Description
Trip overview
The Dolpo region is one of the least-visited trekking destinations of Nepal. Lying in the far-western side of Nepal, not many people have explored the beautiful landscapes of western Nepal. The Dolpo Trek is a less explored rugged and remote trekking route along with the beautiful scenery of the snow-capped mountains and small villages that make this trek attractive. The alpine freshwater oligotrophic lake of Phoksundo and the beautiful Shey Phoksundo National Park are the major highlights of this trek.
Dolpo can be said the image of the Shangri-La of Nepal in many aspects. One has to see its landscape filled with natural beauty and experience the remoteness to understand the extreme culture and traditions of the Himalayan people. The nature and culture of this place is rich almost beyond expectation. The Upper Dolpo is highly filled with Tibetan influences. Many of the villages still practice the ancient old Bon traditions. According to legend, the Guru Rimpoche created Dolpo as a sanctuary for devout Buddhists. The distinctive people, architecture and unique life conditions make Dolpo a photographer’s paradise.
Starting in Kathmandu as any other adventure in Nepal, a scenic flight towards Nepalgunj and Juphal takes place. The trail then passes through rugged mountain roads crossing beautiful settlements, historical monasteries including Shey Gompa, high passes, rivers, facing with number of flora & fauna and the Phoksundo Lake, This trek can be done from both side clock wise or anti–clock wise.
Quick facts
Location: Dolpo Region
Best time: Sept. – November, March – May and in monsoon
Trek Duration: 18 Days
Max. Elevation: 5360 m. Kang La pass
Difficulty: Challenging
Average walking: 5-6 hours
Mode of Trek: Camping
Start/ End: Juphal / Juphal
Group size: 2-10 people
Attractions:
- Superb view of Crystal Mountain and many more.
- Visit ancient monasteries of Dolpo region.
- Explore remote areas of the western region.
- Discover the wild west of Nepal Himalaya.
- Crossing Kang La (5350m) and Jengla pass.
- Explore mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake (Deepest Lake of Nepal).
- Experience hidden treasures of Ancient caves, Chhortens, Monasteries, etc.,
- Spotting the rare flora and fauna including Himalayan Thar, musk deer, and others.
- Discover unspoiled mountain valleys with a mixture of raw Himalayan nature and ancient Buddhist culture.
- Upper Dolpo is situated in the Himalayan rain shadow, making it a great destination for monsoon trek.
- Visit UNESCO world cultural heritage sites of Kathmandu & Bhaktapur.
Trip Itinerary
Day01.Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we will be greeted by a representative of Sisne Rover who will drop us off at our hotel. We then check-in at the hotel, freshen up and take rest. Complete the official formalities for necessary permits. Meet with your guide and check the final preparation for the trek .Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day02. Kathmandu sightseeing and fly to Nepalgunj: 45 minutes
After breakfast, leave for the Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing tour that includes UNESCO World heritage sites – Durbar Square, Bouddhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath temple then drop to the airport in the afternoon to catch the flight to Nepalgunj.
Pick up and transfer to your hotel in Nepalgunj. Rest or make a short sightseeing trip around Nepalgunj. Overnight in a hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day03. Fly Nepalgunj – Jhupal (2475m): 35 minutes
We will take earliest flight from Nepalgunj north towards the small town called Juphal Dolpa. We will gain significant altitude compared to Nepalgunj (150m) as well as Kathmandu (1400m). The climate will be cool and refreshing. We will acclimatize and take the rest of the day exploring this small town.
In the evening ,we will meet with other crew members (trekking staffs) and check the final arrangements if anything has missed before heading to the mountain.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day 04. Juphal – Chhepka (2838m): 5-6hrs.
The trail from Juphal descends towards Thuli Bheri River and after crossing the river, we will reach at Sulighat (2282m.), the entry point of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Our guide will coordinate with the check post to ensure the permits are in order. There will be a short break, after which we continue our trip along the lush green forest of pine, juniper, and rhododendronand bamboo tree. The trail is clearly marked and we will be guided towards the village of Chhepka.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day05. Chhepka – Palam (3397m):6-7hrs.
After breakfast, wind up the tents and continue onward journey. Today we will ascend about one kilometer however, the ascent is not continuous. That means we will be descending at various points as well. Mules, Yaks and cows appear carrying load and grazing as we move forward. We stop at Reechi Village for lunch, and continue hiking onward. There is an Ayurveda local hospital which we will briefly visit and walk to Palam.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day06. Palam – Phoksundo Lake (3550m):4-5hrs.
