Tour overview
Upper Dolpo trekking completely lies in a restricted area of Nepal, which is required a special permit for this trekking. It was opened in 1,989; the trek was categorized as a difficult highlander trail for every traveler in far western Nepal. This area is inhabited by interesting Tibetan-speaking groups located between the plateau of Tibet and the Mt Dhaulagiri range. The highlight of Dolpo is ethnic Tibetan culture arts and Shey Gompa, along with the attractive landscape, villages, valleys, people, and peaceful pine Forest, oaks, and rhododendron forest.
The Dolpo Trekking gets ahead of many massive mountains and a crystal clear view of Phoksundo Lake. In the book, “The Snow Leopard” and “Snell grove” Peter Matheson explained and said about the wonderful and magnetism area of Dolpo. Nepal’s first English movie “Caravan (Himalaya)” was selected for the Oscar Award for the best foreign-language movie which was recorded in the Dolpo region. The journey in Upper Dolpo is like a supernatural attractiveness, and their distances include the common sense of exciting activity with the Clients.
Dolpo region is situated in the National Park called Shey-Phoksundo National Park established in 1984. It is the largest National Park and conservation area of Nepal, and the park keeps up a great quantity of flora and fauna including Blue Sheep, Himalayan (Tahr), Musk Deer, and the famous mysterious Snow Leopard. After these Upper Dolpo Trek, we turned back to Juphal and the next morning’s flight is back to Kathmandu.
Included
- All airports pick up drop/hotel transfers by private car or van.
- 3 nights in touristic stander hotel in Kathmandu BB plan.
- 1 night stander Hotel in Nepalgunj with BB plans.
- English speaking Guide and Necessary staff Cook, Sherpa, Potter.
- Their salary, Insurance and all accommodation, transportation etc.
- Domestic airfare airport tax KTm, Nepalgunj, Juphal round trip.
- Full accommodation during the trek (breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
- All necessary special trekking permits for Dolpo trek.
- All camping gear kitchen set, tent, for Dolpo Trek.
- First Aid Kit and government and local Taxes.
Not Included
- Nepal Visa fee bring accurate USD cash and two passport size photo.
- All International airfare
- Excess baggage charges if you have more than 20 kg luggage, cargo charge is around $1.5 per kg
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure.
- Early return from mountain in scheduled program meals and Hotel.
- Personal expenses phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottled water, shower, heater, etc.
- Altitude chamber (PAC) or oxygen
- Travel insurance if in case for rescue
- Tips for guides porters and driver.
Short Itinenary
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m) transfer to Hotel BB plan.
Day 02: Especial permit organized and Fly to Nepalgunj O/N Hotel BB plan.
Day 03: Flight Juphal (2,475 m) walks to Dunai 3 hrs O/N tented FB plan.
Day 04: Dunai to Chhepka (2,838 m) walks 6 hrs O/N tented FB plan
Day 05: Chhepka to Chunuwar/Amchi Hospital (3,110 m) 6-7 hrs walk O/N tented FB plan.
Day 06: Chunuwar/Amchi Hospital to Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3,641 m) O/N tented FB plan.
Day 07: Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3,641 m) explore day O/N tented FB plan.
Day 08: Phoksundo to Sallaghari Camp (3,639 m) 7 hrs walk O/N tented FB plan.
Day 09: Sallaghari to Snowfields Camp (4,400 m) 6-7 hrs walk O/N tented FB plan.
Day 10: Snowfields Camp to Shey Gompa (4,310 m) 6 hrs FB tented.
Day 11: Rest day Shey Gompa (4,310 m) O/N tented FB plan.
Day 12: Shey Gompa to Namgung (4,430 m) via Shey La (5000 m) 6 hrs O/N tented FB plan.
Day 13: Namgung to Saldang (4,060 m) 3 hrs O/N tented FB plan.
Day 14: Saldang to Sibu (4,200 m) 5 hrs O/N tented FB plan.
Day 15: Sibu to Jeng-La Phedi (4,570 m) 4 hrs O/N tented FB plan.
Day 16: Jeng-La Phedi to Dho Tarap (4,080 m) 2 hrs O/N tented FB plan.
Day 17: Do Tarap to Karmakharka (3,750 m) 4 hrs O/N tented FB plan.
Day 18: Karmakharka to Khani Gaun (3,150 m) 7-8 hrs O/N tented FB plan.
