Overview
Nepal upper Dolpo trekking trip route itinerary l trek package cost l trail map l best season l permit fees l grade and altitude l recommended equipments l Upper Dolpo circuit trek l organizing company and guide information
Upper Dolpo trekking in Nepal
The northern part of Dolpo is usually called upper Dolpo and the main goal of trekking here is Shey Gompa. It is without doubt one of the wildest and most remote trekking routes in Nepal - and one, which only the truly adventurous should consider. From Kathmandu either we take a flight into Dubai in central western Nepal via Nepaljung or a bus drive to Beni and trek all the way to this region. You then commence trek up the Phoksumdo Valley through tiny villages and yak summer grazing lands, all the while with the beautiful Kagmara Peak in sight ahead.
Through deep dark forests and wide river canyons, you soon reach the village of Ankhe - entrance point for the Shey Phoksumdo National Park. High ridges and deep gorges draw you on until at last, you see the great Phoksumdo Lake, and towering above its western shores the 6612m Kanjiroba Peak, one of the most dramatically beautiful sights in the Himalaya. On your rest day here you will visit the Phoksumdo Gompa - a centuries-old temple dedicated to the ancient Shamanistic Bon Po religion, the antecedent of Tibetan Buddhism which is still alive and well in these remote parts of the Himalaya. There is a possibility of sighting the rare blue sheep.
The return necessitates some high pass crossings - the Baga La 5900m and the Numa La 5360m - but the scenery is spectacular, notably the view of the Dhaulagiri Massif from atop Numa. You then follow the valley of the Tarap. The Chu through forests of blue pine and juniper, then up and across narrow gorges to eventually return to Dunai and Juphal from where you fly back to Kathmandu. This is an exceptional trekking to take what true Himalaya wilderness trekking can offer.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1300m.
Arrive in Kathmandu. Meet our representative and transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu.
Begin excursion with tour guide by visiting world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and its surroundings. Evening briefing about your trip and meet trek staffs.
Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj 780m. 1.20hrs.
Transfer to domestic airport and fly to Nepalgunj. Arrive and drive to the hotel in the city.
Day 04: Fly to Juphal and trek to Dunai 2840m. 3 hrs.
Transfer to airport and fly up Juphal 2335m and trek further to Dunai bazaar administrate headquarter of the Dolpo region. Evening; walk around the village.
Day 05: Trek to Chhekpa 2930m. 6 hrs.
The trail first follows Veri river then enters the Phoksundo river valley with the views of Kagmara Peak up the valley.
Day 06: Trek to Sunduwa 3410m. 6 hrs.
The trail enters the Shey Phoksubdo National PParkfollowing the river bank and through forest crossing some up and down hills.
Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo Lake 3500m. 4 hrs.
The trail follows the Phoksundo and Pungmo Khola to reach the picturesque village of Ringmo with a beautifl chortens and mani walls then a short walk to the shores of Phoksundo Lake.
Day 08: Phoksundo Lake.
An exploration day around the lake and villages of Ringmo, people, monastry and enjoy the surrounding scenic beauty.
Day 09: Trek to Forest Camp 3600m, 5 hrs.
Walk along the shore of the lake towards rocky ledge along the western bank then the west edge following a lush meadow crossing the river and reach the forest camp.
Day 10: Trek to Seula Phedi 3710m, 6 hrs.
The trail first follows the river passing the forest and ascends toward the Seula Phedi for the camp.
Day 11: Trek to Shey Gompa 4500m. 5hrs.
The trail ascends towards the Kang-La pass 5300m through the forest crossing small stream. After the great views at the pass, descend steeply to the valley floor following a long meandering along the banks of the river and cross the river several times eventually a red chorten Shey Gompa appears.
Day 12: Rest day at Shey Gompa.
A day is spent here for an exploration of the Shey Gomba a crystal monastery standing above the confluence of Kangjunala and Yeju Nala River. Shey Bomba is famous for its ancient pre-Buddhist culture the Bon Po.
