Upper Dolpo Trek

Upper Dolpo Trek / Special Trekking Routes

Upper Dolpo Trek, presents a classic ‘Upper Dolpo & Crystal Monastery Trekking’ located on Far North Western Nepal. A hidden Shangri-la where few trekkers and explorer often visits in this awesome country of rare and elusive Snow Leopard and Blue Sheep within incredible ancient Bon and Tibetan origin Buddhist cultural villages of Dolpo people.

Upper Dolpo Trek & Crystal Monastery a dramatic and adventurous journey following the legendry trail of Peter Mattessian who wrote the famous and popular classic novel ‘Snow Leopard’ in early 1980’s, this area was also made famous from the movie Caravan or Himalaya which was nominated for Oscar Award as best International film in 1999 AD.

Upper Dolpo Trek & Crystal Monastery journey takes you to remote and isolated Shey which translates as Crystal with its old interesting monastery of great historical and religious treasures situated beneath Crystal Mountain.

Starting our adventure with flight to Nepal South Far West at Nepalgunj city and then our journey continues with another short flight to reach at Jhupal in Dolpo region, from here our actual adventure begins following farm villages and terraces past Dunai the headquarter town of Dolpo district.

As the walk progress leading at first to Ringmo village and its beautiful Phuksumdo Lake, our adventure carries on crossing a high Kang-la pass at above 5,350 m offering spectacular views of surrounding landscapes and snowcapped mountains.

Finally our walk leads to our highlight and destination at Crystal / Shey Monastery with ample time to explore this hidden and old monastery with Crystal Mountain nearby.

After a fabulous and enjoyable time heading back taking an alternative route to Jhupal via a high passes of Baga-la and Jeng-la to reach a charming villages of Tokyu and Dhotarap, walk continues on wide long Dhotarap valley to reach a historical and traditional Tarakot village trekking in himalaya.

Our marvelous adventure ends with a short drive to Jhupal for scenic flight back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj after a mesmerizing and most exciting adventure on Upper Dolpo Trekking with excellent services of Nepal Base Camp Treks and its cheerful, friendly staff and guides.

Brief Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1,315m | 4,270ft and transfer o hotel.
Day 02: Morning free and then fly to Nepalgunj city on route Dolpo.
Day 03: Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m then drive to Dunai 2,140 m – 02 hrs.
Day 04: Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m – 06 hrs.
Day 05: Trek to Samdua village 2,960m -06 hrs.
Day 06:  Trek to Phuksumdo Lake 3,630 m – 06 hours.
Day 07: Rest day at Phuksumdo Lake for local excursion.
Day 08: Trek to Phokshumdo-Khola 3,750 m- 05 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Phuksumdo Bhanjyang 4,717 m – 04 hrs.
Day 10: Cross Nangdalo -La 5,350 m and trek to Shey Gompa 4,160 m via -06 hrs.
Day 11: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.
Day 12: Trek to Namgung 4,608 m via Sela (Gela) La 5,094m.
Day 13: Trek to Saldang 3,770 m – 05 hours.
Day 14: Trek to Chagaon 4,910 m – 05 hrs.
Day 15: Trek to Dachu Khola camp at 4,700 m – 06 hrs.
Day 16: Trek and cross Jyanta-La at 5,220 m and walk to Phedi 4,900 m – 06 hrs.
Day 17: Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,209 m – 06 hrs.
Day 18: Trek to Dho Tarap 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.
Day 19: Trek to Ghyamgar 3,759 m – 07 hrs.
Day 20: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m – 06 hours.
Day 21: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m – 06 hrs.
Day 22: Trek to Dunai – 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal – 02 hr jeep ride.
Day 23: Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.
Day 24: In Kathmandu free day with optional sightseeing tour.
Day 25: International departure for homeward bound.

MANUAL NOTE

Your safety during the journey is of paramount concern while traveling with Nepal Base Camp Treks and note that turbulent and cloudy weather is regular phenomenon along the Himalayas ranges and possibility of domestic flights from Kathmandu to Lukla or Lukla to Kathmandu may have to be delayed for few hours or even canceled for a day.

Any Weather conditions and health condition of a group member, or unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the tentative itinerary. NBCT leader will try to ensure your trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if any required.

