Upper Dolpo Trek

When you arrive at the Tribhuvan Internaational Airport, Kathmandu, our staff will receive you at the Airport. He/she will be displaying a placard with Himalayan Travelers Trek & Expedition written in it outside the airport terminal. He/she will meet, greet and welcome you with auspicious garland and escort you to your respective hotel by our private tourist vehicle. At the hotel, he will assist you to check in and do pre-trip meeting with you.

This day is preparation day. You will also be briefed about your overall program on this day, introduce your guide and clear your questions/inquiries if any. and fly to Nepalgunj Overnight at hotel.

In case of unfavorable weather, we will explore Nepalgunj and its nearby villages. Otherwise, we will fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2470m) and trek to kagani (2421m). The trek offers stunning views of terraced fields, forests, and Thakuri villages, where animism and Hindu culture are still prevalent. The ladders carved into trunks lead to flat roofs where people dry their harvests and socialize. We will walk for 2:20 hours, with an elevation gain of +75m/-475m.o Nepalgunj.

We will continue our journey from Kagani to chepka (2680m),or Rechi(2940m) hiking along the river that originates from Lake Phoksundo. Two suspension bridges over the Thuli and Suli Khola provide us access to the clear turquoise waters, and the lush greenery of rice fields and conifers surround us. We will walk for 6/7 hours.

Today, we will walk from Chepka/Riche to Ringmo (3640m) and witness the play of light and shadows as we cross the torrent on wooden bridges. We will encounter animist sculptures, and the captivating turquoise waters of the river will lead us to the picturesque Ringmo.
The trail from Richi to Ringmo, the shore of Phoksundo Lake (3670m), is a relatively easy climb, and we can enjoy the stunning views of Lake Phoksundo from the small pass an route. We will walk through the village of Ringmo, where the Bön religion coexists with Buddhism. The houses scattered in the fields and the stupas add to the charm of this beautiful village. We will walk for 6-7 hours.

We will spend the day acclimatizing around Lake Phoksundo, Gumba and Ringmo village. we will visit Phoksundo Lake Camp (3730m) and enjoy the mesmerizing colors of the lake. We will explore the village and the monastery of Ringmo, and marvel at the cliffs that surround the lake.

This captivating trail leads us to another side of the Dolpo Trek, making today's journey one of the most memorable. It winds along a narrow path carved into a cliff, towering vertically above Phoksundo Lake.
This enchanting trail unveils a side of Phoksundo Lake reminiscent of a fantasy world portrayed by writers in their novels.
To reach the Phoksundo Khola camp on the lake's opposite shore, we descend for ninety minutes through stunning forests. The final stretch of today's trek brings us to the picturesque campsite at Sallaghari. Enjoy a night amidst the serene beauty of the pine forest. We will walk for 5-6 hours.

Trekking from Sallaghari camp to Kang La Phedi (4650m) is today's adventure. Though relatively short, it entails a steep climb in elevation. Navigate through a narrow gorge to reach the base camp of Kang La, the inaugural pass of the Dolpo-Mustang crossing. Along the way, expect to ford the torrent multiple times, possibly requiring shoe removal depending on water levels. Behind you, marvel at the stunning east faces of Kanjiroba, soaring over 6000m. Transitioning from verdant vegetation to a mineral landscape, you'll remain in this terrain until reaching the Kali Gandaki. Take it slow to acclimatize effectively, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Estimated walking time: 5-6 hours.

Trek from Kang La Phedi to Shey Gompa (4350m) Today, you will cross your first pass at more than 5000m in a good series, and the slow progress is all the more important due to the high elevation. Early in the morning, the sunrise will bring a pleasant surprise; Kanjiroba will be on fire, and the flutes descending to its glacier will ignite and quickly send back a dazzling light during your progression of the first steep slope. The Kang La peak culminates at about 5360m and marks the beginning of the Tibetan plateau. Crossing this pass is a highlight of the trek, as you switch from the Himalayan part to the Tibetan plateau. The tapering ridges of the Kanjiroba will be behind you, while a horizon of rounded Tibetan peaks will greet you ahead. This is one of the unique aspects of this Himalayan trek where you will alternate between Nepal and Tibet, the Himalayas and the Tibetan plateau. The descent will be long through an open valley, and upon arrival at Shey Gompa, you will feel like you are at the end of the world. The mountain of crystal will be on your left, dominating a little higher. walking time: 5-6 hours.

