Upper Dolpo Trek 25 Days

Trip Facts

  • Duration 25 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Destination Nepal
  • Transportation Private Vehicle and Domestic Flights
  • Activity Cultural Tour and Trekking
  • Best Season March -June and August-November
  • Group Size Mini 2, Max 12 People
  • Trip Start/End Kathmandu
  • Max Altitude 5,360 m /17580 ft

Highlights

  • Explore heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley
  • Enjoy the scenic flight to and from Nepalgunj/Juphal
  • Through Shey Phoksundo National Park and Shey Phoksundo Lake
  • Trek past high three high passes- Kang La, Saldang La, and Jeng visit the Buddhist monastery of Shey Gompa
  • Magnificent views of the Himalayas, flora & fauna throughout the trek

Upper Dolpo Trek Overview

Dolpo is a culturally Tibetan high-altitude region in the upper part of Nepal's Dolpa District, bordered by China in the north. Shey Phoksundo National Park shares 1-3 parts of the region. It is a mystical land of centuries-old Buddhist traditions that are still practiced daily. The remoteness of the region combined with the splendid beauty of the landscape makes for an unforgettable experience.

Adventure Club Trek's Upper Dolpo Trek-25 days brings you the very best off-beaten path trekking, Upper Dolpo is one of the very few regions in the world to have a civilization so detached from the modern world's advances. Upper Dolpo runs in Shamanistic beliefs and centuries-old Bonpo and Buddhist traditions. You will meet the most authentic Tibetan culture, and traditions and the most innocent of people in the villages and gompas you pass by in this 25-day-long trekking expedition.

We start the trek with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. We take another flight tomorrow to Juphal, the only airstrip that connects Dolpa with the rest of the country. Our trail passes several villages, pristine Phoksundo lake, and high passes in the course of leading us to Shey Gompa, it is popularly known as the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo, and rightly so! We spent the day acclimatizing at Shey Gompa, meanwhile also exploring the magical land. It sits at the base of Krystal Mountain, a pilgrimage site frequented by hundreds of visitors each year who make a circuit (called Kora or Parikrama) around the mountain.

Trekking in Upper Dolpo is strenuous, it requires at the very least an average level of physical fitness. One has to cross three high passes-Nagdalo La (5350 m), the Shey La (5010 m) and Jeng La (5220 m). Crossing these passes involves long ascents and descents. We spend most of the trekking period above 4000m, this results in cold temperatures, especially at night. The unsurpassable landscapes and exclusive views of the preserved culture of the Duplo people make it all worth it. You come out of this trek with experience only a few have had-not everybody can say they have a first-hand observed centuries-old civilization in the most remote part of the Himalayan country Nepal by trekking there on foot.

Besides trekking in celebrated regions like Annapurna, Everest, Langtang, and such, trekkers can choose to trek in other regions like Upper Mustang, Tsum Valley, Kanchenjunga Circuit, Dhaulagiri Circuit, and Manaslu circuit among others. Adventure Club Trek has reasonably priced and well-customized packages to trek in these regions.

Itinerary

+ Expand All- Collapse All

Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), you will be welcomed by a representative from Adventure Club Trek. After sorting out your custom formalities (visa and so on), you will be then transferred to your respective hotel in Adventure Club Trek’s private vehicle and giving you some time to freshen up. After this, you will attend an orientation about your trek led by the trekking leader over a welcome dinner

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsWelcome Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,300m/4,264 ft

After breakfast, our city guide will take you to the four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. Swayambhunath stupa, the famous Buddhist monkey temple is located on the hill from where you can get a picture of Kathmandu valley from a bird’s view. Pashupatinath temple, one of the most important pilgrimages for Hindus, is located in the eastern part of the city. Likewise, Buddhanath is the largest spherical stupas in Asia. You will also visit the Kathmandu Durbar Squire, a centuries-old royal palace, now turned into national museums, temples, and other buildings, with the finest architecture, with fine cuts, and wood carvings. In the afternoon, we get our equipment checked by our Trekking leader, get introduced to fellow participants, and discuss our trip. Overnight in Kathmandu.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude1,300m

Today, we get one step closer to Dolpa! After a short tour in Kathmandu, we set off an hour-long flight to Nepalgunj- a city in western Nepal that lies near the Nepal-India border. The city lies in the south plains of Nepal (Terai) and hosts diverse cultures. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market and nearby villages. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

