Upper Dolpo Trek

You will be warmly welcomed at the airport by our office representative and then you will transfer to hotel. Our staff will give a brief explanation about the program. This day you can stay within the hotel or enjoy the night at Thamel, Kingsway especially famous for clubs and bars.

This day, you will visit many cultural heritages, which includes some of the famous world’s heritages like Pashupatinath, Swyambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath stupa and many more. You can do the shopping for various Nepalese cultural stuff on this day. And Back to the hotel for overnight.

Today, we fly to the western side of Nepal. It is about a 1-hour flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Situated nearby the Nepal-India border, Nepalgunj offers you the taste of both Hindu and Muslim cultures. Overnight at our hotel inclusive B. L. D

After our breakfast, we will catch another flight to reach Juphal. It will consume about 45 minutes to reach to Juphal with a scenic view of the mountains. On arriving at Juphal our trekking crew will receive you, these guys have done a tough hike all the way from Nepalgunj with the camping gear and food supply which take about 5-6 days. We bunk out here for the night with all meals inclusive

We start trekking from Dunai, cross the big steel suspension bridge and turn west, following the trail past the hospital, and then it’s a level walk along the bank of the Thulo Bheri to its confluence with the Suli Gaad at 2070m. We follow the new trail north up the east bank of the Suli Gaad to a collection of teashops run by the wives of army personnel in Dunai.

Another hour of walking takes us to Kal Rupi and then on to Raktang (2260m). We cross to the west bank and trek past numerous goths and horse pastures, over a ridge to the rough stone houses of Jyalhasa, a wintering spot for the people of Ringmo.

We keep walking upstream to another bridge, cross it to the east bank, and make our way past some crude teashops and a bridge over a side stream, the Ankhe Khola, at 2460m. The trail moves up and down through grass and ferns to a trail junction. The fork is the old trail leading to the army and national park post at Ankhe, and on to the old trail that passes the villages of Rahagoan and Parela, high on the ridge above.

These three villages have a strange name connection: Parela Rahagoan and Ankhe. The trail Phoksumdo Lake climbs over a ridge at 2710m and then descends on a rocky path to Chepka (2670m), which is inhabited by three brothers and consists of a collection of interconnected shops, rakshi stalls, and lodges. We camp here or at another good spot beside a huge rock in a walnut grove about 20 minutes beyond Chepka, with all meals inclusive

To reach Palam, we have to pass through beautiful forest, following a river. We have to ascend sometimes and descend sometimes. On the way we can see the local people with their mules as dzopas (cross bread of Yak and Cow), loaded with thongs to sell.

After 4 hrs we will reach Reechi village, leaving behind Reechi we will reach Chumuwar after 2 hrs. There is Amchi Hospital; an Amchi is a doctor who is educated in traditional Tibetan medicine. You can have treatment from herbs and numerals. Interested person can donate for this Hospital. Overnight in tented camps, inclusive of full board meals.

We continue downstream to the national park headquarters at Sumduwa before joining the trail up the Phoksumdo Khola to Phoksumdo Lake. We climb through a forest of large cedars to the winter settlement of Palam and continue ascending through the open country to a ridge from which there are good views of the lake in the distance. Close by is a fabulous waterfall, the highest waterfall in Nepal.

The trail then makes an initial descent before climbing gently to Ringmo village. After crossing a bridge below Ringmo, the trail continues northwards to the shores of Phoksumdo Lake. Hereabouts we camp out in tents with all meals inclusive

Today is a rest day at the lake which is known for its unusual greenish-blue coloring. It is overlooked on the western side, by a prominent snowy peak known as Kanjirolba or Kanchen Ruwa. A trail leads through a stand of juniper trees to an old dilapidated gompa that overlooks the lake.

We find Buddhist paintings and statues at this gompa; there is also evidence of the ancient Bon-Po religion within the temple and chapels. This is also part of the film ‘Caravan’ that was shot. Overnight in our tents with all meals inclusive

This day, we will enter the restricted area of Upper Dolpo. We will follow the famous trail where the famous movie called CARAVAN of Eric Valli was cast. This trail is used by peoples of Dolpo and other trade with Tibetans. It is adventurous to pass through the trail. When we reach the top we will have a beautiful view of Lane Ringmo, the dark green pine forests and snow-capped mountain to the South.

