Upper Dolpo trek

24 Days
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Upper Dolpo trek is started in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal and it is the second home to the great Himalayan Mountains. Flying from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in the western Nepal and continue flying to Jhupal. Juphal is the small airport of Dolpo at the elevation of 2500mts above sea level. Dolpo or Dolpa in Tibetan. Dolpa in Tibetan means the people who live in the upper valley of a valley is called Dolpa. The people in Dolpo valley are originally Tibetans and their language is also Tibetan and they practice Buddhism and Bon religion.

According to the history, the people in Dolpo valley came from Ngari region in Tibet, Ngari is located in the western part of Tibet and it is a very famous Tibet travel destination nowadays because of Mount Kailash and Mansarovar lake which are holy to the followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, Bon Religion and Jewish.

During our upper Dolpo trek, we can see a lot of Bon monasteries and people in Dolpo valley are still practicing Bon religion, the original religion of Tibet so the people in Dolpo valley basically came to settle there during the time of Tibetan King Songtsan Gampo in the 7th century or during Shangshong kingdom in Ngari which was prior to the Tibetan Kingsongtsan Gamp who reunited Tibet. In around 8th century, Padmasambava or Guru Rinpoche in Tibetan, came from India to Tibet. Guru Rinpoche was one of the most revered and greatest Buddhist saint, travelled to Tibet all the way from India via Dolpo valley. Guru Rinpoche spread Buddhism entire Himalayan region and discovered this beautiful Dolpo valley or hidden land of Tibet for over 1400 years history. Until 1989, Dolpo has remained isolated due to it’s remote location. Even today, there is a limit to trek in Dolpo valley and the permit fee of upper Dolpo trek is very expensive.

During your Dolpo trek, you will see beautiful and unique Bon and Buddhist monasteries and most of them are very old and historical monasteries with extremely beautiful old natural wall painting which has over 800 years hisotry, smiling and very kind monks inside the monasteries, welcoming you to their temples or rooms any time when you visit the monasteries. The temples and monasteries are usually located on a mountainside and very much quite. It is exactly a place for a retreatment and meditation without any disturbance from outside. Seeing the people in Dolpo, wearing real Tibetan traditional gowns, ( Chupa in Tibetan ), lots of ornaments on their head and around the neck including turquoise and corals. They rear cattle, sheep, horses and yak. Yak and horses and used for their transportation since there is no road in the upper Dolpo valley.

Some of the spectacular rocky mountains, most challenging over 5000mts high mountain passes, beautiful view of snow covered peaks, beautiful nomad camp on the beautiful green meadow and pasture land, grazing flock of Yak, sheep, goat, horses and other cattle, unique Tibetan styled traditional house with prayer flags onto the roof of the houses and colorful prayer flags on the top of the passes. Tibetans believe that you will gain good luck if you raise prayer flags onto the roof of the houses or on the top of the mountain passes. The most highlight of the upper Dolpo trek is in the one hand, it is to witness different culture of the different regions, especially the long historical culture of Buddhism, Bon religion, thousand years history of wearing Tibetan traditional clothes, weaving different kinds of cloth in a traditional way, getting married a wife by two to three brothers together in order to help each other in the family so on and in the other hand, it is one of the most adventurous trekking tour in Nepal and to see and enjoy the view of Phoksundo lake is an absolutely paradise. When you are sitting by the side of the Phoksundo lake, watching Yaks and horses are passing by the rocky mountains on the shore of the lake, you really feel as if you were in the movie of Himalayan caravans and it is extremely gorgeous.