Indulge in a day of sweet serenity amidst the tranquil settings of Shey Gompa Monastery and Tsakang Monastery. Situated overlooking the convergence of two rivers, Shey Gompa Monastery boasts a plethora of mani walls adorned with carved prayer stones, enveloping the sanctuary in a sacred aura.
Immerse yourself in the gentle hues of the surrounding mountains, reminiscent of scenes from "Tintin in Tibet," while yaks graze peacefully in the distant valleys, transporting you to the heart of Upper Dolpo.
A short trek of just an hour and a half brings you to the isolated haven of Tsakang Monastery, perched precariously on the mountainside. Its awe-inspiring location and architectural marvels will leave an indelible impression on your soul.
Stand on the balcony, overlooking the rugged gorge below, as the peaks and the river vanish into its depths. The lofty perch of this eagle's nest monastery offers a perspective conducive to attaining a meditative state, allowing you to connect with the essence of your surroundings.
Keep an eye out for the elusive Bharals or Himalayan blue sheep, adding to the mystique of this enchanting region.
Duration: 4 hours of leisurely exploration.

From Shey Gompa, we will take a winding path to a low pass, which is under 5000m. The pass is situated in the middle of pastoral hills, where yaks are commonly found. The trek will take about 3-4 hours.

We will depart from Tora and climb up to a pass over 4400m. After crossing the pass, we will descend to the remote village of Bhijer, known for its unique architecture where houses resemble small fortresses with terraces. The trek will take about 4-5 hours.

This morning we stroll through the village, we visit the school then the monastery and then we climb the hillside above the village to the Nang La base camp, in a beautiful, very lively kharka. We won’t forget to come and taste cheese in the valley’s brand new cheese factory. the trek will take about 3-4 hours.

We will start our trek towards a new pass at 5000m, with a gradual climb which becomes steeper towards the end before reaching the 5380m Nengla La. The view will gradually emerge on the descent, showcasing cliffs that oscillate between grey, yellow, and slightly ocher. We will finally reach the large village of Saldang, spread over all the slopes that descend to the river. The trek will take about 4/5 hours.

Today, we will spend the day exploring the large village of Saldang and then hike to Yanjer, the richest monastery in this region, after breakfast. We will have packed lunch and return to Saldang for the night after exploring the monastery.

From Saldang, we will undertake a long ascent of the valley, crossing villages on the left bank and arriving at Rakyo, where we may observe bharals coming to drink at nightfall. The males of this goat species have large horns similar to those of ibexes, while the females have smaller horns. We will trek for about 4-5 hours, with an elevation gain of 475m and a loss of 145m.

We will continue our trek through a desert at altitude, and may encounter one or two mountain pastures. The cold is starting to bite as the season draws to a close and the nomads’ tents are being folded up. Bearded vultures are present in this region and can be observed. We will walk for about 4-5 hours, with an elevation gain of 465m and a loss of 65m.

Our trek from Jeng La Phedi to Tokyu will take us through a wide valley that descends to Dho Tarap, the capital of Dolpo. We will cross the Jeng La pass, which is lower than the previous passes at only 5130m, and less steep. The horizon line will flatten then regain relief, revealing the distant peaks of the Himalayas, including the Dhaulagiri. We may observe an eagle’s nest in the cliffs halfway on our left, while bearded vultures are quite common in this valley. In the village of Tokyu, we will discover a culture that does not feel more Japanese (Tokyo) than Nepalese. The trek will take about 5 hours.

From Tokyu, start your day with a descent through the valley of Dho Tarap. Dho, the main village of Dolpo, is located at an altitude of over 4000m and is home to the most important Lama of the Dolpo. The Yarsa Gompa has changed the economy and lifestyle of the villagers. During the picking season, thousands of people come to harvest the famous mushroom, creating tensions between residents, outside pickers, and the police. The Dho school, established by Action Dolpo, is a bioclimatic building that uses greenhouses to improve winter living conditions. If it’s open during your visit, you can see the organization and infrastructure. Leaving Dho, take the east valley to Pang La Phedi (4490m).

After acclimatizing and crossing three passes, begin your ascent to Pang La, the highest point you have crossed so far, standing at 5450m. The view from the pass is breathtaking, with a softer relief towards the north and a completely barren Tibetan plateau. Look out for herds of yaks grazing on the slopes. Set up camp before the pass on a yak mountain pasture to enjoy the vast open spaces of the Himalayas. walk: 5-6 hours.

