Upper Dolpo Trek - 17 Days

Meet Nepal Trekking Path airport representatives, collect luggage then make way to our hotel in a private vehicle. Freshen up then visit our office for introduction and briefing of the tour. If you arrive on time, you may go out to explore the colorful local market, Thamel. It is an ideal place for shopping. The market is filled with high-end restaurants, bakeries, and pubs.

Start your Nepal Tour with Kathmandu sightseeing. After an early morning breakfast, meet our cultural tour. Today, we will wander around the ancient palace reflecting finest Newari architectures; Basantapur Durbar Square, complex on the hilltop; Swayambhunath, the holiest Hindu temple, Pashupatinath and the world’s largest stupa, Bouddhanath.

A short flight will take us to the trailhead of our Upper Dolpo Trek. Post breakfast drive to the Tribhuvan International Airport. First, we will board a flight to Nepalgunj. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, catch a flight to Jhuphal. Our crew will accompany you in Jhuphal. Our first stop is Dunai. You may drive or walk to Dunai. The trail passes through a small village, terraced fields alongside the Bheri River.

Enjoy delicious breakfast, pack your backpack then hit the trail leading to the suspension bridge. Cross the bridge, follow the trail meandering uphill to the Thulo Bheri Valley. Tread on the bank of the river before descending down to a small winter settlement Dera. The trail takes us further into a village called Rahagaon, dominated by Thakuri. Leaving the village behind, the trail enters a dense forest. An easy walk into the woodland takes us to Ankhe, the main entrance to Shey Phoksumdo National Park. It is barely 6 hours walk from Dunai to Ankhe. After taking rest for a while, we will take a short walk around the beautiful village.

After spending a sound night in this heavenly place, we will embark into our today’s trek to Sumdu village. Walk through the forests meandering ups and downs then follow the trail beside the river. Walk to upstream then cross the bridge before reaching Ryajik village. Enjoy the view of this ancient village while traversing to Sumdu.

Today is one of the most important days of this trek. Today, we will be exploring Phokshumdo Lake. We will have breakfast then march on the trail leading to a confluence of Phoksumdo and Pungmo Khola Valley. Follow the Pungmo river after crossing Phoksumdo. Continue on the trail then a brief downhill walk through the colorful forest will take us to a village named Ringmo. An ancient village housing mud mani walls and chortens looks unbelievably beautiful. Move forward while delving into the beauty of this antique settlement to reach the shimmering Phoksumdo Lake. We will camp below the thousands of twinkling stars beside the tranquil, calm lake.

Adjusting our body to the higher altitude is most in order to trek in the higher altitude. So we have reserved the 8th day of a trek for acclimatization purpose. Today, we will embark into a short hike to the higher region then head back to Pholshumdo Lake. Have lunch and explore this paradise. Walk around the woodland, explore the ancient monastery in the Ringmo village, take pictures, enjoy the calm environment surrounded by snow-capped mountains and take rest.

A sound sleep amid the real wilderness prepare us for the next day trek. Today we will be summiting the second highest point of this trek, thus the trek is going to be a little strenuous and long. Wake up early in the morning, have breakfast, pack your belongings then march on the trail winding east. Start the hike on a pleasant, scenic trail which soon turned into a steep climb. Climbing to Baga La Pass is not an easy task as we will have to climb for three hours however the effort is totally worthy. As soon as we put our feet on the ridge of Baga La Pass, we will forget the tiredness and sore feet no more bother us as the breathtaking view of Shey Phoksumdo Lake below and Kagmara Peaks above will take our breath away. Descend down to Phedi while submerging into the panoramic view. We will spend a night on the foothill of the giant hill.

The 9th day of the trek will lead us along another scenic track high above the ridge of Numa La Pass, the highest point of this trek then descend back to Phedi. It’s going to be a long day so we will start early. Climb uphill on the grassy meadows for few hours to reach the ridge of Numa La Pass. From the top of the Pass, we will catch the glimpse of snowy peaks including Mt. Dhaulagiri and Kagmara. Below the ridge are dramatic landscapes and enchanting valleys. Descend down to Phedi for the overnight stay.

After treading on the total isolation for few days, today we will come across few villages. Start with a walk on the downhill leading to Tarap Chu. Walk on the wide valley with few hamlets. This section of the trail is dominated by Chaiba and Bon Po. Explore Tibetan Buddhism in this areas, observe the daily life of people while walking out of the village. A brief walk on the scenic trail will take us to Dho Tarap, today’s overnight stop. Spend the leisure time strolling around the village, gaining the knowledge of local culture and enjoy the ethnic dish.

Start with a pleasant, easy downhill walk into a wide valley. Leaving the valley behind, we will walk on the narrow gorge. While passing through the sparse vegetation, we might get the opportunity to spot wild animals including Blue Sheep. Continue marching on the arid land and crossing the wild rose bushes and junipers we will reach the confluence of Lang and Tarap Chu Khola. Tread on the grassy meadows to reach Tarap Khola.

Walk to Tarap River than on the gorge on the steep slope. The challenging walk on the gorge will leave us stunned and thrilled. Walk past the damaged bridge and cross the chilly river by foot. The exciting five hours trek come to an end after reaching Kharigaon leaving us with plenty of time to explore this beautiful place.

Follow the trail leading to Lower Dolpo area. Walk past few villages including Lalberi and tread on the trail dotted with trees. A brief walk alongside the raging river will take us to Tarakot. Witness the terraced farms, locals working in fields and animals grazing. Explore the antique fortress and Sandul Gompa. We will spend our night near the ancient monastery.

Today our Upper Dolpo Trek comes to an end. Post breakfast, we will trek to Dunai. Walk past the small hamlets, farms, and trees to reach Dunai. From Dunai catch a bus to Jhupal. An hour drive on the moderately managed road will take us to Jhupal. Spend a night in this beautiful market.

Its time to bid goodbye this heavenly region. After an early morning breakfast, drive to the airport where you will board your flight to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj catch another flight to Kathmandu. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will transfer you to your hotel. You might be tired, so spend the day taking rest.

This day is reserved for relaxation and sightseeing. Enjoy the last day in Nepal by strolling around the city for souvenir shopping and observe the culture and lifestyle of the capital city closely. If you want to enjoy any other adventure, you may do so. You may go for mountain flights, rafting, bungee or paragliding. We will keep our option open.

Our airport representative will escort you to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. It was a pleasure serving you. We hope to see you again.