We will have to descend first and ascend through a wide valley which will let us have a spectacular view of Kanjirowa Himal (66612m) then we will reach an alpine area with junipers called Thaneba or Lakeside camp, a beautiful place of camping. Overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.

We begin the day along the level path that now heads north through a glacial valley. We then cross to the east bank of Phoksundo Khola. We follow the main valley for another hour to Kang Gompa. We climb steeply from Kang Gompa and stay on the grassy ridge.

It’s a long climb up the ridge past a few groves of birch trees. There are spectacular mountain views with Shey Shikar (6,139m) and Kang Chunne (6,443m) dominating the skyline to the west. We continue on a crest at 4,200m then the route descends gently on a rocky trail to Lar Tsa, a camp site besides the river at 4120m.

It’s possible to continue walking, but we have now ascended more than 5,00m in a day and should spend the night at Lar Tsa for acclimatization. Overnight in our tents with all meals inclusive

We continue on the route that follows the upper reaches of the Phoksumdo Khola, and then we turn north towards the peak of Riwo Drugdra (Crystal Mountain). There is a choice of trails here; we follow the more scenic pilgrim route across the Sehu La to the west of Crystal Mountain, making a kora (circumambulation) of this sacred peak.

The Dolma trail turns north soon after camp while the pilgrim trail starts up a steep screen slope on the opposite side of a stream that flows from the north. After a long pull to Sehu La (also known as Mendok Ding La) at 5160m the trail descends a screen slope to a grassy meadow besides a stream valley and begins a series of long ascents and descends across ridges in and out of side valleys as it traverses around Crystal Mountain.

After a steep, rough climb to a crest at 5,010m and another at 4,860m, we begin the descent to the Tar valley. Soon after the route reaches grassy slopes, a side trail leads to Tsakang, a gompa said to be 800years that is perched dramatically on the side of a cliff. The final descent is on a wide trail to a campsite in a large meadow near a few huts of nomads at 4310, just below Shey gompa. This is where we crash out for the night with all meals inclusive

Today is another acclimatization day at Shey Gompa. Cross the river on a log bridge and climb past a big Chorten and a huge field of mani stones to the Shey gompa compound at 4390m. The gompa itself is not large, and there are no artifacts or paintings of notes inside. Although the building is said to be 800years old, the wall paintings are relatively recent, probably done in 1970s. The statues on the altar are of Guru Rinpoche, Sakyamuni and Milarepa.

The gompa also houses an ancient Tibetan scroll that describes the myth of Crystal Mountain and Shey gompa. According to the inscription, there is a holy lake in a crater among the mountains that surrounds Shey. When a pilgrim makes nine circumambulations of this lake the water turns milky. A sip of this milk and the pilgrim can see Mt Kailash in the distance. The ones who don’t need a day of rest can try to find this lake. We bunk out here for the night with all meals inclusive

We trek east from Shey gompa and across the 5,010m Shey La. Here we turn north and descend before climbing again to Namgung (4430m).

We get a stunning view of the northern Tibetan plateau, the highest plateau in the world, as we travel over the Glen pass. We can see Mustang out in the east. To get to Namgung’s meadows, we must descend after passing across the pass. Namgung residents provide a warm welcome to us. It is a lovely location with a welcoming atmosphere.

We haul up here for the night with all meals inclusive.

Our Trek to Saldang starts with climbing a tree slope. We have to ascend to 4,700m before going down steep slopes to the picturesque village of Saldang, situated on a plateau high above the Nam Khong Nala and the biggest villages of the lower Dolpo area. The village is prosperous, not only agriculturally but also for its strategic location on a trade route to Tibet. Overnight in tented Camps inclusive of full board meals.

