Upper Dolpo Trek - 28 Days
Upper Dolpa Trek
Upper Dolpa Trek
Upper Dolpa Trek
Upper Dolpa Trek
Upper Dolpa Trek
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Trip Code HTA-24
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Duration: 28 Days
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Trip Grade Moderate
Trip Highlights
Upper Dolpa Highlights:-
- Phoksundo Lake
- Highland monasteries including the one at Shey
- Bon culture at Ringmo, the village just above Phoksundo Lake
- Nomads of the ancient trading town, Dho
About Trip:
Upper Dolpa Trek:-
The Dolpo region is located between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri area. Was closed for travelers until 1989, later the Dolpo(southern part) was on for organizing travel groups. Our journey begins with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu. We then flew to Nepalgunj en route to Juphal where we began our journey in the Dolpo region famous for Peter Matthiessen's book - The Snow Leopard. The first English language Nepali film titled Dolpo, The Caravan, was also a major success and was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film. In our 28-day journey, we pass through fascinating villages, roads, and lovely people. We cross a few of the highest peaks in the Himalayas and enjoy the great and peaceful beauty of Pokundo Lake. By Himalayan Trade route & head back to Jhupal as our journey ends. This trip takes us west to the wild west of Nepal.
Outline Itinerary
| S.N.:- | OUTLINE ITINERARY:- |
| Day-01(1,350m.) | Step on Kathmandu |
| Day-02(1,350m.) |
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE (SIGHTSEEING) |
| Day-03(150m.) | Nepalgunj Flight, 1 hr. |
| Day-04(2,850m.) | Dolpa(Jhupal) Flight, Dunai Trek,2-3 hrs. |
| Day-05(2,896m.) | Ankhe,5-6 hrs. |
| Day-06(3,180m.) | Sulighat,5-6 hrs. |
| Day-07(3,611m.) | Phoksundo Lake |
| Day-08(3,611m.) | Phoksundo Lake Acclimatization |
| Day-09(3,507m.) |
Phoksundo Khola, 4-5 hours |
| Day-10(3,910m.) | Phoksundo Bhanjyang,6-7 hours |
| Day-11(5,360m.) | Shey Gompa via Kang-La pass,5-6 hours |
| Day-12(5,360m.) | Shey Gompa Rest/Acclimatization |
| Day-13(5,200m.) | Namduna Gaun via Saldang La,6-7 hours |
| Day-14(3,620m.) | Saldang,4-5 hours |
| Day-15(4,960m.) | Yangze Gompa,4-5 hours |
| Day-16(4,560m.) | Sibu, 6-7 hrs. |
| Day-17(4,900m.) | Jeng-la Phedi,5-6 hrs. |
| Day-18(5,090m.) | Tokyu Gaon via Jeng La Pass |
| Day-19(4,040m.) | Dho Tarap,4-5 hrs. |
| Day-20(4,040m.) | Dho Tarap Rest |
| Day-21(3,800m.) | Tarap Khola (Kamakharka),6-7 hours |
| Day-22(3,150m.) | Khanigaon,4-5 hrs. |
| Day-23(2,537m.) | Tarakot,4-5 hrs. |
| Day-24(2,140m.) | Dunai,5-6 hours |
| Day-25(2,850m.) | Jhuphal,2-3 hrs |
| Day-26(1,350m.) | Nepalgunj Flight then fly Kathmandu |
| Day-27(1,350m.) | Rest Day in Kathmandu |
| Day-28(1,350m.) | Final Departure |
Cost Includes:
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
- Star level hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek
- Welcome Dinners
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Domestic flights
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
- Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
- An experienced English-speaking trek leader (trekking guide), and Sherpa porters to carry luggage including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food, and lodging
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food, and accommodation
- Himalayan Traverse’s trekking bag/duffel bag
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
- All government and local taxes
Cost Excludes:
- Nepalese visa fee
- 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
- International flights
- 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) and driver(s)
Trip Map
Day-01: Step on Kathmandu(1,350M./4,429FT.)
From 1st step off to the land of Nepal, Completing our mandatory custom Formalities -Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. Himalayan Traverse representative excited full of joy for you at the gate who will lead us to Hotel. Rest of the day taking rest to get recharged after the tiredness of the long flight.
✈1,350m.
☾Hotel Vaishali
〄No Meal
Day-02: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SIGHTSEEING(1,350M./4,429FT.)
