Upper Dolpo Trek

Today’s sightseeing tour offers a diverse exploration of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, encompassing Stupas, Temples, and Palaces. Your experience can be tailored to your specific interests, and our knowledgeable city guide from TMG will meticulously plan the route, taking into account your preferences such as time allocation, transportation mode (options include rickshaw, private car, cycle, or walking), and other factors to ensure your utmost satisfaction.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square, situated at a distance from your hotel, holds historical significance as a former ceremonial site and royal palace where coronations of kings took place in the past. Today, it stands as a museum and palace combined, providing visitors with a glimpse into the regal lifestyle. As you stand amidst ancient monuments, temples, and statues dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries, you’ll step into a world of bygone royalty.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Prepare for an elevation gain, as Swayambhunath, a more than 2,000-year-old stupa, sits at a significant altitude. This Buddhist stupa is of paramount importance in Nepal and boasts an intriguing Lord Buddha face on each of its sides. Its base is adorned with stonework representing the wisdom of Lord Buddha through the 5 Dhyani Buddhas: Vairocana, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, and Aksobhya. Visitors flock to this site to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Kathmandu.

Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath, with its ancient roots, is meticulously cared for by the Hindu Committees of Nepal, ensuring its maintenance and renovation. This temple, located not far from the heart of Kathmandu, holds immense significance as the most important temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Access to the main gate of Pashupatinath Temple is restricted to Hindus, but as a visitor, you can appreciate its rich architectural details from a distance. If you’re fortunate, you may witness Hindu cremation rituals taking place.

Bouddhanath

Bouddhanath, another stupa on our itinerary, ranks among the holiest pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. With its white dome reminiscent of Swayambhunath, it holds mythological importance, said to house the bones of Kasyapa Buddha (a Buddha incarnation) or, according to some beliefs, the remains of Lord Buddha himself. The base of the stupa is adorned with 108 small images of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha. You can visit this sacred site at any time to appreciate these exquisite images.

Nepalgunj, located in the southwestern region of Nepal within the Terai Region, experiences high temperatures that can soar up to 40 degrees Celsius. Its proximity to India and a well-developed border crossing contributes to its status as a developed city. Situated just 8 kilometers from the Indian border, certain aspects of Nepalgunj’s culture and traditions bear similarities to those of northern India.

Nepalgunj serves as the primary gateway to Bardia National Park, a renowned wildlife sanctuary in Nepal. The city is also notable for the presence of the Bageshowri temple, a place of cultural and religious significance. In addition to these attractions, you will often come across traditional horse carts, adding to the city’s unique charm.

Given Nepalgunj’s warm climate, it is advisable to be prepared for mosquitoes. Carrying mosquito repellents or liquids is essential to ensure a comfortable stay. In the evenings, exploring Nepalgunj in a rickshaw can be a delightful way to experience the local ambiance.

This particular flight offers a remarkable mountain experience, as it provides passengers with breathtaking views of snow-covered peaks. The flight is scheduled for the morning, ensuring optimal visibility and a stunning panorama of the mountains. Your journey begins with a landing at Juphal Airport, which offers a unique experience as it is one of the few airports in the world with a gravel runway.

From Juphal Airport, your trekking adventure commences, leading you along a scenic trail that meanders alongside the Thulo Bheri River. En route, you’ll pass through picturesque fields of wheat and vegetables before ascending above the river. The path will also take you along the Phoksundo River.

As you continue your trek, you’ll encounter a suspension bridge and pass by a local hospital. The trail then ascends into an area with less vegetation before entering both the Thulo Bheri valley and the Phoksundo river valley. Along the way, you’ll be treated to stunning views of Kagmara Peak (5978m) and will pass through walnut groves, as well as the Rahagaun villages.

Your journey proceeds with a descent through a dense forest, leading you to the village of Ankhe, which marks the entry point to Phoksundo National Park. Along the way, you’ll traverse through Parela, Rahagaon, and Ankhe villages and cross both the Thuri Bheri and the Suli Gad rivers. Finally, you will reach Chhepka, where you will spend the night at a campsite, surrounded by the natural beauty of this remote and picturesque region.

The trekking trail ahead presents a challenging terrain characterized by its narrowness and steep inclines. As you navigate this path, you’ll encounter river crossings and traverse along cliffs that demand careful footing. Amidst these challenging stretches, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, often compelling you to pause and soak in the breathtaking scenery. These demanding sections of the trail double as captivating viewpoints.

