Upper Dolpo Trek

The Upper Dolpo Trek takes you to the isolated valley of Dolpo in the trans-Himalayan territory of mid-western Nepal. Geographically a part of the Tibetan Plateau, this region lies in the remote Shey Phoksundo National Park behind the Dhaulagiri. The entire district was closed to trekkers until 1989. Unlike most other parts of the Nepal Himalayas, this region is generally dry, cold, and sparsely vegetated with rugged landscapes. Untouched by the development and outside influence of any kind, the people living here who are of Tibetan origin still follow centuries-old Buddhist and Bonpo traditions mixed with shamanistic influences.

The Upper Dolpo trek begins at Juphal after a 45 min. flight from Nepalgunj. Then we trek to Dunai, administrative headquarters of the Dolpo region, and pass through Sulighat, reaching Phoksundo Lake. We trek along the banks of Phoksundo Khola to Shey Gompa via the Kang-La Pass. Following the ancient Trans-Himalayan trade route, we go back to Juphal for a flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. We encounter interesting places, peoples, and valleys and pass many gigantic mountain ranges. Shey Phoksundo National Park is home to abundant wildlife, including musk deer, Himalayan blue sheep, and elusive snow leopards. We can enjoy the blue water of Phoksundo Lake and the surrounding Kanjirova range. The amazing country of Crystal Mountain at Shey Gompa and Ringmo Village still has some old monasteries along with some of the most beautiful scenery.

Dolpo, being one of the highest inhabited lands, is blessed with nature and rich culture. This mysterious and hidden land with distinctive people, architecture, and unique light conditions is a photographer’s paradise. March to May in spring and October-November in the autumn season are the best times for trekking.

Brief Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival In Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur city
Day 03: Fly to Nepalganj from Kathmandu—1 hr. flight.
Day 04: Fly to Juphal (2,400 m). Trek to Dunai (2,150 m) – 3 hrs
Day 05: Trek to Ankhe (2,660 m) – 6 hrs
Day 06: Trek to Renje (3,104 m) – 7 hrs
Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,600 m) – 6.5 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Phoksundo Khola (3,507 m)—6 hrs
Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,402 m)—7 hrs
Day 10: Cross the Kang La pass (5,151 m) and trek to Shey Gompa (4,126 m)—7 hrs
Day 11: Rest and exploration day at Shey Gompa
Day 12: Cross the Saldang La pass (4,785 m), and then trek to Namduna Gaon (4,400 m)—7 hrs
Day 13: Trek to Saldang (3,903 m) – 4 hrs
Day 14: Trek to Sibu (3,942 m) – 6 hrs
Day 15: Trek to foot of the Jeng La (4,369 m) – 5 hrs
Day 16: Cross the Jeng La pass (4,845 m), trek to Tokyu Gaon (4,240 m) – 7 hrs
Day 17: Trek to Dho Tarap (4,090 m) – 4.5 hrs
Day 18: Trek to Serkam (3,630 m) – 6.5 hrs
Day 19: Trek to Khani Gaon (2,550 m) – 7 hrs
Day 20: Trek to Tarakot (2,281 m) – 4 hrs
Day 21: Trek to Dunai (2,052 m) – 5 hrs
Day 22: Trek to Juphal (2,404 m) – 3 hrs
Day 23: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
Day 24: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and have a leisure day and farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
Day 25: Transfer to the international airport for your final departure