Upper Dolpo TrekkingUpper Dolpo Trekking

Upper Dolpo Trekking

Highlights
  • Adventure around Nepal largest national park within Shey-Phoksundo and its beautiful turquoise lake
  • Trekking from inner Dolpo areas towards high and remote, isolated SheyGompa the crystal monastery
  • Dynamic and scenic trek with fantastic views on daily walks with Kagmara to Dhaulagiri range of peaks
  • On least explored areas of Nepal Far North Western Himalaya within complete wilderness
  • Crossing high Kang-La pass towards scenic and hidden areas of Crystal Mountain at SheyGompa
  • Sweeping scenic flights both ways with marvelous views of great Himalayan range of peaks

adventure around Nepal's largest National Park of Shey-Phoksundo towards the far wild west

Explorer Adventurers takes you around the high and remote country of Far Western Nepal on this exciting Upper Dolpo Trekking. Truly an adventure out of this world, walking along isolated villages and settlements, where elusive snow-leopard dwells. Along with other various mountain wildlife like the Blue Sheep, Himalayan Thar, and exotic birds. One of the most interesting and exciting adventures to experience on Upper Dolpo Trekking, within Nepal's largest national parks.

The Shey-Phoksundo National Park is enriched with exotic flora and fauna, and soaking within beautiful scenery amidst dramatic country landscapes. Upper Dolpo Trekking is an exclusive adventure quite different from other mainstream trekking routes. The walks follow the last hidden and isolated corners to the old Shey Gompa. This beautiful region is also described by an American explorer Peter Matessian in his famous novel ‘The Snow Leopard’. Published for mass readers in the late 19680, describes his epic journey to Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa.

The adventure begins after a swift scenic flight to Nepal Far South West Nepalgunj city. From the low warm city of Terai country, a smooth mountain flight brings you to Jhupal around the Dolpo area. The first part of the journey leads you to picturesque turquoise Phoksundo Lake at the lovely traditional Ringmo village.

Having time to explore the beautiful surrounding and visiting the village enriched with immense Buddhism cultures. Then leaving the lower Dolpo, heading towards higher terrains to the mystical land where Shey Gompa, the Crystal Monastery located. To reach high Shey Gompa close to the unique Crystal Mountain crossing the Kang-La Pass. At the highest point of the adventure, enjoy an exciting time at Shey Gompa exploring the amazing country. Where few groups of trekkers and explorers seldom venture, from Shey Gompa on the return journey via an alternative route. The trail follows high scenic passes to reach Somdang, one of the major villages around Upper and Inner Dolpo. The journey continues following the ancient Trans Himalayan Salt Trade Route of Nepal and Tibet, encountering several Yak herder temporary settlements.

Then over Jyang-La Pass with spectacular views of the surrounding wonderful views of Dolpo county landscapes with snow mountains. Overlooking Mt. Dhaulagiri Himalaya towards the east with Kagmara and Kanjibrora peaks in the west. Then reaching the lovely large villages of Tokyu and Dho-Tarap, walk on the longest green valley. Coming a narrow gorge at the end of the Dho-Tarap River valley, where the climb takes you to the nice village of Tarakot.

From here onwards on a winding path close to the Bheri River reaching Dunai, the headquarters town of the Dolpo district. Slowly our adventure comes to an end on reaching Jhupal for the last overnight around Dolpo and Far West Nepal.

An early morning flight brings you back to Kathmandu, after a great marvelous experience and adventure on Upper Dolpo Trekking.

for the price of this trip  please contact us at [email protected] 
or call at WhatsApp to Bam Magar 

Itinerary

On reaching Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be warmly received by our guide and staff and then transfer you to your respective hotels in the hub of Kathmandu city. First check into your hotel rooms on getting refreshed from the flight and with Jet-Lag, then join with other members of Upper Dolpo Trekking for briefing, where our expert guides will inform regarding your stay in Nepal, hotels, trekking, local lodge-camping with do’s and don’ts information, evening welcome group dinner in authentic Nepalese restaurants with Folk cultural programs to entertain you during your meals.

    Morning after breakfast leave the hotel for exciting guided sightseeing around Kathmandu where our city guide will lead you to places of interest, Kathmandu a metropolitan city still retains its ancient heritage and varied ancient culture where you will visit world heritage sites around Kathmandu for half day. After an interesting and wonderful tour of ancient historical and religious sites around Kathmandu, afternoon flight to Nepal Far South West to land at warmer sub-tropical city of Nepalgunj and then transfer to nearby hotel with afternoon free preparation for next day journey to UpperDolpo Trekking.

