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Upper Dolpo Trekking

Upper Dolpo Trekking

Trip Overview

Key Information

Group Size

2+

Meal

BLD

Grade

Moderate to Adventurous.

Accomodation

Hotels and Lodges

Transportation

Private Car/Van

Best Months

Spring & Autumn.

Wi-fi

Everyday

Upper Dolpo Trekking, a picturesque country where trekkers and adventurer seldom visit this awesome areas around Far North West Himalaya of Nepal, due to its remoteness and isolated from rest of the country, where very few visitors dares this amazing adventure around this most beautiful place in whole Himalaya.

Upper Dolpo certainly a hidden country where you can witness near vanishing Bon sect of religion a pre Buddhism in the backdrop of unique and interesting local cultural villages within high and scenic valley surrounded by snow capped peaks of Kangjiborba-Kagmara and as far towards Dhaulagiri range.

Truly a fascinating place to visit for once in your life time experience away from modernization of high tech world, where you will be in the harmony of pristine nature within tranquil environment for more than two week duration.

Upper Dolpo can be visited during monsoon time of July and August as well, due to rain shadow areas where monsoon cloud blocked by high Himalayan mountains, the Dolpo areas much similar to Tibetan terrain with some extension of Tibet South West plateau. 

Starting with panoramic flight to land at Nepalgunj on low warmer areas, with another short flight takes you to inner Dolpo at Jhupal, where our adventure begins heading towards turquoise colored Phuksumdo Lake around Ringmo village, with time to immerse within its marvelous scenery and local Bon and Buddhist culture and age old traditions.

Walk leads higher over high Kang-la pass at 5,350m to reach our main destination at Shey Gompa, also known as Crystal Monastery, situated at Crystal Mountain as this area well described in the classic novel 'Snow Leopard' by Peter Matthessian when he first explored this awesome and mysterious land in early 1970's.

From Shey Gompa walks lead beyond crossing few high passes to reach at Saldang and lovely Dho-Tarap valley with Tokyu-Gaon village and then reaching at historical Tarakot village, once a fort on the lookout for Tibetan army from Nepalese fort at Tarakot during Malla regime.

Slowly walk ends with a drive to Dunai and towards Jhupal where this magnificent adventure on Upper Dolpo concludes with a scenic flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

Trip Highlight

  • "Picturesque country around Far North West Nepal Himalaya in the land of Bon religion (pre-Buddhism)
  • Sweeping scenic flight to Dolpo in the backdrop of high snow capped peaks and unique landscapes
  • The country which was well exposed in classic novel 'Snow Leopard' by Peter Matthessian 
  • The country where elusive and endangered snow leopard and blue sheep habitats
  • In Nepal's largest Shey-Phuksumdo National Park with awesome scenery of hills and mountains
  • Explore the least visited areas around Shey Gompa / crystal monastery with emerald Phuksumdo lake"

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu via respective airlines

Day 02: Morning free afternoon fly to Nepalgunj.

Day 03: Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m then drive to Dunai 2,140 m - 02 hrs.

Day 04: Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m - 06 hrs.

Day 05: Trek to Samdua village 2,960m -06 hrs.

Day 06: Trek to Phuksumdo Lake 3,630 m - 06 hours.

Day 07: Rest day at Phuksumdo Lake for local excursion.

Day 08:Trek to Phokshumdo-Khola 3,750 m- 05 hrs.

Day 09: Trek to Phuksumdo Bhanjyang 4,717 m - 04 hrs.

Day 10: Cross Kang-La at 5,350 m high and trek to Shey Gompa 4,160 m via -06 hrs.

Day 11: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.

Day 12: Trek to Namgung 4,608 m via Sela (Gela) La 5,094m.

Day 13: Trek to Saldang 3,770 m - 05 hours.

Day 14: Trek to Chagaon 4,910 m - 05 hrs.

Day 15: Trek to Rakyo 4,160 m via Darshamna Dovan - 06 hrs.     

Day 16:Trek to camp at 4,542m after Jyanta Bhanjyang 5,231 m - 06 hrs.

Day 17:Trek to Murjung 4,965 m - 06 hrs.

Day 18:Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,200m via Jeng la 5,090m-06 hrs.

Day 19: Trek to Dho Tarap 4,040m- 05 hrs.

