Upper Dolpo Trek – 27 Days

On your arrival day, one of our team representatives will greet you at Tribhuvan International Airport. After your arrival, you’ll be escorted to your hotel in Kathmandu, where you can check in and rest. Later in the evening, you'll have a brief session with your guide. Since this is a long and challenging trek, it's essential that you fully understand all aspects of the itinerary.

Today is dedicated to exploring the vibrant city of Kathmandu. You’ll visit some of the most renowned UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, each rich in history and showcasing the beauty of Nepali art and architecture. The day will start with a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a popular gathering place for both tourists and locals. Next, you'll head to Pashupatinath Temple, the oldest and largest Hindu shrine in Nepal. Afterward, you'll explore the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa. After your day of sightseeing, you’ll be escorted back to your hotel.

After breakfast in Kathmandu, you’ll catch a flight to Nepalgunj, located in the midwestern Terai region of Nepal. The 55-minute flight offers a scenic aerial view of the city. You'll spend the night in Nepalgunj.

On the second day of your trek, you'll catch another flight from Nepalgunj to Jhupal in the early morning. The 35-minute flight will take you to Jhupal, where your trek truly begins. From there, you'll walk toward Dunai, following the Bheri River’s bank. Along the way, you'll pass through several valleys and settlements, eventually reaching Dunai Village after about three hours of walking.

Today, you’ll trek from Dunai to Ankhe. The trail begins with an ascent into the Thulo Bheri valley, which leads you to the Phoksundo river valley. As you walk, you'll enjoy views of Kagmara Peak while passing through several villages and dense forests. After about 5-6 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Ankhe village.

Today's trail takes you from Ankhe to Sulighat. The journey begins with a climb through the forest, following a grassy ridge that overlooks the river. As you continue, the path descends via a stone staircase that runs alongside the river. Along the way, you'll cross several wooden bridges. After hours of ascending, descending, and passing rivers, you'll reach Sulighat.

Today, you'll make your way from Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake. The trail begins by taking you through pine forests, leading you to the Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers. Along the way, you'll catch your first glimpse of the shimmering Phoksundo Lake from a high ridge. Continuing further, the trail descends through dense forests, guiding you to Ringmo village, which sits beside the Phoksundo River. From Ringmo, it’s just a short walk to the banks of Phoksundo Lake. After 4-5 hours of walking, you'll reach the lake and spend the night there.

Today marks your first acclimatization and rest day of the trek. You'll spend the day exploring both Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo Village. Start with a leisurely stroll through the village, where you can immerse yourself in the traditions and way of life of the Tibetan community. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit Tshowa Gompa, a 900-year-old Bon monastery near Phoksundo Lake, offering a deeply spiritual atmosphere. The day’s highlight is the stunning Phoksundo Lake, Nepal's deepest freshwater lake, with its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Take your time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, with the majestic Kanjirowa Himal (6612m) providing a breathtaking backdrop.

Today, you'll bid farewell to the pristine Phoksundo Lake as you head towards Phoksundo Khola. Your journey begins by following the trail westward, crossing a wooden bridge. From there, you’ll walk through an open field, continuing along a rocky path that hugs the western shore of the lake. The trail will guide you through a vibrant grassland, eventually opening up to the floodplain of the Phoksundo Khola. As you pass through several villages and cross the river, you'll find yourself at the riverbank, where you'll spend the night in a tent set up by Phoksundo Khola.

Today, you’ll begin your trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang from Phoksundo Khola. Your journey starts by walking through a glacial valley, heading toward the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and another stream. After crossing the valley, you’ll come to a wooden bridge that leads you to the sheep fields. As you continue ascending for a few more hours, you’ll reach a valley where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Kang-La Pass and the towering Chhamlang Peak.

After breakfast in Phoksundo Bhanjyang today, you'll begin your journey towards Shey Gompa. The route takes you across Kang La Pass, with a challenging ascent to the top. Though the climb can be exhausting at times, the breathtaking views from the summit make it all worthwhile. From the top of Kang La Pass, you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramas of the vast valley below, along with several mountain ranges in the distance. Continuing on, you'll descend through a steep trail that runs alongside a river, passing fields where you may spot grazing yaks, sheep, and mountain goats. Eventually, you'll reach Shey Gompa, where you'll spend the night.

Today marks your second acclimatization and rest day of the trek. You'll have plenty of time to explore Shey Gompa, a place that reflects the region’s authentic Bon religion. Spend the day hiking around Shey village, immersing yourself in the history and traditions of the Bon Po culture, which predates Buddhism in the area. As you wander through the village, you'll also get a glimpse into the Tibetan Buddhist way of life, making it a day rich in cultural exploration.