The trekking route alternates between ascents and descents, with the uphill sections being particularly steep and physically demanding. Tonight, your journey will lead you to the Chunuwar area, near Amchi Hospital, where you will set up camp. It promises to be a night of respite and reflection in the midst of this rugged yet awe-inspiring landscape.

The initial segment of the trek is relatively straightforward and gentle, offering a comfortable start to your journey. However, as you progress beyond Sumdo, the terrain becomes notably steep and challenging. This leg of the trek includes a climb up to a ridge, rewarding you with a mesmerizing view of the highest waterfall in Nepal.

Continuing on, you’ll venture through a birch forest, tracing the course of the Phoksundo Khola, and encountering Chortens (Buddhist stupas) and mani walls (stone walls inscribed with prayers). Your path will lead you to a high mountain pass, where you’ll be treated to your first glimpse of the magnificent Phoksundo Lake.

For most of this part of the journey, you’ll trek alongside the Phoksundo River, which will guide you to the picturesque village of Ringmo. It’s in close proximity to this village that you’ll find the enchanting Phoksundo Lake, just a short walk away, promising a serene and captivating encounter with this natural wonder.

During this phase of our journey, we will remain in the same location to acclimatize, allowing us to adjust to the altitude and immerse ourselves in the unique surroundings. Our focus will be on exploring Ringmo Village and the enchanting Phoksundo Lake. Additionally, we will have the opportunity to visit the Bon Gompa, a significant religious site.

This interlude provides a precious chance to connect with nature, as we take in the breathtaking beauty of Phoksundo Lake and immerse ourselves in the rich local culture of Lower Dolpo. It is a time for reflection and appreciation of the natural wonders and cultural heritage that this region has to offer.

The trekking trail continues its ascent in the western direction, leading us towards a rocky terrain that runs along the bank of the majestic Phoksundo Lake. As we progress, we transition into a meadow and a floodplain, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the landscape. The path then guides us deeper into the valley, eventually requiring a river crossing, with the watercourse being the Phoksundo Khola.

This leg of the trek remains challenging, characterized by steep gradients and traversing through remote areas punctuated by rock formations, crevices, and floodplains. As we advance, the trekking trail leads us to a location where we will set up camp for the night, near the river. Here, we find ourselves amidst a serene forest, surrounded by the tranquility of the valley, with the sense of being nestled at the very bottom of this natural wonder.

The initial hour of our trek takes us along a level trail, offering a relatively easy start to our journey. During this phase, we’ll cross a glacial valley, immersing ourselves in the surrounding natural beauty.

As we progress, the terrain becomes more varied. The trail leads us to the confluence of two rivers, the Phoksundo Khola and a smaller stream, before taking us through steep meadows and valleys. Along the way, we’ll encounter river crossings facilitated by bridges and negotiate challenging uphill sections.

Upon reaching a particular vantage point, we’ll be rewarded with a striking view of Kang-La pass. This location is also known as ‘Snowfields Camp,’ a name bestowed upon it by the renowned author Peter Matthiessen. Additionally, the panorama includes the prominent Chhamlang peak 6 (6739m) and peak 7 (6105m), enhancing the picturesque splendor of our trek.

In the morning, our journey continues along an ascending trail that presents a formidable challenge. This steep and demanding path leads us to the summit of the pass, where we are rewarded with a panoramic view of the entire valley and the meandering river below. The vantage point also affords us a magnificent vista of the remote and uninhabited valleys, the striking Crystal Mountain, and a U-shaped canyon leading towards Shey-Gompa.

After soaking in these breathtaking views, we begin our descent, passing through lush meadows and crossing the river multiple times. As we make our way down from the pass, we continue to traverse the river, encountering several more crossings, all while surrounded by the pastoral beauty of meadows where yaks and sheep graze peacefully.

Our journey leads us through clusters of small huts, and as we approach our destination, a red Buddhist shrine stands as a warm and welcoming symbol, marking our arrival at Shey Gompa.

Today is designated as an acclimatization day, allowing us to adjust to the altitude and delve deeper into the cultural and natural treasures of the region. Our plan for the day involves a hike to the historic Shey village, renowned for its ancient pre-Buddhist culture known as Bon Po. This unique culture reflects a fusion of animism and Buddhist teachings, offering a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual beliefs and practices of the region’s inhabitants.

