Trip Overview
The Upper Dolpa trek is one of the longer treks in Nepal as it takes 32 days to complete. During this trek, the maximum elevation is 4,530 m. to 5,115 m. and is one of the most strenuous treks in Nepal. The northern part of Dolpo is usually called upper Dolpo and has always had an aura of mysticism.
A trek for true adventurers through wild and ruggedly beautiful high-mountain scenery, far removed from the outside world.
Isolated by towering, snow-clad peaks and home to the rarest of all mountain creatures – the snow leopard – the wildly remote region of Dolpo retains an air of mystery alongside its stupendous Himalayan scenery.
Your adventure begins with a flight to the airstrip at Juphal from where you trek north following the route made famous by Peter Matthiessen in his powerfully evocative book ‘The Snow Leopard’. Entering Phoksundo National Park you too will be moved by the breathtaking beauty of the luminous jade-blue waters of its central lake surrounded by jutting, jagged peaks.
Continuing, the trek crosses the mighty Kang La, 5,279m/17,320ft, and passes the sacred Crystal Mountain to reach the remote eleventh century monastery of Shey Gompa. From here you cross the Saldang La and descend to the trek’s northernmost point of Saldang, close to the Tibetan border, before heading south through barley fields and yak-grazed meadows with views of the mighty peak of Dhaulagiri. Descending further you enter the broad Tarap Valley dotted with monasteries, small village settlements and herds of blue sheep. Here the locals still wear their traditional Tibetan-style clothes and jewellery and practice ancient pre-Buddhist Bon Po religions. Winding gently beside the picturesque Behri River and through terraced fields your trail returns you to Juphal and the end of one Nepal’s most outstanding and memorable journeys.
The sheer isolation of the region means that this Upper Dolpo trek is ideal for the experienced walker who would like a wild, yet culturally distinct, Himalayan experience.
Short Itinerary
Day 01-03:
Fly to Kathmandu and onto Nepalganj.
Day 04-08:
Fly to Juphal and trek to Phoksundo Lake. Rest day by the lake.
Day 9-12:
Trek to Shey Gompa via the Kang La, 5,300m/17,388ft. Rest day at Shey Gompa.
Day 13-15:
Cross the Saldang La, 5,100m/16,732ft, visit the Namjung monastery and trek to Saldang.
Day 16-23:
Cross the Jang La, 5,170/16,962ft, visit Chaiba gompa and trek through the Tarap Valley.
Day 24-25:
End trek at Juphal. Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalganj.
Day 26-27:
Day at leisure in Kathmandu before flying to Any where,
DETAILED ITINERARY
Today, upon your arrival Tribhuvan International Airport, our representatives from Nepal Himalayas Trekking will welcome you and transfer the hotel.
With the help of our experienced tour guide, you will spend this whole day for Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing. The main places will be: Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Bauddhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square among others.
We transfer to the domestic airport for the scenic flight to Nepalgunj as per the flight schedule. The flight will take approx. one and half hours to reach Nepalgunj. On reaching Nepalgunj.
We transfer to the airport early in the morning for the flight to Jhupal. The flight takes approx. 45 minutes to reach Jhupal. We start trekking with our staffs on reaching Jhupal. After around 3 hours, we reach Dunai.
Today, we divert from Dunai to cross the new suspension bridge and turning west. Our path soon begins to climb up the side of treeless Thulo Bheri Valley where it crests a ridge and then enters the Phoksundo River Valley. We pass through Dhera and Rahagaon to finally reach at Ankhe where there is an entrance to the Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Our route leads to small ups and downs from the camp of Ankhe along the forested riverbed which eventually leaves the forests and traverses a grassy slope high above the river. The trek finally takes us to Sulighat.
Today, we continue along the valley floor to the confluence of the Phoksundo and Pungmo Khola. We reach at Phoksundo Lake near Ringmo village following the route to Pungmo Khola.
We will have a well-deserved rest day at Phoksundo Lake today. You can go for a short hike to the village of Ringmo and its Tibetan Buddhist Monastery.
Our adventure continues skirting the shore of the Phoksundo Lake as it contours on a rocky ridge along the western bank. We follow the unsteady trail and finally stop at Phoksundo Khola.
