Upper Dolpo Trek “Exciting scenic flights both ways before and after the trek with ever-present Himalayan peaks Adventure to Nepal Far Western Himalaya on least ventured areas by only a few trekkers In the land of Bon the ancient practice of pre-Buddhism sects with impressive villages In the country where elusive and rare Snow-Leopard and blue sheep habitats Amazing scenery of dramatic landscapes from green hills to arid and barren terrain Explore the ancient monastery of Shey Gompa the crystal monastery of great interest Within Nepal largest Shey-Phuksumdo national parks of green dense alpine woodland”
Upper Dolpo Trek leads to remote corners of the Far North Himalayan range of mountains into isolated regions of inner and Upper Dolpo areas, where you will be dazzled by the mind-blowing scenery of unique landscapes and high snow-capped peaks. A journey of a lifetime experience following the path of early pioneers which you have read the classic novel ‘Snow Leopard’ by Peter Mattissian an American author who traveled this country in the early 1970s, wrote and described these amazing areas in his novel which includes unique lifestyle and culture of Dolpo people.
Besides scenic views and scenery walk leads you to visit its time forgotten villages as it was since past hundreds of centuries where people of Dolpo still practice an ancient cult known as Bona pre-Buddhism practice along with present Buddhism religion. This amazing Upper Dolpo Adventure leads you around the country’s largest national park named Shey-Phuksumdo where the walk leads from lovely green vegetation and alpine tree lines to arid and windswept landscapes at scenic areas in Shey Gompa also called the Crystal Monastery.
Truly a journey which satisfies you being away from mainstream trekking trails into the pure wilderness and in the undisturbed country in this magnificent Upper Dolpo Adventure, where it starts with the sweeping flight to land at Jhupal at Dolpo and then heading to beautiful Phuksumdo Lake and over high Kang-la pass to reach our main destination and highlights.After an experience around inner and upper Dolpo, and visiting its nice villages of Ringmo-Saldang-Toku and Dho-Tarap with historical Tarakot village and then back at Dunai the main town of Dolpo to reach at Jhupal for the scenic flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj city airport, with grand and glorious time on Upper Dolpo Adventure.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,345 m and then transfer to respective Hotels
Day 02: Kathmandu with sightseeing and afternoon fly to Nepalgunj.
Day 03: Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m (40 mins on air) and then drive to Dunai 2,140 m – 02 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m – 06 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Sandra village 2,960m -06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Phoksumdo Lake 3,630 m – 06 hours.
Day 07: Rest day at Phoksumdo Lake for the local excursion.
Day 08: Trek to Phokshumdo-Khola 3,750 m- 05 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Phoksumdo Bhanjyang 4,717 m – 04 hrs.
Day 10: Cross Kang-La 5,350 m and trek to Shey Gompa 4,160 m via -06 hrs.
Day 11: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.
Day 12: Trek to Namgung 4,608 m via Sela (Gela) La 5,094m.
Day 13: Trek to Saldang 3,770 m – 05 hours.
Day 14: Trek to Chagaon 4,910 m – 05 hrs.
Day 15: Trek to Dachau Khola camp at 4,700 m – 06 hrs.
Day 16: Trek and cross Jyanta-La at 5,220 m and walk to Phedi 4,900 m – 06 hrs.
Day 17: Trek to Toku Gaon 4,209 m – 06 hrs.
Day 18: Trek to Dho-Therapy 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.
Day 19: Trek to Ghyamgar 3,759 m – 07 hrs.
Day 20: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m – 06 hours.
Day 21: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m – 06 hrs.
Day 22: Trek to Dunai – 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal – 02 hr jeep ride.
Day 23: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and then transfer to your hotels.
Day 24: the Extra and spare day in Kathmandu as the contingency.
Day 25: International departure for homeward bound or to respective countries.
Trip Details Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,345 m and then transfer to respective Hotels
- Distance : 30 Minutes drive to hotel
- Duration : 01 Day
- Max. Altitude : 1,345 m.
