Upper Dolpo Trekking

Upper Dolpo Trekking

Activity
Trekking

Overview

Trekking in the far-western region of Nepal is one of the most exciting journeys in the whole of Nepal. Annually, be it native or foreign tourists are fund of trekking at the Upper Dolpo Trekking. A lot of people have their opinion on the Upper Dolpo Trek as a place that is rich both traditionally and culturally.  The unique landscape of the place is the main reason for its increasing popularity.

Upper Dolpo Trekking is one of Nepal’s most scenic and culturally enriching treks. Similarly, the Dolpo Trekking provides an authentic experience of local society’s secluded communities and long-held cultural customs. Examine the Trans-Himalayan landscape and travel to Shey Phoksundo, Nepal’s most important lake. The Upper Dolpo trip is brimming with adventure and adrenaline rush. Tibetan culture and having a salt trading course on the path transports you back in time. The visitors are astounded by the incredible social experience and Himalayan happiness.

Upper Dolpo Trekking is a relatively unknown and unexplored trekking circuit in Nepal. Visitors can appreciate an amazing scene that is rare for people all over the world. The trek begins with a breathtaking fifty-minute flight to Nepalgunj. We fly to Jhuphal (2,320m/7,611ft) in the mid-hill mountain region for another short flight. Similarly, the trip takes you past old settlements, verdant rich woodlands, terraced farmlands, highlander fauna, and Mother Nature’s features. The Shey Phoksundo Lake, located within the National Park, is as peaceful as Heaven. If you’re lucky, you might come across a variety of wild animals. Furthermore, there are Himalayan Thar, monkeys, pumas, leopards, and other wild animals that one can observe.

We continue our ascent from this beautiful lake. Moreover, the journey follows the trail to Shey Gompa Monastery. Similarly, Shey Gompa is situated in a remote area of the Himalayas, close to the Tibetan border in the southwest. With the fascinating and trendy estimates of Monks, you can offer your supplications and heal your spirit. Explore this intriguing location beneath the imposing Crystal Mountains. The Upper Dolpo Trekking would be incomplete without a visit to the stunning Saldang-La Pass (5,200m/17,060ft). Saldang village, one of the major communities in the area, will be our destination. Most Importantly, Thinley, the main character in the film Caravan, was born in Saldang and later changed his name to Himalaya. A French producer shot this video in the late 1990s. We continue our trek to Yangze Gompa and Sibu (4,560m/14,961ft) through beautiful villages. The trekking track will go to Jeng-La (5,090m/16,699ft), which is the trip’s final pass.

We return through the picturesque settlements of Tokyo Goan, Do, and Tarakot. Tarakot is a fascinating settlement with a historic dzong (fort) and a history as a trading stop on the Nepal-Tibet caravan route. Similarly, the walk will end in Dunai, where guests can join sacred religious networks. You will complete the Juphal flight and return to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. Trexmount Ventures‘ crew will guide you magnificently through Upper Dolpo Trekking in a great manner.

Trekking in Nepal’s far-western Upper Dolpo region transports you to one of the Himalaya’s most remote regions. Expeditions into Dolpo might be difficult due to the lack of tourism infrastructure, so, you need a guide with you. The rewards, though, are well worth the effort: Tibetan Buddhist culture, some of the country’s oldest monasteries, the stunning Lake Phoksundo, uncommon fauna, and a true sense of being in the wilderness. Therefore, the Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the most exciting journey in Nepal.

Itinerary

01Day

Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.

Our representative will come to the airport for transfer to the Hotel. After some refreshment in the hotel, Our Tour leader will conduct a pre departure meeting in the Hotel or at our office. The meeting will covers trip related information & the collecting your Documents (passport copy, 2 passport size photos, Travel insurance copy).

02Day

Kathmandu: Free day for Trek preparation.

Breakfast, free day for trek preparation. You can do your own activities OR, you can do sightseeing tour in Kathmandu valley with visiting fascinating world heritage and cultural sites. There are few places that are worth to visit such as Hindus holy Pashupatinath temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Durbar Squire ( One is in Kathmandu, in patan and also in Bhaktapur), Museum,  monasteries, old historical Palaces and Gardens. Note:  this tour is optional so you can visit with place of your interest & pay locally. (Meals:B)

03Day

Flight to Nepalganj.

