Upper Dolpo Trek

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Recommended by 99% of travelers
Facts
Duration
25 Days
Maximum Altitude
5,550 m
Group Size
2-16
Wishlist

Upper Dolpo Trekking lies in the trans-Himalayan region of mid-west Nepal, a land remote and isolated from the rest of the country. Since Upper Dolpo was once part of Tibet, its culture, landscape, and ethnicity are the same as Tibet and Tibetans. The Tibetan culture in the Upper part of Dolpo is the only one well-preserved on this side of the Himalayas.

Upper Dolpa Trek focuses on the journey to Shey Gompa Monastery deep into Dolpo Valley's heart. The 11th-century Shey Gompa belongs to the Kagyupa sect (the first Kagyupa monastery) and was founded by Lama Ten-Szin-Ra-Pa. Shey in the Tibetan language means vivid, crystal, and pure. Today the monastery is in the care of the Chiba community.

The Upper Dolpo trekking route from Juphal, which is connected by Nepalgunj and a two-day walk from Juphal, will reach Shey Phoksundo Lake (3600 m), a high-altitude lake, which is a Ramsar site lying within Shey Phoksundo National Park. The lake is breathtakingly beautiful, with turquoise water and natural serenity. Along the trek, you will have the constant backdrop of snowy Himalayan peaks from Dhaulagiri in the north to Wedge Peak, Kang Peak, and Mt. Api in the west.

Upper Dolpo trek difficulty: The Kangla Pass at 5,151m is one of the highest passes in the Dolpo region and crossing this is mandatory to get to Shey Gompa (4200 m). The Gompa offers splendid views of crystal mountains and lacks mountains. After spending time in the Gompa you will drop down to Tarakot via Lahini by passing two other passes: Saldang La pass (4785 m) and Jenjela Pass (4845 m).

Explore the Upper Dolpo trekking with Global Adventure Trekking and live your dream! The cost of the trek is very comprehensive and doing a camping trek and the flight connectivity. The Trek is fully into the wild nature where you experience being above the clouds.

Note: If you have leisure days, you can explore the Bardia National Park after your trek.

Highlights

  • Trek through trans-Himalayan region of Dolpo
  • Observe Tibetan culture and lifestyle and learn about Tibetan Buddhism
  • Visit Shey Gompa and Shey Phoksundo National Park
  • Cross Kangala Pass, Saldang La pass and Janje La pass
  • Capture amazing views of Kanjiroba, Kagamara, Api, Matathumba, Ghyutumba, etc.

Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary Outline

  • Day 01: Arrival and transfer to Hotel in Kathmandu (1,350 m)
  • Day 02: Kathmandu Fly to Nepalgunj (150 m)
  • Day 03: Nepalgunj fly to Juphal (2,500 m) and trek to Dunai (2,150 m)
  • Day 04: Dunai Trek to Chhepka Village (2,800 m)
  • Day 05: Chhepka Trek to Jharana (Waterfall) (3,150 m)
  • Day 06: Jharana Trek to Ringmo (Phoksundo Lake) (3,650 m)
  • Day 07: Shey Phoksundo lake Trek to Chunemba (3,650 m)
  • Day 08: Chunemba trek to Lar Tsa
  • Day 09: Lar Tsa Trek to Mendok Ding (4,610 m)
  • Day 10: Mendok Ding Trek to Shey Gumpa (4,390 m)
  • Day 11: Shey Gumba Trek to Namgung (4,430 m)
  • Day 12: Namgung Trek to Karang (4,050 m)
  • Day 13: Karang Trek to Mugoan (4,100 m)
  • Day 14: Mugaon Trek to Shimen (4,000 m)
  • Day 15: Shimen Trek to Tinje (4,150 m)
  • Day 16: Tinje Trek to Rakpa (4,530 m)
  • Day 17: Rakpa Trek to Chharka (4,120 m)
  • Day 18: Chharka Trek to Norbulung (4,750 m)
  • Day 19: Norbulung Trek to Sangda Phedi (5,100 m)
  • Day 20: Sangda Phedi Trek to Sangda (3,700 m)
  • Day 21: Sengda Trek to Dhagarjun (3,290 m)
  • Day 22: Dhagarjun Trek to Jomsom (2,670 m)
  • Day 23: Jomsom Fly back to Pokhara and Kathmandu
  • Day 24: Buffer day in Kathmandu
  • Day 25: Final Departure

Itinerary

This Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary presents you the details of Upper Dolpa Trek include Trek-Map, Cost, client reviews, trek gear list, day to day itinerary and detailed itinerary. Upper Dolpo trek offers snowy peaks, ancient and remote villages, humane local people, unique culture, traditions, wildlife, Buddhist monasteries and wonderful lakes.

Upon scheduled arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by Global Adventure Trekking Company (GAT) personnel and transferred to the hotel. Checking in and if time consent visit GAT’s office for pre-trip briefing and meet the Guide. Then free to wander around Thamel.