Day 13: Trek to Yak Kharka 4700m. 6hrs.
A pleasant walk after a wonderful time at Shey gomba bring to the yak Kharka through the rocky and grassy trail.
Day 14: Trek to Saldang 3610m. 5 hrs.
The trail begins with ascend along the long traverse and dusty barren mountains eventually picturesque and the largest Saldang village of the inner Dolpo area just above the Nam Khongmala.
Day 15: Trek to Komache 3920m. 6 hrs.
The trail begins along the fairly gradual path with few ups and downs slope passing nag Chu river and few villages along the way then reah to Komache village.
Day 16: Trek to Simen 4200m. 6 hrs.
The trail follows the river bed passing through terraced fields, stupas, chortens, heaps of mani stones and a Chaiba monastery and continue further to the Simen village.
Day 17: Trek to Tileje 4300m. 6 hrs.
The trail follows small stream first then ascends through the forest and interesting small villages and finally reach the beautifull village of Tilje.
Day 18: Trek to Yak Kharka 4540m. 6 hrs.
The trail goes through the bush forest crossing the river and ascends toward the Yak Kharka for the over night.
Day 19: Trek to Molala base camp 4890m. 5hrs.
The trail ascends toward through the forest and rocky mountains until the Base Camp of Molala It is a complete walk into the wild and remote part during the trek.
Day 20: Trek to Dho Tarap 4060m. 5 hrs.
The trail ascend to the top of mountain crossinbg Molala pass 5200m then follow the eastward downhill course of Tarap Chu in a plain valley with patches of lush verdant grass then reach to the beautiful village Dho Tarap.
Day 21: Rest day.
After passing some of the difficult section and passes; a day is spent here to relax and explore the valley and its surroundings of the inner Dolpo.
Day 22: Trek to Tarap Khola 3810m. 7 hrs.
The trail descends towards a wide Tarap valley along the juniper bush and wild rose just above the tree line then reach to Tarap Khola where the Tarap Chu and the Lang Khola joins with Tarap River.
Day 23: Trek to Khanigaon 3200m. 5 hrs.
The trail continue descends along the Tarap River and between the valley’s narrow and deep gorge eventually after crossing few times the river the camp site Khanigaon appears.
Day 24: Trek to Tarakot 2540m. 5 hrs.
The trail passes the Lahini village and beautiful landscape with forest until descending to another gorge following the river then reach to Tarakot which stands on the south sides of Bheri River.
Day 25: Trek to Dunai 2125m. 6 hrs.
The trail follows the Bheri River gorge along with pine forest and an easy walk brings Dunai Bazaar.
Day 26: Trek to Jhuphal, 2-3 hrs.
A short distance trek brings to Juphal aside of the river with a mall airstrip.
Day 27: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepaljung.
Fly to Nepalgunj and catch onward flight to Kathmandu on the same day. Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 28: Kathmandu.
A full day at leisure for your own activites. Evening emjoy the fare farewell dinner at one of the typical Nepalese restaurant with the live culturl program hosted by Holiday Mountain Treks.
Day 29: Departure.
Transfer to airport and fly back to home with great experience of the trip.
- We try to make free of tension our clients from arranging the necessary things and as much as possible while in Nepal and let them just to enjoy the holiday.
- Arrival/departure transfers.
- Hotels, sightseeing tours, domestic flight/ground transportation as per the program, airport transfer.
- Accommodations in tents and all meals during the treks.
- Down jacket, sleeping bag.
- Cost for a First Aid and Eco trained English speaking guide, cook, sherpa, assistances, Porters.
- Emergency rescue arrangements, medical kit bag.
- All necessary paper works and trekking /entry permits.
- All government and local taxes where applicable.
- Welcome & farewell dinner.
- International airfare and Nepal visa fee.
- Excess baggage charges with the domestic flight.
- Lunch/dinner in Kathmandu.
- Emergency rescue and medical expenses.
- Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills personal porters.
- Portable Altitudes Chamber (PAC) for safety measures if required.
