Visit Nepal 2020. "Naturally Nepal Once is not enough"

Upper Dolpo Trek

Trip Overview

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Upper Dolpo Trek is an adventurous trek in the remote landscapes of western Nepal. Trekking at Upper Dolpo offers a picturesque view of landscapes along with the untouched natural and cultural beauty of West Nepal. Located in between the Tibetan plateau and Dhaulagiri ranges, the entire district was closed to trekkers until 1989. Upper Dolpo is a region of mystical beauty and the remoteness adds the sense of adventure among the trekkers. The culture, tradition and lifestyle is quite similar to that of Tibetan people. Trekking in the Dolpo region is not easy as we require permits from Immigration department. The stunning views of Dhaulagiri massif including the varieties of wildlifes like Himalayan Blue Sheep, Musk deer, Snow leopard etc can be observed during Upper Dolpo Trek. The main highlights of Upper Dolpo Trek are the amazing and stunning landscapes, the Phoksundo Lake, the culture and tradition of local people, untouched natural beauty and centuries old-monasteries. If you are looking for true adventure along with rural lifestyle, Upper Dolpo Trek is the tour package. 

The Upper Dolpo Trek commences from sightseeing in Kathmandu followed by a scenic flight to Nepalgunj. Crossing several villages like Chhepka, Ringmo; an isolated village leads us to Phoksundo Lake. Walking along the rhododendron and pine forest leads us to Shey Gompa and crossing the Shey-la pass leads us to Lagmo Che. The trail descends passing through the villages followed by flight back to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj. The Upper Dolpo Trek trail leads us through the remote villages of Dolpo district with the amazing and breath-taking views of landscapes and picturesque sceneries. With proper acclimatization and exploring around the centuries-old monasteries of Upper Dolpo, the trek ends. 

The best season for trekking at Upper Dolpo is March- May and September- November. At the end of Upper Dolpo Trek, you will be overwhelmed by the scenic landscapes, interaction with the local people, untouched natural and cultural beauty, mesmerizing views of Phoksundo Lake along with Dhaulagiri range and the ancient trading route. Moonline Tours P. Ltd had prepared this off-the beaten trail package of Upper Dolpo for 25 days. The package can be extended or the days can be cut-off as per the requirements of travellers. Join us for a memorable trek to Upper Dolpo.

Highlights:

  • Picturesque landscape of western Nepal.
  • Pristine Buddhist culture and lifestyle.
  • Beautiful Phoksundo lake.
  • Scenic and mesmerizing view of Dhaulagiri massif.
  • Isolated villages.
  • Flight from and to Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Kathmandu.

Welcome to Nepal. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu meet and greet our representatives from Moonline Tours P. Ltd and transfer to the hotel. Short description of Upper Dolpo Trek enroute. Check-in at the hotel. If you have free time, roam around the streets of Kathmandu for self-exploration and refreshment.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at UNESCO World Heritage Sites including: Kathmandu Durbar Square- an ancient courtyard with temples and monuments from the 13th and 15th centuries, Pashupatinath- a holy temple of Hindus dedicated to Lord Shiva located at the bank of Bagmati River, Swayambhunath- an oldest Buddhist shrine and an important pilgrimage sites of both Hindus and Buddhist and Boudhanath- the largest Buddhist Shrine with the unique octagonal shape. Remaining day free for self-exploration around Kathmandu.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

We take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Observe the scenic views including diversified landscapes, beautiful hills and stunning views of snow-capped mountains. Nepalgunj is a hot city in the mid-western terai, lying near the Nepal-India border. Bardia National park is close to Nepalgunj. Explore around Nepalgunj city in the evening and explore the culture, tradition and lifestyle of local people.

Overnight at Nepalgunj.

We will take an early flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. Enjoying the aerial view of diversified landscapes, snow-capped mountains and beautiful hills. Upon arrival at Juphal airport, rest for sometime. From Juphal airport, the trail ascends through the terraced farmlands to Bheri River and its narrow gorge leading us to Dunai. From Dunai, the trail ascends uphill and observing the stunning views of snow-capped mountains along with varieties of flora and fauna en route leads us to Chhepak. Roam around Chhepak in the evening.

