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Upper Dolpo Trek

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Trip Facts

  • DesinationNepal
  • ActivityUpper Dolpo Trekking
  • AccommodationHotel/Lodge/ Tea House during the trek
  • Duration25 Days
  • Max Altitude5350 m
  • Meals IncludedAll Meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek
  • Group size5-10
  • Activity Per DayApproximately 4-6 hrs walking
  • TranspotationDomestic flight (KTM-Nepalgunj-Jhupal-Nepalgunj-KTM)
  • Difficulty LevelModerate
  • Best SeasonMar, Apri, May, Sep, Oct & Nov

Overview

Upper Dolpo Trek: Opportunity to know remote area of Nepal

Upper Dolpo Trek is a remote trekking experience that takes you to the mystic land of Upper Dolpo and lets you admire the natural and cultural splendor it possesses. Upper Dolpo is an ancient land of Buddhist that is popularly known for its unique landscape and stunning beauty. This isolated region is enriched with natural beauty and cultural glory in abundance. The trekking route passes many gigantic mountain ranges like Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Kanjiroba, etc. The wild remoteness, rugged natural beauty, and the stunning mountain scenery make this trek the first choice of the enthusiastic trekkers.

Dolpo is a high altitude region and a home to around 5000 people who live a traditional but unique life. The people are mostly engaged in agriculture for livelihood and practice Pre Buddhist Bon Po religion which is a unique religion of its own kind. The place has its own myth. As per mythology, Guru Rinpoche created this place. He created Dolpo as a sanctuary by separating it from the rest of the world. The high mountains and snow clad mountains would create a barrier between the sanctuary and the rest of the world making the place a good meditating location for any Buddhist devout.

Upper Dolpo Trek: Wealthy on Flora, Fauna, Wildlife & Landscapes

Upper Dolpo Trek takes you to Shey Gompa, which is popular as the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo trek. It’s a magical place, situated at the base of Crystal Mountain. The Crystal Mountain is the very auspicious place and is visited by hundreds of pilgrims each year, who come here to perform a kora (circuit) around the mountain.

Upper Dolpo trekking trail follows the ancient Tibetan salt caravan route across the cross three high passes, Nagdalo La of 5350 m, the Shey La of 5000 m and Jeng La of 5110 m. During summer, the flora explodes in its full splendor. You can encounter orchids, edelweiss, campanulas and forget me not plant all along your way. Phoksundo Lake, a lake with deep blue crystal clear water is the major attraction of this trek. Upper Dolpo region is also remarkably known for its wildlife. Blue sheep, Serow and Snow Leopard are the major attractions.

The wilderness in this secluded region is just awe inspiring. This is a strenuous hike that involves long climbs and long descends but the unforgettable landscapes; the views from the passes and the encounter with a very ancient untouched culture makes the hike worth it. Nepal Intrepid Treks organizes the trek to Upper Dolpo for all those aspiring travelers. So, if you are amongst the one, then join Nepal Intrepid Treks for a wonderful trek to Upper Dolpo Region of Nepal.

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu
  • Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
  • Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj
  • Day 04: Fly to Juphal and trek to Chhepka
  • Day 05: Trek to Chunuwar/Amchi Hospital
  • Day 06: Trek to Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
  • Day 07: Acclimatization in Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake
  • Day 08: Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake to Chunemba
  • Day 09: Trek to Snowfields Camp
  • Day 10: Trek to Shey Gompa via Kang La
  • Day 11: Rest day Shey Gompa
  • Day 12: Trek to Namgung via Shey La
  • Day 13: Trek to Saldang
  • Day 14: Trek to Sibu
  • Day 15: Trek to Lagmo Che
  • Day 16: Trek to Tokyu via Jeng La
  • Day 17: Trek to Dho Tarap
  • Day 18: Trek to Sisaul
  • Day 19: Trek to Laina Odar
  • Day 20: Trek to Lingdo
  • Day 21: Trek to Dunai
  • Day 22: Trek to Juphal
  • Day 23: Flight Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu
  • Day 24: Leisure day in KathmanduDay 24: Leisure day in Kathmandu
  • Day 25: Farewell

