Upper Dolpo Trek - 26 Days

This is an extra day in Kathmandu that will let you relax after your long flight to Kathmandu. If it's your first time in Nepal You might do sightseeing by yourself at a few monuments like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhnath Stupa, etc. And today, you will prepare for the trek. In the afternoon, you meet with the trek guide, and he will let you know about further trek plans. If anything is missing for the trek, your trek guide will help you to shop.  

After having breakfast, you take a short one hour flight to Nepalgunj. The flight offers a beautiful landscape. Upon landing at the airport, you move to the hotel. You can rest for the day and visit nearby local markets in the evening.

From Nepalgunj, another short 35 minutes flight will take you to the starting point of the trek, Juphal. From here, you begin trekking towards Dunai through lush forests and small settlement areas.

The trail gradually ascends through Sulighar. From here, the trail goes through Shey Phoksundo National Park. Trekking through isolated villages, you pass by dense forests, where you will come across a range of vegetation. Further, crossing a suspension bridge, you reach Chhepka for a night stay.

Crossing a suspension bridge, you trek towards Chunuwar. On the way, you can see lovely Phoksundo Khola and pass by Kharka. The trail then passes by Rechi and takes you to Chunuwar for a night stay.

Today, the trail takes you to gorgeous Phoksundo Lake, which is also known as the gem of the Himalayas. As you will trek through fine mountain villages, you get to see Bon Po culture, ancient chortens, and mani wall. Likewise, the trail also offers captivating views of snow-capped mountains. 

It is a rest day at Phoksundo Lake to let your body acclimatize with the changing altitude. You will spend time near the lake and explore its nearby areas. Likewise, you will explore Ringmo village and visit Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery), located on a top of a ridge. This monastery is believed to be 900 years old. Similarly, you will interact with the locals and observe their unique yet simple lifestyle.

The trail today presents mesmerizing views. Trekking along the huge cliffs, you pass by lovely pine forests and head towards Sallaghari. 

The trail from Sallaghari ascends to Nangdala. Walking on the opposite side of the Tuk Kyaksa River, you will cross a suspension bridge and reach Nangdala to spend the night. 

The trail further ascends to Nangdala Pass from where you get to see a wonderful view of the surrounding. Crossing the pass, you continue trekking towards Shey Gompa, a very famous village. Here, you will visit an ancient monastery. Likewise, the trail offers stunning views of Kang Chunne and Shey Shikhar.

Enjoying beautiful views, you trek along Sephu Khola. The trail gradually ascends to Shey La Pass from where you can see stunning views of Mt. Kanjiroba and other mountains. From here, you trek and reach Namgung Gompa for the night stay.

The trail drops down to Saldang. Today, you will witness mostly dry landscape and a very different kind of vegetation. During the trek, you pass by small temporary settlement areas, where you can interact with locals. 

This is your second rest day. The day begins leisurely. You will hike to Yangjer Gompa, a very old artistic gompa. Later, in the day, you spend the time with locals and observing their culture & tradition.

Before reaching Khoma village, you have to cross Khom La Pass (4,500 m). The trail to the pass is rugged and steep. Likewise, the views from the top of the pass are fantastic. Further, the trail descends to Khoma village.

The trail gradually moves to Shimen through dense forests. On the way, you might get to see wildlife like blue sheep and snow leopard. Crossing the Shimen La Pass (4,260 m), you drop down to Shimen village to spend the night. 

Leaving Shimen village behind, the trail heads towards beautiful Tinje village. You trek along the Panjyang Khola and pass by small villages & gompas to reach Tinje. 

The trail from Tinje ascends to Yak Kharka. You pass by green meadows and small villages to reach Yak Kharka. It is a grazing ground for sheeps and yaks.

After having a warm breakfast, you begin ascending towards Mola Pass. The trail will be steep and rugged. Upon reaching the top of the pass, you can see the stunning landscape. The trail then drops down to Chharka, where you will come across Bon monasteries and unique culture. 

The trail further climbs to the high land. Today, you will cross hills to reach Norbulung. The trail offers scenic views.

It is going to be a long trekking day as you have to cross high passes. The trail will be difficult and tiring. Ascending along a steep rocky path, you cross both passes and reach Ghalden Ghuldum for a night stay.

The trail to Sangta involves many ascends and descends. On the way, you pass by isolated villages, enjoying a mesmerizing view of the rain shadow area.

The trail slowly climbs to a hill and crosses nine ridges. Further, you descend to Kali Gandaki valley and walk towards Phalyak. The trail presents superb landscape and snow-capped mountain views.

Leaving Phalyak behind, you descend and pass by boulders filled path. The trail will be little on the tough side today. Upon reaching Jomsom, you can enjoy the rest of the day resting and exploring around. 

Taking an early morning flight, you fly back to Pokhara. From here, you take another flight to Kathmandu. During both flights, you can witness breath-taking views. Upon landing at Kathmandu, you head to the hotel. The remaining day is free for you. Join the team in the late evening for farewell dinner. 

Today, you will be leaving for your country. One of our representatives will escort you to the Airport as per the flight departure time.