Upper Dolpo Trek – 24 Days

Upper Dolpo Trek

Main Attraction/Highlight

• Beautiful turquoise color Shey Phoksundo lake
• Awesome scenery of mountains and unique landscapes.
• Local foods with tea house and also camping for a few days.
• Tibetan Buddhism and old Bonpo (pre-Buddhism) culture.
• The highest pass of this adventure at Kang-la 5,360 meters.
• Shey Gompa “The Crystal Monastery”
• Clean Pokhara city with beautiful Phewa Lake in the shade of Annapurna and fishtail mountains.

Introduction

Upper Dolpo trek takes you to one of the best Himalayan destinations in the country of Bon sect a pre-Buddhism religion, where highlanders the Dolpo people of Far North Western Nepal habitats and in the land of elusive snow leopards and Blue Sheep.

Upper Dolpo Trek, where Nepal’s largest Shey-Phoksundo National Park is located covers an area of 3,555 sq, km that extends east near Mustang and Mugu, Humla towards west with Tibet in the north, a fascinating place to visit where the least number of trekkers often venture around Upper Dolpo trek within its beautiful areas of deep green valley, snow-capped mountains, and rolling hills.

Upper Dolpo Trek, certainly fascinates travelers once you step within Dolpo situated in far Wild West Himalaya, where a scenic short flight reaches you to begin fabulous walks in and around wonderful areas of Dolpo visiting its nice cultural villages interwoven with ancient cult Bon along with Tibetan Buddhism.

Overview of Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek starts with a panoramic flight to land in the Far South West within low and warmer areas at Nepalgunj where connecting air journey reaches you at Jhupal within inner Dolpo to begin walks to Dunai a headquarters town of Dolpo and then heading towards scenic and turquoise Shey Phoksundo Lake, where you can soak within its beautiful scenery of high snow peaks and enchanting woodland.

Upper Dolpo Trek, continues heading higher to our amazing remote destination crossing the highest pass of the adventure over Nagdalo-La at above 5,350m/17,548 ft high to reach Shey Gompa known as Crystal Monastery where Crystal Mountain is located close by.

Enjoying magnificent and mystical time around this high and isolated Shey Gompa, the return journey leads to the low and inner Dolpo area with marvelous views of the beautiful country heading through nice and impressive villages of Tokyu and Dho-Tarap to reach Tarakot a historical fort village then back at Jhupal for flights to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, where our outstanding adventure and remarkable experience on Upper Dolpo concludes.

Upper Dolpo Trek Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu (1350m/4428ft) to Nepalgunj(150m/492ft) .1 Hour Flight
Day 02: Again fly from Nepalgunj to Jhuphal (2475m/8118ft) after Trek to Dunai (2140m/8003ft). 4/5hrs
Day 03: Trek to Chhekpa(2678m/8783ft).4/5hrs
Day 04: Trek to Samduwa (3038m/9964ft).5/6hrs
Day 05: Trek to Phoksundo Lake(3600m/11808ft).5/6hrs
Day 06: Trek to Chill out around Phoksundo Lake.
Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo Khola Camp (3750m/12300ft).5/6hrs
Day 08: Trek to Low Camp (4500m/14760ft).5/6hrs
Day 09: Trek to Shey Gumpa (4343m/14245ft) via Nagdalo-La pass(5350m/17548ft).5/6hrs
Day 10: Acclimatization day at Shey Gompa.
Day 11: Trek to Namgung (4360m/14300ft) via sela-la pass(5094m/16708ft). 5/6hrs
Day 12: Trek to Saldang (3770m/12365ft).5/6hrs
Day 13: Trek to Yangtsher Gompa (4960m/16268ft).5/6hrs
Day 14: Trek to Sibu (4560m/14956ft).4/5hrs
Day 15: Trek to Jeng La Phedi (4900m/16072ft).5/6hrs
Day 16: Trek to Tokyu (4240m/13907ft).5/6hrs
Day 17: Trek to Dho Tarap (3944m/12936ft).5/6hrs
Day 18: Rest day at Dho Tarap.
Day 19: Trek to Tarap Khola (3800m/12464ft).5/6hrs
Day 20: Trek to Khani Gaun (3150m/10332ft).5/6hrs
Day 21: Trek to Tarakot (2540m/8331ft).5/6hrs
Day 22: Trek to Dunai (2140m/7019).5/6hrs
Day 23: Trek to Jhuphal (2475m/8118ft).3/4hrs
Day 24: Fly from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj and the same day fly to Kathmandu.

