Group Size
Min. 2 Pax
Trip Grade
Strenuous
Best Season
March, April, May, June, July, August, September & October
Accommodation
Hotel/Lodge/Tent/Home Stay
Max Elevation
5368 m, Nengla La Pass
Meals
Full Board on Trek
Transportation
Private Vehicle/Car/Jeep/Flight
Trip Route: Nepaljunga - Juphal - Phukusundo Lake - Shey Gompa -Jejargaon - Saldang - Shimengaon - Penjo Khola - Dho Tarap - Dunai - Juphal - Nepaljung
Trip Overview
- Best trail for experiencing the regions reflecting the different face of the dry Himalayas and the majestic Upper Dolpo region.
- View of the majestic Dhaulagiri and the Kanjirowa mountain ranges throughout the trail.
- Exploring the parts untouched by modernization and technology and an opportunity to view the authentic lifestyle and culture of the local people here.
- Himalayan culture and tradition exploration in the mid-western barren mountains of Nepal
- Amazing landscape, with some high passes to add flavor to your trek every day.
- Exploring the Shey Phoksundo Lake, one of the most beautiful Himalayan lakes in the world.
- Witnessing Himalayan wildlife, mountain birds, beautiful wildflowers and vegetation from a close range.
- Visiting Monasteries, stupas and chortens throughout the trek which reflects the influence of Tibetan Buddhism in these areas.
- Natural scenery, Landscape and the snow-capped range view uniquely delightful from any other part in Nepal
- Yak and Chauri delicacies with the taste of the local cuisine
- Picturesque path and surrounding, a photographer’s paradise in the most amazing landscapes of the world.
- Adventure packed destination with unique trekking experiences.
Upper Dolpo Trek is a complete exploration of the Dolpo region from the foothills to the Tibet nearing destinations giving you a comprehensive cultural, religious, and scenic delight of mid-western Nepal.
The Upper Dolpo Trekking is one of the most sought-after regions of Nepal to experience the authentic taste of Tibet inspired Himalayan lifestyle in Nepal. The trail is best for leaving the hustle of the city behind and mingles with the enchanting nature in the Himalayas. Living the local life and exploring the hidden treasure that Dolpa has to offer, this trek has all those that are needed to make it memorable for a lifetime. This area is the biggest district of Nepal gives us many beautiful trails to experience nature from close.
Starting from Kathmandu, we will get a taste of culture and busy lifestyle here before the trek. Completing our preparation, we will fly to the plains of Terai (Nepalgunj) and Juphal. The landscape and cool breeze welcome you here, and every step next encloses a new adventure in this wonderland. With some challenging high passes and steep and rocky sections in the trail, we can experience the best trekking in Upper Dolpo. The guide and support from Himalayan Pic Du Midi, make the most of this fantastic trek of upper Dolpo. Artists, Photographers, and writers mostly love to walk in these trails to find the inspiration, and you can write the next day of your travel journey here too.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival at TIA Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing tour, Trek preparation
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Day 04: Fly to Jhuphal, Trek to Suligad (2280m)
Day 05: Suligad to Chhepka (2680m)
Day 06: Chhepka to Amchi Clinic near Sumdowa (3100m)
Day 07: Sumdowa to Phoksundo Lake (3640m)
Day 08: Acclimatization day and visit around lakes
Day 09: Phoksundo Lake to Forest Camp (3800m)
Day 10: Trek to Nagdala Base Camp (4450m)
Day 11: Nagdalo La pass (5350m) to Shey Gompa (4345m)
Day 12: Shey Gompa to Tata (4520m)
Day 13: Tata to Jejargaon (3850m)
Day 14: Jejargaon to Nengla La Base Camp (4060m)
Day 15: Nengla La Pass (5368m) to Saldang (3770m)
Day 16: Rest day in Saldang
Day 17: Saldang to Tinjegaon (4110m)
Day 18: Tinjegaon to PenjonKhola (4600m)
Day 19: PenjonKhola to Tarap Khola (3940m)
Day 20: Rest day visit around Dho Village
Day 21: Tarap Khola to Ghyamgar (3475m)
Day 22: Ghyamgar to Laina Odar (3370m)
Day 23: Laina Odar to Tarakot (2535m)
Day 24: Tarakot to Dunai (2140m)
Day 25: Dunai to Juphal (2475m)
Day 26: Fly to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu
Day 27: Bhaktapur City Tour
Day 28: Departure
Day to Day Itinerary
After your arrival at Kathmandu, our representative will approach you at the arrival section with a placard. You will then drive to the hotel in Thamel with him/her in a cab. Visit us in our office for a short orientation session of Upper Dolpa trek and stroll around your hotel in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Today will be a trek preparation day for you as you will spend your spare time visiting the UNESCO heritage sites of Kathmandu. Start your day visiting the Bashantpur/(Kathmandu) durbar square near to your hotel. Visit the ancient monuments in the square. You can also try some snacks here. The second destination for today lies about 5 km west of Kathmandu, the Swyambhunath stupa. Visited by both Hindu and Buddhist devotees, Swyambunath is also called "The Monkey Temple." You can have an amazing view of whole Kathmandu Valley from here. In the late afternoon, we'll head towards the major Hindu Shrine of Pashupatinath. Spend the evening in the Stupa of Boudhanath and experience the delights of Tibetan Buddhism from one of the rooftop restaurants here. Return and rest in your hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
After your breakfast, you can visit some of the nearby temples in your spare time. We will drive you to TIA and board a domestic flight to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is an important commercial center in the mid-western Terai of Nepal. You will head straight to your hotel and rest for a while after arrival. Here, you can experience a different blend of culture and lifestyle here with a bit rise in the temperature. You can go for a rickshaw/cab ride here and visit the local markets of Nepalgunj. Overnight at a hotel in Nepalgunj.
