Name: Upper Dolpo Trek
Brand: Himalaya Summit Club
Rating: 5 (207 reviews)

Overviews

Hailed amidst the traveling community for offering exquisite off-beat experiences, the Upper Dolpo has natural and cultural majesty not found anywhere else in Nepal. The extreme isolation of this region has aided in the preservation of its antique cultures and traditions in this era of modernization. Travelers in Dolpo, are mesmerized by the lifestyle of the Bon culture people, the appeal of nature, and the exotic Phoksundo Lake to name a few.

The journey towards Upper Dolpo commences from Kathmandu. After a quick flight to Nepalgunj and Juphal, we cordially start the trek. The Thuli Bheri River accompanies us on the walk to Suligad Ghat. We cross the shaky bridges to arrive at Chhepka and we shall continue on the rocky tracks to reach Renje. The path provides a display of mud houses which have prayer flags attached to them and we arrive at the Ringmo village. We make our way to the Phoksundo Lake and we stand in awe as the serene water mesmerizes us with its sheer majesty and clarity. Then, we make our way along the Phoksundo Khola. Dodging the muddy terrain and slopes, we reach Phoksundo Bhanjyang. Crossing the Kang La Pass (5350m) takes us to Shey Gompa which has hundreds of years of history behind it. After observing it, we head to the Namgung village by crossing the grassy landscape and forests. Crossing the Saldang village leads us to Yangtze Gompa. Walking aside the Nagon River, we arrive at Sibu and later head towards Jeng la Phedi. We cross the Jeng La Pass (5220m) and head to Dho Tarap. While admiring the grasslands, we shall set camp in Karma Kharka and later head to Khanigaon. A small walk leads us to Dunai and a flight takes us to Nepalgunj. Finally, we fly to Kathmandu where the trip shall end.

If you are willing to explore the magic behind the Dolpo region and are in search of a reliable partner, then fear not as we, Himalaya Summit Club, are there for you. With years of experience and veteran guides, we promise to go further and beyond our duties to give you a memorable time.

Trip highlights of Upper Dolpo Trek

Experience ancient culture and traditions of the residents of Dolpo
Visit the turquoise gem of Dolpo, the Phoksundo Lake
Visit numerous monasteries in Dolpo including Shey Gompa and Yangtze Gompa
Traverse through the Shey Phoksundo National Park
Relish the hospitality of Thakuri and other nomadic ethnicities

Travel Itinerary

Arrive at the Tribhuvan International Airport and meet our representative who will transfer you to your hotel. As the rest of the day is free, you can spend it as you wish. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Today, you explore the major landmarks of the Kathmandu valley which include the UNESCO world heritage sites like Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swayambhunath. Explore the Kathmandu Durbar Square and history that it holds too. After the sightseeing tour is over, you can head to your hotel and prepare all the stuff that is required for this long trek. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Get on a plane and fly to Nepalgunj, first thing in the morning. The flight lasts for a while and provides ample time to witness the soaring mountains and flat plains that lie ahead. As you arrive at Nepalgunj, you can feel that it is pretty hot here. If you have time, explore the major parts of the city. Overnight stay at Nepalgunj.

Wake up early in the morning and get on a flight that takes you to Juphal. As you reach Juphal, get all your stuff together and begin the trek to Juphal. We head downhill until we reach the Thuli Bheri River and cross numerous rivers and villages to reach the confluence of the Thuli Bheri River and Suligad. As we cross the huge cedar forests, we reach the settlement of Suligad Ghat. Overnight stay at Suligad Ghat.

Duration: 2-3 hrs.

The trail for the day takes us to Renje. We walk across bridges which later heads to Ruktang. The trail is a combination of ups and downs and we finally reach the junction to the Phoksundo lake and then later to Chhepka. From Chhepka, then we climb up a small ridge which crosses the western side and later climbs upstream. We finally arrive at Renje. Overnight stay at Renje.

Duration: 5-6 hrs.

The walk from Renje to Ringmo village sees a drastic increase in altitude and as we head further we cross the wooden bridges and ultimately to the Pungmo river. You can even see the Phoksundo River that lies on the valley floor. We arrive at Ringmo village which contains mud houses along with mud plastered Chortens and Mani walls. We head towards the Phoksundo Lake which sits on the base of mountains and is similar to a gem. Overnight stay at Ringmo village.

Duration: 5-6 hrs.

Today is a day for acclimatization, so we will spend it by exploring the Ringmo village and Phoksundo Lake. We can see the amazing Kanjirowa Himal range from the Lakeside. The Ringmo village is inhabited by people who follow the Tibetan-influenced lifestyle and traditions. This is exemplified by their food, house structure and clothing style. The village is filled with Chortens that carry the prayer of people. Overnight stay at Ringmo village.

The hike takes us through the lake shore and we can see the vegetation that grows on the Lakeside. The pathway is rocky so be careful while walking. The trail later takes us through the lush grasslands which later transforms into the Floodplain of the Phoksundo stream. As we reach the Phoksundo stream, we shall set up our tents and rest there. Overnight stay at Phoksundo Khola

Duration: 4-5 hrs.

