Trip Highlights:

“Adventure on Nepal Far Wild West in the country of snow-leopard and blue sheep Explore immense ancient Bon culture of pre Buddhism around high Dolpo villages Photogenic landscapes with beautiful scenery of high terrain within towering peaks Walk into Nepal largest Shey-Phoksundo National Park and its emerald lake of Phoksundo Trek into hidden high country of Upper Dolpo to mystical Shey Gompa the crystal monastery Exciting walks around cultural villages of inner and upper Dolpo of great interest Scenic flights to and from Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Jhupal with awesome mountain views”.

Brief Trip Profile:

Mode of Trekking: On Hotels and Lodge with camping.  

Trekking Grade : Moderate to Adventurous.

Highest Altitude : On top Kang-La pass 5,350 m & Jyanta-La at 5,220 m high.

Activities  : Sightseeing tour, exciting flights and scenic trekking.

People and Culture : Dominated by Dolpo native, with some Magar tribes of   Buddhism and Bon religions with varied culture and custom. 

Area of Trekking : Nepal Far North West beyond Dhaulagiri Himalaya range.

Trekking duration : 20 Nights and 21 Days (with both ways flights Jhupal to Jhupal).

Total Trip : 24 Nights and 25 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu).

Season :  April to November includes monsoon months of June to  mid September, as Upper Dolpo falls within Rain-Shadow area blocked by high Himalayan Mountains.

Introduction:

Mountain Challenger Treks and Expeditions present “Upper Dolpo Trekking” within fantastic scenic country around Nepal Far Western Himalaya, within remote Wild West in the land of Bon culture, elusive snow-leopard and blue sheep. A fascinating adventure leads you to experience the journey of a lifetime walking into forgotten areas untouched by modern civilization within pristine wilderness of mountains and verdant valley in the harmony of native Dolpo immense ancient culture of Bon (pre-Buddhism) that still exists in this isolated areas of Upper Dolpo. Starting this fabulous adventure Upper Dolpo Trekking taking a swift panoramic flight to land at sub-tropical around Nepal Far South West at Nepalgunj city, and the flight continues to reach our main destination at Jhupal within Dolpo district. The walk continues past interesting farm villages and town of Dunai, the major hub of Dolpo areas as our route first leads to visit at beautiful emerald colored Phoksundo Lake near Ringmo village, with enjoyable and delightful time, then heading towards our real adventure reaching at Upper Dolpo region in Shey Gompa, known as Crystal Monastery. From Phoksundo Lake heading highest to cross the highest pass of the adventure over Kang-la at above 5,350 m high to reach a promised land at the mystical area around Shey Gompa also called as The Crystal Monastery, due to nearness to Crystal Mountain at close distance. Here explore the undisturbed unique place and its old monastery treasured with ancient artifacts of Buddhism and Bon religions, from here heading towards inner Dolpo areas walking past Saldana and over high passes to reach lovely villages of Tokyu within beautiful Dhotarap valley. As walk progress on return journey encountering Yak caravan on this old Trans Himalaya route to Tibet from Upper Dolpo area, and then following a river to reach historical Tarakot village of great interest, stood as a fort village of Dolpo in earlier days. From Tarakot walking towards a road-head where drive leads you past Dunai town to reach at Jhupal for last overnight in Dolpo and then a scenic flight back to Kathmandu, with fond memories and exciting adventure on Upper Dolpo Trekking. 

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01:      Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.

Day 02:   Morning free for a flight to Nepalgunj city towards Dolpo.

Day 03:   Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m then drive to Dunai 2,140 m - 02 hrs.

Day 04:    Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m - 06 hrs.

Day 05:    Trek to Sandra village 2,960m -06 hrs.

Day 06:   Trek to Phoksundo Lake 3,630 m - 06 hours.

Day 07:    Rest day at Phoksundo Lake for the local excursion.

Day 08:   Trek to Phoksundo-Khola 3,750 m- 05 hrs.

Day 09:   Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang 4,717 m - 04 hrs.