Today we will trek towards Phoksundo Lake along the banks of Phokshindo Khola, and eventually reach the attractive Tibetan village of Ringmo. The Village adorned with prayer flags, Mani stone walls, and chortens.
As described earlier, Phoksundo is Nepal’s second largest and deepest lake, with no life in it. This is because of the high altitude. On the way, we will also come across Nepal’s highest waterfall. It’s commonly called the “sunlight waterfall’. The settlement nearby is older than Buddhism, and they call it Bonpo. Tonight’s camp is right next to the pristine turquoise blue Phoksundo Lake.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day 07. Acclimatization and Exploration
Today we will take a side trip to explore Shey Phoksundo in more detail instead of moving forward. This helps in acclimatizing as well as taking a break for the day. As we won’t be ascending much, we will have the body adjust to the increasing altitude for the upcoming days. Get insight into Bon culture, followed by the natives along with Buddhism.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day 08. Phoksundo Lake – Salla Ghari (3640m): 6-7 hrs.
Today is a significant day as we will officially enter the restricted Upper Dolpo Area, covered by our special permits. This place is famous for the shooting of the Oscar Nominated Movie “Caravan”. Mount Kanjirowa (6883m) shines with all its glory. We are now entering the alpine area with the forest disappearing behind us.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day 09. Sallaghari –Lar Tsa (4120m):5-6hrs.
This day we will have Salla Ghari, trekking through between high rock walls on both sides and crossing a couple of streams. We will enter a narrow gorge where we will set our camp. We can continue the trek but there is a possibility of altitude sickness. Overnight in Lar Tsa.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day 10.Lar Tsa – Shey Gompa (4160m): 7-8 hrs.
Today’s journey will be divided into various parts. The first trip will be a 3 hour steep ascent to Kang La (5350m). ‘La’ translates to mountain pass, meaning that we will be walking along the hill curve to reach to the other side. We will arrive at a village called “Shey Gompa”. In this ancient land, villages are named after a shrine, stupa or monastery that they contain. The Gompa was built in the 11th Century by a Tibetan Buddhist, and has a great religious importance to the natives. It has its own folk story that we will know about when we are there. Set up the camp in the village.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day 11.Acclimatization
A fascinating place for rest day around the high mountainous area, in complete harmony of nature and monks chanting, a tour of Shey Monastery also known as Crystal Monastery, this area is well described by Peter Mathieson in his classic novel “The Snow Leopard.
We can explore the Shey Gompa and learn more in detail about this mystic structure. It is said that Durup Ystse introduced Buddhism to the Bons in this region. We will also come across the ‘crystal mountain’, shaped by the winds and full of minerals. It will also be interesting to observe the mechanical water mills, mane stones and prayer flags in the region. The terrain is rugged and stretches as far as the eyes can see.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day12. Shey Gompa – Namgung (4430m):6-7hrs.
Today we will ascend to the height of 5010 meters to cross the mighty ‘Shey La’ Pass. From here, we can see the southern part of Tibetan Plateau. It will be a great feeling to know that Tibet is visible from the place we are exploring. To the east, Mustang, a popular village on the foot of “Thorong-La” is visible. The village of Namgung is itself beautiful with a famous Namgung Gumba. Set up the tent and prepare for overnight.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day13. Namgung -Saldang (3770m.): 2-3 hrs.
Today we will be ascending to 4700 meters before descending to the village of Saldang. As you will notice, this region used to be a popular trade route, and is still used by the locals to travel to and fro Tibet / Nepal. The beautiful villages of lower Dolpo is visible from this area as well. A relatively short trip today as compared to the other days, but we deserve our well-deserved rest and spend the rest of the time watching the mountains in awe.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day14. Saldang – Sibu (4000m): 5-6hrs.
Today we started our trek towards Namdo from Saldang in the morning. We pass through the terrace fields, stupas shrines and Chaiba monastery. This is the local monastery for this region. Namdo has a population of about 500 and is a beautiful village. From Nambo, it is another two hours walk towards Sibu. We will set up our camp at the river bank.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day15. Sibu – Jengla (4480m):4-5 hrs.
Continue along the river valley to reach the foothill of Jengla. The second part of the trip is a sharp ascent. The views are breathtaking at both sides of the valley.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day16. Jengla – Tokyo Gaon (4209m) via Jeng La Pass (4850m):6-7hrs.