4-landmarks, 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Visit with a Professional Licensed Person helping you know Kathmandu even deep historically. (Swayambhunath, Bauddhanath)- Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, & Kathmandu Durbar Square. With the knowledge gained we make you actually feel welcomed the Night as a part of a family with a warm Nepalese cuisine at a welcome dinner hosted by Himalayan Traverse after knowing the team & getting to know our guides in person.
Overnight in Kathmandu.
INCLUDED MEALS: WELCOME DINNER
✈1,350m.
☾Hotel Vaishali
〄Breakfast, Welcome Dinner
Day-03: Nepalgunj Flight, 1 hr.
Start with an hr. -long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj, near the Nepal-India border, the gateway to Simikot, Humla. Interesting Terai town showing the diverse culture. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, mini-zoo & nearby villages. Overnight in Nepalgunj.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈150m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-04: Nepalgunj Flight to Jhuphal (Dolpo) & Dunai (2,850m/9,348ft) trek: 45 mins flight, 2-3 hr. s trek
We flew to Jhupal after breakfast. The city is located on the highest point of the Himalayan mountains, with views of the Annapurna & Dhaulagiri mountains in the north. Here, we meet our tour staff & start having fun. It crosses the plains to the Beer River & its small gorge. We continue on to Dunai, the administrative capital of Dolpo. We explore a small village in the evening & pitch our tents at night.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈2,850m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-05: Ankhe (2,896m/9,499ft), 5-6 hr. s
Cross the suspension bridge & west follow the path( past the hospital). Up the side of the treeless valley, Thuhulu Bheri valley before entering the Poxundo River valley. Along the way, we reach the view of Kagmara Peak above the valley. We pass through dye trees, the villages of Dhera & Rahagaun, through dense jungle & finally reach Ankhe. Overnight at Ankhe.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈2,896m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-06: Sulighat, 5-6 hr. s
Our route takes us up & down the riverbank & up the hill. Going downhill can be tiring, but there are many streams along the way that give you a chance to cool off. The trail eventually left the forest on a grassy slope above the river. We descended a steep slope surrounded by lush vegetation before reaching the cliff, followed by a steep descent into the riverbank. We continue on until we reach Sulighat, where we spend the night.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈3,180m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-07: Phoksundo Lake (3,611m/11,849 ft),4-5 hr. s
We continue our journey to the region where the rivers Phoksundo & Pungmo meet. After crossing the bridge, we walk along the west coast of Pungmo Khola. The trail passes through a cedar forest before reaching the valley of Palm. From here we climb the river & enjoy the long views of Poxundo Lake & the beautiful waterfall, one of the highest mountains in Nepal. Next, our route descends the birch forests to the areas above Phsundo Khola, & then to the beautiful Ringmo area with its muddy walls & walls. From here it is a short distance to the shores of Lake Phoksundo. At night at His Fountain.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈3,611m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-08: Phoksundo Lake Acclimatization/Rest
Today will be a great day to get to know Phoksundo Lake. At noon we can begin our short journey to the town of Ringmo & its Tibetan Monastery. During our short trip, we have the opportunity to get acquainted with local customs. Dolpo people wear a brown home dress & prefer the Tibetan embroidery style or dhocha style (boots with flexible toes) to wear on the feet. Both men & women usually wear coral & coral, amber & turquoise. At night at His Fountain.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈3,611m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-09: Phoksundo Khola, 4-5 hr. s
Our route is around the upper edge west of Lake Poksundo as it surrounds the rocky shore west of the lake. This paved road is lined with a wooden main road supported by concrete slides, indicating the distance we are about to enter. At the western end of the lake, the road leads to a lush green pasture that enters the Phokundo Khola floodplain. After that we walk through the valley, cross the river & avoid the temporary gorge on foot & reach the river bank to camp all night.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈3,507m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-10: Phoksundo Bhanjyang, 6-7 hr. s
About an hr. later, we made our way to the snow-covered north castle. At the junction of Poxundo Khola & another river in the mountain, there is an old wooden bridge. From here, we head northeast. A steep slope leads us to the sheepfold where our path leads to the gorge. The ascent to the summit brings us to another valley where we can see the passing of Kang-La. We set up camp near the ground in the area where Peter Matthiessen baptized the 'Snowfields Camp'. During our tour today we love the views of Chhamlang peak 6 (6739m) & peak 7 (6105m).
