The Upper Dolpo Trek brings us to a remote part of Nepal near the Tibetan border. It's a rural and well-preserved environment that has remained unchanged for ages. You will be able to observe the residents' way of life, which has remained mostly unchanged throughout the years. Lower Dolpo has a semi-arid topography with deep gullies and narrow valleys, but Upper (Inner) Dolpo is characterized by a huge arid region of undulating semi-desert highlands, which continues the Tibetan plateau's morphology. Upper Dolpo remains a restricted region that requires a special permit to visit. The Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal's largest national park, is located in the Dolpo region and is home to rare flora and animals, including the blue sheep and snow leopard. On this trek, we pass through beautiful valleys, local settlements, mountains including the holy "Crystal Mountain," centuries-old monasteries, and forests of pine and oaks.
| Day 01: | Arrive in Kathmandu (1300m) |
| Day 02: | Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation |
| Day 03: | Fly From Kathmandu to Nepalgunj | Altitude: 518 ft / 158 m |
| Day 04: | Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal and Trek to Sulighat | Altitude: 2070m/6790ft | Trek: 2-3 Hrs |
| Day 05: | Trek from Sulighat to Renje | Altitude: 3010m/9873ft | Trek: 5-6 Hrs |
| Day 06: | Trek from Renje to Ringmo Village | Altitude: 3640m/11940ft | Trek:5-6 Hrs |
| Day 07: | Rest day in Phoksundo Lake and explore around Ringmo village |
| Day 08: | Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola | Altitude: 3630m/1190ft | Trek: 4-5 Hrs |
| Day 09: | Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang | Altitude: 4120m/13514ft | Trek: 6-7 Hrs |
| Day 10: | Trek from Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Kang La pass- Shey Gompa | Altitude: 5160m/16925ft | Trek: 5-6 Hrs |
| Day 11: | Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery |
| Day 12: | Trek from Shey Gompa to Saldang La- Namgung Village | Altitude: 5010m/16432ft | Trek: 6-7 Hrs |
| Day 13: | Trek from Namgung Village to Saldang | Altitude: 3620m/11,874ft | Trek: 4-5 Hrs |
| Day 14: | Trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa | Altitude: 4960m/16267ft | Trek: 4-6 Hrs |
| Day 15: | Trek from Yangze Gompa to Shibu | Altitude: 4560m/14957ft | Trek: 6-7 Hrs |
| Day 16: | Trek from Shibu to Jeng La Phedi | Altitude: 4900m/16072ft | Trek: 5-6 Hrs |
| Day 17: | Trek from Jeng La Phedi to Jeng La Pass- Do Tarap | Altitude: 5090m/16695ft | Trek: 6-7 Hrs |
| Day 18: | Day explore and acclimatization in Do Tarap |
| Day 19: | Trek from Do Tarap to Tarap Khola | Altitude: 3800m/12464ft | Trek: 6-7 Hrs |
| Day 20: | Trek from Tarap Khola to Khanigaon | Altitude: 3150m/10332ft | Trek: 5-6 Hrs |
| Day 21: | Trek from Khanigaon to Tarakot- Dunai | Altitude: 2537m/8321ft | Trek: 5-6 Hrs |
| Day 22: | Trek from Dunai to Jhupal | Altitude: 2320m/7610ft | Trek 2-3 Hrs |
| Day 23: | Fly from Jhupal to Nepalgunj- Kathmandu |
| Day 24: | Departure Day |
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu | Altitude: (1,300m/4,264 ft)
At the airport terminal, our colleagues from AAT will greet you pleasantly. Our private van will then transport you to your respective lodgings.