 
Days Trip Outline Daily Activity Accommodation Guide & Driver Meal
01 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft) Tribhuvan international airport-Kathmandu city-Thamel Bazar Hotel Nepalese B
02 Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m/1 h flight/10 miin drive ) Kathmandu-Nepalgunj Hotel Nepalese BB
03 Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475m)/ 45 min flight and Juphal to Dunai 2800m/ 3 h trek. Nepalgunj-Juphal-Dunai Lodge Nepalese BLD
04 Dunai to Chhepka (2687m/6 h ) Sulighat-Phoksundo river-Jutung village-Shangta-Chhepka Camp Nepalese BLD
05 Chhepka to Chunuwar (3110m/ 6 h ) Tibetan Amchi hospital- Sulligad Dovan-Phoksundo Khola-Yulung Khola Camp Nepalese BLD
06 Chunuwar to Phoksundo Lake (3600m/ 5-6 h ) Palam-Shey Phoksundo National Park-Ringmo villag-Phoksundo lake Camp Nepalese BLD
07 Phoksundo – Rest day Ringmo Village-Tshowa Bon monastery-explore Phoksundo lake Camp Nepalese BLD
08 Phoksundo- Sallaghari ( 3580m/ 5-6 h ) Another side of Phoksundo Lake-Beautiful small piine forest-Sallaghari Camp Nepalese BLD
09 Sallaghari to Nangdala HC (4717 m/5-6 h ) Nangdala High Camp 4100m-Tuk Kyaksa River Camp Nepalese BLD
10 Nangdala HC to Shey Gompa ( 4280m/5-6 h ) Nangdala pass (5240m)-Shey Gompa-Crystal Mountain-view of Shey Shikkar and Kang Chunne-Shey Gompa Camp Nepalese BLD
11 Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa (4800m/6-7 h) Shey La Pass (5100m-Sela La (5095m-Namgung Gompa Camp Nepalese BLD
12 Namgong Gompa to Saldang ( 3620m/ 4-5 h ) Visit Namgong Gompa-Namga Khola-Saldang village Camp Nepalese BLD
13 Saldang to Day hike to Yangjer Gomba ( 4960m )-Salding ( 3620m /4 h ) Day excursion to Yangje Gompa -Salding Camp Nepalese BLD
14 Saldang to Sibu ( 4560m/6-7 h ) Mani walls-white stupa-Namdo village-Sibu Camp Nepalese BLD
15 Sibu to Jeng La Phedi ( 4900m/5 h) Jeng La Pass-beautiful meadow-Yak caravans-Jeng La Phedi Camp Nepalese BLD
16 Jeng La Phedi to Tokyo Gaun ( 4209m/5-6 h ) Jeng La Pass: 5,100m-North face view of Dhaulagiri Massif-Monastrery at Tokyo Camp Nepalese BLD
17 Tokyo Gaun to Dho Tarap ( 4040m/4 h ) Tokyo Gaun-Dho Tarap village Camp Nepalese BLD
18 Rest Day and visit local families in the villages. Visit local families in Dho Tarap village-Bon Gompa Camp Nepalese BLD
19 Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola ( 3800m/ 6 h ) Tarap Chu ( river )-Lang Khola rivers-Tarap Khola Camp Nepalese BLD
20 Tarap Khola to Khani Gaun ( 3150m/ 4 h) Tarap river-Khani Gaun-local herdsmen with their Yak and Sheep Camp Nepalese BLD
21 Khani Gaun to Tarakot ( 2537m/ 4 h) Lalberi village-monastery near Bheri river-Tarakot Camp Nepalese BLD
22 Tarakot to Dunai ( 2800m/4 h)-Dunai to Jhupal ( 2500m/ 3 h ) Bheri river-Dunai village-Jhupal Camp or lodge Nepalese BLD
23 Jhupal to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu ( 1300m ) Jhupal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu Hotel Nepalese BB
24 Departure for home Kathmandu-Tribhuvan international airport End the trip Nepalese B

Inclusive

  • Accommodation as mentioned in the program on twin sharing room basis
  • All camping equipment except sleeping bags
  • Transportation by one good conditioned tourist vehcile
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
  • B in Kathmandu and fullboard during the trek
  • All entry fees to the sites and monasteries during your Neapl trekking tour
  • One good local English speaking guide
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter) or pack yak and Yak for Dolpo trek
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
  • Camping fee
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes

Exclusive

  • International flight
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa fee
  • All kinds of insurance such as personal insurance, evacuation and medical insurance
  • Personal and medical evacuation insurance
  • Any extra cost in the event of landslides and personal nature expenses need to be paid by clients themselves
  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m/4,428ft) Hotel on B

    After arriving in Kathmandu, our representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. In the afternoon, we may take a rest.

