Upper Dolpo Trek – 24 Days

After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will need to go through customs. You will be greeted by our representative, who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to a 3-star hotel in a private vehicle.

Once you are refreshed, you will receive a briefing on the itinerary and be introduced to your crew members and other trekkers who will join you on the trip. Enjoy a welcome dinner in the evening, where you can taste an authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.

In the morning, after breakfast, we will organize a half-day sightseeing tour, during which you will take a memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with a visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500-year-old Swoyambhunath Stupa.

Pasupatinath is one of the holiest Hindu temples in Nepal. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and sits at the banks of the Bagmati River. The atmosphere around the temple feels very spiritual. You can see sadhus, sacred rituals, and even cremation ceremonies at the riverbank. Similarly, you can hear the sound of bells, conch shells, hymns, and prayers. The air is also filled with the smell of incense.

Boudhanath Stupa is the central spiritual hub for Tibetan Buddhists in Nepal. It is one of the largest stupas in the world. The stupa is a massive white dome topped by a golden spire. The spire has Buddha’s all-seeing eyes looking in all four directions. You can see pilgrims and monks performing clockwise circumambulation, spinning prayer wheels, and chanting mantras. The stupa symbolizes the path of enlightenment, and the entire atmosphere feels very serene and spiritual.

You can also choose to visit Swayambhunath instead of Boudhanath Stupa. Also known as the “Monkey Temple,” it sits atop a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath is also one of the country’s holy and ancient Buddhist sites. Like Boudhanath Stupa, its structure also features a white dome and a golden spire with Buddha’s eyes on all sides. Thirteen golden tiers on the spire symbolize different stages of enlightenment. The stupa is surrounded by many shrines that show religious harmony between Hindus and Buddhists.

We will return to the hotel in the afternoon, and have time for shopping for any missing items, packing, and getting ready for the trip.

We will drive to Tribhuvan Airport, the domestic terminal, after breakfast. A 45-minute flight from Kathmandu will take us to Nepalgunj. It is a scenic flight offering aerial views of Nepal’s diverse landscapes. Similarly, we can get aerial views of the snow-capped Himalayas. After we arrive at Nepalgunj, we will head towards our hotel.

Located near the southern Nepal-India border, Nepalgunj is an important trade hub. It is also the gateway to remote regions like Dolpo and Jumla. In the evening, we will explore around the town. We will walk through bustling streets with shops, cafes, and restaurants. A little fact, Nepalgunj lies in the lowland Terai region, so the climate is hot and humid. Stay overnight in a hotel in Nepalgunj.

We will reach the airport in Nepalgunj early in the morning. A 45-minute pleasant flight will take us to Juphal. Enjoy the aerial views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri Mountains to the north. The flight also offers spectacular views of river valleys, terraced farms, small villages, and rugged landscapes. The Upper Dolpo trek begins from Juphal. It is a charming village that is located right above the Thuli Bheri River.

Once our crew is ready, with the camping gear, we will take a couple of hours to walk to Dunai village. Leaving the airstrip, we will follow the descending trail through the terraced field to the Bheri River. It is a scenic journey past traditional villages, apple orchards, farms, and mani walls. Along the way, we will pass through settlements such as Kalagauda and Roopgad. Walking through the gorges, we will reach Dunai. Dunai is a large village and the headquarters of the Dolpo region.

You can also take a drive to Dunai. There is an off-road that connects the village to Juphal. It is an hour of scenic driving and a thrilling, bumpy ride. We will stay overnight at Dunai. It is the district administrative headquarters of the Dolpo District. There are a few Bon and Buddhist monasteries in the area that we can explore in the evening.

After breakfast, we will leave Dunai and begin our Upper Dolpo Trekking adventure. We will cross the suspension bridge over the Thuli Bheri River. The trail heads west. As we walk past the hospital, we will follow the ascending trail through the Thulo Bheri valley. It takes you through beautiful forests of rhododendron, cedar, and bamboo.

Moving further, we will reach the Phoksundo River valley. We will pass through scattered settlements like Raktang and Suli Ghat, where the Phoksundo Khola meets the Thuli Bheri. There is also a checkpost here.