Today, we walk along the level path through a glacial valley that now heads due north. Here, you can witness an old wooden bridge at the confluence of the Phoksundo Lake. We finally stop at Phoksundo
Bhanjyang.
We make early start today and trek up to Kang La. Form the top of Kang La, we can have some panoramic views down upon a large valley which is bisected by a gushing river. We stop at Shey Gompa at the altitude of 4500m.
Today will be another rest day. So, we go for local hiking around Shey Gompa. In fact, Shey Gompa is known as The Crystal Monastery.
We begin our day with a walk following a trail amidst juniper which descends into a gray stony canyon. We then begin trekking through zig-zag path over bare rocks and coarse eroded soil until it eventually takes us to the top of Saldang La. Then, we subsequently trek to Namduna Gaon.
Today, we leave the Namduna Gaon and our route leads to a climb up a scree slope. After that, we begin a long traverse along some dusty barren mountains. We eventually stop at Saldang after the further trek for approx. 5 hours.
Our journey today diverts further far north to the least unexplored area by trekkers. So, we follow the Nang Chu River most of the way on this wild barren windswept terrain. We then pass through Panzang River. Shortly after a while, we arrive at Yangze Gompa.
From Yangze, we have two trails that connect Sibu. Our long way trail heads due west passing through very remote village of Nishagaon and further past Shimengaon. We finally arrive at Sibu.
Today, we follow the Nam Khong Khola for a while on the morning walk coming across caravan of laden yaks that are on their way towards Tibetan border. Eventually, we stop at Jeng La Phedi and stay.
Today, we trek towards the top of the Jeng La. From Jeng La, we will enjoy the excellent views of snow ranges to the south. Dhaulagiri massif is vividly visible in the morning light. Eventually, we stop at Tokyo Gaun.
Our route leads eastward along the downhill course of Tarap Chu in the plain valley with patches of lush verdant grass both sides of the river which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo.
We will take rest at Dho Tarap today. Here, you can explore around the local areas in Dho Tarap
Today, we have to trek quite a long or it can be simply a moderate walk depending upon the choice of several campsites. Our itinerary can be as flexible as we like. After approx. seven hours of trekking, we arrive at Tarap Khola which is also known as Kamakharka
Today, we again continue down the gorge of Tarap River. At times, the river rise high above on the trail built from the steep slopes. Eventually, we arrive at Khanigaon
We follow an indistinct trail to the village of Lalberi today. We then pass through an area of impressive forest before descending into another gorge. We again continue following the river downstream to reach Tarakot.
We walk besides the Bheri River in a tremendous gorge with pine forests. Then, we follow the ingenious path built about seven meters above the river. Eventually, we stop at Dunai.
As today is going to be the final day of trek, we retrace the journey back to Jhupal which is a short distance walk along the Bheri River to the small airstrip for the last.
We take a short scenic flight for around 35 minutes to Nepalgunj today. On arriving at Nepalgunj, we connect to the scheduled flight to Kathmandu.
Today will be the final day in Kathmandu and you can take your time exploring the city or go for the last-minute shopping or simply take rest at the hotel.
Today, after having breakfast, we will accompany you to the airport for the returning flight. We bid you farewell at the airport hoping to see you again!
Include
Includes
- Arrival & Departure Transport By private Car/Van/Bus.
- Three meals a day during the Trekking (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Accommodation in Tea House during the Trekking.
- Trekking Guide with Insurance
- Trekking Porters if needed with Insurance
- First Aid kit.
- Three nights' Accommodation in Kathmandu with bed- and- breakfast basis, (If you like to have standard Hotel accommodation please do let us know).
- Kathmandu city and trekking maps.
- Trekking permit (Conservation fee).
- Tims card (Trekking information management system) is like a permit.
- Free use Company's duffel bag.
- Emergence of helicopter rescue (pay by your insurance)
- Day sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley, car/van/bus and tour guide
- All needed Government fees.
Exclude
- International Airfare.
- Food in Kathmandu(City) lunch and dinner.
- Any kind of drink. (tea, coffee, hard and soft drinks, Drinking water, etc)
- Tips for Guide and Porters
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu (late departure or early arrival from the mountains.
- Donation Items of personal expenses like hot shower, battery charge, telephone etc.
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