Viber/Whats-app:
+977-9843245085
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a true adventure in wilderness through the barren alpine lands of Dolpo. It is an all-round trekking package that has it all; scenery, wildlife, culture, adventure – you name it!
Your journey begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Jhupal via Nepalgunj. For the first few days, you will trek through the villages of Dunai, Ankhe and Sulighat, up to Ringmo. During you trek, you will pass through parts of the Shey Phoksundo National Park which is home to Musk Deer, Blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, Ghoral, Snow leopards, Grey wolves and various other species of Himalayan wildlife. In addition to being one of the highest altitude lakes in the world, Phoksundo is also the deepest lake in Nepal. Take a full day to explore its enchanting turquoise blue waters and the surroundings.
For the next week or so, we will have to cross three high passes. The journey will be tough but rewarding with magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Kanjirowa and much of the Tibetan plateau. We will first trek to Shey Gompa, and in doing so, reach the highest point of the trek at Kang La pass (5100m). After an exploration day around Shey Gompa, we will cross our second high pass, Saldang La (4800m) to reach Namduna Gaun. Then, we’ll spend a few days trekking past Saldang, Yangze Gompa, Sibu to reach Jeng la Phedi. Here, we’ll cross our final high pass, Jeng La (5050m) to reach Tokyu gaun.
Finally, the next few days comprises of the return journey as you trek through Dho Tarap, Kamakharka, Tarakot and Dunai to Jhupal. You will have the opportunity to closely experience hospitality and culture of locals during this return trip. The Upper Dolpo Trek finally comes to an end as you catch a couple of scenic flights back to the capital via Nepalgunj.
Note: For this trek, you will need the Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit ($30) and the Upper Dolpo Restricted Area permit (which costs $500 for the first 10 days and $50 for every day after).
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a strenuous trek that explores the high Himalayan valleys of Dolpo. The trails are generally hilly/rocky and involves some tough ascents. As such, we recommend this trek for people with some prior trekking experience and good physical fitness and stamina. Some other factors you need to consider for the Upper Dolpo Trek are:
With three high passes over 5000 meters and most of the trail situated above 3000 meters, altitude sickness is a possible threat on this trek. Thus, set aside ample time for acclimatization, stay hydrated and ascend at a steady pace.
The Upper Dolpo Trek generally takes almost 4 weeks to complete, with some variations in length depending on the places visited and route taken. The trekking hours average out to around 6 hours of trekking per day.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is best performed during the spring (March – May) and autumn (September – November) seasons. These periods are perfect due to the moderate temperature, stable weather and clear skies. During winter, the temperatures can drop quite low and excessive snowfall can sometimes block off the passes.
Day 01: Arrival At TIA Kathmandu
Day 02: Free day, Sightseeing tour around Kathmandu
Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Jhupal, Trek to Dunai (2150m), 3 hours
Day 06: Trek from Sulighat to Ringmo (3600m) 5 hours
Day 07: Rest day at Phoksundo Lake
Day 08: Trek from Ringmo to Phoksundo Khola (3500m) 5 hours
Day 09: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4400m) 7 hours
Day 10: Trek to Shey Gompa (4500m) via Kang La pass (5100m) 6 hours
Day 11: Acclimatization day at Shey Gompa
Day 12: Trek to Namduna Gaun (4400m) via Saldang la pass (4800m) 7 hours
Day 13: Trek from Namduna Gaun to Saldang (3900m) 5 hours
Day 14: Trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa (3850m) 5 hours
Day 15: Trek from Yangze Gompa to Sibu (3950m) 6 hours
Day 16: Trek from Sibu to Jeng la phedi (4350m) 6 hours
Day 17: Trek from Jeng la phedi to Tokyu gaun via Jeng la pass (5050m) 5 hours
Day 18: Trek from Tokyu gaun to Dho Tarap (4100m) 5 hours
Day 19: Rest day at Dho Tarap
Day 20: Trek from Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (3800m) 6 hours
Day 21: Trek from Kamakharka to Khanigaon (2550m) 5 hours
Day 22: Trek from Khanigaon to Tarakot (2300m) 5 hours
Day 23: Trek from Tarakot to Dunai (2150m) 6 hours
Day 24: Trek from Dunai to Jhupal, Flight from Jhupal - Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
Day 25: Final departure
Welcome to Nepal! Our representative will meet and greet with you outside Tribhuwan International Airport and assist you to reach your hotel. You can rest after your flight or come visit our office if time permits. Enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine as dinner as introduction to the country’s culture.