You will take a scenic flight early today to the Juphal airport of the Dolpa district in Nepal. The trip gives you a fantastic view of the landscape and the snow-capped Himalayas. After landing rest for a while and we will start our Upper Dolpa trek with a walk from Juphal to Suligad. Our trek is in a leveled trail through lush tropical forest to Suligad village. We have to get our permits to Dolpa and the Shey Phoksundo national park here in Suligad. Overnight at a tent in Suligad.
Our trek of today follows the Phoksundo River till Kageni. The path then follows the rocky hill ridges giving you the best views of natural sceneries. The landscape opens up as we will pass the village of Jutung, where we will take a brief break. The next part of the trail is through tropical forest and small patches of dry grasslands to Shyanta - Chhepka. Overnight at Chhepka.
We will trek opposite of the Phoksundo Khola and head towards Chhunuwar or the Amchi Hospital near Sumdowa. Our path will cross the Khola twice before reaching Kharka. We will have our lunch at the village of Rechi and continue our trek beside the river to Sulligad Dovan. In the evening, we will reach Amchi Clinic. Amchi is the local traditional doctors mastering the art of healing through herbs around Dolpo. Overnight at Sumdowa.
Our trek of today is to the lakeside village of Ringmo. After a beautiful sunrise view and breakfast, we will walk in the trail through pine forests. We will pass several small streams and small pasture and reach Ringmo. From a Jharana viewpoint in the way, we can view the beautiful flow of water falling down the bedrocks as a magnificent waterfall. The path is rocky, and we will get glimpses of the Phoksundo Lake nearing the village. The village is traditional Tibetan styled with few houses built near to each other. Overnight at Ringmo.
Wake up early today and hike for a while to the nearby ridges to view the sunrise over the Phoksundo Lake and surrounding mountains. We have a day to explore the beauty of Phoksundo today. Fed by glaciers the water of this big and beautiful lake is bright blue. We will hike around the lake and view all the corners through many angles. The best view of the Phoksundo is from a viewpoint about 1.5 hours of a hike from Ringmo. Yak herds from Tibet and back will pass you multiple times today. You can take a peaceful walk in the shore of the lake and take a short hike to the other side visiting a Gompa there. Overnight at Ringmo.
The trek route to Forest Camp is one of the most beautiful and trek-perfect regions of the Upper Dolpo region. We will start our trek with a steep climb to the top of the ridge in the adjacent end of Phoksundo Lake. For the next part of the day, we will drop down to the open grasslands. We will reach a forest camp surrounded by beautiful pine jungle. Enjoy the gorgeous sunset dipping down the horizon from the forest camp and rest for the day. Overnight at Forest camp.
We will start up early today and head to the base camp of our first high pass in upper Dolpo, Nagda La. Our trail crosses the narrow Tuk Kyaksa River, and we will follow the trail of the opposite bank to a wide valley. We will take a short break and walk the next section of our path beside the canyon. After a couple of hours, we will reach the Nangdala Base camp. Overnight at Nagdala Basecamp.
Starting early today, we will climb up to high camp and continue our trek to the Nagdala pass. The path gets steep in the final part of the climb to Nagda La pass. The prayer flags will welcome you to the top here. After spending some time herein the Nagda La pass, we will start descend to Shey Gompa. The views of Shey Shikkar and Kang Chunne are also best from this part of the trek. We will reach Shey Gompa, and the red Chorten welcomes you here. Overnight at Shey Gompa.
