Today, trip comes to an end today. You will be accompanied by a company representative to the airport in our company van for your flight to your next destination.
Upper Dolpo Trek is a long, challenging trek that takes you into the remote areas of Far Western and Mid-Western Nepal. Upper Dolpo as an isolated region, a hidden wonderland filled with incredible landscapes, beautiful sceneries and cultural wealth. The route offers sublime adventure as you are completely isolated from any usual luxuries and will definitely succumb to the enchanting environment during the length of the Upper Dolpo Trek.
Upper Dolpo Trek starts with your arrival in Kathmandu. After a brief stay in the valley, the trip begins. During your stay in Kathmandu, you will be observing the UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, and Boudhanath. After the brief introduction with the Kathmandu valley, you take a flight to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, you fly to Jhupal and then start trekking. The first part of your adventure takes you Shey Phoksundo Lake and Shey Gompa. On this trail, you get to observe the fascinating biodiversity of this region. During this trek, you can also see the wild animals and birds like Ghoral, Himalayan Thar, leopard, and Himalayan black bear, Danphe, blood pheasant, yellow-billed cough, raven and many more. Trekking ahead, you pass through many traditional villages and encounter many monasteries, Mani walls, and Chortens. Along with the scenic views of the mountains, you also get to witness the pre-Buddhist Bonpo religion which is only practiced here. The trail ahead is not so easy as you continuously make long climbs and steep descents and cross many high passes like Shimen La (4270 meters), Chharka La (4,920m) and Niwar Pass (5,1200m). The trek package not only provides an opportunity to see the breathtaking landscapes of the Dolpo region but also allows you to observe the Tibetan way of life. This is a strenuous trek that is why you need to be in great shape and have prior trekking experience. Spring (March-May) and autumn (Sept-November) are considered the best seasons for this trek but you can trek in the monsoon seasons as well.
Glacier Family Treks and Expedition is a lead operating agency in off the beaten trails and isolated valleys in Nepal. We take care of your transport, permit, accommodation and every other necessity. We provide you with high-quality tents, healthy food, refreshing beverages and assure you top quality service. Our expert trek guides will handle every situation and make sure that you have a memorable experience.
The trip begins with your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA). Our company representative will welcome you at the airport. Then, you will be transferred to the hotel. Overnight in Kathmandu.
We will arrange the permits and fill in the necessary documents for you. Meanwhile, you can go sightseeing around the valley in our comfortable company van. You will visit several UNESCO enlisted world heritage sites in the city namely being Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Pashupatinath. If time permits, you can also visit Kathmandu Durbar Square to observe the ancient culture and architecture of the valley. In case you missed something while packing or need additional supplies, you can use this day for shopping as well.
Our company van will take you to the airport from where you take the flight to Nepalgunj. The flight presents you with the beautiful landscapes and rivers stretching far and wide. Nepalgunj is located near the Indian border and is the hottest city of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, you can visit the mini-zoo, local market, and nearby villages. Overnight in Nepalgunj.
From Nepalgunj, you take a flight to Juphal which is a beautiful town located over the Himalayan foothills. Upon arrival at Juphal, our trekking staff will receive you. You can explore the area to take a close look-up on the lifestyle of the people. You take a good night’s sleep at Jhupal before beginning the trek. Overnight at tented camp.
The first day of trekking begins with a downhill walk through the village below the airstrip. Heading through the terraced fields, you arrive at Bheri River. You follow the upstream of Bheri River to a large suspension bridge, pass a hospital and then walk along Phoksundo Khola till Suligad Ghat. Suligad Ghat is the entrance to the Shey-Phoksundo National Park. Overnight at Sulighat.
You follow Suli Khola and pass through villages like Kageni and Shyanta. At Shyanta, you cross the bridge twice- once over Phoksundo Khola and once over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Majaba Khola. Then you head north towards Chhepka and make camp. You will pass through Mootipur and Kaligouda on your way to Chhepka. Overnight at Chhepka.