- Tips for the trekking crew.
- Other optional trips/activities and sightseeing if required.
Map
Trip Essential Information
Introduction and trip briefing: On our all tours, trek, expeditions and other adventures, we give a short brief about the trip in Kathmandu on the same day of your arrival and introduce your trip guide and team members. At the mean time, we provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions if any about the trip.
A day on the trek : Day starts with warm greeting and bed tea. Then you will be offered a basin of hot water to wash and take breakfast then you are off to trek for about three hours. You will stop at pleasant surroundings for hot lunch for an hour. You will then walk another three hours or more depends on the places and facilities for camping places and stop for the night camp, you will be then offered tea / coffee with some light snacks then explore the area or relax until dinner is served at the warm dining hall. Spend some time by dancing, playing cards, reading books etc then go to bed served with hot water rubber bag to keep you extra warm in the cold temperature.
Accommodation: You will be staying at comfortable 2-3 star standard category hotel/resort having all modern amenities with breakfast in Kathmandu/Pokhara and good quality two men dom tents during the trek.
Trek staffs : Believing that every successful trips have been possible because of the team work, Holiday Mountain Treks employs experienced and trained Nepalese trek guide and other staffs.
Guide: Our guides are well experienced and knowledgeable holding license from government institutions. They are well trained about the high altitude problem, eco tourism, social responsibilities and sincerely dedicated on his duty. Actually our guide play an invaluable role in ensuring that our clients have the best opportunity to experience, learn about, and enjoy their trip presenting him whenever you need any help.
Assistant Guide and Sherpa: We provide one assistant guide and one Sherpa as per the group size on the trek. Assistant guide will help group during day time walking close by to help trekkers at the difficulty situation. Sherpa will take care of the camp site by setting and saving from outsider. They are well experience and dedicated on their duty.
Porters: Normally we use only regular porters working for the company. Our porters are fully equipped and insured having knowledge of walking on snow and high altitude passes. They are very honest, reliable and strong.
Cook: Our cooks are trained from government and private training institutions. Moreover they are well experience to prepare the most delicious and different cuisines with some local way too. They will prepare best of all combination meals like Nepali, Indian, Tibetan, continental and other cuisines as per your test requirements.
Foods and dinks: Fresh and hygienic foods at its high level of balance diet on full board basis will be provided throughout the trek. An experienced and trained cook will prepare some of the best cousins like Nepali, Tibetan, Italian, Continental, and Indian. For drinks you will get boiled water, Tea, coffee, chocolate, soups, squash and juice in different flavor etc.
Washing and toilet facilities: We provide hot or washing bowl of hot water to freshen up and to bath. We bring toilet tent and set at walking distance from your sleeping tent. No worries! We will cover it with necessary natural preservation after use of such facility.
Transportation: Deluxe private vehicle are provided while on city tour, airport transfers and private reserved vehicle as per the itinerary.
Essential Equipments : For a comfortable, safe and successful trip you should consider following items. Make sure that you have most of them especially which you do not want to use locally made in Nepal. Please check the essential check list for the comprehensive packing list for this trip.
Responsible tourism concept: Holiday Mountain Treks is taking concern of economy, social, environment and culture while running its trips. Our staffs are trained on this and try for minimum impact on the natural environment and native peoples. We try to support local economy by using their products, making aware and our clients will have to respect the local culture and traditions. We always try to make the areas more cleaner and friendly environments after we travel. This is possible by your understanding and our trained crews.
Travel Insurance: We suggest and t is a condition of traveling with us that you must be fully insured, including air rescue services and all medical expenses. You decide and choose what amount and types of is insurance is suitable for your trip nature as some does buy cancellation and only for certain period of time.
Itinerary: Given itinerary is flexible so if needed there is often scope on the trek to extend or shorten the walking days. In the special case if the trips is ended a week or more earlier, there will be given an optional for a short trip. Please discuss this with your trek guide and express your wishes. You will be always offered the best option in any case.
Departure Dates
No fixed departures.
