Upper Dolpo Trek

The forbidden land for foreign travelers until 1996, Dolpo the land housing untouched territories also comprises authentic Tibetan culture unchanged for the last 12 centuries. During a trek there will be sections where the trail is very rugged or ill-defined, some trails have been trekked only once by a small party, and so the going will be tough. Space in some campsites will also be very limited. It may be necessary to make changes to the itinerary at any time due to unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather, snow or trail conditions, river water levels, or group movement. Your trip leader will advise any changes should this occur. All participants on the GHT should be flexible and open-minded. The GHT should be seen as exploratory in the true sense of the word.

Considered best to trek during the springs and autumns in Nepal, Upper Dolpo Trek is a challenging trek that is operated in Full Board Basis. Crossing over the challenging passes like Kang La and Jeng La along with the limited services catered throughout the trek make this walking journey a lifetime experience in the wilderness. The top-notch gears and veteran guides who are very well known with all the aspects of Dolpo like language, culture and traditional make this trek relatively easier and convenient with us.

Trip Highlights

• The sightseeing tour around the heritage sites of Kathmandu prior to the trek.
• The diverse culture of Dolpo; Juphal, the trek starting point caters the culture of Khas Aryas, gaining elevation the trek enters the villages of ethnical tribe Magars and at Dho Tarap, the ancient trading point in Dolpo trekkers get to see the culture of Bhotiyas.
• The arid and elevated landscapes blended so well with the nomadic villages like Saldang.
• The authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture in Upper Dolpo’s most famous village Shey, which nestles at the foothill of Mt. Kanjiroba –referred Mount Kailash of Nepal
• The landscapes that vary tremendously; the lower section of the trek is lush vegetation dominated by tropical and low alpine woodlands of Shey Phoksundo National Park, the upper section of the trek at times is dominated by Tibetan like landscapes, which is barren yet beautiful at the foothills of Mt. Kanjiroba and Dhaulagiri.
• The Bon Culture and Bon Monasteries in the villages like Ringmo. Bon is the Buddhism prior to Buddha.
• The culture of Tibetan Buddhism with beautiful myths attached to them and the nomadic lifestyle of the people of Dolpo, who centuries ago fled to Nepalese land from Tibet.
• The magnificence of Phoksundo Lake, which manifests its unique features and camping at its shore is probably the biggest sensation of tranquility.
• Crossing over the challenging passes like Kang La, Jeng La, and Saldang La.
• The floral and faunal biodiversity of Shey Phoksundo National Park, which is known for housing elusive cat, the snow leopard

Can I approach this trek easily?
If you have, the extreme ability to walk around 6-8 hours a day with a light daypack and passionate feeling, this trek will be highly suitable as this is moderate trek. It is fact that having walk in higher altitudes is definitely more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes. Therefore, you need to be prepared to adjust in the high altitude. Advance Adventure Kindly request to all the clients to prepare themselves for Upper Dolpo Trek 25 day/s by Jogging and exercising regularly at least 3 months prior to the start of the trek. If you have the subtle experiences of walking /trekking in high altitude, environment this trek will be really easier. Your Past hiking experiences may be worthy but you need special technical skill for this trek. To accomplish the trek you should have excellent health with average physical fitness, positive attitude, self-confidence and strong determination. If you have pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases please kindly inform us before booking the trip. We are highly conscious of your health and safety. You can have the experiences of more demanding and challenging episode while in Trek.

Additional Information
Come directly, join honestly and become our family member without any hesitation. The door of Advance Adventure is always open for our guests. Regarding this trip, we have attempted to provide enough information from our website. Nevertheless, if you need any discussion regarding your time availability in addition, others query please feel free to contact directly at +9779851189771, if you want to talk. Alternatively, please contact us via our e-mail: sales@advadventures.com. We are eagerly waiting to welcome you in Nepal, the land of mountain and peace

Day 01 Arrival day in Kathmandu
Altitude: (1350m/4428ft)
Meals Plan: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

After your Arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and then you will be taken to your hotel. Our tour operator will explain briefly about the program about your upcoming Upper Dolpo Trek with us and introduce our trekking guide.Depending on your arrival time in Kathmandu, you may explore "Thamel". In the evening we host welcome dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurant with local music and ethnic dance.O/N Kathmandu. 

Day 02 Kathmandu Sightseeing 
Altitude: (1350m/4428ft)
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Activities: Sightseeing tour
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

After breakfast we depart for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the “City of Temples” to Visit Durbar Square (place of Palace) with the Kasthamandap temple, Kumari Ghar (Home of Living Goddess), Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka and Taleju Temple. Afterwards, we will take you to visit Swoyambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world and also be said as a monkey temple, which is located at top of the hill from where one can have a great view of Kathmandu Valley.