  • Day 02: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m)/ flight. Hotel on BB

    From Kathmandu, we take a bus or fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia Nationl Park. It is a major transport hub for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Our representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. Overnight stay will be at hotel that is 10 to 15 minutes drive from the airport.

  • Day 03: Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475m)/ 45 min flight and Juphal to Dunai 2000m/ 3 h trek. Lodge on BLD

    Today we take a 35 minutes long flight to Juphal .Our trekking starts from Juphal. The trail from Juphal to Dunai is comfortable and easy as the trail on this part of trek also has few jeeps running to and fro. The first forty five minutes of the trek descends down to Kalagauda followed by two hours of hike along the trail above Thuli Bheri River. We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the Dunai (2150m) a small town, the head quarter of the district. Dunai has some schools government and private, college, police check post and some government offices. You can visit the Bon Stupa and school, Central Buddhist monastery and the very first English medium school across the river, From the Stupa you can have the view of whole town and another village, upper Dunai too.

  • Day 04: Dunai to Chhepka (2687m/6 h ) Camp on BLD

    The real adventure of Dolpo Mustang Trek begins today. As the trek begins we initially trek along classic trekking route of Dolpo via Sulighar, which is pretty much comfortable walk along the levelled trail. We shall produce the trekking permit to Dolpo and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit at the Sulighat Check-post. Now we are officially inside Shey Phoksundo National Park. Beyond Sulighat our trek follows the trail beside Phoksundo River till Kageni. As the trek goes further, the landscapes in the vicinity begin to change. We trek through the lush tropical forest frequently emerging at isolated mid-hill villages like Jutung and arrive to Shangta. At Shangta we cross the bridge twice- once over Phoksundo River and once over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Maiaba Khola and begin to head north towards Chhepka. Trekking upstream along the trail beside Phoksundo Khola for a while we arrive to Chhepka. We put our camps at an ideal location in Chhepka for the overnight stay.

  • Day 05: Chhepka to Chunuwar (3110m/ 6 h )

    Today the the trail leads you beside Phoksundo Khola- the trail of famous Lower Dolpa Circuit. We trek in the opposite direction of the river flow to Amchi Hospital. The trek crosses the bridge over Phoksundo Khola twice. As we approach closer to Kharka trekking along the amazingly peaceful region the trail goes high above Phoksundo Khola to Rechi 3011m, where we stop for the lunch. Beyond Rechi we again hike along the river side trail to Sulligad Dovan where we cross the bridge over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola and arrive to Chunuwar. We will settle our camps here for the night.

  • Day 06: Chunuwar to Phoksundo Lake (3600m/ 5-6 h ) Camp on BLD

    We will join the direct trail to Phoksundo Lake today climbing through forests of big cedars on to Palam (3710m), a winter settlement used by the people of the Ringmo village. The entrance station for the Shey Phoksundo National Park is at the south end of the village. The route then descends on switchbacks through open country to an elevation of 3300 meter, and then starts up another set of dusty switchbacks to a ridge at 3780 meter to the highest waterfall in Nepal (200 meter high). Our route then continues on to Ringmo village, a picturesque settlement of flat-roofed stone houses with lots of mani walls. Just below Ringmo we cross a bridge and follow the trail to Phoksundo Lake, where we camp at the national park camping grounds west.

  • Day 07: Phoksundo – Rest day. Camp on BLD

    Today we explore the area around Ringmo Village and the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. First, we explore around Ringmo Village and head to Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery). The Gompa nestling a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. Exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery is fascinating experience. Then we drop down to Phoksundo Lake along steep-sided cliffs. The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise colour and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, is scenic view from Phoksundo Lake. There are several monasteries (Gompas ) and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of these. We also explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.

