Upper Dolpo Trekking - 26 Days

Upper dolpo trek
Trip Information
  • Duration26 Days
Highlights
  • An ever exciting adventure on Nepal Far Wild West within scenic country of  Dolpo .
  • In the land where elusive snow-leopard and herd of blue sheep dwells often seen on walks .
  • Within Nepal largest national park of Shey and Phoksundo enriched with flora / fauna.
  • Enjoy walk around impressive villages adorned with Buddhist and ancient Bon sect culture .
  • Crossing high scenic passes to explore hidden  Shey Gompa the Crystal Monastery .
  • Adventure crossing several high passes facing tremendous mountain panorama.

‘an exclusive adventure around Nepal Far North and Wild West country of scenic Dolpo’

Upper Dolpo Trekking, one of most fascinating adventure to experience once in your lifetime as the area of walks leads to Far North West Himalaya around wildest country where landscapes and culture closely resembles with Tibet.The northern terrain of Upper Dolpo which is an extension of high and vast Tibetan plateau where ancient Trans Himalaya Salt and Caravan trail still exists which you can witness on this fabulous Upper Dolpo Trekking .

Adventure that takes you to remote and isolated areas where you feel out of this world with its dramatic scenery of windswept terrain of high eroded hills and canyon and yet impressive and beautiful scenery to catch on this incredible walks around Upper Dolpo.

Upper Dolpo Trekking due to its far distance from the capital Kathmandu where scenic flight involves both ways with interim stops at Nepalgunj city airport around Nepal Far South with warm sub-tropical temperatures, and then short flight to reach at Jhupal in Dolpo. Walk first takes you around beautiful emerald colored Phoksumdo Lake surrounded by lovely coniferous forest of blue pines, firs and spruce tree lines with time to explore around the lake and the village of Ringmo of great interest located next to the lake.

After enjoyable time at Phoksumdo Lake adventure takes to cross high Kang-la pass also known as Nangdo-la at above 5,350 m rewards you with gorgeous scenery of mountains and vast landscapes of Inner Dolpo. As walk progress reaching to our major destination at Shey-Gompa also called as Crystal Monastery where Crystal Mountain is close to Shey monastery, with time here to visit the old religious sites of the area enriched with ancient arts and crafts with idols of Buddha and Buddhist great Gurus with touch of Bon culture (a pre Buddhism and old sect religion before Buddhism was introduced in 6 th Centaury).

Upper Dolpo Trekking completes after walking past Saldang villages and crossing few passes to reach within inner Dolpo around large villages of Tokyu and Dho-Tarap as well with wonderful views of distant peaks on walks. Enjoying time with scenic walk where route leads on wide and long valley of Dho-Tarap River encountering Yaks grazing on vast green field coming across caravan loaded with goods on Trans Himalaya Trading trail route then reaching at Tarakot a village historical background of Malla kingdom times.

Slowly our adventure comes to an end reaching at Dunai headquarter town of Dolpo district and then completing our great walks at Jhupal, where scenic sweeping flight brings you back at Kathmandu via Nepalgunj, after an overwhelming adventure and great experience on Upper Dolpo Trekking.
 

Itinerary
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On arrival at Kathmandu international airport, received by our office staff and guide and then a short drive to your hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city.

After checking in your rooms getting refreshed join with other members of the group for briefing on Upper Dolpo Trekking, provides you with useful information regarding treks and other details for your enjoyable stay in Nepal with us, includes welcome dinner in an authentic Nepalese restaurant with Folk Culture program.

    Morning, depart from the hotel for exciting tour at places of great interest within Kathmandu city, steeped with historical and religious monuments temples, monasteries as listed in World Heritage Sites, after an interesting tour afternoon at leisure for Upper Dolpo trek preparation.

      As per time for flight to Nepalgunj located Nepal Far South West transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for scenic sweeping flights of about 50 minutes to land at low warm areas at Nepalgunj city airport.

      During airborne fantastic views a panorama of snow-capped mountains from the take-off in Kathmandu to landing at Nepalgunj airport, on reaching at Nepalgunj airport terminal transfer to a nice hotel within its city area. Nepalgunj, situated close to Indian border of UP (Utter Pradesh), where culture and local people with strong Indian influence in culture and way of life.