Meal: Dinner
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing and Trek Preparation
Today, we'll have a guided tour of some of Kathmandu's greatest historical and spiritual landmarks, including UNESCO World Heritage sites. The historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Boudhanath, one of the world's largest stupas, will all be visited. After a full day of touring, we'll get our equipment checked by our climbing guide, meet up with the other participants, and go through the itinerary.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 03: Fly From Kathmandu to Nepalgunj | Altitude: 518 ft / 158 m
We fly to Nepalgunj, which is in the south-western region of the country. It's a one-hour flight, and we arrive in the late afternoon or early afternoon. The weather will be extremely hot in this part of Nepal. We'll spend the rest of the evening exploring the city, including Bageshwori Temple, one of Nepal's most important Hindu temples.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 04: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal and Trek to Sulighat | Altitude: 2070m/6790ft | Trek: 2-3 Hrs
We go to Nepalgunj airport and fly to the Dolpo region after early morning breakfast. The plane lands at Juphal airport, the sole airport in the Dolpo district, after a spectacular mountain trip of 25-35 minutes. From Juphal, we walk down the Bheri River's terraced fields and through the tight gorge for a few hours till we reach Dunai, Dolpa's administrative capital. We visit the headquarters in the evening and have a fantastic time with the other hikers. We'll spend the night in Dunai.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 05: Trek from Sulighat to Renje | Altitude: 3010m/9873ft | Trek: 5-6 Hrs
After a delicious breakfast in Dunai, we begin our walk. We begin by walking along the Bheri River, then cross suspension bridges, pass through a steep gorge, and follow the terraced green fields to Tarakot, a town perched on a mountain. The town was previously a tiny capital of the Tichorung Kingdom, which was independent. The town of fortification, which was created in ancient times, is well-known in the community. If we have enough time, we should explore the entire settlement before returning to camp.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 06: Trek from Renje to Ringmo Village | Altitude: 3640m/11940ft | Trek:5-6 Hrs
At Tarakot, we begin our adventure for the day after a delectable breakfast. We cross the river and climb through the buckwheat field from this village, taking in the stunning views of Putha Himal and Churen Himal. The trail brings us to Kanigaon, from which we ascend to Sandul Gompa, which is located at the confluence of the Barbung Khola and the Tarap Chu River. The trail now follows the river through dense forest and a tight gorge, until arriving at the lovely settlement of Laini. At the foot of a local tiny surging waterfall, the community is the greatest camping spot.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 07: Rest day in Phoksundo Lake and explore around Ringmo village
We will take a break today to tour the Phoksundo Lake area for acclimatization. During the day, we can take a short trip to Ringmo village and see the Tibetan Buddhist Monastery there. We will be able to observe the Dolpo people's cultures and traditions.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 08: Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola | Altitude: 3630m/1190ft | Trek: 4-5 Hrs
We begin trekking from the lake's westernmost point. The trail now brings us to the remote Upper Dolpo region, where the track climbs steeply. The trail leads through a lovely meadow that opens up to the Phoksundo Khola's floodplain. We travel across the valley, crossing a river, avoid any swampy marsh, and set up an overnight tent on the other side of the river.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 09: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang | Altitude: 4120m/13514ft | Trek: 6-7 Hrs
We walk for almost an hour on a track that takes us along a flat path through a glacial valley that faces north. There is an old wooden bridge at the junction of the Phoksundo Khola and another mountain stream. We walk to the northeast from here. Our track veers up a rocky ravine after a long ascent to a sheep meadow. We reach another valley, where we can see the Kang-La pass, after a difficult climb to the top. We pitched our tents near the pass. Today's trek also includes views of Chhamlang peak 6 (6739m) and peak 7 (6739m) (6105m).
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 10: Trek from Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Kang La pass- Shey Gompa | Altitude: 5160m/16925ft | Trek: 5-6 Hrs
We begin our ascent to the pass on a difficult slate-strewn trail in the morning. The ascent to the pass's summit is difficult. We get wonderful views of the huge valley divided by a rushing river from the top of Kang-la pass (5,360m/17,581ft). On a steep trail, we descend to the valley level. We then stroll along the banks of a river on a meandering trail, crossing and re-crossing it numerous times. Mud caverns line the hillsides that overlook the river. We also walk by grazing yaks, hundreds of sheep, and domestic mountain goats in meadows. We will spend the night in the Shey Gompa (4,500m/14,760ft) compound after crossing a charming log bridge.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 11: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery
Shey Gompa was founded in 1655 and is famous for its seated Shakyamuni Buddha statue made of huge copper and gilded gold. Crystal Mountain, to the east of the gompa, is one of the oldest mountains in the area, with its deformed cliffs lined with quartz and embedded with a wide variety of marine fossils. Today is a well-deserved acclimatization rest day. We spend the day hiking around Shey village, which is known for the Bon Po, an ancient pre-Buddhist culture. The ancient Tibetan way of life in Dolpo combines animism with Buddha's teachings. Shey Gompa is where you'll spend the night.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 12: Trek from Shey Gompa to Saldang La- Namgung Village | Altitude: 5010m/16432ft | Trek: 6-7 Hrs
Following the exploration, we will begin our walk. We'll spend about two hours following the paths along Sephu Khola. The typical Dolpo landscape will take your breath away. In about two hours, we will reach the top of Shey LA. During the hike, spectacular views of Mustang, Tibet, Kanjirowa, Kagmara, and the crystal mountain can be enjoyed. To get to Namgung, we'll have to descend for another 2 hours. The campsite will be set up here.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 13: Trek from Namgung Village to Saldang | Altitude: 3620m/11,874ft | Trek: 4-5 Hrs