  • Day 08: Phoksundo- Sallaghari ( 3180m/ 5-6 h ) Camp on BLD

    Today’s trek is probably one of the best trekking days of Dolpo to Mustang Trek. It climbs along the narrow trail cut on a cliff standing vertically straight above Phoksundo Lake. This treacherously fascinating trail brings us to another side of Phoksundo Lake. This particular part of the trek is like fantasy walk portrayed by a writer in their fiction novels. To get to the Phoksundo Khola camp on other side of the lake, we slide down for ninety minutes along the beautiful forests. The final part of today’s trek slides up to the beautiful campsite at Sallaghari. Enjoy the night in the camps amongst beautiful pine forest.

  • Day 09: Sallaghari to Nangdala HC (4717 m/5-6 h ) Camp on BLD

    Today’s trek is relatively short; we trek for almost three hours to reach Nangdala High Camp 4100m. As the trek begins we ascend up the narrow defile of Tuk Kyaksa River. The trail switches to opposite side of the river several times. Soon we arrive to a place where the rapids of the river are calmer. We cross the bridge over the river at that point. Thirty minutes of walk after the bridge, we come across the wide valley followed by two hours of walk along the canyon brings us the potential campsite. A walk for a while further reaches to the massive rock slab, which is Nangdala High Camp- our campsite for the night.

  • Day 10: Nangdala HC to Shey Gompa ( 4280m/5-6 h ) Camp on BLD

    Today we trek to the fabled Shey Gompa and the nearby 'Crystal Mountain', the most sacred peak in Dolpo which Dolpo pilgrims circumambulate each summer before the harvest. We are now entering the real Dolpo, and to enter into this mystical land we have to cross the Kangla/Nangdala pass . The trek to the top of Kang La/Nangdala Pass is along the graveled trail uphill for three continuous hours. However, all the efforts put to come up to the top of the pass rewards us with wonderful views. The eye feast views from the Kang La Pass includes Cyrstal Mountain, the mountains in Tibetan territory and the mesmerizing landscapes of Dolpo. We also have views of the peaks Shey Shikkar and Kang Chunne, both just over 6000 meters, before descending steeply down to the valley floor and along the river. A red chorten marks the entrance to Shey. Every Dragon year according to the Tibetan calendar that comes in every 12 years there occurs a grand festival. People from different places and countries come to join this festival. We camp for the night.

  • Day 11: Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa (4800m/6-7 h)

    Today we walk through juniper trees into a canyon where the trail winds over rocks and loose stones until we reach the top of Saldang La Pass. The descent over the other side is also tiring. Today we can see nomadic herders with their yaks and sheep and tents made from yak hair. Arriving at Namduna Gaun where we will spend the night there is time to explore the red monastery built below a gorge cliff.

  • Day 12: Namgong Gompa to Saldang ( 3620m/ 4-5 h ) Camp on BLD

    Before setting out towards Saldang, we explore the monastery of Namgung set on the flanking cliff. As the trek from Namgong Gompa begins we follow Namga Khola cross pass more summer herding spots and emerge out of spur for a short hike down to Saldang. Saldang is a beautiful village with lots of dry land surrounded hills. Amchi tradition and Buddhism in Dolpo thrives here at Saldang. We'll get a chance to visit some local houses, drink some salt butter tea or chhyang (Tibetan barley beer) and sample the local fare at Saldang.

  • Day 13: Saldang to Day hike to Yangjer Gomba ( 4960m )-Salding ( 3620m /4 h ) Camp on BLD

    Today we will have a day hike after early breakfast to Yanjer the richest monastery of this region. We will have packed lunch and will come back to Saldang for the night stop after the exploration of the monastery.

