Upper Dolpo Trek
Overview:
The Upper Dolpo expedition begins at Jhupal village, leading into a mesmerizing journey across towering mountain ranges, deep valleys, and high passes. This trek follows ancient trade routes, once traversed by Tibetan and Nepalese traders exchanging salt, wool, and grains. The trek ascends through remote settlements and yak pastures, offering breathtaking views of the Kanjirowa and Sisne Himalayan ranges. One of the most spectacular highlights of the trek is Shey Phoksundo Lake, a dazzling turquoise water body nestled within the Shey Phoksundo National Park, the only trans-Himalayan national park located in Nepal. Surrounded by pine forests and snow-capped peaks, the pristine lake reflects the untouched beauty of the region. Here, trekkers can visit the secluded village of Ringmo and explore its ancient monastery, a site rich in history and spiritual significance.
Tour Highlights
- A journey into Nepal’s most remote and culturally rich trans-Himalayan region
- The shimmering turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake
- Exploration of Shey Gonba, the legendary Crystal Mountain monastery
- Challenging high passes, including Numa La Pass at 5,490m
- Panoramic views of Kanjirowa Peak and the Sisne Himalayan range
Tour Facts
- Total Duration: 27 Days
- Trek Duration: 19 Days
- Maximum Elevation: 5,490m/18,007ft at Numa La Pass
- Trek Grading: Moderate to Strenuous
- Trek Style: Fully Supported Trek
- Best Seasons: April-June, September-October
- Start/End Points: Juphal/Jomsom
- Accommodation: 7 Nights in Comfortable Hotels (BB), 19 Nights in Tented Camps and Trek Loudges (BLD)
Detailed Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
- Warm welcome at Tribhuvan International Airport.
- Transfer to hotel in the heart of Kathmandu.
- Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu
- Meals: Breakfast / Refreshments
Day 02: Explore World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Boudhanath Stupa
- Swoyambhunath
- Trek Briefing
- Overnight Stay in Kathmandu
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj and Transfer to the Hotel
- Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
- Hotel Transfer
- Overnight Stay in Nepalgunj
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
Trek Days
Day 04: Fly to Juphal Airport (Jumla) (2,475m/8,118ft) and Commence Trek to Dunai (2,140m/6,966ft)
- Fly from Nepagunj to Juphal Airport (Jumla)
- Commence Trek to Dunai
- Overnight Stay in Dunai
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Down Hill: 210m
- Distance: 8km
- Duration: 4hrs
Day 06: Trek to Chepka (2,520m/8,266ft)
- Head north through dense pine forests and cascading waterfalls
- Trek from Dunai via Shyanta to Chepka
- Tranquil Rest at a remote hamlet
- Overnight Stay in Chepka
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 770m
- Distance: 13km
- Duration: 4hrs
Day 07: Trek to Renji (2940m/9,643ft)
- Walk through serene surrounding from Chhepka to Renji via Rechi
- Experience new valley vistas and river crossings
- Overnight Stay in Renji
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 500m
- Down Hill: 320m
- Distance: 12km
- Duration: 4hrs
Day 08: Trek to Shey Phoksundo (3,733m/12,244ft)
- Trek to Shey Phoksundo Lake, the heart of Dolpo and get the first glimpse of shimmering lake amidst towering peaks
- Ascend through rugged terrain and and sheer cliffs
- Observe Serene Sunset over the lake for an unforgettable stay
- Overnight Stay in Shey Phoksundo
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 880m
- Down Hill: 90m
- Distance: 14km
- Duration: 6hrs
Day 09: Exploration and Rest Day at Shey Phoksundo Lake (3,733m/12,244ft)
- Rest and acclimatization
- Explore the Shey Phoksundo Lake
- Short Hike to the surrounding vicinity of Shey Phoksundo for natural immersion
- Overnight Stay in Shey Phoksundo
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
Day 10: Trek to Sallaghari (3,756m/12,320ft) via Phoksundo Khola
- Trek to Sallagahri exploring the western shore of the Phoksundo Lake
- Walk along the Phoksundo Khola valley for natural immersion
- Overnight Stay in Phoksundo Khola
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Down Hill: 105m
- Distance: 6km
- Duration: 4hrs
Day 11: Trek to Nangdalo (4,570m/14,990ft)
- Explore the high-altitude wilderness of Nangdalo
- Hike to surrounding ridges for panoramic views
- Overnight Stay in Nangdalo
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 900m
- Down Hill: 20m
- Distance: 4.5km
- Duration: 5hrs
