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Upper Dolpo Trek

25 Days Restricted Area Trekking
Trip At Glance
  • Group Size2-15 Persons
  • Max Elevation5,350 Meters
  • GradeModerate to Strenuous
  • DestinationNepal
  • TransportationFlight/Bus
  • AccommodationHotel/Lodge/camping
  • CostContact Us
  • Trip Length25 days
  • Best MonthMarch to May, September/November
  • WIFIAvailable some places
  • RegionRestricted Area Trekking
  • Trip ModeHotel/Lodge/camping
  • MealB/L/D
  • Trekking StyleHotel/Lodge/camping
Trip Overview

‘adventure to Far Wild West of Nepal Himalaya into remote Shey, the Crystal monastery of Upper Dolpo’

Nowhere on this planet that one can find a scenic and pristine country as in Nepal Far Western Himalaya of Upper Dolpo Trekking region, one of the few areas of Himalaya still untouched by modern world where you can explore and soak into medieval period of time within its rich culture and colorful custom.

Upper Dolpo Trekking, certainly an adventure that leads you into breathtaking scenery of snow clad peaks, verdant valley rolling hills and charming villages located on an elusive trail as well that joins eventually with ancient Trans Himalaya Carvan & Salt Trade route of Nepal and Tibet border.

One of the most classic adventure with exciting and enjoyable moments on this wonderful Upper Dolpo Trekking, which leads you within Nepal largest National Park of Shey-Phuksumdo areas and towards high Kang-La pass to reach our major destination at Shey Gompa, known as Crystal Monastery.

An adventure into remote and isolated areas of Nepal Far Wild West away from mainstream trekking trails wholly into serene environment in the harmony of tranquil nature within the country of Snow Leopard, Blue Sheep and Bon sect people of Upper and Inner Dolpo region.

This marvelous journey begins and ends taking a sweeping flight from Kathmandu to land into inner Dolpo via Nepal Far South West city of Nepalgunj to start this fabulous walks to Upper Dolpo visiting scenic Phuksumdo Lake to reach at Shey Gompa a mystical and exciting place to be.

As journey progress heading into inner and lower Dolpo areas around Dhotarap valley visiting interesting villages of Saldang-Toku and Tarakot and then heading back to Jhupal for the flight back to Kathmandu, after completing one of most overwhelming adventure of a lifetime experience on Upper Dolpo Trekking.

Trip at a Glance

Trip Mode: Hotel and Lodge with camping on treks.

Trekking Grade: Moderate to Adventurous

Trekking Region: Around Nepal Far West Himalaya beyond Dhaulagiri range.

People & Culture: Mostly Dolpa people of Tibetan origin with some Magar ethnic tribes of Buddhism religion and Bon sect (pre Buddhism) interesting old traditions and colorful cultures. Lower areas mixed Hindu / Buddhist people of varied custom.

Highest Elevation: Crossing Kang-La at 5,350 m & Jyanta-La at 5,220 m passes.

Trekking Durations: 20 Nights & 21 Days (With flights both ways).

Hours of Walks: From minimum 04 hrs to maximum 06 hrs.

Total Trip: 24 Nights & 25 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu)

Seasons: March to November months, includes monsoon season (as Dolpo falls in Rain shadow areas least affected by heavy monsoon rains)

HIGHLIGHTS

Highlight of trekking

  • “Scenic sweeping flights overlooking array of Himalayan peaks with dramatic beautiful landscapes
  • Explore hidden area of Inner and Upper Dolpo of great interest enriched with old culture and custom
  • Enchanting rhododendron and pine forest where elusive snow leopard and Blue Sheep habitats
  • Panorama of Far West Himalaya, Kanjiborva and Kagmara Himal extends to Dhaulagiri range
  • Crossing high and scenic Kang-la towards isolated areas at Shey Gompa within Crystal Mountain
  • Adventure into Nepal largest Shey-Phuksumdo National Park within beautiful turquoise lake”
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: On arrival in Kathmandu meet our staff for transfer to hotel

On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport received by our staff and guide with warm welcome and greetings and then transfer to your hotels in the heart of Kathmandu city. After checking into your rooms getting refreshed from Jet-Lag, a quiet environment after getting refreshed join at main hall or in lobby where our guide will provide briefing on treks-hotels with necessary information. Evening includes group dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with folk culture program with various dances of Nepal while having your authentic Nepalese dinner with local entertainment.