  • Day 14: Saldang to Sibu ( 4560m/6-7 h ) Camp on BLD

    Today we pass terraced fields, mani walls (walls with prayers carved into stones), stupas, chorten and a monastery to Namdo village. This is another prosperous village of around 60 houses and sits high above the Nam Khong Khola. We walk on another 2 hours to camp at Sibu.

  • Day 15: Sibu to Jeng La Phedi ( 4900m/5 h) Camp on BLD

    Today again we will most likely see caravans of yaks as we walk east and then ascend to a grazing pasture below the Jeng La Pass.

  • Day 16: Jeng La Phedi to Tokyo Gaun ( 4209m/5-6 h ) Camp on BLD

    Since we are starting from Jeng La Phedi at 4,900m we are actually only ascending 200m to cross the pass. From the pass we see the amazing sight of the north face of the Dhaulagiri Massif. Crossing the pass, the trail descents along rough ground to the Tarap Valley and the monastery at Tokyu.

  • Day 17: Tokyo Gaun to Dho Tarap ( 4040m/4 h ) Camp on BLD

    Morning, visit the monastery in Tokyo and walk around the village and today we enter different countryside: marshes and grasses line the river banks

  • Day 18: Rest Day and visit local families in the villages. Camp on BLD

    On this rest day we spend the day in Dho Tarap. Here there are around 40 houses of mainly people known as Magars, a hill tribe of Nepal. There are also some Tibetans living here and Buddhism is still a big feature of the area. In fact there is a Bon Gompa a short distance from the village. Today explore the village, visit local families to experience the way of their living and culture, visit gompa and surrounding area.

  • Day 19: Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola ( 3800m/ 6 h ) Camp on BLD

    The trail takes us through juniper and wild roses towards a wide valley, narrowing to a gorge. Again we see herds of sheep before reaching the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola rivers. We camp near the Tarap River.

  • Day 20: Tarap Khola to Khani Gaun ( 3150m/ 4 h) Camp on BLD

    Today we meet many local people on the way, mainly taking their herds to lower pastures. We walk over stone slabs, logs, and rough bridges and perhaps even through the river itself!

  • Day 21: Khani Gaun to Tarakot ( 2537m/ 4 h) Camp on BLD

    Today follow the path to Lalberi village and on through forests and a gorge until we are following the river again. There is another monastery we can visit today on a hill above the Bheri River. Tonight we camp at Tarakot. Today is a short walking day as there is no suitable camping place between here (Tarakot) and Dunai which we will reach tomorrow.

  • Day 22: Tarakot to Dunai ( 2800m/4 h)-Dunai to Jhupal ( 2500m/ 3 h ) Camp or lodge on BLD

    Today’s hiking is relatively easy, through a pine lined gorge and along the Bheri River to reach Dunai. We are back to the beautiful village of Dunai and continue to Jhupal village.

  • Day 23: Jhupal to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu ( 1300m ) Hotel on BB

    This morning take an early morning flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj then connect by another flight to Kathmandu.

  • Day 24: Departure for home. End the trip

    Your adventure in Nepal comes to the end today! Our representative will accompany you to the airport. We recommend to leave from your hotel 2-3 hours before your scheduled flight. Say good bye to the ancient city of Kathmandu and welcome back.

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Note: Contact us if the departure dates doesn't suit you. We can also arrange you a personalized trek according to your convenience. For more details, Contact Us

Inclusive

  • Accommodation as mentioned in the program on twin sharing room basis
  • All camping equipment except sleeping bags
  • Transportation by one good conditioned tourist vehcile
  • All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
  • B in Kathmandu and fullboard during the trek
  • All entry fees to the sites and monasteries during your Neapl trekking tour
  • One good local English speaking guide
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter) or pack yak and Yak for Dolpo trek
  • Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
  • Camping fee
  • Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
  • All government and local taxes

Exclusive

  • International flight
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Nepal visa fee
  • All kinds of insurance such as personal insurance, evacuation and medical insurance
  • Personal and medical evacuation insurance
  • Any extra cost in the event of landslides and personal nature expenses need to be paid by clients themselves

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