Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek lies in the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri ranges resemble the mysterious and spiritual aura is the highest inhabited lands of western Nepal. The entire district was closed to trekkers until 1989 when the southern part of Dolpo was opened to organized trekking groups. We begin our trek from Juphal in the Dolpo region which was made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s book – “The Snow Leopard”. Nepal’s first English subtitled movie on Dolpo, The Caravan, was also a huge success which was also nominated for the Oscar Award in the best foreign language film category. The Upper Dolpo trekking route passes many gigantic mountain ranges of Mt. Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Kanjiroba, to name but a few and passes through Lower Dolpo, at one time a small Kingdom in its own right.

Trekkers are enthused greatly about the wild remoteness, the stunning mountain scenery and the fact that the local people had innocent friendliness peculiar to people who live in excessively remote mountainous regions in this trekking route. Boundaries of the Shey Phoksundo Park include within 3,500 square kilometers of land, mostly above 4,000 meters. You can enjoy the beauty of the deep blue waters of the Shey Phoksundo Lake and the surrounding snow peaks of Kanjirowa Himalayan range, with time to visit the nearby isolated village of Ringmo and its Monastery.

Our classic journey continues to the amazing country of Crystal Mountain at Shey Gompa, following the ancient Trans Himalayan Trade route. The highlight of this trek is the spiritual journey at Crystal mountain. Thousands of pilgrims visit this mountain every year to walk around the circumference of the mountain, much like the pilgrimage at Tibet’s Mt Kailash. This Trans-Himalayan region is so peaceful and full of intrigue that where we are sure that this trek in Dolpo will not disappoint you.

