Upper Dolpo Trekking
Upper Dolpo Trekking route is a remote area near the Tibetan border. It was opened for trekkers only in the late eighties in Nepal. Until then the area was closed for foreigners. In his book ‘The Snow Leopard’, Peter Mathesons describes his journey through the beautiful land of Dolpo. Nepal’s first English subtitle movie and Oscar nominated ‘Himalaya’ or ‘Caravan’ was also shot in this region. Upper Dolpo is a region of mystical beauty and its remoteness adds to the sense of adventure among its visitors. The customs and traditions seems here are quite similar to those of Tibet. It is one of the restricted trekking region of Nepal. It’s required special permit. The special permit charged USD 500 for first ten days. And the additional US $ 50 each day after previous 10 days. The group should at least have two person to get trekking permit for this trek . Single person will not get trekking permit in this region from the trekking permit immigration. The Area of the park is 3,500 square kilometer of Land.
The Trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj about 45 minutes and next morning ends at Jhupal. This trek is best to do in the summer and monsoon season. Winter seasons is avoided for this trek because of the heavy snowfall.
- Overview
- Short Itinerary
- Detail Itinerary
- Included/Excluded
- Reviews
- Enquiry
- Map
Duration: | 28 days | Code | RT13 |
Route: | Dolpo Region | Group Size: | |
Max Elevation: | 5000 m. | Trip Grade: | D (Challenging) |
Country: | Nepal | Transportation: | |
Arrival on: | Nepalgung | Departure From: | |
Meals: | |||
Accomodation: |
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel (D)
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley o/n in a hotel.(B)
Day 03: Flight to Nepalganj, Overnight in a hotel. (B)
Day 04: Flight to Juphal (2475m) and trek to Dunai (2/3hrs, 2145m) o/n in camp. (B.L.D)
Day 05: Dunai to Chhepka (2687 m)/ 6hrs
Day 06: Chhepka to Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital (3000 m)/ 6hrs
Day 07: Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital to Phoksundo Lake (3600m)/ 5-6hrs
Day 08: Rest Day at Phoksundo Lake o/n in camp
Day 09: Phoksundo lake to Sallaghari (3630m)/ 5-6hrs trek
Day 10: Sallaghari to Nangdala HC (4717m)/ 5-6 hrs trek
Day 11: Nangdala HC to Shey Gompa (4343m) crossing Nangdala/KangLa pass (5350m)/ 5-6hrs
Day 12: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery
Day 13: Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa (4360m) crossing Shey La Pass (5100m)/ 6-7hrs
Day 14 : Namgong Gompa to Saldang (3770m)/ 4-5hrs
Day 15: Day hike to Yangjer Gumba (4590m) and back to Saldang
Day 16: Saldang to Komash Village (4060m)/ 6 hrs trek
Day 17: Komash Village to Shimen (3850m)/ 6hrs walk
Day 18: Shimen to Tinje (4110m)
Day 19: Tinje Village to Yak Kharka
Day 20: Yak Kharka to Tokyu (4240m)
Day 21: Tokyo to Dho Tarap (3944m) Rest day
Day 22: Dho Tarap to Naworpani (3475m)
Day 23: Naworpani to Lashicap (2775m)
Day 24: Lashicap to Dunai- 6hrs
Day 25: Dunai to Juphal
Day 26: Juphal to Nepalgunj flight and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu flight
Day 27: Rest day in Kathmandu for shopping o/n in a hotel +B
Day 28: Final departure
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel (D)
Upon your arrival at International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by BG travel in restaurant.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley o/n in a hotel.(B)
Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites; including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupati Nath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambhunath) and Buddhists shrine (BouddhaNath) which is one of the large Stupas in the world. At the noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. We brief you regarding your trek as well as provide you opportunity to ask any questions and you may have regarding your upcoming adventure. Overnight at Kathmandu.
Day 03: Flight to Nepalganj, Overnight in a hotel. (B)
As per the flight timetable for Nepalgunj we transfer to the domestic airport for one and half hour scenic flight to Nepalgung. At Nepalgunj we will have time in the late afternoon or evening to have a look around the town which is situated on the southern Nepal border with India. Here it is quite hot and tropical in character.
Day 04: Flight to Juphal (2475m) and trek to Dunai (2/3hrs, 2145m) o/n in camp. (B.L.D)
Early in the morning transfer to airport for the 45 minute flight to Juphal (2,420m) over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. On arriving at Juphal our trekking staffs will receive you, who have walked all the way from Nepalgunj with the camping gear and food supply taking 5-6 days. Here at Juphal a short 2-3 hrs walk from the airstrip leads to our overnight camp at Dunai village (2,850m). Our first day adventure begins with an hour downhill walk through the village below the airstrip, then leading through the terraced fields to the Bheri River and the narrow gorge taking 2-3 hours to camp at Dunai. This is a much larger village or small township, with a new hospital and it is administrate headquarter of the Dolpo region. Here we have ample time for leisure walk around the village
Day 05: Dunai to Chhepka (2687 m)/ 6hrs
The real adventure of Dolpo Trek begins today. As the trek begins we initially trek along classic trekking route of Dolpo via Sulighart which is pretty much comfortable walk along the levelled trail.