Day 19: Khani Gaun to Tarakot (2,537 m) 5 hrs O/N tented FB plan.
Day 20: Tarakot to Dunai (2,140 m) 5 hrs O/N tented FB plan.
Day 21: Dunai Juphal (2,475 m) 3½ hrs O/N tented FB plan.
Day 22: Flight from Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu O/N Hotel BB plan.
Day 23: Final departure transfer to airport trip to end.
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350 m) transfer to Hotel BB plan.
When you arriving in Kathmandu (1350 meters) Tribhuvan international airport then our people pick up you and transfer to the Hotel by private can an evening welcome dinner with an office person hotel with a bed and breakfast plan.
Day 02: Especial permit organized and Fly to Nepalgunj O/N Hotel BB plan.
This day organizing the especial permit and afternoon flight to Nepalgunj (150 meters) then transfer to Hotel overnight hotel with Bed and breakfast plan.
Day 03: Flight Juphal (2,475 m) walks to Dunai 3 hrs overnight tented.
Early morning breakfast at Hotel then flight to Juphal, when we reach Juphal we will meet our staff there and set up everything and continue 3 hours trek to Dunai Bazaar (2,000 meters) headquarter of the Dolpo District overnight in dunai.
Day 04: Dunai to Chhepka (2,838 m) walks 6 hrs overnight tented.
our real trek starts from here but for the lunch we stop somewhere on the way, so after the breakfast we heading down bit where we should cross the suspension bridge on Bheri River and following west side another small river which comes from the Phoksundo valley, the trails star slowly ascending from here passing through beautiful hillside terrace and villages. After reaching Chhepka village .overnight tented.
Day 05: Chhepka to Chunuwar or Amchi Hospital (3,110 m) 6-7 hrs walk overnight tented.
Today also we stop for lunch on the way where we get hungry. After the breakfast, trails go beside the famous lower Dolpo trek, but we walk an opposite route of the Amchi Hospital site crosses the suspension bridge two times. After that trail goes along the beautiful place Rechi above the River. After Rechi again walks through riverside but again crosses the bridge in Sulligad Dovan continues to Chunuwar, overnight tented.
Day 06: Chunuwar/Amchi Hospital to Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3,641 m) overnight tented.
Today our route it goes slowly ascending around the 500 meters but its picturesque days. On the way, there is a resting place from where you can observe the beautiful highest waterfall which is around 200 meters. After the photo break then trails goes continue to another beautiful settlement of Rogmo village where you can see Buddhist mani wall and Chorten. After exploring the village continues to the campsite around the Crystal clear Shey Phoksundo Lake.
Day 07: Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3,641 m) explore day overnight tented.
Today is the rest day so after breakfast, you can explore around the Crystal clear Phoksundo Lake, Magnificent view of the Ringmo villages similar to typical Tibetan Village and then Thasung Monasteries which is located southeast of the Lake which was build in 900 years ago. In Dolpo areas there are lots of Monasteries all are the Bonpo religious.
Day 08: Phoksundo to Sallaghari Camp (3,639 m) 7 hrs overnight in tented.
Today is the remarkable day because we walking through narrow cut vertical rock cliff of the left side of the Phoksundo Lake. These complexities trail present best views of Ringmo village including the Lake with pine forest and take to you the northeast side of the Lake. After that flowing Phoksundo Khola around two hours walks you can reach beautiful pine forest camp overnight tented Camp.
Day 09: Sallaghari to Snowfields Camp (4,400 m) 6-7 hrs overnight in tented.
This day you walk along the Phoksundo river bank till to the junction of the river then after crossing the bridge and continue ascending toward the northeast side of the valley. This day you can enjoy the view of popular western region mountain of the Mt. Kanjirowa (6,612 meters). When you reach the campsite you can see also your first pass Kang-La Pass, overnight tented camp.
Day 10: Snowfields Camp to Shey Gompa (4,310 m) 6 hrs overnight in tented.
This day after early breakfast ascending trails take to you beautiful place in Kang-La pass which is found (5,360 meters) above the sea level. From the Kangla pass, you can have a magnificent view of the Dolpo Himalaya, deserted valley and closest view of Cristal Mountain which is Popular Secret Mountain in the Dolpo region. After enjoying the view from the pass you have to descend and cross the Hubaiun Khola (river) several times walk through grazing land where you can see the yak and sheep pasture. Then you can see the red shrine of the Buddhist Tsorten which lies in Shey Gompa overnight tented camp.
