˙Ř˙â Upper Dolpo Trek | Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal | Nepal Upper Dolpo Trek | Upper Dolpo in Nepal
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Upper Dolpo Trek

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Duration

24 days

Max. Elevation

5090m

Group size

Min 2

Level
Moderate
Transportation
Best Season
Accomodation
Meals
Starts at
Kathmandu
Ends at
Kathmandu
Trip Route

Highlights

  • Trek to one of the restricted areas and the hidden gem of far-west Nepal
  • Enjoy the unique barren landscape of Upper Dolpo
  • Discover the turquoise beauty of Phoksundo Lake
  • Visit old monasteries like Shey Gompa and explore the history of Bon Po and Buddhism
A remote region of Nepal bordering Tibet, the Dolpo region is one of the restricted areas of Nepal. Discovered as a trekking route only in the late 80s, the Dolpo region is one of the least developed areas because of its remoteness. Nonetheless, the Dolpo region holds some of nature’s mystical beauties.

The Dolpali people have cultural similarities with the bordering Tibetan people. To trek here, one needs a special permit. Individual trekkers are not permitted, while a group requires a minimum of two trekkers. You begin the trek with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, and another flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal.

From Jhupal, you trek towards Sulighat for the overnight stay. Towards your next main destination of Shey Phoksundo, you trek through Ringmo village via Renje. The unique Bon Po religion practiced by the people of Ringmo village is older than Buddhism. The trail is steep as you ascend towards Phoksundo Lake. Upon reaching the lake, the spectacular natural beauty of the lake and surrounding region will reward you.

You then trek past some beautiful waterfalls and forage areas. From Phoksundo Lake, you reach Kang La pass via Phoksundo Khola and Phoksundo Bhanjyang. You reach Shey Gompa and explore the ancient 11th century Gompa, also the spiritual heart of the Dolpo region. It belongs to the Chaiba community, who follow Padmasambhava and Kagyu sects.

The trail then takes you through Saldang La Pass to reach Namgung village. Then, you trek through the steep trails to Saldang village, situated at a Plateau Nam Khong Nala. The trail passes through another ancient Gompa, Yangze Gompa, before heading over to Sibu. From Sibu, you trek towards Jeng La Phedi. Trekking eastwards to Do Tarap, you explore even more rustic, ancient, and unique villages of the region. This trek is recommended during March-May (spring) and September-November (autumn) months as the weather is pleasant.

With Everest Extreme Adventure, you get to travel all across Nepal at affordable prices. Along with it, the transportation and accommodation services will all be as per your choice. To make the trip meaningful, our certified staff and guides will accompany you.

Trip Itinerary

Day

1

The trek starts with your arrival in Nepal, the land of the Himalayas. You land at Tribhuvan International Airport in the capital city of Kathmandu. At the airport, our staff and representatives will be waiting to welcome you, and after introductions, you head to the hotel. After refreshing, you join our staff again for a welcome dinner. You can share your queries about the trip with our staff during this time.

Day

2

Today, you fill in necessary personal details for the permits and then head out to sightsee some famous landmarks of Kathmandu. First, you head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you learn the history and civilization of the valley. Then, you head to Boudhanath Stupa and discover the serene monasteries. The last stop is Swayambhunath Temple, where you get to see spectacular panoramas of the Kathmandu valley. If you have any item you need for the trek, you can buy or rent as well.

Day

3

After an early breakfast, you head to the airport and catch the first flight to Nepalgunj. During the flight, you get to see the amazing sceneries of the flatlands and hills. Once you land at Nepalgunj airport, our local staff will welcome you and take you to the hotel to rest. Before dinner, you can head to explore the local market area.

Day

4

After breakfast, you head to the airport and board the flight to Juphal. The plane flies above the western landscapes, and you arrive at Juphal. From Juphal, you trek to Sulighat. The trek first goes downhill to Kalagauda. Then, you ascend to the trail that lies just above the Thuli Bheri River. The trail gradually ascends, and you cross a large suspension bridge. After crossing the river, you enter the Phoksundo Valley and follow the Phoksundo Khola to reach Sulighat.