We also have Lower Dolpo Trek details Itienrary, Map and cost deatils.

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu1,350 m/ 4,428 ft to Nepalgunj 150m / 492 ft hour flights and transfer to hotel.

As per the time for the flight to Nepalgunj located in Nepal's Far South West transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for scenic sweeping flights of about 60 minutes to land at low warm areas at Nepalgunj city airport.

During airborne fantastic views a panorama of snow-capped mountains from the take-off in Kathmandu to landing at Nepalgunj airport, reaching at Nepalgunj airport terminal transfer to a nice hotel within its city area. Nepalgunj is situated close to the Indian border of UP (Utter Pradesh), where local people's traditions resemble Indian culture and way of life.

Day 02: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhuphal 2,475m / 8,118 ft trek to Dunai 2,140m/8,003 ft -04/5 hrs.

Morning having early breakfast taking a short connecting flight to land at Jhupal at Dolpo area, during this scenic flight views of Dhaulagiri and other western Himalayas, on reaching Jhupal after 35-40 minutes on air.

From Jhupal, after getting organized and then a few hours of walks reach you at Dunai the main headquarter and administrative town of the whole Dolpa area.

In Dunai for an overnight stop in the comfort of a nice local lodge, an afternoon walk around Dunai town, and observe its interesting local culture and traditional life.

Day 03: Trek to Chhekpa 2,678m/8,783 ft -04/ 05hrs.

With pleasant overnight at Dunai, a morning walk leads past the market area and then crosses over a bridge above Thulo Bheri River, where the climb takes you over a ridge to Phoksumdo River valley with views of Kagmara peak.

From here walk leads to descend past farm villages with fields growing walnut trees and getting close to a stream of Dhera, a small cattle herders settlements, and then a short climb to Rahagaon village of Thakuri a Hindu local tribe.

A walk leads to a downhill path into the forested area to reach our overnight stops at Chhepka a small farm village.

Day 04: Trek to Samduwa 3,038 m/9,964 ft -05/6hrs.

From Chhepka located close to Ankhe village, as morning walk takes to short climb and then descends into the forested area to reach a river bank, from here climb after leaving the forest.

On reaching the top of a ridge downhill to the forest leading to cross a small bridge at Ryajik village, trek further to Samduwa for an overnight stop near the entrance of Phoksumdo National Park.

Day 05: Trek to Phoksundo Lake 3,600m/11,808 ft -05/6 hrs.

The morning walk leads to our first destination at Phoksundo Lake after walking over Pungmo Kholas Valley and crossing streams, where the walk follows Pungmo Khola downhill into pine and birch trees to reach the upper side of Phoksumdo Khola.

After a short refreshing stop continue the walk to Ringmo village, an interesting Tibetan-origin village adorned with mud-plastered Chorten and Mani (prayer) walls.

From here a short walk leads to Phoksundo Lake for overnight by the shore of the beautiful turquoise Lake of Phoksundo.

Day 06: Trek and Chill out around Phoksundo Lake.

A perfect spot for leisure to chill out on this free day, marvel at the beauty of natural surroundings with scenic landscapes overlooking the peaks of Kagmara and explore interesting Ringmo village and witness Dolpo native culture with its age-old heritage and custom.

Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo Khola Camp 3,750m/12,300 ft -05/6hrs.

From here walk leads towards the high Upper Dolpo area to our major destination of the adventure, as the walk follows contouring around a rocky ledge high over a river bank in between unsteady paths.