Includes

  • Pick up and drop option from and to the airport
  • Accommodation in Kathmandu will be in a 3-star category hotel which is inclusive of breakfast
  • All the domestic Flight Cost
  • All ground transportation cost
  • Three-time meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) with a cup of tea during the trek
  • Accommodation in best available guesthouses during the trek
  • Medical supplies [First Aid medical kit will be available].
  • Necessary documentation and Permit costs to enter into Annapurna Sanctuary and trek
  • Professional guide and porter (1 porter will be available to two persons)
  • Expenses related to our staffs (guide and porter)
  • Nepal Intrepid Treks T-shirt, Douffle Bag, Trekking Map
  • Trip achievement certificate.
  • Government taxes and office service charge during travel

Excludes

  • Nepal entry visa fee
  • International air fee
  • Travel insurance
  • Lunch and Dinner in Kathmandu
  • All cold drinks, water any beverage are not included in your trip price.
  • We provide such a service with extra charge. (Note:– Our option excursion are culture trip, Festival trip, monastery meditation with Lama and Monks, Bird watching, Farming trip other things as per clients interest).
  • Trekking Equipment: (Note: – Clients they have to arrange personal trekking equipment such as- trekking pole).
  • Tips for driver, guide, and porters are not included in the cost of your package).
  • Others: 1. Personal expenses such as phone calls, Internet, Laundry, Bar Bill and extra porters. 2. Cost arising out of landslide, Road Blocked, Rescue of any form, Cancellation of flight or Reasons beyond our control. 3. Any other Expenses which are not mentioned on price include section.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu

Nepal Intrepid Treks will be your dedicated travel companion until you return to your home country. Once you arrive at Kathmandu airport, we will be there to pick you up and take you to your hotel. Accommodation for our valued customers includes room and breakfast in a three star hotel in Kathmandu.

Take in the impressions of Nepal as we drive you from the airport to your hotel. We will assist you with the check-in and provide you with further information regarding your Everest Base Camp Trek. You may then have a rest or stroll through the bustling, colorful streets and alleys of Kathmandu.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Prepare for a day of immersion into the Nepalese culture, while visiting the most important landmarks of this fascinating city and its outskirts. Our experienced guide will take you to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO heritage site which represents the political and historical values of Nepalese civilization.

We then proceed to Swayambhu Nath Temple, also known as ‘Monkey Temple’ thanks to its adorable colony of monkeys that run free. This temple is the symbol of harmony between Buddhists and Hindus. At the top of the stupa you will have a splendid birds-eye view of Kathmandu Valley and its surroundings.

We continue to the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a holy place for Hindu devotees. Especially interesting is the holy cremation area where preparations and daily cremation ceremonies take place. From here we return to the hotel.

Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj

We take a flight to Nepalgunj from the domestic terminal at Kathmandu airport. After an hour flight above the clouds with scenic landscape beneath, we arrive at the airport in Nepalgunj. You will be transferred to a hotel for check in. Being a border city with India, Nepalgunj is a crowded busy city and is the hottest place in Nepal. We stay at a hotel in Nepalgunj for the night. (Breakfast included)

Day 04: Fly to Juphal and trek to Chhepka

We start our day with a flight to Juphal. A flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal is of 35 minutes and you will be pleased with the journey as you can get beautiful views of snow caped mountains from your set inside. Upon arrival, you will be glad to see the drastic change in climate, atmosphere and landscape in just 35 minutes. From a hot plain land you will find yourself amidst the mountainous villages with cool air. We initiate our trekking journey from Juphal with a walk down the fields to Thuli Bheri river. We cross a long suspension bridge over Dhim Bridge and enter Shey Phoksundo National Park (SPNP). We pass Suligad and follow Suli Khola River. In the way, we can get a glimpse of Dhaulagiri Range. We further pass villages like Kageni and Sangta. We pass through forest of wild flowers, pine tree, spruce, fir, juniper and small bamboo forests. We cross other side of river and climb up high rocky slope and continue until we reach Chhepka. We set our tents at a small beautiful village in Chhepka for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 05: Trek to Chunuwar/Amchi Hospital