Charka Bhot (4500m) Wake up to the cool mountain air at almost 5000m, and spot the few yaks still grazing higher up. Today’s trek takes you to Mola La, just above 5000m, offering magnificent views of the entire Dhaulagiri massif, with Chakra Bhot valley in the foreground. The valley boasts generous terraces and an old village, protected from the wind by narrow streets, closed courtyards, and tall houses. Share the slopes with herds of Himalayan goats and yaks. Though Charka Both seems far from everything, it’s just two days from Jomsom for the villagers, but five for your caravan! walking: 5-6 hours.

Wari Kharka (4680m) Follow the trail along the beautiful Charka Khola with its transparent waters, crossing it at a few prayer walls. Cross Thasan Khola to reach the camp on the right bank. Keep an eye out for tracks that could be those of the elusive snow leopard, which shares the region with wolves, although the rounded footprints suggest that it is more likely to be the snow leopard, which lives in these highlands with the bharals and yaks.

Golchan Khola (4440m) It’s a long day of trekking, but you are now perfectly acclimatized. Spot yaks seeking freshness as you approach Golchan La via the first pass, the Niwar La. The Golchan La, at 5550m, is the highest pass of your itinerary and offers views of the Hidden Valley to the south, descending from the Tukuche base camp. Crossing the Golchan La also marks your arrival in Mustang and the return to the rugged terrain of the Himalayas. Brace yourself for a very steep descent into shale, making this your big day of the trek and marking your exit from Dolpo, at least geographically.

Golchan Khola to Sangda (4030m) Today’s trek takes you through the rugged and deeply indented Sangda valley, where you will need to navigate around numerous valleys to reach the windswept village. As you approach Sangda, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Tashikang mountain, which towers over the village with its impressive glacier. The village itself is camouflaged by its rocky surroundings, blending seamlessly into the mineral universe around it. The villagers migrate to a neighboring village during the winter months to escape the harsh conditions. Try to arrive before they leave. walking time: 5-6 hours.

Sangda to Phalyak (3430m) Today’s trek will be one of the longest yet, as you navigate through deep valleys that seem endless. However, your perseverance will be rewarded with one of the most stunning Himalayan panoramas you will ever see. As you ascend the ridge, the entire Mustang region and even Tibet will be revealed to you, including the Damodar massif and the Khatung Kang and Yakawa Kang peaks, which frame the famous Thorong La. On your right, the entire Annapurna range will be visible, including Tilicho peak and Annapurna I. This eagle’s-eye view of the region will also give you a glimpse of Mustang’s unique geological composition and the powerful landslide that created this landscape and the Kali Gandaki gorge. Keep an eye out for bearded vultures soaring overhead. The descent to Phalyak will be challenging, but well worth the effort. Phalyak is located outside the Annapurna Circuit but within the Annapurna Park. walking time: 6-7 hours.

Phalyak to Jomsom (2880m) The final leg of the Dolpo Mustang crossing takes you through the village of Dhagarjung and up to the last pass of the trek, where you will be treated to another exceptional panorama of the Annapurna range. As you approach Jomsom, you will begin to notice signs of modernization, including a telephone relay and trucks traversing the bed of the Kali Gandaki. The trail descends steeply, so you may want to split into two groups for a more leisurely descent through the valley. walking time: 3-4 hours.

Jomsom to Pokhara flight the trek has come to an end and Jomsom with its city life, is a stark contrast to the rugged mountain terrain of the past few weeks. The runway at Jomsom provides a backup plan that is drive to Pokhara in case of flight cancellations. Pokhara, one of the most famous tourist destination in Nepal, you can enjoy roaming around, go for boating, relax and so on.

Drive back to Kathmandu by private car which takes around 7 hours. Spend the night at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Free day in Kathmandu After days of trekking amidst the stunning natural scenery of the Himalayas, Kathmandu offers a starkly different experience. Despite being in the same country, the pace of life is markedly different. This day provides a chance to acclimatize to the more modern surroundings.

Departure from Kathmandu Airport The journey comes to an end as you depart from Kathmandu Airport. Memories of the trek, the yaks, and the colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind will remain vivid for a long time to come.