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈3,910m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-11: Shey Gompa (4,500m/14,760ft) via Kang-La pass (5,360m/17,581ft), 5-6 hr. s
In the morning, we go up the mountain to the cross. Climbing to the top of the earth is very difficult. From the summit passing Kang-la, we get a spectacular view of a vast valley ruined by a flowing river. He went down to the valley. Next, we take the route along the river bank, crossing & crossing several times. There are mud caves covering the hills overlooking the river. We also pass pastures where we can see yaky pastures, hundreds of goats & goats (Chyangra). After crossing an old wooden bridge we arrive at the Shey Gompa compound where we will spend the night.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈5,360m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-12: Shey Gompa Acclimatization/Rest
Shey Gompa was built in 1655 & the palace is known for its large bronze statue with a gold-plated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. To the east of the lake lies Crystal Mountain, one of the most beautiful mountains, as its cliffs are made of quartz mixed with a variety of sea corals. Today is another well-received day of relaxation to get used to. We spend the day hiking in the mountains around Shey, a city famous for its ancient pre-Buddhist culture, Bon Po. In Dolpo the ancient Tibetan method combines animism with the teachings of the Buddha. Overnight at Shey Gompa.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈5,360m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-13: Namduna Gaun (4,800m/15,744ft) via Saldang La (5,200m/17,056ft), 6-7 hrs.
We start the day by following a beautiful juniper tree along the white, rocky plateau. After that, the trail begins to roll over bare rocks & worn-out soil until it finally brings us to the summit past Saldang-la. The next descent to the north is long & tedious but consumes yak & sheep, & nomadic tents made of yak hair is a comforting sight. In Namduna Gaun we visit the Namgung palace. The red beast is built behind a stone on the north wall of the gorge. Overnight at Namuda Gaun.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈5,200m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-14: Saldang (3,620m/ 11,874ft), 4-5 hr. s
Leaving the city, we climb a steep slope to embark on a long trek through the dusty mountains. 3 hr.-hike to Saldang Village below us(high plateau) above Namga Khola River. It looks good. Saldang is the largest city in the center of Dolpo. The village stretches for about two miles [2 km] on the open slope & consists of five villages with about eighty well-built houses with about 600 inhabitants. A thriving city not only for agriculture but also for its strategic location on the trade route to Tibet. Overnight in Saldang.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈3,620m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-15: Yangze Gompa (4,960m/16,267ft), 4-5 hr. s
From Saldang, we continue north along the Nagon Khola (river) road in a barren & desolate area. We start our journey slowly. Along the way, we pass the villages of Marang & Ki. Next, we cross a canal that flows the Panzang River eastward & then crosses the river again before reaching Yangze gompa where the old Bon-Po palace resides. Overnight at Yangze Gompa.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈4,960m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-16: Sibu (4,560m/14,957ft), 6-7 hr. s
From Yangze, there are two routes connecting Sibu. The saving time will take the road back to the village of Saldang, which will be much easier & shorter than the other way around. From Saldang we cross the river through swampy fields, stupas, chortens, piles of rocks & the Chaiba palace, & pass through the prosperous village of Namdo, which has about 60 houses with about 400 inhabitants. It runs over 5 km on the main slopes to the left of Nam Khong Khola. Namdo's monastery is near the river. Our journey continues along the river for another two hr. s to camp near the small town of Sibu.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈4,560m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-17: Jeng-la Phedi (4,900m/16,072ft), 5-6 hr. s
We drive to Nam Khong Khola for a while & take a yak trip to the Tibetan border. After a short journey east, we reach the confluence of two streams. Next, the steep route rises to the cities below the Jeng La pass (4,900m / 16,072ft). Our camp will be located in this beautiful pasture. Overnight at Jeng la Phedi.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈4,900m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-18: Tokyu Gaon (4209m/13809ft) via Jeng La pass (5,090m/16,695ft), 5-6 hr. s
We get up early & start the journey today. It will take us two hr. s to reach the Jeng La summit, where we get a spectacular view of the northern face of the Dhaulagiri River. From here we go down the ridge to the Tarap Valley, a beautiful valley with vast plateaus 12 miles [20 km] along the Tarap Chu River. We set up tents near Tokyu monastery.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈5,090m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-19: Dho Tarap(4,040m/13,251ft): 4-5 hr. s