        Morning early breakfast for short connecting flight to land at Jhupal at Dolpo area, during this scenic flight views of Dhaulagiri and other western Himalaya, on reaching at Jhupal after 35-40 minutes on air where our staff and porters receives you.

        From Jhupal, after getting organized and then few hours of exciting jeep drive reaches you at Dunai the main headquarter and administrative town of whole Dolpa area.

        In Dunai for overnight stop in the comfort of nice local lodge, afternoon walk around Dunai town and observe its interesting local culture and traditional life.

          With pleasant overnight in Dunai, morning walk leads past the market area and then crossing over a bridge of Thulo Bheri River, where climb takes you over a ridge to Phoksumdo River valley with views of Kagmara peak.

          From here walk leads to descend past farm villages with fields growing walnut trees and getting close to a stream of Dhera, a small cattle herders settlements and then short climb to Rahagaon village of Thakuri a Hindu local tribe.

          As walk leads to downhill path into forested area to reach our overnight camp at Chhepka a small farm village.

            From Chhepka which is close to Ankhe village, as morning walk leads to a short climb and then descend into forested area to reach a river bank, from here climb after leaving the forest.

            On reaching top of a ridge with downhill to forest leading to cross a small bridge at Ryajik village, trek further to Samdua for overnight stop near the entrance of Phoksumdo National Park.

              Morning walk leads to our first destination at Phoksumdo Lake after walking over Pungmo Kholas valley and crossing streams, where walk follows Pungmo Khola on downhill into pine and birch trees to reach upper side of Phoksumdo Khola.

              After a short refreshing stop continue walk to Ringmo village, an interesting Tibetan origin village adorned with mud plastered Chorten and Mani (prayer) walls. From here a short walk leads to Phoksundo Lake for overnight camp by the shore of beautiful turquoise Lake of Phoksundo.

                A perfect spot for leisure and free day, here marvel the beauty around its natural surroundings with its scenic landscapes overlooking peaks of Kagmara, and explore interesting Ringmo village and witness Dolpo native culture with its age-old heritage and custom.

                  From here walk leads to Upper Dolpo area towards our major destination of this marvelous adventure, as walk follows contouring around rocky ledge high over a river bank in between unsteady path.

                  As walk leads further towards far end of the lake past summer pasture which opens up into a wide valley at Phoksundo Khola (stream) for the overnight stop and camping by the bank of stream.

                    Morning walk leads on fairly nice path heading north past Phoksundo Khola and then walking up on hilly slopes, after a climb reaching a ridge top with grand views of green wide valley as far towards Kang-La pass on-route Shey Gompa, overnight camp pitched on a nice green summer pasture.

                      Morning starts with steep climb to reach our major destination at Shey Gompa also known as Crystal Monastery, as it is close to Crystal Mountain at mere distance.

                      From Phoksundo Bhanjyang, walk leads to a climb on stone and rocky path to reach over Kang-la pass at above 5,350 m high, our topmost heights of the adventure.

                      At the top rewards you with great views of landscapes with snow-peaks that include as far to Mt. Dhaulagiri.  From the top of the pass descend to reach the bottom of a hill which leads to a river, and then across heading towards cattle herder camps, after a short break continue walk approaching Buddhist prayer monument with Chorten and Mani.

                      From this nice spot a short walk to reach at Shey Gompa situated at the bottom of Crystal Mountain regarded as Holy Mountain with old monastery close-by.

                        A perfect place for 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.

                          From this wonderful place, our journey continuous into a wall canyon, 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 pleasant walk to Namgung Gaon for overnight stop.

                            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.

                              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.

                                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 river through farm fields, and then walk into Yak herder areas for overnight camp.

                                  Having a nice pleasant stop in 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 steep climb to reach 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.

                                    After steep climb of previous day, today an easy walk to reach 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 old monasteries.

                                      After Tokyu Gaon, morning starts on downhill to Tarap Chu on wider green valley, one of the scenic broader valley of the area, here you will notice many Sheppard’s settlements of Yaks and Sheep, as walk continues to our overnight camp at Dho Tarap, another interesting village of mix tribes of Tibetans origin and Magar hill tribe people.

                                        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 Ghymagar.

                                          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.

                                            Morning walk starts past smaller villages and then entering into small forest area, following a river all the way to Tarakot, this is one of the important and large village of Dolpo with interesting history houses an old historical fortress (Dzong or Kot) to guard the village from outsiders in early days.