Day 1Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu(1350m.)Arrive in Kathmandu at any time. Our airport representative will welcome you and give you further details of the program. There are no planned activities for your arrival day, so check into the hotel, get your bearings and enjoy your overnight at hotel.
Day 2Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m) flightFrom Kathmandu, we take a bus or fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia Nationl Park. It is a major transport hub for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Our representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. Overnight stay will be at hotel that is 10 to 15 minutes drive from the airport.
Day 3Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475m)/ flight and Juphal to Dunai, Duration: 3 hrs aroundToday we take a 35 minutes long flight to Juphal. Our trekking starts from Juphal. The trail from Juphal to Dunai is comfortable and easy as the trail on this part of trek also has few jeeps running to and fro. The first forty five minutes of the trek descends down to Kalagauda followed by two hours of hike along the trail above Thuli Bheri River. We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the Dunai (2150m) a small town, the head quarter of the district. Dunai has some government and private schools, college, police check post and some government offices. You can visit the Bon Stupa and school, Central Buddhist monastery and the very first English medium school across the river, From the Stupa you can have the view of whole town and another village, upper Dunai.
Day 4Dunai to Chhepka (2,838m) Duration: 6 hrs aroundThe real adventure of Dolpo Mustang Trek begins today. As the trek begins we initially trek along classic trekking route of Dolpo via Sulighar, which is pretty much comfortable walk along the leveled trail. We shall produce the trekking permit to Dolpo and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit at the Sulighat Check-post. Now we are officially inside Shey Phoksundo National Park. Beyond Sulighat our trek follows the trail beside Phoksundo River till Kageni. As the trek goes further, the landscapes in the vicinity begin to change. We trek through the lush tropical forest frequently emerging at isolated mid-hill villages like Jutung and arrive to Shangta. At Shangta we cross the bridge twice - once over Phoksundo River and once over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Maiaba Khola and begin to head north towards Chhepka. Trekking upstream along the trail beside Phoksundo Khola for a while we arrive to Chhepka. We put our camps at an ideal location in Chhepka for the overnight stay.
Day 5Chhepka to Chunuwar (3,110m.) Duration: 6 hrs aroundToday the the trail leads you beside Phoksundo Khola- the trail of famous Lower Dolpa Circuit. We trek in the opposite direction of the river flow to Amchi Hospital. The trek crosses the bridge over Phoksundo Khola twice. As we approach closer to Kharka trekking along the amazingly peaceful region the trail goes high above Phoksundo Khola to Rechi 2,940mtrs, where we stop for the lunch. Beyond Rechi we again hike along the river side trail to Sulligad Dovan where we cross the bridge over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola and arrive to Chunuwar. We will settle our camps here for the night.
Day 6Chunuwar to Phoksundo Lake (3,733m) Duration: 5-6 hrs aroundWe will join the direct trail to Phoksundo Lake today climbing through forests of big cedars on to Palam (3,710m), a winter settlement used by the people of the Ringmo village. The entrance station for the Shey Phoksundo National Park is at the south end of the village. The route then descends on switchbacks through open country to an elevation of 3300 meter, and then starts up another set of dusty switchbacks to a ridge at 3780 meter to the highest waterfall in Nepal (200 meter high). Our route then continues on to Ringmo village, a picturesque settlement of flat-roofed stone houses with lots of mani walls. Just below Ringmo we cross a bridge and follow the trail to Phoksundo Lake, where we camp at the national park camping grounds west.
Day 7Phoksundo – Rest dayToday we visit around Ringmo Village and the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. First, we adventures around Ringmo Village and head to Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery). The Gompa nestling a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. Exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery is fascinating experience. Then we drop down to Phoksundo Lake along steep-sided cliffs. The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise color and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, is scenic view from Phoksundo Lake. There are several monasteries (Gompas) and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of these. We also explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.
Day 8Phoksundo- Sallaghari (3756m) Duration: 5-6hrs aroundToday's trek is probably one of the best trekking days of Dolpo to Mustang Trek. It climbs along the narrow trail cut on a cliff standing vertically straight above Phoksundo Lake. This treacherously fascinating trail brings us to another side of Phoksundo Lake. This particular part of the trek is like fantasy walk portrayed by a writer in their fiction novels. To get to the Phoksundo Khola camp on other side of the lake, we slide down for ninety minutes along the beautiful forests. The final part of today's trek slides up to the beautiful campsite at Sallaghari. Enjoy the night in the camps amongst beautiful pine forest.
Day 9Sallaghari to Nangdala High Camp (4100m) Duration: 5-6 hrs aroundToday's trek is relatively short; we trek for almost three hours to reach Nangdala High Camp 4100m. As the trek begins we ascend up the narrow defile of Tuk Kyaksa River. The trail switches to opposite side of the river several times. Soon we arrive at a place where the rapids of the river are calm. We cross the bridge over the river at that point. Thirty minutes of walk after the bridge, we come across the wide valley followed by two hours of walk along the canyon brings us the potential campsite. A walk for a while further reaches to the massive rock slab, which is Nangdala High Camp- our campsite for the night.
Day 10Nangdala High Camp to Shey Gompa (4160m) Crossing Nangdala pass (5360m) Duration: 5-6hrs aroundToday we trek to the fabled Shey Gompa and the nearby 'Crystal Mountain', the most sacred peak in Dolpo which Dolpo pilgrims circumambulate each summer before the harvest. We are now entering the real Dolpo, and to enter into this mystical land we have to cross the Kangla/Nangdala pass. The trek to the top of Kang La pass/Nangdala Pass is along the graveled trail uphill for three continuous hours. However, all the efforts put to come up to the top of the pass rewards us with wonderful views. The eye feast views from the Kang La Pass include Cyrstal Mountain, the mountains in Tibetan territory and the mesmerizing landscapes of Dolpo. We also have views of the peaks Shey Shikkar and Kang Chunne, both just over 6000mtrs, before descending steeply down to the valley floor and along the river. A red chorten marks the entrance to Shey. Every Dragon year according to the Tibetan calendar that comes in every 12 years there occurs a grand festival. People from different places and countries come to join this festival. We camp for the night.
Day 11Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa (4,430m) Duration: 6-7 hrs crossing Shey La Pass (5010m)Today we trek to the fabled Shey Gompa and the nearby 'Crystal Mountain', the most sacred peak in Dolpo which Dolpo pilgrims circumambulate each summer before the harvest. We are now entering the real Dolpo, and to enter into this mystical land we have to cross the Kangla/Nangdala pass. The trek to the top of Kang La/Nangdala Pass is along the graveled trail uphill for three continuous hours. However, all the efforts put to come up to the top of the pass rewards us with wonderful views. The eye feast views from the Kang La Pass include Cyrstal Mountain, the mountains in Tibetan territory and the mesmerizing landscapes of Dolpo. We also have views of the peaks Shey Shikkar and Kang Chunne, both just over 6000 meters, before descending steeply down to the valley floor and along the river. A red chorten marks the entrance to Shey. Every Dragon year according to the Tibetan calendar that comes in every 12 years there occurs a grand festival. People from different places and countries come to join this festival. We camp for the night.
Day 12Namgong Gompa to Saldang (3,770m) 4-5 hrs camping.Before setting out towards Saldang, we explore the monastery of Namgung set on the flanking cliff. As the trek from Namgong Gompa begins we follow Namga Khola cross pass more summer herding spots and emerge out of spur for a short hike down to Saldang. Saldang is a beautiful village with lots of dry land surrounded hills. Amchi tradition and Buddhism in Dolpo thrives here at Saldang. We'll get a chance to visit some local houses, drink some salt butter tea or chhyang (Tibetan barley beer) and sample the local fare at Saldang.
Day 13Saldang to Day Hiking to Yangjer Gumba (3750m)Today we will have a day hike after early breakfast to Yanjer the richest monastery of this region. We will have packed lunch and will come back to Saldang for the night stop after the exploration of the monastery.
Day 14Saldang to Khomagaon (4060m)Today we trek for six hours and reach the village of Komash. Initially, the trail follows the Saldang Lek along the Rapyha Khola to the barren hillside. Exiting out to the elevated ridge (Khom La) of almost 4500m, the trail descends steeply to Komash Village a village which bears similarity to a Tibetan village. Overnight in tents at Komash.
Day 15Khoma village to Shimengaon (3,870m)As we trek from Komash village we may sight some endangered animals like snow leopard or Blue sheep. On the way we pass small villages. The landscapes in the vicinity are full of highland deserts with few shrubs like vegetation. On the trail there is one small pass Shimen La (4,260m). After almost five hours of comfortable hiking we arrived at Shimen. Overnight in the tent camps at Shimen.
Day 16Shimengaon to Tinjegaon (4,150m)Today the trail goes by the side of Panjyang Khola. There are some villages and gompas on the way to Tinje. Tinje is a very beautiful valley. There is a natural air strip where once a British aircraft had landed and taken off.
Day 17Tinjegaon to Yak Kharka (4710m)From the village of Tinje we trek to Yak Kharka, which is an open grazing ground for yaks and sheep. The grassy meadow of Yak Kharka makes for an excellent camping site.
Day 18Yak Kharka (4710m) to Chharka (4,110m) 5 hrs walk crossing Mola Pass (5027m)From Yak kharka we trek towards Chharka. Crossing the Mola pass (5027m) we reach Chharka. We can visit beautiful village and the Bon Monastery in Chharka.
Day 19 Chharka to Norbulung/Nulungsumda (4,750m)Today the trail goes through the arid high land. There are some up hills on the way. We trek up to Norbulung and have a night camp there.
Day 20Nulungsumda/Norbulung to Ghalden Ghuldum (4190m) Crossing Niwar la pass (5120m) and Tuchela (Sangda) Bhanjyang (5,185m) passes.
Day 21Ghalden Ghuldum (4190m) to Sangda (3710m)From Nulungsumda ascending trail takes us to the pass Niwar La pass. Crossing the pass the trail we again proceed towards another pass Tuchela (Sangda) Bhanjyang (5185m) then the trail goes down hill up to Ghaldang Ghuldung, where we make the night stop.
Day 22Sanda to Phalyak (3180m)We climbed the hill behind Santa and spent most of the day making a high traverse, crossing nine ridges to a final crest at 4280m. We then descend into the Kali Gandaki valley, traversing under high cliffs and descending to the large village of Phalek.
Day 23Phalyak to Jomsom/ (2720m)We climb to a ridge at 3360mtrs and make a final descent on a challenging trail of loose rocks to Jomsom at 2670m. Jomsom is also one of the famous places for the tourists.
Day 24Jomsom to Pokhara/flight and Pokhara to Kathmandu/flight.We fly form Jomsom to Pokhara and to Kathmandu today. Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu airport and take you to the hotel.
Day 25Depature from Kathmandu

