Upper Dolpo Trek

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), our waiting support team holding your name plate with Nepal Mother House board will meet you greets you. Then drive to your Hotel. Rest of the time you may wonder around the hotel or just relaxed.

After having breakfast, Our Manager along with a Guide will meet you either your hotel or our office for the Trekking preparation and permit paper work. Meanwhile, you are advice to pay remaining payment by cash or Cards. Bring your copy of travel insurance policy, Passport copy, PP size Pictures each of yours. We will organize all permits and paper work. You are free afterward. Once permits ready, we will inform you every detail of next day flight.

Our Guide will come to your hotel according to flight schedule. And transfer to the domestic airport for a 45 minute to one hour scenic flight to Nepalgunj. It takes 30 minutes drive to get in the airport from your hotel. You need to be in airport terminal about 2 hours prior then your flight. After getting in Nepalgunj, you have free time in the late afternoon or evening to have a look around the town which is situated on the southern Nepal lowland; border with India. Stay overnight at Hotel.

Today, we will fly to Juphal early morning. It will be 35 to 45 minutes scenic flight from Nepalgunj. As Juphal is situated elevation of 2,475 meter, sometime weather won’t give permit for the late flight. So, early flight would be best for the Juphal. We meet remain of our crew member at the airport and introduced to them before trek start. Our team will organize all bags and requiring gears for the trek, the porter will carry. The Guide led you down hill along Thuli Bheri River side for the day destination at Sulighat. We are staying overnight in Tea House / Tented Camp.

The trek starts after taking breakfast. The trail follows the Suli River most of the day through the scattered villages Kageni, Shyanta and final get in at Chhepka. The abandoned crude stone houses are representing testimonial of ancient civilization of middle hill of Nepal. These villages are full of animals in the winter season to skip frizzing cold at Upper Dolpo and high meadows. After taking lunch, we will cross Maigba Khola and climb alongside Suli River to get in our camp at Chhepka Village. Stay overnight tea house/ Tented Camp.

After taking breakfast, we start our trek to the Samduwa about 6 to 7 hours. The trail follows the Phoksundo Khola like previous day. After, we cross the river and the trail ascends the narrow valley with bamboo forest and conifer. Often you will hear sound of the river ranging and birds chirping while walking. The canyon release up and get in the valley, where the trail become easier until bridge at Rechi Village. Again the valley shrinks and ascends on the hill and descends till the union of Phoksundo River and Pungma Khola. We will stay overnight at Samduwa, just right above the confluence. Here is available tea house; you have option stay at tented camp or tea house.

The hike starts to the Ringmo Phoksundo Lake in the morning. It takes 6 to 7 hours to get in Ringmo through the Amchi Hospital, Jharana Hotel, Polam Village. The trail follows the left side of Phoksundo River Bank with a pleasant walk and get in beautiful waterfall after the cross slope. After taking lunch at Jharana Hotel, the trail ascends to the Rigmo with tranquil Phoksundo Lake view surrounded by huge rocks. Ringmo is situated left side of the Lake. Stay overnight at Tented Camp or Tea House.

This is most important rest and acclimatization day in Ringmo, before cross high passes and Shey Gumpa. This helps you to well acclimatize to your body and backup the power for the further adventure journey. Wondering around the Phoksumdo Lake itself easily to pass a day, although you can visit some other places such as Tshowa Monetary from 900 years old Bonpo-Monetary, Semi-Tibetan village and view point for the hike. As Upper Dolpo is located in isolated geography, the culture of here is unique untouched by modernization, wear Somba or Dhocha (boots with upturned toes) Tibetan custom. You will become witness for former Tibetan culture and tradition. Stay overnight at Tea house or Tented Camp in peace of Heaven.

The trek begins to the Phoksundo Khola Camp known as Northern Shore Campsite in the pine forest (Sallaghari). The trail goes around the western edge of Lake with breathtaking view of Kanjirowa Himal (6,444m) and tranquil lake. This would be one of the pleasant trekking day’s entire trek due to amazing mountains view shadow in the tranquil Lake and easy trail. And beyond the lakes trail ascend along the Bank of Phoksundo Khola with pasture land and pine forest. The tent set in scenic place, from where you have view of snowcapped mountains, amazing landscape and sparkling pure turquoise water of Phoksundo Lake lying exactly below the camp. It will be 7 to 8 hours enjoyable hike to get in Camp. Enjoy the night at Tented Camp in the pine forest.

Today is a relatively short trek about 4 to 5 hours walk to get in camp at Nangdala Base Camp. When, we exit from the Phoksundo Valley the path contracted with high rock both of side. The trail ascends through the narrow spoil of Tuk Kyaksa Khola, and it makes our pace a steady without exhaust ourselves. Now, the trail turns to reverse of the river side numerous epochs. The trail crosses over the river with a suspension bridge where the fast-moving water of the river becomes soother. Further, we are walking along in Peter Matthiesson’s footsteps about thirty minutes walks from the bridge, and we walk through the wide valley crossing Canyon Bridge using indigenous knowledge about 2 hours and walk further finally get in the massive rock slab at Snowfields Camp (4,717m) known as Nagdalo La Base Camp. We are staying overnight as base of Nagdalo La Pass (5,350m) in the tent.

