Upper Dolpo Trek

Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be greeted by our representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Kathmandu is the bustling capital city of Nepal, located in the central part of the country.

After you settle into your hotel, you can spend the rest of the day exploring the city on your own. You may want to visit some of the local markets, where you can find everything from handicrafts to spices, or wander through the narrow streets of the old town to see the ancient architecture and temples.

You'll start the day with a delicious breakfast at your hotel, followed by a guided tour of some of the most important cultural and historical sites in Kathmandu. You'll visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Temple (also known as the Monkey Temple).

After lunch, you'll have some free time to explore the city on your own or to do some last-minute shopping for any trekking gear you may need. You'll also have a trekking briefing in the evening where you'll meet your guide and fellow trekkers, and receive more detailed information about the upcoming journey.

During the briefing, your guide will discuss the trek itinerary, the terrain you'll be hiking on, the weather conditions, and any other important details you should know. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have and to go over your gear and make sure you're properly prepared for the trek. After the briefing, you'll have dinner at your hotel and then retire early to rest up for the start of your adventure the next day.

Upon arrival in Nepalgunj, you'll be transferred to your hotel where you can relax and prepare for the next day's flight to Juphal, which is the starting point of the trek. Nepalgunj is a bustling city with a diverse mix of people from different cultures and ethnicities. You can explore the local markets and enjoy the delicious cuisine.

In the evening, you can attend a trekking briefing where you'll meet your guide and fellow trekkers. Your guide will provide you with important information about the trek, including the itinerary, altitude sickness, and safety tips. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Make sure to rest well and stay hydrated as the weather in Nepalgunj can be quite hot and humid. This will help you adjust to the different climate and altitude changes that you'll experience during the trek. Overall, the flight to Nepalgunj is a great way to begin your adventure in the Dolpo region of Nepal.

On Day 4 of the Upper Dolpo Trek, you'll take a flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal, which is a small airstrip located in the Dolpo region. The flight takes around an hour and offers stunning views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Juphal, you'll meet your trekking crew and begin your trek to Suligad Ghat.

The trek to Suligad Ghat is relatively easy and takes around 3-4 hours. You'll pass through several small villages and lush forests along the way, and you'll also get your first glimpse of the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. Suligad Ghat is a small village located at an altitude of 2070 meters and is situated on the banks of the Suligad River.

You'll spend the night in a teahouse in Suligad Ghat, where you'll enjoy a warm meal and rest up for the next day's trek. This is a great opportunity to interact with the locals and learn about their way of life in this remote part of Nepal. Be sure to take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and appreciate the natural beauty of this untouched region.

The trail will take you through lush forests of oak, rhododendron and bamboo, and you'll cross several suspension bridges over the roaring Budhi Gandaki River. You'll also pass through several small settlements where you can interact with the locals and learn about their way of life.

After a few hours of trekking, you'll reach the village of Khorlabesi (960m), where you can take a break and have lunch. From Khorlabesi, the trail becomes steeper and you'll cross more suspension bridges before arriving at the village of Tatopani (990m). Here, you can take a dip in the natural hot springs and soothe your tired muscles.

From Tatopani, you'll continue your trek uphill, passing through several small villages and enjoying stunning views of the surrounding mountains. After a few more hours of trekking, you'll finally reach Renje, a small village situated at an altitude of 3010m. You'll spend the night in a teahouse in Renje, enjoying the cool mountain air and the peace and quiet of this remote Himalayan village.

Today's trek takes you from Renje to Ringmo village and then to the beautiful Phoksundo Lake. You'll start the day by following the trail along the river and then crossing a suspension bridge. From there, the trail climbs uphill and you'll pass through a beautiful forest of cedar and pine trees. As you approach Ringmo village, you'll get stunning views of the Phoksundo Lake and the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Ringmo village is a traditional Tibetan village with unique architecture and culture. You can explore the village and interact with the friendly locals before continuing your trek to Phoksundo Lake. The trail from Ringmo to the lake is quite easy and takes around an hour to complete.

Phoksundo Lake is a deep blue lake with crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by beautiful snow-capped peaks. The lake is also famous for its unique ecosystem and is a popular destination for nature lovers and trekkers. You'll spend the night in a teahouse near the lake, enjoying the serene beauty of the place.