 

Meals
Dinner
 Accomodation
Hotel
 Altitude
1350
Day 02: Morning in Kathmandu with tour and fly to Nepalgunj city.

Morning after hearty breakfast depart from the hotel where our city and tour guide leads you for exciting guided sightseeing around Kathmandu. Although Kathmandu a metropolitan city still retains its ancient culture and traditional way of life with many world heritage sites to visit of great interest. After morning tour back to hotel for refreshment and then transfer to Kathmandu domestic air terminal for sweeping and scenic flight to land at Nepalgunj city airport, during air fabulous panorama of Himalayan peaks. On reaching at Nepalgunj airport transfer to near city hotels for overnight with time to browse around Nepalgunj city of strong Indian influence due to its closeness with Indian border of UP (Utter Pradesh) climate here of sub-tropical temperatures.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
150
Day 03: Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m (40 mins on air) and then drive to Dunai 2,140 m - 02 hrs.

Having early breakfast then transfer to airport for connecting short flight to land at Jhupal within Dolpo, on reaching at Jhupal, join with our trekking staff and trek to Dunai for overnight stop, walk leads through interesting farm villages and farm lands with views of snow capped peaks in the distance, few hours of first day nice and pleasant walk reaches your at Dunai for overnight stop in local nice lodge. Dunai, headquarter and administrative town of Dolpo district, an interesting place to explore in the afternoon to observe Nepal Far Western Nepalese cultures and custom of both Hindu and Buddhist religion with fascinating cultures.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
2140
Day 04: Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m - 06 hrs

Our first day walk starts from Dunai, as morning trek heading past bazaar of Dunai and then across a bridge above Thulo Bheri River to reach a high ridge above Phuksumdo River valley offers views of Kagmara peaks. After walking on gradual trail, then climb up into farm villages growing walnut trees within near Dhera a small place of cattle herders, from here leading to a short climb to Rahagaon village of Hindu Thakuri Malla people. From here descend into forest to reach our first overnight stop to camp at Chhepka, a small farm village

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
2838
Day 05: Trek to Samdua village 2,960m -06 hrs

After Chhepka situated close to Ankhe village, as morning follows with short climb and then downhill within forested area to reach at the bank of a river, continue uphill walk on leaving forest behind and then descend back into tree lines. From here following upstream of a river to cross a bridge to reach Ryajik village, walking little further to reach at Samdua for overnight camp, close to the entrance gate of Shey-Phuksumdo National Park.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
2960
Day 06: Trek to Phuksumdo Lake 3,630 m - 06 hours.

Morning walk start to reach at Phuksumdo Lake after Pungmo Khola (stream) on following the stream and then downhill into birch and pine forest reaching upper section of Phuksumdo Khola. After a short rest walk leads into Ringmo village, a lovely and interesting Tibetan origin village with similar culture of Buddhism and Bon (pre Buddhist) religion. Houses built with mud plastered including Chhorten and Mani (prayer) walls of Bon sect and Buddhist religion. From here a short walk to Phuksumdo Lake for overnight camp near the bank of turquoise colored Phuksumdo Lake.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
3630
Day 07: At Phuksumdo Lake rest and explore around Ringmo village and the lake.

Enjoy another day at beautiful Phuksumdo Lake, an opportunity to soak in local Dolpo villages around Ringmo of immense culture and custom, where you explore this pristine areas often visited by few other trekkers.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
3630
Day 08: Trek to Phukshumdo-Khola 3,750 m- 05 hrs.

After a pleasant and exciting time at Phuksumdo Lake also called as Ringmo Lake, our journey continues towards Upper Dolpo areas, a restricted region where special permits has to be obtained from here onward up to Shey Gompa and Saldang villages. Our walk leads to contour around a rocky ridge and ledge past bank of the river to reach an opens and wide valley at Phuksumdo Khola for overnight camp.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
3750
Day 09: Trek to Phuksumdo Bhanjyang 4,717 m - 04 hrs

Morning starts on gradual trail heading north leaving behind Phuksumdo Khola with climb to a high hill, after a steep climb reaching top of the ridge facing views of large green valley with Kang-La pass towards north direction to our main destination to Shey Gompa. Overnight camp is pitched on a nice pasture at the base of high Kang-la pass