Day 20: Trek to Ghyamgar 3,759 m - 07 hrs.

Day 21:Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m - 06 hours.

Day 22:Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m - 06 hrs.

Day 23:Trek to Dunai - 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal - 02 hr jeep ride.

Day 24: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel.

Day 25:International departure for home ward bound.

Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary

Open All Close All
Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu via respective airlines.
Food Dinner
Accomodation Hotel
Elevation 1350

On reaching at Kathmandu Tribhuvan InternationalAirport, warmly greeted by ourstaff and guides for transfer to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu around Thamel area, the happening spot in Kathmandu with many fine hotels and restaurants with shopping stores and shops, here our guide will brief you with all information on Upper Dolpo trekking and while you are under our care.

Evening includes authentic Nepalese dinner in a nice local restaurant with cultural-folk programs to entertain you with delicious meals.

Day 2 : Morning free afternoon fly to Nepalgunj.
Food BLD
Accomodation Hotel
Elevation 150

Morning free for last minute shopping or just relax afternoon flight to Nepal Far South West at Nepalgunj, located near India border, during flight view of Himalayan Mountains reaching Nepalgunj airport, transfer to respective hotels for overnight stop.

Day 3 : Fly to Jhupal 2,320 m then trek to Dunai – 03 hrs.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 2850

Early breakfast for another short flight to Jhupal in Dolpo, 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 in Jhupal in the comfort of nice lodge.

Day 4 : Trek to Chhepka - 06 hrs.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 2838

After overnight at Dunai, morning walk leads into market to cross a bridge over Thulo Bheri River and then climb over a ridge to Phuksumdo River valley with views of Kagmara peak, from here trek leads downhill passing spread out houses with walnut trees close to a stream at Dhera a small cattle herders settlements. From here a short climb to Rahagaon village of Thakuri  Hindu people, then downhill into thick forest to reach overnight camp at Chhepka near Ankhe, a small village by the entrance of Shey Phuksumdo National Park.

Day 5 : Trek to Sumdu / Sulighat village -06 hrs.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 3500

From Chhepka morning walk with short climb and descend through forest reaching a river bank, from here climb on leaving the forest, from the top walk downhill to forested area leading upstream to cross a small bridge at Ryajik village, trek  further to Sumdu near Sulighat village for overnight stop.

Day 6 : Trek to Phuksumdo Lake - 05 hours.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 3500

Morning walk leads to our first destination at Phuksumdo Lake after Pungmo Kholas valley  and crossing streams, following Pungmo Khola downhill into pine and birch trees to reach at upper side of Phokshindo Khola, after a  short break continue walk to Ringmo village, an interesting, attractive Tibetan like village with mud plastered chhorten and Mani (prayer) walls.

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

Day 7 : Rest day at Phuksumdo Lake for local excursion.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 3500

A perfect place for free and rest day, just relax and marvel the beautiful views of surrounding landscapes and peaks of Kagmara, or visit this interesting Ringmo village and walk to the lake side.

Day 8 : Trek to Phukshumdo-Khola - 05 hrs.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 3640

From this lovely place morning walk starts to higher area of upper Dolpo region to our another highlight and final destination of this awesome journey walk follows to contour around rocky ledge over the river bank on the unsteady path, then approaching at the western side the lake through a summer pasture which opens into a wide plain of Phuksumdo Khola for the overnight camp by the river shore.

Day 9 : Trek to Phuksumdo Bhanjyang - 07 hrs.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge

After a nice walk of previous day, today’s morning trek begins on a good path leading northern area of Phuksumdo Khola and then walking up on the hill slopes, after a steep uphill to reach at a ridge top with impressive scenery of wide green valley and looking over Kang-La pass that leads to Shey Gompa, setting the camp for the night stop on this nice green summer pasture.

Day 10 : Trek to Shey Gompa via Kang-La 5,360 m -06 hrs.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 4500

Morning walk starts to our main destination at Shey Gompa which the high lights of this adventure after Phuksumdo Lake, trek continues with a climb on stone and rocky path to cross Kang-la pass at 5,360 meters, highest point of this adventure. The top offers super views of landscapes with snow clad peaks including Mt. Dhaulagiri.

