Upper Dolpo Trek

Begin your journey with a comprehensive trek briefing in Kathmandu, ensuring you are well-prepared for the adventure ahead. Our experienced guides will walk you through the trekking details and finalize the trek permits and documents required. 

Embark on your journey as you fly to Nepalgunj, the gateway to the remote Dolpo region. This bustling town will serve as your launchpad for the upcoming expedition.

Experience a scenic flight to Juphal and start your trek to Dunai, immersing yourself in the picturesque landscapes of Dolpo.

Embark on a trek to Ankhe, enjoying the first glimpses of the rugged beauty of the Dolpo region and experiencing the local culture.

Continue the trek to Sulighat, encountering diverse landscapes and navigating challenging terrains with frequent ascents and descents, providing both physical strain and refreshing moments with glimpses of the Himalayan ranges and streams. Passing through forests, mountain passes, and a riverside grassy slope, the journey leads to Ryajik. At the Silughar checkpoint, we officially enter Shey Phoksundo National Park, presenting our trekking permits. The day concludes with setting up camp on the banks of the Sulighat River for a peaceful overnight stay.

Commencing early, our trek leads us to the confluence of Phoksundo and Pungmo Rivers. After crossing the bridge, we traverse the western bank of the Pungmo River, entering a cedar forest and reaching the picturesque Palam village. Ascending to a ridge, we enjoy a breathtaking view of Phoksundo Lake and its impressive waterfall. The trail descends through birch forests to the upper Phoksundo Khola, culminating in the charming Ringmo Village and a short walk to set up camp by the serene Phoksundo Lake.

Today marks one of the most enjoyable days of the Dolpo Trek. Following breakfast, we traverse a narrow trail etched into a rocky ledge, offering stunning views of the lake. Progressing through a green meadow, we enter the flood plain of the Phoksundo River. Crossing the river in the valley, we descend to the Shey-Phoksundo’s bank before making a final ascent to Sallaghari. Nestled in a charming pine forest, we pitch our tents for the night, creating a tranquil setting to conclude the day's trek.

Following breakfast, embark on a leisurely trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang, also known as Nangdala Base Camp or Kang La Base Camp. The approximately 3-hour journey entails a gentle pace, commencing with an ascent along the narrow track of the Tuk Kyaksa River. Crossing an old wooden bridge at the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and another mountain stream, we navigate the river's sides multiple times.

A significant climb from the northeast of the bridge leads to a verdant grassland, followed by a strenuous ascent to a valley showcasing the panoramic view of Kang-La Pass. After a two and a half-hour trek along the canyon, we establish our camp at Kang La/Nangdala Base Camp. This location, a massive rock slab, offers breathtaking vistas of Kang-La Pass, Chhamlang Peak 6 (6739m), and Peak 7 (6105m).

Ascending Kang-La Pass (5151m), or Nangdala, reveals stunning vistas of the expansive valley, Crystal Mountain, and the U-shaped canyon leading to Shey-Gompa. Descending, we traverse the valley floor with multiple river crossings, encountering grazing yaks and sheep. Shey Gompa, the spiritual heart of Dolpo, welcomes with a red Buddhist shrine and an 800-year-old monastery at the confluence of Kangju Nala and Yeju Nala rivers, enhancing the cultural richness of this serene village.

Dedicating a day to acclimatization and rest in Shey Village, explore its ancient Bon Po culture and visit the renowned Shey Gompa. Inhabited by the Chaiba ethnic group, the village is adorned with prayer flags, wheels, and Mani walls. Shey Gompa, founded by Lama Ten-szin-Ra-Pa, is a significant Kagyupa monastery, celebrated for its Buddhist heritage. A visit to Tsakang Gompa, a retreat with historical significance, provides further insights into Tibetan meditation practices.

Leaving Shey Gompa, the trek advances through a juniper forest, ascends a grey stone gorge, and conquers the Salang-La Pass (4785m). The panoramic view from the pass encompasses the stunning landscapes of the Mustang region and Tibetan mountains. Descending, the journey unveils the stone houses and farm fields of Saldang village, where we explore the Namgung Monastery and the surrounding area.

Embarking on an ancient trade route to Tibet, the day begins with a uphill walk from Namduna Gaon, navigating steep hills and rocky terrain. After a few hours, Saldang Village, the largest in inner Dolpo, emerges on a plateau above the Nam Khong Nala River. Interacting with locals, tasting traditional beverages like SuCha, and immersing in the rich Buddhist and Amchi traditions, we conclude the day at a tented camp in Saldang Village.

Embarking on a side hike to Yangze Gompa (3885 m) in the northern part of Saldang, we traverse a barren path along Nagon Khola, passing Marang and Ki settlements. This 1000-year-old monastery, Yangze Gompa, boasts numerous chortens, marking the region's most extensive monastery. After exploration, we return to Saldang, with an option to stay overnight at the Gompa and return in the morning.

Departing Saldang after breakfast, the trail leads to the riverbed, passing terraced farms, Mani walls, and chortens. Continuing along the river, we visit Chaiba Monastery, Namdo Village, including Namdo Monastery, and conclude the day at a tented camp in Sibu village.

Starting the day with a beautiful breakfast, the trek follows the Nam Khong Khola's edge, enters dense juniper, pine, and silver birch forests, and ascends to Jenga La's base via yak farms. The camp is set on a pleasant meadow for the night.

Embarking early, the trek to Jeng La Pass takes two hours, revealing stunning views of the Dhaulagiri Mastiff. The descent towards Tarap Valley offers panoramic vistas of vast plains along the Tarap Chu River, concluding the day with a visit to Gompas and Chortens at Tokyu Gaon, where we spend the night near Tokyu Monastery.

Starting the day early, a visit to the historic Tokyu Monastery precedes our journey. Descending through a plain valley adorned with fields, Mani Walls, and Chortens, the trail may include a stop at Chaiba Gompa. Reaching Tarap village, inhabited by Magars and Tibetans practicing Bon Po and Buddhist sects, we set up camp, engage with locals, explore the village, and visit the Gompas.

A day of leisure in Dho Tarap allows for exploration of the vibrant village adorned with Buddhist prayer flags, chortens, and monasteries. Fields of wheat, buckwheat, barley, and potatoes enhance the village's picturesque setting. Dho Tarap showcases the journey of Karma, Thinley, and their companions trading salt for barley. Optionally, visits to monasteries like Ribo Bumpa, Drakmar Dewa, Mekhyim, and Dhoro offer cultural insights.

Descending from Dho Tarap through a broad valley with Juniper and wild rose bushes, potential sightings of blue sheep may occur. In the afternoon, we reach the confluence of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, where the Tarap River continues its eastward flow, setting up camp for the night at Kamakharka.

Continue the descent to Khanigaon, passing through traditional villages and enjoying the diverse landscapes.

Trek to Tarakot, where you'll encounter the convergence of the Tarap Chu and Barbung Khola rivers.

Complete the trek with a descent to Dunai, reflecting on the incredible journey through Upper Dolpo.

Trek back to Juphal, marking the end of the on-foot adventure in Dolpo.

Conclude the Upper Dolpo trek with a series of flights, arriving back in Kathmandu. Reflect on the memorable experiences and cultural richness encountered during this extraordinary 24-day journey.