Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trekking is an adventure that leads you to a long walk of three weeks, a journey around Nepal’s Far West Himalayas. Explore the wild country of Dolpo, in the land of elusive snow leopard and blue sheep. As well as visiting the ancient Bon culture of pre-Buddhism interwoven with Tibetan Buddhism heritage way of life. Upper Dolpo Trekking is a marvelous adventure where you can walk in, a tranquil environment away from the mainstream in the complete wilderness with daily views of scenic snow-capped peaks within the colorful culture of the Dolpo tribe, which is kin to Tibetans with similar customs. 

This great trip starts with a scenic flight towards Far Southern Nepal Terai at Nepalgunj city, and then on the next flight towards our destination at Dolpo, where our adventure begins walking first to emerald Phoksundo Lake, blessed with beautiful scenery of green woodland, peaks and rolling hills within Ringmo village. 

Adventure proceeds towards a higher area across the high pass of Kang-La at 5,350 m to reach our highlight and goal at Shey Gompa near Crystal Mountain. Fascinating spot to experience, away from human settlements and villages in pure isolation. 

After a marvelous time at Shey Gompa (monastery) walk leads towards inner Dolpo past Saldang-Tokyu and Dho-Tarap villages, interesting areas full of cultivated fields of barley and wheat where you can explore its ancient Bon and Buddhism culture.

Finally, our adventure ends walking towards Tarakot, a nice and lovely village where our route leads back to Dunai, the headquarters town of Dolpo, and at Jhupal for a short scenic flight to Nepalgunj to connect our air journey back to Kathmandu after completing an amazing adventure around Upper Dolpo Trekking.

Best Seasons for Upper Dolpo Trekking

The best times for Upper Dolpo trek are late spring, autumn. The high seasons for trekking around the Himalayas. Most days are clear for views and pleasant walks. The spring season from late March to May,
when days are best for and walks. But can get overcast with light rain and snow sometimes. Cold morning and night time during the spring season.The next best season is autumn from September to November, it is also the peak seasons for trekking around the Himalayas. Clear day for views and pleasant walks, sunny days most of the time in autumn. But gets dark soon, due to short sunlight hours, cold morning, and late afternoon till nighttime. Can expect snowfall above 2,500 m high.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: In Kathmandu, optional tour and preparation for overland journey. 
Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj city airport 360 m- 50 mins flight.
Day 04: Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m, trek en-route Chhepka near Dunai-04 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m-04 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Samduwa village 2,960m-06 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Ringmo Gaon 3, 733 m at Phoksundo Lake- 05 hrs.
Day 08: Rest day at Ringmo and Phoksundo Lake for local excursion.
Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo-Khola 3,640 m- 05 hrs.
Day 10: Trek to Phokshindo Bhanjyang – 07 hrs.
Day 11: Trek to Shey Gompa 4,500m via Kang-La 5,360 m -06 hrs.
Day 12: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.
Day 13: Trek to Namduna Gaon 4,800m via Saldang La 5,200m.
Day 14: Trek to Saldang 3,620 m -05 hours.
Day 15: Trek to Yangzi Gompa 4,960 m-05 hrs.
Day 16: Trek to Sibu 4,560 m-07 hrs.
Day 17: Trek to Jeng-la Phedi 4,900m-06 hrs.
Day 18: Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,200m via Jeng-La 5,090m-06 hrs.
Day 19: Trek to Dho-Tarap 3, 944 m-04 hrs.
Day 20: Trek to Gyagar 3,759 m-07 hrs.
Day 21: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chyugar 3,440 m-06 hrs.
Day 22: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m-06 hrs.
Day 23: Trek to Dunai 2,140 m-05 hour and drive to Jhupal-02 hrs.
Day 24: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj and transfer to hotel.
Day 25: Free and contingency day in case of flight delays on both ways.
Day 26: International departure for homeward bound.

Itinerary