As a safeguard we recommend you to add a couple of extra days after your trek before you fly from Kathmandu to your onward destination.

Details Itinerary of Dolpo Trekking

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,327 m and transfer to hotel.

On reaching Kathmandu international airport via various respective airlines, our Nepal Base Camp Treks guide or staff will receive you with warm welcome and then a short drive to your hotel in the heart of Kathmandu city.
After checking in your hotel rooms and getting refreshed join at the hotel lobby for group briefing and orientation program where our guide informs you regarding hotels, Kathmandu, Nepali culture, Upper Dolpo & Crystal Monastery Trekking with welcome dinner in a pleasant and authentic Nepalese restaurant with culture program.

Day 02: Morning free and then fly to Nepalgunj city on route Dolpo.

In Kathmandu morning free with preparation for Upper Dolpo trekking, as per the flight time transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for sweeping 50 mins flight to Far South West Nepal at Nepalgunj city, a warm semi-tropical climate area close to Indian border on reaching at Nepalgunj transfer to a nice hotel within the city area, with time for short walk around.

Day 03: Fly to Jhupal 2,475 m then drive to Dunai 2,140 m – 02 hrs.

Early breakfast for another short connecting flight to Jhupal in Dolpo, on reaching Jhupal after 40 minutes on air, received by our trekking staff that has traveled here taking a long overland drive and walks, from Jhupal at present a motor road has been constructed connecting Dunai the main headquarter town of Dolpa area.

From Jhupal a short drive of more than an hour ride to Dunai for overnight stop, in the comfort of nice local lodge, afternoon walk around Dunai town an interesting place to observe its culture and way of daily life.

Day 04: Trek to Chhepka 2,838 m – 06 hrs.

After overnight in Dunai, morning walk past market crossing a bridge over Thulo Bheri River and then climb over a ridge to Phoksumdo River valley with views of Kagmara peak, from here trek leads downhill passing farm villages with walnut trees close to a stream at Dhera, a small cattle herders settlements, from here a short climb to Rahagaon village of Thakuri a Hindu local tribe, then downhill walk into forested area to reach overnight camp at Chhepka a small farm village.

Day 05: Trek to Samdua village 2,960m -06 hrs.

From Chhepka near Ankhe area, morning walk with short climb and descend through forest reaching a river bank, from here climb on leaving the forest, from the top walk downhill to forested area leading upstream to cross a small bridge at Ryajik village, trek  further to Samdua for overnight stop near the entrance of Phoksumdo National Park.

Day 06: Trek to Phoksumdo Lake 3,630 m – 06 hours.

Morning walk leads to our first destination at Phoksumdo Lake after Pungmo Kholas valley  and crossing streams, following Pungmo Khola downhill into pine and birch trees to reach at upper side of Phoksumdo Khola, after a  short break continue walk to Ringmo village, an interesting village of Tibetan origin with mud plastered chortens and Mani (prayer) walls.

From here a short walk to Phoksumdo Lake for overnight camp by the shore of beautiful turquoise Phoksumdo Lake.

Day 07: Rest day at Phoksumdo Lake for local excursion.

An ideal spot for rest day, marvel the beautiful views of surrounding landscapes and peaks of Kagmara, or visit interesting Ringmo village and walk by the lake side.

Day 08: Trek to Phokshumdo-Khola 3,750 m- 05 hrs.

From this lovely place morning walk starts to higher area of upper Dolpo region to our another highlight and final destination of this awesome journey walk follows to contour around rocky ledge over the river bank on the unsteady path, then approaching at the western side the lake through a summer pasture which opens into a wide plain of Phuksumdo Khola for the overnight camp by the river shore.

Day 09: Trek to Phuksumdo Bhanjyang 4,717 m – 04 hrs.

After a nice walk of previous day, today’s morning trek begins on a good path leading northern area of Phuksumdo Khola and then walking up on the hill slopes, after a steep uphill to reach at a ridge top with impressive scenery of wide green valley and looking over Kang-La pass that leads to Shey Gompa, setting the camp for the night stop on this nice green summer pasture.