After reaching the top ridge, descend to the bottom of the hill leading by the river then across cattle herder camps, after a short stop continue towards Buddhist prayer monument Chortens and Mani. After a great walk reaching at Shey Gompa located beneath Crystal Mountain regarded as a Holy Mountain with an old monastery nearby.

Day 11 : Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 4500

A perfect place for rest day in this high mountain area, in the harmony of nature and chanting of monks, visit Shey Monastery also known Crystal Monastery, this area is well described in the novel Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen.

Day 12 : Trek to Namduna Gaon via Saldang La 5,200m.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 4800

From this wonderful place, our journey continuous into a wall canyon, trail meanders atop Saldang-la, offering great views of landscapes and of Mt. Dhaulagiri peaks, downhill on the grazing area with pleasant walk to Namduna Gaon for overnight stop.

 

Day 13 : Trek to Saldang -05 hours.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 3620

After a stop in this village walk on dusty windswept terrain, leading to steep uphill to reach our overnight camp at Saldang, another impressive large village of the region, situated higher side of the plateau.

Day 14 : Trek to Chagaon- 05 hrs visit Rapa Gompa.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 3960

From here, morning walk following river Nang chu all the way with short ups and down and then passing few cattle herders settlement, and then heading to our overnight camp at Chagaon a small village with an old Rapa Gomba of pre Buddhist Bon-Pa culture.

Day 15 : Trek to Rakyo via Darshamna Dovan - 06 hrs.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 4160

Morning walking on main route, then taking South West direction to Rakyo beyond, after crossing the same trail following river through farm fields, and then walk into Darshama Dovan another village of farmers and cattle herders, from here walk leads to pasture land at Rakyo for overnight camp.

Day 16 : Trek to camp at 4,542m after Jyanta Bhanjyang - 06 hrs.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 5231

Today walk leads away from human settlement and villagesto camp in complete wilderness, heading higher but due south with incredible views of Dolpo vast windswept landscapes around isolated area. Walk leads over Jyanta Bhanjyang or a pass at 5,231 m one of the highest pass of this adventure after Kang-la and then heading downhill to camp around pasture field at about 4,542 meters high.

Day 17 : Trek to Murjung - 06 hrs.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 4965

After nice stop in this summer pasture area walk follows a small stream for short while, and then encountering yaks and mules laden caravan on route Tibet, trade with Tibet exists since hundreds of years, and this walking route lies on the old Trans Himalayan Caravan Route.
Finally this fine walk ends at Murjung a small interesting village for overnight.

Day 18 : Trek to Tokyu Gaon via Jeng la 5,090m-06 hrs.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 4200

From Murjung, morning starts with steep climb to reach a ridge with tremendous views of massive Mt. Dhaulagiri range, from here a long descend to Tarap valley, one of the largest and longest valley of Dolpo area which is about 20 k.m. which stretches following Tarap Chu River, after an easy walk for hours reaching at Tokyu -Gaon for overnight, this is one of the most impressive and interesting village of Dolpo area, consist of more than ten villages and nice tended farm fields with an old monasteries.

Day 19 : Trek to Dho Tarap - 05 hrs.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 4040

After Tokyu-Gaon, morning starts with downhill walk towards Tarap Chu on broader green valley, this is one of the scenic wide valleys with lots of Sheppard’s settlements of Yaks and Sheep, and walk continues to our overnight camp at Dho Tarap, this is another interesting village with mix tribes of Tibetans origin and Magar hill people.

Day 20 : Trek to Ghyamgar - 07 hrs.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 3759

From here a long descend to Tarap valley, one of the largest and longest valley of Dolpo area which is about 20 k.m. which stretches following Tarap Chu River most of the way to joins 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 camp at Ghyamgar.

Day 21 : Trek to Tarap Khola via Chhyugar 3,440 m - 06 hours.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 3652

Today walks on Tarap nice valley, as the trail enter into a narrow gorge with some vegetation of bushes of juniper and wild rose, walk leads past Toltol with a large overhanging cave, around this area might see some wild life like Naur or Blue Sheep and other animals.

As the walk progress reaching a confluence of River Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, overnight camp by the river after a long day walk of about 6 hours.

Day 22 : Trek to Tarakot - 06 hrs.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge
Elevation 2540

Starting the morning walk, passing smaller villages and then into a small wooded area, following river all the way at Tarakot, a large and interesting village with old history and well maintained terraced farm fields, Tarakot with an old historical fortress (Dzong or Kot) guarding the village.
Tarakot village houses famous old Sandul Gomba located at junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River where the overnight camp is placed.

