Upper Dolpo Trek

Welcome to Nepal and the beginning of your Upper Dolpo Trek with Himalaya Family Adventure. Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will welcome you and transfer you comfortably to your hotel in Kathmandu.

After check-in, you can take some time to relax after your international journey. If you arrive early, you may enjoy a short walk around the surrounding streets and experience the first atmosphere of Kathmandu.

In the evening, our trekking team will organize a welcome dinner and introduce you to the journey ahead. We will explain the trekking route, camping arrangements, permits, safety procedures, altitude considerations and equipment requirements. This meeting is also a good opportunity to get to know your guide and fellow trekkers before entering the remote mountains.

Today is dedicated to discovering Kathmandu’s cultural heritage and completing the final preparations for the Upper Dolpo Trek. Depending on the available time, we visit some of the city’s important UNESCO-listed cultural sites, such as Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath or Kathmandu Durbar Square.

The cultural experience provides a useful introduction to Nepal’s diverse traditions before we travel into the Tibetan-influenced Buddhist communities of Dolpo.

Later, our team checks trekking equipment and documents and makes sure that all required permits and logistical arrangements are ready. Because Upper Dolpo is a restricted and remote trekking region, preparation is particularly important.

After breakfast, we take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, an important gateway to western Nepal. The scenery changes dramatically during the flight as the Kathmandu Valley gives way to the warmer plains of the Terai.

After reaching Nepalgunj, we transfer to our hotel and have time to rest. Depending on the flight schedule, there may be an opportunity to explore the local surroundings.

Our guide and staff use this time to make final checks for the mountain flight and trekking logistics. You will have a flight of 45 minutes to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj is a sultry city in the Mid-Western Terai. It lies in the region of the Nepal-India border and is a major city in the Mid-Western region. Bardia National Park is also pretty near to Nepalgunj. Taking an evening walk is recommended. Overnight at Hotel in Nepalgunj.

An early morning flight takes us from Nepalgunj toward Juphal, one of the main gateways to the remote Dolpo region. After landing, we meet our local trekking and camping staff and begin our first walking section.

The trail gradually descends and follows the valley toward Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpa. The landscape is already noticeably different from the busy areas of Nepal, with rugged hills, river valleys, local settlements and surrounding forests.

Dunai is an important stop before entering the more remote parts of the Upper Dolpo Trek. Our staff will organize the camp while you relax and enjoy your first evening in the Dolpo region.

Today we officially begin our deeper journey toward the wilderness of Shey-Phoksundo National Park. From Dunai, the trail follows the river valley and gradually moves through forests, rocky sections and small settlements.

The walking is moderately demanding, with several ascents and descents along the route. The sound of the river accompanies us for much of the day, while the surrounding hills become increasingly dramatic.

As we approach Chhepka, the environment becomes quieter and more remote. Our camping crew will establish camp and prepare a warm evening meal. This is also the beginning of our gradual adjustment to the higher elevations ahead.

After breakfast, we continue along the trail through the beautiful forested landscape of Shey-Phoksundo National Park. The route follows the river and gradually gains elevation.

The trail passes through pine and other Himalayan vegetation, with waterfalls, cliffs and narrow sections adding variety to the walk. As we gain altitude, the vegetation begins to change and the landscape becomes more alpine.

Depending on trail conditions and suitable camping locations, we spend the night around Rechi or Chunuwar. Our guide maintains a steady pace and allows enough breaks because the coming days will take us toward significantly higher elevations.

Today is one of the most memorable days of the entire Upper Dolpo Trek as we make our way toward magnificent Phoksundo Lake.

The trail gradually climbs through forests and dramatic mountain scenery. As we approach the lake, the landscape opens up and the spectacular turquoise water begins to appear beneath towering cliffs.

We continue toward Ringmo, a traditional Tibetan-influenced village famous for its stone houses, Buddhist culture and peaceful surroundings. From the village, we reach the shores of Phoksundo Lake.

After establishing camp, there is time to enjoy the incredible surroundings. The combination of blue water, rocky cliffs, mountains and forests creates one of the most beautiful landscapes in western Nepal.