Day 10: Cross Nangdalo -La 5,350 m and trek to Shey Gompa 4,160 m via -06 hrs.

Morning walk starts to our main destination at Shey Gompa which the high lights of this adventure after Phuksumdo Lake, trek continues with a climb on stone and rocky path to cross Nangdalo-la pass at 5,350 meters, highest point of this adventure.

The top offers super views of landscapes with snow clad peaks including Mt. Dhaulagiri.

After reaching the top ridge, descend to the bottom of the hill leading by the river then across cattle herder camps, after a short stop continue towards Buddhist prayer monument Chortens and Mani, from here a nice walk to Shey Gompa located beneath Crystal Mountain regarded as a Holy Mountain with an old monastery nearby.

Day 11: Rest day at Shey Gompa the crystal monastery.

A perfect place for rest day in this high mountain area, in the harmony of nature and chanting of monks, visit Shey Monastery also known Crystal Monastery, this area is well described in the novel Snow Leopard by Peter Matthiessen.

Day 12: Trek to Namgung 4,608 m via Sela (Gela) La 5,094m.

From this wonderful place, our journey continuous into a wall canyon, trail meanders atop Sela or Gela-la at 5,094 m offering great views of landscapes and of Mt. Dhaulagiri peaks, downhill on the grazing area with pleasant walk to Namgung Gaon for overnight stop.

Day 13: Trek to Saldang 3,770 m – 05 hours.

After a stop in this village walk on dusty windswept terrain, leading to steep uphill to reach our overnight camp at Saldang, another impressive large village of the region, situated higher side of the plateau.

Day 14: Trek to Chagaon 4,910 m – 05 hrs.

From here, morning walk following river Nang chu all the way with short ups and down and then passing Sugugaon and Dechen Lapran a cattle herders settlement, and then heading to our overnight camp at Chagoan village with an old Rapa Gompa of pre Buddhist and ancient Bon-Pa culture.

Day 15: Trek to Dachu Khola camp at 4,700 m – 06 hrs.

Morning walk south towards Tarap valley around Tokyu and Dho Tarap village, then taking southern direction to reach Dachu Khola and beyond, after crossing the same trail following river through farm fields, and then walk into Yak herder areas for overnight camp.

Day 16: Trek and cross Jyanta-La at 5,220 m and walk to Phedi 4,900 m – 06 hrs.

After nice stop in this summer pasture area walk follows the river for short while, and then encountering yaks and mules laden caravan on route Tibet, trade with Tibet exists since hundreds of years, and this walking route lies on the old Trans Himalayan Caravan Route.
From the base of Jyanta-la, morning starts with steep climb to reach top of the pass with views of massive Mt. Dhaulagiri range, from here a long descend to the base of the pass on route Tokyu village.

Day 17: Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4,209 m via Jeng la 5,090m-06 hrs.

After a steep climb an easy walk today for hours reaching at Tokyu gaon for overnight, this is one of the most impressive and interesting village of Dolpo area, consist of more than ten villages and nice tended farm fields with an old monasteries.

Day 18: Trek to Dho Tarap 3, 944 m- 05 hrs.

After Tokyugaon, morning starts with downhill walk towards Tarap Chu on broader green valley, this is one of the scenic wide valleys with lots of Sheppard’s settlements of Yaks and Sheep, and walk continues to our overnight camp at Dho Tarap, this is another interesting village with mix tribes of Tibetans origin and Magar hill tribe people.

Day 19: Trek to Ghyamgar 3,759 m – 07 hrs.

From here a long descend to Tarap valley, one of the largest and longest valley of Dolpo area which is about 20 k.m. which stretches following Tarap Chu River most of the way to joins with Thuli Bheri River near Tarakot village, walk leads past Langa with beautiful cascading waterfalls heading due south following the trail after Sisaul and small place of Kesila around Yak herders temporary camps to reach our overnight camp at Ghyamgar.

Day 20: Trek to Tarap Khola 3,652 via Chhyugar 3,440 m – 06 hours.

Today walks on Tarap nice valley, as the trail enter into a narrow gorge with some vegetation of bushes of juniper and wild rose, walk leads past Toltol with a large overhanging cave, around this area might see some wild life like Naur or Blue Sheep and other animals.