We shall produce the trekking permit to Dolpo and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit at the Sulighat Check-post. Now we are officially inside Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Beyond Sulighat our trek follows the trail beside Phoksundo River till Kageni. As the trek goes further, the landscapes in the vicinity begin to change. We trek through the lush tropical forest frequently emerging at isolated mid-hill villages like Jutung and arrive to Shangta.
At Shangta we cross the bridge twice- once over Phoksundo River and once over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Maiaba Khola and begin to head north towards Chhepka.
Trekking upstream along the trail beside Phoksundo Khola for a while we arrive to Chhepka. We put our camps at an ideal location in Chhepka for the overnight stay.
Day 06: Chhepka to Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital (3000 m)/ 6hrs
Today the the trail leads you beside Phoksundo Khola- the trail of famous Lower Dolpa Circuit. We trek in the opposite direction of the river flow to Amchi Hospital.
The trek crosses the bridge over Phoksundo Khola twice. As we approach closer to Kharka trekking along the amazingly peaceful region the trail goes high above Phoksundo Khola to Rechi 3011m, where we stop for the lunch.
Beyond Rechi we again hike along the river side trail to Sulligad Dovan where we cross the bridge over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola and arrive to Amchi Hospital. Amchi refers to traditional doctors who heal infections and diseases using the herbal medicine found in Dolpo.
Amchi Hospital is the treatment center of the locals of Dolpo, where expert Amchis treat the patients. We will settle our camps by side of Amchi Hospital.
Day 07: Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital to Phoksundo Lake (3600m)/ 5-6hrs
We will join the direct trail to Phoksundo Lake today climbing through forests of big cedars on to Palam (3710m), a winter settlement used by the people of the Ringmo village.
The entrance station for the Shey Phoksundo National Park is at the south end of the village. The route then descends on switchbacks through open country to an elevation of 3300 meter, and then starts up another set of dusty switchbacks to a ridge at 3780 meter to the highest waterfall in Nepal (200 meter high). Our route then continues on to Ringmo village, a picturesque settlement of flat-roofed stone houses with lots of mani walls. Just below Ringmo we cross a bridge and follow the trail to Phoksundo Lake, where we camp at the national park camping grounds west.
Day 08: Rest Day at Phoksundo Lake o/n in camp
Today we explore the area around Ringmo Village and the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. First, we explore around Ringmo Village and head to Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery).
The Gompa nestling a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. Exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery is fascinating experience. Then we drop down to Phoksundo Lake along steep-sided cliffs.
The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise colour and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, is scenic view from Phoksundo Lake. There are several monasteries (Gompas ) and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of these. We also explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.
Day 09: Phoksundo lake to Sallaghari (3630m)/ 5-6hrs trek
This treacherously fascinating trail brings us to another side of Phoksundo lake. Today’s trek is probably one of the best trekking days of Dolpo Trek. It climbs along the narrow trail cut on a cliff standing vertically straight above Phoksundo Lake. This particular part of the trek is like fantasy walk portrayed by a writer in their fiction novels.
To get to the Phoksundo Khola camp on other side of the lake, we slide down for ninety minutes along the beautiful forests. The final part of today’s trek slides up to the beautiful campsite at Sallaghari. Enjoy the night in the camps amongst beautiful pine forest.
Day 10: Sallaghari to Nangdala HC (4717m)/ 5-6 hrs trek
Today’s trek is relatively short; we trek for almost three hours to reach Kangla/Nangdala Base Camp 4100m. As the trek begins we ascend up the narrow defile of Tuk Kyaksa River. The trail switches to opposite side of the river several times. Soon we arrive to a place where the rapids of the river are calmer. We cross the bridge over the river at that point.
Thirty minutes of walk after the bridge, we come across the wide valley followed by two hours of walk along the canyon brings us the potential campsite. A walk for a while further reaches to the massive rock slab, which is Kang La/Nangdala Base Camp- our campsite for the night.
Day 11: Nangdala HC to Shey Gompa (4343m) crossing Nangdala/KangLa pass (5350m)/ 5-6hrs
Today we trek to the fabled Shey Gompa and the nearby 'Crystal Mountain', the most sacred peak in Dolpo which Dolpo pilgrims circumambulate each summer before the harvest. We are now entering the real Dolpo, and to enter into this mystical land we have to cross the Kangla/Nangdala pass .
