Duration

30 Days

Trip Difficulty

Easy

Group Size

Unlimited

Trip Overview

Overview
Upper Dolpo Trek remote trekking experience that will take you to the mystic land of Nepal. It is an ancient land of Buddhists. Most of the people residing in this area follow the Bonpo religion. Upper Dolpo is not only popular for its mystic land but also its natural beauty. This remote region is blessed with natural beauty and culture.

The trekking trail passes many gigantic mountain ranges. Mountains like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Kanjiroba, etc. Similarly, the wild rugged natural beauty, remoteness, and stunning mountain make this trek more special for the trekkers. Guru Rinpoche created Dolpo as a sanctuary for the Buddhist devout by separating it from the world by high mountains and snow-covered passes.

The Upper Dolpo Trek takes you to the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo also known as Shey Gompa. It’s a magical place, at the base of Crystal Mountain. Due to this, hundreds of pilgrims come to visit crystal mountain every year to do Kora. Kora is a religious act done by taking a circle around the mountain. The Upper Dolpo trekking trail follows the ancient Tibetan salt caravan route across the cross three high passes, Nagdalo La of 5350m, the Shey La of 5000 m, and Jeng La of 5110 m.

During summer, the flower blooms in its full splendor. You can encounter orchids, edelweiss, Campanella, and forget me not plant all along your way. Phoksundo Lake, a lake with deep blue crystal clear water is the major attraction of this trek. The Upper Dolpo region is also remarkably known for its wildlife. Blue sheep, Serow, and Snow Leopard are also the major attractions.

The wilderness of this secluded region is truly awe-inspiring. This is a strenuous hike that involves long climbs and long descends but unforgettable landscapes. Hence, the views from the passes and the encounter with a very ancient culture make the hike worth it.

Highlights

  • Enter Nepal’s largest national Park- Shey Phoksundo National Park
  • Admire the gorgeous waterfall and azure Phoksundo Lake.
  • Explore the secluded “Upper Dolpo” region that lies beneath Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massif.
  • Walk along the path where the movie “Caravan” was filled.
  • Visit Shey Gompa and admire the beautiful views of the Tibetan plateau. Trek along the world’s deepest gorge- Kali Gandagi Valley.
  • Trek to Jomson.

Cost Include

  • Accommodation for nights spent at the hotel in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj inclusive of breakfast at the hotel.
  • Domestic Flight to/from Nepalgunj and Juphal.
  • All the road transport along with pick up and drop at the airport upon your arrival and departure.
  • Kathmandu Sightseeing tour inclusive of the entry fees, a travel guide and a private vehicle.
  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner during the trek.
  • The accommodation in tented camps throughout trek.
  • A guide and a porter to assist you throughout your journey
  • Permit fees of Shey Phoksundo National Park/ restricted area of Upper Dolpo.
  • Fees to be paid for Trekkers Information Management System – TIMS. (Note : You are required to bring two passport size photo for this purpose)
  • All other government fees and taxes.
  • All trekking necessary equipment
  • First aid safety kit with basic medicines essential.

Cost Exclude

  • Nepal Entry visa fees.
  • Meals (lunch, dinner) in the hotel in Cities
  • International Airfare
  • Snacks, soft drink during the trek
  • Personal trekking equipment are not provided by HET.
  • Tips to the guide, porter, driver or any other trekking staff
  • Extra baggage charge