As the walk progress reaching a confluence of River Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, overnight camp by the river after a long day walk of about 6 hours.

Day 21: Trek to Tarakot 2,540 m – 06 hrs.

Start morning walk passing smaller villages and then into a small wooded area, following river all the way at Tarakot, a large and interesting village with old history and well maintained terraced farm fields, Tarakot with an old historical fortress (Dzong or Kot) guarding the village.
Tarakot village houses famous old Sandul Gomba located at junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu River where the overnight camp is placed.

Day 22: Trek to Dunai – 05 hrs then drive to Jhupal – 02 hr jeep ride.

After a great time at Tarakot, our last day walk leads to Dunai for short while and then taking a short drive to Jhupal for the flight back to Kathmandu.

Morning starts following many spread out villages and farmers huts, walking on wider trail with some short uphill and downhill towards Thuli Bheri River valley to reach at Dunai, on reaching Dunai time permitting having lunch. From here jeeps drive to Jhupal to catch our next morning flight to Nepalgunj.

Day 23: Fly back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj.

Morning as per the flight time to Nepalgunj transfer to Jhupal airstrip after bidding farewell to our camping staff and porters, a short scenic flight brings your south at Nepalgunj for short transit stop and then fly back to Kathmandu with panorama views of mountains during airborne and then on reaching at Kathmandu domestic airport transfer back to your hotels with afternoon free at leisure.

Day 24: In Kathmandu free day with optional sightseeing tour.

Nepal Base Camp Trek reserves this day as contingency or free day in case of flight delay and cancellation in Jhupal, Dolpo which can occur sometimes due bad and unfavorable weather conditions which is beyond our control.

If all goes well using this spare day for optional tour at places of interest around old heritage sites of Kathmandu-Patan or Bhaktapur, with rest of the day free for individual activities and shopping souvenirs.

Day 25: Final International departure homeward bound.

Last day in amazing Nepal with awesome adventure around Upper Dolpo & Crystal Monastery trekking, our staff will transfer you to Kathmandu international airport for your final flight back homeward bound or to respective countries.

Cost Details

Cost Includes

• Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
• 3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
• Teahouse accommodation during the Everest base camp trek
• All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
• Welcome and farewell dinners
• All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
• Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Lukla -Kathmandu)
• Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
• Entrance fees for sightseeing/monument visits as per the itinerary
• An experienced, English-speaking and government-licensed trek leader and assistant trek guide (6 trekkers: 1 assistant guide)
• Porter service (2 trekkers: 1 porter)
• Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
• Down filled jacket and sleeping bag (to be returned after trip completion)
• Trekking bag/duffel bag, trekking pole and trekking map are yours to take
• All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS)
• Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
• All government and local taxes
• Accommodations

We will be staying at Hotel International Guest House,a 3-star hotel in Kathmandu; and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis during the trek. Twin sharing or Single supplement will be served in Kahmandu.

Nepal Base Camp Treks will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

• Meals
• All menu selected meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There will also be welcome dinner with typical cuisine and Menu selected farewell dinners. While on trek, we have breakfast and dinner in the same tea-houses/lodges we spend the night and lunch on our way to the next destination. Nepalese, Tibetan, the more common continental and Indian cuisines are common choices in the menu.
• Physical Condition & Experience Requirements
• 16 days Everest Base Camp Trek is a moderate for those travelers who can walk up to 6-7 hours (10-15km) a day on an uphill and downhill trail will find this trek fulfilling. It is best that we prepare ourselves for the Everest trek by morning jogging and 1 hours exercising regularly at least a month prior to the start of the trek. Trekking to the Everest Base Camp should be relatively easier for those who have experience walking/trekking in a high altitude environment. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is also important that we consult our doctor. Participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases should inform Himalayan Glacier before booking the trek.
• Best Time to Travel to Everest Base Camp Trek
• The best time to trek to the Everest Base Camp is spring (March to May) and autumn (October to first week of December). The temperature is moderate in these seasons and guarantees amazing panorama views through the trip. Although this trek can be undertaken during winter, the cold temperature might not be suitable for everyone.

Cost & Date

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