the Jeng-La pass, we shall now start descending below to reach the widespread Tarap Valley. In due course we shall pass through a stream of gentle flowing water before ultimately reaching Tokyu Village.
Stay overnight at Tokyo Village.
Day 18: Trek from Tokyu Gaun to Dho Tarap (4040m) (5/6 hrs)
Moving on from Tokyo Gaun we shall now head towards Dho Tarap. The beautiful valley of Dho Tarap is situated at approximately 4,000 meter with easy hike able trails and paths to follow. This place is relatively more populated with numerous houses having decorated windows. As you walk through here you witness many Buddhist monasteries and chortens scattered across the valley. The trail down the Tarap Valley is well used and is well maintained providing relatively easy trekking through a broad fertile valley. Walking along the downhill course of Tarap Chu, we shall pass through the patches of lush verdant grass and reach Dho Tarap.
Stay overnight at Dho Tarap.
Day 19: Trek from Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (Kama Kharka). 3800m (5/6 hrs)
We shall now starts the day with gradual descend beside the river to cross the west bank. Afterward we shall continue below imposing cliffs, before crossing a ridge marked with two ancient chortens. Dropping down to the pastures to large herds of the blue sheep, we shall arrive at Tarap Khola after traversing through Inner Dolpo region for about six hours. Locally Tarap Khola is also known as Kama Kharka.
Stay overnight at Kama Kharka.
Day 20: Trek from Tarap Khola to Khani Gaun. 3150m (5/6 hrs)
Today is another day for amazing trekking as we continue walking through the Tarap Khola.In the beginning of our trek today we shall descend down the gorge of Tarap River. The river raises high above on the trail built from the steep stones. Further on as we follow the trail in advance we shall later on reach Khani Gaun.
Stay overnight at Khani Gaun.
Day 21: Trek from Khani Gaun to Tarkot. 2537m (5/6 hrs)
Today we shall be leaving Khani Gaun and move onward to next part of our trek. After having our breakfast foremost we shall arrive at the Tarap Chu with the Barbung Khola. Later on we shall pass through areas covered with forests and shortly walk high above the river with some ups and downs. Ultimately we shall now descend to Tarakot.
Stay overnight at Tarkot.
Day 22: Trek from Tarkot to Dunai. 2120m (3/4 hrs)
Today we have a normal yet short trek of about 3-4 hours. After having our breakfast we shall now start continuing our trek. We follow the Bheri River and continue walking along the river banks to reach our final point of the day. Upon reaching Dunai you shall stay in a lodge and sleep there for the night.
Stay overnight at Dunai.
Day 23: Trek from Dunai to Jhuphal. (4/5 hrs)
We are now reaching the end of our trek, so today we shall wake up early and head towards Jhupal which shall take us about 5 hours to reach with a normal pace of walking. We shall continue walking alongside the Bheri River on an exquisite trail with large conifer trees. Lastly we shall make a final climb through terraced farmland to reach the airstrip at Jhupal (2,480m). From Jhupal we shall take a flight to Nepalgunj tomorrow so we shall celebrate as our trek comes to an end.
Stay overnight at Jhupal.
Day 24: Fly from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj and Fly to Kathmandu.
Today we pack our bags and take two picturesque flights. The first flight will be from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and later we shall continue heading to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj with another scenic flight. Upon reaching Kathmandu you shall check into your respective hotel rooms. This is your last day here so you may go for some souvenir shopping or just relax.
Stay overnight at Kathmandu.
Activities
Cost Included
- Kathmandu arrival and transferred to hotel
- Kathmandu to Nepaljung and vice versa by flight
- Nepaljung to Jupal and vice versa by flight
- All ground Transportation
- All necessary permits and TIMS cards
- All meal during the trek (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Guide and staffs wages and insurance
- All trekking equipment ( tents, tables, chairs, mattress, cooking utensils etc.)
Cost Excluded
- Bar bills, laundry and tips
- Rescue, insurance, souvenir shopping
- Items of personal expenses
- Nepal entry visa fees
- Personal rescue if needed
#Note above day to day itinerary. May be change depending on weather and flight.