Adventure Friendship
Upper Dolpo Trekking
Trip Overview
Trip Highlight
- Scenic flights over the Himalayas to Dolpo region
- Explore Shey Phoksundo Lake – Nepal’s deepest and most stunning lake
- Visit Shey Gompa, the mystical “Crystal Monastery”
- Cross high mountain passes: Kang-La (5,360 m) and Jeng-La (5,110 m)
- Experience traditional Bon and Tibetan Buddhist cultures
- Witness spectacular landscapes of the trans-Himalayan plateau
- Interact with locals following centuries-old trade and farming traditions
- A remote, peaceful trekking route far from crowds
Detailed Itinerary
- Day 1 : Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Fly over the Terai plains to the bustling border town of Nepalgunj, located near India. Explore the colorful markets and experience the lively southern Nepali culture.
Overnight stay: Nepalgunj Hotel.
- Day 2 : Fly to Juphal and Trek to Dunai (2,140 m)
Take a scenic flight to Juphal (2,400 m), the gateway to Dolpo. Meet the trekking crew and start a gentle trek to Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo District.
Overnight stay: Lodge in Dunai.
- Day 3 : Trek to Ankhe (2,660 m)
Follow the Thulo Bheri River Valley through terraced fields and traditional villages before entering the forests of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Enjoy views of Kagmara Peak along the way.
Overnight stay: Camp at Ankhe.
- Day 4 : Trek to Sulighat (3,200 m)
Ascend and descend along narrow trails above the river gorge. The path offers thrilling views and diverse flora. Reach Ryajik village, close to Sulighat.
Overnight stay: Camp at Sulighat.
- Day 5 : Trek to Phoksundo Lake (3,600 m)
Trek through pine forests and witness Nepal’s highest waterfall (300m) before reaching Shey Phoksundo Lake near Ringmo village. The turquoise lake surrounded by barren cliffs is mesmerizing.
Overnight stay: Camp at Phoksundo Lake.
- Day 6 : Rest & Exploration Day at Phoksundo Lake
A day to rest and acclimatize. Visit Ringmo Village and its ancient Bon Monastery. Enjoy stunning lakeside views and capture the beauty of the Dolpo landscape.
Overnight stay: Camp by the lake.
- Day 7 : Trek to Phoksundo Khola (3,750 m)
Walk through a glacial valley surrounded by cliffs and juniper forests. Cross several small streams before reaching the Phoksundo Riverbank for camping.
Overnight stay: Camp at Phoksundo Khola.
- Day 8 : Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,400 m)
Trek through rocky terrain and narrow gorges to reach Phoksundo Bhanjyang, with panoramic views of the Kang-La Pass ahead.
Overnight stay: Camp at Phoksundo Bhanjyang.
- Day 9 : Cross Kang-La Pass (5,360 m) to Shey Gompa (4,350 m)
A challenging day as you climb steeply to the top of Kang-La Pass. From the summit, enjoy breathtaking views of the Dolpo Valley. Descend to the sacred Shey Gompa, the “Crystal Monastery.”
Overnight stay: Camp near Shey Gompa.
- Day 10 : Rest and Explore Shey Gompa
Explore the 11th-century Shey Gompa and nearby Tsakang Monastery, once a meditation retreat for lamas. Learn about the Chaiba community and the teachings of Guru Rinpoche.
Overnight stay: Camp at Shey.
- Day 11 : Trek to Namduna Gaun (4,400 m) via Saldang La Pass (5,200 m)
A steep climb to Saldang La Pass offers panoramic views before descending to Namduna Gaun, home to the Namgung Monastery of the Karma-Pa sect.
Overnight stay: Camp at Namduna. - Day 12 : Trek to Saldang (3,900 m)
Climb along a ridge with expansive views before reaching Saldang, Dolpo’s largest village. This is a key trade hub linking Dolpo with Tibet.
Overnight stay: Lodge at Saldang.
- Day 13 : Trek to Yangze Gompa (4,960 m)
Hike through barren yet beautiful landscapes to the secluded Yangze Gompa, a rarely visited monastery rich in ancient murals and relics.
Overnight stay: Camp at Yangze.
- Day 14 : Trek to Sibu (4,200 m)
Retrace part of the trail back through Namdo village and follow the Nam Khong Khola to reach Sibu.
Overnight stay: Camp at Sibu.
- Day 15 : Trek to Jeng-La Phedi (4,800 m)
Gradual ascent along the river before climbing steeply to the base of Jeng-La Pass.
Overnight stay: Camp at Jeng-La Phedi.
- Day 16 : Cross Jeng-La Pass (5,110 m) and Trek to Tokyu Gaon (4,200 m)
Early morning climb to the top of Jeng-La for incredible views of Dhaulagiri. Descend into Tarap Valley and camp near Tokyu Monastery.
Overnight stay: Camp at Tokyu Gaon. - Day 17 : Trek to Dho Tarap (4,040 m)
A short, scenic trek to the culturally rich village of Dho Tarap, surrounded by barley fields and traditional stone houses.
Overnight stay: Lodge in Dho Tarap.
- Day 18 : Rest & Explore Dho Tarap
A cultural immersion day — visit monasteries, meet locals, and learn about their Tibetan-influenced lifestyle.
Overnight stay: Dho Tarap.
- Day 19 : Trek to Tarap Khola (Kamakharka)
Descend through a beautiful gorge to the confluence of Lang Khola and Tarap Chu rivers.
Overnight stay: Camp at Kamakharka.
- Day 20 : Trek to Khanigaon (3,150 m)
Walk along narrow canyons where trails are carved into rock walls — an exciting and thrilling section of the trek.
Overnight stay: Camp at Khanigaon.
- Day 21 : Trek to Tarakot (2,537 m)
Descend through forests to the historical Tarakot Village, once a fortified town known as Dzong.
Overnight stay: Lodge at Tarakot.
- Day 22 : Trek to Dunai (2,140 m)
Follow the Bheri River to complete your circuit back to Dunai. Celebrate the successful completion of your Upper Dolpo adventure.
Overnight stay: Lodge in Dunai.
- Day 23 : Trek to Juphal
A short trek back to Juphal, marking the end of the trekking section.
Overnight stay: Juphal.
- Day 24 : Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and Connect to Kathmandu
Take early morning flights back to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. Enjoy a farewell dinner with the team.
Overnight stay: Kathmandu Hotel.
Trip Cost Inclusion
Trip Cost Exclusion
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