Upper Dolpo Trekking

You will arrive at the Tribhuvan International airport, Kathmandu. Our airport representative will be waiting with Mission Nepal holidays placard outside the arrival gate. Upon meeting he/she will transfer to your destined hotel safely. The entire day is meant for your rest and relaxation at the hotel.

After a good night’s sleep, the next morning is meant for a pre-trip meeting at your hotel in Kathmandu. You will be introduced to your trek leader/guide. A brief insight about the entire trekking is given to you.
After the meeting is over taking a quick breakfast, you will set out for your ideal sightseeing trip. We visit the Boudhanath Stupa, a spiritual place adorned with fluttering flags and praying buddhist monks around the stupa. From here we move on to the sacred hindu temple of Pashupatinath, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Next on the list is a visit to the historical Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Here we can see the temples built in the pagoda and shikhara – style. This place is also known for its famed fifty-five window palace carved out of of brick and wood. Besides that we visit the Golden gate, art galleries, and the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla. After spending some time here we head back to Kathmandu for exploration, and picking up souvenirs.

Today we will board a flight that takes us to Nepalgunj. This flight has good Himalayan views written all over it. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to hotel

We take a short 35 minute flight to Juphal from Nepalgunj we take a flight to Juphal, it is about 35 minutes flight. Upon arrival at Juphal, we will get to meet the trekking crew members. We then pass to the terraced fields crossing the Bheri River and a narrow canyon. After walking for 3 hours or so we reach a village called Dunai.

Today we cross the new suspension bridge in Dunai, and follow the trail past the new hospital. Moving forward we tumble upon the confluence of the Thuli Bheri and Suli Gad rivers. Keeping towards the north we trek to the Suli Gad river banks. Here we get to see the staple crops such as the millet, pumpkin, potatoes, sweet corn and chilies.
The trek continues all through the river until we reach the hamlet of Ankhe. This place is the gateway the Phoksundo National Park. Upon reaching here we spend overnight at tented camp

The trail here starts becoming very buzzing, until you make a cross over the river on a strongly built bridge. From here we make a steep ascent on a very narrow path, marveling at the panoramic landscapes. Finally we take a rest after a hectic days schedule along the Suligad River. The day ends here as we prepare for the night retiring in our tented camp.

The start of the trek is comparatively easier and less enduring. However from Sumdo the trail becomes very much steep and hard. We leave the river behind us and follow the path high above the water. Once we make a climb up to a ridge, splendid views of a 300m waterfall makes us spellbound. This is the place from where you get the first look of one of the highest lakes in Nepal.

Later we descend through birch forests crossing the upper section of the Phoksundo Khola. We move on passing through to the picturesque settlement of Ringmo with its mud plastered shortens and mani walls. We take a brisk walk until we reach the shores of Phoksundo Lake where we set up the campsite.

We follow the trail that takes us to the edge of the lake itself. This is a hazardous trail suspended on a gangway of wood supported on pegs. It is drilled into crevices in the rocks as you enter the place. From here you make a steep climb and then plunge down again to the valley bottom.

You then enter the flood plain of the Phoksundo Khola. We keep trekking for a nights stop alongside the river. To keep ourselves away from the strong winds we stay confined within the forested vegetation.

The morning begins with a continuous walk that leads us through to a glacial valley that now heads north. The path here becomes narrower surrounded by impressive vertical cliffs and contorted rock formations. It is an uneven path hence it is necessary to clamber over rocks and boulders.

A long climb then brings you to a sheep meadow where the trail deviates up a steep ravine. Next you make hard climb to the top from where you can see the Kang La. This pass here will lead you towards Shey Gompa. You camp just before the pass in a place that Peter Matthiessen christened it as ‘Snowfields Camp’.

We have a long day ahead, as we prepare ourselves for a physically demanding trek.A 3 hours walk takes us to the top of Kang La. The views from up above are excellent, and justifies our hard climb to the fullest.
After spending some time we make a steep descent of 45 min to reach the valley floor. Meandering along the banks of the river, crossing it we finally arrive at Shey Gompa. We spend Overnight at tented camp

The 11th day of your Upper Dolpo trekking is meant for rest and relaxation. Today we take a look around the Shey monastery area which is also known as the Crystal Mountain. The lama of Shey resides at a red hermitage known as Tsakang Gompa which is west of Shey.Tsakang has been a meditation center to many famous lamas from Tibet since decades.
Shey Gompa belongs to the Chaiba community, and was built during the 11th century. Shey is famous for its ancient Buddhist culture. The vicinity around the Shey Gompa comprises of contorted cliffs that are embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. Shey Gompa stands above the confluence of Kangjunala and Yeju nala. Here you will get to observe winding prayer mills that are turned by water wheels. After that we retire and rest in our tented camp overnight.

We get up and prepare ourselves, for a pleasant trek amidst juniper trees that leads us to the stony canyon. Following a zig zag trail over bare rocks and eroded soil we reach a flat surfaced plain. Next we make a steep ascent and try to be at the top of the Saldang La pass.
The splendid views of arid landscapes of Mustang and the distant snow peaks of Tibet fascinate us. Spending some time here we make a subsequent descent towards the north. It is grueling long and tiring but a rewarding one. The welcoming sight of pastures of grazing yaks and sheep and nomadic tents is spectacular at Namduna Gaon.
The village here is a collection of only six stone houses. The people here are solely dependent on agriculture, animal husbandry and trading. The staple crop of Dolpo, is millet, but buckwheat, oilseed, potato and radish are also cultivated at times. All these sightings about culture, way of life is noteworthy and unique. We then retire in our tented camp to be ready for our next destination tomorrow.