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
4717
Day 10: Cross Kang-La 5,350 m and trek to Shey Gompa 4,160 m -06 hrs

Starting much early morning to reach our main destination at Shey Gompa, as walk leads to a steep climb on stones and rocky trail then reaching on top Kang-la pass above 5,350 meters and / 17,655 ft the highest spot of the adventure. From the pass enjoy fantastic panorama of beautiful country landscapes with snow peaks which includes Mt. Dhaulagiri towards Far East, after a refreshing break with views descend to reach at the base near a river, then across cattle herder camps towards Buddhist prayer monument and Chhorten or Mani. A pleasant walk reaches you to destination at Shey Gompa, situated at the bottom of unique Crystal Mountain considered as sacred Mountain with an old monastery close to the holy peak.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
4160
Day 11: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.

A wonderful spot for rest and spare day within isolated area of Far West Himalaya, certainly a hidden place away from civilization blending well with surrounding wilderness of serene and pristine environment. At Shey with ample time to explore around and visit its very old Gompa also known as Crystal Monastery which is well defined in the classic novel ‘Snow Leopard’ by American author Peter Matthiessen.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
4160
Day 12: Trek to Namgung 4,608 m via Sela (Gela) La 5,094m

From this isolated and lovely spot, our adventure continues towards a wall canyon, as our path meanders to reach Sela or Gela-la a small ridge top above 5,094 m high, offers views of landscapes with Dhaulagiri mountains. From here descend slowly admiring the scenery then reaching a nice grazing area at Namgung Gaon for overnight stop.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
4608
Day 13: Trek to Saldang 3,770 m - 05 hours.

After overnight at Namgung Gaon, walk on dusty path which leads uphill towards our overnight camp at Saldang, another interesting and a large village of Upper Dolpo area, placed high above a plateau.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
3770
Day 14: Trek to Chagaon 4,910 m - 05 hrs.

From Saldang, morning trek leads to Nang Chu River and then following the river all the way with few ups and down walks past Sugu-Gaon and Dechen Lapran, a cattle herders place and then trekking to our overnight camp at Chagoan village. A small pleasant village with an old monastery called Rapa Gompa of Bon sect, a pre Buddhist religion and ancient Bon-Pa culture.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
4910
Day 15: Trek to Dachu Khola camp at 4,700 m - 06 hrs.

Morning leads south into Tarap valley on route Toku and Dho Tarap villages, walk leads to reach at Dachu Khola and beyond, after crossing on the same trail following a river through farm fields, and then walk into Yak herder areas for overnight camp.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
4700
Day 16: Trek and cross Jyanta-La at 5,220 m and walk to Phedi 4,900 m - 06 hrs.

After nice stop around summer pasture of Yaks grazing area, morning walk following river for short while, and then coming across yaks and mules laden caravan on route Tibet that still exists since past glorious times. Walk on route which is near an old Trans Himalayan Salt Trade route of Nepal and Tibet, which is close from the base of Jyanta-la pass, as morning walk leads to a climb on top of high pass offering views of Mt. Dhaulagiri peaks, and then a long descend takes you at the base of the pass for overnight camp.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
4900
Day 17: Trek to Toku Gaon 4,209 m via Jeng la 5,090m-06 hrs.

Morning heading for steep climb, and then walking on gradual winding path for some hours to reach a charming village of Toku Gaon for overnight stop, one of the most attractive village within Inner Dolpo region, which consists more than ten group of villages within the valley and with nice tended farm fields including an old interesting monasteries

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
4209
Day 18: Trek to Dhotarap 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.