      After early breakfast transfer toNepalgunjairport for connecting short flight to land at Jhupal within Dolpo, on reaching at Jhupal, join with our trekking staff and then drive to Dunai for overnight stop, journey leads to interesting parts of the area through farm villages and farm fields with views of snow capped peaks in the distance, few hours of first day entry into Dolpo reaches you at Dunai for overnight stop in local nice lodge. Dunai, headquarter and administrative town of Dolpo district, an interesting place to explore in the afternoon to observe Nepal Far Western Nepalese cultures and custom of both Hindu and Buddhist religion with fascinating cultures.

        Our first day walk starts from Dunai, as morning trek heading past bazaar of Dunaiand then across a bridge aboveThuloBheri River to reach a high ridge above Phuksundo River valley offers views of Kagmara peaks. After walking on gradual trail, then climb upinto farm villages growing walnut trees within near Dhera a small place of cattle herders, from here leading to a short climb to Rahagaon village of Hindu Thakuri Malla people. From here descend into forest to reach our first overnight stop to camp at Chhepka, a small farm village.

          After Chhepkasituated close to Ankhe village, as morning follows with short climb and then downhillwithin forested area to reach atthe bank of a river, continue uphill walk on leaving forest behind and then descend back into tree lines. From here following upstream of a river to cross a bridge to reachRyajik village, walking little further to reach at Samdua for overnight camp, close to the entrance gate of Shey-Phuksundo National Park.

            Morning walk start to reach atPhoksundo Lake after PungmoKhola (stream) on following the stream and then downhill into birch and pineforest reaching upper section of PhoksundoKhola. After a short rest walk leads into Ringmo village, a lovely and interesting Tibetan origin village with similar culture of Buddhism and Bon (pre Buddhist) religion. Housesbuilt with mud plastered including Chhorten and Mani (prayer) walls of Bon sect and Buddhist religion. From here a short walk to Phuksumdo Lake for overnight camp near the bank of turquoise colored Phoksundo Lake.

              Enjoy another day at beautiful Phuksumdo Lake, an opportunity to soak in local Dolpo villages around Ringmo of immense culture and custom, where you explore this pristine areas often visited by few other trekkers.

                After a pleasant and exciting time at Phoksundo Lake also called as Ringmo Lake, our journey continues towardsUpper Dolpoareas, a restricted region where special permits has to be obtained from here onward up to SheyGompa and Saldang villages. Our walkleads to contour around a rocky ridge and ledge past bank of the riverto reach an opens and wide valley at Phuksumdo Khola for overnight camp.

                  Morning starts on gradual trail heading north leaving behindPhoksundoKhola with climb toa high hill, after a steep climb reaching top of the ridge facing views of large green valley with Kang-La pass towards north direction to ourmain destination toSheyGompa. Overnight camp ispitched on a nice pasture at the base of high Kang-la pass.

                    Starting much early morning to reach our main destination at SheyGompa, as walk leads to a steep climb on stones and rocky trail then reaching on top Kang-la pass above 5,350 meters and / 17,655 ft the highest spot of the adventure. From the pass enjoy fantasticpanorama of beautiful country landscapes with snow peaks which includes Mt. Dhaulagiri towards Far East, after a refreshing break with views descend to reach at the base near a river, then across cattle herder camps towards Buddhist prayer monument and Chhortenor Mani. A pleasant walk reaches you to destination at SheyGompa, situated at the bottom of unique Crystal Mountain considered as sacred Mountain with an old monastery close to the holy peak.

                      A wonderful spot for rest and spare day within isolated area of Far West Himalaya, certainly a hidden place away from civilization blending well with surrounding wilderness ofserene and pristine environment. At Shey with ample time to explore around and visit its very old Gompa also known as Crystal Monastery which is well defined in the classic novel ‘Snow Leopard’ by American author Peter Matthiessen.

                        From this isolated and lovely spot, our adventure continuestowards a wall canyon, as our path meanders to reach Sela or Gela-la a small ridge top above 5,094 m high, offers views of landscapes with Dhaulagiri mountains. From here descend slowly admiring the scenery then reaching anice grazing area at NamgungGaon for overnight stop.