We will climb to the ridge marked by cairns and descend to the river. The Upper Dolpo trekking trail continues to Dhera, which is a winter settlement. Then we will continue climbing to Rahagaon, a Thakuri village. As we walk past canyons, the route enters a forested area that leads to Chhekpa. The gate to Shey Phoksundo National Park is located at Chhepka, where we will stay overnight.

From Chhepka, we will gently ascend and descend on the trail along the river valley. We will trek through forests of pine, fir, and cedar. The trail goes along the left bank of the Phoksundo Khola. We will cross several wooden bridges over the river.

Following the ascending path, we will reach Sumduwa village. There is a national park check post here. The village is also an important junction. One trail leads to Shey Gompa, while the other heads north to Phoksundo Lake. We will take the route to Shey Gompa. The trail passes through a landslide-prone area, and the path becomes narrow and uneven.

Climbing further, we will take cautious steps along the rocky slopes. After crossing the region, the trail becomes more stable. We will enter the dense pine forest. And walk along the gentle curves of the river. Then, we will follow the straight path for a brief moment, and we will descend to Rechi, a beautiful riverside village. The air feels crisper, and we can see high ridges on clear days from here. Stay overnight at Rechi.

After an early morning breakfast, we will continue our Upper Dolpo Trekking by following the Phoksundo Khola. It is an easy walk through dense conifer forests. We may have to ascend small ridges and descend along the way. Similarly, we will cross a few wooden bridges.

The trail takes us to Sumduwa, where there is a small checkpoint. There is also a Ranger post and a junction in Sumduwa. From here, we will head north. The trail becomes steeper and narrower as we leave Sumduwa. Leaving the Suligad River, we will ascend to the top of the ridge through pine and birch forest. As we climb higher, the forest becomes thinner. We can enjoy stunning views of valleys and the confluence of the Suligad and Phoksundo Rivers. Upon climbing the top of the ridges, we can enjoy the views of the 300-meter waterfall (one of Nepal’s highest waterfalls) and Phoksundo Lake.

The trail descends through birch forest to the Phoksundo River. There are also fluttering, colorful prayer flags adorning the route. Moving on, the forest opens up, and we will reach the traditional Tibetan-style settlement of Ringmo. Many walls and chortens surround the settlement. It is also home to the Dolpo-pa people, who practice the Bon religion. A brief and gentle walk from Ringmo will take us to Phoksundo Lake. Enjoy the gorgeous view of turquoise Phoksundo Lake against limestone cliffs and surrounding mountains. We will spend the night at Phoksundo Lake.

We will take our first rest or acclimatization day at Phoksundo Lake. Today, we will explore around the lake and also take a short trek to Ringmo village.

The Phoksundo Lake is the deepest and second-largest lake of Nepal. Although its mineral-rich water is clear, there is no aquatic life. The lake is sacred to both the Bon and Buddhist communities. According to the local myth, the lake was created when a powerful spirit flooded a demon’s lair. Thus, the surrounding is decorated with prayer flags and chortens. Locals also perform various annual rituals here. We will trek along the southern shore of the lake and enjoy the views of the Kanjiroba Himal and other surrounding peaks. The area around the lake is a perfect spot for taking photos.

After exploring around the lake, we will next visit the Ringmo village. It is a centuries-old Bon settlement on a small plateau beside the lake. We can see traditional stone houses with flat roofs, mani walls, and prayer flags. Similarly, we will also visit Tshowa Gompa, the local Tibetan Buddhist Monastery, which is over 900 years old. The monastery houses beautiful murals, local deity statues, butter lamps, and ancient manuscripts. The visit is a rich experience for learning about the Bon and Buddhist cultures and religions. After the visit, we will return to Phoksundo Lake and spend the night there.

After a hearty breakfast, we will continue our Upper Dolpo Trek adventure. We will begin with a walk along the western bank of Phoksundo Lake. The trekking trail is carved into cliffs and becomes narrow and rocky. There are also some exposed ridges along the way. We will then walk through Devil’s Trail, which is named for its extreme remoteness. The path stretches on pegs, passing through crevasses from here. In several places, we will come across the trail supported by wooden pegs fixed into the rock. Crossing these sections is thrilling and will test your balance, but it is entirely safe.