On reaching Kathmandu via respective airlines well received by company guides and staff for a short drive in the hub of Kathmandu city where your hotels located.After checking into your lovely rooms getting refreshed join in at the hotel lobby for a group briefing regarding treks and other useful information to make your stay in Nepal enjoyable and pleasant. even the even includes a group welcome dinner in nice Nepalese restaurants with cultural programs as entertainment with the dinner.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals Include: Dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu with sightseeing and afternoon fly to Nepalgunj.
- Distance : 01 Hour fly to Nepalgunj
- Duration : 02 Day
- Max. Altitude :150m.
The morning after hearty breakfast, as per the given time our city and tour guide will lead you in the heart of Kathmandu city, for an exciting historical and heritage tour of old Durbar (royal palace and courtyard) square, of historical importance includes Temple of Kumari (Living young virgin Goddess) Kastamandap Temple where Kathmandu name derived from, a temple built with the wood of a single tree, tour of the old palace during the reign of Malla and late Shah kings. Tour leads to the famous landmark of Nepal at Swayambhunath Stupa of more than 2,500 years old a Buddhist Chaitya or Stupa with all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha, afternoon back to the hotel, after an interesting tour transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for the scenic, sweeping flight to Nepal Far South West to land at Nepalgunj city. On reaching Nepalgunj within low and sub-tropical climate transfer to nearby hotels with time to explore the city of strong Indian influence and culture due to its closeness to India border.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals Include: Nepali/Chinese/Indian/Continental
Day 03: Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m (40 mins on air) and then drive to Dunai 2,140 m - 02 hrs.
- Distance : 02 hrs.
- Duration : 03 Day
- Max. Altitude :2,475 m.
With early breakfast then transfer back to Nepalgunj airport for another short flight to reach Jhupal in Dolpo, on reaching Jhupal, where our trekking staff joins to start the adventure taking a short drive to Dunai for the overnight stop. The driving journey leads past interesting areas into farm villages and fields with views of snowcapped peaks and then at stopping at Dunai for overnight in the cal nice lodge. Dunai, headquarter and administrative town of Dolpo district, an interesting place to explore in the afternoon to observe Nepal Far Western Nepalese cultures and customs of both Hindu and Buddhist religion with fascinating cultures.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 04: Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m - 06 hrs.
- Distance : 06 hrs.
- Duration : 04 Days
- Max. Altitude :2,838 m.
The first-day trek begins from Dunai, where the morning trek leads the Dunai market area and then crosses over a bridge above Thulo Bheri River to reach a high ridge above Phuksumdo River valley as the walk rewards you with views of Kagmara peaks. After walking on winding pleasant path, then climb up into farm villages with walnut trees near Dhara a small place of cattle herders, from here leading to a short climb to Rahagaon village of Hindu Thakuri Malla people and then downhill into the forest to reach our overnight stop at Chhepka, a small farm village.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 05: Trek to Sandra village 2,960m -06 hrs.
- Distance : 06 hrs.
- Duration : 05 Day
- Max. Altitude :2,960m.
After Chhepka which is close to Ankhe village, the morning walk follows to a short climb and then downhill within the forested area to reach the bank of a river, continue uphill walk on leaving the forest behind and then descend back into tree lines. From here following a river to cross a bridge to a Tajik village, walking further to Sandra for overnight camp, close at the entrance of Shey-Phuksundo National Park.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 06: Trek to Phoksumdo Lake 3,630 m - 06 hours.
- Distance : 06 hours.
- Duration : 06 Day
- Max. Altitude :3,630 m.
Morning walk starts to reach at Phoksundo Lake after Pungmo Khola (stream) on following the stream and then downhill into birch and pine forest reaching the upper section of Phoksundo Khola. After a short rest walk leads into Ringmo village, a lovely and interesting Tibetan origin village with a similar culture of Buddhism and Bon (pre-Buddhist) religion. Houses built with mud-plastered including Chorten and Mani (prayer) walls of the Bon sect and the Buddhist religion. From here a short walk to Phuksumdo Lake for the overnight camp near the bank of turquoise-colored Phoksundo Lake.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 07: At Phoksundo Lake rest and explore around Ringmo village and the lake.
