Upper Dolpo Trek
A mystical land where centuries-old Buddhist and Bonpo traditions are still alive
Duration
26 Days
Meals
- Breakfast in Kathmandu
- 3-times meals during the trek
Accommodation
- 4-nights hotel
- 21-nights eco-lodge
Activities
- Trekking
- Sightseeing
- Monastery Observation
Price
Reduced
US$ 3690
Price Starts From
US$ 3190
Destination Nepal
Difficulty Difficult
Max. Altitude 5200 Meter
Activity Trekking
Start/End Point Kathmandu/Kathmandu
Best Season March, April, May, Sept, Oct, Nov
Group Size 2 - 8 People
Transportation Private Car and Flight
Activity Per Day 6-7 hours trek
Overview of Upper Dolpo Trek
Off the Beaten Path, unexplored trails and discoveries attract any trekker to the Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal! Located behind the Dhaulagiri Range and connected to the Tibetan Plateau. The Upper Dolpo trek is filled with adventure, rocky highlands, and spectacular views of the Nepali and Tibetan Himalayan ranges. Lakes, mountains, traditional villages, and ancient monasteries fill this trek with experience. From the Phoksudo Lake to the Shey Gompa, the trail is extraordinary, and views of Nepal’s mid-western plateaus and valleys make the Upper Dolpo Trek, also known as a mystical alternative trekking route in Nepal!
Upper Dolpo Trek Highlights
- Adventurous camping trek to the remote Himalayan region of Nepal
- Superb view of Crystal Mountain and many more
- Visit ancient monasteries of the Dolpo district.
- Explore remote areas of the western region.
- Observe the Unique Tibetan Buddhist culture.
- Discover the wild west of Nepal Himalaya.
- Visit UNESCO world cultural heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley.
- Crossing Kang La (5350m) and Jyagla pass.
- Explore mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake (the Deepest Lake in Nepal)
The region of the Upper Dolpo Trekking is highly filled with Tibetan influences. Many of the villages still practice the ancient old Bon traditions. These villages are full of old traditions and culture. Our Peregrine guide will guide you in understanding the locality of the region.
Many honey hunters are also famous for their pure honey venture into the Dolpo region. We might encounter these daredevils who live by gathering “Himalayan gold” from the highlands. In another part of the Upper Dolpa Trek, we head to Phoksudo Lake. Also known as the deepest lake in Nepal. Following the Phoksudo River, which fills its surroundings with life, gives you an excellent natural trail through valleys, streams, and highlands.
The Journey of the Upper Dolpo Trek
Like any other Nepal adventure, a scenic flight toward Nepalgunj and Juphal starts in Kathmandu. From here, the Upper Dolpo Trek officially begins. The trails are off the path as we head for the first three days toward Phoksundo Lake. After enjoying the scenery of Phoksudo, we head further towards the main settlements in the area in the Do Tarap Valley.
Along the way, we passed and stayed in different cultural villages. Here we can see the people in their daily lives, following old traditions. The Upper Dolpo Trek has magnificent valleys, culture, and mountain views. Also, heading through green forests and jungles near Tarakot lets you encounter various wildlife living in their unique habitats.
Staying in old villages, campsites, and guesthouses makes the Upper Dolpo Trekking an adventure. The Peregrine Treks & Expedition team is always available for any route or region information. To get the whole experience, we ensure that the Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal will give you everlasting memories!