Day 12: Trek to Shey Gonpa (4,160m/13,645ft) Crossing Nangdalo Pass (5,110m/16,761ft)
- Explore the high-altitude wilderness of Nangdalo Pass
- Hike to Shey Gonpa through rolling pastures and sacred valleys
- Experience the Tibetan Buddhist heritage at the ancient monastery
- Overnight Stay in Shey Gonpa
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 720m
- Down Hill: 1040m
- Distance: 12km
- Duration: 6hrs
Day 13: Trek to Namgung (4,380m/14,366ft) Crossing Saldang Pass (5,010m/16,433ft)
- Ascend to Saldang Pass for panoramic Himalayan views
- Descend through rugged terrain toward Namgung
- Experience traditional stone houses and prayer wheels in the serene village
- Overnight Stay in Namgung
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 600m
- Down Hill: 700m
- Distance: 12km
- Duration: 8hrs
Day 14: Trek to Rapa Gompa, Chagaon (3,890m/12,759ft)
- Descend alongside Nangma Khola through hidden valleys
- Visit Rapa Gompa and experience its spiritual aura
- Explore traditional stone houses and grazing pastures
- Overnight Stay in Chagaon
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 650m
- Down Hill: 700m
- Distance: 10km
- Duration: 7hrs
Day 15: Trek to the Lake Camp Site (4,020m/13,186ft)
- Ascend toward Khoma Pass for sweeping mountain views
- Descend to the tranquil Lake Camp Site amidst highlands
- Experience the serene reflections of mountains on the lake
- Overnight Stay in Lake Camp Site
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 600m
- Down Hill: 400m
- Distance: 10km
- Duration: 7hrs
Day 16: Trek to Shimen Gaon (3,850m/12,628ft) Crossing Shimen Pass (4,260m/13,973ft)
- Ascend to Shimen Pass for sweeping valley and peak views
- Descend to the picturesque village of Shimen Gaon
- Experience the tranquility of traditional Tibetan-style homes
- Overnight Stay in Shimen Gaon
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 200m
- Down Hill: 250m
- Distance: 7km
- Duration: 4hrs
Day 17: Trek to Tinje Gaon (4,150m/13,612ft)
- Trek along the Panjyan Khola past hidden caves and waterfalls
- Witness emerald valleys and distant snow-clad peaks
- Arrive at Tinje Gaon amidst terraced fields and age-old stupas
- Experience the rustic charm and warm hospitality of locals
- Overnight Stay in Tinje Gaon
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Down Hill: 300m
- Distance: 9km
- Duration: 5hrs
Day 18: Trek to Camp Site (4,210m/13,809ft)
- Trek along the right-hand branch of the Panjyan Khola
- Ascend through meadows adorned with wildflowers and prayer wheels
- Immerse in solitude with the river’s murmur and mountain birds’ calls
- Reach the remote campsite with panoramic views of snow-dusted peaks
- Overnight Stay in Panjyan Khola Campsite
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 480m
- Distance: 8km
- Duration: 4hrs
Day 19: Trek to Charka Bhot (4,110m/13,481ft) via Mola Bhanjyang Pass (5,027m/16,489ft)
- Ascend through rugged terrains and alpine meadows toward Mola Bhanjyang Pass
- Reach the summit at 5,027 meters with panoramic mountain views
- Descend through cliffs and valleys with shifting landscapes
- Explore the remote village of Charka Bhot with stone-built houses
- Overnight Stay in Charka Bhot
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 900m
- Down Hill: 900m
- Distance: 14km
- Duration: 8hrs
Day 20: Trek to Sangdok (4,790m/15,711ft) via Niwal Pass (5,120m/16,794ft)
- Trek along the river, crossing the Sipte bridge toward Niwal Pass
- Ascend to Niwal Pass at 5,120 meters with views of glaciers and mountaintops
- Descend through rolling slopes to the serene village of Sangdok
- Overnight Stay in Sangdok
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 900m
- Down Hill: 600m
- Distance: 12km
- Duration: 9hrs
Day 21: Trek to Santo (3,800m/12,136ft)
- Descend to Santo for a well-deserved break after high-altitude treks
- Trek through terraced fields and evergreen patches, enjoying the fresh air
- Arrive at the tranquil village of Santo, surrounded by stone houses and prayer flags
- Overnight Stay in Santo
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Down Hill: 880m
- Distance: 10km
- Duration: 4hrs
Day 22: Trek to Kagbeni (2,900m/9,184ft)
- Traverse the transition from Dolpo’s solitude to Mustang’s windswept landscapes
- Enjoy panoramic views of Mustang as you descend towards Kagbeni
- Pass by age-old chortens, prayer flags, and the sacred Kali Gandaki river
- Arrive at Kagbeni, an ancient village with red-walled monasteries and labyrinthine alleys
- Overnight Stay in Kagbeni, Mustang
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 400m