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Day
As you arrive at the airport in Kathmandu, our representative will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel for check in. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2: Trek Preparation and Kathmandu sightseeing tour
Your guide will pick you up at the hotel and escort you to the UNSECO listed heritage sites in Kathmandu. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath stupa, Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath stupa. Meanwhile, we will prepare your trekking permits. You can also utilize the day in making last hour trekking preparation. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3: Fly to Nepalgunj
We take an early flight to Nepalgunj. Upon your arrival, you will be escorted to a hotel in Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is one of the hottest places in Nepal. It is also a border city near India. In the evening you can wander around the city. Overnight at a hotel in Nepalgunj.
Day 4: Fly to Juphal and trek to Sulighat(2282msl)
We take an early flight to Juphal. After 35 minutes of scenic flight, we reach Juphal. From, Juphal, we start our trekking journey. We walk for few hours along the terraced farmland towards Bheri River. We pass Kararsialchaur temple and follow our trail until we reach Sulighat. Overnight at a tented camp in Sulighat.
Day 5: Trek to Chhepka(2838msl)
From Sulighat we pass rice and vegetable fields and descend down to Thuli Bheri river. We cross a suspension bridge and follow our trail to enter Shey Phoksundo National Park. Shey Phoksundo National Park is the largest national park in Nepal and is a home to variety of rare species of flora and faunas that are found in that ecological zone. As we follow the Suli Khola on our way, we will be blessed with the views of beautiful Dhaulagiri range. We further walk through pine, fir, juniper and bamboo forest until we reach Chhepka village. Overnight at a tented camp in Chhepka.
Day 6: Trek to Amchi Hospital(3110msl)
Today we follow our trail along the river, pass a dense forest and walk few ups and downs to Amchi hospital. On our way, we will meet the people (traders) with dzopas (cross breed of yak and cow) loaded with various materials for sale. Amchi hospital is a popular hospital in this region. Overnight at a tented camp around Amchi hospital.
Day 7: Trek to Phoksundo lake(3733msl)
Today, we climb up steep until we reach top where we can have an amazing view of the largest waterfall in Nepal – Phoksundo waterfall. The view of the pristine waterfall in the bright sunlight is absolutely amazing. From here, we descend down to Ringmo village. We can see the influence of Buddhism amongst the inhabitants in this village. Overnight at a tented camp in Ringmo village.
Day 8: Acclimatization day
Today is a leisure day in Ringmo village. We can walk up to the Phoksundo lake and gaze at the alluring beauty of the lake. Or else, we can visit Pal Sentan Thasoon Choling Gompa. We can also walk around the villages nearby exploring the village and the villagers. This will in fact give you some insights on the unique Buddhist culture and Bon religion. Overnight at a tented camp in Ringmo village.
Day 9: Trek to Forest Camp site(3756msl)
Today is an exciting day when we will enter the restricted area of Upper Dolpo. If you have watched the famous movie – Caravan, then yes, it’s the day when you will follow the same trail. The trail is used by the people of Dolpo for trade with Tibetans. From the top, the view of pine forests, lakes and the mountains is simply spectacular. We further descend and ascend to a valley with the beautiful Kanjirowa Himal on sight. We further head to Forest Camp site (Sallaghari), which would be our camping site for an overnight halt.
Day 10: Trek to Kang La Base Camp(4120msl)
Today our trail climbs up steep between high rock walls. The route today is rather demanding and there is a high possibility of change in weather condition and altitude sickness. We continue until we reach Kang La Base Camp. Overnight under the tented camps in Kang La Base Camp.
Day 11: Trek to Shey Gompa(4160msl) via Kang La Pass(5360msl)
After a strenuous climb up, we cross Kang La pass and descend through a pass covered with snow until we reach Shey Gompa. Shey gompa is an 11th century gompa situated at a confluence of two rivers under a crystal peak on a grassy plain. People believe that a Tibetan Buddhist who came flying on the back of a snow lion built this gompa. It has a high spiritual value. Many pilgrims from different place visit this gompa for Kora every year. Overnight at a tented camp in Shey Gompa.
Day 12: Acclimatization at Shey Gompa