A thrilling journey awaits us today, as we Leaving Namgung monastery behind. Following the trail of dusty barren mountains we make a descent down the valley. Moving on the views of terraced fields, fertile valley, bright patches of green and ripening crops is relieving. From here we make an attempt to reach the picturesque village of Saldang.
Nestled on a plateau high above the Nam Khong nala this is the biggest village of the inner Dolpo area. Saldang village belongs to the arid zone of the trans-Himalayan Tibetan plateau. The village spans across two kilometers on an open slope and consists of five villages. It has eighty well-built houses with a scanty population of only six hundred villagers. It is also a strategic location on a trade route to Tibet. After understanding the significance of its nature and economy we settle down.

Carrying fond memories of Saldang, we head towards the village of Namdo. We follow the trail that leads us down to the river bed. From here the trail passes through terraced fields, stupas, Chortens, Mani stones and as far as the Chaiba monastery. Namdo, the next village is interesting with sixty houses and only four hundred people. The monastery here is splendidly located near the river bed. It is an ideal location to make settlements and settle down here at Sibu.

The trail today is in and around line of the river valley. The trekking trail is fairly easy going at the start. We keep on trekking for two hours at a steady pace crossing the stream. Moving on we turn into a side valley and make a sharp rise until we reach a pleasant meadow. It is a meadow with scattered rocks, grazing yaks. It is a perfect place though for overnight stay.

Today we will cross the Jeng la pass and reach out for Tokyu gaon. The trail is generally well compacted but it is steep. It is a 2 hour climb from here before we reach to the top of the Jeng La. From the top of the pass, splendid morning views of the Dhaulagiri massif, is fascinating.

We make an ideal descend from here down towards the Tarap valley, and reach as far as the Tarap Chu. Tarap is a splendid valley with vast plains in the high mountains that extends along the river of Tarap Chu. Here we get to see cultivated fields, Gompas and Chortens and many more. You halt for the night at Tokyu monastery that belongs to the Chaiba religion

With Dho Tarap in our minds we leave Tokyu, following the trail that passes through the harvested fields. We find Mani walls, and chortens that need to be reshaped. As we tread further we come across the ‘French School ‘which lies just outside the village of Dho Tarap. Here we make a halt for the night. Tarap is inhabited by the ethnic Magar communities. They have lived here for generations in harmony with a handful of Tibetans as well.
The inhabitants of this village are both Bon Po and Buddhist (Nyingmapa).. After spending some time we make way towards our tented Camp for overnight stay.

Following the course of the Tarap Khola, downhill we cross the narrow gorges of the fast flowing river. Here the sights of blue sheep, marmots, yaks, sheep, goats and other animals is a rewarding encounter.
As locals of Dolpo grazing their flocks of sheep and goats can be seen perhaps here. In the afternoon we follow the path that leaves the meet people from Dolpo taking their flocks of sheep and goats to lower pastures for the winter.
The afternoon is meant for leaving the immediate courses of the river until we reach the modern steel suspension bridges. The trek is very narrow in between places. Finally you reach for an overnight camp on a grassy strip by the river.

Today we continue to walk down the gorge all along the Tarap River, of steep slopes until we reach Khani gaon. It’s a place of uneven paths with man-made staircases. A careful walk is necessary as some of the constituent rocks wobble when stepped upon! It is a day of excitement as you will see awe-inspiring gorges and its bounties. We make a camp in a pleasant meadow in the shades of canopy.

Crossing the new suspension bridge we leave Khani goan for Tarakot crossing the river time and again. Some of the trails here is quite demanding and precarious. With careful crossing of difficult trails we find ourselves into the broad fertile valley of the Barbung Chu. The walk here takes us through the fields of millet, sweet corn, barley, buckwheat, green beans, chilies and marijuana. This is the place to fill our appetites and for resting at night.
Tarakot is an old fortress town known by the local people as Dzong, meaning ‘fort’. This place is known for its Sandul Gompa, which connects Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu. It is a fantastic place around the Bheri River. We spend a night here in our tented camp.

A pleasant morning awaits us today. The trail is mostly down and fairly firm. We keep walking all Bheri rivers until we reach the village of Dunai. This is the place where we wanted to be in, the mysterious land of Dolpo. We make a campsite and indulge in a small celebration for having conquered the elusive Dolpo trekking trail circuit.

We make our way back towards Juphal leaving Dunai. It is a mixed trekking trail with initial easy walks to steep climbs at places. Trekking at a steady pace we finally reach our destined landmark of Juphal

An early morning rise is on the cards, we backpack to catch an early morning flight to Nepalgunj from Juphal. This is a wonderful 35-minutes flight over the Himalayan foothills. This scenic flight offers close up views of giant peaks of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. You then connect with the flight back to Kathmandu.

This is a day for resting or indulging in activities as per your choice and interest. If interested you can go for jungle safari, rafting, biking, scenic Everest flight or for shopping. In the evening a farewell dinner will be hosted by us with cultural performances

The 25th day of your Upper Dolpo trekking trip marks the end of your long enduring trek in Nepal. Our airport representative will drop you at the international airport in Kathmandu for a safe flight back home.