Today is a rest day in Phoksundo Lake, which is located at an altitude of 3,611 meters. This stunning lake is one of the main attractions of the Upper Dolpo region, with its crystal-clear waters and beautiful surroundings. You can spend the day relaxing by the lake, taking in the views, and exploring the nearby Ringmo village.

The distance between the teahouse in Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village is approximately 2 kilometers and can be covered in about 30 minutes on foot. Ringmo is a small village that is home to the local community of Dolpo people. You can explore the village and learn about their unique culture and traditions. There are also a few Buddhist monasteries in the area that are worth visiting, including the Tshowa Gompa and the Ribo Bhumpa Gompa.

You can also take a short hike to the nearby waterfall, known as Phoksundo Waterfall. The waterfall is located about 3 kilometers from Ringmo village and takes around 1 hour to reach. The hike is relatively easy and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

After spending the night at the beautiful Phoksundo Lake, you'll begin your trek to Phoksundo Khola. The trail descends through a forest of birch trees and along the western side of the lake. You'll cross a small stream and continue along the trail, which climbs up and down through the forested area. You'll have stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains throughout the trek.

After around 3 hours of trekking, you'll reach the village of Ringmo. This traditional village is home to the Bonpo people, who practice an ancient religion that predates Buddhism in Tibet. You can explore the village and learn about their unique culture and way of life.

From Ringmo, you'll continue your trek along the trail that descends towards the Phoksundo Khola. You'll cross a bridge and follow the trail on the other side of the river. The trek from Ringmo to Phoksundo Khola takes around 2-3 hours and covers a distance of approximately 7 kilometers.

Once you reach Phoksundo Khola, you'll spend the night in a teahouse or camping site. The river is a popular spot for fishing, and you can try your hand at catching some trout if you'd like. The sound of the rushing water and the views of the surrounding mountains make for a peaceful and relaxing evening.

As you wake up to a new day in the midst of nature, a sense of excitement and anticipation fills your heart. The journey ahead is filled with challenges, but the thought of witnessing the beauty of the confluence of Phoksundo River and Gyampo Kapuwa River drives you forward.

With a heart full of determination, you set out on the trail that leads to the glacial valley, where the two rivers meet. The rugged terrain tests your physical and mental strength, but you keep pushing forward with every step.

As you approach Shey Gumba, the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains take your breath away. The trail becomes even more difficult as you climb through the rocks and boulders, but you refuse to give up.

As you enter the steep gorge, the sound of the rushing river below fills your ears, adding to the adrenaline rush. You keep moving forward, with the goal of reaching Phoksundo Bhanjhyang and experiencing the awe-inspiring views of the Kang La Pass (5160m).

Day 10 of your adventure begins with an early start as you prepare to embark on a challenging trek to Kang La Pass, located at an altitude of 5160 meters or 16925 feet. From Phoksundo Bhanjyang, the trail takes you up a steep ascent to the top of the pass, which offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The trek to Kang La Pass will take approximately 3-4 hours, covering a distance of around 7 kilometers. As you climb higher, you'll feel the altitude taking its toll on your body, but the breathtaking views of the Himalayas will keep you motivated and inspired.

Once you reach the top of Kang La Pass, take some time to rest and enjoy the views before descending towards Shey Gompa. The descent to Shey Gompa will take around 2-3 hours, covering a distance of approximately 4 kilometers. You'll pass through beautiful landscapes and traditional villages along the way.

Upon reaching Shey Gompa, you'll be greeted by the ancient Shey Monastery, which is believed to be over 800 years old. The monastery is a significant cultural and spiritual site for the people of Upper Dolpo, and you'll have the opportunity to explore the ancient art and artifacts preserved here.

After a long day of trekking, you'll spend the night in a tented camp at Shey Gompa, reflecting on the challenges and triumphs of the day and looking forward to the adventures that await you in the coming days.

Today is a rest day at Shey Gompa, and you feel a sense of relief and gratitude wash over you. After the challenges of the previous day's trek, the opportunity to take a break and soak in the natural beauty of the region is a welcome respite.