Upper Dolpo Trek Detail Itinerary
-
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival
- Hotel breakfast and checkout
- Arrival at the airport and transfer to your hotel by our
- representative
- Hotel rest / explore the streets of Thamel
- A special welcome dinner will be organized in a traditional
- Nepali restaurant
- Overnight stay at your hotel in Kathmandu
Meals: Not Included
-
Day 02: Kathmandu valley sightseeing
- Hotel breakfast
- Meeting the Peregrine Treks & Expedition office for your
- trek preparation
- Sightseeing around Kathmandu:
- Swayambunath Monkey Temple
- Bouddhanath Buddhist Stupa
- The Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath
- The Royal Durbar Square of Kathmandu
- The rest of the day is free for souvenir shopping or leisure
- Overnight stay in Kathmandu city
Meals: Breakfast
-
Day 03: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj 1 hour flight
- Hotel breakfast and checkout
- Our driver will transfer you to the domestic airport
- Catch an hour’s flight to Nepalgunj, located in the southern part of Nepal
- region of Nepal
- Sightseeing in Nepalgunj
- Overnight stay at Nepalgunj
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
-
Day 04: From Nepalgunj to Jhuphal (Dolpo) flight and trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348ft): 45 m
- Breakfast and departure
- Take the morning flight to Jhupal
- From Jhupal, we start the trek officially
- Hiking through the terraced fields toward the narrow
- gorge of the Bheri River
- Continuing, we soon reach Dunai
- Explore around Dunai
- Overnight stay in Dunai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: from our flight we can see fantastic mountain views of the Annapurna and the Dhaulagiri! Did you know that Dunai town is the administrative headquarter of the whole Dolpo region! -
Day 05: From Dunai to Ankhe trek (2,896m/9,499ft): 5-6 hrs.
- Breakfast and departure
- After leaving Dunai behind, we cross a suspension bridge and head west, passing a hospital.
- Ascending upwards through the treeless Tulo Bheri valley, we reach the fertile Phoksundo River valley.
- Passing by impressive walnut groves and the Dhera and Rahagaun villages
- The trail descends now and leads us through dense jungles until reaching Ankhe
- Overnight stay in Ankhe
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: today we get to see the mighty Kagmara peak! -
Day 06: From Ankhe to Sulighat 5-6 hrs. trek
- Breakfast and departure
- Starting with an ascending and descending trail, we follow the riverbank
- A steep climb brings us above the river and into more grassy terrain
- From here, we head downwards back into the tree line. We reach a cliff
- Here we take a drop-down and traverse a stone staircase to the riverbank
- A final trek brings us to Sunlight
- Overnight stay in Sunlight
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: while climbing up above the river, we can cool down in the various fresh streams. While heading down the stone staircase, we should take our time as it can be a bit wobbly! -
Day 07: From Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m/11,849 ft.) 4-5 hrs. trek
- Breakfast and departure
- Following the valley floor, we reach the confluence of the
- Pungmo and Phokundo Rivers
- Crossing the bridge, we take the path leading to the western bank of the Pungo River.
- Heading through a beautiful cedar forest, we reach Palam village
- Descending from the Palam ridge, we head through birch forests to arrive at the upper reaches of the Phoksundo
- Lake and Ringmo village
- A short walk from Ringmo brings us to the shores of the
- Phoksundo Lake
- Overnight stay at Phoksundo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: From the ridge of Palam village we get to see amazing views of one of the largest waterfalls in Nepal and the Phoksundo Lake, make sure to have your cameras ready after reaching Palam village! Ringmo has beautiful Chortens and Mani walls, but we get to explore them the next day. -
Day 08: Acclimatization day in Phoksundo Lake
- Breakfast
- Today we enjoy Phoksundo Lake and explore Ringmo village
- Before noon we hike up to Ringmo and explore around town and its unique Tibetan Buddhist Monastery
- After taking our lunch, we get to relax at the lake or roam around and find that perfect photo spot
- Overnight stay at Phoksundo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: Ringmo villages have their traditions and culture, the people here where traditional attires. Homespun clothing, sometimes dyed maroon and Tibetan style footwear called samba or dacha. Religious jewellery is prevalent and made of coral, amber, and turquoise. -
Day 09: From Phoksundo to Khola: 4-5 hrs. trek
- Breakfast and departure
- We follow the western bank of the Phoksundo Lake around its rocky edge
- Carefully traverse the slippery trail of wet rocks and trees
- Once reaching the far west side of the lake, the path opens up into the flooded plains of the Phoksundo river
- The road becomes difficult as the marshlands slow us down, and we need to watch our every step
- At the edge of the march, we reach the bank of the
- Phoksundo River
- Overnight camp at the Phoksundo River
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
-
Day 10: From Phoksund Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang: 6-7 hrs. trek
- Breakfast and departure
- We hike for about an hour along a level path into the glacial valley leading up north.
