Upper Dolpo Trekking – BG Tavel And Trek: Travelling Nepal, travelling packages, trek Nepal

The Upper Dolpo Trekking route is located in a remote area near the Tibetan border and was opened to trekkers in the late 1980s in Nepal. Prior to that, it was closed to foreigners. In Peter Matheson’s book ‘The Snow Leopard,’ he vividly describes his journey through the beautiful land of Dolpo. The region also served as the backdrop for Nepal’s first English subtitle movie, ‘Himalaya’ or ‘Caravan,’ which received an Oscar nomination. Upper Dolpo, with its mystical beauty and remote location, offers a sense of adventure to its visitors. The customs and traditions observed here are quite similar to those of Tibet. It is a restricted trekking region in Nepal, requiring a special permit that costs USD 500 for the first ten days and an additional US $50 for each day thereafter. A minimum of two persons is required to obtain a trekking permit for this region; single individuals cannot obtain a permit. The park covers an area of 3,500 square kilometers. The trek begins with a 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and continues the next morning to Jhupal. This trek is best undertaken during the summer and monsoon seasons, while winter is avoided due to heavy snowfall.

Overview

Short Itinerary

Detail Itinerary

Included/Excluded

Map

Overview

Duration:	21 days	Trip Grade:	4 (Challenging)
Country:	Nepal	Activitty:	Trekking and Hiking
Arrival on:		Departure From:
Attractions:		Route:	Annapurna Region

Detail Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel

Upon your arrival at the International Airport in Kathmandu, our representative will warmly greet you and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. In the evening, BG Travel will host a welcome dinner for you at a local restaurant, providing an opportunity for a pleasant start to your journey.

Day 02: Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing, Overnight in Hotel

Today, embark on a guided tour after breakfast, exploring some of Kathmandu’s most historical and spiritual landmarks. Among these sites are the UNESCO-listed Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple Pashupati Nath, the renowned ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath), and the Buddhist shrine BouddhaNath, one of the largest stupas globally. The day’s itinerary offers a cultural and religious immersion into the rich heritage of Kathmandu.

In the afternoon, engage in a pre-trip discussion where you’ll meet your trek leader and fellow team members. This session includes a comprehensive briefing about your upcoming trek, providing an opportunity for any questions or clarifications you may have. Conclude the day with an overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Flight to Nepalganj, Overnight in Hotel

Following the flight timetable to Nepalgunj, proceed to the domestic airport for a captivating one-and-a-half-hour scenic flight. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, take advantage of the late afternoon or evening to explore the town. Situated on the southern border of Nepal with India, Nepalgunj has a hot and tropical character, offering opportunities to immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere.

Day 04: Flight to Juphal (2475m), Trek to Dunai (2/3hrs, 2145m), Overnight in Camp

Commence your day with an early morning transfer to the airport for a 45-minute flight to Juphal (2,420m), offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan foothills, including the majestic Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to the north. Upon arrival in Juphal, our dedicated trekking staff, who have journeyed from Nepalgunj with camping gear and supplies over 5-6 days, will welcome you.

Embark on a short 2-3 hour walk from the airstrip to reach our overnight camp at Dunai village (2,850m). The initial part of the adventure involves descending for an hour through the village below the airstrip, traversing terraced fields to the Bheri River, and navigating a narrow gorge for 2-3 hours before reaching the camp at Dunai. As the administrative headquarters of the Dolpo region, Dunai is a larger village with modern amenities, including a new hospital. Take advantage of the ample leisure time to explore the village and its surroundings.

Day 05: Dunai to Chhepka (2687 m)/ 6hrs

The true adventure of the Dolpo Trek unfolds today. Embarking on the journey, we commence our trek along the classic Dolpo route via Sulighart, enjoying a comfortable walk on a level trail. At the Sulighat Check-post, we present our trekking permit for Dolpo and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit, officially entering the national park.

Continuing beyond Sulighat, the trek follows the trail beside the enchanting Phoksundo River until reaching Kageni. The surrounding landscapes undergo a transformation as we progress, traversing lush tropical forests and passing through isolated mid-hill villages like Jutung before reaching Shangta. In Shangta, we cross the bridge twice – once over the Phoksundo River and once over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Maiaba Khola – before heading north towards Chhepka.

Trekking upstream along the trail beside Phoksundo Khola, we eventually arrive at Chhepka, where our camps are set up in an ideal location for a peaceful overnight stay.

Day 06: Chhepka to Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital (3000 m)/ 6hrs

Today’s journey takes us along the renowned Lower Dolpa Circuit, tracing the path beside Phoksundo Khola in the opposite direction of the river flow towards Amchi Hospital. The trek involves crossing the bridge over Phoksundo Khola twice, offering serene views of the landscape.

Approaching the tranquil region, the trail ascends high above Phoksundo Khola to reach Rechi at an elevation of 3011 meters, where a well-deserved lunch break awaits. Continuing our trek beyond Rechi, we follow the riverside trail, eventually arriving at Sulligad Dovan. Here, we cross the bridge over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola before reaching Amchi Hospital.

Amchi Hospital serves as a crucial healthcare facility for the locals of Dolpo, where skilled Amchis practice traditional medicine using herbal remedies. Our camp is set up beside Amchi Hospital, providing a peaceful and scenic setting for the night.

Day 07: Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital to Phoksundo Lake (3600m)/ 5-6hrs

Our journey today takes us along the direct trail to Phoksundo Lake, leading us through lush forests dominated by towering cedars. The ascent brings us to Palam (3710m), a winter settlement utilized by the residents of Ringmo village. At the southern end of the village, we encounter the entrance station for the Shey Phoksundo National Park, signaling our official entry into this protected area.

Descending through open country on switchbacks, the trail reaches an elevation of 3300 meters before ascending once more, navigating dusty switchbacks to a ridge at 3780 meters, home to the highest waterfall in Nepal standing at an impressive 200 meters. Continuing our journey, we arrive at Ringmo village, characterized by its charming flat-roofed stone houses adorned with numerous mani walls. Crossing a bridge just below Ringmo, we follow the trail leading to Phoksundo Lake, where our camp awaits at the national park camping grounds to the west.

Day 08: Rest Day at Phoksundo Lake, Overnight in Camp

Today’s exploration takes us around Ringmo Village and the stunning Phoksundo Lake, immersing ourselves in the cultural and natural wonders of the region. Our first destination is Tshowa, the lakeshore Bon Monastery, perched on a ridge above Phoksundo Lake. This ancient Gompa, constructed approximately 900 years ago, offers a captivating glimpse into the rich Bon tradition.

Descending along steep-sided cliffs, we reach the shores of Phoksundo Lake, renowned for its mesmerizing turquoise color and breathtaking scenery. The picturesque Ringmo Village, with its Tibetan charm, unfolds as a scenic backdrop from the lake. The area boasts several monasteries (Gompas) and Bon-po religious sites, inviting us to explore the cultural heritage of the park. Amidst this exploration, we also revel in the beauty of natural sites, enhancing our connection with the pristine surroundings during our nature tour.

Day 09: Phoksundo Lake to Sallaghari (3630m)/ 5-6hrs trek