As you explore the ancient Shey Monastery, you can't help but feel a sense of awe and reverence for the rich history and culture of this sacred site. The intricate art and artifacts on display are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the ancient artisans who created them.

As you spend the day resting and reflecting, you take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The crisp air and serene surroundings provide a sense of peace and tranquility that is hard to find in the hustle and bustle of daily life.

You use this day to recharge your body and mind, reflecting on the journey so far and the adventures that still lie ahead. The experiences of the past few days have been transformative, and you feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to embark on this incredible journey.

The trek begins with a steep ascent towards the Shey Gompa, which is a famous Buddhist monastery located at an altitude of 4,126 meters. From there, you'll follow a trail that leads you through beautiful landscapes, including lush forests, meadows, and rocky terrain.

After about 3 hours of trekking, you'll reach the top of the Sela La Pass, which is located at an altitude of 4,570 meters. From here, you'll have stunning views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes.

After descending from the pass, you'll continue your trek towards Namgung Village. Along the way, you'll pass through several small settlements and enjoy beautiful views of the mountains and valleys. Finally, after around 6-7 hours of trekking, you'll arrive at Namgung Village, which is a small Tibetan settlement located at an altitude of 4,430 meters.

Namgung Village is known for its beautiful Tibetan architecture and cultural heritage. Here, you'll have the opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their way of life. You'll spend the night in a teahouse in Namgung Village and prepare for the next day's trek.

You'll start your trek in the morning from Namgung village, which is located at an altitude of 4,400 meters. The trail follows the Namgung Khola river and passes through several small settlements and beautiful meadows. You'll cross a few suspension bridges along the way before reaching Saldang village.

Along the way, you'll pass through several small settlements, including Shimengaon and Khoma, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You'll also have the opportunity to meet the local people and learn about their culture and way of life.

As you approach Saldang, you'll be greeted by the stunning views of the Saldang La Pass and the nearby snow-capped peaks. Saldang is a beautiful village located at an altitude of 3,620 meters and is one of the largest settlements in the Dolpo region. You'll spend the night in a teahouse in Saldang, where you can rest and rejuvenate before continuing your trek.

The trail will lead you through several small villages and settlements as you make your way towards the Yangze Gompa. You'll pass through beautiful landscapes, with stunning views of the mountains and valleys. The trek will take you through rocky terrain and steep inclines, so it's important to take your time and stay well hydrated.

Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to interact with the local people and learn about their culture and way of life. You'll also pass through several small monasteries and chortens, adding to the cultural experience of the trek.

As you approach Yangze Gompa, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including the Dhaulagiri range. Yangze Gompa itself is a beautiful village, with traditional mud-brick houses and several monasteries to explore. You'll spend the night in a teahouse in Yangze Gompa, resting up for the next day's trek.

You'll start the day by following the trail along the river, passing through several small villages and beautiful forests. You'll then cross a suspension bridge over the river and begin a steep ascent towards a ridge. From there, you'll get stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba.

After crossing the ridge, you'll descend towards the Sibu Khola River and follow it upstream towards Sibu. Along the way, you'll pass through several small settlements and beautiful meadows. You'll also see several monasteries and chortens (Buddhist shrines) along the way, which are an important part of the local culture.

You'll finally arrive at Sibu, where you'll spend the night in a teahouse. Sibu is a small but picturesque settlement, located in a valley surrounded by high mountains. It's a great place to rest and enjoy the stunning views before continuing your trek.

From Sibu, the trail follows the river and passes through several small settlements and beautiful forests. You'll also cross several suspension bridges along the way. After around 3-4 hours of trekking, you'll reach the village of Ripchet, where you'll take a break and have lunch.

After lunch, the trail continues through forests and across several more bridges before reaching the village of Gong La. From here, the trail ascends steeply towards Jeng La Phedi. The last few hours of the trek are quite challenging, as you'll be trekking at high altitude and the terrain is steep and rocky. Once you reach Jeng La Phedi, you'll spend the night there.

Today's trek will be a challenging one as you'll be crossing the Jeng La pass, which is located at an altitude of 5090m. You'll start early in the morning and trek uphill for around 3-4 hours to reach the top of the pass. The climb is steep and can be tiring, but the stunning views of the surrounding mountains make it all worth it.