Today we will cross the Jeng La Pass. At the top of the pass, Mount Dhaulagiri is distinctly visible. Later, descend towards Tarap. The Tsarap Chu River makes several of the villages fertile and the settlement prosperous. Like in the previous villages, there are several shrines and monasteries in each of these villages. We will set up our tent in a small village called Tokyo Gaon.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day 17.Tokyu gaun – Dho Tarap (3944m): 2-3hrs.
Today is a short hike of about 2 hours. So we can enjoy our breakfast and start the trek loosely. The trail is relatively easy and we will have a lot of time to observe. We pass by a local school, set up by the French, hence called “French School”. There are fewer houses here than in the upper villages that we passed the other day. We will visit the Gompa and meet the Lama today. The place is significant for its Thangka paintings and to hear the story behind them.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day18.Dho Tarap – Nawarpani (3475m):7-8 hrs.
Today is going to be a good descend from Dho Tarap towards Serkam. The seven hour trek will be challenging to our knees. Sticks will be helpful. Walk across meadows and domesticated yaks, sheep and goats along the edges of the village. These animals are known to change altitude based on the weather. During winter, they descend to avoid the snow and vice versa. Be careful as thetrail is narrow in various places.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day19. Nawarpani – Tarakot (2540m):5-6hrs.
Cross the steel suspension bridge and continue along the river. Crossing the natively built bridges on other parts is going to be challenging, but we will do it together in a safe manner, sometimes even choosing to step over stones rather than to walk on the bridge!
We will come across an old fortress where once there used to be a King of the locals. From Tarakot central, we descend down for a better facilitated place to set up our tents.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day20. Tarakot – Dunai & drive to Juphal: 5-6 hours.
Our final day on the trail leads through several villages along a broader trail over some hills and through valleys heading to the Thulo Bheri River until we reach Dunai. If time permits we will stop here for lunch and then take a jeep to Jhupal where we will spend out last night in the Dolpo region and celebrate our fascinating journey in this spectacular Dolpo region.
Accommodation: Tents/Camping
Meals included: All Meals
Day21. Jhupal – Kathmandu via Nepalgunj & transfer to hotel.
Today we have two flights ahead of us, firstly a very short flight to Nepalgunj and then on to Kathmandu. On reaching Kathmandu airport we will take you to Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is a city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur has the best-preserved palace courtyards and old city center in Nepal and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. We can spend the day taking the much needed rest or catch up on some last minute shopping in Bhaktapur.
To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have farewell dinner and share the experiences about our trek.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bhaktapur
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
Day22. Final departure
Our journey in Nepal comes to an end today. A representative of Sisne Rover will escort us to the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight. On our way home, we have plenty of time to plan our next adventure in the wonderful country of Nepal.
Meals included: Breakfast
Cost Includes:
- Airport pick up and drop
- 1 night accommodation in Kathmandu in a 3 star level hotel on B/B plan
- 1 night hotel in Nepalgunj in a 3 star hotel on B/ B plan
- 1 night hotel in Bhaktapur in a 3 star level on B/B plan
- Flights : KTM – Nepalgunj – Juphal
- Flights : Juphal – Nepalgunj – Kathmandu
- Transportation : Dunai – Juphal by jeep
- All necessary equipment for Camping – Tents, Kitchen utensils, Sleeping bags etc.
- Meals – breakfast , lunch and dinner during the trek
- Necessary trekking staffs – Guide, cook , Sherpa, and porters
- Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, food and accommodation
- Special permit for upper Dolpo and National Park permits
- Medical kit (carried by your trekking guide)
Cost Excludes:
- Other any transportation except included in the section
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival,late depature,early return from mountain(due to any reason)than the scheduled itinerary
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur
- Travel and rescue insurance
- Personal expences(phone calls,laundry billa,recharge,extra porters,bottle or boiled water,shower,etc.)
- Tips for guide(s),porter(s),and driver(s)
- Temple and monastery entry fee if applied
- Sightseen tour in Kathmandu
Important Note
- The itinerary mentioned is a standard guideline. It can be fully customized according to the client’s needs, requirements, and availability.
- The cost of the trip can changed according to the group size, needs, and time boundary.
- The addition or removal of activities will increase or decrease the cost of the trip respectively. This will be done through mutual understanding between the agency and the client(s).
We can customize this trip as per your schedule, budget and preferences. If you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.