Overnight at Chhepak.
Walking Time: 6 hours

The trail ascends uphill from Chhepak. Passing through the beautiful pine forest and walking alongside the river with continuous uphill and downhill leads us to Rechi village. Following the trail that continues at the other side of the bridge, we will reach Amchi Hospital; a clinic used by local people. An Amchi is a doctor, educated in a traditional Tibetan medicine and always is a lama. Tibetan medicine is made up of medicinal herbs and shrubs found at the Himalayas and is very useful for any kind of diseases. Furthermore, walking ahead leads us to Chunuwar.

Overnight at Chunuwar.
Walking Time: 6 hours

From Chunuwar, the trail ascends uphill with a steep climb sometimes. Following the trail, we can observe Nepal's highest waterfall; Phoksundo Waterfall. Crossing the pass, get the first and magnificent view of Phoksundo Lake. The trail descends downwards leading us to Ringmo village; a beautiful and isolated village. Explore the culture, tradition and lifestyle of local people. Ringmo village is dominated by the culture, tradition and lifestyle of Tibetan Buddhist people. Observe the monasteries and gompas around Ringmo.

Overnight at Ringmo.
Walking Time: 3 hours

Ringmo is a beautiful village and free day in Ringmo is very important for acclimatization. As today is your free day, hike around Phoksundo Lake at an elevation of 3733m and observe the picturesque and stunning view of Phoksundo Lake. Return back to Ringmo. Overnight at Ringmo.

From Ringmo, following the narrow and landslide area, and with continuous uphill and downhill the trail leads us to a ridge. Observe the stunning views of Phoksundo Lake, Ringmo village, pine forest along with snow-capped mountains. The trail gradually descends from the northern shore of the lake and passing several streams and bridges along with the splendid view of Kanjirowa mountain leads us to an alpine area with juniper, called Chhunemba at an elevation of 3639m.

Overnight at Chhunemba.
Walking Time: 5 hours

Leaving Chhunemba behind, the trail from Phoksundo valley gets quite narrow with high rocks on both sides and after crossing the streams for a couple of times, the trail leads us to narrow gorge. Climbing the long steep through the sided valley leads us to Snowfields camp, also known as Phoksundo Bhanjyang at an elevation of 4400m. Explore around Snowfield camp in the evening.

Overnight at Snowfield camp.
Walking Time: 07 hours

The trail ascends on the steep trail leading us to a pass. To climb the pass is quite adventurous. Observe the breath-taking views of a large valley dissected by a river from the top of Kang La pass at an elevation of 5375m. The trail descends steeply to a valley. Walking along the bank of the river and crossing the river several times, the trail leads us to the flat area where we can observe the mud-caves in the hills. Passing the grazing area of yaks, sheeps, etc. and crossing a wooden bridge leads us to Shey Gompa. Roam around Shey Gompa in the evening and explore the culture, tradition and lifestyle of local people.

Overnight at Shey Gompa.
Walking Time: 6 hours

Today is acclimatization day as acclimatization is very important if you are trekking from lower altitude to higher altitude in order to prevent altitude sickness. Since today is your acclimatization day, short hike to Tsakang Gompa; a Buddhist monastery located on a high rocky slope. You may also observe flocks of Blue sheeps. Return back to Shey Gompa. Roam around Shey Gompa and interact with local people.

Overnight at Shey Gompa.

From Shey Gompa, the trail ascends uphill and climbs steeply through the valley to a Shey La pass at an elevation of 5000m. From the top of Shey La pass, observe the beautiful view of Tibetan plateau on the north, and Mustang in the east. After observing for some more time, the trail descends down to Namgung village at an elevation of 4430m. Explore the culture, tradition and lifestyle of local people and interact with them.

Overnight at Namgung.
Walking Time: 6 hours

Leaving Namgung village behind, the trail ascends uphill leading us to Namgung Khola and from Namgung Khola, the trail descends down leading us to the village of Saldang at an elevation of 4060m. Saldang is the largest settlement found inside the Dolpo district. Being a very traditional village, Saldang village welcomes the trekkers with a big smile. Observe the terraced farmlands and the salt trading routes used for importing goods from Tibetan plateau.

Overnight at Saldang.
Walking Time: 3 hours

From Saldang, the trail ascends uphill. Passing through the terraced farmlands, stupas, mani walls, chortens and a monastery leads us to Namdo. Furthermore, walking ahead and exploring the culture, tradition and lifestyle of local people leads us to Sibu at an elevation of 4200m. Roam around Sibu in the evening.