After breakfast, we fly to Juphal (2,400 m), a town situated on the Himalayan foothills with views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna in the north. We begin the walking today. After re-grouping, we start our trek through terraced fields which lead us to the Bheri River and a narrow gorge created by the River ultimately leading us to Dunai. Dunai is Dolpo's administrative headquarter. We camp for the night in Dunai. Overnight in  Dunai.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,150m

We start the day with views of the Himalayas and filling breakfast. Crossing the new suspension bridge from Dunai we turn west and follow the trail alongside the new hospital. We take north and follow the Suli Gad river from where it meets with the Thuli Bheri river. Passing through fields of marijuana plants and crops like millet, pumpkin, potatoes, sweet corn, chillies, and animal pastures, we reach the village of Hanke. Hanke is popular as an entrance to the Phoksundo National Park. We pass through the village of Parela (meaning eyelash), and Rahagaon ( meaning eyebrow) before reaching Ankhe ( meaning eye).

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Starting from Ankhe the route is quite wild. We cross the river on bridges twice before making a steep ascent through a narrow path that requires us to cling to a cliff. Once we descend to the river, the trail takes a steep ascent again. We make frequent stops during the climb, both for rest and to admire the stunning landscape. We camp on the side of Suligad River in Renje for an overnight stay.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,104m

We start on an easy trail from Renje, however, once we get to Sumdo, the trail is quite steep. We leave the river behind and make a trail through the ridge above the river. On the way, we will climb up a 3,875m ridge which spreads fantastic views of Nepal’s highest waterfall, Hyatung Falls which is 365m high along with your first view of Phoksundo lake. Then, we descend through beautiful birch woods to arrive at the upper reaches of the Phoksundo Khola ( not to be confused with Phoksundo lake). Next, we come across the serene Himalayan village of Ringo. With its mani walls and mud plaster chortens, Ringmo is one of a kind village. After a short walk from the village, we will arrive at Phoksundo lake.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,600m

It is a beautiful trek today. We follow the edge of the lake that encircles Phoksundo lake. The trail ahead is delicate- it is a suspended passageway of woods supported by pegs and is spread on crevices on the rocks. Up till 4,040m, we climb up a steep trail, and then we descend down to the valley foothills. Our trek to the plain terrains of the Phoksundo Khola brings us to our campsite. We stay overnight in tented camps alongside the river surrounded by forests. The woods will prevent you from the wild winds of the valley bottom.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,507m

Get your gumboots out! Today, we have some streams to cross on foot before we sleep! Today’s trek starts on a flat path and goes into a glacial valley to the north. As the valley gets narrower, you can see some unbelievable vertical cliffs and disfigured rock formations. We cross an old wooden bridge over the confluence of the phoksundo Khola and local mountain stream. And, it brings us to an almost amorphous path that leads us to a cavernous side valley to the northeast. We clamber over boulders and cross a stream that goes down the steep valley. Then, we make a long climb to arrive at a meadow, here onwards our trail goes up an inclined gorge. One more difficult climb and we land on a different valley from where you can enjoy close views of Kang La. Kang La is the pass we pass through to get to Shey Gompa. Overnight in a camp before the pass in ‘Snowfields Camp.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,402m

Last night, we camped not far from Kang La. Today, we are climbing to the top of the pass through a trail that is somewhat missing and quite challenging. Once we reach the top of Kang La which takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, the hard work becomes all worth it; the views from the top are simply magnificent. Forty-five minutes’ descent on a steep path brings us to the valley floor. We trek along the banks of the river for over 3 hours, even crossing it once to arrive at Shey Gompa. Follow a quaint wooden log bridge to Shey Gompa (4,126m) where we camp for the night.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude5,151m