Day

5

Today, you head west from the river. Trek past pasturelands and arrive at Jyalhasa, the winter settlement for people of Ringmo village. Then, you ascend to Sankta. From Sankta, a series of ups and down start. As you walk up to a ridge, the Phoksundo Lake comes into view, and then you descend to Chepka. The trail goes along the river, and you arrive for Renje for overnight camping.

Day

6

The trail continues with a climb to a ridge and crosses via a wooden suspension bridge to head down to Samduwa, a small Tibetan village. The trail then goes through grassy areas and a few monasteries. You then reach the tallest waterfall of the region. Then, you head down to the chir and pine forests. The trail goes along the Phoksundo Khola, and then you reach Ringmo village. A short hike will take you to Phoksundo Lake’s bank, where you camp overnight.

Day

7

Today, you get to explore the old Ringmo villages as well as the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. After breakfast, you head to explore the old Thasung Chholing Gompa and then head to explore Phoksundo Lake. Believed to be the deepest lake in Nepal, many tourists from all over the world visit the lake.

Day

8

The trail goes along the Phoksundo Lake. From the west bank, the trail starts to get rocky. There is a wooden path made from here, but you still need to be careful. As you ascend, you reach a meadow, where you might see herds of sheep and yak. The meadow opens to the floodplain of Phoksundo Lake. Walk more in-depth into the valley to arrive at Phoksundo Khola village for the overnight stay.

Day

9

The trail today starts with a relatively easy trek to a glacial valley. You then cross a wooden bridge at the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and a stream. After crossing the stream, the trail is not very distinct, so you need to follow the guide carefully. You then walk through the rocks and boulders as you head deep into the valley. Then, you ascend to a meadow and see the Kang La Pass. After crossing this meadow, you arrive at Phoksundo Bhanjyang for the overnight stay.

Day

10

After breakfast, you head up to the Kang La Pass. The route is strenuous, as it is very steep. Once you reach the pass, the amazing views of the valley reward you. You then descend through the meandering river. The terrain changes to meadows, and you get to see herds of yak, sheep, and domesticated mountain goats called “Chengra” in Nepali. Enjoying the pleasant views, you walk through the landscape and arrive at Shey Gompa, where you camp overnight.

Day

11

Today, you explore the historic Shey Gompa, which is also known as the crystal monastery. Dedicated to Padmasambhava or Guru Rinpoche, it is the first monastery of the Kagyu sect and depicts the history of Bon Po, which existed before Buddhism. Lined with quartz and a variety of marine fossils, the ridge of the Shey Gompa is environmentally important.

Day

12

The trail today goes through a juniper forest, which then descends to gray canyons. You then ascend to Saldang La after passing the rocky path. Then, the long descent to the pastureland starts. Once you arrive at the pastureland, you get to see many yaks, sheep, and Chengra with their nomadic herders. Then, you head to Namgung village.

Day

13

Today starts with a steep slope to a barren landscape. You see Nam Khong Nala and then descend towards it. Walking through the harsh terrain, you reach the Saldang village. It is the biggest village of the region and spreads widely throughout the terrain. It is a trading region as it is closer to the Tibetan border. Overnight stay at a teahouse.

Day

14

After breakfast, you follow the Nang Chun River that goes throughout the barren valley. With a series of ups and downs, you walk past various villages like Marang and Ki. Then, you cross the Panzang River and arrive at the Yangze Gompa. It is also one of the oldest monasteries of the region and depicts the ways of Bon Po. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day

15

There are two routes to reach Sibu. One path heads west and passes through villages of Nishalgaon and Shimengaon. The other route goes back to Saldang village and is relatively easier. You retrace your steps to Saldang and pass through Chortens, stupas, and farmlands. You then trek at the banks of Nam Khong Khola and cross it to reach Sibu. Overnight stay in the camp.