- After reaching the confluence of a mountain stream and the Phoksundo Khola, we cross an old wooden bridge.
- Following the northeastern route, we got along and steeply climbed up to a steep meadow until reaching a steep ravine.
- A final climb brings us to the open valley with amazing views of the Kang-La Pass.
- Overnight camp at Bhanjyang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: Peter Matthiessen christened this campsite as the “Snowfields Camp.” It’s essential to have a good night's sleep as we face the Kang-La Pass of 5,360m tomorrow. -
Day 11: From Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4,500m/14,760ft) via Kang-La pass (5,360m/17,581ft)
- Early breakfast and departure
- We start today’s trek by ascending a steep trail full of black slate rocks
- At one point, we start to climb upwards to the top of the Kang-La
- We take a well-deserved break and take some pictures
- From here, the path goes steeply downwards into the valley floor
- The views become more open as we follow the river and multiple times cross it
- After a final crossing over a log bridge, we reach the Shey Gompa
- Overnight stay in Shey Gompa
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
-
Day 12: Acclimatization day at Shey Gompa
- Breakfast
- Explore the Buddhist village of Shey
- We will use this day to get used to the high altitude and hike around the village
- Some sightseeing points at Shey Village:
- Shey Gompa
- Crystal Mountain
- The culture of the Bon Po teachings
- Overnight stay at Shey Gompa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: Did you know that the Shey Gompa was built in 1655! A giant golden copper statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha marks the entrance of this ancient monastery. -
Day 13: From Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun (4,800m/15,744ft) via Saldang-La (5,200m)
- Breakfast and departure
- An easy-going trail leads us through Juniper trees and descends into a stone canyon.
- From here, we ascend slowly, zigzagging our way up to the top of the Saldang-La Pass.
- We take a break and enjoy the views from the top of the Pass
- After a short rest, we descend a long path leading north and passing by nomadic tents made of yak hair and their grazing sheep and yaks
- We finally reach Namduna Gaun
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: Did you know that Gaun is Nepali for Village? Namduna Gaun has a red stone monastery built against the cliff, an exciting site to explore. -
Day 14: From Namduna Gaun to Saldang (3,620m/ 11,874ft): 4-5 hrs. trek
- Breakfast and departure
- A short climb brings us up a sloop and into a barren mountain area
- A challenging climb of about 3 to 4 hours brings you above Saldang village, which is located just above the Namga Khola
- Overnight stay in Saldang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: Saldang village is the largest village in the inner Dolpo area, with a village area of 2 km and about six hundred villagers residing, Saldang is worth exploring and visiting the marketplace. -
Day 15: From Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4,960m/16,267ft): 4-5 hrs. trek
- Breakfast and departure
- We follow the Nagaon Khola (River) up north through open terrain.
- The path is mainly gradual, with some ascends and descends
- Passing the Marang and Ki villages, we reach a crossing of a side stream from the Panzang River
- Following the River to the east, we come to a final crossing and reach the Yangtze Gompa
- Overnight stay at the Yangtze Gompa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: The Yangtze Gompa houses an ancient Bon-Po Buddhist Monastery, worth a visit! -
Day 16: From Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4,560m/14,957ft): 6-7 hrs. trek
- Breakfast and departure
- We take the trail back to Saldang to save some time
- After Saldang, we follow the River until reaching Namdo village
- After a short break at Namdo and we continue along the river to our campsite near the Sibu settlement
- Overnight camp at Sibu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: From Saldang to Namdo, we get to see ancient Chortens, spiritual Mani Stones, and an old Chaiba Monastery. At the edge of Namdo, we also can visit the Namdo Village Monastery shortly. -
Day 17: From Sibu to Jeng-la Phedi (4,900m/16,072ft): 5-6 hrs. trek
- Breakfast and departure
- We start by following the Nam Khong Khola (River)
- After a while, we turn east until reaching a joining of two streams
- From here, we begin to ascend steeply to a grazing area just below the Jeng-La Pass
- Overnight camp at Jeng-La Phedi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
-
Day 18: Jeng-la Phedi to Tokyu Gaon (4209m/13809ft) via Jeng La pass (5,090m/16,695ft)
- Early breakfast and departure
- We start by heading up the Jeng-La Pass
- Ascending for about two hours, we reach the top of the
- Pass and enjoy the views
- From here, we descend on rough going trails into the Tarap Valley
- We head on until reaching Tokyu
- Overnight camp near Tokyu village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: From the top of the Pass we get to see incredible panoramas of the entire Dhaulagiri massif. -
Day 19: From Tokyu to Dho Tarap (4,040m/13,251ft): 4-5 hrs.