Overnight: Phoksundo Lake / Ringmo

We spend today exploring the extraordinary surroundings of Phoksundo Lake. After several days of trekking, this slower day gives our bodies an opportunity to recover and adapt to the increasing altitude. The lake is at an elevation of 3611 meters. This amazing turquoise-colored lake is a blissful scene to observe.

We can explore parts of the lakeshore and visit Ringmo village, observing its traditional houses, Buddhist monuments and unique Himalayan lifestyle. Depending on local conditions, we may also visit nearby cultural sites and viewpoints.

This is a day to enjoy rather than rush. Our Himalaya Family Adventure guides will explain the local environment, culture and geography while allowing plenty of time for photography and personal exploration.

An astounding day, the trail flanks the Shey Phoksundo Lake from the western side. You will trek through the path of rocky hills of the western end of the lake. The trail moves through a lush grassland to the floodplain of Phoksundo Khola.

Our camping crew travels with the necessary equipment and supplies, allowing us to remain self-sufficient in this remote part of Dolpo.

Today, After Breakfast, you walk through a glacial valley heading north and reach the junction of the Phoksundo River and a stream. As you cross the bridge, you hike towards the north-east direction and start an uphill climb. As you climb to the top of a steep gorge, you can observe Kang-La pass from the head.

The scenery becomes distinctly Trans-Himalayan, with rocky mountains, open valleys and very little vegetation. The combination of altitude and rugged terrain makes this a demanding day, so our guide maintains a slow and comfortable pace.

We reach the camping area near Kang La Base Camp and settle in for the night. The camp may be quiet and cold, but the remote mountain surroundings create a genuine expedition atmosphere.

Today is one of the most challenging and rewarding sections of the Upper Dolpo Trek. We start early and gradually climb toward Kang La Pass, one of the major high passes on the route.

The ascent requires patience and steady pacing because of the altitude. Once we reach the pass, the surrounding Himalayan landscape opens dramatically, providing a powerful sense of achievement.

Kang-La Pass is at an elevation of 5,360 meters from where you can have an attractive view of deserted valleys, Crystal Mountain, and U-shaped canyon towards Shey-Gompa.  From the pass, we begin a long descent toward the sacred region of Shey Gompa (4400m.). The landscape around Shey is characterized by rugged mountains, dry valleys and distinctive Tibetan Buddhist heritage.

After reaching camp, we have time to rest and recover from the demanding crossing.

Today is an important acclimatization and exploration day at Shey Gompa. After crossing Kang La Pass, allowing the body time to adapt is essential before continuing toward another series of high-altitude sections.

We explore the monastery and surrounding landscapes and learn about the spiritual traditions that have shaped life in Upper Dolpo for generations. Shey Gompa is the most popular monastery in Upper Dolpo. At the east of Shey Gompa lies Crystal Mountain (Ribo Drugta).

The peaceful environment around Shey gives us time to appreciate the silence and beauty of the region. Our guide will also assess everyone’s condition and discuss the next stage of the trek.

Another major adventure begins today as we leave Shey and climb toward Saldang La Pass. The trail moves through dry, rugged terrain with expansive views of the surrounding Himalayan valleys.

The ascent is gradual but demanding because of the altitude. We walk at a controlled pace, taking regular breaks and allowing everyone to adjust to the thin mountain air.

After crossing the pass, we descend toward Namgung, a remote traditional settlement. The appearance of cultivated fields and stone houses at such a high altitude demonstrates how remarkably local communities have adapted to the environment.

Today is a comparatively shorter trekking day as we continue toward Saldang, one of the most impressive traditional settlements in Upper Dolpo.

The trail passes through dry mountain slopes and cultivated areas before reaching the village. The contrast between the barren surroundings and green agricultural terraces is particularly fascinating.

Saldang offers a wonderful opportunity to observe traditional architecture, Buddhist culture and everyday mountain life. We encourage our guests to explore respectfully and interact with local people through our guide.

