Upper Dolpo Trek

After breakfast, you’ll take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, a bustling town in the southwestern part of Nepal, near the Indian border. The flight takes about an hour, and upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Nepalgunj is a gateway to the remote regions of western Nepal and has a distinct Terai culture. You’ll have the afternoon free to explore the town or relax at your hotel. You’ll spend the night in Nepalgunj.

Early in the morning, you’ll take a scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, a small airstrip in the Dolpo region. The flight offers stunning views of the Himalayas and takes about 45 minutes. Upon landing in Juphal, you’ll begin your trek with a descent to the Thuli Bheri River, followed by a walk along the riverbank to the town of Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpo. The trek today is relatively easy, taking about 2-3 hours. You’ll stay overnight in a teahouse in Dunai.

After breakfast, you’ll begin your trek to Chhepka, a journey of about 6-7 hours. The trail follows the Suli Gad River and passes through lush forests of pine, fir, and juniper. As you walk, you’ll encounter small villages and farmland, offering a glimpse into the rural life of the Dolpo region. The trek is moderately challenging, with some ascents and descents along the way. Chhepka is a small village located near the entrance of Shey Phoksundo National Park. You’ll stay overnight in a teahouse in Chhepka.

Today’s trek takes you deeper into Shey Phoksundo National Park, as you make your way from Chhepka to Jharana Hotel, a journey of about 6-7 hours. The trail gradually ascends, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests. Along the way, you’ll pass several waterfalls, including the spectacular Phoksundo Waterfall, one of the highest in Nepal. Jharana Hotel is a simple lodge located near the trail, providing basic accommodations for trekkers. You’ll stay overnight in Jharana Hotel.

After breakfast, you’ll continue your trek to the village of Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake, one of the most beautiful and sacred lakes in Nepal. The trek takes about 6-7 hours and involves a steep climb to a ridge that offers the first breathtaking view of Phoksundo Lake. From the ridge, the trail descends to the village of Ringmo, a traditional Tibetan village located on the shores of the lake.

Phoksundo Lake is known for its deep blue waters, which reflect the surrounding cliffs and snow-capped peaks. The lake is considered sacred by the local people, and swimming or bathing in the lake is strictly prohibited. You’ll have time to explore the village of Ringmo and the nearby Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery that sits on a ridge above the lake. You’ll stay overnight in a teahouse in Ringmo.

Today is a rest day for acclimatization, allowing you to adjust to the altitude and explore the area around Phoksundo Lake. You can take a leisurely walk around the lake, visit the Tshowa Gompa, or simply relax and enjoy the stunning scenery. This is also an opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their unique culture and traditions. The peaceful environment of Phoksundo Lake provides the perfect setting for meditation and reflection. You’ll stay overnight in a teahouse in Ringmo.

After a day of rest, you’ll continue your trek, leaving the serene shores of Phoksundo Lake behind. Today’s trek takes you to Phoksundo Khola, a journey of about 5-6 hours. The trail follows the western edge of the lake, passing through rocky terrain and dense forests. As you trek, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.

Phoksundo Khola is a remote area with few settlements, and the trail becomes more rugged and challenging as you move deeper into the Dolpo region. You’ll camp near the Phoksundo River, surrounded by the natural beauty of the area. This remote campsite offers a true wilderness experience, far from the comforts of civilization. You’ll spend the night in tents.

Today’s trek is one of the most challenging sections of the journey, as you make your way from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang, a journey of about 6-7 hours. The trail involves a steep ascent through a narrow gorge, with some sections requiring careful navigation. As you climb higher, the landscape becomes more barren and rugged, with towering cliffs and snow-capped peaks dominating the horizon.

Phoksundo Bhanjyang is a high-altitude campsite located at the base of the Kang La Pass. The campsite offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and the night sky here is filled with stars. You’ll spend the night in tents, preparing for the challenging pass crossing the next day.

Today is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek, as you cross the Kang La Pass (5,360m) and descend to Shey Gompa, the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo. The trek begins with a steep ascent to the pass, which takes about 2-3 hours. The climb is tough, but the panoramic views from the top of the pass are absolutely breathtaking.

From the pass, you’ll descend into the Shey Valley, a remote and sacred area that is home to the famous Shey Gompa, also known as the Crystal Monastery. The monastery, which dates back to the 11th century, is a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists and is surrounded by a landscape of stunning natural beauty.

You’ll have time to explore the monastery and the surrounding area, learning about the spiritual significance of Shey Gompa and the ancient traditions of the Dolpo-pa people. You’ll stay overnight in a teahouse or camp near the monastery.