Today, we rest, explore and acclimatize at Shey Gompa. First, we visit the Tsakang Gompa, more than a monastery it is a retreat where the lama of Shey resides. Tsakang lies to the west of Shey Gompa and is a popular meditation center to many Tibetan lamas The Chaiba community takes Shey Gompa as their heritage, the community consists of followers of the Padmasambhava and Kagyu sects. Founded by lama Ten-szin Ra-Pa during the 11th century, Shey Gompa was the first Kagyupa monastery. It is now famous for its ancient Buddhist culture which consists of the ancient Tibetan way of life; teachings of Buddha in combination with animism. Hundreds of years ago, Drutup Yeshe came to Dolpo and brought Buddhism with him. The people then were wild and worshipped a ‘’fierce mountain spirit.’To the west of Shey monastery is Crystal Mountain with its strange features. The mountain has a rich variety of marine fossils on its surface, and the disfigured cliffs are laced with quartz. Below Shey Gompa lies the thundering confluence of Kangjunala and Yeju nala. A group of prayer mills powered by a water force near the confluence makes for music in the beautiful scenery.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,126m

The trail that leads to the top of the Saldang La (pass) starts with a pleasant walk through juniper forests. The trail then climbs up to a grey stony canyon. Trekking up over a dwindling trail of bare rocks, we eventually come to a flat spot. After 20-30 minutes of steep, we make our way to the top of Saldang La. Enjoy the exclusive and magnificent views of the arid landscapes of the Upper Mustang and the distant snow-capped peaks of Tibet. We make a long and tiring descent to the north and eventually arrive at the Namduna Gaon (4,400 m). The sight of grazing sheep and yaks and nomadic tents crafted from yak hair welcome you to the holy land of the Namgung monastery. The monastery, a striking structure built from red stones against the backdrop of a cliff, belongs to the Karma-pa sect as well.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,785 m

Today, we lose a few hundred meters in altitude, but not without an ascend first. The climb brings us to a long thrilling route through arid mountains. But, the view below is of a fertile and cultivated green valley. One more climb up the rocky terrain brings us to steep slopes that lead to the beautiful village of Saldang. Saldang is a part of the Nankhang Valley, the most populous valley in Dolpo’s culturally Tibetan region, and resides on a plateau high above the Nam Khong Nala (local stream).

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,903m

We trek on a comparatively easy trail today. We head down to the river bed through terraced fields, stupa, chortens, piles of mani stones, and a Chaiba monastery. We also come across the village of Namdo on the way. It lies on the high slopes of Nam Khong Khola, 5 km to the left. Nearby the riverbed lies the Namdo monastery. A while further from the monastery and we arrive at the settlement of Sibu.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,942m

We start today’s trek on an easy trail alongside the river valley. Two hours into our picturesque hike, we wade a stream to come across a side valley from where the uphill climb is quite a difficult one. On the top is a pleasant meadow which is at the foot of the Jeng La.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,369m

It is a well-compacted trail that leads to the top of the Jeng La, so the underfoot is firm and not as risky, however, it is a steep climb. A two-hour-long climb takes us to the top of the pass from where we can enjoy views of the Dhaulagiri massif glistening in the morning light and the beautiful landscape of valleys on the foothills. We spend some quality time at the top before heading down on a rough path towards the Tarap valley. We arrive at the green valley only in the afternoon. From Tarap we head down on the trail to Tarap Chu (river/stream). The valley has a beautiful setting of vast plains against the high mountains and extends 22 kilometers alongside the river with many chortens and gompas of both Kang-pa

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,845m

Today, we are headed to Dho Tarap, the land of monasteries in Upper Dolpo. After a short visit to the Chaiba Gompa, we take on a well-routed trail that passes through buckwheat fields, Mani Walls, and Chortens. We will also pass through the ‘French School’ which lies just before Dho Tarap. Overnight stay in tents at the Tarap village which is inhabited mostly by Magars and a few Tibetans. Both Bon Po and Buddhist (Nyingmapa) people live in the village.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,090 m

At the beginning of today’s trek, we trek mostly downhill and through narrow gorges alongside the rushing waters of Tarap Khola. We might encounter blue sheep and marmots, and local Dolpo people herding their flocks of sheep, yaks, and goats to lower pastures to survive the winter. Once we leave the course alongside the river, the trail becomes undulated. The trail has improved much as there are suspension bridges and clear paths, without rocks blocking the way. However, the trail is still narrow in places. Hiking alongside a grassy strip by the river, we arrive at Serkam for an overnight stay.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,630m

Today, we resume walking down the narrow gorges of the Tarap Chu. While the trail has a series of well-engineered stone steps, it also gets narrow and crumbly at points. After climbing down for almost 4 hours, sometimes alongside the river and other times high above the river, we stop for lunch. We climb down for 2-3 hours more after lunch. A police check post marks our arrival in Khani Gaon, we stop just outside the village cluster in the shade of Juniper trees to make camps for an overnight stay.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,550 m

