Upper Dolpo Trek

Trip Overview

‘JOURNEY INTO FAR WESTERN HIMALAYA IN THE COUNTRY OF ELUSIVE SNOW LEOPARD’

Upper Dolpo Trek a great scenic and cultural adventure that leads you to the wildest country of Nepal Far North-Western Himalaya on the ancient caravan route to Tibet, where walk leads you into exciting farm villages of great interest as our route follows high country of Upper Dolpo at Shey the Crystal Monastery. Dolpo Trek area, remote and isolated areas of the Himalayan region that extends towards Mustang and Dhaulagiri mountain range in the east with Jumla and Mugu in the far west direction.

Upper Dolpo Trek falls within Shey – Phoksumdo National Park, which is the largest park of Nepal covering an area of 3,555 sq.kms certainly a country to visit and to experience once in your life within its amazing landscapes including serene and turquoise Phoksumdo Lake. Starting this beautiful adventure taking a swift flight to reach at lower Dolpo at Jhupal after connecting flight from Nepalgunj town, and then walk towards remote villages inhabited mostly by Hindu Thakuri-Malla Chettries and then into Tibetan origin tribe the native of Dolpo areas then reaching at scenic Phoksumdo Lake within Ringmo village.

From Ringmo and Phoksumdo Lake, where the route leads higher north to cross over the highest point of the adventure at Kang-la pass 5,358 m high facing a sweeping panorama of Dolpo landscapes with snow-capped peaks as walk slowly takes you at the isolated spot of Shey-Gompa known as Crystal Monastery, due to its closeness with Crystal Mountain nearby.

Enjoying great time and moment in and around impressive areas of Shey-Gompa with a visit into the monastery of great interest, where walk leads towards the southeast to reach charming villages of Tokyu-Gaon, a lovely place to visit its cultural houses of Buddhist religion custom with ancient Bon practice (pre-Buddhism sect). After a great time around this large interesting village visiting its nice old monasteries then walk into the longest valley of Dho-Tarap following a river to the historical village at Tarakot, and then back to Dunai to reach at Jhupal for last overnight stop after a great marvelous adventure on Upper Dolpo Trekking.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

“adventure to Nepal Far West Himalayan in the country of ancient Bon-religion
Scenic and photogenic landscapes within inner and Upper Dolpo areas
Grand views of barren and windswept terrain with scenic snow-capped peaks
Explore age-old villages of Upper and Inner Dolpo visit impressive old monasteries
Super scenic flight to and from Kathmandu to Jhupal within high Dolpo region
On the trail of elusive Snow-Leopard and Blue Sheep to Crystal-Shey monastery”

Trip Preview:

Mode of accommodation:  Hotels, local Lodge and camping.
Trek Grade: Moderate to Adventurous.
Highest spot on treks:  Over Kang-La 5,358m high.
Trek Duration:  20 Nights and 21 Days (Jhupal to Jhupal).
People and Culture:  Populated by Dolpo and some Magar with Hindu Thakuri higher with strong Buddhism and ancient Bon sect religion of colorful culture and old traditional heritage and lively custom.
Best Seasons: April to November of the year includes monsoon, months of June to August as Upper Dolpo falls
within Rain-Shadow area where monsoon rain, clouds blocked by high Himalaya peaks.

Total Trip:  24 Nights and 25 Days (arrival to final departure)

Details Itinerary

Short Outline Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu with transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Afternoon fly to Nepalgunj city 50 mins on air and transfer to hotel.
Day 03: Morning flight to Jhupal 2,475 m and trek to Dunai 2,140 m – 04 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m – 06 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Samdua village 2,960m -06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Phoksundo Lake 3,630 m – 06 hours.
Day 07: Rest day at Phoksundo Lake for local excursion.

Day 08: Trek to Phoksumdo-Khola 3,640 m- 05 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Phoksumdo Bhanjyang – 07 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Shey Gompa 4,500m crossing over Kang-La 5,358 m -06 hrs.
Day 11: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.
Day 12: Trek to Namduna Gaon 4,800m via Saldang La 5,200m.
Day 13: Trek to Saldang 3,620 m -05 hours.
Day 14: Trek to Chagaon 4,910 m – 05 hrs.
Day 15: Trek to Dachu Khola camp at 4,700 m – 06 hrs.
Day 16: Cross Jyang-La at 5,215 m walk to Phedi 4,900 m – 06 hrs.
Day 17: Trek to Tokyu-Gaon 4,209 m via Jyang-la-06 hrs.
Day 18: Trek to Dho-Tarap 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.
Day 19: Trek to Ghyamgar 3,759 m – 07 hrs.
Day 20: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m – 06 hours.
Day 21: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m – 06 hrs.
Day 22: Trek to Dunai – 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal – 02 hr jeep ride.
Day 23: Morning flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to hotels.

