UPPER DOLPO TREKKING

The region’s history, lifestyle, and natural beauty make it a unique destination for trekkers and those interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Himalayan culture.

The Upper Dolpo Trek is an extraordinary journey through one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich regions. Located in the western part of Nepal, Dolpo is nestled between the Dhaulagiri range and the Tibetan plateau. This area is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich Tibetan culture, and well-preserved ancient monasteries.Upper Dolpo has a history intertwined with that of the Tibetan plateau. The region’s isolation has helped preserve its ancient customs and traditions. Historically, Dolpo was part of the Tibetan empire, and its cultural and religious ties to Tibet remain strong. The region was relatively unknown to the outside world until the mid-20th century. It gained some attention after Peter Matthiessen’s book, “The Snow Leopard,” which recounts his journey in search of the elusive snow leopard in the Dolpo region, was published in 1978.

The lifestyle of the people in Upper Dolpo is largely influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. The Dolpo-pa, or people of Dolpo, live a life that revolves around agriculture, animal husbandry, and trade. The harsh climatic conditions and rugged terrain make agriculture challenging, so the inhabitants grow hardy crops like barley, buckwheat, and potatoes. Animal husbandry, especially yak and sheep farming, is a vital part of the economy, providing wool, meat, and dairy products.The people of Upper Dolpo engage in trans-Himalayan trade, traditionally trading salt from Tibet for grain from the southern regions of Nepal. This trade has diminished with modern changes but remains a part of their cultural heritage.Dolpo is a bastion of Tibetan culture and religion. The region is dotted with ancient Buddhist monasteries, some of which date back over a thousand years. The most notable among them is Shey Gompa, also known as the Crystal Mountain Monastery, which is a significant pilgrimage site. The monasteries in Dolpo are repositories of ancient texts, thangka paintings, and religious artifacts.The festivals in Upper Dolpo are vibrant and deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions. The Tiji Festival, celebrated to chase away demons, is one of the most significant. The festival features masked dances, traditional music, and rituals performed by monks.

The trek through Upper Dolpo offers trekkers breathtaking views of high mountain ranges, deep valleys, and pristine lakes. Phoksundo Lake, one of the highest altitude lakes in the world, is a highlight of the trek. The lake’s turquoise blue waters, surrounded by barren cliffs and snow-capped peaks, create a surreal landscape.Despite its beauty, Upper Dolpo faces numerous challenges. The region’s isolation means limited access to modern healthcare, education, and other essential services. Efforts by the government and NGOs aim to improve the living conditions without disrupting the traditional lifestyle.Preserving the unique culture and fragile environment of Upper Dolpo is crucial. Sustainable tourism is being promoted to ensure that visitors can enjoy the pristine beauty and cultural richness of the region while contributing to its preservation and development.In conclusion, the Upper Dolpo Trek is not just a physical journey through one of Nepal’s most remote areas, but also a cultural and spiritual voyage. The region’s history, lifestyle, and natural beauty make it a unique destination for trekkers and those interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Himalayan culture

Outline Itinerary

  • Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m), hotel transfer
  • Day 02: Optional sightseeing in Kathmandu/ trekking preparation
  • Day 03: Flight to Nepalgunj (150m) and hotel transfer
  • Day 04: Flight to Juphal (2475m)
  • Day 05: Trek to Chhepka(2838m)6 hrs
  • Day 06: Trek to Palam(3820m) 6-7 hrs
  • Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo Lake(3620m) 4 hrs
  • Day 08: Rest at Phoksundo Lake
  • Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo Khola Camp 3,750m/12,300 ft -05/6hrs.
  • Day 10: Trek to Low Camp 4,500 m/14,760 ft -05/6hrs.
  • Day 11: Trek to Shey Gompa(4320m)7-8 hrs
  • Day 12: Rest Day – Shey Gompa
  • Day 13: Trek to Namgung (4430m) 6 hrs
  • Day 14: Trek to Saldang (4046m) 3 hrs
  • Day 15: Trek to Sibu (4000m)6 hrs
  • Day 16: Trek to foot of the Jengla(4480m) 4-5 hrs
  • Day 17: Trek to Tokyo Gaon (4240m) 6-7 hrs
  • Day 18: Trek to Dho Tarap (4200m) 2-3 hrs
  • Day 19: Trek to Serkam (3623m) 7 hrs
  • Day 20: Trek to Tarakot (2280m) 4-5 hrs
  • Day 21: Trek to Dunai (2109m) 4-5 hrs
  • Day 22: Trek to Juphal (2404m) 3-4 hrs
  • Day 23: Flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj
  • Day 24: Departure to your destination

 Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m), hotel transfer:You will be warm welcomed at airport by our office representative and then you will transfer to hotel. Our staff will give brief explanation about the program. Evening dinner with cultural show and trip briefing.

Day 02: Optional sightseeing in Kathmandu/ trekking prepairation:You will have option for sightseeing to UNESCO world heritage sites or doing preparation for next adventure.

Day 03: Flight to Nepalgunj (150m) and hotel transfer:We will take afternoon flight to Nepaljung and transfer to hotel.

Day 04: Flight to Juphal (2475m):Juphal, just in 35 minute flight from Nepalgunj with beautiful views of snowcapped mountain. Juphal is a small mountain village, where we can breathe cold and fresh air than that of Nepalgunj. We will stay there because we have to arrange porters and equipments for the all days.

Day 05: Trek to Chhepka(2838m)6 hrs:From Juphal, we have to descend through wheat and vegetables field to reach Thuli Bheri River. A big suspension bridge will lead us to the entrance of Shey Phoksando National Park (SPNP), Nepal?s largest National Park with the area of 3,555km/sq. It is comprising the Trans Himalayan ecasy stem and the Tibetan type of floras and faunas. You have to pay 1000NPR, except tourists from SAARC countries. We will follow Suli Khola viewing a part of the Dhaulagiri Range. We have tea while we pass through the village as can stay there. We can enjoy the tea with honey, pure and fresh honey. Then we will trek through the trail surrounded by pine tree line spruce, fir, Juniper and Cyprus and bamboo forest. Really a beautiful time to get close with nature. At the end of the day we will reach Cheep Ka, a small village surrounded by millet and wheat field. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 06: Trek to Palam(3820m) 6-7 hrs:To reach to Palma, we have to pass through beautiful forest, following a river. We have to ascend sometimes and descend sometimes. On the way we can see the local people with their mules as dzopas (cross bread of Yak and Cow). Loaded with thongs to sell. After 4 hrs we will reach Reechi village, leaving behind Reechi we will reach Chumuwar after 2 hrs. There is a Amchi Hospital, an Amchi is a doctor who is educated in traditional Tibetan medicine. You can have treatment from herbs and numerals. Interested person can donate for this Hospital. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo Lake(3620m) 4 hrs:It takes about 4 hrs to reach Phoksundo Lake. We have to climb steep about 2hrs. before reaching the top, we can have the new of Nepal?s highest waterfall, a spectacular waterfall of 107m high knows Phoksundo waterfall as known as sunlight waterfall. Then we will descend from the top to get Ringmo village a small charming village. People residing here practice Bonpo religion, religion related to Buddhism but it is older than Buddhism. The religion was founded by Buddha Lonpa Shanrab Miwo, 18000 years ago. It is believe that Dolpa used to be the centre of Bon Kindom called Zhang. It a big and powerful kingdom in present western and north western Tibet. It is believed that in the century Zhang was defeated by the Buddhist kingdom of Tibet and Bonpo disappeared completely, but still some people practice it. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 08: Rest at Phoksundo Lake:We will rest at Phoksundo Lake and visited nearby villagers inhabited by Bon and Buddhist religion. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo Khola Camp 3,750m/12,300 ft -05/6hrs: From here walk leads towards the high Upper Dolpo area to our major destination of the adventure, as the walk follows contouring around a rocky ledge high over a river bank in between unsteady paths. A walk leads further towards the far end of the lake past summer pasture which opens up into a wide valley at Phoksundo Khola (stream) for the overnight stop and camping by the bank of stream.