Day 11: Rest day Shey Gompa (4,310 m) overnight tented.
This is the acclimatize day today you have bit rest and explore around the monastery. Shey Gompa is the most popular monastery in the Upper Dolpo region every 12 years here going to be the biggest fest. And every day visit a lot of Buddhist pilgrimages here in Shey Gompa. Just left the site of the Gompa lies Mt. Crystal so people go together for circumambulating every year before harvesting their crop in this Mountain.
Day 12: Shey Gompa to Namgung (4,430 m) via Shey La (5000 m) 6 hrs overnight in tented.
Today you are going to walk through alpine Juniper bushes forest and ascending rocky valley and reaching the Saldang La pass. From the Saldang La pass, you can have amazing deserted valley views of the Upper Dolpo region. After enjoying the views trails take toward descending to Namgung village campsite. After reaching the village you can visit also Namgung Monastery on the wall of the north ridge. Overnight tented camp.
Day 13: Namgung to Saldang (4,060 m) 3 hrs overnight in tented.
After breakfast trek start to gradual flat ascending around the 3 hours than from the top, you can see the Saldang village which lies above the Namga river slope. Saldang is the biggest village in Inner Dolpo where around 600 people live in this settlement. Saldang is the best agriculture place; this village is surrounded by beautiful terraced fields with Mani walls Tsorten and the Monastery. After reaching the village you can explore the Monastery and the village overnight tented camp.
Day 14: Saldang to Sibu (4,200 m) 5 hrs overnight in tented.
After breakfast trails lead you to descend to the river bank and passing through Tsorten, retraced fields, and Mani walls. Namdo is another beautiful village in inner Dolpo where living around 400 people and 60 houses in the settlement. After a continuing walk around the 5 kilometers, you will reach the Namdo Monastery which is lies near to the river bank. After reaching Sibu village then going to set up the camp near to river bank overnight tented camp.
Day 15: Sibu to Jeng-La Phedi (4,570 m) 4 hrs overnight in tented.
Today mostly we flow the Nam Khola River during your walk you can see the Yak Caravan, after continue few hours walk going to reach the junction of two small rivers. Then the trail goes upward ascending to the base of the nice meadow of Jeng-La Phedi. Overnight tented camp with full board meal.
Day 16: Jeng-La (5,090 m) to Dho Tarap (4,080 m) 2 hrs overnight in tented.
Today trek starts a bit earlier comparing the other day. After two hours walk trail takes to you Jeng-La pass summit. From the pass, you can have excellent views of the north face of Mt. Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) and other beautiful Himalayas. After enjoying the view trail goes descend on the rough path to the Tarap valley. After Tarap Chu visit Tokyo village and monasteries continue to descend green valley Tarap chu this valley is totally different comparing the other parts of inner Dolpo. This area is inhabitants by Bonpo Buddhist “Nyiangmapa”. During the descend valley you can visit also French school and an afternoon visit Monastery it’s very worthwhile. The main Bon Gompa is half-hour far from the campsite but there is also the resident lama who has his own private monastery and Thankas which is made by him. Overnight tented camp in Dho Tarap.
Day 17: Do Tarap to Karama Kharka (3,750 m) 4 hrs overnight in tented.
The trek start descends toward narrow valley walk along with the juniper bush and wild rose, typical of dry inner Himalayan valleys. On this route, if you are lucky might see a flock of blue sheep and rare wild Himalayan cat which is Call Snow Leopard. Afternoon reaches the junction of the Tarap Chu River and the Lang Khola, a stream that joins with Tarap River from further east. After reaching Karma Kharka set up camp on a nice meadow overnight tented Camp.
Day 18: Karmakharka to Khani Gaun (3,150 m) 7 hrs overnight in tented.
Today also continues descending to narrow gorge walking along the riverside. So, the walk alongside the gorge can be exciting the gorge sometimes gets so narrow that you can cross the river with a jump one side to another side. Some places, the bridges are either damaged or washed away by the flood and it may be forced to you cross the cold water on foot. After reaching Khanigaon st up camp overnight tented camp.
Day 19: Khani Gaun to Tarakot (2,537 m) 5 hrs overnight in tented.