Day 24: In Kathmandu free as contingency day for individual activities.

Day 25: Final departure homeward bound or to respective destinations.

Detail Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu with transfer to hotel.
On arrival at Kathmandu international airport get transferred to hotels after received by our guides and staff, at hotel check-in and join in for group briefing regarding treks and other useful information, with welcome dinner.

Day 02: Afternoon fly to Nepalgunj city 50 mins on air and transfer to hotel.
Morning free in Kathmandu with options for sightseeing tour at places of interest for few hours, after lunch transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for scenic flight to land at low warm areas of Nepal Far South in Nepalgunj city airport and transfer to hotel within this Indian type city, which is close to India border of UP (Utter Pradesh).

Day 03: Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m then drive to Dunai 2,140 m – 02 hrs.
Early breakfast for another short connecting flight to Jhupal in Dolpo, on reaching Jhupal after 40 minutes on air, received by our trekking staff that has traveled here taking a long overland drive and walks, from Jhupal at present a motor road has been constructed connecting Dunai the main headquarter town of Dolpo area. From Jhupal a short drive of more than an hour rides to Dunai for an overnight stop, in the comfort of the nice local lodge, afternoon walk around Dunai town an interesting place to observe its culture and way of daily life.

Day 04: Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m – 06 hrs.
After overnight in Dunai, morning walk past market crossing a bridge over Thulo Bheri River and then climb over a ridge to Phuksumdo River valley with views of Kagmara peak, from here trek leads downhill passing farm villages with walnut trees close to a stream at Dhera, a small cattle herders settlements, from here a short climb to Rahagaon village of Thakuri a Hindu local tribe, then downhill walk into forested area to reach overnight camp at Chhepka a small farm village.

Day 05: Trek to Samdua village 2,960m -06 hrs.
From Chhepka near Ankhe area, morning walk with short climb and descend through forest reaching a river bank, from here climb on leaving the forest, from the top walk downhill to forested area leading upstream to cross a small bridge at Ryajik village, trek  further to Samdua for overnight stop near the entrance of Phuksumdo National Park.

Day 06: Trek to Phoksundo Lake 3,630 m – 06 hours.
Morning walk leads to our first destination at Phoksundo Lake after Pungmo Kholas valley  and crossing streams, following Pungmo Khola downhill into pine and birch trees to reach at upper side of Phoksundo Khola, after a  short break continue to walk to Ringmo village, an interesting village of Tibetan origin with mud plastered chhorten and Mani (prayer) walls.

From here a short walk to Phoksumdo Lake for overnight camp by the shore of beautiful turquoise Phoksumdo Lake.

Day 07: Rest day at Phoksundo Lake for the local excursion.
An ideal spot for the rest day, marvel the beautiful views of surrounding landscapes and peaks of Kagmara, and visit interesting Ringmo village by the lakeside.

Day 08: Trek to Phoksumdo-Khola 3,640 m- 05 hrs.
From this scenic place starts morning walk towards higher upper Dolpo area to our next highlight and destination, walk contours around rocky ledge above the river bank on unsteady path, then approaching western side of the lake into a summer pasture which opens up into a wide plain of Phoksumdo Khola to stop for overnight by the river.

Day 09: Trek to Phoksumdo Bhanjyang – 07 hrs.
Morning walk leads on a good path around northern area of Phoksumdo Khola and then climb up to reach a ridge top, offering incredible views of the wide green valley overlooking at Kang-La pass which leads to Shey Gompa, here overnight stop on nice green pasture.

Day 10: Trek to Shey Gompa 4,500m via Kang-La 5,360 m -06 hrs.
Starting the day towards our destination at Shey Gompa the high lights of this trip continue to walk with a climb on stone and rocky path over Kang-la pass at 5,360 meters, the highest point of the adventure, from the top offers superb views of snow-clad peaks including Dhaulagiri mountain range.

After the top descend to the base of the hill by the river then across cattle herder camps, then continue towards Buddhist prayer monument Chortens and Mani on reaching Shey Gompa located below Crystal Mountain, regarded as Holy Mountain with an old monastery.

Day 11: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.
A fascinating place for rest day around the high mountainous area, in complete harmony of nature and monks chanting, a tour of Shey Monastery also known as Crystal Monastery, this area is well described by Peter Matthiessen in his classic novel “The Snow Leopard”.

Day 12: Trek to Namduna Gaon 4,800m via Saldang La 5,200m.
From here journey continues through a walled canyon, as the trail meanders atop Saldang-la, offering views of Dhaulagiri peaks, then downhill to grazing area and end the walk at Namduna Gaon for an overnight stop.