                          After overnight at Namgung Gaon, walk on dusty path which leads uphill towards our overnight camp at Saldang, another interesting and a large village of Upper Dolpo area, placed high above a plateau.

                            From Saldang, morning trek leads to Nang Chu River and then following the river all the way with few ups and down walks pastSugu-Gaon and DechenLapran, a cattle herders place and then trekking to our overnight camp at Chagoan village. A small pleasant village with an old monastery called Rapa Gompa of Bon sect, a pre Buddhist religion and ancient Bon-Pa culture.

                              Morning leads south intoTarap valley on routeToku and DhoTarap villages, walk leads to reach at Dachu Khola and beyond, after crossing on the same trail following a river through farm fields, and then walk into Yak herder areas for overnight camp.

                                After nice stop around summer pasture of Yaks grazing area, morning walk following river for short while, and then coming across yaks and mules laden caravan on route Tibet that still exists since past glorious times. Walk on route which is near an old Trans Himalayan Salt Trade route of Nepal and Tibet, which is close from the base of Jyanta-la pass, as morning walk leads to a climb on top of high pass offering views of Mt. Dhaulagiri peaks, and then a long descend takes youatthe base of the pass for overnight camp.

                                  Morning heading for steep climb, and then walking on gradual winding path for some hours to reach a charming village ofTokuGaon for overnight stop, one of the most attractive villagewithin Inner Dolpo region, which consists more than ten group of villages within the valley and with nice tended farm fields including an old interesting monasteries.

                                    AfterTokuGaon, morning walks starts with downhill towards Tarap Chu (river) and then entering a wide scenic valley, where many yak herder temporary settlements located. Walk continues to Dhotarap overnight camp close to a village inhabited by mixed tribe of Tibetans origin as well Magar people.

                                      From this nice campsite, walk continues with a downhill towardsTarap valley, largest and longest valley of Dolporegion extends to near 20 k.m. long, following Tarap Chu River to joins withThuliBheri River near Tarakot village. Our journey leads past Langawith views of lovely cascading waterfalls and then walking due south following our route to Sisaul and f Kesila around Yak herder camps to reach our overnight camp at Ghyamgar.

                                        Morning walks leads at Tarap areas within magnificent valley and then entering a narrow gorge covered with bushes of juniper and wild rose, walking past Toltol near to a huge overhanging cave, around this place chance of spotting some wild life like Naur or Blue Sheep and other animals including endangered Snow Leopard as well. As walk proceeds reaching at the confluence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola (streams), overnight camp is set close to a river after a good and exciting walks of six hours.

                                          Slowly our journey comes to an ends as walk leads towards Tarakot village past several smaller farm villages to enter small woodland along the bank of a river and then reachingat Tarakot, one of the large and interesting village with ancient historical background. Tarakot a village with an forts known as Dzong in Tibetan, and in Nepali known as Kot placed to guard the entrance of the village from outside world. Tarakotwith famous and old SandulGomba,located on the junction of BarbungKhola and Tarap Chu River where our overnight camp is made.

                                            After a pleasant overnight at Tarakot our last day walk of the adventure leads to near Dunai, and then taking an exciting drive to reach our final end of the journey at Jhupalon reaching Dunai the major town of Dolpo, where drive leads to our final overnight stop at Jhupal on completing Upper Dolpo trekking before heading back to Kathmandu.

                                              Morning transfer to small Jhupal airstrip for the flight to Nepalgunj, after boarding in small aircraft where short flight brings you at Nepalgunj for connecting flight of 50 minutes to reach back at Kathmandu. On reaching at Kathmandu airport, thentransfer to your hotel with rest of the day at leisure with grand memories of Upper Dolpo trekking.

                                                Reserved this spare day in Kathmandu as contingency in case of flight delay and cancellation at Jhupal in Dolpo, which can happen sometimes due to bad unfavorable weather conditions if all go well according to our itinerary days, enjoy the day with individual activities and shopping.

                                                  Your last memorable day in Nepal after a wonderful experience and adventure on Upper Dolpo Trekking with great service of Explorer Adventure, and as per your international flight then transfer to Kathmandu international airport for homeward bound or to your respective destinations.

