Summit Mountain Skill Adventure

Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek

The Upper Dolpo Trek takes you to one of the most remote and hidden regions of mid-western Nepal which border the Tibetan Plateau. Part of the trek lies in the amazing Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest national park in Nepal. It is one of the best remote treks in Nepal with only a handful of visitors and was opened to foreigners only in 1989. The Oscar award-nominated movie ‘Caravan’ by Éric Valli was shot in this region. The Upper Dolpo Trek trek offers a great adventure experience on the off-the-beaten path of the mystical Trans-Himalayan region with the opportunity to explore the unique culture and traditions of the people that have remained unchanged and unaffected by modern society. The people of the Upper Dolpo practice Bon (A pre-Tibetan Buddhism religion) and Tibetan Buddhism. It is an ideal trek to uncover and explore the mysteries of Bon and Tibetan Buddhism. The trek passes through the beautiful and peaceful villages situated at high altitudes accompanied by the warm hospitality of the people. Buddhist monasteries, chortens, gompas, prayer flags, mules, and Yak caravans can be seen throughout the trek along with amazing landscapes, and mountain sceneries. The Upper Dolpo region is home to a diverse range of wildlife and vegetation including some rare animals like the Snow Leopard. Yarsagumba or caterpillar fungus which is of high medicinal value is also found in this region. Our 31-day Upper Dolpo Trek starts from Juphal and ends at Jomsom which includes 24 days of full-on camping trek in the remote wilderness of the Dolpa district. The trek is physically challenging because it includes lots of high passes. However, it is completely worth the difficulty and challenge. The experience one gets on this trek can’t be described in words.

Highlights

A trek that takes you to one of the most remote and rugged regions in Nepal that receive very few tourists Shey Phoksundo National Park, the largest and only trans-Himalayan national park in Nepal Unspoiled and unchanged culture and tradition hugely influenced by Tibetan culture Opportunity to experience the Bon practices (A pre-Tibetan Buddhist religion) Visit Shey Phoksundo Lake, a peaceful and beautiful alpine freshwater lake Home of rare wildlife and vegetation like Snow Leopard and Yarsagumba Centuries-old monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism and Bon religion

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu (1350 M) and Transfer to Hotel
Arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital. You will be transferred to your hotel for a restful night. Enjoy the views and relax as you prepare for the adventure ahead.

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Explore Kathmandu’s rich cultural heritage. Visit famous landmarks like Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) and Boudhanath Stupa, and finalize preparations for the trek.

Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj (150 M)
Catch a flight to Nepalgunj, a bustling town located in the Terai region of Nepal. This will be the first step in your journey toward the Himalayan region.

Day 04: Fly to Juphal (2475 M) and Trek to Dunai (2140 M)
Fly to Juphal, then begin your trek to Dunai, the administrative center of the Dolpo region. The trek offers scenic views and introduces you to the beauty of the area. Flight duration: 45 minutes.

Day 05: Trek to Chhepka (2838 M)
Trek through the scenic landscape, passing through villages, forests, and rivers to reach Chhepka. The trek today will take you further into the heart of Dolpo, where the landscape changes with altitude.

Day 06: Trek to Samduwa (2960 M)
Continue trekking, making your way to Samduwa, a beautiful village surrounded by nature. You will be immersed in the tranquility of this isolated area.

Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo (Ringmo) (3600 M)
Today, you’ll reach Phoksundo, a picturesque village near the stunning Phoksundo Lake. The turquoise waters of the lake are one of the most captivating sights in the region.

Day 08: Rest and Acclimatization Day
Take a well-deserved rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude. You can explore the area around Phoksundo or visit the nearby monastery.

Day 09: Trek to Salla Ghari North Camp (3650 M)
Trek further into the region, making your way to the Salla Ghari North Camp, with impressive views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Day 10: Trek to Kang La High Camp (4650 M)
Today’s trek will take you to the high camp of Kang La, where you’ll spend the night before attempting the Kang La pass.