We continue walking through lush pine forests with some bushes and birches. Our trail follows a river for most of the time and the path goes easy and flat. Some ups and downs may be encountered in between. As we move ahead, valley gets narrower at some point with rocky towering walls on both sides. We may encounter dzokpas hauled up with goods and traders on the way. We walk for around four hours to Rechi village from where our trail continue to other side of river to Chunuwar. We visit Amchi hospital on the way where Tibetan medicines and local herds are prescribed to patients. The popular Tibetan acupuncture treatment is provided here and many local rely on the treatment of this hospital. We set up our tent near the hospital for overnight stay. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 06: Trek to Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake

Today we take a long and steep climb up to Rigmo and then to Phoksundo lake. It takes around two hours to reach there. We will encounter a stunning waterfall before reaching the Phoksundo lake. It is the highest waterfall in Nepal and is also popularly known as Phoksundo Waterfall or Suligad Waterfall. As we cross the pass, we will get a glimpse of beautiful Phoksundo Lake. As we continue along our trail, we reach Ringmo. Rigmo is a beautiful village where we will find traditional people who practice Bonpo religion and preserve their culture that goes thousands of year back. The religion holds a history marked 18000 years back and was founded by Buddha Tonpa Shenrab Miwo. In ancient time, Dolpo being a Bon kingdom, there were people who practiced this religion. Today we stay at a tented camp in Ringmo for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 07: Acclimatization in Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake

As we move higher, we need to adapt ourselves with the rising elevation. Therefore, today, we spend our day in Ringmo for acclimatization. We spend our day wandering around the azure high altitude Phoksundo lake in the backdrop of beautiful mountains. After that, we explore the Ringmo village, interact with the locals and get some insights on unique Bon religion practiced in this area. We spend another day at Ringo in our camps. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 08: Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake to Chunemba

Leaving the Phoksundo lake and Ringmo village, we continue our trail towards a restricted area in Dolpo. Our journey for the day is exciting as we move in the popular demon trail i.e. the same trail that was flimed in the movie Caravan. This beautiful yet challenging trail goes all the way above the lake. As we climb up a ridge, we can get some fabulous views of the Phoksundo lake and Ringmo village. The beautiful and lush yet wild pine forests beneath the ridge looks fascinating. The beautiful peak of Norbung Kang to the south adds to the mind blowing views that we can get from the top of the ridge. From here, we descend down to the north side of the lake. Our trail further climbs up through a wide valley from where we can get some splendid view of Kanjirowa Himal. Finally, we arrive at an alpine area full of junipers which would be our halting spot for night. We set up our tents at Chunemba. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included).

Day 09: Trek to Snowfields Camp

As we move ahead, the valley gets narrower will high rocky walls on both sides. We cross few streams on the way and walk for around half an hour when we leave the valley behind and enter into a narrow gorge. We climb up the gorge which is quite long and steep until we reach our campsite i.e. Snowfields Camp. We stay at the camp for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 10: Trek to Shey Gompa via Kang La