We descended to a steep slope on both sides of the river that is very different from the rest of the inner Dolpo. There is also a swamp that is a common feature in the Tibetan & Ladakh Himalayan deserts. Both Bon Po & Buddhist groups are formed in this valley. After a short drive, we reach Dho Tarap). Overnight in Dho Tarap.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈4,040m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-20: Dho Tarap Rest Day
We spend today relaxing & wandering around the valley of Dho Tarap surrounded by an unusual stone wall. Our travels will help us to get acquainted with local customs. In Dho, about 40 houses have been divided into three groups & built in a way that does not fit in with the few Tibetans, especially the Magars, a mountain tribe of Nepal. While here, we can visit the Buddhist Gompa near our camp or take a 40-minute walk & visit the Bon Po Gompa. Overnight in Dho Tarap.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈4,040m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-21: Tarap Khola (Kamakharka) (3,800m/12,464ft), 6-7 hr. s
From Tarap down a wide valley that eventually leads to a gorge. We go with juniper & wild rose just above the tree line. Along the way, we see herds of blue sheep & in the afternoon, we reach the confluence of the Tarap Chu & Lang Khola, a river that meets the Tarap River in the far east. We will camp on the beautiful veld also known as Kamakharka & spend the night.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈3,800m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-22: Khanigaon(3,150m/10,332ft), 4-5 hr. s
We continue down the Tarap River, sometimes along the river bank. During our trip we pass local people who will move their herds to the lowlands in the winter. This will be one of the most exciting days of the trip as the valley becomes so narrow in the deep ravine that in some places it can jump from one side to the other. Sometimes there are no roadblocks & we may have to walk through stone blocks lined with logs between walls that serve as a bridge. The gorge also offers unexpected sacrifices & entertainment. In some places, bridges are damaged or washed away & we may be forced to cross a cold river on foot. Finally, we arrived at our camp near Tarap Khola in Khanigaon, where we were staying.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈3,150m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-23: Tarakot (2,537m/8,321ft), 4-5 hr. s
Leaving the camp, we followed the trail that led to the village of Lalberi. Our route takes us through the lush jungle, down another gorge, & up the river. After arriving in Tarakot, we can visit Sandile Gompa, about five miles [8 km] east of the city where Barbung Khola & Tarap Chu meet. The palace is located on the southern bank of the Bear River. Today we camped along the Tarap Chu River about 150 meters below the Tarakot, near the police post. Overnight in Tarakot
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈2,537m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-24: Dunai (2,140m/7,019ft), 5-6 hr. s
We begin our journey along the Beer River before crossing a bridge near the town of Lawan. Our route will continue along the Beer River to Basas Gadi. From here the trail runs west in a simple way. We cross the river again at Lochakhola Gaon & then up to Dunai to spend the night. Today's trip, in particular, will be in a beautiful gorge with pine trees. Overnight in Dunai.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈2,140m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-25: Jhuphal, 2-3 hr. s
Leaving Dunai, we walk along the Beri River & enjoy the scenery. Along the way, we pass the villages of Dhupichaur & Rupgad & the temple. We continue on our way to Kalagaonda & the village of Motipur before reaching the small airport. Overnight in Jufal.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST, LUNCH & DINNER
✈2,850m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day-26: Jhuphal Flight to Nepalgunj & Kathmandu Flight
The earliest flight to Nepalgunj. Return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. Transferred to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions & organize the photos. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner hosted by Himalayan Traverse. Overnight in Kathmandu.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST
✈1,350m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast
Day-27: Kathmandu Rest day
This is an extra day set aside for you to explore Kathmandu. You can spend the day preparing for your next flight, make a souvenir purchase, or if there is a place in Kathmandu that you really want to visit, the Himalayan Traverse can also arrange that. Overnight in Kathmandu.
INCLUDED MEALS: BREAKFAST
✈1,350m.
☾Hotel/Tea-House
〄Breakfast
DAY-28: FINAL DEPARTURE
Today we will be biding your farewell. Hoping we get to see you back in Nepal again as a family for another adventurous trip. We will take you to the International airport 3 hours before the scheduled flight & finally, you will depart back for your homeland!
Overnight in Kathmandu.
INCLUDED MEALS: Breakfast
✈1,350m.
☾Homeland
〄Breakfast
(Note: Booking must be confirmed 6 months before in advance)
You must bring the important documents mentioned below in your trip.
- Valid Passport with 2 pp sized photos
- Proof of insurance and visa form
- International air tickets
- Enough cash which can be exchanged once you reach Kathmandu
- Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler's checks, etc.
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