Day

16

Today, you continue to trek along the banks of Nam Khong Khola. You then reach the pasturelands for yaks and see the Tibetan border. Then, you head east and arrive at a small confluence. From the junction, you steeply ascend to the foothills of Jeng La Pass. Overnight stay at the camp.

Day

17

Today, you head to the top of the pass. At the top, the stunning view of mountain ranges like Dhaulagiri reward you. After soaking in the view, you head down to the Tarap Valley. The valley is fascinating, and you walk through the vast plains with amazing views of the mountains. The trail then goes east, and you come across Tokyu Monastery. As you walk further through the marshlands, you arrive at Do Tarap for the overnight stay.

Day

18

Today, you get to explore the Do Tarap region and acclimatize as well. The village is filled with small houses and barley fields. After breakfast, you head to visit the Ribo Bhumpa Gompa, which has a unique picture of a demon killed by Guru Rinpoche. You can then head to Dero Gompa and Shipchok Gompa to understand more about Bon Po.

Day

19

From the barren landscape, you descend to the wide valley. As you walk through the vegetation filled with juniper bush and wild rose, the valley narrows down to a gorge. The trail then takes you to the confluence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. Following the banks, you arrive at the floodplain of Tarap Khola. Set up tents for overnight camping.

Day

20

After breakfast, you head down to the gorge of Tarap Khola. The trail today is exciting because the gorge narrows down to the point where you can jump from one side to another. You need to cross several suspension bridges. The thrilling trail may get washed at times, so you need to follow the guide carefully. The gorges then end at Khanigaon, where you set up tents for the overnight stay.

Day

21

After breakfast, you continue the trail and arrive at the village of Lalberi first. Then, you descend through the forest and walk into another gorge. At the end of the gorge, you will arrive at Tarakot, a fort used during the Rana regime. Then, you walk along the banks of the Bheri River and arrive at Dunai for an overnight stay.

Day

22

Today is the last day of the trek, so try to enjoy the surroundings as much as possible. The route mostly goes downhill as you retrace your steps back to Juphal.

Day

23

After an early breakfast, you head to the airport and board the first flight back to Kathmandu. Flying over the scenic landscapes, you arrive at Kathmandu and head to the hotel. You rest and refresh. If you want, you can head to explore the streets or buy souvenirs. In the evening, you join our staff again for a farewell dinner.

Day

24

Sadly, the trek has come to an end. You head for your home country. As per your flight time, our staff will drop you off at the airport. Thank you for making unforgettable memories with us, and we hope to see you again. Have a safe flight!

Inclusions

Includes

  • Ground Transportation: All necessaries ground transportation including Airport to Hotel and Kathmandu Sightseeing
  • Government Permit: Government Special Permit including National Park Entry Permit, TIMS Card (Trekker’s Information Management System) and Local Permit
  • Domestic Flight: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj Domestic flight round trip
  • Kathmandu Hotel Accommodation: 3 nights Kathmandu Hotel Accommodation at 3 Star hotel with BB Service.
  • Trekking Guide: A highly professional trekking guide, having 5-7 years experiences in Trekking sector of Nepal and well-speaking skill in English and related language.
  • Porter: An experienced trekking porter, Max 25 kg
  • Accommodation: Accommodation at Tea House and Local lodge during the trekking period.
  • Logistics: Three-time meals a day during trekking period including breakfast, lunch and dinner and hot water tea and coffee.
  • Nepal Visa Information and general information related to Nepal will be provided free of cost
  • Company T-shirt as a gift for each trekker
  • First Aid kit and general equipment for Porter during the adventure trip
  • Guide and porter salary
  • Refundable Duffel Bag during the trekking period
  • Guide & Porter insurance during the trek

Excludes

  • International flight
  • Nepal Visa and cargo clearance
  • Extra porter if needs
  • Alcoholic products during trekking period
  • Emergency rescue services cost

Complimentary

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