We will leave Saldang village and on way to Sibu we have to pass through terraced fields, Stupas, Chortens mani, and a Chaiba monastery. Namdo, the next village contains sixty houses having nearly four hundred inhabitants. It stretches 5km on the high slopes to the left of Nam Khong Khola. We will set camp near the small settlement of Sibu, right on the river bank. Overnight at tented camp inclusive of full board meals.

We will follow the line of the river valley and the trail is easy going initially. But after two hours, we must make another stream before turning into the side valley where the rise becomes very sharp. Overnight at tented camp with the full board of meals.

To reach to Tokyo Gaon we have to cross the Jeng La which is about 4850m. It will take about 2 hrs to climb to reach the top of Jeng La. Form the top of the peak we can have good views of Dhaulagiri, beautiful goldy views in the morning then we will descend towards Tarap valley. By the after we will see green valley which leads us by a beautiful trail down.

Towards Tarap Chu. Tarap is a spectacular valley with vast plants in high mountains extending to twenty kilometers along the Tarap Chu River. It consists of ten villages with cultivated fields, many Gompas, and Chhortens. Overnight at tented camp with the full board of meals.

Our morning walk begins with a gradual up leading us to Kamattarka at the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, a stream flowing from the east. After a few hours of good morning hiking, we leave the narrow gorge & from here the path leads just above tree lines of juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himalayan valleys. Another 3 hours or more walking brings us to the village of Dho Tarap surrounded by an irregular stone wall.

At Dho, thirty-four houses are divided into three groups and built-in random fashion, it’s pretty interesting! In this Valley, both Bon Po and Chaiba sects reside together. Tarap is also inhabited by a few Tibetans and mostly Magars who have lived here for many generations. Overnight Camp by the village yard with all meals.

The next two days are longish with a choice of several different campsites so the itinerary can be flexible. Your route follows the course of the Tarap Khola, generally downhill. You go through narrow gorges with the river rushing through. One may see blue sheep, marmots, yaks, sheep, and goats and perhaps meet people from Dolpo taking their flocks of sheep and goats to lower pastures for the winter.

The afternoon brings more undulations in the path when it leaves the immediate course of the river. There is evidence of improvements to the trail where parts of the rock have been blasted out. You will also see the first of the modern steel suspension bridges which have been built to facilitate the movement of people and animals. The track is very narrow in places. Overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.

You leave Khanigoan by the new suspension bridge and then walk alongside the river, sometimes going very high before reaching down to the water again. Some of the going are quite demanding and one bridge, said to have unusable for six years, necessitates crossing on wet stepping-stones. Coming into the broad fertile valley of the Barbung Chu, you walk amongst the various crops of millet, sweet corn, barley, buckwheat, green beans, chilies, and marijuana.

Your lunch and night stop is high above the river but there is a standpipe for water. Tarakot is an old fortress town known by the local people as Dzong, meaning ‘fort’. Before the Gorkha dynasty, Tarakot was the capital and had a dzong.

The famous Sandul Gompa, which lies 8km east of Tarakot and at the junction of Barbing Khola and Tarap Chu, stands on a knoll to the south of Bheri River and at one time supervised collections of tolls for the trading caravans traversing an area called Tichu Rong. As an alternative to camping at Tarakot, you may camp down by the river as there are good cooking facilities there and a clean, locked toilet for trekkers’ use. Overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.

The trail is mostly down and fairly firm underfoot. Walking beside the Bheri River you use the ingenious path built twenty feet above the river. All too soon you have reached the village of Dunai and the campsite you used before. You will now have completed the circuit and can mark the occasion with a celebration party! Overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.

You now retrace your steps to Juphal. Initially, the way is flat but the final hour up to your destination seems steeper than you remember on Day One! Camp overnight on the grounds of one of the lodges. Overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.

Early morning flight to Nepalganj. This is a wonderful 35- minute flight over the Himalayan foothills, with fine views of the main peaks including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the north. You then connect with the flight back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel, inclusive of breakfast.

Today is your departure day, we will drop you to the International airport to catch your flight back to your home and pray for your Safe journey.