Once you reach the top of the pass, you'll take a moment to rest and soak in the panoramic views of the Himalayas. From there, you'll descend down towards Dho Tarap, which is located at an altitude of 4080m. The descent can be slippery and rocky, so make sure to watch your step.

Along the way, you'll pass through beautiful landscapes, small settlements, and lush forests. You'll arrive in Dho Tarap by late afternoon and spend the night in a teahouse.

Today is a rest day in Dho Tarap, which is a beautiful village located at an altitude of 4,040 meters. This is an important acclimatization day, allowing you to adjust to the high altitude and prepare for the rest of the trek.

You can spend the day exploring the village and surrounding areas, which are home to the Dolpo people who have a unique culture and lifestyle. The village has several monasteries and chortens that you can visit, as well as traditional houses and narrow alleys. You can also interact with the friendly locals and learn about their way of life.

In addition, you can take a short hike to nearby hills or visit the beautiful Ribo Bhumpa Gompa, a sacred site for the Dolpo people. The gompa is adorned with intricate murals and sculptures, and you can also enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

The trek begins with a descent from Do Tarap to the Tarap River. You'll cross the river on a suspension bridge and then begin a gradual ascent through the beautiful pine forests. Along the way, you'll pass through several small settlements and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

After a few hours of trekking, you'll arrive at the village of Tokyu, which is home to a beautiful Buddhist monastery. You'll have the opportunity to explore the monastery and learn about the local culture and traditions.

From Tokyu, you'll continue trekking towards Tarap Khola, passing through several small villages and lush forests along the way. You'll eventually reach Kama Kharka, which is a beautiful campsite located near the Tarap River. You'll spend the night here in a tented camp, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the Dolpo region.

You'll begin the day by following the Tarap Khola river upstream. The trail is relatively flat and easy to follow, and you'll pass through several small settlements along the way. After a few hours of trekking, you'll reach the village of Lahini, where you can stop for a break and enjoy some tea or snacks.

From Lahini, you'll continue trekking upstream along the Tarap Khola river. The trail gradually ascends and you'll pass through several beautiful forests and meadows. You'll also cross several small streams and bridges along the way.

After around 6-7 hours of trekking, you'll reach Khanigaon, where you'll spend the night in a teahouse. The village is located in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains, and you can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

You'll start the day early and trek from Khani Gaun to Tarakot, which is a small village located at an altitude of 2,537 meters. The trek will take around 4-5 hours and covers a distance of approximately 12 kilometers. You'll pass through several small settlements and beautiful forests along the way.

After reaching Tarakot, you'll take a break and have lunch before continuing your trek to Dunai, which is the district headquarters of Dolpo. The trek will take around 3-4 hours and covers a distance of approximately 7 kilometers. You'll pass through several small villages and lush forests before reaching Dunai.

Once you arrive in Dunai, you'll check into a teahouse and have some time to relax and freshen up. In the evening, you can explore the town and interact with the locals to get a glimpse of their unique culture and way of life.

After breakfast in Dunai, you'll begin your final day of trekking back to Juphal. The trail descends gently along the Bheri River and passes through several small villages and farms. You'll cross a suspension bridge over the Thuli Bheri River before reaching the village of Kalagaonda.

From Kalagaonda, the trail becomes steeper and you'll climb up a ridge before descending to the village of Rupgad. From there, you'll continue descending along the river to the village of Kageni. You'll pass through several beautiful forests and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains along the way.

After Kageni, you'll cross another suspension bridge and climb up a steep hill before reaching the village of Jyalhasa. From there, it's a short walk to Juphal, where you'll spend the night in a teahouse.

Today you'll take an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj. Once you arrive in Nepalgunj, you'll have some time to explore the city before taking a connecting flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you'll be transferred to your hotel.

In the evening, you'll attend a farewell dinner hosted by your tour operator. This is a great opportunity to reflect on your trekking experience and celebrate with your guide and fellow trekkers. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Today is your departure day from Kathmandu. Depending on the timing of your flight, you may have some free time in the morning to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Your tour operator will arrange for your airport transfer and make sure you arrive in time for your flight. We hope you had an amazing time in Nepal and wish you a safe and pleasant journey home!