Today’s walk is quite long and hectic. We initiate our journey with strenuous climb for about two and half hours and continue walking through dusty path till we reach Kang La that lies at an elevation of 5350 metres. As we reach the pass, we can see colourful prayer flags and cairns that mark the pass. From here, we descend down steep for around 45 minutes and then descend gradually for around three hours until we reach Shey Gompa. As we reach near the village, we can see the village adorned with colourful chortens and mani walls. Shey Gompa is a beautiful village with few houses and a monastery. Here, we visit a popular gompas that holds a history of 11th century. The gompa is mystical and lies beneath the Crystal Peak on a small grassy plain at the confluence of two rivers. As per a Buddhist myth, a Tibetan Buddhist came to this place flying on a snow lion and built the gompa. It is a highly auspicious place and many pilgrims visit this place every year for performing kora. We stay at a tented camp in Shey gompa for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 11: Rest day Shey Gompa

We spend our day in Shey gompa by visiting Tsakang Gompa. It is popular monastery from the Buddhist Kagyupa sect. The glory of this gompa is filmed in the documentary- Himalaya too. Placed at a spectacular located on the top of red rocky slope, Tsakang Gompa follows the same trail used by the pilgrims to perform Kora of the Crystal Peak. If lucky, we can see flocks of blue sheep or snow leopard in this area. We stay at our camps in Shey gompa for the nght. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 12: Trek to Namgung via Shey La

Today we have to cross a pass called Shey La/ Geu La at an elevation of 5000 metres. At first, we ascend up and pass a narrow valley to the pass. We can get some fascinating views of Tibetan plateau from the pass that stretches endlessly. The whole landscape looks quaint and wild. We can also see the beautiful Mustang to the east. After beholding the beautiful glory of mountainous region, we descend down to the pastures of Namgung where we set up our camp for overnight stay. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 13: Trek to Saldang

Our trail goes above Namgug khola and descends down to Saldang which is probably the largest settlement area in inner Dolpo. The traditional villages have traditionally built houses with crop fields. The barley, potatoes and buckwheat are the crops generally grown here. People live a simple life and are engaged in farming for livelihood. People also rear yaks and sheep for cheese, wool and meat. Saldang is somewhat close to the Tibetan border and we can see Tibetan traders trading salt across Saldang. We stay at a guesthouse in Saldang for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 14: Trek to Sibu

We walk through an easy trail to Sibu today. We follow the Nagung khola to south and pass small villages like Namdo on our way. We also pass the fields in the villages followed by mani walls, chotens and gompas. The prayer flags, gompas and chortens that we pass depicts the influence of Buddhism in Dolpo. We continue walking along our trial until we reach Sibu. We stay inside our tented camps in Sibu for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 15: Trek to Lagmo Che

We start our journey with an easy walk along the river to the last village in Dolpo i.e. Raka. We leave the village and enter a large valley which is popular for sight of blue sheep or snow leopard. We walk for around two hours after which our path continues away from the river and climbs steeply up to a meadow. The meadow is generally used by the yaks for grazing. This meadow acts as a base camp for climbing Jeng La and is known as Lagmo Che. We set up our tents here for overnight stay. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 16: Trek to Tokyu via Jeng La

Our trial for today climbs up steep for around two hours to Jang La at an elevation of 5110 metres. From here, we will be blessed with the splendour of Mt. Dhaulagiri and other neighbouring snow-capped mountains. We cross the pass and descend down to Tarap valley. As we enter Tarap valley, we come across Tokyu village which would be the first settlement area after Raka village. There is a beautiful gompa in Tokyu with a statue of Maitreya -the Future Buddha which is worth visiting. We stay at tented camps in Tokyu for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 17: Trek to Dho Tarap

Our destination for the day is Dho Tarap. We pass the Cristal Mountain School on the way which provides education for children from Dho and is sponsored by a French NGO. We visit this sbhool which has an alluring entrance gate i.e. Chorten. Dho are the descendants of Tibetans and practice similar religion, culture and tradition. We can see people dressed in typical dark dresses with colourful aprons. We can see Dho women wearing bracelets of big shells with beautiful silver and turquoise coloured headgear. Men generally have long hair with a red ribbon in their hair that resembles the style of Tibetan Khampas. They also wear a long coat with one sleeve is hanging down. We can interact with friendly Dho people at the school. Dho is a traditional village that resembles other villages in the region. It has stone built traditional houses, fields of buckwheat, barley and potatoes and people and engaged in farming and yak rearing for livelihood. Today, we set our camps at Dho Tarap for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 18: Trek to Sisaul