We will begin by visiting Namgung Monastery. This lovely monastery is perched on the edge of a towering cliff. After that, we'll start our journey. We'll walk along Namga Khola's pathways. To go to Saldang village, we'll pass through additional summer herding areas. Saldang is a lovely community with a lot of dry lands surrounded by spectacular hills. We'll walk around the village and talk to the residents. At Saldang, don't forget to have some salt butter tea or Chyang (barley beer). This community flourished in Dolpo's ancient Buddhist and Amchi traditions.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 14: Trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa | Altitude: 4960m/16267ft | Trek: 4-6 Hrs
We'll climb to Yanjer after an early breakfast. It is the region's wealthiest monastery. We'll go on a tour of the monastery and have our packed lunch while we're there. Then we'll head back to the Saldang campground.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 15: Trek from Yangze Gompa to Shibu | Altitude: 4560m/14957ft | Trek: 6-7 Hrs
There are two pathways that connect Yangze and Sibu. We'll retrace our steps back to Saldang village to save time, as it'll be easier and shorter than the other route. We go from Saldang along a river, passing by terraced fields, stupas, chortens, heaps of mani stones, and a Chaiba monastery, before passing through Namdo village, which is equally rich, with roughly sixty houses and nearly 400 people. It stretches for more than 5 kilometers on the high hills to Nam Khong Khola's left. Near the riverbed, the Namdo monastery can be found. Our expedition continues for another two hours down the river to a campsite near a little Sibu village.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 16: Trek from Shibu to Jeng La Phedi | Altitude: 4900m/16072ft | Trek: 5-6 Hrs
For a bit, we stroll along the Nam Khong Khola, passing caravans of yaks on their way to the Tibetan border. We come at a confluence of two small streams after turning east and trekking for a while. The trail then climbs steeply to a grazing area below Jeng La pass (4,900m/16,072ft). This lovely meadow will be the site of our camp. We will spend our night in Jeng La Phedi.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 17: Trek from Jeng La Phedi to Jeng La Pass- Do Tarap | Altitude: 5090m/16695ft | Trek: 6-7 Hrs
The morning hike leads to a two-hour ascent to the summit of Jeng La (5,090m/16,695ft). To the south, an excellent view of snow ranges appears. In the dawn light, the north face of the Dhaulagiri massif gleams. Following a magical experience at the pass, our hike continues down the difficult path to Tarap Valley. By the afternoon, we've arrived at the lush valley, which leads us down a delightful path to Tarap Chu. Tarap is a wonderful valley surrounded by steep mountains and large plains. It stretches for a total of twenty kilometers along the river. Tarap Chu consists of ten settlements, each with its own farmed fields and numerous gompas and chortens of various sects. We arrive at Do Tarap (4,080m/13,382ft) after a short journey through this gorgeous valley.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 18: Day explore and acclimatization in Do Tarap
We spent today relaxing and strolling through Dho Tarap village, which is encircled by an irregular stone wall. Our walks will allow us to become more acquainted with the local culture. About 40 houses are grouped into three clusters and erected in a random manner at Dho, inhabited by a few Tibetans and largely Magars, a Nepalese hill tribe. While we're here, we can go to a Buddhist Gompa that's close to our campsite or take a 40-minute walk to a Bon Po Gompa. Dho Tarap is where you'll spend the night.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 19: Trek from Do Tarap to Tarap Khola | Altitude: 3800m/12464ft | Trek: 6-7 Hrs
We drop from Tarap into a vast valley that gradually narrows into a gorge. Just above the tree line, we travel through juniper and wild rose plants. We witness flocks of blue sheep on our hike, and by the afternoon, we've arrived at the Tarap Chu's confluence with the Lang Khola, a stream that joins the Tarap River from the east. We'll set up a tent in a lovely meadow known as Kamakharka and spend the night there.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 20: Trek from Tarap Khola to Khanigaon | Altitude: 3150m/10332ft | Trek: 5-6 Hrs
We'll be walking along the Tarap River's gorge. Locals will be moving their herds to lower pastures during the winter as we pass by. In a deep gorge, the valley gets so narrow that we will be able to jump from one side to the other in some spots. Finally, we arrive at Khanigaon's Tarap Khola camping location, where we will spend the night.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 21: Trek from Khanigaon to Tarakot- Dunai | Altitude: 2537m/8321ft | Trek: 5-6 Hrs
The trail from the campsite to the settlement of Lalberi today is indistinct. After passing through beautiful woodland and dropping into another gorge, our trek continues downstream, following the river to Tarakot, where we are greeted by colorful terraced farms. Tarakot (2,537m/8,321ft) is a historic fortress town that the locals call Dzong, which means "fort." Tarakot was the capital before the Gorkha dynasty. After lunch, the trip continues alongside the Bheri Water in a magnificent gorge with pine trees and a savvy path built about seven meters above the river. After completing the circuit, arriving at Dunai (2,030m/6,658ft) with time to celebrate, especially since bottled beers are available in Dunai.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Day 22: Trek from Dunai to Jhupal | Altitude: 2320m/7610ft | Trek 2-3 Hrs
We retrace our steps back to Jhuphal, a short distance walk down the Bheri River to the little airfield where we will spend the final night of this incredible expedition.
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Day 23: Fly from Jhupal to Nepalgunj- Kathmandu
Early in the morning, take a picturesque flight to Nepalgunj across the Himalayan foothills, with breathtaking views of the main peaks to the north, including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Upon arriving in Nepalgunj, depending on the time of your connecting flight to Kathmandu. If it's in the afternoon, take a break in the luxury of the Hotel Batika or something similar in Nepalgunj for a few hours. After that, catch a flight back to Kathmandu.
Meal: Breakfast
Day 24: Departure Day
Today is the last day of our Nepal adventure! Alpha Adventure Treks will transport you to the airport roughly 3 hours prior to your planned flight.
Meal: Breakfast