                                            Tarakot village with famous old Sandul Gomba located at the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River where our overnight camp is set.

                                              After a fabulous 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 walking into spread out villages and farm huts, walk on wider path with some short uphill and downhill to reach at Thuli Bheri River valley and then at Dunai, on reaching Dunai for lunch. From here jeeps drive back to Jhupal to catch our next morning flight to Nepalgunj unto Kathmandu.

                                                Morning from the lodge at Jhupal, transfer to its small airstrip for scenic short flight to land at Nepalgunj airport, here with times to get refreshed before catching another flight back to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu transfer to your respective hotels with free afternoon for individual activities.

                                                  We have planned a free day for you to enjoy extra leisure day in Kathmandu after scenic trek on Lower Dolpo, on this day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs, or join in for another exciting tour around Kathmandu-Patan and Bhaktapur at places of great interest.

                                                    Your last day in Nepal, country of Himalayan wonders and as per your international flight time depart for homeward bound or to next respective connecting destinations.

                                                    Our staff and guide transfer you to Kathmandu airport after a mesmerizing memory and great time on Upper Dolpo Trekking.

                                                      Cost Details
                                                      What's Included
                                                      • All airport pick up drop off by private vehicle (for both international and domestic flights)
                                                      • 04 night twin/double shearing deluxe accommodation on BB in Kathmandu
                                                      • 01 night twin/double shearing deluxe accommodation on full board in Nepaljung
                                                      • Guided sightseeing tours in Kathmandu with private vehicle (entrance fees extra)
                                                      • Kathmandu to NepalJung to Juphal and Jumla to Nepaljung to Kathmandu by flight
                                                      • All necessary trek permit and Trekkers’ Information Management System( TIMS card)
                                                      • A highly experience, helpful, knowledgeable, friendly, English speaking, well-trained, Government license holding guide. Price includes his salary, food, drinks, accommodation, transport and insurance.
                                                      • 02 guest to 01 porter with their insurance, salary, food, accommodation and equipment
                                                      • Your cost includes insurance, wages, food and lodging for both your guide and porter. We take excellent care of our guides and porters, they are like family to us.
                                                      • Best available twin sharing lodge accommodation during the trek (private bathrooms with hot showers are provided at Phakding, Namche and Lukla)
                                                      • Three meals a day; breakfast, lunch and dinner and tea/coffee during the trekking.
                                                      • Snacks of biscuits/peanuts and seasonal fresh fruits dessert during the trek
                                                      • All applicable government and local taxes per the itinerary
                                                      What's not Included
                                                      • Nepal Visa fee (Bring accurate fee in USD and two Passport size Photo)
                                                      • International airfare to and from Kathmandu (no need to pay departure tax for international flight)
                                                      • Diner and lunch in Kathmandu
                                                      • Personal  travel and health Insurance, Insurance for helicopter evacuation
                                                      • Extra night accommodation and lunch and dinner in city because of early arrival, late departure and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) then the scheduled itinerary
                                                      • Personal expenses (phone calls, baggage charge, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower etc)
                                                      • Tips to the trekking crews and drive
                                                      • Extra expenses due to flight delays, strikes, weather condition or any event out of our control
                                                      • Anything not included in service includes column
                                                      Availability
                                                      • The trip departs everyday if the year
                                                      • The trip and trek is fully customizable we can customize the trip according to the need and necessity of our clients

                                                      • The trip is available for solo travelers group travelers and private travelers

                                                      • We organize the trip for a large group and can provide service for a group of 100+ members as well

                                                      • If the given date are not appropriate for the travllers and trekkers the trip can be conducted on the custom date provided by our clients

                                                      • Holiday tours Nepal advises all our clients to book at least 7 days prior so all the arrangements can be done in time specially sometimes in themountains the accommodation are booked prior so prior booking helps a lot

                                                      Contact us at [email protected] or send us a text at +977-9816710843 or +977-9818178630 we are available 24/7 on whatsapp viber wechat for additional informations.