- Distance : Rest Day
- Duration : 07 Day
- Max. Altitude :3,630 m.
An ideal spot for rest day here enjoy exploring around beautiful Phuksumdo Lake, an opportunity to soak in local Dolpo villages around Ringmo of immense culture and custom, where you explore these pristine areas often visited by few other trekkers.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 08: Trek to Phokshundo-Khola 3,750 m- 05 hrs.
- Distance : 05 hrs.
- Duration : 08 Day
- Max. Altitude :3,750 m
After a pleasant stop at Phoksundo Lake also known as Ringmo Lake, as our journey continues towards Upper Dolpo areas, a restricted region requires special permits to trek beyond these areas to visit high Shey Gompa and Saldang villages. The walk leads to a contour around a rocky ridge and ledge past the bank of the river to reach an opens and wide valley at Phuksumdo Khola for overnight camp
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang 4,717 m - 04 hrs.
- Distance : 04 hrs.
- Duration : 09 Day
- Max. Altitude :4,717 m
The morning starts on a gradual trail heading north leaving behind Phoksundo Khola with the climb to a high hill, after a steep climb reaching the top of the ridge facing views of the large green valley with Kang-La pass towards the north direction to our main destination to Shey Gompa. Overnight camp is pitched on a nice pasture at the base of high Kang-la pass
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Cross Kang-La 5,350 m and trek to Shey Gompa 4,160 m -06 hrs.
- Distance : 06 hrs.
- Duration : 10 Day
- Max. Altitude :5,350 m.
Starting much early morning to reach our main destination at Shey Gompa, as walk leads to a steep climb on stones and rocky trail then reaching on top Kang-la pass above 5,350 meters and / 17,655 ft the highest spot of the adventure. From the pass enjoy the fantastic panorama of beautiful country landscapes with snow peaks which includes Mt. Dhaulagiri towards the Far East, after a refreshing break with views descends to reach the base near a river, then across cattle herder camps towards the Buddhist prayer monument and Chhorten or Mani. A pleasant walk reaches you to da destination at Shey Gompa, situated at the bottom of unique Crystal Mountain considered as sacred Mountain with an old monastery close to the holy peak.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.
- Distance : Rest Day
- Duration : 11 Day
- Max. Altitude :5,350 m.
A wonderful spot for rest and spare day within the isolated area of Far West Himalaya, certainly a hidden place away from civilization blending well with the surrounding wilderness of a serene and pristine environment. At Shey with ample time to explore around and visit its very old Gompa also known as Crystal Monastery which is well defined in the classic novel ‘Snow Leopard’ by American author Peter Matthiessen.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Trek to Namgung 4,608 m via Sela (Gela) La 5,094m.
- Distance : 6 hrs.
- Duration : 12 Days
- Max. Altitude :5,094m.
From this isolated and lovely spot, our adventure continues towards a walled canyon, as our path meanders to reach Sela or Gela-la a small ridgetop above 5,094 m high, offers views of landscapes with Dhaulagiri mountains. From here descend slowly admiring the scenery then reaching a nice grazing area at Namgung Gaon for the overnight stop.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Trek to Saldang 3,770 m - 05 hours.
- Distance : 05 hours.
- Duration : 13 Day
- Max. Altitude :3,770 m.
After overnight at Namgung Gaon, walk on the dusty path which leads uphill towards our overnight camp at Saldang, another interesting and a large village of Upper Dolpo area, placed high above a plateau.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 14: Trek to Chagaon 4,910 m - 05 hrs.
- Distance : 05 hrs.
- Duration : 14 Day
- Max. Altitude :4,910 m.
From Spalding, morning trek leads to Nang Chu River and then following the river all the way with few ups and down walks past Sugu-Gaon and Dechen Lapran, a cattle herders place and then trekking to our overnight camp at Chicagoan village. A small pleasant village with an old monastery called Rapa Gompa of Bon sect, a pre-Buddhist religion, and ancient Bon-Pa culture.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 15: Trek to Dachau Khola camp at 4,700 m - 06 hrs.