We continue deeper into the remote landscapes of Upper Dolpo toward Yangjer Gompa. Today’s trail follows traditional routes between isolated settlements and passes through dry valleys and high mountain terrain.

You follow the Nang Chu River on your path to Tiling and Lurigaon village. You walk moreover to the Yangze village. Here, you can discover the Yangze region, Bon-Po monastery, and Panzang River.

The landscape feels almost untouched, with enormous open spaces, rocky ridges and distant snow-covered peaks. Along the way, we may encounter local people traveling between villages or working in the fields.

Yangjer Gompa and the surrounding area provide another opportunity to experience the religious and cultural character of this remote region.

After breakfast, we continue our journey through the remote Upper Dolpo landscape toward Sibu.

The trail crosses dry mountain slopes and follows valleys where traditional settlements and cultivated land appear unexpectedly among the rugged surroundings. Although we gradually lose some elevation, the terrain remains challenging and remote.

The longer path crosses through Nishalgaon and Shimengaon to Sibu. We pick the shorter trail by returning our path to Saldang village. The trail then heads to Namdo village which has around 400 residents and stretches over 5 km. There is a Namdo monastery near the Nam Khong River. You then hike for two more hours to enter Sibu.

Our experienced camping crew ensures that camp is ready and a warm meal is waiting when we arrive. The support of the team becomes particularly valuable during these long wilderness sections.

Today we begin climbing toward Jeng La Pass. The trail gradually becomes steeper as we move into the high-altitude environment.

The surrounding landscape is vast and beautifully barren, with rocky mountains stretching toward the horizon. As we approach the base camp, the effects of altitude become more noticeable, making slow and steady walking especially important.

After reaching camp, we have time to rest, hydrate and prepare for the following day’s high-pass crossing.

We start early for another major high-altitude crossing. The climb toward Jeng La Pass is demanding, but the wide Himalayan views and feeling of accomplishment make the effort worthwhile.

After reaching the pass, we begin our descent toward the beautiful Tarap Valley. The landscape changes as the valley opens, and the route becomes more welcoming after the exposed high-altitude terrain.

We continue toward Tokyu Gaon (4200m.), a traditional settlement with a strong cultural identity. Reaching the village after crossing the pass is a memorable moment in the journey.

Today we make a relatively short and enjoyable journey toward Dho Tarap, one of the most culturally fascinating settlements in the Dolpo region.

The trail follows the broad Tarap Valley, where fields, traditional houses, monasteries and mountain landscapes create a remarkable contrast. The valley has long supported communities through agriculture and livestock despite its high altitude and harsh climate.

After arriving in Dho Tarap, we have time to settle into camp and explore the surrounding area. This is a wonderful place to experience traditional Dolpo culture.

We take a well-deserved rest and exploration day in Dho Tarap. After many days at high altitude, this break provides valuable recovery time before our long descent toward the lower valleys.

We can explore traditional villages, monasteries, agricultural fields and nearby cultural sites. Our guide will introduce you to local customs and explain aspects of the traditional Dolpo lifestyle.

Dho Tarap – one of the highest settlements of the world, is the junction of tracks leading to Mustang, Jomsom, and Tibet. Dwellers consist of mostly Magars and Tibetans. There are a lot of Buddhist shrines in Dho Tarap. Bon Gompa in Dho Tarap is a famous one.

This is also a relaxed opportunity for photography and interaction with local communities. We encourage our guests to be respectful when photographing people, homes and religious places.

We now begin our long descent from the high Tarap Valley toward Tarap Khola. As we lose altitude, the environment gradually becomes greener and warmer.

The trail follows the river through a dramatic valley surrounded by cliffs and rocky mountains. After spending many days in the dry high-altitude landscape, the return of more vegetation creates a noticeable change.

The Trek descending towards a valley that eventually turns into a canyon as you trek more. The trek crosses through bushes of junipers and ultimately leads to the terminal of Tarap Chu and the Lang Khola. You then arrive at Kamakharka for ending the trek.

Although the altitude is decreasing, the distance makes today a reasonably long trekking day. Our guide maintains a comfortable pace and schedules regular rest stops.