The trek to the top of Kang La/Nangdala Pass is along the graveled trail uphill for three continuous hours. However, all the efforts put to come up to the top of the pass rewards us with wonderful views.
The eye feast views from the Kang La Pass includes Cyrstal Mountain, the mountains in Tibetan territory and the mesmerizing landscapes of Dolpo. We also have views of the peaks Shey Shikkar and Kang Chunne, both just over 6000 meters, before descending steeply down to the valley floor and along the river.
A red chorten marks the entrance to Shey. Every Dragon year according to the Tibetan calendar that comes in every 12 years there occurs a grand festival. People from different places and countries come to join this festival. We camp for the night.
Day 12: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery
Another well earned rest day for local hike around Shey meaning crystal, this monastery is also known as the Crystal Mountain (well described in Peter Matthissen classic novel Snow Leopard). The lama of Shey resides at a red hermitage known as Tsakang gompa which is north of Shey. It is rather a retreat than a monastery. Tsakang had been a meditation centre of many famous lamas from Tibet. Shey Gompa belong to the Chaiba community, followers of great saint Padmasambhava, known as Guru Ringpoche and Kagyu sects. It was the first Kagyupa monastery and its founder was the lama Tenzing Ra-Pa, built during 11th century. Shey is famous for its ancient pre-Buddhist culture the Bon Po. In Dolpo the ancient Tibetan way of life combines animism with the teaching of Buddha. Drutup Yeshe first introduced Buddhism in the Dolpo valley. Hundreds of years ago he came to Dolpo encountering a wild people whose supreme God was a fierce mountain and nature spirit. Crystal Mountain is to the east of Shey gompa it is one of the strangest mountain, as its contorted cliffs are laced with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. Shey Gompa stands above the confluence of Kangjunala and Yeju Nala River. Near the confluence there is a group of prayer mills turned by water wheels. Each year people from all over Dolpo region travel great distances to attend the festival at Shey and to complete the circuit of Crystal Mountain. This is an amazing trip to here that certainly makes this trek as special as only few Westerners have ever ventured up to Shey gompa
Day 13: Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa (4360m) crossing Shey La Pass (5100m)/ 6-7hrs
Today we will explore Shey Gompa. It is said to be about 800 years old monastery, with murals inside and an ancient scroll describing the mythology behind the Crystal Mountain. The monastery is locally known as Shelri Sumdho Gompa.
Shey Festival, the summer festival observed by the people of Dolpo with huge enthusiasm is hosted at Shey Gompa. Peter Mattheissen wrote quite a lot about his stay in Shey in 'The Snow Leopard', and it was shown in Eric Valli’s movie ‘Caravan' as Thinley's son's gompa. After the exploration of Shey Gompa as the trek begins, it follows the trail beside Sephu Khola for almost couple of hours.
The landscapes during this part of the trek are typical Dolpo landscapes- barren and enchanting. Then we begin to climb up towards the top of Shey La Pass, which is almost two hours of hike. The acme of Shey La Pass west of Shey, rewards us with the magnificent views of Mustang to the East, Tibet to the North and Kanjiroba, Kagmara and Riu Dhukta, or the Crystal Mountain, to the West. The final push downhill from the pass, which is almost 2 hours of hike brings us to Namgung. We spend our night at Namgung, a local nomadic herding settlement.
Day 14 : Namgong Gompa to Saldang (3770m)/ 4-5hrs
Before setting out towards Saldang, we explore the monastery of Namgung set on the flanking cliff. As the trek from Namgong Gompa begins we follow Namga Khola cross pass more summer herding spots and emerge out of spur for a short hike down to Saldang. Saldang is a beautiful village with lots of dry land surrounded hills. Amchi tradition and Buddhism in Dolpo thrives here at Saldang. We'll get a chance to visit some local houses, drink some salt butter tea or chhyang (Tibetan barley beer) and sample the local fare at Saldang.
Day 15: Day hike to Yangjer Gumba (4590m) and back to Saldang
Today we will have a day hike after early breakfast to Yanjer the richest monastery of this region. We will have packed lunch and will come back to Saldang for the night stop after the exploration of the monastery.
Day 16: Saldang to Komash Village (4060m)/ 6 hrs trek
Today we trek for six hours and reach the village of Komash. Initially, the trail follows the Saldang Lek along the Rapyha Khola to the barren hillside. Exiting out to the elevated ridge of almost 4500m, the trail descends down steeply to Komash Village a village which bears similarity to a Tibetan village. Overnight in tents at Komash.
Day 17: Komash Village to Shimen (3850m)/ 6hrs walk
As we trek from Komash village we may sight some endangered animals like snow leopard or Blue sheep. On the way we pass small villages. The landscapes in the vicinity is full of highland deserts with few shrub like vegetation. After almost five hours of comfortable hike we arrive to Shimen. Overnight in the tented camps at Shimen.