Day 10:     Cross Kang-La Pass at 5,350 m and trek to Shey Gompa 4,160 m via -06 hrs.

Day 11:  Rest day at Shey Gompa around crystal monastery.

Day 12:    Trek to Namgung 4,608 m via Sela (Gela) La 5,094m.

Day 13:     Trek to Saldang 3,770 m - 05 hours.

Day 14:  Trek to Chagaon 4,910 m - 05 hrs.

Day 15:    Trek to Dachau Khola camp at 4,700 m - 06 hrs.

Day 16:    Trek and cross Jyanta-La at 5,220 m and walk to Phedi 4,900 m - 06 hrs.

Day 17:    Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,209 m - 06 hrs.

Day 18:    Trek to Dho Tarap 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.

Day 19:   Trek to Ghyamgar 3,759 m - 07 hrs.

Day 20:   Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m - 06 hours.

Day 21:   Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m - 06 hrs.

Day 22:   Trek to Dunai - 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal - 02 hr jeep ride.

Day 23:   Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel.

Day 24:   In Kathmandu free day with an optional sightseeing tour.

Day 25:    International departure for homeward bound.  

Day 01:  Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.

On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International airport received by our Mountain Challenger staff and guides for short transfer and drive in the heart of Kathmandu city to your respective hotels. After checking into your rooms meet at the briefing hall where our guide or leader will brief you regarding Upper Dolpo trekking. Include information of hotels, lodge and do’s and don’ts with group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese Restaurant with various Folk programs of Nepal as entertainment.  

Day 02:    Morning free for a flight to Nepalgunj city towards Dolpo.

A leisure morning at Kathmandu getting ready with preparation for Upper Dolpo trekking, as per mid-day flight time or in the afternoon, transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for sweeping scenic flight to land at Nepalgunj city airport. Mind-blowing panorama of Himalayan Mountains during 50 minutes on air, then landing at Nepalgunj airport, located Nepal Far South West with sub-tropical temperatures and close to Indian border of UP (Utter Pradesh). On arrival get transferred to nearest hotels with time to explore Nepalgunj city, and observe the culture and traditional life of Indian origin, at Nepalgunj preparation for next morning flight to Dolpo.  

Day 03:    Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m then drive to Dunai 2,140 m - 02 hrs.

Early breakfast for another short connecting flight to Jhupal in Dolpo, on reaching Jhupal after 40 minutes on air, received by our trekking staff that has traveled here taking a long overland drive and walks, from Jhupal at present a motor road has been constructed connecting Dunai the main headquarter town of Dolpa area. From Jhupal a short drive of more than an hour ride to Dunai for an overnight stop, in the comfort of the nice local lodge, afternoon walk around Dunai town an interesting place to observe its culture and way of daily life.

Day 04:   Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m - 06 hrs.

After overnight in Dunai, morning walk past market crossing a bridge over Thulo Bheri River and then climb over a ridge to Phoksumdo River valley with views of Kagmara peak, from here trek leads downhill passing farm villages with walnut trees close to a stream at Dhera, a small cattle herders settlements, from here a short climb to Rahagaon village of Thakuri a Hindu local tribe, then downhill walk into forested area to reach overnight camp at Chhepka a small farm village.

Day 05:   Trek to Samdua village 2,960m -06 hrs.

From Chhepka near Ankhe area, morning walk with short climb and descend through forest reaching a river bank, from here climb on leaving the forest, from the top walk downhill to forested area leading upstream to cross a small bridge at Ryajik village, trek  further to Samdua for overnight stop near the entrance of Phoksumdo National Park.

Day 06:    Trek to Phoksundo Lake 3,630 m - 06 hours.

Morning walk leads to our first destination at Phoksumdo Lake after Pungmo Kholas valley  and crossing streams, following Pungmo Khola downhill into pine and birch trees to reach at upper side of Phoksundo Khola, after a  short break continue to walk to Ringmo village, an interesting village of Tibetan origin with mud plastered chhorten and Mani (prayer) walls. From here a short walk to Phoksundo Lake for overnight camp by the shore of beautiful turquoise Phoksundo Lake.