We will drive towards Pashupatinath, which is one of the most important Hindu temple in Nepal. After exploring the Pashupatinath temple, we move towards Bouddhanath Temple, Bouddhanath is one of the largest Stupas in South Asia and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. O/N Kathmandu.

Day 3 Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Altitude: 150m/490ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: One hour Fly to Nepalgunj 
Accommodation: Hotel in Nepalgunj

As per the flight schedule for Nepalgunj we transfer to the domestic airport for one and half hour scenic flight to Nepalgunj. At Nepalgunj we will have time in the late afternoon or evening to have a look around the town which is situated on the southern Nepal border with India. Here it is quite hot and tropical in character.

Day 4 Fly to Juphal (2,500m/8,200ft) and Trek to Dunai 
Altitude: Juphal 2,500m/8,200ft and Dunai: 2,850m/9,350ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 45minutes flight & 3 - 4 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

After a pleasant overnight at Nepalgunj, early morning transfer to airport for the 45-minute flight to Juphal over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. On arriving at Juphal our trekking staffs will receive you, who have walked all the way from Nepalgunj with the camping gear and food supply taking 5-6 days. Here at Juphal a short 2-3 hrs walk from the airstrip leads to our overnight camp at Dunai village. Our first day adventure begins with an hour downhill walk through the village below the airstrip, then leading through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge taking 2-3 hours to camp at Dunai. This is a much larger village or small township, with a new hospital and it is administrating headquarter of the Dolpo region. Here we have ample time for leisure walk around the village. Overnight stay in Dunai.

Day 5 Trek from Dunai to Chhepka 
Altitude: 2,687m/8,815ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 45minutes flight & 5 - 6 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tented camp

Today after breakfast, we'll begin our hike from Dunai to Chhepka. Firstly, we'll enter the Sulighat post, where we’ll get our Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit. On the way, there are a couple of villages and majestic mountain views to admire. Eventually, the trail goes through a densely forested area, and you reach Sulighat. We’ll follow the trail alongside Phoksundo River to Kageni. Today, we'll walk on rocky terrain and come across many small water streams. Besides continuing your walk through lush forest areas, you cross mid-hill villages like Jutung and Shyangta. After crossing the bridge over the confluence Phoksundo Khola and Maiba Khola, you head north towards Chhepka village. Overnight stay in Chhepka. 

Day 6 Trek from Chhepka to Chunuwar (Amchi Hospital)
Altitude: 3,000m/9,850ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 45minutes flight & 6 - 7 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tented camp

Today after breakfast, we are following the famous Lower Dolpo Circuit trail. You cross the bridge over Phoksundo Khola twice and continue walking on an isolated path to Rechi (3,011m/9,880ft). Further, from Rechi, we proceed to Suligad Dovan, where we cross the bridge over the Phoksundo Khola. After this, we reach Amchi Hospital, where still the doctors are following the traditional methods and using herbal medicine to treat the local people of Dolpo. Overnight stay in Chunuwar.

Day 7 Trek from Chunuwar to Phoksundo Lake
Altitude: 3,600m/11,811ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 45minutes flight & 5 - 6 hrs walk 
Accommodation: Tented camp

Today, we head to Phoksundo Lake, the world's deepest magical lake. Passing through the forest of Cedar, we'll reach Polam Village (3,397m/11,145ft). Gently ascend a ridge, and soon we'll discover the captivating views of Phoksundo Lake. In addition, we'll see the alluring sight of Nepal's highest Suligad/Phoksundo Waterfall. Continuing the walk, we arrive at a Buddhist settlement of Ringmo, lying next to Phoksundo Lake. Overnight stay in Ringmo Village. 

Day 8 Acclimatization Day at Phoksundo Lake
Altitude: 3,600m/11,811ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: Explore the Lake
Accommodation: Tented camp

Our adventure to Upper Dolpo would not be complete without exploring Shey Phoksundo Lake, an utterly beautiful turquoise lake. Today we also visit the Tshowa Monastery (900-year old Bonpo monastery) at the east bank of Phoksundo Lake. After exploring the Lake area, we’ll wander around Ringmo village, where you'll get a close insight into Bon's religion, a unique and primitive culture of Bon people. 

Day 9 Trek to Sallaghari
Altitude: 3,630m/11,910ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 5 - 6  hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

After spending a lovely day around Phoksundo Lake this morning, we'll trek down to Sallaghari. Our hike continues along the western bank of the lake. Following an uneven isolated trail, we'll enter a more remote part of the Dolpo region. As you reach the westernmost edge of the lake, the path follows a lush meadow. After crossing the floodplain area of Phoksundo River, you reach Phoksundo Khola camp. Eventually, the few hours of the walk lead you to the beautiful Sallaghari surrounded by dense pine forests. Overnight stay in Sallaghari.