Day 11: Trek to Shey Gompa (4160 M) via Kang La Pass (5380 M)
Cross the challenging Kang La Pass at 5380 meters, one of the highest points of the trek, and descend to Shey Gompa, a spiritual center in Dolpo.

Day 12: Exploration Day at Shey Gompa
Spend the day exploring Shey Gompa, a serene Buddhist monastery surrounded by stunning landscapes. This is a perfect spot to enjoy the quiet beauty of the area.

Day 13: Trek to Namgung (5060 M) via Sela Pass (5060 M)
Trek through the rugged terrain to reach Namgung, passing over Sela Pass, which offers incredible panoramic views of the Himalayas.

Day 14: Trek to Saldang (3770 M)
Continue your trek to Saldang, a village that marks the gateway to Upper Dolpo. This area is known for its ancient traditions and Tibetan influence.

Day 15: Trek to Nisal Village (3860 M)
Today’s trek takes you to Nisal, a quiet and scenic village where you can rest and experience the traditional way of life.

Day 16: Trek to Mussi Gaon (5030 M) via Mussi La Pass (5030 M)
Climb over the Mussi La Pass to reach Mussi Gaon, a remote village at a high altitude, offering a glimpse into the isolated lives of the people in this region.

Day 17: Trek to Shimengaun (3850 M)
From Mussi Gaon, head to Shimengaun, an area with rich cultural heritage and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 18: Trek to Tinjegaun (4110 M)
Trek to Tinjegaun, another picturesque village, where you will be surrounded by majestic peaks and serene landscapes.

Day 19: Trek to Rapka Campsite (4810 M)
Head to the Rapka Campsite, a peaceful area surrounded by nature, where you’ll camp and prepare for the next stages of the trek.

Day 20: Trek to Chharka Village (4310 M) via MoLa Pass (5015 M)
Ascend over the MoLa Pass, reaching the beautiful village of Chharka, known for its traditional Tibetan culture and stunning mountain views.

Day 21: Day Explore Chharka Village
Take a day to explore the village, learn about local traditions, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.

Day 22: Trek to Norbulung (4750 M)
Continue trekking to Norbulung, a village at a higher altitude, where the rugged terrain and remote location offer a sense of adventure.

Day 23: Trek to Mulom Sonda (5100 M)
Reach Mulom Sonda, a beautiful high-altitude area surrounded by the towering peaks of the Himalayas.

Day 24: Trek to Ghaldan Ghuldun Khola (4247 M) via Sangda La Pass (5550 M)
Cross the challenging Sangda La Pass, then descend to Ghaldan Ghuldun Khola, where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this high-altitude river valley.

Day 25: Trek to Sangda Village (3800 M)
Trek to Sangda Village, where the beautiful scenery and traditional houses provide a perfect place to rest.

Day 26: Trek to Phalyak (2960 M)
Descend to Phalyak, a village surrounded by forests and fertile farmland. The lower altitude makes it a more comfortable environment for your final days of trekking.

Day 27: Trek to Jomsom (2720 M)
Trek to Jomsom, a larger town in the region with access to transportation and modern amenities.

Day 28: Fly to Pokhara (825 M)
Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara, one of Nepal’s most beautiful cities, famous for its lakes and mountain views.

Day 29: Drive to Kathmandu (1350 M)
Drive back to Kathmandu, enjoying the scenic drive as you return to the bustling capital.

Day 30: Extra Day in Case of Flight Delay or Cancellation Due to Weather
This extra day is built into the itinerary in case of any flight delays or cancellations due to weather, giving you peace of mind.

Day 31: Final Departure
After a final breakfast in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your departure. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you back to Nepal in the future!

Tour Information

  • Destination:Nepal
  • Day: 15 Days
  • Trip Difficulty:Strenuous 
  • Trip Style:Camping Trek
  • Transport:Private Vehicle / Aeroplane
  • Food:Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
  • Accommodation:Camping
  • Group Size:Minimum 2 maximum 12
  • Max Elevation:5550 M
  • Best Season:May -June, Sept – Oct
  • Departure Dates:On Request
  • Trek Starts:Juphal
  • Trek Ends:Jomsom