We can utilize the day exploring Tsakang gompa which is not actually a gompa but a meditation center for the lamas from Tibet. The area around and nearby Shey Gompa is highly holy and spiritual. The pristine Tibetan Buddhist culture and practices are highly stimulating and enlightening. The view of the Crystal Mountain that lies west to Shey Gompa is fabulous. The prayer flags and prayer mills turned by water mills, everything about this place is pure and holy. Overnight at a tented camp in Shey Gompa.
Day 13: Trek to Namgung(4430msl) via Shela Pass(5010msl)
Today we pass She La Pass and descend down to the pastures of Namgung. The views of the northern part of the Tibetan plateau from the She La Pass is phenomenon. Overnight at a tented camp in Namgung.
Day 14: Trek to Saldang(3770msl)
We climb a tree slope and ascend to the heights of 4700m from where we go down steep to the village of Saldang. Overnight at a tented camp in Saldang.
Day 15: Acclimatization in Saldang
Saldang is a small beautiful village situated on a plateau above Nam Khong Khola. We can utilize the day wandering around the village acknowledging the people in the village. The warm greetings from local people will leave you in awe. Overnight at a tented camp in Saldang.
Day 16: rek to Khomagaun(4060msl) via Khoma La(4565msl)
Today, we cross a broad ridge cross Khoma La pass to reach a remote village in Upper Dolpo- Khoma Gaun. Our trail goes along Nagon Khola and pass several white washed villages, mani walls, chortens and old gompas. We follow our trail, cross a river and continue until we reach Khoma gaun. Overnight at a tented camp in Khoma La Pass.
Day 17: Trek to Mendo(4209msl)
Today, we leave Khoma gaun and continue our trail along the traditional villages and mani walls. We trail goes up and down through the valley and head towards Mendo. Overnight at a tented camp in Mendo.
Day 18: Trek to Tinjegaon(4150msl)
Today, we continue our trail endeavouring the wild landscapes of Upper Dolpo. We continue our off beaten tracks to Tinkyu. Overnight at a tented camp in Tinkyu.
Day 19: Trek to Rapka(4535msl)
Exploring and enjoying the secluded tracks, we continue our trail to Rapka. Overnight at a tented camp in Rapka.
Day 20: Trek to Chharka Bhot(4110msl) via Mo La (5027msl)
We take our trail uphill to Chharka La/ Mo La Pass. The route is quite rough but we continue until we reach top and descend down through the side of the valley to Chharka village. Overnight at a tented camp in Chharka village
Day 21: Trek to Norbulung(4750msl)
We descend down to a river and follow our trail in and out of the valley through a tough trail that emerges in to a valley. Then we head towards Norbulung, our camping site for the night.
Day 22: Trek to Molum Sumdo(4860msl)
Today, we climb up to Molum Sumdo. Molum Sumdo is a yak pasture which is our camping site for the night.
Day 23: Trek to Sangda Phedi(4190msl) via Niwar Pass(5120msl) and Jungben La(5520msl)
From Molum Sumdo, we continue climbing up before we traverse to reach the foot of Niwar Pass. From here, we make a final climb, cross the Niwar Pass and Jungben La Pass and descend our trail to Sangda Phedi. Overnight in a camp in Sangla Phedi.
Day 24: Trek to Sangda Dada(4210msl)
Today, we descend down, cross a river and continue our trail up until we reach Sangda Dada. Overnight at a tented camp in Sangda Dada.
Day 25 : Trek to Phalyak(3115msl)
Today we climb uphill and make high traverses to cross various ridges. Then we descend down to Kali gandaki valley and then to Phalyak. Overnight at a tented camp in Phalyak.
Day 26: Trek to Jomsom(2720msl)
Today, we climb up a ridge until we descend down towards Jomson. Jomsom is a popular place in the reason known for its unique landscapes and warm hearted people. Overnight at a guesthouse in Jomson.
Day 27: Fly to Pokhara/ Sightseeing tour in Pokhara
We take an early flight to Pokhara and take a tour around the city. We visit the lakeside, opt for boating to visit Talbarahi temple in the middle of the Fewa Lake and continue our sightseeing tour to the David falls, Gupteshwor temple and the International Mountaineering Museum. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara.
Day 28: Drive to Kathmandu
Today, we drive through the lush landscape along Trishuli river make to Kathmandu. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 29: Leisure day in Kathmandu
Today is your leisure day in Kathmandu. You can either rest or stroll across the valley for shopping or anything else as per your preference. In the evening, you will be treated with an authentic Nepalese cuisine as a farewell dinner. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 30: Departure Day
Finally, it is time for us to bid you a goodbye. Your guide will escort you to the airport before your scheduled flight for your journey ahead.