The path goes through the pine forests and follows the river all the time. After about four hours after passing the village of Rechi, you continue trekking to the other side of a bridge. Up ahead, you arrive at Chunuwar and then make your way to Amchi Hospital. The doctors in Amchi hospital are educated in traditional Tibetan medicine. Overnight at Samduwa- Amchi Hospital.
You make a steep climb for 2 hours before reaching the top of a hill. Before reaching the top, you go through Chunuwar Village and make the climb along the Phoksundo Khola. From the top, you can see the 107 m high Phoksundo waterfall which is also known as sunlight waterfall. Then, you descend down to the charming Ringmo Village. Overnight at Ringmo Village.
On the 9th day, you stop trekking and take some rest before heading ahead. During your time at Ringmo Village, you can visit white Thasung Chholing Gompa. You can also interact with the local and learn about Bonpo culture which is practiced here. The village is situated at the foot of Phoksundo Lake and you can enjoy the serene environment around the lake. Overnight at Ringmo Village.
You follow the trail which goes from the west bank of the Phoksundo Lake. Initially, the trail is flat and it gradually ascends and then descends to the bank of the lake again. You continue the trek forward and walk up and down to reach Chaplukphu. Following the trail along the Phoksundo Lake, we follow the trail that runs alongside the Phoksundo Khola. Overnight at Chookkalapuk.
Today, the entire day will go on by crossing frequently the glacial stream valley. We will have chance to cross wooden temporarily bridge often over the Phokshundo river, which are proposed to pass rocky sandwiched hills to each our destination of this adventurous day. Ascending and descending pastured trail leads us to cross the Kangla pass.
After the trek to reach Chookkalapuk, we rest for the day and explore the areas around Chookkalapuk. This stop offers a serene environment and does not have any hints of modern luxuries. You can explore the vicinity and enjoy glorious views of the surrounding landscapes and rich bio-diversity. You can also get glimpses of Kanjirowa Himal (6612m) on your trip today. Overnight at Chookkalapuk.
Naturally difficult to cross kang La- a kind of technical adventure of the entire trekking. Even though, we we’ill get an amazing Chrystal mountain views after a couple of hours by descending trail. And, again, not only challenging descends but we should pay big attention to be fallen down wards in the river which is mortally dangerous. Finally, we cross another wooden bridge to get colouful village at Shey Gumba for a couple nights.
Up ahead, the trail is parallel with the river’s left bank and gradually ascends to a high pass. This high pass is an incredible viewpoint as you can see Mustang in the east, panorama of mountain peaks surrounding Dolpo, Crystal Mountain to the west and even Tibet to the north. You descend down the high pass and continue the trek to Namgung. Overnight in Namgung.
Leaving Namgung behind, you first pass Namgung Gompa and cross Namga Khola. You then start ascending on small barren cliffs. After trekking for a few hours, you arrive at Saldang which the largest village of inner Dolpo area. Saldang consists of five villages with more than six hundred people as its inhabitants. Overnight at Saldang.
Heading down past Saldang Gompa along the route to Dho, you continue along the Nagon Khola and pass through Sugugaon. You can see huge Buddhist influence in the area as you come across multiple monasteries on the way. You follow the trail and head to Khoma La (4460m) and then gradually walk down to the beautiful village known as Khoma Gaon.
Leaving Mendo, you follow the trail that drops down to the river and ascends to Shimen La pass (4270 meters). The trek continues through Shimen and first come across Shimen Gompa. You continue on the path that passes the crumbling Mani walls and ancient Chortens and drops down to the river. You follow this trail for an hour and turn right up to a narrow canyon and climb to Mendo. Overnight at Mendo.
You head south along the Panjyan Khola staying on the eastern bank. You enjoy an easy trek to a seasonal village and then to the small hamlet of Phalwa. Crossing the intersecting stream that lies ahead you climb to the large Chortens and Mani walls and continue trekking to Thinje. The entire trek today follows Panjyan Khola leading you to Tinje. Overnight at Tinje.
Today’s trail is easy going at first, following the Panjyan Khola before it veers south. Up next, the trail climbs and descends taking you past narrow canyons. After crossing Mola Bhajnyang (5030m) a stream ahead you climb and descend to the wide plateau of Rakpa. You can enjoy the captivating environment at Rakpa. The views from Rakpa consists of the surrounding landscapes and rivers. Overnight at Rakpa.