Day 23 : Trek to Dunai - 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal - 02 hr jeep ride.
Food BLD
Accomodation Lodge

After a great time at Tarakot, our last day walk leads to Dunai for short while and then taking a short drive to Jhupal for the flight back to Kathmandu.

Morning starts following many spread out villages and farmers huts, walking on wider trail with some short uphill and downhill towards Thuli Bheri River valley to reach at Dunai, on reaching Dunai time permitting having lunch. From here jeeps drive to Jhupal to catch our next morning flight to Nepalgunj.

Day 24 : Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel.
Food BLD
Accomodation Hotel
Elevation 1350

Morning board on a smaller aircraft for short flight to Nepalgunj, on reaching Nepalgunj, transfer to another flight back to Kathmandu with views of mountains during 50 mins flight, on reaching Kathmandu transfer to your hotels.

Day 25 : Transfer to international airport for flight homeward bound.
Food Breakfast

Last day in Nepal, the land of Himalayan wonders as per your international flight time our staff will transfer you to airport for your flight homeward bound or to respective destination with wonderful experience on Upper Dolpo Trekking.

Additional Information

Notes

This is a high altitude journey where elevation starts from low 800 m to 5,416 m high, where symptoms of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) might occur due to dry air and less oxygen, as our adventure starts with overland drive with overnight stops in nice and cozy local lodge, which provides you with acclimatization as well with rest day at Manang before heading much higher altitude.

In this trip one needs to be in good physical shape with sound health to avoid other medical complication on route the journey, just follow our guide advice and suggestion which keeps and makes you feel secure to enjoy this fabulous adventure with us.

Like in all trips and adventure with us we strongly suggest that you obtain Travel and Medical Insurance in case of immediate rescue and emergency evacuation by any means of transportation including swift airlift on Helicopter.

Weather & Climate on Annapurna Semi Circuit Trekking:

The weather depending upon the season of trekking around Annapurna or other higher Himalayan belts, where's Annapurna Circuit trekking can be visited all time of the year, however monsoon months of July to mid September will be wet but much greener with heavy moistures.

The best time will be from March to May when wild flowers are in full bloom around 2,000 m to 3,000 m high and then tree lines and vegetation declines for rough arctic terrain, the temperature will be 15 to 20 degree Celsius during the day with sunlight, morning and evening can be much cooler with minimum of -0 to 05 degree Celsius not counting the wind chill factors.

As the trek leads higher above 4,000 m temperature drops in the shade as well in the morning and night time, day will be clear with strong sunlight and UV (due to drop in oxygen and air pressure on high elevation) , where you need strong sun screen to avoid sun burn in direct sunlight.

Mid September to December will be the clearest weather but with short days minimum of -05 to -10 degree Celsius in the morning and night time with maximum of 15-20 degree during the day in full sunlight, also depends upon the altitude and areas of trekking.

December to March will be the coldest months with chances of snows with minimum of -10 to -15 degree Celsius with maximum 15-18 degree Celsius without wind chill factor, however most of the day time will be clear with fine blue sky.

Important Notes for the Trekking around Annapurna and other Himalaya region:

Main flow of foreign visitors in Nepal is for trekking from moderate to adventurous or challenging treks, the most important is choosing the right trip as per your duration of holiday and fitness, for Annapurna and other Himalayan trekking adventure one needs to be in sound health and physically fit.

 On booking with us preparation of fitness required like walking-jogging-Jumba-aerobic at least a month before your departure from home country, and all clients should be prepared with Travel and Medical Insurance (in case for sudden accidents and immediate evacuation by any means of transport available for quick relief to nearest hospitals.

 Please send us your dietary list and medical history report so that we can arrange well in advance respectively.

 Book the ticket from home for Kathmandu-Nepal to reach at least a day ahead or earlier from trek departure with much space in Kathmandu after the trek, this allows you with more time in Nepal to enjoy the culture and heritage life of Nepalese and also in case of flight delay (Kathmandu-Pokhara-Kathmandu) which can happen sometimes due to freak bad and unfavorable weather.     

Upper Dolpo Trekking

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