Day 07:   Rest day at Phoksundo Lake for the local excursion.

An ideal spot for a rest day, marvel the beautiful views of surrounding landscapes and peaks of Kagmara, or visit interesting Ringmo village and walk by the lake side.

Day 08: Trek to Phokshundo-Khola 3,750 m- 05 hrs.

From this lovely place morning walk starts to higher area of upper Dolpo region to our another highlight and final destination of this awesome journey walk follows to contour around rocky ledge over the river bank on the unsteady path, then approaching at the western side the lake through a summer pasture which opens into a wide plain of Phuksundo Khola for the overnight camp by the river shore.

Day 09:   Trek to Phuksundo Bhanjyang 4,717 m - 04 hrs.

After a nice walk of previous day, today’s morning trek begins on a good path leading northern area of Phuksundo Khola and then walking up on the hill slopes, after a steep uphill to reach at a ridge top with impressive scenery of wide green valley and looking over Kang-La pass that leads to Shey Gompa, setting the camp for the night stop on this nice green summer pasture.

Day 10: Cross Kang-La 5,350 m and trek to Shey Gompa 4,160 m via -06 hrs.

Morning walk starts to our main destination at Shey Gompa which the high lights of this adventure after Phuksundo Lake, the trek continues with a climb on stone and rocky path to cross Kang-la pass at 5,350 meters also called Nagdola pass which is the highest spot of the adventure. From the pass rewards you with super views of landscapes with snow clad peaks including Mt. Dhaulagiri. After the top, descend to the bottom of the hill leading by the river then across cattle herder camps, after a short stop continue towards Buddhist prayer monument Chorten and Mani, from here a nice walk to Shey Gompa located beneath Crystal Mountain regarded as a Holy Mountain with an old monastery nearby.

Day 11:    Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.

A perfect place for a rest day in this high mountain area, in the harmony of nature and chanting of monks, visit Shey Monastery also known Crystal Monastery, this area is well described in the novel Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen.

Day 12:  Trek to Namgung 4,608 m via Sela (Gela) La 5,094m.

From this wonderful place, our journey continuous into a wall canyon, the trail meanders atop Sela or Gela-la at 5,094 m offering great views of landscapes and of Mt. Dhaulagiri peaks, downhill on the grazing area with a pleasant walk to Namgung Gaon for an overnight stop.

Day 13:  Trek to Saldang 3,770 m - 05 hours.

After a stop in this village walk on dusty windswept terrain, leading to steep uphill to reach our overnight camp at Saldang, another impressive large village of the region, situated higher side of the plateau.

Day 14:  Trek to Chagaon 4,910 m - 05 hrs.

From here, morning walk following river Nang chu all the way with short ups and down and then passing Sugugaon and Dechen Lapran a cattle herders settlement, and then heading to our overnight camp at Chagoan village with an old Rapa Gompa of pre Buddhist and ancient Bon-Pa culture.

Day 15:   Trek to Dachu Khola camp at 4,700 m - 06 hrs.

Morning walk south towards Tarap valley around Tokyu and Dho Tarap village, then taking southern direction to reach Dachu Khola and beyond, after crossing the same trail following the river through farm fields, and then walk into Yak herder areas for overnight camp.

Day 16:   Trek and cross Jyanta-La at 5,220 m and walk to Phedi 4,900 m - 06 hrs.

After a nice stop in this summer pasture area walk follows the river for short while, and then encountering yaks and mules laden caravan on route Tibet, trade with Tibet exists since hundreds of years, and this walking route lies on the old Trans Himalayan Caravan Route. From the base of Jyanta-la, morning starts with a steep climb to reach the top of the pass with views of massive Mt. Dhaulagiri range, from here a long descend to the base of the pass on route Tokyu village.

Day 17:   Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,209 m via Jeng la 5,090m-06 hrs.