You start a long climb to Chharka La (4,920 m) and then descend down along the side of the valley, making a big drop into a side valley. Continuing the trek further, you head down to the picturesque village of Chharka and arrive at your campsite at Chharka Bhot. The village is also home to a monastery named Sarchhen Gompa. Overnight at Chharka Bhot.
The trail climbs up to a crest and then descends to a river. Following the right fork southward, you climb in and out of the side valley on a rough terrain. The valley narrows then emerges into a big meadow and climbs to Norbulung.
The trail includes multiple ascents and descents to take you to Molungsungdo. As you, leave Norbulung, you follow the trail along the river. The trek takes you through a pleasant route as you are accompanied by beautiful landscapes and gorgeous rivers throughout the walk to Molungsungdo. You will finally reach your destination for the day and rest your weary legs. Overnight at Molungsungdo.
Passing through the yak pastures of Molungsungdo, you follow the riverbed ahead. Up next, you cross Niwar Pass (5120 meters), then head to the second pass Sangda La (5550m). Descending along a steep gravel trail, you follow Bheri Khola and reach Sangda Base Camp. After crossing the Sangda La pass, your path continues along Lhanhiimar Khola to reach the Base Camp. Overnight at Base Camp.
You cross the Bheri Khola on a small bridge and then hike along the right-hand bank. After making a slow descent to Jhyanse, you head towards Santa. You will walk past hot spring and cross numerous rivers as you head to Sangda Gaon. Following the trail ahead you arrive at Sangda Gaon which is a remote outpost of Gurung Tibetans. Overnight at Sangda Gaon.
Crossing many ridges you reach Bhima Lojun pass (4460m). Further, you descend steeply into the Kali Gandaki valley and keep descending until you arrive at the fortress-like entrances to the small village of Phalek Gaon. You can observe the rural lifestyle f the people there on your remaining time after you reach Phalek Gaon. Overnight at Phalek Gaon.
You climb to a ridge above Phalek and then head south down a steep sandy trail towards Jomsom. Jomsom is the headquarters of Mustang and the last trekking destination in your journey. Upon arrival at Jomsom, you can celebrate the completion of your trek. Jomsom also has many modern facilities like restaurants, cafes, ATM and internet to name a few. Overnight at Jomsom.
You take a scenic flight from Jomsom to Pokhara during which you can enjoy the sights of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. Upon arrival at Pokhara, you can walk around the Phewa Lake and see what the lakeside area has to offer. You can enjoy the lively night at Pokhara or rest as per your preference. Overnight in Pokhara.
This is your free day in Pokhara. There are many sites to visit in this beautiful city. You start the day with a short hike to World Peace Pagoda to view the sunrise over the majestic Himalayas. The sunrise is a spectacular view and you are bound to be mesmerized as the first rays of the sun reflect on the snow-capped mountains. Enjoying the sunrise atop the Peace Pagoda, you head down to Phewa Lake. In the evening, you can relax at the bars and restaurants around the lakeside area.
From Pokhara, you can either drive or fly back to Kathmandu. You will be greeted with beautiful views in either of the travel options. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can go out and explore the local markets and explore the capital city at your own pace. You can also take this day for some souvenir shopping as well. Overnight in Kathmandu.
After having fully personalized day in Kathmandu, we invite you in the evening for a farewell dinner hosted by the company. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Today, trip comes to an end today. You will be accompanied by a company representative to the airport in our company van for your flight to your next destination.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.
When you are up in the mountains in Nepal, we would suggest you to be ready for anything. Weather forecasts for Lukla are never correct and different sources will give you different information. If it is a really bad day in terms of weather, the airlines will themselves cancel the flight and you might have to wait till the weather clears. Yes, flying in high altitude is never easy, even on a clear sunny day, the plane might face turbulence because of the wind blowing from the mountains. But overall the flight to Lukla is very exciting and it’s an experience that you will never forget.