- Down Hill: 900m
- Distance: 14km
- Duration: 9hrs
Day 23: Trek to Mukinath (3,800m/12,464ft)
- Climb towards Muktinath, a sanctuary where Hinduism, Buddhism, and Bon religion converge
- Pass through rugged terrain adorned with juniper shrubs and prayer flags fluttering in the wind
- Reach Muktinath, revered by Hindus as Mukti Kshetra, Buddhists as Chumig Gyatsa, and Bon practitioners as a power place
- Witness the sacred 108 stone spouts and the eternal flame symbolizing unity among faiths
- Experience the serene atmosphere as pilgrims circumambulate and spin prayer wheels at sunset
- Overnight Stay in Muktinath
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Up Hill: 900m
- Distance: 10km
- Duration: 5hrs
Day 24: Trek to Jomsom (2710m/8,889ft)
- Descend from Muktinath, passing sunlit valleys and mani walls etched with ancient scripts
- Experience the change in landscape from alpine to arid, passing terraced fields and apple orchards
- Cross Ekle Bhatti, with the roar of the Kali Gandaki River in the distance
- Feel the winds of Jomsom carrying the scent of juniper and the sound of mule bells
- Arrive in Jomsom, nestled between the Nilgiri range with cobbled streets and vibrant local life
- Overnight Stay in Jomsom
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: BLD
- Down Hill: 1100m
- Distance: 12km
- Duration: 5hrs
Day 25: Fly to Pokhara
- Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara, passing snow-capped peaks and the winding Kali Gandaki river
- Enjoy aerial views of glaciers, valleys, and jagged summits as the plane descends
- Arrive in Pokhara, with lush greenery, terraced fields, and the shimmering Phewa Lake
- Stroll along the lakeside, with colorful boats and fluttering prayer flags
- Explore Pokhara’s vibrant cafés, shops, and peaceful temples
- Visit viewpoints overlooking the Annapurna range and watch paragliders soar
- Experience the serene twilight as the lake mirrors the fiery sky
- Overnight Stay in Pokhara
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
Return to Kathmnadu
Day 26: Kathmandu
- Fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu, greeted by the bustling capital city
- Immerse in the vibrant chaos of Thamel, filled with shops offering pashminas, prayer wheels, and brass statuettes
- Explore the ancient squares of Patan and Bhaktapur, with intricately carved temples and artisan-crafted deities
- Reflect at Boudhanath Stupa, spinning prayer wheels and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere
- Enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional music, dal bhat, and spiced curries, celebrating shared experiences
- Overnight Stay in Kathmandu
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Meal: Breakfast
Day 12: Trip Concludes
- Enjoy a final breakfast together in Kathmandu, reflecting on the journey
- Transfer to the airport for departure, carrying memories of towering peaks, sacred lakes, and ancient monasteries
- Reflect on the shared moments of laughter, awe, and discovery during the trek
- Board the flight as the Himalayas fade, leaving the spirit of Nepal etched in your heart
- Meals: Breakfast
Cost, Includes & Excludes
Cost Includes:
- All ground transportation, including airport pick-up and transfers.
- Double occupancy hotel accommodation in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Nepalgunj.
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu and Pokhara with entry fees.
- Fluent English-speaking trekking guide.
- Sleeping, dining, kitchen, and toilet tents, mattresses, and all necessary trekking equipment.
- Three meals a day during the trek.
- Restricted Areas Permit and conservation fees.
- Flight fare: Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal and Jomsom-Pokhara.
- Well-equipped and insured supporting staff.
Cost Does Not Includes:
- Nepal entry visa fee.
- Travel insurance.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara.
- Horse for personal ride during the trek.
- Rescue charges if needed.
- Medical expenses if treatment is required.
- Personal equipment (e.g., shoes, clothing, etc.).
- Any expenses of a personal nature (e.g., bar bills, laundry charges, telephone bills, etc.).
- Any other expenses not mentioned above.
Trip Extension
Do you wish to extend your trip to include more time, additional destinations, or both? Let us know and we’ll help you plan it out.
(These trips can also be extended or modified to fit your schedule.)
To view our Trip Extension options, please take a quick look at our Trip Extensions menu.