Accomodation: Over night at Hotel
Meals: D
You are free to spend the day as you wish. You can explore the capital on your own, head out for some shopping or relax at your hotel. We do also offer a guided sightseeing tour around the valley’s prominent landmarks including Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Durbar Squares and more.
Accomodation: Over night at Hotel
Meals: B D
After an early breakfast, join everyone for a pre trek meeting. Your trek leader will brief you regarding the journey and provide you with your permits. Then, head to TIA’s domestic section to catch a short flight to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, catch another scenic flight to Jhupal which offers views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. We will have our lunch at Jhupal before beginning our short ‘warm up’ trek along the Bheri Khola to Dunai.
Accomodation: Over night at Hotel
Meals: B L D
Following the trail as usual, we arrive at the confluence of the Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers. Trek through the cedar and birch forests to Palam and eventually to Ringmo. Ringmo is the closest settlement near Phoksundo.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in lodge
Meals: B L D
Explore Shey Phoksundo, one of the major highlights of the trek today. Situated at around 3611m, Phoksundo is an alpine fresh water lake famed for its mesmerizing turquoise blue waters. Also known for being the deepest lake in Nepal, Phoksundo is completely devoid of any marine life. Spend the day exploring this beautiful lake and the locality. In the evening, you can visit some of the local Bon monasteries.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in lodge
Meals: B L D
After enjoying a day at the lake, we will resume on our trail today. Begin today’s trek with an ascent towards the cliffs at the lake’s western end before descending into the flood plains of the Phoksundo River. We will find a good campsite to stay overnight.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in tented camps
Meals: B L D
Continue ascending north through the alpine valleys today. Pass through various meadows and streams and eventually reach the top a ravine. Our campsite will offer good views of the Kang La pass along with Chamlang peak 6 (6739m) and peak 7 (6105m).
Accomodation: Overnight stay in tented camps
Meals: B L D
The trek to Shey Gompa today includes crossing the first of the high passes, Kang La (5100m). Steadily ascend up the slated path to the top of Kang La. Its summit, which is the highest altitude we’ll reach during the trek, offers a beautiful panorama of the region. Next, steadily descend past the pasture lands and cross a log bridge to arrive at Shey Gompa.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in lodge
Meals: B L D
We will take a day off our main trail to explore the nearby points of interest. The millennia old Crystal Mountain monastery nearby is surely going to be worth your time. Along with exploration, the rest day also has a second purpose; acclimatization. As we’re above 4500 meters already, it is a good idea to take a day off and help our bodies get used to the altitude before continuing the journey. We will take a day off our main trail to explore the nearby points of interest. The millennia old Crystal Mountain monastery nearby is surely going to be worth your time. Along with exploration, the rest day also has a second purpose; acclimatization. As we’re above 4500 meters already, it is a good idea to take a day off and help our bodies get used to the altitude before continuing the journey.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in lodge
Meals: B L D
The trek today will have us cross the second high pass, Saldang La. First, we will pass through pleasant forests lined with junipers and eventually arrive at the windy pass. The climb to the top will be strenuous but rewarding as usual with fantastic views of the arid Mustang valley along with the Tibetan Himalayan Chain. Next, steadily descend down and trek for a few hours to reach Namduna. Explore the monastery perched at the side of a ridge in the evening.
Accomodation: Over night at lodge
Meals: B L D
As your body might be exhausted, feel free to sleep in all morning. After breakfast, start your trek through the arid Himalayan valleys and arrive at the plateau above the Nam Khong nala. There lies Saldang village, the largest settlement in all of Inner Dolpo, being home to almost 600 people.