                                                      Useful Information

                                                      Equipment and Gear List

                                                      GeneralGeneral

                                                      • Four-season (-20 degree) sleeping bag (We provide rental sleeping bags available for an additional USD 35)
                                                      • Puffy down jacket (We provide rental jackets for an additional USD 35)
                                                      • Daypack (25-30 liters recommended) with rain cover

                                                      CatUpper Body

                                                      • Sun hat or cap (We'll provide you with a trekking cap.)
                                                      • warm woolen hat
                                                      • Scarf/Neck Buff (highly recommended to get saved from wind and cold)
                                                      • Headlamp or mobile torch light for nighttime
                                                      • Polarized sunglasses

                                                      TorsoTorso

                                                      • Technical fabric base layer thermals are light for warmer months, heavy for colder months
                                                      • Technical fabric t-shirts and sleeve sweaters or high-necks
                                                      • Waterproof rain jacket
                                                      • windproof jacket for the walk as it gets windy
                                                      • Fleece jacket or down jacket

                                                      LowerLower Body

                                                      • thermals inner
                                                      • Hiking pants at least 3
                                                      • Comfortable pants for teahouses
                                                      • Waterproof, windproof shell
                                                      • Hiking shorts

                                                      glovesHands

                                                      • Woolen gloves for the tea house
                                                      • Hard-shell windproof outer gloves for the walk

                                                      feetFeet

                                                      • Marino Wool or comfortable, warm socks
                                                      • Hiking socks
                                                      • Liner socks
                                                      • Trekking/hiking boots (waterproof recommended)
                                                      • Crampons (For passes)
                                                      • Casual shoes or sandals that are comfortable for the time in the tea house
                                                      • Gaiters (lightweight for rain and snow)

                                                      undergarmentUndergarments and Inner Wears

                                                      • Technical fabric/quick drying (can be washed during the trek)
                                                      • Sports bras (women)
                                                      • sleeping clothes as per the comfortability

                                                      FirstaidFirst Aid Kits and Medications

                                                      Note: Our guides carry medications, oxygen cans, and first aid kits during the trip. However, personal kits and medications are recommended.) 

                                                      • Sunscreen SPF- 50+
                                                      • Lip balm or Vaseline
                                                      • ointment cream
                                                      • Cough Syrup and strepsils (recommended for Khumbu Cough)
                                                      • Creams and medicines (for any allergies or diseases)

                                                      Optional Other Essentials

                                                      • Passport
                                                      • Extra copies of passport-sized photos
                                                      • Reusable water bottle
                                                      • Toilet paper, small soap, and shampoo
                                                      • Water purification tablets or UV water purifier (if you plan to treat water)
                                                      • water bladder for the day bag
                                                      • small towel for personal use
                                                      • Pillowcase in case of allergies to new pillows
                                                      • High-protein snacks (such as mountain bars or nuts)
                                                      • Waterproof/dry bags for carrying essential documents, stuff, frequently used items, and money
                                                      • Power bank or extra batteries
                                                      • Cameras and mobile phone
                                                      • Cards/book
                                                      • Pee bottle/ pee funnel for women
                                                      • Trekking poles
                                                      • Whistle in case your voice is not loud enough to stop or start
                                                      • Thermos for hot water during the night
                                                      • We give you a free duffel bag, trekking cap, maps, and t-shirt during your pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The duffel bag will be used to pack your trekking supplies.
                                                      • For every two participants, we assign one porter. The porter will carry the duffel bag, which should weigh around 10 kg/22 lbs., throughout the walk.
                                                      • Daypack bag for daily used stuff like cash, documents, papers, a water bottle or bladder, a camera, toiletries, sunscreen, a notebook, clothing, etc. (with a waterproof cover).
                                                      • You can store your luggage (on-trekking items) at the hotel in Kathmandu, and we can assist and help.
                                                      • Total luggage for the Kathmandu-Lukla flight is (15 kg (33 lbs.), including duffel (10 Kg/22 lbs.) and backpack (5 kg/11 lbs.)
                                                      • A down jacket with a hood (cap) to be warm in altitudes above 3,000m.
                                                      • We can provide a down jacket for USD 35. In case of loss or damage, you need to pay back the cost of USD 200 per item.
                                                      • We can provide a sleeping bag for USD 35. In case of loss or damage, USD 200 per item must be paid.

                                                      Note: Supplies and gear can be rented or purchased in Kathmandu. Once you are in Nepal, you can buy supplies and gear for hiking if you have spare time. Trekking Planner Nepal representatives will assist you in purchasing the equipment. Thamel a tourist hub, offers a wide range of trekking equipment at affordable prices. Don't wear short clothes inside the monasteries and religious places.

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