Today we are walking to the magical place at Shey-Gompa just nearby 'Crystal Mountain'. Crystal Mountain is one of the most blessed peaks in Dolpo Region, every year in summer the pilgrims circumambulate this mountain before harvest the crops. At the begging of the day, we ascend for a few hours to get in the top of Kang La Pass (5,350m). Now, this traverse entering us to the mystic world at Upper Dolpo, the Kang La Pass known as Nagadalo La pass as well. From the Kang La Pass, you will see the eye feast views include sacred Crystal Mountain, the magical landscape of Tibetan territory and the thrilling setting of Dolpo. The peaks Shey-Shikkar (6,139m), Phunphun Chuli (6,102m), Kanchauni Lek (6,444m) and Kanjirowa Himal (6,612m) are tremendous. The trail descends to the Hubaiun Khola and following along the river bank with a valley to the Shey-Gompa Monastery. A red Chorten noticed the entrance to the Shey-Gumba. The monastery is situated under the peculiar Crystal Peak on a small green plain created by the convergence of two rivers. We are staying overnight at tented camp just below the Gompa.

This is our rest and exploration day at Shey-Gompa. The most popular monastery in the region Shey Gompa/Gumba was built in 1655 with a huge gold-plated golden color statue of a Sakyamuni Buddha. But it has been exciting from nine hundred years. You can see Crystal Mountain to the east of the Monastery with its twisted rock face that are mixed with valuable quartz and embedded with a rich variety of aquatic fossils. Specially, according to the Tibetan calendar, every Dragon year in each 12 years the local from different places gather in this monastery to celebrate grand festivals. Even some foreigner also comes to visit this place to observe this festival. We walk around the Shey village where can see centaury old pre-Buddhist culture, the Bon-Po tradition and High Himalayan people live hood. Stay overnight in tented camp at Shey-Gompa.

The mythology has described about Shey-Gompa and Crystal Mountain a precious place. The local people have known this monstery as Shelri Sumdho Gompa. Peter Mattheissen have described very deeply about Shey Gompa in his book 'The Snow Leopard', and it was exposed Gumba in Eric Valli’s movie‘Caravan' as Thinley's son's monastery. Spending unforgettable time at Shey Gompa, the trek begins to the Namgung, The trail begins along the Bank of Sephu Khola for a couple of hours with typical Dolpo landscaped barren and enchanting. And turn to the left side from the river bank, and takes you ascending about two hours to cross the Shey La Pass (5,094m) pounce as Sela La and known as Gela La too. You have rewarded view of inner Dolpo and beyond the Dolpo scenery of the Tibetan plateau from the summit of the Pass. After traversing the pass the trail descend steeply for few hours and keep on along the pasture land get in Namgung village, where we will see remarkable ancient Namgung monastery. It takes 7 to 8 hours to get in our camp. We will stay at tented camp at Namgung.

Today we are heading to Saldang for 4 to 5 hours walk through the exclusive landscape made up of giant sand hills. At the begging, the trail goes along the Namga Khola for while and crosses the bridge through the summer Kharka (herding spots) and comes out for encouraging a short walk descending to Saldang Village; a beautiful settlement with lots of arid land enclosed by hills. The Tibetan medicine physician Amchi tradition is flourishing here at Saldang and can observe and Bonpo-Buddhism. Our Guide will introduce you some typical local drinks like; Sūyóu Chá (salt butter tea) and Chhyang (Tibetan barley cider) at Saldabg Village. In the ancient times this village used to be an independent kindom of Dolpo. The Tibet boarder is very close from Saldang. We are staying overnight at Tented Camp for another beautiful morning. Some trekker would like to a day hike from the town with pack lunch to the Yangjer Gumba (4,590m) also.

As usual days, after having the breakfast we are heading to Sibu Village about 5 to 6 hours walking. We start the day trip following the Nagon Khola with the terraced field; barley, buckwheat and potato are main crops of Dolpo and Chortens and Mani walls. You will enjoy walk with amazing landscape and tradition houses. The Buddhist monasteries one beside the stream and another high on a hilltop appears cross the dispersed settlement at Namdo. We set our camp for the overnight at the bank of river at Sibu village. Stay overnight at tented camp.

The trail begins along the Nagon Khola for a while and turning from the valley to the steep up heading to Jyanta La Base Camp approximately 5 to 6 hours walk. The trail goes through the bare unsteady hills and the sand dunes till Dachun Khola and finally arrives at a yak pastureland area where below the Jyanta La. We set our camp at Jeng La Phedi for overnight staying.