Today trail flowing Bepalbari village then continues passing through beautiful forest and descending to the valley continue to walk alongside Bheri River. Tarakot is an old stronghold settlement known by the local people as Dzong. Previous to the Gorkha dynasty Tarakot was the capital of Tichorung Kingdom. While, Tarakot is still a charm and beautiful place, overnight tented camp.
Day 20: Tarakot to Dunai (2,140 m) 5 hrs overnight tent.
After breakfast you will be flowing the Bheri River passing through beautiful Villages, Terraced field, with several gorge and suspension bridges then you can reach again the Dunai Bazaar. Dunai is the Headquarter of the Dolpo District; there is everything like School, Collage, and Bank, etc. Overnight tented camp.
Day 21: Dunai Juphal (2,475 m) 3/4 hrs overnight tented.
This is the final days walk, after the breakfast trail following Thuli Bheri continues and passing through terraced field and beautiful Dhupichaur, Rupgad, Kalagaonda, and Motipur then you will reach in Juphal. Your Dolpo circuit trek is going to end here at Juphal. So Evening celebrating last days' trek party with your whole trekking staff and say them bye-bye.
Day 22: Flight from Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu O/N Hotel BB plan.
Early morning breakfast you will go to the airport and take the flight to the Nepalgunj which is taking 35 minutes then afternoon continues to fly back to Kathmandu and drops to your Hotel. Farewell dinner with office person in Nepali cultural Restaurant, talking about the trip in Dolpo, overnight hotel with Bed and breakfast plan.
Day 23: Final departure transfer to airport trip to end.
This is the final departure day, anytime our office person drop to you in an international airport for your own destination to get back Home trip to end.
Useful Info
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary, but as this is adventure travel in a remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions and the health of trekkers can all contribute to changes. The guides and their Sherpa assistants will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if necessary.
Experience Required: This Trek is suitable for keen walkers who are able to walk for 6 – 7 hours in a day, with a light rucksack. Some of the days are quite long, and the walking feels more strenuous at altitude. Generally, the trail is a good track, but occasionally it will be uneven and rocky.
Food & Accommodation: You will be accommodated in the tea house & during trekking. Tea houses are simple, local-run guesthouses with twin-share or single rooms. Toilets and showers are of varying standards.
Typical food available for lunch and dinner is Nepali rice & lentils, pasta, potato dishes, soups, or pizzas. Delicious pancakes, porridge, toast, and eggs are the main breakfast fare, while tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are always available. You will probably be pleasantly surprised at the variety of food at the lodges.
What about our luggage?
1 Porter will be shared between 2 participants, they take a maximum load of 12kgs per participant.
You may keep things you will not use on the trek at our hotel in Kathmandu.
What will the temperature be like?
Basically, the atmospheric temperature fluctuates between -10 to 25 degrees throughout the day.
When we are trekking, the temperature would be on the high. For trekking, our concerns are focused on sun and wind exposure. To protect yourselves, you can wear long trekking pants or convertibles, in case it gets too warm, and a dry-fit long sleeve top and have the rain shell or outer waterproof layer accessible.
You’ll need your fleece or maybe the down jackets for those who are more afraid of cold when we reach the lodgings or at night to keep warm.
How much money should we bring?
You will need to carry Nepali Rupee if you decide you want to more shower than 3 times or have additional hot water on the trek. At the trekking lodges, you may wish to buy specialty menu items as well, or pick up souvenirs on a trek. Shopping can be done on your last day in the Thamel area.
What about Acute Mountaineering Sickness (AMS)?
AMS occurs to different people differently at different altitudes due to our tolerance level.
Signs of AMS include Dizziness, Nausea, Loss of Appetite, Fatigue or weakness, Shortness of breath, Drowsiness, and Fluctuation.
Peripheral Edema (Swelling of extremities)
Fluctuation in body temperature
Prevention of AMS:
Adequate REST prior to the trip.
Adequate HYDRATION during the trek or activity. (It is alright to keep going to the look, it is good for you)
Adequate SALT AND SUGAR in your bloodstream. (Basically, EAT)
Adequate WARMTH. (Keep yourself warm and try to not lose as much heat as possible to maintain bodily functions)
PROPER BREATHING. (Breathe deep into the diaphragm, breathe slow and steady. Breathe through your nose. Do not pant.)
PROPER EXERTION. (Go at a constant, manageable pace, do not chase after the person in front, and try not to keep stopping and starting)
All in all, sound out when you do not feel well. We are only human.