We will take our time to explore Shey Gompa, which stands as the most celebrated monastery in Upper Dolpo. Each year, it attracts hundreds of Buddhist devotees who come to pay their respects and seek spiritual enlightenment. To the east of Shey Gompa, the majestic Crystal Mountain graces the landscape. Local villagers traditionally circumambulate this mountain before embarking on their crop harvests, a ritual that underscores the deep-rooted connection between culture and nature in this region.

The trekking trail leads us on a descent through a juniper forest, immersing us in the tranquil beauty of this natural landscape. Along the way, we encounter a canyon that adds to the scenic diversity of our journey. The trail also transforms, adopting a zigzag pattern as it gradually ascends towards the apex of Sela-La, also known as Shey Bhanjyang.

Reaching the summit of Sela-La, we are treated to a stunning panoramic view that includes the picturesque village of Namgung and the Namgung Monastery. From this vantage point, we can appreciate the natural splendor and cultural richness of the region.

Descending from the pass, we continue our trek to Namgung Gaun, a charming village nestled in this pristine landscape. Notably, this village is home to a monastery, perched atop a hill, offering a serene and spiritual retreat for both residents and visitors alike.

Our trek continues with an uphill ascent along a challenging trail that winds its way through the rugged terrain of the mountains. Despite the difficulty of the path, it is the only option available for us to traverse this remarkable landscape.

As we progress, we are rewarded with captivating views of Saldang Village and a vast high plateau. Along the way, the Namgung Khola, a river, accompanies our journey, flowing gracefully through this pristine wilderness.

Perched atop a hill, Saldang Village comes into view, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape. It is noteworthy that Saldang Village stands as the largest settlement in Upper Dolpo. The village’s prosperity is evident in its terraced fields, which support thriving agricultural practices, and its unique position above the Namgung River adds to its scenic charm and cultural significance.

Today’s trekking adventure takes us through a captivating landscape filled with diverse sights and cultural treasures. We traverse terraced fields, where the lush greenery contrasts beautifully with the surrounding rugged terrain. Along the way, we encounter Stupas (Buddhist shrines), Chortens (religious monuments), Mani walls (stone walls inscribed with prayers), and the Rapa Gumba, adding a spiritual dimension to our journey.

Our path leads us through the charming village of Sugugaon, nestled amidst high slopes, and we continue to follow the meandering course of the Namgung Khola, a picturesque river that accompanies us on our trek. As we journey onward, we come across the Dechen Laprang Gumba, a place of religious significance, and glimpse yet another monastery perched atop a cliff, further enriching our cultural experience.

Starting from Saldang, our trail guides us past monasteries, rivers, and local villages, providing a deeper insight into the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Ultimately, our trek leads us to Chagaon, another destination on our adventurous journey through this captivating landscape.

Our journey today follows the course of a river, providing a relatively straightforward and easy trekking experience. As we progress, we eventually come to a point where we need to cross this river before continuing our adventure.

Subsequently, we make our way into a valley and embark on a steep ascent along a challenging trekking trail. Along this path, we encounter a picturesque meadow where yaks graze peacefully, adding to the natural charm of the landscape. The river accompanying our journey is the Nagon Khola.

During our hike, we may also have the opportunity to witness caravans of yaks, a common sight in this region known for its use of these hardy animals for transportation and trade. After several hours of walking, we reach a juncture where two small streams converge.

From this point, we begin an upward climb towards the base of the Jeng La pass, also known as Jyanta-La Base Camp, marking another significant milestone on our trekking route through this captivating terrain.

Continuing our journey alongside the Nagon Khola, we have the opportunity to encounter caravans of yaks. These caravans are on a northward journey, heading towards the Tibetan-Nepal border. Observing their path, we turn our course to the east, and our trail takes us to the confluence of rivers, ultimately leading us to the base of the Jeng La pass.

Upon reaching the summit of the Jeng La Pass, we are treated to a breathtaking view of the Dhaulagiri massif, a picturesque panorama that showcases the grandeur of the region.

From this lofty vantage point, we begin our descent, making our way towards the Tarap valley. As we continue our journey, we reach a stream and follow its course, eventually arriving at Tokyu village, the next destination on our trek.

Our descent takes us deeper into the valley, where we are greeted by lush vegetation on both sides of the river. This verdant landscape presents a stark contrast to the arid and rugged terrain of inner Dolpa. Here, in this fertile valley, we also come across a marshy area, a characteristic feature shared by the Desert Mountains of Tibet and the Ladakh Himalaya.