As we trek forward, the trail opens up into a lush green meadow. We can see juniper and alpine shrubs dotted along the way. Passing through the green meadow, we will reach the floodplain of Phoksundo Khola. We will cross the glacial river that flows through a broad valley. The landscape further changes to open grasslands as we get closer to the Phoksundo River. We prepare our camp at the edge of the Phoksundo River for an overnight stay. From here, our trek to the remote highland terrain of Upper Dolpo begins.

On this day, we will have an early morning tea and take an hour walk through the glacial valley. It offers a preview of the high-altitude terrain that we will be trekking on during the day. After trekking for a while, we will arrive at the confluence of the Phoksundo Khola and a small tributary. Then, we will cross the old wooden bridge. Our Upper Dolpo Trekking trail heads northeast from the valley. It becomes rougher and rugged. There is no definite path, so follow your guide and his instructions carefully. We will trek on rocky ground with scattered rocks and small crevasses.

After crossing the section, we will begin a gradual ascent. The path opens onto an alpine meadow from which we can see the Kang-La pass. Then, it rises gradually along the ridge before taking us to Phoksundo Bhanjyang. There are scattered cairns marking the route, but the trail is mostly unmarked. From here, we can enjoy the view of the surrounding peaks, such as Kanjiroba Himal and Norbung Kang, as well as isolated valleys. We will camp here for the night.

A thrilling adventure awaits us today as we cross the Nangdala Pass. We will leave Phoksundo Bhanjyang and follow the scenic ridge path. It descends slightly through rocky terrain. Along the way, we will trek between sparse meadows and glacial moraines. After hiking for a while, we arrive at Sallaghari.

From here, we will enjoy the spectacular views of the mountain peaks. The Upper Dolpo Trekking trail begins to descend towards the TukKyaska River. We will trek along the riverbank through a wide U-shaped glacial valley. Crossing the bridge over the river, we will walk along the broad valley floor to Nangdala High Camp. From Nangdala High Camp, the path ascends uphill to Nangdala Pass. The trail becomes more rocky, and we will be trekking on exposed ridges. Upon reaching the top of the pass, enjoy the views of Crystal Mountain and Shey Shikhar.

Likewise, witness the stunning views of glacial valleys and ridges. After taking in the view, we will begin our descent from the top of Nangdala Pass to the valley. Climbing downhill is equally demanding, as we must trek along narrow, rocky paths. Then, we will walk along the valley floor, passing by scattered meadows and alpine shrubs. Finally, we will reach Shey Gompa, our overnight stop for the next two days.

Today, we will take our second acclimatization or rest day at Shey Gompa. So, after breakfast, we will explore around Shey Gompa.

The monastery is believed to be 800 years old. It is situated above a cliff that overlooks the valley. The gompa is one of the oldest and most sacred monasteries in Upper Dolpo. It is the spiritual center for the Dolpo-pa people who practice Tibetan Buddhism. Thus, we can see traditional Tibetan architecture in the monastery and around the area. Inside the monastery, we can see statues of Buddhist deities, butter lamps, and ancient murals. We may also see monks busy with daily rituals and prayers. Shey Festival is observed at Shey Gompa annually.

We can also visit the Kagyupa gompa to gain deeper insight into the local culture. You will notice that the culture in this region is different from that in neighbouring areas. Similarly, we can also visit the local hermitage at Tsakang. Tibetan Buddhism follows the principle of ahimsa or non-violence. Hence, no animal sacrifice or killing is allowed around the Shey Gompa area. After the visit, we will return to our campsite for an overnight stay.

After an acclimatization stop at Shey Gompa, we are ready to cross another high mountain pass, the Sela Pass. Leaving Shey Gompa, we will walk along the Sephu Khola. The trail takes us through barren land to the top of Shey La Pass. It is a remote trail and we barely meet other travelers. As we move ahead, the trail becomes more barren and rougher. Following the trail, we will begin our gradual ascent to Sela Pass. The rocky trail and high altitude make the climb demanding but adventurous. Enjoy the views of Mustang to the East and the distant Tibetan plateaus. To the west, we can see Kanjirowa, Crystal Mountain, and other surrounding peaks.

