Upper Dolpo Trek Upper Dolpo Treks: A Comprehensive Guide

Trip Overview

Dolpo is a most remote and least developed district in Nepal . Although a few anthropologists and geographers had explored the region, the entire district was closed to trekers until 1989 when the southern part of Dolpo was opened to organised trekking groups, Shey is still closed to foreigners. One story cites the reason for closure as the large-scale theft of statues from monasteries several years ago. It is possible to visit Tibetan-style “inner Dolpo” villages Tarap and at Phoksundo Lake , but most of the southern part of Dolpo is a region of Hindu influence.

Upper Dolpo is situated in the northwestern part of Nepal, bordering Tibet (China). It is part of the Dolpo region, which falls within the Shey-Phoksundo National Park. The trek typically takes around 3 to 4 weeks to complete, covering a distance of approximately 300 kilometers. The duration may vary based on the specific itinerary chosen.

The best known of the many isolated high Himalayan valleys across northern Nepal , Dolpo preserves one of the last remnants of traditional Tibetan Culture. Surrounded by high mountains including the Dhaulagiri massif to the southeast and cut off by high passes closed by snow half the year, Dolpo is close to Tibet , where people emigrated from perhaps 1,000 years ago.

Dolpo remains a truly isolated corner of Nepal . Time has stood still here for centuries as the inhabitants of Tibetan stock continue to live, cultivate and trade the way they have done since time immemorial. The finally preserved Eco–system encompasses a wild and wonderful variety of plants and wildlife, including the blue sheep and leopard. A trek through Dolpo is an experience not easily forgotten.

To embark on the Upper Dolpo Trek, one must obtain the necessary permits and hire a licensed guide. The journey begins with a flight to Juphal, from where the trek commences. Along the way, trekkers will come across picturesque villages, such as Ringmo and Shey, where they can witness the unique lifestyle and traditions of the local people. The highlight of the trek is undoubtedly Phoksundo Lake, a mesmerizing turquoise lake surrounded by snow-clad peaks, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Fact File Starting From : Jumla

Ending at : Jomsom

Grade : Moderate-Difficult

Highest access of the trek : Kangla pass ( 5400m)
Culture : Gurung, Tamanag
Mode of trekking tour : Tea house-Camping only
Himalayan sights : Tibetan culture
Most Attraction of the trek : Landscape, Phokshendu lake, water fall, monastery, blue sheep

Detail Itinerary

Upper Dolpa Trekking Itinerary:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu fly to Nepalgunj and overnight.
Day 03: Nepalgunj fly to Jumla and overnight.
Day 04: Jumla trek to Gothi chaur and overnight ( 6 hrs)
Day 05: Gothi Chaur trek to Churtha and overnight ( 6 hrs)
Day 06: Churtha trek to Chauri kot and overnight ( 6 hrs)
Day 07: Chauri kot trek to Kai Gaon and overnight ( 4 hrs)
Day 08: Kai Gaon trek to Riverside camp and overnight ( 6 hrs)
Day 09: Riverside trek to Kagmara B.C and overnight ( 6 hrs)
Day 10: Kagmara B.C-Kagmara pass and trek to Lasse and overnight ( 7 hrs)
Day 11: Lasse trek to Palam and overnight (6hrs)
Day 12: Palam trek to Phoksendu (Rigmo) and overnight (4 hrs)
Day 13: Rest Day for acclimatization
Day 14: Phoksendu trek to Pine forest camp and overnight ( 6 hrs)
Day 15: Pine Forest camp trek to Kangla B.C and overnight ( 6 hrs)
Day 16: Kangla B.C – Pass and trek to shey Gompa and overnight ( 6 hrs)
Day 17: Shey Gompa trek to Langmosya B.C via Shelamunchung pass overnight ( 7 hrs)
Day 18: Langmosya B.C trek to Khuyangla B.C via Langmosya pass overnight ( 6 hrs)
Day 19: Khuyangla B.C trek to Dho and overnight ( 6 hrs)
Day 20: Dho trek to Molala phedi and overnight ( 5 hrs)
Day 21: Rest day
Day 22: Molala phedi – molala pass trek to Charka B.C and overnight (6 hrs)
Day 23: Charka B.C –charka pass trek to Charka village and overnight ( 6 hrs)
Day 24: Charka village trek to Sandag B.C and overnight ( 7 hrs)
Day 25: Sandag B.C – pass and trek to winter village camp ( 5 hrs)
Day 26: Winter village camp-Sandag and overnight ( 6 hrs)
Day 27: Sandag trek to Phale Gaon and overnight ( 6 hrs)
Day 28: Phale Gaon trek to Jomsom and ovneright ( 2 hrs)
Day 29: Jomsom fly to Pokhara
Day 30: Pokhara fly to Kathmandu
Day 31: Sightseeing Bhaktapur city and farewell party.
Day 32: Departure from Kathmandu

Trip Includes

  • Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car or van. It depends on the group.
  • 3 nights accommodation in 3-star category hotel in Kathmandu located tourist center, or up to you.
  • Two-night Hotel Pokhara with breakfast.
  • Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the in trekking.
  • Local fresh fruits like orange, apple, banana, and grape, etc.
  • All accommodations during the trek.
  • Lower Dolpo Trekking Map
  • kathmandu to fly Nepalgunj and fly to Juphal Airport and Jomsoom to POkhara and pokhara to kathmandu Via tourist bus.
  • An experienced Government licensed holder guide and porter to carry your luggage during the trek.
  • Food, drinks, accommodation, insurance, salary, equipment, transportation, local tax for Guide and
    porter
  • Group medical supplies (first aid kit will be available).
    If you need we will provide your sleeping bag, down jackets, Duffle bag and, if necessary, etc.
  • All necessary Government paper
  • Phokosundo National Park permits and restricted area trekking permits.
  • Travel & Rescue arrangement.
  • All government taxes and Vat.

Trip Excludes

  • International flight Fee
  • Meals yourself Kathmandu (L+D).
  • Your Travel insurance.
  • Nepal entry visa ( You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Nepal’s Airport in Kathmandu).
  • All kind drinks (Alcoholic, hot and cold drinks)
  • Personal shopping and laundry etc.
  • Personal trekking Equipment’s.
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected, but it is not mandatory)
  • If do any tour and sightseeing and other activities etc.

    Note: For further details, you are kindly requested to contact us.

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