As we have breakfast on the calm riverside of the Phoksundo Khola, we admire the tranquil scenery in front of us. The trail starts to ascend and as we head further, we meet the Ghyampo Kapuwa River via a glacial valley. After crossing some shaky wooden bridges and fighting the uphill landscape, we arrive at Phoksundo Bhanjyang. We can clearly observe the Kang La Pass (5350m) from here. Overnight stay at Phoksundo Bhanjyang.

Duration: 6-7 hrs.

The first part of our journey takes us to the Kang La Pass (5350m). It involves walking on a steep path which is often slippery. The top of the Kang La Pass sports mesmerizing sceneries of the surrounding landscapes. We walk the winding path and cross grasslands and meet many sheepherders. As we walk ahead, we can see some Chortens swaying from a monastery. It signals our arrival on the Shey Gompa. Overnight stay at Shey Gompa.

Duration: 5-6 hrs.

With an objective to acclimatize, we shall rest and explore the Shey Gompa. The monastery has a history that dates back to the time of Saint Padmasambhava and is also the 1st Kagyupa Monastery. It is believed that the monastery was built in the 11th century. While exploring the monastery, we further visit the crystal mountain and then we shall head back to our camp. Overnight stay at Shey Gompa.

We shall set our sights on Namgung village today. The path takes us through forests of juniper which later descend into a stony canon. As we walk through the zigzag roads and cross huge rocks to arrive at the Saldang La pass (5094m). The path is excruciatingly long and it descends further north. Before arriving at Namgung village, we can see a red stone structure on the northernmost wall of a gorge- the Namgung Monastery. Overnight stay at Namgung village.

Duration: 6-7 hrs.

As we leave the village of Namgung, we ascend a slope formation and tread further on the dusty mountain trails. The difficult climb is rewarded by a gorgeous display of Saldang, and below we can see the Nagon River. As we walk further we can see small settlements and people which signals our arrival in Saldang. If you have enough time, then you can explore the Saldang village and interact with the locals. Overnight stay at Saldang village.

Duration: 4-5 hrs.

The path from Saldang to Yangtze Gompa is straight north. We follow the path which comprises of numerous ups and downs, and eventually, we reach the Nagon River. We pass through small settlements like Tiling and Kaigaon. We can have lunch on one of those places. The sight of the Yangtze Gompa is tantalizing and we’ll spend the remainder of the day in exploring it. This monastery is based on the Bon religion and we shall interact with the monks here to know more about it. Overnight stay at Yangtze Gompa.

Duration: 4-5 hrs.

We have two paths to reach Sibu, but we shall take the one that involves less loss of time. We take the road back to Saldang and follow the river bed which provides a cinematic display of stupas, terraced fields, Chortens, and Mani stones. We walk on the left side of the Nagon River and as we continue to walk for about 2-3 hours to reach Sibu. Overnight stay at Sibu.

Duration: 6-7 hrs.

After having a delicious Nepal cuisine, we head on the road to Jeng La Phedi. We follow the Nagon stream. We head east and continue to the confluence of two small rivers. We walk all the way to the Phedi of Jeng La. As there are no settlements here, we shall set our camp here and have dinner. Overnight stay at Jeng la Phedi.

Duration: 5-6 hrs.

We continue the trek to reach the highest point of the Jeng La Pass (5220m) which provides us with a grand display of the snow-laden mountains. After spending time on the pass, we descend through the rough path towards the Tarap valley. On the way, we visit the Tokyu monastery. As we walk on the side of the Thakchiu Khola, we arrive at Dho Tarap. Overnight stay at Dho Tarap.

Duration: 6-7 hrs.

Today we shall not trek further, but spend the day in exploring and acclimatizing. We explore the valley and head to Dhoro Gompa and Shipchaur Gompa. We explore the Ribo Bhumpa Gompa. Along with exploring Dho Tarap, we interact with the locals too. Here, there are plenty of destinations, especially monasteries, to visit in the Dho Tarap village vicinity. Overnight stay at Dho Tarap.

The path descends into the wider valley, which later leads to a gorge. As we walk amidst the juniper bushes and wild roses, we reach the confluence of Tarap Chu and also Lang stream. We walk in the huge grasslands of Karma Kharka and we shall set our tents here. We can enjoy the beautiful display of mountains and green hills. Overnight stay at Karma Kharka.

Duration: 6-7 hrs.

We walk on the gorge of the Tarap River and we shall walk past several campsites on the river banks. The narrow gorges and stone slabs are simply amazing. Passing Lammchaur and Laina Odar, we head towards Khanigaon. We walk on shaky bridges until we reach the campsite that sits beside the Tarap River at Khanigaon. Overnight stay at Khanigaon.

Duration: 5-6 hrs

To reach Tarakot, we walk through the lush forests and continue to walk through the riverside. The path is mostly downstream and as we reach Tarakot, we can see terraced fields and small mud houses. We will have our lunch at Tarakot and descend downwards through the bank of Thuli Bheri River. A small walk leads us to Dunai where we shall spend the remainder of the day. Overnight stay at Dunai.