After a steep climb an easy walk today for hours reaching at Tokyu gaon for overnight, this is one of the most impressive and interesting village of Dolpo area, consist of more than ten villages and nice tended farm fields with an old monasteries.

Day 18: Trek to Dho Tarap 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.

After Tokyugaon, morning starts with downhill walk towards Tarap Chu on broader green valley, this is one of the scenic wide valleys with lots of Sheppard’s settlements of Yaks and Sheep, and walk continues to our overnight camp at Dho Tarap, this is another interesting village with mix tribes of Tibetans origin and Magar hill tribe people.

Day 19:  Trek to Ghyamgar 3,759 m - 07 hrs.

From here a long descend to Tarap valley, one of the largest and longest valley of Dolpo area which is about 20 k.m. which stretches following Tarap Chu River most of the way to joins with Thuli Bheri River near Tarakot village, walk leads past Langa with beautiful cascading waterfalls heading due south following the trail after Sisaul and small place of Kesila around Yak herders temporary camps to reach our overnight camp at Ghyamgar.

Day 20:    Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m - 06 hours.

Today walks on Tarap nice valley, as the trail enter into a narrow gorge with some vegetation of bushes of juniper and wild rose, walk leads past Toltol with a large overhanging cave, around this area might see some wild life like Naur or Blue Sheep and other animals. As the walk progress reaching a confluence of River Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, overnight camp by the river after a long day walk of about 6 hours.

Day 21: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m - 06 hrs.

Start morning walk passing smaller villages and then into a small wooded area, following river all the way at Tarakot, a large and interesting village with old history and well maintained terraced farm fields, Tarakot with an old historical fortress (Dzong or Kot) guarding the village. Tarakot village houses famous old Sandul Gomba located at the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River where the overnight camp is placed.

Day 22:    Trek to Dunai - 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal - 02 hr jeep ride.

After a great time at Tarakot, our last day walk leads to Dunai for short while and then taking a short drive to Jhupal for the flight back to Kathmandu. Morning starts following many spread out villages and farmers huts, walking on a wider trail with some short uphill and downhill towards Thuli Bheri River valley to reach at Dunai, on reaching Dunai time permitting having lunch. From here jeeps drive to Jhupal to catch our next morning flight to Nepalgunj.

Day 23:     Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

As per morning flight time for Nepalgunj, then transfer to Jhupal small airstrip after bidding goodbye to most of the camping staff and porters, where short scenic flight takes you to southern Nepal within Terai belt at Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj with short transit stops and then fly back to Kathmandu facing panorama of mountains during air and then reaching at Kathmandu airport where you get transferred back to your hotels with the afternoon free at leisure.

Day 24:    In Kathmandu free day with an optional sightseeing tour.

A contingeny Free day in Kathmandu, in case of flight delay and cancellation in Jhupal, Dolpo which can occur sometimes due to bad and unfavorable weather conditions which is beyond our control. If all goes well using this spare day for an optional tour at places of interest around old heritage sites of Kathmandu-Patan or Bhaktapur, with rest of the day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs. 

Day 25:     International departure for home ward bound.

Last day in Nepal country of high mountains and varied colorful culture, as per your international flight time, our staff transfer you to the airport for final departure homeward bound with fabulous and unique memories and adventure on Upper Mustang Trekking.

Cost Details

  • Airport pick up and drop.
  • Meals (Breakfast + Lunch+ Dinner and Tea items) during trekking.
  • Accommodation (Tea house/tent) while on the trek.
  • Well trained trekking guide.
  • All Ground transportation.
  • Hotel in Kathmandu two nights. (on B.B base). 
  • All require permits.
  • Travel & Rescue arrangement.
  • All necessary equipment and gears for camping organization on tented base trekking.
  • Porters.

  • Client Travel insurance.
  • Alcoholic, beverage.
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected).
  • individual expenses of personal nature.
  • Donation for a local school, community poor people, if client want.

No fixed departures.

Trip Review


Starting from$2,500

  • Trip Level
    Moderate
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Max Altitude
    5,350m
  • Duration
    25 Days

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