                                                    What's Included
                                                    • Airport pick up and drop by private vehicle
                                                    • Upper Dolpo National parke fee
                                                    • Dolpo Special  permit 
                                                    • Domestic flights from Kathmand-Nepalhunj-Jufal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu.
                                                    • Three night hotel in Kathmandu on twin sharing basis with BB
                                                    • TIMS (Trekking Information Management System
                                                    • Half Day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu as per the itinerary.
                                                    • Salary, food, accommodation and insurance for guide and porters
                                                    • Helpful porter with proper equipments (1 porter for 2 people)
                                                    • Hire sleeping bag and down jacket for the trekking.,
                                                    • Duffel bag for  packing your things for the trekking 
                                                    • Government taxes and official expense
                                                    What's not Included
                                                    • All food pay your self  during the trek  
                                                    • Flight to Kathmandu, Nepal
                                                    • Tips for porters ($70-100) and guides ($80-100)
                                                    • Nepal Visa ($50)
                                                    • Insurance (must include emergency evacuation by helicopter, check worldnomads.com
                                                    • Food and drinks ($20-30 per day)
                                                    • In some places: hot water, wifi, battery charging - $2-5
                                                    • Drinking water, price depends on altitude (linear regression)
                                                    Useful Information

                                                    Insurance policy for Medical and Travel:

                                                    Should cover medical insurance for illness and emergency evacuation by Helicopter or other means of transportations including other expenses on treatment at respective countries hospitals, as for travel insurance against bad unfavorable weather conditions, delay or cancellation of domestic flights on mountainous area where flight involves on the start of trek and at the end.

                                                    Travel and Medical Insurance also needs to cover when clients break the journey in the middle of the trip, due to sickness-personal domestic problem etc………

                                                     Guide and Porters: 

                                                    On treks or climb where you will be accompanied by our expert guide who knows the area on route of the trek chosen, we have professional and veteran guides to led the trek where you can feel comfortable, as our guide are knowledgeable offers you various information of the country from history-geography, culture to flora and fauna.

                                                    All guides have gone through basic medical training that includes high altitude symptoms or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) can help you with simple medical First Aid and for severe condition will support taking you to safe area or to nearest hospitals by any means of quick transportation.

                                                    Our guides are well versed in Eco-Trekking and Responsible Tourism as well and are committed in keeping the environment on trekking route in pristine form as it was.

                                                    Porters are picked can be regular porter of the company of hired in Kathmandu-Pokhara or in Lukla on start of the trekking, with always a strong and cheerful porters to carry your heavier luggage, baggage of 15 to 25 kg maximum weights to carry by each porters, we do not allow underage porters of below 16 years of age or above 50 years.

                                                    Porters and guide are well looked after by the company with good wages, medical insurance, travel allowance including meals on treks and climb company also provides warm gear in winter as well for high and cold altitude trips.

                                                      Altitude Sickness or AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness):
                                                      Information of AMS and Precaution Measures:

                                                    High Altitude or Acute Mountain Sickness for short as AMS a symptom faced and can catch any people on high altitude adventure walks.

                                                    Due to high pressure and low oxygen level as certain height where some people feel uneasiness with shortness of breathiness, light headache, nausea, dizziness, lack of good sleep and with less appetite.

                                                    To avoid these whole symptoms where we always designed itinerary days accordingly with enough space, flexible days for acclimatization at high elevation, taking short walks up and sleeping and resting at low places.

                                                    The other good way to avoid AMS taking slow and steady pace on walks, stopping frequently to catch your breath and adding lot of fluid or safe drinking water at least 2-3 liters a day to support against AMS.

                                                    On high altitude take enough rest and with short slow hike above high hills to catch views as well to support acclimatization and sleeping and resting at low altitude will certainly helps you in avoiding AMS.

                                                    Useful in situations when you cannot make high ascent, the best ways to prevent altitude sickness doing it slowly, stopping for overnights at certain altitude to adjust to the new height, and taking it easy for first one or two 2 days.

                                                    In our list we always mention general medication to bring from home as well from your doctor advice also, your doctor might recommend you some basic medication list like medicine against diarrhea, headache, fever, cold-flu as well constipation including first aid for cuts-wounds and burns as well.

                                                    Read this next:

                                                     What to Bring During 25 Days Upper Dolpo Trekking? 