Trip FAQ

How hard is it?

If you can walk 5 miles a day and are in good aerobic shape (with a doctor’s approval), you can do fine and make it. The actual trekking is on mostly level ground with a few sections of steep hillsides – up and down. You should not carry more than a light day pack with a jacket, water and snacks. However, it is the altitude that creates the main issues. That said, the better shape you are in, the more you will enjoy the overall experience.

What training can I do before going trek?

There’s no specific training needed if you are reasonably fit. If you are completely sedentary, then yes some cardiovascular training would be recommended. Stair climbing or hill walking will get most people ready. Remember you’ll be walking up and down rough paths for 8-12 days. You’ll be at altitude too which will make things much harder. Having a good level of fitness will help you enjoy your trek more and always remember, it’s not a race!

What is the best time for this trek?

October, November and December is Nepal’s peak season and it is the best time to go trekking.

February, March and April is the end of the dry season and it is the second best time of the year to go trekking.

November, December, January and February, the sky is clear, but it can be very cold in the mountain. May to June is Nepal’s hot season and it can get very warm indeed. June to September is the monsoon season and the least popular time to go trekking in Nepal.

What is the equipment list for this trek?

01: Large backpack/rucksack:
02: Day pack or day rucksack:
03: Sleeping bag:
04: Down jacket:
05: Trekking/Hiking shoes
06: Fleece jacket
07:Drinking water bottle-Aluminum
08: Sun glass
09: Wool hat and Sun cap
10: Gloves
11: Walking Poole
12: Torch or head lamp

How long does it take for Comfort Trekking?

It depends on your route, but EBC trek usually takes about 15 days. We suggest you not to go on a rush trek primarily due to the altitude. You will be landed in Lukla at (9,250 feet) and go to EBC at (17,500 f.). If you go too fast or rush your itinerary, you might get altitude sickness which is harmful.