In the afternoon transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for a 50 minute scenic flight to Nepalgunj, a transit place for another flight to the Dolpo region. Nepalgunj is warm with sub tropical temperature. It is located close to UP border of India. There are beautiful view with panoramic vistas of chain snow capped peaks during the flight. Overnight in the Hotel. (Meals: B,L,D)

04Day

Fly to Jhuphal (2,320 m-7,611 ft) then trek to Dunai (2,850 m-9,350 ft).

Early morning transfer back to Nepalgunj airport for another flight to Jhuphal in Dolpo. We have excellent view of mid hills, dotte villages and farm fields during this 25 minute flight.  We will start the hiking after meeting your porters for the trek. Dunai is district headquarter of Dolpo where you have overnight in the first trekking day. (Meals: B,L,D)

05Day

Trek to Ankhe (2,896 m-9,501 ft) – 06 hrs.

We start with crossing a suspension bridge with a gentle climb into the other side of Thulo Bheri River valley. We will follow the river valley and cool forest to reach Ankhe for overnight. (Meals: B,L,D)

06Day

Trek to Sumdu Sulighat village (3,500 m-11,483 ft) -06 hrs.

We begin with short gentle ups and downs into the forest to reach the river side from where we climb to a ridge above the river and descend to cross a small bridge near Ryajik village and gentle climb before reaching at Sulighat village in Sumdu. (Meals: B,L,D)

07Day

Trek to Phokshumdo Lake (3,500 m-11,483 ft) – 05 hours.

We start through the Phokshumdo valley in a confluence Pungmo Kholas (streams). Cross the west side of Phokshumdo Khola to follow Pungmo Khola on the west bank. Ascending to Reach Ringmo village which is an interesting traditional Tibetan like village with chorten and Mani (prayer) walls. We walk little further to reach beautiful turquoise colored Phokshindo Lake. (Meals: B,L,D)

08Day

Rest day at Phokshumdo Lake for acclimatization.

A pleasant and wonderful place for a rest day for acclimatizing which is important before hiking into higher, With a leisure in the morning, take a  short hike to explore the pretty village and meet the locals with their rich old traditions. (Meals: B,L,D)

09Day

Trek to Phokshumdo-Khola (3,640 m-11,942 ft) – 05 hrs.

From this beautiful spot, our journey continues to reach other highlights of this trip. Our route contours a rocky shelf over a river bank towards western end of Phoksumdo Lake. Arrive at a summer grazing field, opening into the vast flood plain of Phokshumdo Khola and stop here for overnight by the riverside. (Meals: B,L,D)

10Day

Trek to Phokshumdo Bhanjyang (4,420 m-14,501.31 ft) – 07 hrs.

From this isolated area, morning walk begins on a gradual path towards a glacial valley which leads north of Phokshumdo khola. Arrive at another confluence where another small stream joins. Walk over a long ridge through grazing area. After a good ascending to reach a ridge top which is offering fabulous scenery of another wide valley and the Kang-La pass on the trail to Shey Gompa. (Meals: B,L,D)

11Day

Trek to Shey Gompa (4,500 m-14,764 ft) via Kang-La (5,360 m-17,585 ft) -06 hrs.

We start to reach our main destination, Shey Gompa and the Crystal Monastery today.

We will be starting with steep uphill climb over slated stone to reach on the top of Kang-la pass at 5,360 meters, the highest point of this adventure. Enjoy a super vista of valleys and snow capped peaks as far towards Mt. Dhaulagiri range.

After a great moment, we descend to the river bank, then on the wet marsh and meadows. See herds of yaks, sheep, goats, nomad’s shelters. Slowly reach a red chorten (Buddhist monument), a relief sign. This long hard trek comes to magnificent Shangri-La at Shey Gompa beneath the Crystal Mountain. (Meals: B,L,D)

12Day

Rest day at Shey Gompa the Crystal Monastery.

Another rest day to marvel the beauty of this mysterious and fascinating place, Visit Shey Monastery, Sheymeaning crystal in Tibetan and the native language. This monastery is also known as Crystal Monastery. It was described in the Peter Matthiessen novel The Snow Leopard. Crystal Mountain is located east of Shey Gompa, strangest and mystical Crystal Mountains, as beams with contorted cliffs laced with quartz, embedded with rich variety of marine fossils. (Meals: B,L,D)

13Day

Trek to Namduna Gaon (4,800 m-15,748 ft) via Saldang La (5,200 m-17,060 ft).

