Upper 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.

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 wobbly 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. Next, trail descends through birch forests to upper reaches of Phoksundo Khola, then to picturesque 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 its Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. Get acquainted with local culture. Dolpo people wear homespun clothing sometimes dyed maroon, favor Tibetan-style somba or dhocha boots with upturned toes. Both 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 that opens into the flood plain of Phoksundo Khola. Walk through valley, crossing river, avoiding boggy marsh, then camp at river bank.

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

Ascend steep slate trail towards pass. Climb is strenuous. From Kang-la pass, get excellent views of large valley dissected by river. Descend to valley floor on steep trail. Walk along riverbanks crossing several times. Mud caves line hills. Pass through meadows with grazing yaks, sheep, and mountain goats. Cross log bridge to Shey Gompa for the night.

Shey Gompa built in 1655, noted for giant copper gilded gold statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. East of gompa 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. In Dolpo, animism and Buddhist teachings combine. Overnight in Shey Gompa.

Trail follows among juniper trees descending into grey stone canyon. Path zigzags over rocks and eroded soil to top of Saldang-la pass. Descend north amidst grazing yaks, sheep, and nomadic tents. Visit Namgung monastery built against cliff wall.

Climb up slope and long walk along dusty barren mountains. Saldang village stretches for nearly two kilometers with about eighty houses and six hundred people. Prosperous agriculturally and strategically located on trade route to Tibet.

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

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

Walk along Nam Khong Khola passing yak caravans. Ascend steep to grazing area below Jeng La pass. Camp in meadow.

Reach top of Jeng La pass with views of north face of Dhaulagiri massif. Descend rough trail to Tarap Valley along Tarap Chu river. Camp near monastery at Tokyu.

Trek downhill on grassy valley floor with patches of lush grass, marsh similar to Tibetan desert mountains. Both Bon Po and Buddhist sects practiced. Reach Dho Tarap village.

Rest and stroll in Dho Tarap village surrounded by stone wall. Visit Buddhist Gompa or Bon Po Gompa.

Descend to narrow gorge through juniper and wild rose bushes. See herds of blue sheep. Reach confluence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola. Camp on meadow called Kamakharka.

Walk down Tarap River gorge, meet locals herding livestock to lower pastures. Narrow valley with stone slabs as bridges across river. Camp beside Tarap Khola at Khanigaon.

Trail passes through lush forest, descends to gorge, follows river again to Tarakot. Visit Sandul Gompa on hill near Bheri River. Camp near Tarap Chu river below Tarakot.

Trail along Bheri River, crosses bridges near Lawan village and Lochakhola Gaon, ascends to Dunai for overnight.

Trek along Bheri River through Dhupichaur, Rupgad villages and temple. Continue via Kalagaonda and Motipur villages to airstrip.

Earliest flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj, then connecting flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel upon arrival.

Farewell breakfast, final stroll and souvenir shopping. Driver transfers to airport for departure.