Accomodation: Over night at lodge
Meals: B L D
The next few days will be a true experience in wilderness as you journey into more secluded regions of Dolpo. First, follow the trail along the Nang Chu River and gradually you’re your way through the barren mountainous. Trek past the villages of Tiligaon and Lurigaon to eventually arrive at Yangze Gompa. After lunch, you can spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Bon monastery and the Panzang River.
Accomodation: Over night at lodge
Meals: B L D
Continue traversing the windy wilder lands today as you trek north along the Nagon River. You will pass a number of chortens on the trail today. While it is possible to stop at Namdo gaun for the night, we recommend continuing on for a couple more hours to Sibu instead.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in lodge
Meals: B L D
We will trek to the base of the Jeng La pass today. Follow the trail along the Nam Khong River and steadily climb up the steep path to Jeng La phedi. Once there, we will find a good spot in the meadow to camp for the night.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in tented camps,
Meals: B L D
The trek today will take us through the third and final high pass of the trek, Jeng La. The climb be steep as usual, but easier compared to the previous two. The vantage point at the top will offer splendid views of the region, including the shimmering Dhaulagiri. Afterwards, steadily descend into the Tarap valley and trek for a few hours to Tokyu gaun. Explore the nearby Chaiba monastery in the afternoon.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in lodge
Meals: B L D
With all three high passes crossed, the trek will now be easier. Head out Tokyu village after breakfast and embark on the wide and well defined trail to the Magar village of Dho Tarap. You will once again come across a number of chortens on your trail today.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in lodge
Meals: B L D
Your body will likely be exhausted after the tough treks of the last week. So, we’ll take the day off to help ourselves recover. Spend the day exploring Dho Tarap and interacting with the locals.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in lodge
Meals: B L D
With the main part of the trek completed, the return journey begins today. Descend through the valley up to the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. Continue on while enjoying the sight of roses and junipers around you. For the night, we will camp at a good spot in the meadow at Kamakharka.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in tented camps
Meals: B L D
The descent continues today as we drop over 1000 meters in altitude on our way to Khanigaon. We will trek along the gorge of the Tarap River. Take care when you’re at the stone stairs as they are sometimes vulnerable to derailing. After you cross some wooden bridges, you’ll finally arrive at Khanigaon.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in tented camps
Meals: B L D
After breakfast, head out of Khanigaon and cross the new suspension bridge towards Lalberi. After you make your way through a dense forest and a gorge, you’ll reach a river which you’ll follow up to Tarakot. You can spend the afternoon exploring this old fortress town and the Gompa nearby.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in tented camps
Meals: B L D
With the trek almost over, enjoy your last full day of trekking. The trail follows the Thuli Bheri River and climbs up to Byas Gadi. From there, head west for a gentle ascent to Dunai. Enjoy some local delicacies in the evening to celebrate the completion of the trek.
Accomodation: Overnight stay in tented camps
Meals: B L D
After an early breakfast, retrace your steps from Dunai to Jhupal. With the trek finally over, head to the Jhupal airport to catch a scenic morning flight to Nepalgunj. From there, another quick flight will take you back to Kathmandu. Visit Thamel for some souvenir shopping if you like. In the evening, you’ll be taken to a restaurant serving traditional Nepali cuisine and entertained with some cultural performances.
Accomodation: Overnight stay at hotel
Meals: B D
Enjoy the last of Nepalese hospitality with breakfast at the hotel. A few hours before your flight, check out from the hotel. Afterwards, one of our representatives will escort you to Tribhuwan International Airport and bid you farewell!
Accomodation:
Meals: B
| accommodation: | Hotel/Lodge/Camp |
| Height: | 5100m – Kang La Pass |
| Best Season: | Spring (March – May) and Autumn (September – November) |
| Grade: | Strenuous |
| Duration: | 25 Days |
| Activity: | Sightseeing & Trekking |
| Book Now | |