Leaving certainly this strangest and supernatural spot, we will be heading towards farms and villages to the lower Dolpo area with Saldang and Namuna villages. Follow the path lined with juniper trees and descending into a canyon. The trail winds up to Saldang-la pass providing awesome views of surrounding hills and valleys. We will be walking towards a pasture land of yaks, sheep. Take a gradual walk to reach Namduna Gaon which is a nice village with an old monastery of Karmapa of Tibetan Buddhism sect. Namduna Gaon is a farm village that harvests only one crop a year mainly barley, As other villages in the area grow buckwheat’s, mustard, potatoes and radish. (Meals: B,L,D)

14Day

Trek to Saldang (3,620 m-11,877 ft) -05 hours.

We start in a steep rocky slope and dusty barren. After few hour’s climb, reach Saldang another impressive village that is located above a plateau  which is one of the largest villages of inner Dolpo area.

In Saldang there are five villages a prosperous village spread out area. Saldang is the prime village of Dolpo area. It is known not only for its agriculture product, but also for being a major location for trade and caravan route to Tibet. (Meals: B,L,D)

15Day

Trek to Yangze Gompa (4,960 m-16,273 ft) – 05 hrs.

This great journey leads on to a least visited area by other trekkers. Follow the Nang chu River most of its way in this windswept scenic trail. We hike ups and downs pass to reach Tiling and Lurigaon, a smaller settlement. Walking little further will get into the Yangze village with an old Bon-Po Monastery. Bon–Po or Pa is a pre-Buddhist 6th Century religion that originated before Buddhism came reached Tibet around 6th Century. (Meals: B,L,D)

16Day

Trek to Sibu (4,560 m-14,961 ft) – 07 hrs.

Our route retracing the path towards Saldang village, This route is more straight forward and shorter to Sibu and beyond. Re-cross the path to reach Saldang village. The path follows the river into terraced fields with rows of stupas, chortens and a monastery. We hike through Namdo village which is another large flourishing village with more than 60 houses. Here visit an old impressive Namdo monastery. Descend towards the river side a sheppard’s temporary settlement at Sibu grazing land. (Meals: B,L,D)

17Day

Trek to Jeng-la phedi (4,900 m-16,076 ft) -06 hrs.

Our return journey leads through many grazing pastures after visiting cultural villages. The morning walk follows Nam Khong Khola (stream) for an hour. Encounter a yak caravan laden with Nepali goods for trade on the way to Tibet border on this old Trans Himalayan Trade route. Follow the same river for for sometime and turns east to confluence of two smaller rivers. We will hike uphill towards Jen–la Pehdi. (Meals: B,L,D)

18Day

Trek to Tokyu Gaon (4,200 m-13,780 ft) via Jeng la (5,090 m-16,699 ft) – 06 hrs.

We start quiteearly in the morning to cross the last high pass of this adventure. After a gentle climb, reach on the top of Jeng-la marked by prayer flags and stone monuments. Enjoy magnificent views of the distant Dhaulagiri mountain range and towards the west Kagmara, Kanjiboraba Himal. We will start descending to reach Tokyu Gaon. Tokyu Gaon is a pretty village with monastery which is one of the oldest of this area. Have the afternoon free to explore this fascinating village and its monastery. The people of this area belong to both Bon-Po and Chaiba sects of Tibetan Buddhism (Mahayana), living together in friendly harmony. (Meals: B,L,D)

19Day

Trek to Dho Tarap (4,040 m-13,255 ft) – 05 hrs.

We start descending towards a wide green valley of Tarap Chu. Pass temporary shelters of Yak herders. After a nice break with great views, walk to Dho Tarap for overnight. Explore this nice village populated mostly by people of Tibetans and the Magar tribes.   (Meals: B,L,D)

20Day

Trek to Tarap Khola (Kamekharka) (3,800 m-12,467 ft) – 08 hrs.

Today WE going to walk one of the longest trek of this trip. As the country changes, reach the lower Dolpo area.  Enjoy a moderate walk on gradual path with few up hills and down. Enter a wide valley and which narrows into a gorge. Take-in the vegetation of juniper, wild rose, and blueberry bushes which is typical in this dry arid landscape being that it is in the inner high Himalayan of the arctic temperate zone.  You may encounter some wild life including herds of blue sheep before reaching into Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, which flows from Tarap River beyond east and originates from the glaciers of North West Dhaulagiri Himalaya range.