Today is another tough day traverse the Jyanta La Pass (5,220m). After having hot breakfast, we start our day trip to the Tokyo about 6 to 7 hours walk. At the begging the trail ascends steeply to the Pass. You will get in the pass about 2 to 3 hours, from where you have distant view of several peaks including Dhaulagiri massif. We take some pictures on the top of the pass to make you journey remarkable for the future and descend to the Tokyu Village situated at elevation of 4,209 meters following bank of Jyanla Khola. We are staying overnight at tented camp.

This is a short and easy day about one and half to two hours walk to the Dho Tarap. The trail following descends the Bank of Thakchiu Khola with mane walls and many monasteries. Dho Tarap is large village resident by resemble of Tibeten Khampas with fluttering colorful Buddhist prayer flags top of the roof. The village is surrounding by several Chortens, Mane walls and monasteries including Ribo Bumpa Gumpa, Drakmar Dewa Gumpa, Mekhyim Monastery, Dhoro Monastery and a Bon Gompa of Shipichowk as best practice of Bonpo-Buddisem. Dho Tarap is not only significant to preserve the culture, and it is important for the cultivation also. Wheat, buck wheat, barley, potatoes and green vegetables are main crops of the region. As this is junction for the different trekking routs you can have Tea houses, shops, lodges are available in the town. You will see some trekkers coming from Upper mustang through the Chakra Bhot. The local man decorated head with a ponytail and red ornament twisting around their head and women wear a necklace of musk dear teeth. The houses of here build by mud-brick as Tibetan’s which was featured in Eric Valli’s famous movie 'Caravan', the village where Karma and his group of young Dolpo-Pa, and late Actor Thinley and his older group of Dolpo-Pa, set off their salt trading with barley over the high traverses.

This is unforgettable tour in the un-spoilt Mother Nature and unique cultural traditional program by Tibetan dances and songs performance by the local. There are still few major sites that are worthwhile exploring around town. We are staying at Tea House or tented camp at Dho Tarap.

Today the trail goes all the way downhill along the Tarap Khola left side to the Kalang Khola and cross the suspension bridge over the Tarap khola trough the Langa, Sildun. It takes 6 to 7 hours to get in Sim Ora for the day destination. The trail continues below striking cliffs nearby river side, there are two ancient Chortens before the edge. We continue walks down to the meadows of the Sisaul Khola, and cross again Tarap Chu (stream) on different bridges to reach the grazing area of Shim Ora (3,647m) or it known as Ghyamgar also. Stay at Tented camp or tea house.

After breakfast, the trek goes through the gorges of the Tarap Khola to the Kanigaon (2,620m) approximately 6 to 7 hours walk. Today when walking more the view in the vicinity begins to change, the green woodland begins to emerge. Mostly the trail led you through the valley of Tarap Chu on a well-engineered path, including some stone ladders. The trail then goes down to Kanigaon through the Toltol, Nawarpani, Chhyugar, Laina Odar and Chhedhul Gompa. We set our camp outside of the village beside the Tarap stream just below the check post. As we are lower elevation, we feel pleasant wormer. Stay overnight at Tea House or Tented camp.

Today we are heading down to the Tarakot about 3 to 4 hours trips. The trail descending from Kanigaon, and come to a union of Bharbung Khola and Tarap Khola and reach in Laisicap crosses the high suspension bridge. Now, the trail ascends above the river until a final descends to Tarakot beside Thuli Bheri River. As this is a short day of the trip, you will get in camp by lunch time, and you may visit the impressive Lam Gompa. Overnight in Tarakot in tented camp or Tea House.V

We trek along the green forest high above Thuli Bheri River toward Dunai “the district headquarters of Dolpo”. As this is day of an easy and short trek; even it is not less interesting hikes. The scattered settlement along with their farms, picturesque scenery makes your trip pleasant. After 5 to 6 hours walking, we get in Hotel at Dunai, where few hotels and restaurants are available. Stay overnight at Hotel or tented camp.

Today is end of your trek with 4 to 5 hours walk. The trail is leading you through the edge of the Thuli Bheri River all the way to Juphal airport. The rest of the day walks around the town to see people live hood and culture. We will celebrate completion of our trek together with entire team. Stay overnight at Hotel at Juphal.

After having breakfast, we are taking 35 to 45 minutes scenic flights from Juphal to Nepalgunj in the morning. Again, we are taking another flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu; it takes 45 minutes to 1 hour. Then, drive to your hotel and free time rest of the day. Stay overnight at Hotel.

This is your final day of Nepal Trek; we Nepal Mother House Treks will hand over permits and trip Appreciation Card as souvenir to you. Our driver comes to your hotel to transport Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) 2 to 3 hours before then your slight time. It takes 20 to 30 minutes drive from touristic hub Thamel. We wish you have a safe journey to your home/destination.