Day 13: Trek to Saldang 3,620 m -05 hours.
After this village walking on dusty and dry terrain, leading to the steep climb to reach overnight camp at Saldang, another impressive and large village of Dolpo area, situated higher side of the windswept plateau.

Day 14: Trek to Chagaon 4,910 m – 05 hrs.
From here, morning walk following river Nang chu all the way with short ups and down and then passing Sugugaon and Dechen Lapran a cattle herders settlement, and then heading to our overnight camp at Chagoan village with an old Rapa Gompa of pre-Buddhist and ancient Bon-Pa culture.

Day 15: Trek to Dachu Khola camp at 4,700 m – 06 hrs.
Morning walks south towards Tarap valley around Tokyu and Dho Tarap village, then taking southern direction to reach Dachu Khola and beyond, after crossing the same trail following the river through farm fields, and then walk into Yak herder areas for overnight camp.

Day 16: Trek and cross Jyanta-La at 5,220 m and walk to Phedi 4,900 m – 06 hrs.
After a nice stop in this summer pasture area walk follows the river for short while, and then encountering yaks and mules laden caravan on route Tibet, trade with Tibet exists since hundreds of years, and this walking route lies on the old Trans Himalayan Caravan Route.
From the base of Jyanta-la, morning starts with a steep climb to reach the top of the pass with views of massive Mt. Dhaulagiri range, from here a long descent to the base of the pass on route Tokyu village.

Day 17: Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,209 m via Khanger – 06 hrs.
From the base Jyanta-la, morning starts with a steep climb to reach the top of a small ridge with views of massive Mt. Dhaulagiri range, from here a long descend to Modo valley, time permitting visit the monastery, where the trail from Upper and Lower Dolpo joins. After Modo and Khanger few hours of good walk to Tokyu-Gaon for overnight, this is one of the most impressive and interesting villages of Dolpa area, consist of more than ten villages and nice tended farm fields with old impressive monasteries.

Day 18: Trek to Dho Tarap 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.
After Tokyu Gaon, morning starts with downhill walk towards Tarap Chu on broader green valley, this is one of the scenic wide valleys with lots of Sheppard’s settlements of Yaks and Sheep, and walk continues to our overnight camp at Dho Tarap, this is another interesting village with mix tribes of Tibetans origin and Magar hill tribe people.

Day 19: Trek to Ghyamgar 3,759 m – 07 hrs.
From here a long descend to Tarap valley, one of the largest and longest valley of Dolpo area which is about 20 k.m. which stretches following Tarap Chu River most of the way to joins with Thuli Bheri River near Tarakot village, walk leads past Langa with beautiful cascading waterfalls heading due south following the trail after Sisaul and small place of Kesila around Yak herders temporary camps to reach our overnight camp at Ghyamgar.

Day 20: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m – 06 hours.
Today walks on Tarap nice valley, as the trail enters into a narrow gorge with some vegetation of bushes of juniper and wild rose, walk leads past Toltol with a large overhanging cave, around this area might see some wildlife like Naur or Blue Sheep and other animals. As the walking progress reaching a confluence of River Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, overnight camp by the river after a long day walk of about 6 hours.

Day 21: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m – 06 hrs.
Start morning walk passing smaller villages and then into a small wooded area, following river all the way at Tarakot, a large and interesting village with old history and well maintained terraced farm fields, Tarakot with an old historical fortress (Dzong or Kot) guarding the village.
Tarakot village houses famous old Sandul Gomba located at the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River where the overnight camp is placed.

Day 22: Trek to Dunai – 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal – 02 hr jeep ride.
After a great time in Tarakot, last day walk leads to Dunai and then with a short drive to Jhupal for last overnight stop and flight back to Kathmandu. The morning starts following spread out villages, walking on a wide trail with short uphill and downhill towards Thuli Bheri River valley to reach at Dunai, on reaching Dunai time permitting having lunch. From here jeeps drive to Jhupal to catch our next morning flight to Nepalgunj.

Day 23: Morning flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to hotels.

From Jhupal bidding farewell to our camping staff and porters morning taking a sweeping short flight to Nepalgunj, and the connect flight to Kathmandu overlooking fantastic panorama of high peaks of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna range with Manaslu Himal, then land at Kathmandu airport, where short drive takes you to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu around Thamel or near about.

Day 24: In Kathmandu free as contingency day and for individual activities.

An extra day as a contingency in Kathmandu where flight can get delay and might leads to cancellation at Jhupal-Dolpo, if bad and unfavorable weather conditions happen, which is quite normal around Himalaya as weather can be unpredictable sometimes.

This free and spare day can be used for individual activities or just relax and enjoy the memories of Upper Dolpo Trekking.

Day 25: Final departure homeward bound or to respective destinations.
Last day in the land of Himalayan Wonders, as per your international flight time depart from the hotel for an airport for your international flight back to home countries or other respective destinations.

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