Upon leaving Khani Gaon, we arrive at the confluence of Tarap Chu and Barbung Khola. Shortly after, we cross a suspension bridge over Barbung Khola and the trail goes high above the river. Passing through the usual ups and downs, we reach Tarakot after one final descent. Our trek remains relatively short today. We camp at Tarakot after 3-4 hours of trek. We have the option to climb up to Gumba Tara, a village that hosts a beautiful monastery. We have to climb up 400 meters for an hour to reach the settlement. In the lower valley of Tarakot, there are 13 settlements altogether and they are known as Tichurong.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,281m

The trail leading to Dunai is mostly downhill. We follow the Bheri River on a path built twenty feet above it. It takes us only a few hours of trekking to reach Dunai. We set up our campsite at the same spot we used when starting the Dolpo Trek. Evenings are now more relaxed, celebratory, and fun-filled as we have completed the strenuous part of the Upper Dolpo trek.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,052m

We are back on our Day One trail. Our trail is mostly flat, but there are steep upward climbs as well. It is a short trek today, so we take it slow and easy.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,404m

Two mountain flights in a row! We take a 35-minute-long early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj. During the flight, we can witness fine views of giant Himalayan peaks like Dhaulagiri and Annapurna. Then, we take an hour-long flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude1,300m

It is also a contingency day in case your flight from Nepalgunj gets delayed, as it is a usual scenario. In case there is no delay, we can spend the day shopping or touring the Kathmandu valley. Farewell dinner from the company.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast and Farewell dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,300m

Adventure Club Trek will manage a farewell drive to the international airport for your final flight departure. Meeting you and serving you was a wonderful experience over the weeks. We are sure you enjoyed a wonderful holiday in beautiful Nepal. We hope you will remember us in the years ahead.

  • MealsBreakfast

Note: Your safety is of the utmost concern whilst you are traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline and there can be illnesses or an injury. To avoid dangerous situations we may occasionally have to make changes to the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That having been said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and to keep your safety our number one priority. We thank you for your understanding.

Cost Details

Price Includes

  • Arrival and Departure transfer by private tourist vehicle. 
  • Three nights’ accommodation in a standard twin shared room at a three-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast.
  • Twin sharing tented accommodation during the trek
  • Full board meals with tea/coffee (breakfast, lunch and dinner) prepared by our expert cook
  • Guided city tour in Kathmandu including temples’ / monuments’ entrance fees and private vehicle
  • Welcome and farewell dinner.
  • Well experienced guide, Sherpa, required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment
  • Assistant trekking guides walking with the group to support as necessary (1 assistant guide for 4 trekkers)
  • Group Equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table with chairs, kitchen utensils, and other necessary equipment during the trek)
  • Flights from Kathmandu – Nepalgunj – Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu including departure taxes
  • One nights’ accommodation with breakfast in Nepalgunj
  • Insurance covering all staff, including porters as per state law.
  • Down jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion).
  • All necessary permits and paper works including Upper Dolpo special permits
  • Complimentary Adventure Club Trek T-shirt, duffel bag, and Manaslu Region Trekking map
  •  Exclusive Medical Kit Bag (carried by your trek leader)
  • Travel and rescue arrangement.
  • All Government and Local taxes.

Price Excludes

  • Nepal visa (USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days).
  • Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
  • International air fares/flights (fares and flights can be arranged upon the request)
  • Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, bottled water, cold drinks)
  • Personal travel insurance and medical bills
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Tips for guide, porters, and drivers (tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)
All Inclusive PriceUS $4449(per person)
Show group price
No. of peoplePrice P/P
1 - 1 PaxUS $4449
Total PriceUS $4449

Know Before Booking

  • Best price and value for money
  • Secure online pay and no extra fee
  • Accommodations: Hotel + Lodge
  • Every departure date is guaranteed
  • Safty is our priority
  • 24/7 support team

Similar Trips

More Packages

Ask a Question

Adventure Club Trek & Expedition Pvt. Ltd.
Sign up for our newsletter

Drop Us a Message

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website.

Privacy Policy