The trail continues downstream through the increasingly green and warmer river valley. The landscape is very different from the barren highlands we crossed earlier in the trek.

We pass forests, rocky trails, streams and scattered settlements as we gradually approach the lower Dolpo region. The walking is generally more comfortable because we are now at a lower altitude.

After reaching Khanigaon, our camping crew prepares the evening meal while we enjoy a relaxed evening and reflect on the remarkable journey so far.

Today we continue toward Tarakot, one of the historically significant settlements in the Dolpo region.

You begin your day trek accompanying a trail to Lalberi village. Then, you move through a forest, descend to a ravine then hike alongside the river. You then arrive in Tarakot after a total of 4-5 hours of trek from Khanigaun. Tarakot is a little town that once used to be a fortress. It used to be the capital of Tichorung Kingdom and was a famous trading point. Although it has dropped the energy it used to share, it still has the charm to captivate travelers.

The trail follows the valley through increasingly green surroundings, with the river and dramatic hills providing a beautiful backdrop. The reduced altitude makes the walking easier compared with the high passes earlier in the trek.

Tarakot provides a final opportunity to experience the character of Dolpo before returning toward Dunai and Juphal.

Today we complete our final trekking section toward Dunai and Juphal. The trail follows the valley through lower-altitude landscapes and gradually brings us back toward the main settlements of Dolpa.

The path following the Thuli Bheri continues. You pass through Dhupichaur, Rupgad, Kalagaonda, and Motipur to ultimately arrive in Juphal. The long and arduous trek finally terminates at Juphal.

Reaching Juphal marks the end of our long wilderness trekking journey. From the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake and ancient monasteries to high Himalayan passes and remote villages, we have experienced some of the most extraordinary landscapes in Nepal.

Depending on the condition of the group and the flight schedule, our guide may adjust this day or divide the walking into separate sections.

In the evening, we celebrate the successful completion of our Upper Dolpo Trek with our guides, porters and camping crew.

We take an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu, subject to weather and flight operations.

After arriving in Kathmandu, our representative will transfer you to your hotel. You can spend the remaining time relaxing, shopping for souvenirs or simply enjoying the comfort of the city after the long wilderness journey.

This evening provides an opportunity to look back on the unforgettable experience of the Upper Dolpo Trek and the remarkable people, landscapes and cultures we encountered along the way.

Day 26 is kept as a spare and contingency day for the Upper Dolpo Trek. Because this is a remote Himalayan region, flights, weather, trail conditions, and other local circumstances can sometimes affect the planned itinerary. Having an additional day provides valuable flexibility and helps us avoid unnecessary pressure during the journey.

If the trek has been completed according to schedule, you can use this day to relax in Kathmandu, explore the city, enjoy some last-minute shopping, or simply recover after the demanding wilderness adventure. If an earlier flight or trekking section has been delayed because of unfavorable weather or other unforeseen circumstances, our Himalaya Family Adventure team can use this day to adjust the itinerary and protect your international departure schedule as much as possible.

This spare day is particularly important for Upper Dolpo Trekking, where mountain flights are more sensitive to weather conditions than road travel. We always recommend allowing some flexibility rather than planning an immediate international departure after returning from the remote mountains.

Today marks the final day of your unforgettable Upper Dolpo Trek with Himalaya Family Adventure. After breakfast, you will have some free time depending on your international flight schedule. You may use the remaining hours for relaxing, shopping for traditional Nepali souvenirs, or taking a final walk around Kathmandu.

Our representative will meet you at your hotel and provide a comfortable transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight schedule. We will assist you with the departure arrangements and say goodbye as you begin your journey home.

Your Upper Dolpo adventure may be coming to an end, but the memories of Phoksundo Lake, Shey Gompa, ancient Buddhist villages, high Himalayan passes, remote landscapes, and the warm hospitality of the Dolpo people will remain with you long after you leave Nepal.

Thank you for choosing Himalaya Family Adventure. We hope to welcome you again for another Himalayan journey.