In the morning, we explore around the village and move along the chortens and mani walls to Tarap Khola. As we mone ahead, we can feel the change in landscape. From barren land, we can find ourselves traversing into a lush environment. On the way, we climb us a small pass from where the valley gets narrower. We finally make a short descend to Sisaul where we will set our tents for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 19: Trek to Laina Odar

Today, we leave Sisaul and climb up a pass with beautiful chorten. As we cross the pass, we will be able to see lush trees again. We will walk in the river valley with high rock walls towering on both sides. We walk through an easy path for around three to four hours to Nawarpani. From here our trail descends down until we reach a three sided tunnel. We further walk through an easy path with more lush in the environment until we reach Laina Odar. We set up our camps here for overnight stay. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 20: Trek to Lingdo

Our trail further descends down to Laisicap. At first, we walk through forests until you find yourselves surrounded by steep cliffs full of pine,spruce, fir, juniper and Cyprus trees.We can see a river far below from here. We walk for around 3 hours to Laisicap where we cross a suspension bridge over Thuli Bheri river. We further descend down steep for around 45 minutes along an easy path until we open up into a lush ad impressive landscape. Moving ahead, we continue walking towards Lingdo in the backdrop of beautiful snow-capped peak of Kang Tokal. We continue our journey until we reach Lingdo where we set up our camp for overnight stay. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 21: Trek to Dunai

Leaving Lingdo, we initiateour journey with a walk along rough landscape. We walk through a challenging path for two and half hours until we reach a village of bazaar. From here, our trail goes up slightly and then again comes down. We follow the Thuli Bheri river and pass few houses along the trail. We further walk until we reach Dunai which is the headquarter of Dolpa district. It is a large village in Dolpo with 2500 people living amongst whom more than half are Buddhist and remaining are Hindu. At a top of a hill near Dunai lies a monastery called the Dolpa Kendriya Gompa. We visit the gompa in Dunai and set up our camp at Dunai for overnight stay. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 22: Trek to Juphal

Leaving Dunai, we take a short walk to Juphal. We walk around forty five minutes and reach a stupa gate which marks the entrance gate of Dunai VDC. Thebeautiful Buddhist painting i.e. mandala is a beautiful craftwork found here. We pass a big iron suspension bridge and walk for around three hours to reach Juphal. Taking about our journey, at first we walk through wide path and pass village of Kalagaonda. From here, we leave the main road and take a small path that goes through crop fields. We further climb up steep until we reach Juphales. It’s a pretty steep climb to reach Juphal. We set our camps at Juphal where we stay for the night. (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)

Day 23: Flight Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu

Today we take an early flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj. This thirty five minutes flight over the clouds is full of wonderful views of Himalayas including Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Dhaulagiri to the north. Upon arrival, we take another flight to Kathmandu as per the availability of tickets and flight schedules. In the evening, we will find ourselves in our hotel in Kathmandu. We stay at our hotel in Kathmandu for the night. (Breakfast included)

Day 24: Leisure day in Kathmandu

Spend this day at your leisure in or around Kathmandu. You can take one of our optional day trips, relax or roam around Kathmandu city. Perhaps go for a massage – you deserve it – or do some last-minute shopping. Take a leisurely lunch in one of the many tea gardens or dine on one of the rooftop terraces. Overnight stay at the hotel (breakfast included).

Day 25: Farewell

After this wonderful adventure, it’s finally time to bid you a farewell. We will pick you up from the hotel and escort you to the airport for your journey home! We hope with all our hearts that we served you well and look forward to seeing you or your friends again someday.

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FAQ

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