Day 10 Trek from Sallaghari to Nagdalo La HC
Altitude: 4,717m/15,480ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 5 - 6  hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

We continue our journey to the north towards the Nagdalo High Camp. We gradually ascend a remote trekking trail and enjoy some enchanting views of snow-capped mountains and crossing the river over the bridge, the trail stretches to an open campsite. Finally, after a few hours of climb to the top of the ridge, we'll enjoy the astonishing view of Kangla/Nagdalo La Pass. Overnight stay in Nagdalo La High Camp. 

Day 11 Trek to Shey Gompa via Nagdalo La Pass
Altitude: Shey Gompa 4,500m/14,770ft &  Nagdalo La Pass 5,350m/17,552ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner
Activities: 5 - 6  hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

Today is one of the remarkable days of Upper Dolpo Trek. The reason is, you'll trek down one of the high passes of the Dolpo region, i.e., Kangla/Nagdalo La Pass. This is a challenging pass to cross, though it offers the best way to soak in the entire Dhaulagiri mountain range views. Crossing this high pass, we'll enter into Inner Dolpo and head down to Shey Gompa. The village welcomes you with red and white chorten and mani stones. The trail leads us through the most epic landscapes you'll ever witness. So, prepare yourself for an adventure of a lifetime. 

Once you arrive at Shey Gompa, you can explore the monastery and its surroundings. Located at the base of Crystal Peak, Shey Gompa is the major attraction of the Dolpo trek. Also known as Crystal Monastery, it belongs to the Chaiba community, the followers of Saint Padmasambhava. Overnight stay in Shey Gompa. 

Day 12 Trek to Namgung Gompa via Sela La Pass
Altitude: Namgung Gompa 4,360m/14,310ft &  Sela La Pass 5,100m/16,740ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner
Activities: 6 - 7  hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

After breakfast in Shey Gompa we’ll ready for the long trekking towards Namgung Gaon via Shey La Pass. The top of the pass grants you magical vistas of snow-clad mountain peaks. However, the rewards don't stop there; on the way to the Namgung Gaon, we'll get the best views of the Tibetan Plateau. Furthermore, we'll turn north side and hike to the pastures of Namgung. It consists of a few stone houses and a famous Namgung monastery. Overnight stay in Namgung Village. 

Day 13 Trek to Saldang
Altitude: 3,770m/12,370ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner
Activities: 4 - 5  hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

From Namgung, we'll take a hike to another beautiful settlement of Saldang. Traversing through the Namgung Khola and taking a steep uphill walk, we reach at Saldang village. It is the largest settlement in Inner Dolpo and generally comprises five separate villages. Overnight stay in Saldang. 

Day 14 Day Hike to Yanjer Gompa
Altitude: 4,590m/15,060ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner 
Activities: 4 - 5  hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

Today Yanjer Gompa is our destination. We'll further head north, following the gradual path of a few ups and downs along the Nagao Khola. En-route, we cross several small settlements like Tiling and Kigaon. Finally, after few hours of walk, we reach Yanjer Gompa. It is an ancient Bon-Po Monastery. We can explore the monastery and the village. Then we get back to Saldang, retracing the same rugged path. Overnight stay in Saldang. 

Day 15 Trek to Komash Village
Altitude: 4,060m/13,320ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner
Activities: 6 - 7  hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

After exploring the ancient Bon Po monastery, today, we'll head towards another village of Komash. As we continue your walk along the Raphya river, we'll pass through small stupas, mani walls, and chortens. After walking on a steep trail for few more hours, we reach the final destination of the day, Komash Village for overnight stay. 

Day 16 Trek from Komash Village to Shimen
Altitude: 3,850m/12,630ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner
Activities: 5 - 6  hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

After having early morning breakfast at Komash, we'll begin our journey towards Shimen. Today, we'll witness a landscape similar to the highland desert. We may spot some rare animals like a snow leopard or blue sheep. Enjoying the captivating view of snow-capped peaks and surroundings valleys, we arrive at Shimen. This small settlement hosts Shimen Gompa, another ancient monastery. Overnight stay in Shimen. 

Day 17 Trek from Shimen to Tinje
Altitude: 4,110m/13,490ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner
Activities: 5 - 6  hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

After breakfast, we' start our journey towards Tinje. Along the way, we'll come across Shimen Gompa and Pu Gompa. We are following the Great Himalayan Trail high route. Further, keep walking till we pass Taragaon and get to Tinje. Evening we’ll explore this beautiful settlement. Overnight stay in Tinje Village.

Day 18 Trek from Tinje to Yak Kharka
Altitude: 4,040m/13,260ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner
Activities: 4 - 5  hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

Today our journey continues towards Yak Kharka, following the trail beside Panjyan River. Move forward to the small village of Chhamdang, and the route leads to the confluence of Chholtam Khola and Panjyan Khola. Then we cross the bridge over Thalum Khola, flowing from Thalum Lek. The path gets into an alpine pasture, Yak Kharka. We can see the yaks and sheep grazing around the land. Overnight stay in Yak Kharka. 