We will enjoy the views and the atmosphere from the top of the pass. Then, we will begin our descent to Namgung Gaon. Once again, we will trek across barren, high-altitude slopes. The nomadic settlement Namgung is two hours away from the pass. Dolpo-pa herders mostly inhabit it. We can witness the nomadic culture of the Dolpo-pa people. Similarly, we can observe yak herding, butter-making, and farming practices. Stay overnight at Namgung Gaon.

We will visit the local Namgung monastery before we resume our Upper Dolpo Trekking. At the monastery, we can observe the rituals and monks’ prayers. It also offers us another glimpse at the Tibetan architectural style. Then, we will resume our trek by descending towards the Namga Khola. There is a small wooden bridge that we will use to cross the glacial river. The trail passes through summer settlement areas, where we can see temporary tents and yak fields.

Walking through the summer settlement area, we will head down to Saldang. The trail descends through a mixed path of rocky and gravel terrain. Likewise, we will pass small ridges. As we get closer to the Salding basin, the landscape opens up. We will reach Saldang, a pretty tiny village with barren land. Enjoy the views of the surrounding hills. The Amchi tradition is practiced at Saldang. Saldang is the administrative centre of Dolpo. It is also the largest village in the inner Dolpo region. Stay overnight at Dolpo.

Leaving Saldang, we will head north and follow the Nang Chu River through barren land. Along the way, we will pass through tiny villages at Tiling and Lurigaon. The semi-arid and barren landscape offers spectacular scenery. It is a gentle walk, but there are some rocky sections. Similarly, we will cross small streams along the way. After trekking for a few hours, we will reach the Yangze. It is a small traditional settlement. Crossing the Panzang River, we will visit the ancient Bon-Po Monastery. It is one of the few remaining Bon monasteries that offers a glimpse of Bon culture and spirituality.

After the visit to the monastery, we will return to Saldang village. We will walk along the river before taking a gradual ascent through terraced fields and seasonal settlements. The trail also takes us to the Chaiba monastery. From here, we can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The trail continues further to Namdo village. We will walk along the left shore of the Nam Khong River to the Namdo monastery. Following the trail, we will reach the Cha Gaon, where we will stay overnight.

We will leave Cha Gaon after breakfast and walk along the Nam Khong River. The trail goes through a narrow valley and barren high-altitude landscapes. Although the route is mostly quiet, we may come across yaks loaded with goods on our way. These yak caravans are for trade with neighbouring Tibetans. We will trek on rocky riverbanks, occasionally passing by alpine grass. The trail will head east and reach the meeting place of two small rivers. It offers stunning panoramic views of Kanjirowa Himal in the west, and the Dhaulagiri ranges in the south. From this point on, we will start our ascent.

The trail climbs steeply over rocky, loose scree. We will pass by barren hillsides and alpine meadows. Similarly, we can see the glacial ridges along the way. The route then takes a sharp climb to the base of Jeng La Pass/Jyantla Pass (5,121 meters), known as Jyantla Phedi. We will spend the night at Jyantla Phedi and allow our bodies to acclimatize for the mountain pass crossing tomorrow.

Today, we will take on the final high mountain pass, the Jyantla Pass. We will start early in the morning to avoid the afternoon high winds. As expected, we will trek along the steep, rocky trail. Similarly, we will carefully navigate through the loose scree and rocks. A couple of hours of difficult climbing from Jyantla Phedi will take us to the top of Jyantla Pass. Enjoy unobstructed views of the surrounding mountains, including stunning Dhaulagiri. Likewise, we can witness the spectacular high-altitude landscape. We will enjoy the views and spend some time soaking in the atmosphere.

Then we will begin our descent through rugged terrain to the Tarap Valley. The landscape gradually changes from barren terrain to slightly greener ones. So, we will continue trekking through the green valley down to Tarap Chu. The valley stretches twenty kilometers along the river. The trail passes through scattered villages and fields before reaching Tokyu village. We will stay overnight at the town, allowing us to visit the Tokyu monastery (4,200m). It is sacred to the Chaiba sect, which features Tibetan architecture, ancient murals, and relics.

