Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek which is also known as Upper Dolpa Trek is the restricted area trekking that takes you into trans- Himalayan land that remained hidden from the world until 1989. Dolpo gained popularity when Peter Matheson mentioned about this mystical land in his popular novel- The Snow Leopard and Snell grove.
Located near to Tibet, the land is secured by Dhaulagiri Mountain and offers challenges of high passes, narrow paths and steep hills. Dolpa region is blessed with rare Himalayan herbs like Yarchagumba and abundance of wildlife including musk deer and elusive snow leopard.
Shey Gompa Monastery is the ultimate destination of Upper Dolpo Shey Gompa trekking. You will get once in a lifetime opportunity of witnessing ancient Bonpo religion that dates way back from Buddhist religion. It is one among few other places where Bonpo religion is still in practice. Upper Dolpo trekking route progresses along Arun River Valley to Nepal’s largest Himalayan Park named Shey Phoksundo National Park. You will visit spectacular Shey Phoksundo Lake before heading towards Shey Gompa. The trek rewards us with view of magnificent Kanjirowa peak.
Saribung Adventure offers Upper Dolpo trek itinerary as 22-days package. Popularity of Upper Dolpo region reached its peak when it was featured in OSCAR nominated Caravan movie.
Upper Dolpa trekking begins from Juphal. Kathmandu to Nepalgunj flight and a connecting flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal will take us to Juphal which is the starting point of Dolpa trek. From Juphal, we will trek to Dunai which is the district headquarters. The route continues through Ringmo to Phoksundo and continues further to Shey Gompa. Return trip continues through Namgung and Saldang to Ghyamgar from where we will return to Dunai and take flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

Outline Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing, Trek preparation
Day 03: Flight Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1500m)
Day 04: Flight Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475 m), Trek to Dunai (2140 m)
Day 05: Dunai to Chhepka (2720m)
Day 06: Chhepka to Jharna
Day 07: Jharna to Ringmo
Day 08: Rest Day at Ringmo
Day 09: Ringmo to Phoksundo Camp
Day 10: Phoksundo Camp to Pass camp
Day 11: Pass Camp to Shey Gompa
Day 12: Rest Day at Shey Gompa
Day 13: Namgung to Saldang
Day 14: Saldang to Chargaon
Day 15: Chargaon to Pass Camp
Day 16: Pass Camp to Tokyo
Day 17: Tokyo to Ghyamgar
Day 18: Ghyamgar to Laisicap
Day 19: Laisicap to Dunai
Day 20: Dunai to Juphal, Flight to Nepalgunj
Day 21: Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Day 22: Departure

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)
After you disembark from the plane, you will have to go through custom formalities. Later, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to hotel for your luxurious stay. You will get briefing from your tour leader. Enjoy the welcome dinner.  

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing, Trek preparation
After breakfast, guide will take you for wonderful Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour during which you will visit UNESCO sites like Pashupatinath, Swayambhu, Bouddhanath and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Kathmandu is the wonderful city where culture is embedded in the daily life of people. Pashupatinath is one of the holiest Hindu temple in the world. Swayambhunath is the oldest Buddhist stupa and Bouddhanath is the largest stupa. Bouddhanath is located in ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet. We will also acquire trekking permit.

Day 03: Flight Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (1500m)
It takes 90minutes of flight to reach Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. The flight will be scenic with plenty of opportunities to have close-up look at snowcapped mountains. Nepalgunj is an economic hub that is located near to Nepal- India border. We will visit the bazaar area in the evening and stay overnight in a hotel in Nepalgunj. 

Day 04: Flight Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475 m), Trek to Dunai (2140 m)
We will wake up early in the morning to catch flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. 45 minutes of pleasant flight will take us to Juphal. We can get close views of Annapurna Mountain and Dhaulagiri Mountain during the flight. We will assemble our crew and begin our trek to Dunai which is a Sherpa village located at 2140m altitude. We will stay overnight at Dunai which is the district headquarters.

Day 05: Dunai to Chhepka (2720m)
Leave Dunai and lower down to Thulo Bheri River (Big Bheri River). Cross the river via suspension bridge and then take left path along river to reach the meeting point where Suli River meets with Thulo Bheri River. Follow the ascending trail to Palihalna Hill and then descend from the hill to the river. Walk along the eastern edge of river to Raktang (2421m) and cross the bridge to reach Shyanta River. It takes about an hour from there to reach Chhepka (2720m).

Day 06: Chhepka to Jharna
After early breakfast at Chhepka, we will cross Suli Khola River and walk along the western bank of this river to reach forested area. Exiting from the forest, we will climb uphill to arrive at pasture land. Lowering down from the pasture land, we will arrive at Rechi from where we will descend to Samduwa (2960m). We can stop by the monastery. From Samduwa, journey continues to Jharna.