- Breakfast and departure
- Today is a short trek, and we head downhill through a plain valley
- Following the river, we get to see some marshlands and lush green grass trails
- Arrival in Dho Tarap
- Overnight stay in Dho Tarap
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
-
Day 20: From Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (Kamakharka) (3,800m/12,464ft): 6-7 hrs.
- Breakfast and departure
- Today we descend in the valley until the trail leads into a narrow gorge
- From here, we hike through juniper trees and rose bushes
- After a good half-day of trekking, we will reach the confluence of the Lang and Tarap Chu Rivers
- Here we can find a beautiful meadow to make up our camp
- Overnight camp at Tarap Khola, also known as Kamakharka
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: On this day it’s common to see herds of blue sheep! Did you know that the Lang Khola and the Tarap Chu join into the big Tarap River further up east? -
Day 21: From Tarap Khola to Khanigaon (3,150m/10,332ft): 4-5 hrs.
- Breakfast and departure
- Hiking along the gorge of the Tarap river, this day is promising to be full of adventure.
- We continue the whole day following the canyon, crossing it, and entering it.
- After a good day of trekking, we reach our campsite
- Overnight camp near Khanigaon
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: The gorge trek today is so spectacular, as it narrows down we can jump across it, sometimes even the path disappears, and we need to improvise a way using slate rocks and broken tree logs! -
Day 22: From Khanigaon to Tarakot (2,537m/8,321ft): 4-5 hrs.
- Breakfast and departure
- Our trek starts by following the trail that brings us to Lalberi village
- From here, we head through lush forests and descend a gorge
- A river will guide our path to Tarakot village
- We make our camp about 150 meters down Tarakot near the Tarap Chu River
- Overnight camp at Tarakot
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: After reaching Tarakot we can visit the Sandul Gompa about 8 km east of the village. -
Day 23: From Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m/7,019ft): 5-6 hrs.
- Breakfast and departure
- A trail behind the Bheri River brings us to a crossing after passing Lawan village.
- We continue ascending slowly along the Bheri River until reaching Byas Gadi.
- Following an easy-going path westwards until we can cross the river at Lochakhola Gaon
- A final ascend brings us to Dunai
- Overnight stay at Dunai village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
-
Day 24: Form Dunai to Jhuphal: 2-3 hrs.
- Breakfast and departure
- Today is our last day of trekking, and we are enjoying the scenery for the last time.
- The trail passes by the Dhupichaur and Rugged villages and an old temple
- Heading further, we hike through the Motipur and
- Karaganda villages and finally reach the Jhuphal airstrip
- Overnight stay in Jhuphal
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Note: We take an early flight in the morning so better to take an early sleep. Please consult with your trek leader for the exact flight times. -
Day 25: Jhuphal to Nepalgunj flight then to Kathmandu flight
- Early breakfast and departure
- From Jhuphal, we take a short flight back to Nepalgunj and transfer on another flight back to Kathmandu.
- Our representative will be there at the airport in
- Kathmandu and transfer you to your hotel
- In the evening, Peregrine Treks and Expedition team will organize a dinner
- Overnight stay at Kathmandu city
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
-
Day 26: Transfer to airport for your departure
- Hotel breakfast and checkout
- Transfer to the International airport 3 hours before your departing time
Meals: Breakfast
Includes/Excludes
What's included
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
- Bed and Breakfast in three-star category hotels in Kathmandu and Nepaljung
- Room in the best available lodge/Camping and all meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)during trekking
- Welcome and farewell dinners
- All ground transportation in private vehicles as per itinerary
- Kathmandu – Nepaljung – Juphal – Nepaljung – Kathmandu Flight ticket
- Kathmandu valley guided city tour in private vehicle
- All entrance fees during sightseeing
- An experienced English or other Language speaking guide and one assistant guide for more than five trekkers
- Guide, porter, and necessary staff salaries, insurance, accommodation and food, and airfares
- Sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
- Duffel bags, t-shirts, achievement certificates, and trekking maps are accessible services from the company.