Today, you'll leave Shey Gompa behind and head toward Namduna Gaon. On your way, you'll cross Saldang La Pass, located at an elevation of 5,100 meters. The trek starts as you pass through juniper trees, then descend along a rocky, winding path. After about 3-4 hours of walking, you'll reach the top of Saldang La Pass, where you'll be treated to breathtaking mountain views. Following the pass, you'll continue your descent toward a field dotted with grazing yaks and sheep. After another 3-4 hours of walking, you'll arrive at Namduna Gaon, your destination for the day. You'll spend the night here.

Today, you’ll continue your journey from Namduna Gaon to Saldang. The trail takes you over dry hills above the Namga Khola, leading you to Saldang village, the largest settlement in the inner Dolpo region. Along the way, you'll cross several bridges, pass through forests, and traverse dry fields. The walk is relatively short compared to previous days, and after 4-5 hours of walking, you'll reach Saldang, your destination for the day.

Today, you’ll leave Saldang village behind and head toward Yangze Gompa. The trail follows the dry land alongside Nagan Khola, passing through villages like Marang and Ki. You'll cross a stream of the Panzang River and encounter some ups and downs along the way. Continuing east, you’ll cross the river once more before reaching Yangze Gompa. Upon arrival, you'll have the opportunity to explore the ancient monasteries around the gompa.

Today, you'll make your way from Yangze Gompa to Sibu. The journey begins with a trek towards Saldang village, where you'll walk beside the river, passing through terraced fields, stupas, mani stones, and monasteries. As you continue, you'll reach Namdo village, where a brief visit to the Namdo monastery awaits. After a few more hours of descending along the river, you'll arrive at Sibu, where you'll stay overnight.

On the fifteenth day of your trek, you'll head from Sibu to Jeng La Phedi. The path follows the Nam Khong Khola, passing by yak pastures along the way. After some time, you'll reach the junction of two small streams, signaling the start of a steep ascent. Continue along the challenging trail as you make your way to Jeng La Phedi.

Today, you'll cross one more high pass on your way to Tokyu Gaon from Jeng La Phedi. After about two hours of walking, you'll reach the summit of Jeng La Pass, where you'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Dhaulagiri massif. Once you’ve crossed the pass, you'll descend along a rugged trail into the Tarap Valley, making a stop to visit the monastery at Tokyu. After another 3-4 hours of walking from the pass, you'll arrive at Tokyu Gaon, where you'll spend the night.

Today’s walk is relatively short compared to the others, as you head from Tokyu Gaon to Dho Tarap. You’ll start with a downhill stroll through a flat valley, passing lush forests alongside the river. Along the way, you’ll cross through several more forests. After a gentle 4-5 hours of walking, you’ll arrive in Dho Tarap, where you'll have the opportunity to experience both Bon Po and Buddhist cultures.

Today is your third acclimatization day. After several days of continuous walking, you’ll take a well-deserved rest and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the village of Dho Tarap. The village is home to a small Tibetan population, with the majority of residents being Magars, offering you a unique opportunity to experience a blend of cultures. You can also visit a Buddhist Gompa in the area or take a 40-minute walk to explore the renowned Bon Po Gompa.

Today, you'll make your way from Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola. The trail takes you through juniper and wild forests, leading into a wide valley and eventually into a gorge. Along the way, you'll pass through several forests and fields. After 5-6 hours of walking, you'll arrive at Tarap Khola, where you'll spend the night.

Your journey continues as you head towards Khani Gaon from Tarap Khola. Today, you’ll experience the thrill of crossing numerous bridges and gorges along the way. It's a relatively short and easy walking day, and after 4-5 hours of navigating over rough bridges and crossing several streams, you'll reach Khani Gaon.

Today, you’ll set off for Tarakot from Khani Gaon. As you follow the trail through lush forests and cross gorges, you'll soon come across a small village. Continuing along the river, you’ll reach Tarakot after approximately 4-5 hours of walking.

Today, you’ll descend to Dunai from Tarakot, passing through pine forests and gorges while walking alongside the Bheri River. The trail is relatively easy, and after 5-6 hours of walking, you’ll reach Dunai.

Today, you'll begin your journey back to the starting point of the trek with a short walk from Dunai to Jhupal. Trekking alongside the Bheri River, you'll pass through beautiful landscapes and several villages, including Dhupichaur, Rupgad, Kalagaonda, and Motipur, before reaching Juphal village.

Today, you'll take an early morning flight back to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival, you'll catch another flight to Kathmandu. Once in Kathmandu, you’ll be escorted to your hotel for some well-deserved rest, or if you prefer, you can explore the local markets and shop for souvenirs.

Your long and adventurous trek has come to an end. On your departure day, one of our team members will be there to escort you to the airport and bid you farewell as you head home.