                                                    **- can be bought in Kathmandu

                                                      Clothing and footwear

                                                    • Trekking boots (should be warm, waterproof, breathable, cover and fix the ankle)
                                                    • Sports sandals with a closed toe or sneakers.
                                                    • flip flops , Sun cap , Wool or fleece hat , 2 pairs of gloves/mittens (1 thin, 1 thick,}
                                                    • Bandana or neckerchief ,  Fleece jackets (1 thin, 1 thick) .
                                                    • Thermal underwear (merino wool!), preferably 2 sets (one for walking, the other for sleeping), buy at home.
                                                    • Trekking socks - several pairs (there is a limited possibility of washing)
                                                    • Quick-drying sports T-shirts (e.g. Polartec PowerDry) - 2 pcs. or more.
                                                    • Down jacket , Windstopper , Windproof warm jacket with hood.
                                                    • Trekking trousers ,  Warm synthetic pants like ski pants , Rain poncho.
                                                    • Sun Screen Cream , Sunglasses ,  Trekking pole , Water bottle.

                                                      Equipment for 25 Days Upper Dolpo Trekking 

                                                     *Duffel bags for trek will be perovided on Day 2 should be returned after the trek is over.

                                                     *Backpack 20-30 liters with rain cover (optionally with drinking system)

                                                    *Sleeping bag (comfort temperature around -5 C). On the upper lodges they usually provide woolen blankets. You can rent a sleeping bag in       Kathmandu, $1-2 per day.

                                                    *A good quality headlight with new batteries and a spare set of batteries.

                                                     *Sunglasses (category 3-4) + hard case , Trekking poles , Thermos 0.5-1 liter.

                                                    *Sealed packaging for documents and money , Sitting mat (optionally), Power bank.

                                                    * A roll of dense garbage bags 50 liters. You will pack your items in it when you put them in a duffel bag to protect them from moisture and dust.

                                                      Personal usage

                                                    > Towel (light and quick-drying)  - Washing accessories - Disinfection wipes

                                                    > Antibacterial gel - Moisturizing hand cream - Sun cream with a high factor

                                                    > Lip balm with sun protection - Reusable water bottle - Snacks, nuts, chocolate

                                                    Upper Dolpo Trekking FAQs

                                                    • All our guides are well trained for High Altitude Sickness or AMS and attend workshops and medical training annually. For minor sickness, and wounds our guide can take care but for major illnesses and critical situations.
                                                      The patient needs to be evacuated immediately by the fastest means of transportation. Like the service of a helicopter, the fastest means for emergency evacuation to reach the hospital in Nepalgunj or Kathmandu.

                                                    • The company does provide portable oxygen cylinders or small light canisters and Gamow Bags for high-altitude trekking. Where there are no villages and medical posts, like on longer trekking of more than two weeks like Upper Dolpo. As well as extreme adventurous and challenging treks that involve many high-altitude walks and crossing passes.

                                                    • Yes, every village near the camping site do have electricity or solar power to charge your cell-phone, camera batteries and laptop, and that is where available. 

                                                      On paying some fee for charging as per hour, where every village have different rate. Higher above from Jhupal onward the cost comes slightly higher than lower areas.

                                                    • Upper Dolpo located within Nepal’s largest national park called Shey-Phoksundo National Park, covers an area of 3, 555 sq.km, lower area consists mostly of Quercus species. The Upper Dolpo and Trans-Himalayan area has a near-desert type vegetation of mainly dwarf juniper and caragana shrubs.

                                                      The park provides prime habitat for the snow leopard and the blue sheep, other common animals found in the park are goral, Himalayan Thar, Serow, leopard, wolf and jackal includes Himalayan black bear, Himalayan weasel, Himalayan mouse hare, yellow-throated marten, languor and rhesus monkeys.

                                                      The park is equally rich in many species of birds, the Impeyan pheasant (Danphe), blood pheasant, cheer pheasants, red and yellow billed cough, raven, jungle crow, snow partridge and many others.

                                                    • After visiting beautiful Phoksundo Lake, and then cross the highest Kang-La at 5,345 m high, and then Jyang-La Pass at 5, 215 m to reach within Inner and Lower area of Dolpo, after exciting time on Upper Dolpo.                  

                                                    At a Glance
                                                    • Duration25 Days
                                                    • Difficulty Level Moderate to Strenuous
                                                    • Max AltitudeKang-la 5,350 Mt & Jyanta;-La 5,244 Mt
                                                    • Starts/EndsKathmandu to Kathmandu
                                                    • Trip StyleTrekking
                                                    • Group Sizeminimum 2
                                                    • Best SeasonApril to June and September to November months.
                                                    Customize Trip
                                                    SimilarTrips
                                                    Explore More

                                                    Ask a Question

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

                                                    Privacy Policy