Day 07: Jharna to Ringmo
Leave Jharna and walk through the western edge of Phoksundo River to the camping area that can be reached by crossing the log bridge. Continuing further, we will walk through Rike to Dho Tarap Village. From Dho Tarap, the path stretches uphill through pine forest to reach Polam (3400m) which is the winter settlement area. We can get superb view of turquoise Phoksundo Lake and waterfall on our way to Ringmo village.

Day 08: Rest Day at Ringmo
This is a rest day. We will dedicate this time to visit Phoksundo Lake. This is a fresh water lake that is 5.15 m long and 800 m wide. It exists in Phoksundo National Park that is rich in Himalayan wildlife. We will visit ancient Bon Po Gompa at Ringmo and stay overnight.

Day 09: Ringmo to Phoksundo Camp
Trek continues along the western edge of lake towards the cliff. In about 40 minutes, we will reach the vantage point from where we can view spectacular views of Lake, mountains and small villages. Ascending further, we will reach Devil’s trail that is located just above Phoksundo Lake and insanely tapered. This is also known as Yak Trail.
We will lower down to flood plain and cross the river to enter forested area that is rich in birch and pine. Descending to the valley, we will move past Tuk kyaksar River to Phoksundo Camp.

Day 10: Phoksundo Camp to Pass camp
Follow ascending path from Phoksundo River and walk past the campsite through gorges and river to another small campsite that exists in rocky area to the western side of the valley.  Moving past the waterfall, we will climb further up from river valley to make it to Nangdalo La Pass (5350 m) that locates nearby Churan Lekh ridge. Brief walk from the pass will take us to camping site.

Day 11: Pass Camp to Shey Gompa
Leave the camping area early in the morning and climb Nangda Lo Pass (5350m). We will enjoy the view of valley and descend to the river. Crossing the river, we will walk through grazing area of yak and sheep to reach Shey phoksundo Gompa (4343 m).

Day 12: Rest Day at Shey Gompa
Shey Gompa is the jewel of Upper Dolpa. We will visit the Kagyupa sect Gompa and Tsakang Monastery where we can learn about the legend of foundation of this monastery. We will visit the village of locals and learn about their culture and lifestyle.

Day 13: Namgung to Saldang
Leaving Shey Gompa, we will reach Namgung. Walking further uphill to the ridge, we will lower down to Namga River and reach Saldang where we will visit school that was founded by Germany trekkers. If you coincide your visit in July, you can witness horse race festival. We will stay overnight at Saldang village.

Day 14: Saldang to Chargaon
Follow the descending trail from Saldang for about 4hrs to reach Chargaon village. The trail is relatively easy and this is a picturesque path which offers scenic views of mountains, hills, valley and small villages. Stay overnight at Chargaon.

Day 15: Chargaon to Pass Camp
Leaving Chargaon, we will head south towards the last village. From there, we will follow the escalating trail for about two hours to reach river. Walking through the western edge, we will arrive at Rakyo Kharka which is a stone house. Walking through the landslide area, we will reach Dachung Khola. Moving further, we will reach Nagaun River. We will walk to the clear grass area and stay overnight at Pass Camp.

Day 16: Pass Camp to Tokyo
Leaving the Pass Camp, we will climb uphill to Jyanta La Pass (5220m). We will lower down to the valley which is located nearby Jyanta River. Walking through the western edge of the river along moraines and boulders, we will reach Dho Tarap valley. The trail continues along mani walls to Tokyo (4209m).

Day 17: Tokyo to Ghyamgar
Leave Tokyo and walk through Thakchu River valley. Visit Buddhist stupa and Bon Gompa on the way. Lower down to the valley and pass through Mani walls to the pasture land. Reach Dho Tarap and descend to Tarap River valley. Move further to Langa Kharka (4010m) and cross Tarap River and reach the marine area located at Upper Dolpa. The trail drops down to Sisal River from where we will reach Ghyamgar (3755m).

Day 18: Ghyamgar to Laisicap
Leaving Ghyamgar, follow the descending trail to Nawapani River. Walk along the river to Chhugar (3440m). Lower down from Chhugar and arrive at waterfall. Reach to the Thulo Khola valley and walk through the forested area to Laisicap.

Day 19: Laisicap to Dunai
Wake up early in the morning and walk up to Tarakot (2540m) which is the winter settlement area. Head north from Tarakot and arrive at Bheri River. Crossing the Bheri River, we will reach Dunai (2140m) where we will stay overnight.

Day 20: Dunai to Juphal, Flight to Nepalgunj
About 3hrs of trek will take us to Juphal from where we will board flight to Nepalgunj. Stay overnight in Nepalgunj.

Day 21: Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
We will take return flight from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. You will be transferred to hotel. You can spend the day on your own. Utilize your leisure time by shopping in Thamel.

Day 22: Departure
You will be dropped off at Tribhuvan International Airport approximately 3hours before your flight. Have a safe journey. We hope to see you soon.