Day 10: Trek to Low Camp 4,500 m/14,760 ft -05/6hrs:The morning walk starts on a fairly nice path heading north past Phoksundo Khola and then walking up on hilly slopes, after a climb reaching a ridge top with grand views of the green wide valley as far towards Nagdalo-la or Kang-La pass on-route Shey Gompa, overnight camp pitched on a nice green summer pasture at Low Camp.

Day 11: Trek to Shey Gompa(4320m)7-8 hrs:We will start trek by a long and strenuous climb of about 2 and half hrs over a dusty path to Kang La (5350m), also called as Ngadra La. We have to descend through pass covered with snow which is very steeply and after about 3 hrs we will reach Shey Gompa, a very small village with a couple of houses and the Gompa. It is a 11th century gompa, situated beneath the crystal peak on a small grassy plain, at the confluence of two rivers people believed that it was constructed by a Tibetan Buddhist, who arrived here on the back of flying snow lion. It is also called spiritual heart of Dolpo. Every year many pilgrims visit his gompa to make Kora (clockwise circuit) of crystal peak. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 12: Rest Day – Shey Gompa:You can explore around Tsakang Gompa which is at about 457m. It is not really a monastery but a retreat. Tsakang had been a meditation centre of many famous lamas from Tibet. Shey Gompa belongs to the Chaiba community, followers of the Padmasambhava and Kagyu sects. It was the first Kagyupa monastery and its founder was the lama Ten-szin-Ra-Pa. The monastery was built during the 11th century. Shey is famous for its ancient Buddhist culture. In Dolpo the ancient Tibetan way of life combines animism with the teachings of Buddha. Drutup Yeshe introduced Buddhism in the Dolpo valley. Many years ago he came to Dolpo and came across a wild people whose supreme God was a ‘fierce mountain spirit’. Crystal mountain is to the west of Shey monastery. It is a very strange mountain indeed. Its contorted cliffs are laced with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. Shey Gompa stands above the confluence of Kangju nala and Yeju nala. Near the confluence there is a group of prayer mills turned by water wheels. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 13: Trek to Namgung (4430m) 6 hrs:To get to Namgung, we have to cross the pass Sheyla which is also called Geln La is about 5000m. While we are through the Glen pass, we can see beautiful view of northern part of Tibetan plateau, which is highest plateau in the world. To the east we can see Mustang. After through pass we have to descend to the pastures of Namgung. Peoples of Namgung heartily welcome us. It is a beautiful place with friendly environment. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 14: Trek to Saldang (4046m) 3 hrs:Our Trek to Saldang starts with climbing a tree slope. We have to ascend to 4700m before going down steep slopes to picturesque village of Saldang, situated on a plateau high above the Nam Khong nala and the biggest villages of lower Dolpo area. The village is prosperous, not only agriculturally but also for its strategic location on a trade route to Tibet. Overnight at tented Camp.

Day 15: Trek to Sibu (4000m)6 hrs:We will leave Saldang village and on way to Sibu we have to pass through terraced fields, Stupas, Chortens mani and a Chaiba monastery. Namdo, the next village contains sixty houses having nearby four hundred in habitants. It streaches 5km on the high slopes to the left of Nam Khong Khola. We will set camp near the small settlement of Sibu, right on the river bank. Overnight at tented camp .