Today is a rest day at Shey Gompa, allowing you to explore the area and acclimatize to the high altitude. You can take a walk around the Shey Valley, visit the nearby hermit caves, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the monastery. This is also an opportunity to meditate and reflect in one of the most spiritual places in Nepal.

Shey Gompa is surrounded by dramatic landscapes, including the Crystal Mountain, a sacred peak that is considered the spiritual center of Dolpo. The monastery itself is a beautiful and serene place, offering a deep sense of peace and connection to the natural world. You’ll stay overnight in a teahouse or camp near the monastery.

After a day of rest and exploration, you’ll continue your trek, leaving Shey Gompa behind and heading towards Namgung, a journey of about 5-6 hours. The trail takes you through a series of high-altitude passes and remote valleys, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Namgung is a small village located on a hillside, with traditional stone houses and terraced fields. The village is home to Namgung Monastery, a small but important religious site for the local people. You’ll have time to explore the village and the monastery, learning about the unique culture and traditions of the Dolpo-pa. You’ll stay overnight in a teahouse in Namgung.

Today’s trek takes you from Namgung to Saldang, one of the largest and most important villages in Upper Dolpo. The trek takes about 5-6 hours and involves a gradual ascent through rugged terrain. As you approach Saldang, the landscape opens up, offering wide views of the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Saldang is a vibrant and culturally rich village, with traditional Tibetan-style houses, monasteries, and chortens (Buddhist shrines). The village is a center of trade and agriculture in the region, and you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their way of life. You’ll stay overnight in a teahouse in Saldang.

After breakfast, you’ll continue your trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa, a journey of about 5-6 hours. The trail follows the river valley, passing through small villages and farmland. As you trek, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Yangze Gompa is an ancient monastery located in a remote area of Upper Dolpo. The monastery is a major religious site for the Dolpo-pa people and is surrounded by a landscape of stunning natural beauty. You’ll have time to explore the monastery and the surrounding area, learning about the spiritual traditions of the region. You’ll stay overnight in a teahouse or camp near the monastery.

Today’s trek takes you from Yangze Gompa to Dho Tarap, one of the most culturally rich and isolated villages in Upper Dolpo. The trek takes about 7-8 hours and involves a series of high-altitude passes and rugged terrain.

Dho Tarap is a traditional Tibetan village located in a wide valley, surrounded by high mountains. The village is home to several ancient monasteries and chortens, and the people of Dho Tarap continue to follow a traditional way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. You’ll stay overnight in a teahouse in Dho Tarap.

Today is a rest day at Dho Tarap, allowing you to explore the village and the surrounding area. You can visit the local monasteries, interact with the villagers, and learn about the unique culture and traditions of the Dolpo-pa people. Dho Tarap is a fascinating place, offering a deep insight into the traditional way of life in one of the most remote regions of Nepal.

The village is also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, with wide valleys, towering cliffs, and snow-capped peaks. This is a perfect place to relax and reflect on your journey through Upper Dolpo. You’ll stay overnight in a teahouse in Dho Tarap.

After a day of rest, you’ll continue your trek from Dho Tarap to Tokyu, a journey of about 5-6 hours. The trail follows the Tarap River, passing through narrow gorges and open valleys. As you trek, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Tokyu is a small village located in a wide valley, with traditional stone houses and terraced fields. The village is home to several monasteries and chortens, and you’ll have the opportunity to explore the village and interact with the local people. You’ll stay overnight in a teahouse in Tokyu.

Today is the final day of your trek, as you make your way from Tokyu back to Juphal. The trek takes about 6-7 hours and involves a gradual descent through forests and fields. As you approach Juphal, you’ll notice the change in landscape, with more cultivated land and traditional houses.

Upon reaching Juphal, you’ll check into a local teahouse and have the rest of the day to relax or explore the town. Juphal is a traditional town with a rich cultural heritage, and you can visit local temples or stroll through the markets. You’ll stay overnight in Juphal, enjoying a warm meal and reflecting on the incredible journey you’ve just completed.

After breakfast, you’ll take a flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel, where you can rest or explore the city at your own pace.

The rest of the day is free for you to do some last-minute shopping, visit cultural sites, or relax at your hotel. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a farewell dinner at a traditional Nepali restaurant, where you can share your experiences with fellow trekkers. You’ll stay overnight in Kathmandu.

On your final day, you’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight. As you leave Nepal, you’ll carry with you the memories of the Upper Dolpo Trek, a journey that has taken you to some of the most remote and beautiful places in the Himalayas.