After Toku Gaon, morning walks starts with downhill towards Tarap Chu (river) and then entering a wide scenic valley, where many yak herder temporary settlements located. Walk continues to Dhotarap overnight camp close to a village inhabited by mixed tribe of Tibetans origin as well Magar people.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
3944
Day 19: Trek to Ghyamgar 3,759 m - 07 hrs

From this nice campsite, walk continues with a downhill towards Tarap valley, largest and longest valley of Dolpo region extends to near 20 k.m. long, following Tarap Chu River to joins with Thuli Bheri River near Tarakot village. Our journey leads past Langa with views of lovely cascading waterfalls and then walking due south following our route to Sisaul and f Kesila around Yak herder camps to reach our overnight camp at Ghyamgar

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
3759
Day 20: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m - 06 hours

Morning walks leads at Tarap areas within magnificent valley and then entering a narrow gorge covered with bushes of juniper and wild rose, walking past Toltol near to a huge overhanging cave, around this place chance of spotting some wild life like Naur or Blue Sheep and other animals including endangered Snow Leopard as well. As walk proceeds reaching at the confluence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola (streams), overnight camp is set close to a river after a good and exciting walks of six hours.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
3652
Day 21: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m - 06 hrs

Slowly our journey comes to an ends as walk leads towards Tarakot village past several smaller farm villages to enter small woodland along the bank of a river and then reaching at Tarakot, one of the large and interesting village with ancient historical background. Tarakot a village with an forts known as Dzong in Tibetan, and in Nepali known as Kot placed to guard the entrance of the village from outside world. Tarakot with famous and old Sandul Gomba, located on the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River where our overnight camp is made.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
2540
Day 22: Trek to Dunai and drive back to Jhupal - 04 hrs

After a pleasant overnight at Tarakot our last day walk of the adventure leads to near Dunai, and then taking an exciting drive to reach our final end of the journey at Jhupal on reaching Dunai the major town of Dolpo, where drive leads to our final overnight stop at Jhupal on completing Upper Dolpo trekking before heading back to Kathmandu.

 

Meals
B/L/D
 Accomodation
Tea House/Hotel
 Altitude
2475
Day 23: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

Morning transfer to small Jhupal airstrip for the flight to Nepalgunj, after boarding in small aircraft where short flight brings you at Nepalgunj for connecting flight of 50 minutes to reach back at Kathmandu. On reaching at Kathmandu airport, then transfer to your hotel with rest of the day at leisure with grand memories of Upper Dolpo trekking.

 

Meals
Breakfast
 Accomodation
Hotel
 Altitude
1350
Day 24: Contingency or free day in Kathmandu for individual activities.

Tramping Himalaya Adventures reserves this spare or contingency day in Kathmandu, in case of flight delay and cancellation at Jhupal, which can occur sometimes due to bad weather which is typical for Himalayan weather pattern. Hoping all goes well as per the itinerary days, where you can enjoy this extra day for your own individual activities and shopping or join in for another exciting tour.

 

Meals
Breakfast
 Accomodation
Hotel
 Altitude
1350
Day 25: Depart for international flight home ward bound or to respective countries.

Last day in the country of high beautiful Himalayas as per your international flight transfer to Kathmandu international airport for homeward bound or to next port of call after a wonderful and mesmerizing adventure on Upper Dolpo trekking with great service of Tramping Himalaya Adventures.

Meals
Breakfast
Cost Included
  • Airport Pick up & Drop with private transport ( International & Domestic )
  • Hotel in Kathmandu 2 Nights  3-star standard with B/B Twin Sharing Basis 
  • Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu Flight Tickets 
  • Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu Flight Tickets for Guide 
  • Teahouse accommodation during the trek ( Twin Sharing Basis ) Camping
  • Meals, Breakfast, Lunch, and dinner during the trek 
  • Well English Speaking of government license holder guide 
  • Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
  • Guide/Assistant guides and Porters their salary, Insurance, Equipment, and lodging & fooding
  • Tramping Himalaya Adventures Duffel bag & T-shirt
  • All the necessary paperwork, Trekking/permits
  • Carried by your guide Medical Kit
  • All government taxes
  • Down Jacket If you need it ( To be returned after the trip )
  • Oxi-meter to check the pulse, Oxygen saturation, and heart rate
  • Unlimited Chlorine-treated safe drinking water 
Cost Excluded
  • Nepalese visa fee ( Bring the right cash in USD and 2 passport-size photographs )
  • 15 Days USD 30, 30 Days USD 50, 90 Days USD 125, 
  • Airfare International
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival, late departure, or early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, internet, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, internet, etc.)
  • Optional trips and sightseeing if extended
  • Expenses arising from unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of  Tramping Himalaya Adventures
  • Tips and gratuities
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Cotact Us
  • 9779808839975 
  • Budhanilkantha 11, Paiyatar, Kathmandu