A walk leads further towards the far end of the lake past summer pasture which opens up into a wide valley at Phoksundo Khola (stream) for the overnight stop and camping by the bank of stream.

Day 08: Trek to Low Camp 4,500 m/14,760 ft -05/6hrs.

The morning walk starts on a fairly nice path heading north past Phoksundo Khola and then walking up on hilly slopes, after a climb reaching a ridge top with grand views of the green wide valley as far towards Nagdalo-la or Kang-La pass on-route Shey Gompa, overnight camp pitched on a nice green summer pasture at Low Camp.

Day 09: Trek to Shey Gompa 4,343m/14245 ft via Nagdalo - La pass 5,350m/17,548 ft -05/6 hrs.

The morning starts with a steep climb to reach our major destination at Shey Gompa also known as Crystal Monastery, as it is close to Crystal Mountain at a mere distance.

From Low Camp, the walk leads to a climb on a stone and rocky path to reach Nangdo-la also known as Kang-la Pass at above 5,350 m high, the highest spot of the adventure.

The high spot rewards you with great views of landscapes with snow peaks that include as far as Mt. Dhaulagiri.  From the top of the pass descend to reach the bottom of a hill which leads to a river, and then across heading towards cattle herder camps, after a short break continue walking approaching the Buddhist prayer monument with Chorten and Mani.

From this nice spot, a short walk to reach Shey Gompa situated at the bottom of Crystal Mountain regarded as Holy Mountain with an old monastery close by.

Day 10: Acclimatization day at Shey Gompa.

A perfect and great place for a rest day around this high mountain area, where you can enjoy the harmony of nature and the chant of monks, visit Shey Monastery also known as Crystal Monastery, this area is well described in the novel Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen.

Day 11: Trek to Namgung 4,360 m/14300 ft via Sela-la Pass 5,094m/16,708 ft -05/6hrs.

From Shey Gompa journey continuous heading into a walled canyon, as the walk meanders atop Sela or Gela-la at 5,094 m offering grand views of landscapes and of Mt. Dhaulagiri peaks, downhill on the grazing area with a pleasant walk to Namgung Gaon for an overnight stop.

Day 12: Trek to Saldang 3,770 m/12,365 ft -05/ 6 hrs.

After Namgung walk leads on dusty windswept country heading to a steep uphill to reach our overnight stop at Saldang, another interesting large village of the region, situated on the high side of a plateau.

Day 13: Trek to Yangtsher Gompa 4,960m/16,268 ft -05/6hrs.

From here, the morning walk follows river Nang Chu all the way with short ups and down and then passes Sugugaon and Dechen Lapran a cattle herders settlement, and then heading to our overnight at Yangtsher Gompa near Chagoan village an interesting old Gompa of pre-Buddhist and ancient Bon-Pa culture.

Day 14: Trek to Sibu 4,560m/14,956 ft -04/5hrs.

The morning walk heads south to Tarap Valley around Tokyu and Dho Tarap village, then taking the southern direction to reach the bank of Dachu Khola, after crossing on the same trail following the river through farm fields, and then walk into Yak herder areas for overnight at Sibu.

Day 15: Trek to Jeng La Phedi 4,900 m/16,072 ft -05/6hrs.

Having a nice pleasant stop in the summer pasture area walk follows the river for a short while, and then encountering yaks and mules laden caravan on route Tibet, trade with Tibet exists for hundreds of years, and this walking route lies on the old Trans Himalayan Caravan Route at the base of Jeng-la.

Day 16: Trek to Tokyu 4,240 m/13,907 ft -05/6 hrs.

Heading to crossing Jeng-la pass with a steep climb to reach the top of the pass with views of the massive Mt. Dhaulagiri range, from here a long descent to the base of the pass on route Tokyu village.

After the steep climb of the previous day, today is an easy walk to reach Tokyu Gaon overnight, this is one of the most impressive and interesting villages of the Dolpo area, consisting of more than ten villages and nicely tended farm fields with old monasteries.