Overnight at Sibu.
Walking Time: 5 hours

The gradual walk alongside the river leads us to Raka. After crossing Raka, the trail enters a large valley with an opportunity to spot Blue sheep and Snow leopard. Furthermore, walking ahead the trail traverses and climbs a steep meadow leading us to the Yak grazing area. Observe yaks, sheeps, grazing around. Lagmo che is a base camp of Jeng La pass.

Overnight at Lagmo Che.
Walking Time: 4 hours

From Lagmo Che, the trail ascends uphill. The steep climb observing the beautiful diverse landscapes leads us to Jeng La pass at an elevation of 5110m. Observe the spectacular view of Dhaulagiri including several snow-capped mountains from the top of the pass. The trail descends downward from the pass leading us to Tarap valley and furthermore ahead walk leads us to Tokyu at an elevation of 4209m. After Raka, Tokyo is the village with human settlements and is said to be the highest human settlement in the World. Roam around Tokyo village and explore the gumbas and monasteries.

Overnight in Tokyo.
Walking Time: 7 hours

From Tokyo, the trail descends downward to lower Tarap chu. The trail is easy and passing through the beautiful mani walls, chortens leads us to the French School just outside the village of Dho Tarap. The village is surrounded by irregular stone walls. Roam around Dho Tarap in the evening and explore the monasteries, gumbas and Thangka paintings made by local people. Interact with the local people as to get more information about their culture and tradition.

Overnight at Dho Tarap.
Walking Time: 2 hours

Exploring Dho, the trail descends down towards Tarap Khola, passing through the mani walls and chortens. While descending down, you may feel the change in landscape as the grasslands and shrubs seem to appear. Furthermore walking ahead and crossing a small pass leads us to the village of Sisaul at an elevation of 3750m.

Overnight at Sisaul.
Walking Time: 4 hours

From Sisaul, the trail ascends and climbs a small pass. Passing through the beautiful chortens leads us to the top of the pass,now the trail descends downwards to a valley. Passing through the pine forest, the gradual walk along the green landscapes leads us to Nawarpani. The gradual and gentle descent and ascend through the forest leads us to Liana Odar at an elevation of 3370m.

Overnight at Liana Odar.
Walking Time: 7 to 8 hours

From Laina Odar, the trail descends steeply through the pine, fir and juniper forest leading us to Laisicap village. A gentle walk ahead leads us to Thuli Bheri River and crossing a long suspension bridge over Thuli Bheri River, the trail descends steeply down. A gradual and fair descent downward with some up and downhill and observing the stunning views of landscapes leads to Lingdo village at an elevation of 2391m.

Overnight at Lingdo.
Walking Time: 5 hours

Leaving Lingo behind, walking gradually and gently through a rough landscape. Passing the narrow trail leads us to Bazar and observe the stunning views of snow-capped mountains. Following the trail and with continuous up and downhill passing the forest leads us to Dunai at an elevation of 2140m. Dunai is the headquarter of Dolpa district. Observe Buddhist monasteries and Gompas in Dunai village.

Overnight at Dunai.
Walking Time: 5 hours

From Dunai, a gradual and short walk leads us to Juphal at an elevation of 2475m. The gradual walk leads us to the gateway of VIllage development Committee of Dunai. Observe the Buddhist monasteries and chortens enroute. Crossing the suspension bridge leads us to Juphal village. Rest day free for self-exploration around Juphal.

Overnight at Juphal.
Walking Time: 4 hours

From Juphal, fly to Nepalgunj, observing the stunning views of picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival at Nepalgunj, fly back to Kathmandu observing the beautiful hills and snow-capped mountains. Upon arrival at Kathmandu, transfer to the hotel. Roam around the streets of Kathmandu for self-relaxation and exploration.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Today is your leisure day in Kathmandu. Free day for self-exploration and self-relaxation. Roam around the streets for shopping. Overnight at Kathmandu.

Free till departure. Our representatives from Moonline Tours P. Ltd will drop you at Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours prior to your departure schedule. With lots of memories from Upper Dolpo Trek -25 days, we bid “Goodbye”.

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