After an early morning tea, we will head east and lower down from the plain land of Tarap Chu to the meadow area. There is also a huge change in vegetation. From barren landscapes, it changes to wildflowers, grasses, and shrubs. The trail begins to descend through alpine meadows, where yaks graze. We will also pass by traditional seasonal camps and temporary shelters that reflect the nomadic lifestyle of the Dolpo-pa people. Both the Bon Po and the Chaiba sects of Tibetan Buddhism live in harmony in this region.

We will continue descending to Dho Tarap village. It is a traditional settlement that is protected by stone walls. These stone saves the villages from harsh weather and wildlife. We will explore the village and its narrow lanes. The houses here are built in the traditional stone-wall style. Similarly, we can see yak pens and terrace fields. It is an excellent opportunity to experience the unique lifestyle and culture of the local communities. Stay overnight at Dho Tarap.

Our destination for today is Nawarpanbi. We will leave Dho Tarap and walk past the tiny villages of Clumaga and Kakar. Along the way, we will pass by traditional stone houses with terrace farms and chortens. Similarly, we will trek past Bon-Po and Choba settlements. We can also visit the Guru Bumba Gompa that sits above the village. The Gompa is also a perfect spot to enjoy the beautiful views of the surrounding valley.

Next, the trail goes along the Tarap River for a couple of hours. It goes through narrow gorges before taking us to a small suspension bridge over the trail. There are gentle uphill and downhill climbing sections on rocky terrain. Climbing uphill from the riverbed on rocky stretches, we will reach Lahani. It is also the end of the gorge, opening to meadows. We will move further to Nawarpani, where we will stay overnight.

After an early morning tea, we will leave our camp at Nawarpani. It is a steep slopes that descend on uneven and rocky terrain. It also gets narrow in several parts, which requires careful footing. There are very few trekkers on the trails of the Upper Dolpo region. However, we will meet locals from Dolpo as they herd their cattle to the lower pasture area. The Upper Dolpo Trekking trail takes us to a narrow river valley. A tributary of the Tarap Khola carves it, and the path is difficult. Rocky walls surround the valley, and we may come across boulders.

At some points, there is no trace of a clear path. So, follow your guide and follow their instructions. We must navigate stone slabs and rocky sections for the final stretch of our trek. After crossing shallow streams on wooden bridges, we will descend to Laisicap. It will be our overnight stop. We will set up our campsite at Laisicap, which is located beside the Tarap Khola.

We will have breakfast before leaving our camp at Khanigaon / Nawarpani. Today, we will head towards Lalberi village. It gently takes us along the hillside, small settlements, and terrace farms. The trail continues through the forest and drops down to a gorge. It then descends, following the tributary to the spot where it merges with the Bheri River. We will follow the trail to Tarakot (2,537 meters), which is an old fortress town. It sits on a ridge above the river.

Tarakot was the capital of Dolpo before the Gorkha dynasty. Sandul Gompa is located 8km east of the village. It is one of the most important spiritual sites, featuring ancient murals and religious artifacts. We will continue on our Upper Dolpo Trekking trail, climbing up a steep hill. It takes us past tiny villages, prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens. The trail narrows and passes through a gorge as we descend along the Bheri River. After trekking along the riverside trail for the final stretch, we will reach Dunai. The village is one of Dolpo’s main administrative towns. We will stay overnight in Dunai, so do not forget to taste the local brew.

We will return to Kathmandu on this day. Early morning we will take short jeep drive to Juphal airport and, we will take a 35-minute scenic flight to Nepalgunj. Fly high while enjoying the gorgeous views of the Himalayas, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. We will take the connecting flight to Kathmandu. You will be transferred to the hotel, where you will spend the night.

Today is a rest day, so you can spend the day as you like. You can go shopping in Thamel to buy souvenir items. Thanka paintings, pashmina shawls, and Nepali handicrafts are the most popular gift items. If you are interested, we can also arrange for a guided sightseeing tour. Farewell dinner will be served in the evening. You will stay overnight in a hotel.

We will transfer you to the airport two hours before your scheduled flight to your onward destination. Thank you for choosing Dream Himalaya Adventures for your trekking journey in Nepal. Have a safe journey. We hope to see you soon!