We have a long trek today, and we will start it with the circumambulation of the Shey Gompa. It is one of the most significant Gompa in the Dolpo region aging more than 800 years back. The crystal mountain beside the Gompa is a beautiful and the holiest one in Dolpa district. The landscape gets better as we move near Tata. The trail is barren and passes through mountain deserts before reaching Tata. Overnight at Tata.
We will pass some of the summer herding spots of the local people. This small village gives you a great sunrise view to start the trek to Bhijer today. We will have some windy sections today where we have to be careful in this part. The trail also overlaps with the Great Himalayan trail. In the late afternoon, we will reach Jejargaon (Bhijer). Overnight at Bhijer.
We will climb up to the Base camp of Nengla La Base and prepare for the Nenga La pass tomorrow. We can have a brief tour of Jejargaon and surrounding Himalayan farmlands first thing in the morning. After breakfast, we will start the ascent up to the Base camp. The views get better with the altitude here. Rest for a while after reaching Nengla La base, and you can prepare for the pass to come. Overnight at Negna La Base.
We will climb up to the highest part of today as Nengla La pass today. Our path is not much steep once we are close to the pass in the top. From the top, we can view the fantastic landscape and the beautiful Rocky Mountains surrounding the pass. After some time here, start your walk to Saldang from the pass. You will lose more than 1500 meters today and descend to Saldang. Overnight at a tent in Saldang.
You will have a rest day today in Saldang village today. Around the village, you can experience mountain farming and Tibetan culture. The locals are friendly and welcoming here, and you can try some local delicacies in your village tour. You have an option of a day hike up to the Yangjer Gompa today. The monastery provides us the magnificent views of the surrounding and will be a great learning experience of Himalayan culture. After returning from the hike, you can try some Tibetan butter tea or even Chhayang (Local barley beer). Overnight at Saldang.
From Saldang we will follow the trail on the northern banks
of Nagaon Khola and to a wide barren terrain. We will cross a small tributary
of this river heading north and walk up and down passing by small villages to
reach Shimegaon. Shimegaon is a small village which gives us a great showcase
of lifestyle and nature of locals in these areas. Overnight at a Tent in
Shimegaon.
Our trek of today heads towards the village of Tinjegaon from Shimegaon. The trail is smooth with occasional stream crossing and small settlements. After reaching here, we will rest and enjoy the view with a warm tea beside. The village is a natural viewpoint from where you can view scenic landscape over a long distance. Looking back, you can see a long trail you came from some yak herds of the villagers. Overnight at a tent in Tiljegaon.
You can visit some nearby ridges and enjoy the landscape views in the morning. As your breakfast, try some local bread and Tibetan Tea in Tinjegaon. We will start our trek to the Penjonkhola from the village. You will cross a vast marshland and walk in a rocky trail to the top of the ridge. Our trail goes up and down, and towards the evening, we will do a gradual uphill trek to PenjonKhola. Overnight at a tent in PenjonKhola.
From Penjonkhola, We will start early rise early to the Chhoila La pass. The pass gives us a great view of the landscape and surrounding. After some time at the top, we will descend towards a wide valley which narrows into a gorge. In this section of your trek, you have a chance to witness mountain wildflowers and animals like blue sheep and Naurs too. We will meet the trail beside Tarap Khola and continue east for some time in the banks. In this section, we will pass by small Yak grazing lands and prepare our tent. Overnight at a tent in Tarap Khola.
We have an rest day today at an altitude of 3,940 meters. We can visit the nearby monasteries today and do some short hiking around the village. We will have an opportunity to explore the local culture at Dho Tarap Village premises today. The clothing, culture, architecture of houses, Tibetan inspired monasteries, Mani walls, and many other components of today will remain in your memory forever. We can learn about the Bon Po and Nyingmapa Buddhist sect in our short tour of today. You can hike to the nearby hill to view the sunset and return to the village. Overnight at Dho Tarap.
After breakfast, we will start our trek for the day to Ghyamgar. We will follow the trail beside the Tarap Khola for the most part of the day. Passing by small Juniper trees and enjoying the views surrounding you, we will walk to a small settlement beside the path. In the late afternoon, we will reach the village of Gyamgar. There is an old stupa here where you can spend some time viewing the Tibetan inspired culture. Overnight at Ghyamgar.
We will start the day with a scenic sunrise view from Gyamgar. In the first segment of today's path, we will cross multiple suspension bridges to narrow rocky passes. We will follow the trail beside the Tarap Khola and cross a small ridge with a great landscape view next. From here, we will cross small teahouses and settlements near the path to reach Laina Odar. We will set up our tent in a field which is the summer grazing land of the locals here. Overnight at Laina Odar.
