Upper Dolpo Trek - 26 Days

We will pick you up from the airport on your arrival day and transfer you to the hotel. You can rest for a bit and later meet us for the trek briefing. Then, you will have the rest of the evening free to buy things for the trek and pack your duffel bags.

Get ready to leave your hotel on time and fly to Nepalgunj with your guide. We will drop you at the Kathmandu domestic airport in a private vehicle. The flight will be short. Spend the remaining day in Nepalgunj resting and exploring the local market.

Today, you will take another short flight to Jhupal. The flight will be scenic. The Upper Dolpo trek starts in Jhupal. From here, you will trek along the Thulo Bheri Valley and pass by terraced fields to Dunai. On the way, you will trek past villages like Kalagaunda and Roop Ghar.

Leaving Dunai, the trail goes through the Thulo Bheri Valley and enters the Phoksundo River Valley. You will ascend following a steep uphill route.

There will be many ascents and descents throughout the way. You will pass by settlements like Dhera and Rahagaun. Likewise, witness beautiful views of Kagmara Peak.

From Ankhe, the trail continues through pine and juniper-covered hills. You will cross a wooden bridge on the way and enjoy wonderful scenery. On the way, we will also register our Upper Dolpo trekking permits.

On this day, you will make it to the Phoksundo Lake. Start trekking from Sulighat early in the morning. On the way, you will see the confluence of the Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers.

Likewise, you will also see a gorgeous view of the cascading Phoksundo waterfall. The trail goes through lush hills and follows winding ridges. You will pass by Ringmo village and may see caravans on the way.

There are many stupas and mani walls on the trail. Upon reaching the Phoksundo Lake, you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the lake.

The turquoise color of the lake glistening in the sun makes it look like a precious jewel. We will set up our camp near the lake.

*Swimming or bathing in the lake is not allowed as it is a sacred site.

We cannot leave the lake just yet. So, we will spend one more day at Phoksundo Lake, which is also great for acclimatization. After breakfast, you can explore the lake and hike to the nearby area with your guide.

The film Himalaya by Eric Valli was one of the first Nepali movies nominated for Oscars in 1999. The film was shot in Upper Dolpo and showed the realistic life of the locals in this region.

Continuing the journey from Phoksundo Lake, you will hike to Phoksundo Khola Camp. The trail goes along the eastern shore of the Phoksundo Lake and gradually ascends above the riverbed to meadows scattered with boulders. You will see a stunning view of Kanjirowa Himal as you trek.

Today, you will trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang. The trail ascends following a narrow route through a glacier valley. You will cross many ice streams along the way. There is a long ascent to another valley where Phoksundo Bhanjyang is located.

The hike to Phoksundo Bhanjyang is challenging. So, we recommend trekkers to maintain their pace and keep themselves energized throughout the way.

After a big breakfast in Phoksundo Bhanjyang, you will begin hiking towards Kang La Pass (5,350 m). It will be a challenging hike, but the surreal view from the top of the pass pays for your hard walk.

From the pass, the trail descends following a steep trail to Shey Gompa. Shey Gompa is a small village, and the name of the village is after the monastery (Shey Gompa). The view of Crystal Mountain is incredible from here.

As per mythology, the Shey Gompa was established when a follower of Buddha arrived here on the back of a flying snow lion to fight a local mountain spirit.

As you are at 4,500 meters above sea level and have to go higher, it is best that you spend an acclimatization day in Shey Gompa to lower the risk of altitude sickness further during trekking.

In the morning, you can hike to nearby areas and get close to Crystal Mountain. This mountain is known as the Kailash of Dolpo. It houses many quartz and fossils.

After Shey Gompa, you will ascend to Namduna Gaon. The trail goes through high alpine terrain and descends to grazing pastures. You can see the Tibetan Plateau on the way. Explore another ancient monastery in Namduna Gaon.

Leaving Namduna Gaon, you will descend to Saldang. The trail first ascends to the top of the valley, then descends to Saldang.

You can see pretty fertile patches and barren hills on the way. Saldang is the biggest village in the inner Dolpo. It is located in the dry, trans-Himalayan zone.

In fact, Saldang is not one but five settlements spread over one big slope. Given the strategic location of Saldang (near the Nepal-Tibet trade route), the village is quite prosperous

From Saldang, you will ascend to the Yangze Gompa. It will be a long ascent along a windswept path. The trail continues from the side of Nagaon Khola and goes through villages like Marang and Ki.

You will cross the Panzang River on the way. The terrain is rugged and steep, so today's hike will be physically demanding.

Yangze Gompa is a monastery around 1000 years old. It is a big monastery and has many stupas inside it.

The trail descends from Yangze Gompa to Sibu. It will be another peaceful walking day. First, you will follow the same trail and trek back to Saldang.

From here, you will continue trekking past terraced fields and small stupas. The trail follows Nam Khog Khola and takes you to Sibu, a small settlement.

Leaving Sibu, you will continue trekking to Jeng La Phedi. The trail goes along the Nagon Khola and passes by grazing grounds where you can see yak caravans. The trail is rocky. You will experience strong, cold winds on the way.

Today, you will be crossing the Jeng La Pass. The day begins early with a big breakfast. After that, you will start ascending to the top of the pass. It will be a challenging ascent.

From the top, you will get to see an excellent view of Mt. Dhaulagiri. The trail then descends to Tarap Valley and continues along Tarap Chu (river). You will walk past a handful of villages and farming fields before reaching Tokyu Gaon.

Leaving Tokyu Gaon, you will trek to Dho Tarap. It is a fertile valley with barley, buckwheat, and potato fields. The villagers follow Tibetan Buddhism and the Bon Pon religion. You will have quite an interesting time in this village.

In the movie Himalaya, this village was extensively shown.

You will spend a day resting in Dho Tarap. It is a good opportunity to explore the village. After breakfast, you will hike for half an hour and visit a Bon Gompa. Later, return to the village to spend the night.

From Dho Tarap, you will descend to a wide valley following a narrow gorge. The landscapes change to wild rose bushes and juniper as you descend.

You may see blue sheep along the way as well. The trail passes by the confluence of the Tarap Chu and Lang Khola rivers and descends to Tarap Khola.

The trail continues along the Tarap Khola and descends through its narrow gorge following a narrow path. You will also climb a few stone stairs on the way to Khani Gaon.

Leaving Khani Gaon, you will cross a suspension bridge. The trail ascends and descends through many steeping stones and also crosses rivers on the way.

As you get close to Tarakot, you can see many farming fields. Visit Sandul Gompa later in the day.

You are almost at the end of the trek. Today, you will trek back to Dunai. The trail goes along the Bheri River and descends through small settlements. You will enjoy peaceful river landscapes and beautiful mountain vistas while descending to Dunai.

Today is the last day of the trek. Following the same trail, you will trek back to Jhupa. It will be a short walk, so you will have lots of time to rest.

Take a morning flight back to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, you will take another flight back to Kathmandu. The guide will drop you off at the hotel. The remaining day is free.

You will fly back to your home on this day. Our team will escort you to the international airport.