Day 17: Trek to Dho Tarap 3,944 m/12,936 ft -05/6 hrs.

After Tokyu Gaon, the morning starts downhill to Tarap Chu on a wide green valley, one of the scenic broader valleys of the area, here you will notice many Sheppard’s settlements of Yaks and Sheep, as the walk continues to our overnight camp at Dho Tarap, another interesting village of mix tribes of Tibetans origin and Magar hill tribe people.

Day 18: Rest day at Dho Tarap.

Explore this marvelous country with fascinating views, a great spot for a rest day where you can enjoy visiting the village of Dolpo people with other mix tribes Magar the hill people of Nepal enriched with interesting culture and customs.

Day 19: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,800m/12,464 ft -05/6hrs. 

From here a long descent to Tarap Valley, one of the largest and longest valleys of the Dolpo area which is about 20 k.m. and stretches following Tarap Chu River most of the way to join with Thuli Bheri River near Tarakot village, walk leads past Langa with beautiful cascading waterfalls heading due south following the trail after Sisaul and small place of Kesila around Yak herders temporary camps to reach our overnight at Tarap Khola around a small place as walk progress reaching a confluence of River Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, overnight camp by the river after a long day walk of about six hours.

Day 20: Trek to Khani Gaun 3,150m/10,332 ft -05/6 hrs.

The journey continues to reach lower areas within the scenic valley of the Tarap River, as the trail enters to reach a narrow gorge within thick vegetation of juniper and wild rose bushes, as walk leads past Tol-Tol with a large overhanging cave, around this area might see some wildlife like Naur or Blue Sheep and other
animals. As the walk progress reaching a confluence of River Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, overnight camp at Khani Gaun by the river.

Day 21: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m/ 8,331ft -05/ 6 hrs.

The journey today leads to the nice village at Tarakot the walk starts past smaller villages and then enters into a small forest area, following a river all the way to Tarakot, which is one of the important and large villages of Dolpo with interesting history houses an old historical fortress (Dzong or Kot) to guard the village from outsiders in early days.

Tarakot village with the famous old Sandul Gomba is located at the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu Rivers.

Day 22: Trek to Dunai 2,140m/ 7,019 ft -05/6hrs.

After a pleasant time at Tarakot, the last day walk leads to Dunai as morning starts walking into spread out villages and farm huts, walk on a wider path with some short uphill and downhill to reach at Thuli Bheri River valley and then at Dunai, on reaching Dunai for an overnight stop.

Day 23: Trek to Jhuphal 2,475m / 8,118 ft -03/4 hrs.

From Dunai follow the good winding trails past farm villages and forested areas to reach our last and final overnight stop at Jhupal, before flying back to Kathmandu.

for lunch. From here jeeps drive back to Jhupal to catch our next morning flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.

Day 24: Flight from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj and connect flight to Kathmandu.

Morning from Jhupal, transfer to its small airstrip for a scenic short flight to land at Nepalgunj airport, here with times to get refreshed before catching another flight back to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu transfer to your respective hotels with free afternoon for individual activities.

Cost Information

Equipment

White Hill Adventure Treks and Expedition will send necessary equipment for different kind of activities in Nepal. High altitude trekking activities might require these lists for smooth trekking in the Himalayan region.

For Head

1. Sun hat / Scarf
2. Sunglasses and Headlight

For Upper Body

1. Water Proof Jacket
2. Down Jacket / Warm Jacket
3. Light Weight T-shirt (At least 1 pair)

For Lower Body

1. Water Proof Pants
2. Running tights
3. Light Weight Pant

For Hand

1. Gloves

For Feet

1. Thin Inner socks (At least 2 pairs)
2. Woolen socks
3. Trekking boots (preferred comfortable boots)

Other Accessaries

1. Sleeping bag
2. Water bottle etc
3. Suncream
4. Water purification tablets
5. Toiletries (Toilet paper etc)
6. Warm hat
7. Trekking Bag Etc.

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