- Distance : 06 hrs.
- Duration : 15 Day
- Max. Altitude :4,700 m
Morning leads south into Tarap valley on route Toku and Dho Tarap villages, walk leads to reach Dachau Khola and beyond, after crossing on the same trail following a river through farm fields, and then walk into Yak herder areas for overnight camp.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 16: Trek and cross Jyanta-La at 5,220 m and walk to Phedi 4,900 m - 06 hrs.
- Distance : 06 hrs.
- Duration : 16 Day
- Max. Altitude :5,220 m.
After a nice stop around the summer pasture of the Yaks grazing area, morning walk following the river for short while, and then coming across the yaks and mules laden caravan on route Tibet that still exists since past glorious times. Walk on the route which is near an old Trans Himalayan Salt Trade route of Nepal and Tibet, which is closed from the base of Jayanta-la pass, as morning walk leads to a climb on top of high pass offering views of Mt. Dhaulagiri peaks, and then a long descend takes you at the base of the pass for overnight camp.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 17: Trek to Toku Gaon 4,209 m via Jeng la 5,090m-06 hrs.
- Distance : 06 hrs.
- Duration : 17 Day
- Max. Altitude :5,090m
Morning heading for a steep climb, and then walking on the gradual winding path for some hours to reach a charming village of Toku Gaon for the overnight stop, one of the most attractive villages within Inner Dolpo region, which consists of more than ten groups of villages within the valley and with nice tended farm fields including an old interesting monasteries.
- Accommodation: Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 18: Trek to Dhotarap 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.
- Distance : 05 hrs.
- Duration : 18 Day
- Max. Altitude : 3, 944 m.
After Toku Gaon, morning walks start downhill towards Tarap Chu (river) and then entering a wide scenic valley, where many yak herder temporary settlements located. The walk continues to Dhotarap overnight camp close to a village inhabited by the mixed tribe of Tibetan origin as well as Magar people.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Day 19: Trek to Ghyamgar 3,759 m - 07 hrs.
- Distance : 07 hrs.
- Duration : 19 Day
- Max. Altitude :3,759 m
From this nice campsite, the walk continues downhill towards Tarap valley, the largest and longest valley of Dolpo region extends to near 20 k.m. long, following Tarap Chu River to joins with Thuli Bheri River near Tarakot village. Our journey leads past Langa with views of lovely cascading waterfalls and then walking due south following our route to Saul and f Kesila around Yak herder camps to reach our overnight camp at Ghyamgar.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 20: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m - 06 hours.
- Distance : 06 hours.
- Duration : 20 Day
- Max. Altitude :3,652m.
Morning walks leads at Tarap areas within a magnificent valley and then entering a narrow gorge covered with bushes of juniper and wild rose, walking past Toll near to a huge overhanging cave, around this place chance of spotting some wildlife like Naur or Blue Sheep and other animals including endangered Snow Leopard as well. As the walk proceeds to reach the confluence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola (streams), the overnight camp is set close to a river after a good and exciting walk of six hours.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 21: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m - 06 hrs.
- Distance : 06 hrs.
- Duration : 21 Day
- Max. Altitude :2,540 m
Slowly our journey comes to an end as the walk leads towards Tarakot village past several smaller farm villages to enter small woodland along the bank of a river and then reaching at Tarakot, one of the large and interesting villages with an ancient historical background. Tarakot a village with forts known as Dzong in Tibetan, and in Nepali known as Kot placed to guard the entrance of the village from the outside world. Tarakot with famous and old Sandul Gomba, located on the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River where our overnight camp is made.
- Accommodation: Tea House/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 22: Trek to Dunai and drive back to Jhupal - 04 hrs.
- Distance : 04 hrs.
- Duration : 22 Day
- Max. Altitude :2,500m
After a pleasant overnight at Tarakot, our last day walk of the adventure leads to near Dunai and then taking an exciting drive to reach our final end of the journey at Jhupal on reaching Dunai the major town of Dolpo, where a drive leads to our final overnight stop at Jhupal on completing Upper Dolpo trekking before heading back to Kathmandu.