After a pleasant trek come to a wonderful grassy field of summer pasture called Kamekharka. (Meals: B,L,D)

21Day

Trek to Kharigaon (3,150 m-11,516 ft) – 05 hours.

After few days of camping in complete wilderness in nice grazing fields, today’s walk leads back to a small village of Khairgaon.  Walking beside Tarap River and enter a deep gorge. Mount above a path built on sheer stony slopes.

The walk into a narrow gorge provides some challenge. We will cross over a flood damaged to reach Kharigaon. (Meals: B,L,D)

22Day

Trek to Tarakot (2,850 m-9,350 ft) – 05 hrs.

The walk today leads to another most interesting and exciting village at Tarakot. Continue heading to the lower side of Dolpo area through Lalberi village and then into tree lines of willow, poplars and junipers. We will follow the river downstream to Tarakot village which is a picturesque village with neat terraced cultivated fields and an old fortress. Tarakot is a village of old interesting history as this place, even before Gorkha king and Shah dynasty who has an ancient capital during Malla period and had forts known as Dzong.

Upon reaching Tarakot village, visit its famous, old Sandul Gompa, standing between the confluence of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu.  After an interesting tour of this village, overnight near a monastery on the shelf of a grassy plateau. (Meals: B,L,D)

23Day

Trek to Dunai (2,850 m-9,350 ft) and drive to Jhupal (2, 320 m-7612 ft) – 01 hrs.

Our outstanding adventure is coming back to impressive village Dunai. Walk a short distance to a motor road before driving with a jeep to Jhuphal and for the flight back to Kathmandu.(Meals: B)

24Day

Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel.

We will transfer to the airport for the flight to Nepalgunj. At Nepalgunj with time to refresh in this warm area, in afternoon catch another flight back to Kathmandu and then transfer to hotel.

25Day

In Kathmandu with cultural tour at places of interest.

This day reserved day in case of flight delay at Jhuphal due to unfavorable weather conditions. On this extra day, you are free to do your own activities. Farewell dinner in the evening.

26Day

Departure

Breakfast in the Hotel, Transfer to Tribhuvan International airport for  departure towards your next destination. Meals included: Breakfast

Includes/Excludes

What is Included?

  • Airport Pick up and drop transfer by car, van or bus depend on group size.
  • Private Ground transportation as per itinerary.
  • All round flight from Kathmandu-Nepalganj- Kathmandu and Nepalganj –Juphel-Nepalganj.
  • All accommodations (Twin Share)
  • Meals: 22 Breakfasts, 20 Lunches, 20 Dinners with cup of Tea, coffee in each meals
  • Dolpo Special entry permits.
  • TIMS Permit.
  • An experience guide and required number of porters (one porter in between two pax), their food, accommodation, transportation, salary, insurance, and equipments.
  • Warm sleeping bag, warm down jacket and walking stick, if necessary.\
  • Trek bag.
  • Taxes are included.
  • Award Certificate of Trip Completion

Whats not Included

  • Meals as Mention in the inclusive list.
  • Single Supplement for single using rooms
  • Tips to staff or any donations.
  • Temple and monastery entry fee, & entry fees while sightseeing in kathmandu & Nepalganj.
  • Your travel insurance, Medical and emergency evacuation (Just in case).
  • All types of drinks (such as Hot & cold drinks, Mineral water and alcoholic drinks).
  • All personal expenses which is not mention into the price inclusion.

Clients Review

Everest Base Camp & Muktinath Trail Helen & Mark Dwyer Australia

We had a dream to reach Mt Everest Base Camp since we heard about this. One of my friends recommended Trexmount so we have decided to use them for arranging our trek to Everest Base Camp. The treks were very well organized and the guides were extremely knowledgeable, and friendly and looked after us at all times.

Nothing was too much trouble for them and there was always a smile on their faces. We stayed...

Everest Gokyo Ri Trekking Bridget and Ron New Zealand

Namaste Hari and all at Trexmount Ventures, We have just completed our third visit and a Fantastic trek in Nepal with a four-day trek in the Annapurna area and an 18-day trek to Everest base camp and Gokyo. Noelene joined us for the Everest trek and it was her 9th visit! We can highly recommend Trexmount Ventures as a great company. The guides we had, Ram and Tilak were very well informed and also both able to pace the trek to ensure we all reached our...