We will commence our trek early today and follow our trail to the suspension bridge at Laisicap. Our trail passes small teahouses where we can take brief breaks and gulp in some snacks. Nearing the bridge, we have a steep climb up to it, and the trail turns more relaxed after it. We will walk through the alpine forest with a great view and gradually descend towards the Tarakot village.
Starting our trek today, we will walk most of the day beside the Bheri river crossing it multiple times. Our first crossing is near Lawan village. We will continue the trail on the next bank of Bheri and to Byas Gadi. Our path is more relaxed and easy from now on to Lochakhola Gaon. Crossing the bridge again, we will have our final ascend to reach Dunai. As the administrative center of the Dolpa region, we can spend some time touring around Dunai and trying some local cuisine. Overnight at a lodge in Dunai village.
We will walk beside the Bheri River and follow it to the Juphal. The path is surrounded by birch trees and passes through the terraced farmlands. From the top of a ridge in the trail, we can view the Jhupal village and the airport there. There are some steep sections in the mid-day part where you have to be cautious and follow the guide. You will reach Jhupal in the late afternoon and rest for the day. Overnight at a lodge in Jhupal.
We will take a flight to Nepalgunj. We will reach Nepalgunj; we will fly back to Kathmandu. After landing in Kathmandu, we will drive you to your hotel. In your spare time today you can do some souvenir shopping in Thamel. Enjoy the partying nightlife of Kathmandu and freshen up your memories of the trek. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
After your breakfast today, we will drive to the city of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is only about 45 minutes’ drive from your hotel. The first site of today will be the Historical Bhaktapur durbar (palace) square. The Palace was the ruling palace of Malla Kings before Kathmandu city. The golden gate temple, Palace of Fifty-five windows, and the Nyatapola temple square are some of the major attractions in and around the Palace. You can visit the painting schools here, view the Thangkas, and artforms around this fantastic city. You can taste the local Newari cuisine and the famous king curd (Juju Dhau) in Bhaktapur. Return to your hotel and stroll around Thamel in your evening today. Overnight at Kathmandu.
You will depart from the TIA to your home or next destination. We will have a farewell breakfast together and drive to the airport a couple of hours before the flight. Return with lifelong memories and thrilling adventure from the Upper Dolpa trek.
What's Included/Excluded
Accommodation
- Four-nights Hotel in Kathmandu and One Night Hotel in Nepalgunj with B/B basis
Meals
- Welcome and farewell dinner at Nepali Kitchen
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and tea/coffee) while on the trek
Transportation
- Airport pick-ups and drops in a private vehicle
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
- Kathmandu – Nepaljung - Juphal – Nepaljung – Kathmandu by Domestic Flight Tickets.
Extras
- Full day sightseeing in Kathmandu/entrance fee
- All necessary paperwork and Special Upper Dolpa/Lower Dolpa Restricted Area fee, Shey Phoksundo National Park Fee/TIMS
- Professional & government licensed holder English Speaking Trekking Guide, Trekking Cook, Acc. Guide, Kitchen staff
- Camping Equipment’s Guest Tents, Dining tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Chairs and Table, Mattresses while on the camping Trek
- Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food, transportation and accommodation
- Warm clothing and other required trekking gear for staff including porters woolen hat, gloves, shocks, shoes & sunglasses etc…
- Baggage/Equipment’s /Cargo/Nepalgunj – Juphal – Nepalgunj)
- Entrance fee of all Monastery & Museums in Upper Dolpa Region
- Hot Shower
- Trekking Map
- Medicine Box for Guide/Porters
- All government and local taxes
Not Included
- International Airfare and Nepal Visa fee
- Travel & Health Insurance
- Emergency Helicopter Rescue Insurance
- Lunch & Dinner in Kathmandu
- Any Alcoholic Drinks, Water and deserts in Trek
- Battery Charges, International call/WIFI & internet on Trek
- Unforeseen Cost such as Flight Cancellation
- Tips for guides and porters
Notes
* Your big Luggage should be 12 kg each without your Carry bag (small bag). You have to carry 4/5 kg with small bag during you walking on the Trekking. Your small bag should be over 30 to 40l.
* You have to bring personal medicine box for the mountain. You have to good physical condition is necessary to travel in Nepal. It is recommended to go to doctor for a checkup before coming to Nepal.
* The flights in the Himalayas might sometimes get delayed or canceled due to bad weather conditions. We will book the flights succeeding it immediately so keep your patience and utilize your time visiting nearby attractions.
* You are free to choose a substitute of treks in other regions if the flight cancellation hampers your Upper Dolpa trek significantly.