Everest Three Passes and Peak Inner Dolpo Trek

Flying into Kathmandu, you'll have views over the valley, the Himalaya, and the terraced fields below. After completing customs, a representative will be waiting to greet you outside the airport and to guide you through the initial culture shock of Kathmandu’s narrow, winding streets to your hotel.

Today is a free day for you. You can either stay at the hotel and relax or you can explore Kathmandu city on your own. On your request, we can also arrange the full guided sightseeing tour for you. As for the restricted permit, we will need your original passport to issue the restricted trek permit. You can hand over your original passport to our office representative at the time of your arrival. In the evening, you will have a short trek briefing. we will introduce you with your trek guide and hand over your passport at the same time.

Take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj is a town near the Nepal-India border, also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town showcasing the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, you can visit the local market, mini-zoo and nearby villages on your own.

Trek to Dunai (2140m). After breakfast, fly to Jhupal. The town is beautifully located over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to its north. Walk through terraced fields to the Bheri River and its narrow gorge. Continue walking to Dunai, administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. Explore the small town in the evening and camp there for the night.

Leave Dunai and cross a suspension bridge then turn west following a trail past a hospital. The trail ascends up the side of the treeless Thulo Bheri valley before entering Phoksundo river valley. During the walk, get view of Kagmara Peak up the valley. Pass through walnut groves, Dhera and Rahagaun villages, walk down dense jungles and finally reach Ankhe.

 Our trail ascends and descends along a wooded riverbank and climbs on a steep trail. The ups and downs can be monotonous, but several streams along the way provide a chance to cool off. The trail leaves the forests and passes through grassy slope high above the river. Trek downhill surrounded by lush forests before reaching a cliff followed by a stone staircase to the river bank. Continue trekking until we reach Sulighat where we spend the night.

 Continue journey along valley floor to the confluence of Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers. After crossing a bridge, walk on the western bank of Pungmo Khola. Trail passes through cedar forest before reaching Palam village. Trek up to ridge with distant views of Phoksundo Lake and a spectacular waterfall, one of the highest in Nepal. Trail descends through birch forests to upper reaches of Phoksundo Khola, then to Ringmo village with mud-plastered chortens and mani walls. Short walk to shores of Phoksundo Lake.

A well-deserved rest day for acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake. Embark on short hike to Ringmo village and Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Get acquainted with local culture. Dolpo people wear homespun clothing dyed maroon sometimes, favor Tibetan-style somba or dhocha boots with upturned toes. Men and women wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber, and turquoise.

 Trail moves around western end of Phoksundo Lake along rocky ledge suspended on a gangway of wood. Path leads through lush meadow opening into flood plain of Phoksundo Khola. Walk valley, crossing river, avoiding boggy marsh, then camp bank.

Walk level path through glacial valley north. Cross wooden bridge at confluence of Phoksundo Khola and another stream. Long climb brings to sheep meadow. Trail up steep ravine. Hard climb to valley with views of Kang-La pass. Camp near pass at 'Snowfields Camp'. Admire Chhamlang peak (6739m) and peak 7 (6105m).

 Ascend steep slate trail to pass. Strenuous climb. From pass top, excellent views of valley dissected by river. Descend steep trail. Walk along riverbanks crossing multiple times. Mud caves lining hills. Pass meadows grazing yaks, sheep, and mountain goats. Cross log bridge to Shey Gompa for night.

 Shey Gompa built in 1655, noted for giant copper gilded gold statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. East is Crystal Mountain with contorted cliffs laced with quartz and marine fossils. Rest day for acclimatization. Hike around Shey village, famous for ancient pre-Buddhist Bon Po culture. Animism and Buddhism combine here.

 Follow trail among juniper trees descending into grey canyon. Path zigzags over bare rocks and eroded soil to Saldang-la pass top. Descend north past grazing yaks, sheep, and nomadic tents. Visit Namgung monastery built against north cliff wall gorge.

 Climb slope and walk dusty barren mountains. After several hours, see Saldang village on plateau. Largest village of inner Dolpo, with 80 well-built houses and 600 people. Prosperous agriculturally and strategically located on trade route to Tibet.

 Walk north along Nagon Khola pasture with ups and downs. Pass Marang and Ki villages. Cross tributaries of Panzang River, reach Yangze gompa with old Bon-Po Monastery.

 Two trails connect Yangze to Sibu. Retrace path to Saldang for easier route. Walk along river with terraced fields, stupas, chortens, mani stones, Chaiba monastery. Pass prosperous Namdo village with 60 houses. Camp near Sibu.

 Walk Nam Khong Khola past yak caravans. Ascend grazing area below Jeng La pass (4900m). Camp in meadow.

 Early morning climb to Jeng La pass top with views of Dhaulagiri massif north face. Descend rough trail to Tarap Valley plains extending 20 km along Tarap Chu river. Camp near Tokyu monastery.

 Descend grassy valley floor with patches of lush grass and marsh, different from other Inner Dolpo regions. Both Bon Po and Buddhist sects practiced here. Reach Dho Tarap village.