Meals: NoneAccommodation: Hotel

We are having about 45 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj in the afternoon. The flight offers beautiful landscapes and mountain views. It is an interesting western Terai town of Nepal nearby Indian border. We visit the local market, explore the diverse culture of locality, mini-zoo and nearby villages.

Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel

We take half an hour morning flight to Juphal, the starting point for the trek to Phoksundo Lake. From here, we begin our trek ascending to southeast over Thulo Bheri Valley then stroll over pretty fields to the village of Kalagaunda. We follow the Bheri River and pass Roop Ghar and finally get the Dunai village.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

We depart Dunai after breakfast, trekking down to Bheri River, cross a suspension bridge, follow the river bank to Sulighat, head north and pass through Shey Phoksundo National Park check-post. The rough trail climbs up to the windy Suli Ghad River and walks through a tropical walnut and maple forest. We enjoy the flapping prayer flags, pleasant waterfalls, verdant flora to enter Shyanta village then climb final hour uphill along the narrow trail to reach the Chhepka village.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

Today we walk through cedar forest crossing Rechi and Samduwa to get Jharana literally means waterfall, where we enjoy in front of the fantastic 303 m Waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Nepal and a distant view of Phoksundo Lake.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

Today we have a short walk through the birch forest, crossing a suspension bridge and pastureland to a Bon Village Ringmo on the southern end of the Phoksundo Lake.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

Walking through the crevices filled up with wooden logs with great backdrop views of Kanjerawa and Sonam Kang. The trail finally enters through thorn bush and scrub trees.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

Until Kang, Gopa path is flat and easy but afterwards, it steeps up through the grassy ridge.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

Today is an easy and short day even though it is an uphill walk. You might encounter with Blue Sheep along the path.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

You are trekking into the wilderness area. Many goats, sheep, yak and other animals are around the jungle.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

The challenge of the day is the crossing of Shey La (5010m) and descend to Nmarung. Namrung is famous for ancient monasteries and caves. Overnight at Camp.Tent

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

Today we planned the itinerary through the upper route. If it is difficult to you can choose lower path to Seldang which is nice and beautiful village. Overnight at Camp.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

Cross a small river and climb to Yangtser Gompa at 3750m. This Gompa is known as oldest Monastery in this region. Overnight at Camp.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

You will continue uphill to Mushi La (5030m) and descend to Shimen village.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

Your trek is bit long today too.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

You are trekking along the river bank lead you in no time to Rakpa.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

You leave Rakpa to get to Chharka La pass at 4920m. After this descend all the way to the picturesque walled village of Chharka.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

From Chherka, descend to river where our campsite is.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

Trek up to Molum Sumna at 5130m and descend to river campsite.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

It is your longest day of the entire trek as you climb to Sengda La (4,990 m) and get to Sangda Ghunsa at (4,190 m).

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

The trail from Sengda to Dhagarjun is abounded with ridges. En route, you will cherish the finest view of mountain and landscape of Mustang valley.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Tent

The downhill trail to Jomsom is easy and short.

Meals: Full BoardAccommodation: Lodge

Take an early morning flight to Pokhara and then a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel.

Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel

 

This is a free and Leasure day in Kathmandu. You are free to walk around Thamel or we can arrange the Kathmandu city tour includes UNESCO world heritage sights - Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati Nath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa.

Meals: BreakfastAccommodation: Hotel

Depending on your flight schedule, our staffs will take you to the Kathmandu international airport. 

Meals: Breakfast

Cost Details

Includes

  • Airport picks up and drops off by private vehicle
  • Three Night twin sharing stander Hotel in Kathmandu including breakfast
  • One Night twin sharing stander Hotel in Nepalgunj with breakfast
  • Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu regular flight ticket with departure tax
  • Nepalgunj-Juphal-Nepalgunj regular flight ticket with departure tax
  • 15 kg luggage plus 5 kg hand bag allowance with all domestic flight 
  • An Experienced English Speaking Trekking Guide with equipment
  • One porter per two trekkers
  • Food, accommodation, Insurance, Transportation and salary of Guide and Porter
  • Rara National park Entry Permit
  • 20 Nights mountain (Tent / Teahouse) accommodation with full board meals
  • TIMS (Trekkers Information Management System)
  • All Government and Local Tax and VAT

Excludes

  • Nepalese visa fee, Visa can be obtained on your upon arrival in Kathmandu Airport. Visa cost 25 USD, 40 USD, 100 USD for 15, 30 and 90 days respectively
  • Excess baggage charge(s)
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary)
  • International flights Tickets
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s)
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj
  • Tips for guide(s), porter(s)

Dates & Availability

Upper Dolpo Trek is the most wilderness, adventurous, and glamorous trekking in the majestic Dolpo region of Nepal, and we do not have any scheduled departures. Kindly write us back with your preferred date, and we will organize this trip privately. 

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