The trekking trail on this stretch is relatively easy and accommodating, allowing us to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. Along our path, we pass by several chortens, adding a cultural touch to our journey through this broad and fertile valley.

Continuing our trek, we trace the path alongside the Tarap Khola, venturing into narrow gorges that provide a striking contrast to the open valley we previously traversed. As we make our way through this rugged terrain, we may have the privilege of spotting wildlife such as blue sheep, marmots, yaks, and goats in the lower regions, adding to the richness of our natural encounters.

Our journey brings us to the first steel suspension bridge, a notable landmark that has been constructed to ease the movement of both people and animals. The trekking trail, at times, narrows, presenting us with both challenging and picturesque sections as we continue our exploration of this captivating landscape.

Our journey leads us further into the gorge of the Tarap Khola, a majestic river that meanders through this rugged terrain. The gorge occasionally narrows to the extent that it’s possible to cross the river with a daring leap. At times, our path follows closely alongside the river, providing us with a thrilling proximity to its flowing waters. Alternately, we find ourselves high above the river, granting us panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The trekking trail through this region is characterized by its ever-changing nature. It may narrow at times, challenging our path, or it may steepen, adding to the adventure. Additionally, some portions of these natural trails have been modified and improved, transforming them into man-made pathways that facilitate our journey through this breathtaking and dynamic terrain.

Our journey leads us to the village of Lalberi as our initial destination. From there, our trail guides us through a lush and vibrant forest, taking us through gorges and along the banks of a river. As we continue, we approach Tarakot, a small town situated at the confluence of two rivers, the Barbung Khola and the Tarap Chu.

Tarakot carries historical significance, as it was once a fortified town and the capital of the Tichorung Kingdom. It served as a prominent trading hub in its heyday. Our trek proceeds to Lingdo, where we will set up camp, providing us with a comfortable resting place amidst the captivating landscape of this region.

Our journey continues as we trek alongside the Bheri River, immersing ourselves in the scenic beauty of the river’s course. We cross a bridge and arrive at Lawan village, where we may have the opportunity to interact with the local community and appreciate their way of life.

Following the trail that runs parallel to the Bheri River, we eventually make our way to the Byas Gadi area. Here, the trail takes a westward turn, making for a more manageable and easier path to traverse. Continuing on this route, we reach the villages of Lochakhola Gaon and Dunai, marking the final stretches of our adventurous trek through this captivating region.

Departing from Dunai, our trek proceeds alongside the picturesque Bheri River, treating us to the scenic beauty of this landscape. Along the way, we traverse through the villages of Dhupichaur and Rupgad, taking in the local culture and perhaps visiting a temple that adds a spiritual touch to our journey.

Our trek continues as we pass through Kalagaonda village and Motipur village, both of which provide insights into the daily life and traditions of the local communities. Eventually, we reach a small airstrip, marking the conclusion of our remarkable trek through this captivating region.

Following our trekking adventure, we will embark on the earliest flight to Nepalgunj. From Nepalgunj, we will catch a flight to Kathmandu, completing our journey in the stunning landscapes of Dolpo.

The flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj promises to be a mountain flight, providing us with captivating views of snow-covered mountains that will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience. Upon arriving in Kathmandu, we will be transported to the same hotel where we had initially stayed upon our arrival, bringing our remarkable journey through the remote and breathtaking regions of Dolpo to a close.

The day ahead offers a range of possibilities, and it’s entirely up to you how you’d like to spend it. You may choose to relax and unwind at the hotel, providing a well-deserved rest after our adventurous journey. Alternatively, if you’re interested in purchasing gifts for friends and relatives, Thamel boasts numerous tourist shops that offer a wide selection of Nepali hand-made goods. Your guide can provide valuable recommendations, not only for quality products but also for places that may offer discounts, allowing you to make the most of your shopping experience.

In the evening, we will come together for a farewell dinner at a typical Nepali restaurant, where you can savor delicious local cuisine while enjoying a cultural show. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on our journey, celebrate our experiences, and create lasting memories before concluding our time in Nepal.

Three hours before your departure, our team will pick you up from your hotel and ensure your timely transfer to the international airport, ensuring a smooth and stress-free departure from Nepal. We hope your journey has been filled with incredible experiences and lasting memories, and we wish you a safe and pleasant journey home. If you ever decide to return to Nepal, we would be delighted to assist you once again in the future. Safe travels!