Day 19 Trek from Yak Kharka to Tokyu
Altitude: 4,240m/13,910ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner
Activities: 4 - 5  hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

Today we start our trek by crossing the bridge over Sulun Khola. The trail moves along the riverside, and after crossing small streams several times, we arrive at Chhoila North Pass (5,050m/16,570ft). As we reach the top of the pass, we'll find impressive views of the Dolpo region and the surrounding mountains, including the north face of the Dhaulagiri massif. We continue our walk on a rugged trail towards Tarap valley and reach Tokyu Gaon. This small village hosts Tokyu monastery belonging to the Chaiba sect. Overnight stay in Tokyu Gaon.

Day 20 Trek from Tokyu to Dho Tarap
Altitude: 3,944m/12,940ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner
Activities: 4 - 5  hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

Today's trek involves an entirely downhill walk on plain land, so it's pretty easy than the other days. Continue our walk along the riverside through a grassy land. Passing through varied terrain, we'll make our way to Dho Tarap, It is the main junction that connects the trail to Jomsom, Mustang, and Tibet. While exploring the village, you get a chance to interact with the locals. You'll get to know about their remote culture and lifestyle. Overnight stay in Dho Tarap.

Day 21 Trek from Dho Tarap to Nawarpani
Altitude: 3,475m/11,400ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner
Activities: 5 - 6 hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

Today we'll begin our trek with a downhill walk and come across the junction of Tarap Khola and Mirbubane Khola. Keep on walking and cross the bridge over Klang Khola, and you arrive at Langa Camp (4,010m/13,160ft). Furthermore, the trail continues through the bank of Tarap Khola and passes several villages, and reach Nawarpani for overnight. 

Day 22 Trek from Nawarpani to Laisicap
Altitude: 2,775m/9,110ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner
Activities: 5 - 6 hrs walk
Accommodation: Tented camp

Today, our trail descends beside the Tarap River. Walking along the riverbed for a while, we'll pass a narrow valley step on the forested area and crossing Laina Odar to reach into Laisicap for overnight.

Day 23 Trek from Laisicap to Dunai
Altitude: 2,850m/9,350ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner
Activities: 5 - 6 hrs walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

From Laisicap, we commence our trek along the shore of Thuri Bheri Khola. After a while, cross the bridge to get into Tarakot. Further ascending along the river, we reach Lawan and then Byasgadh. Finally, the trail becomes easy, and we cross another hanging bridge and eventually climb to Dunai for overnight. 

Day 24 Trek from Dunai to Juphal
Altitude: 2,500m/8,200ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast/Lunch & Dinner
Activities: 2 - 3 hrs walk
Accommodation: Teahouse/Lodge

After completing a long but rewarding journey, we'll be back to Juphal from where our adventure started. It is a short and easy walk from Dunai to Juphal. The trail passes through terraced fields and reaches beautiful small settlements to Juphal for overnight. 

Day 25 Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then Fly to Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Meals Plan: Breakfast & Dinner
Activities: 45minutes flight to Nepalgunj & 1 hour flight to Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Today we will have the one last view of the wonderful region. After an early breakfast, we will board on an earliest flight to Nepalgunj from Jumla. Once we land at Nepalgunj, we will board another flight to Kathmandu. You will have a free time to explore the Kathmandu or relax before a farewell dinner.

Day 26 Departure from Kathmandu
Altitude: (1350m/4428ft)
Meals Plan: Breakfast
Activities: Departure

Today is free or last-minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.

“End of our services”

Cost Includes:

• Airport picks up/ transfer
• 3 nights twin sharing accommodation at Kathmandu with breakfast
• 1 night twin sharing accommodation in Nepalgunj with breakfast
• Welcome and Farewell dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurant
• Upper Dolpo Special permit/TIMS Card- Trekkers Security Card
• Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Juphal & Juphal - Nepalgunj - Kathmandu flight, airport tax and transfer
• 18 nights/19 Days Upper Dolpo trek on full bard of meals (breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
• One Advance Adventures Trek Leader ( Gov. Licensed, first aid and eco trained), required assistance leader as per the group size, their entire expenses, equipment and insurance
• Entire poterage cost- one porter for each two member in a group
• All the Gov and local taxes
• AA duffle bag and T- shirt
• Down jacket and sleeping bags
• Group medicine kit box
• High altitude chamber bag for trek safety(available on above 5 pax travelling)
• Departure transfer

Cost not Includes:

• Nepal Visa, in/out flight to Kathmandu

• Your meals at Kathmandu, except provided dinner and breakfast

• Entire beverages, mineral water, beer etc. while on trek

• Travel insurance(Must includes Helicopter evacuation and trip cancellation)

• Personal nature expenses

• Tips 

• Any extending trips