Upper Dolpo Trek

We'll pick you up from Kathmandu airport according to the time of your flight landing on your arrival day. Our airport representative will assist you in checking in at the hotel and leave you to freshen up. Feel free to explore the nearby area. 

In the evening, you will meet with the trip manager, who will address your needs and brief you on the program in detail. 

Today is a free day for you. We'll make a special permit for the trek to Upper Dolpo. As you have a free day, you can explore Kathmandu Valley on your own after breakfast at the hotel in the morning.

Today, you'll fly over the entire western Himalayan range. You'll fly to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu Airport, one of the hottest cities in Nepal. You'll take another flight to Jhupal, enjoying superb views of the Himalayas. Then, load your luggage in the jeep and drive to Dunai. 

Today, you'll pack your luggage and get ready to begin the first day of the trek. The trail crosses a bridge over the Bheri River and walks on the left side of the route to Shulighat. Shulighat is the entry point of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Trekking through many small settlement areas to reach Chhepka village.

You'll gradually ascend along the valley through lush forest. The route has numerous ascents and descents. You'll cross a river on a small bridge and reach Raichi. The trail then crosses an impressive point to see two rivers merging to form a single Phoksundo river. Then, you'll continue walking to reach Chunuwar.

You'll walk uphill via the densely forested slopes. The route presents fantastic mountain views. You'll get to see the spectacular view of Phoksundo Lake. The views are unbelievable. You'll spend the night in the Ringmo Gaun, near the Phoksundo Lake.

It is your day off in Ringmo. You'll explore the gorgeous Phoksundo lake and enjoy its beauty. Later, you'll visit ancient monasteries in the Ringmo village. The locals of this village follow the BonPo religion. You'll have an excellent opportunity to see their lifestyle and learn about their traditions.

You'll begin the day by gradually ascending a carved path along the cliffside overlooking the lake. It is primarily an uphill walk, and the views are remarkable. You'll take a small break in a rocky area and trek through the lush forest to Phoksundo Khola Camp.

The trail winds through the Tuk Kyaksa River. You'll alternate the sides as you walk further along the river. The trail then crosses a gorge, and you'll climb to Nagdalo High Camp.

Today, you'll reach Shey Gompa, a prominent place in the Dolpo region. But first, you have to cross the Nagdalo La pass. Nagdalo La is the highest pass of the Upper Dolpo Trek. From the high camp, you'll ascend on a steep path to reach the top of the pass that offers breathtaking mountain scenery.

Further, the trail steeply descends to Shey Gompa, an 800-year-old monastery on a grassy slope.

Today is your second acclimatization day in Dolpo Trek. You'll explore Shey Gompa and Tsakang Gompa. Tsakang Gompa is more like a retreat centre. Later, you'll visit the Shey Gompa, built in the 11th century.

To the west of Shey Gompa, you'll see superb views of Crystal Mountain. The mountain's cliff is laced with quartz and a wide range of fossils.

After having breakfast, you'll begin trekking towards Shey La Pass. The path is zigzag and rocky. From the pass, you descend to the pastures and walk towards Namgung Gompa.

From Namgung Gompa, you'll steeply ascend to a ridge at 4,700 meters. The trail from here drops down to Saldang village, one of the biggest villages in Dolpo. Today's walk is short and scenic.

Today is another rest day in Upper Dolpo Trekking. You'll take all these rest days between the trek to acclimatize your body and explore the villages. You'll hike to Yangtsher Gompa. Encompassing dunes, you'll visit centuries-old Samye Choling and Jovo monasteries.

Along the way, there are many mani walls and prayer flags. You'll also visit hidden hamlets around Saldang village.

From here onwards, the trail becomes quiet and isolated until it reaches Khoma Gaun. You'll enjoy diverse landscapes, from bare hills and dunes to white-washed villages, colourful chortens, and mani walls. On the way, you'll cross many streams, ascend, and descend a few times before reaching Khoma Gaun.

You'll pack up your belongings and begin trekking towards Shimen Gaun. The trail passes through old traditional villages and mani walls. You'll cross Shimen La pass (4,375 m) and descend to Panjyan Khola. Shimen village is on the bank of this river.

Today, you'll trek on a downhill path that gets off-trail above Panjyan Khola. Along the way, you'll visit another ancient and significant monastery called Pu Gompa. From Tinkyu, the scenery gets exclusive, and the culture of the locals makes the trek very special.

Today, when you start your trek, you'll follow the Panjyang Khola to reach Chhamdang. The trail then goes through arid shrublands to Thalum Khola. From here, you'll continue walking on the remote path to reach Yak Kharka.

You'll cross a bridge over Sulun Khola and walk upstream to Choila La (5,040 m), the last 5,000 meters on this trek. The route is rugged and steep, but the outstanding view from the top of the pass compensates for our hard walks. The trail descends to Tokyu for the night's stay.

Today, you'll visit the ancient Tokyu monastery early in the morning. Then, you leave Tokyo to reach Dho Tarap after breakfast. You'll pass by hamlets and terraced fields. Along the way, you'll see huge cattle grazing on green pastures.

Upon visiting Chaiba Gompa, you'll pass by the chortens and mani walls before reaching Dho Tarap.

Today, you'll pass several small villages while trekking through the Tarap valley. There are many chortens and some occasional gompas along the trail. The scenery is fantasy. Further, you'll walk along the Tarap Khola and a narrow gorge to reach Ghyangmar.

Today's trail is rough through the gorge, so you have to be careful when walking. You'll often walk from one side of the river to another, so you'll cross the river many times to reach Chhyugar. 

The day begins by crossing a bridge and walking alongside the Tarap Khola, an impressive route today. The trail leads to the beautiful Tarakkot village, where you'll spend the night.

After having breakfast, you'll begin walking along the bank of the Thuli Bheri River. The trail then goes through forests and terraced fields to Dunai village.

Today is the last walking day of your upper dolpo trekking. It's an easy and relaxing walk to Juphla from Dunai. You'll enjoy the surrounding views while trekking. You can celebrate in the evening as you complete one of the most challenging and longest treks in the Himalayas.

You'll take a back-to-back flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu. It's your last day in Kathmandu, so enjoy the remaining day as you wish. Shopping and spending some time in the spa sounds great. 

Our airport team member will handle the airport drop as per your flight departure time. Have a safe flight, and see you soon!