Day 18: Shimen to Tinje (4110m)
Today the trail goes by the side of Panjyang Khola. There are some villages and gompas on the way to Tinje. Tinje is a very beautiful valley. There is a natural air strip where once a British aircraft had landed and taken off.
Day 19: Tinje Village to Yak Kharka
From the village of Tinje we trek to Yak Kharka. Initially the trail to Yak Kharka chases the trail beside Panjyan River to the small settlement of Chhamdang. Beyond Chhamdang the trek along the river bank continues to the confluence of Chholtam Khola and Panjyan Khola. Trekking further we cross the bridge over Thalum Khola, which flows from Thalum Lek and arrive at Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka is an open grazing ground for yaks and sheep. The grassy meadow of Yak Kharka makes for an excellent camping site.
Day 20: Yak Kharka to Tokyu (4240m)
As the trek begins today, we cross the bridge over Sulun Khola. Crossing the bridges over several streams the trek arrives to Choila North Pass 5040m. The trail to Choila North BC is an tarduous and difficult trek. Almost two hours steep climb brings us to the top of Choila Pass from where the fascinating sights of Tokyu camps are seen. A downhill and leveled trail beside Choila Khola brings us to Tokyu, where we settle our camps for the overnight stay.
Day 21: Tokyo to Dho Tarap (3944m) Rest day
Today after breakfast we walk towards Dho Tarap, it is nearly one and half hours walk. We spend the day at Dho Tarap. Dho Tarap is a large village decorated by colourfull prayer flags.
There are chortens, mani walls and monasteries. Villagers grow wheat, buck wheat, barley, potatoes and green vegetables in terraced fields. There are tea houses, shops with minimal supplies and lodges. The people closely resemble the Khampas of Tibet, the men with a ponytail and red tassel coiled around their head.
The women sport musk deer teeth necklaces. Dho Tarap has a maze of mud-brick Tibetan houses which was featured in Eric Valli’s famous movie 'Caravan', the village where Karma and his band of young Dolpo-pa, and Thinley and his older group of Dolpo-pa, set off with their salt to trade for barley over the high passes.
We will enjoy a nature tour and a cultural program consisting of traditional Tibetan dances and songs presented by the villagers. Here we have few major sites that are worthwhile exploring around Dho Tarap.
Including Ribo Bumpa Monastery & Drakmar Dewa Monastery, the vicinity around Dho Tarap has many other important monasteries which include Mekhyim Monastery, Dhoro Monastery and a Bon Gompa of Shipichowk among others. So make your decision wisely while choosing the monastery you prefer to explore from the pool of many.
Day 22: Dho Tarap to Naworpani (3475m)
Today, the trek covers a long distance. As we start the trek, we hike along the flat trail beside Tarap Khola to Mirububane Khola Dovan- the confluence of Tarap Khola and Mirubabane Khola. Then the trek slides down to the bridge over Klang Khloa at Langa Camp.
The trail continues to chase Tarap Khola with the picturesque views of arid landscapes. As the trek goes further the trail emerges and cross passes several villages like Sisaul, Gyamghar, Toltol and finally we come to Nawarpani for the night stop.
Day 23: Naworpani to Lashicap (2775m)
The trek today begins on the trail that runs beside Tarap Khola. Gradually, the view in the vicinity begin to change. The green forest start to emerge. For a while we slide up high above Tarap Khola to Lamchaur. Cross passing Lahini Odar, we descend down the hill to Chhedhul Gompa.
Once again, a short walk along the trail beside Tarap Khola we arrive at Laisicap for the camp.
Day 24: Lashicap to Dunai- 6hrs
Now on we trek along the green woodlands high above Thuli Bheri River towards Tarakot. Just before arriving to Tarakot, we cross the bridge over the small stream.
The last day of the trek is not less interesting. We trek on the trail that stretches beside Thuli Bheri River to Dunai via Lawan and Byasgad. The trail has forested region on its west, Thuli Bheri River and cultivated terraced fields on its East. We have our lunch at Dunai.
Day 25: Dunai to Juphal
The trail goes by the side of Bheri river till Kalagawda and then the trail ascends towards Juphal. A couple of hours trek from Dunai brings us to Juphal.
Day 26: Juphal to Nepalgunj flight and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu flight
From Juphal we fly to Nepalgunj by early morning flight. In Nepalgunj you will have to spend some time by looking around the airport settlement or can go to the hotel and have a rest. By afternoon flight you will be flying to Kathmandu. Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu airport and will take you to the hotel.
Day 27: Rest day in Kathmandu for shopping o/n in a hotel +B
Day 28: Final departure
Included
Excluded
Latest Review on this area
...
Post Your Review
All * are required fields