- Accommodation: Tea house/Camping
- Meals Include: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 23: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and then transfer to your hotels.
- Distance : 1 Hour fly to Kathmandu
- Duration : 23 Day
- Max. Altitude :1350m
After a wonderful time in the high mountains and hills, taking a morning flight back to Kathmandu with short transit at Nepalgunj airport, on reaching Kathmandu after a scenic flight, transfer to respective hotels with the afternoon free at leisure or last day shopping souvenirs and handicrafts.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals Include:
Day 24: the Extra and spare day in Kathmandu as the contingency.
- Distance : Explore day
- Duration : 24 Day
- Max. Altitude :1350m.
We have set a free and extra day as the contingency in case of flight delay and problems due to unfavorable bad weather conditions, which can occur sometimes as the Himalayan weather pattern can be unpredictable. If all goes well according to our well set itinerary days, one can enjoy a free day relaxing or join in another tour around Kathmandu-Patan and Bhaktapur cities.
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals Include: Breakfast
Day 25: International Departure for Homeward Bound.
- Distance : 30 Minutes fly to International airport
- Duration : 25 Day
- Max. Altitude :Breakfast
Last day in Nepal in the country of high Himalayan mountains with fascinating culture, after a memorable time on Upper Dolpo Adventure, as per your international flight time our staff transfers you to the airport for the flight homeward bound or to your next port of call and respective countries.
- Accommodation:
- Meals Include: Breakfast
Cost Details
PACKAGE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICE
- Airport transfers.
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj with breakfast as per the programme.
- Three meals in a day (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) with hot beverage and snacks whilst on trekking.
- Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu inclusive with all entrance permits fees.
- Tented camp accommodation whilst on trekking.
- Shey Phoksundo National Park and, Upper Dolpo & Lower Dolpo Special Permit and fees
- An experienced fluent English speaking guide trained and licensed by the Government of Nepal, Ministry of Tourism & Civil Aviation.
- Highly experienced trekking porter (s) or mules.
- Staff food, accommodation, clothing, salary & insurance.
- Flight Ticket from Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal and – Kathmandu.
- All necessary ground transportation.
- All taxes, VAT, service charge.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
PACKAGE EXCLUDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICE
- Nepal entry visa
- International airfare
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Bar and beverage bills
- Personal expenses (phone call, laundry, bottle or boiled water etc.)
- Tips for guides and porters
Equipment’s
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT LIST
This list is a guide to help you pack for your trip. This is not intended to be a comprehensive clothing and equipment list; rather it is intended to act as a reminder of those items that we feel necessary for your comfort and convenience .we also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.
Head
- A warm hat that covers your ears
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Headlamp with extra batteries
Upper body
- T-shirts
- Fleece jacket or sweater
- Fleece wind –stopper jacket
- Waterproof shell jacket
- Down vest and /or jacket (optional)Hands
- Lightweight gloves (water /windproof)
- Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof shell outer
Lower body
- Underwear
- Hiking trousers
- Fleece or woolen trousers
- Lightweight thermal bottoms
- Lightweight cotton pants
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric )shell pants Feet
- Thin lightweight inner socks
- Heavy poly or wool socks
- Hiking boots with spare laces
- Camp shoes (sneakers and sandals)
Sleeping
- Sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C de 14 degrees F)
- Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)Toiletries
- Toothbrush /paste
- Multi-purpose soap
- Nail clippers
- Deodorants
- Medium-sized quick-drying towel
- Face and body moisturizer
- Small mirror
- Female hygiene products
Personal hygiene
- Wet wipes (baby wipes)
- Tissue/toilet roll
- Antibacterial hand wash
Medical
- Small, personal first-aid kit (simple and light)
- A cough and /or cold medicine
- Anti –altitude sickness pills; Diamox or acetazolamide
- Stomach antibiotic
Extras /luxuries
- Reading book
- Trail map /guidebook
- Journal and pen
- Travel game(chess, backgammon, playing cards etc)
- Modest swimsuit
- Binoculars
- Camera