Day 16: Trek to foot of the Jengla(4480m) 4-5 hrs:We will follow the line of the river valley and the trail is easy going initially. But after two hours, we must make another stream before turning into side valley where the rise becomes very sharp. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 17: Trek to Tokyu Gaon (4240m) 6-7 hrs:To reach to Tokyo Gaon we have to cross the Jeng La which is about 4850m. It will take about 2 hrs climb to reach the top of Jeng La. Form the top of the peak we can have good views of Dhaulagiri, beautiful goldy views in the morning then we will descend towards Tarap valley. By the after we will see green valley which leads us by a beautiful trail down. Towards Tarap Chu. Tarap is a spectacular valley with vast plants in high mountains extending to twenty kilometer along the Tarap Chu River. It consist of ten villages with cultivated fields, many Gompas and Chhortens. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 18: Trek to Dho Tarap (4200m) 2-3 hrs:To reach to Dho Tarap we will walk east along the downward lower of Tarap Chu. The trail is easy as it is well travelled. There are many mani walls, we can see but some of the Chhortens are in a bad situation. The Frencch School is just outside the village of Dho Tarap. Dho is surrounded by an irregular stone wall and consist of thirty four houses. Both Bonpo and Buddhist is inhabitant here. We will visit Buddhist Gompa where a Lama lives. He is very happy to show his monastery and might even let you see his private Gompa and the Thankas which he has made himself. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 19: Trek to Serkam (3623m) 7 hrs:The next two days are longish with a choice of several different campsites so the itinerary can be flexible. Your route follows the course of the Tarap Khola, generally downhill. You go through narrow gorges with the river rushing through. One may see blue sheep, marmots, yaks, sheep and goats and perhaps meet people from Dolpo taking their flocks of sheep and goats to lower pastures for the winter. The afternoon brings more undulations in the path when it leaves the immediate course of the river. There is evidence of improvements to the trail where parts of the rock have been blasted out. You will also see the first of the modern steel suspension bridges which have been built to facilitate movement of people and animals. The track is very narrow in places. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 20: Trek to Tarakot (2280m) 4-5 hrs:We leave Khanigoan by the new suspension bridge and then walk alongside the river, sometimes going very high before reaching down to the water again. Some of the going is quite demanding and one bridge, said to have unusable for six years, necessitates crossing on wet stepping-stones.Coming into the broad fertile valley of the Barbung Chu, you walk amongst the various crops of millet, sweet corn, barley, buckwheat, green beans, chillies and marijuana. Your lunch and night stop is high above the river but there is a standpipe for water. Tarakot is an old fortress town known by the local people as Dzong, meaning ‘fort’. Before the Gorkha dynasty Tarakot was the capital and had a dzong. The famous Sandul gompa, which lies 8km east of Tarakot and at the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu, stands on a knoll to the south of Bheri River and at one time supervised collections of tolls for the trading caravans traversing an area called Tichu Rong. As an alternative to camping at Tarakot, you may camp down by the river as there are good cooking facilities there and a clean, locked toilet for trekkers’ use. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 21: Trek to Dunai (2109m) 4-5 hrs:The trail is mostly down and fairly firm underfoot. Walking beside the Bheri River you use the ingenious path built twenty feet above the river. All too soon you have reached the village of Dunai and the camp site you used before. You will now have completed the circuit and can mark the occasion with a celebration party! Overnight at tented camp.

Day 22: Trek to Juphal (2404m) 3-4 hrs:You now retrace your steps to Juphal. Initially the way is flat but the final hour up to your destination seems steeper than you remember on Day One! Camp overnight in the grounds of one of the lodges. Overnight at tented camp.

Day 23: Flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj:Early morning flight to Nepalganj and make connecting flight to Kathmandu. We will transfer to hotel in Kathmandu. Evening farewell dinner.

Day 24: Departure to your destination:We will be free till departure. Our representative will drop you to Kathmandu airport for your onward flight.

Cost includes.

  • Arrival and departure transfer to/from Kathmandu airport
  • Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu) including airport tax
  • All the necessary paper work such as national park entry fees, special trekking permit for Upper Dolpo
  • High quality tents and camping equipments (Sleeping tent/ Dining tent / Kitchen tent / Toilet tent / mattress and Kitchen untensils )
  • Full board meals (B.L.D.) during the trekking period with hot tea and coffee
  • All the trekking crews (guide, sherpa, porter, helper, cook) salary / accommodation / food and Insurance
  • Hotel in Kathmandu on B/B plan and Guest house in Nepalgunj.
  • Supported staffs and camping ransfer by bus from / to Nepalgunj and by plane from / to Nepalgunj to Juphal
  • All the government taxes and company service charge

Cost not includes.

  • International flight to and from Nepal
  • Airport taxes
  • Vaccination and Nepal visa
  • Meals when not in Trekking and drinks
  • Personal insurance and other personal expenses
  • Tips for trekking staff (tipping is expected)