- Upper Dolpo Trek Special Permit and TIMS
- First Aid Medical kit or necessary regular medicine
- All applicable government and local taxes
What is excluded
- Nepal visa fee and international airfares
- Hotel accommodation, Lunch, and Dinner in Kathmandu and Pokhara because of an early arrival in Nepal or late departure from Nepal, early return from the Upper Dolpo Trek because of the scheduled itinerary.
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, soft or hard beverages, recharge the battery, bottled/boiled water, extra porters, hot shower, a pot of tea, etc.) during trekking
- Tips and gratuities for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)
Accommodation
During your trek, you will stay in Samsara Resort, Hotel Arts Kathmandu, or a 3-star hotel in Thamel. A solo traveler needs to share the room with a same-gender traveler. If you need a single supplement, you will have to pay an additional cost of about USD 500. During the Upper Dolpo Trek, most of your accommodations contain attached bathrooms, while some of the teahouses may not have, and you may have to share the washing and toilet facilities. Kathmandu and the trekking regions will have sing room facilities in lower elevations, but it will be hard to find them at higher elevations.
Meals
You will enjoy typical Nepalese food and international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Indian, etc.) during your Upper Dolpo Trek. Be sure that the lodges or teahouses will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner as per their available menu. You may not be served breakfast somewhere during your trek. You may get opportunities for welcome and farewell dinners for guests.
Route Map
Departure Dates
We have daily departures for private trips, so we recommend booking it according to your schedule. We do not need a minimum group size for the private trip and won’t charge additional charges for a solo traveler.
Please let us know if you need additional services like pre/post accommodation, domestic flight, Everest Mountain Flight, adventurous sports, sightseeing, etc. Please fill out this customized form for your convenience.
Customize this trip with help from our local travel specialist that matches your interests.
Quick Inquiry Form
Good to Know
We accept major currencies such as the US Dollar, the Great Britain Pound, the Euro, the Australian Dollar, the Singapore Dollar, the Indian Rupee, the Swiss Franc, the Canadian Dollar, the Japanese Yen, the Chinese Yuan, the Saudi Arabian Riyal, the Qatari Riyal, the Thai Baht, the UAE Dirham, the Malaysian Ringgit, the South Korean Won, the Swedish Kroner, the Danish Kroner, the Hong Kong Dollar, the Kuwaiti Dinar, and the Bahrain Dinar.
Type C, D, and M power plugs and sockets are used. The standard voltage and frequency are 230 V and 50Hz, respectively.
Vaccinations You must be completely vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before traveling to Nepal. Vaccination documentation is required.
On Arrival Visas are available at Nepal's entrance points for travelers. Travelers from Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, Afghanistan, and Syria, on the other hand, are required to obtain a visa through their nearest Nepalese diplomatic post (embassy/consulate).
Tourist Visa Fee
15 Days – US$ 3030 Days – US$ 50
90 Days – US$ 125
To confirm the trek/tour package, we want a deposit of at least 20% of the total tour/trek fee. The remaining balance must be paid when you arrive in Nepal. We take Visa, Maestro, MasterCard, American Express, and other major credit cards. The total cost of a Bhutan and Tibet tour must be paid in full at the time of booking.
We strongly advise you to purchase a SIM card for reliable internet access throughout Nepal. Nepal Telecom (owned by the government) and NCELL (owned by the private sector) are the two main SIM card providers in Nepal. It is preferable to get a SIM card at an airport, where staff will assist with activation and data plan purchases. If you have a SIM card, it will be easier for you to contact us and locate our airport agent.
You can charge your electrical devices at hotels and lodges because there are no power outages. In the Himalayan region, however, hotel owners may levy a nominal fee.
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