Duration: 5-6 hrs.

The walk from Dunai continues to be flat and we shall walk on the trail along the Thuli Bheri River. We have to cross the terraced fields and villages in order to reach Juphal. After walking for 3 hours we reach Juphal. On the way, we also pass Dhupichaur, Rupgad, and Motipur villages. Overnight stay at Juphal.

Duration: 2-3 hrs.

Get on an airplane and enjoy the short yet picturesque flight to Nepalgunj which shows the delightful panorama of the snowy Himalayas and barren hills. Upon arrival in Nepalgunj head back to Kathmandu on a scenic flight over the mid-western hills of Nepal. In Kathmandu, you can head to the local markets and shop for gifts and souvenirs. Overnight stay at a hotel in Kathmandu

Today is your final day in Nepal and our representative will drop you off at the Tribhuvan International Airport for your final day. As the mesmerizing journey comes to an end, we hope that you will choose us again in your next visit to our country.

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What's Included

Cost Includes

Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle
3-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
Meal and accommodation in Nepalgunj .
Camping during the trek.
All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) during the trek
Welcome and farewell dinners
All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
Domestic flights (Kathmandu- Nepalgunj -Jhupal round trip)
Guided city tour in Kathmandu by private vehicle
An experienced English-speaking UIAA certified trek leader (trekking guide), assistant trek leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters to carry luggage (2 trekkers: 1 porter) including their salary, insurance, equipment, flight, food and lodging
Staff service(cook helper ,cook,assistants guide)
The place of the porters service we use Donkeys.
Staff costs including their salary, insurance, equipment, domestic airfare, food and accommodation
Himalaya summit club trekking bag/duffel bag
All necessary paperwork and trekking permits (National Park Permit, TIMS ,special permit)
Medical kit (carried by your trek leader)
All government and local taxes

Cost Excludes

Nepalese visa fee
Excess baggage charge(s)
Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu
International flights
Travel and rescue insurance
Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc.)
Tips for guide(s), porter(s) and driver(s)

Depature Date

Booking Closed for this month

Useful Info

The Trekking Group

For the Upper Dolpo Trek, there will be one UIAA Certified Trek leader, assistant Trek leader (4 trekkers:1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers:1 porter) This arrangement ensures that should anybody in the group is sick, the trip can still go ahead as planned. We can run the trek for groups of any size, but usually, it is a maximum of twelve people as we’ve found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip. However, if you’d like to book this trip for a large group then that can be arranged too.

Accommodations

We will be staying at Hotel Marshyandi/Mandala Boutique/Yatri Suites Spa Hotel in Kathmandu and teahouses during the trek. All accommodations are on twin-shared basis. Single supplement will be served on request and will cost an additional USD. Himalaya Summit Club will arrange rooms with attached washrooms; however, teahouses in some places only have shared washing and toilet facilities. Also note that single rooms are readily available in Kathmandu and the trekking regions at lower elevation but it might be difficult to find them at higher elevations.

Meals

During our trek, we can enjoy authentic Nepalese food as well the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.). Breakfast and dinner will be served from the teahouse or from a lodge menu where we spend the night whereas lunch will be served on the way to the next destination. All meals will be provided during trekking while only breakfast will be available in Kathmandu. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners for guests.

Travel Insurance

It is a condition upon joining any of Himalaya Summit Club trips that all clients be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs). Please note that we don’t arrange or sell insurance.

Acclimatization

This trek’s itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Going up at higher altitudes too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to result in death. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen will be in the air. For example, at an altitude above of 5000m, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Therefore, our body needs many days to adapt to an environment with less-oxygen. During this trip, a separate day is set aside in Shey Phoksundo and shey Gompa for acclimatization.

Himalaya Summit Club advises guest(s) with known heart, lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are symptoms of AMS. Check out “Altitude illness” by Dr Jim Duff, whether once you getting in Kathmandu you can we will arrange to meet with Expedition Doctor Mr. Nima Namgel Sherpa. Himalaya Summit Club itineraries are designed to try to prevent AMS as much as possible. But, it is important to remember that some visitors are more vulnerable than others.

Physical Condition & Experience Requirements

This is a moderate trek suitable for passionate walkers who have the ability to walk at least 5-7 hours a day with a light day pack. Walking in higher altitudes is more physically demanding than walking in lower altitudes; however, if we are in excellent health with average physical fitness and have a positive attitude, self confidence and strong determination, we can accomplish this trek successfully. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience would be an asset but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is also advised that you inform Himalaya Summit Club before booking the trek.

Best Time to Travel

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best months for this trip. Although this trip can be taken during winter, there might be a problem due to obstructed pass due to ice or snow. The trekking routes are crowded during Spring and Autumn but during Monsoon and Winter the routes are not packed and we could enjoy rather best of nature.

Equipments & Packing List

This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Also understand that the items listed below will vary a little according to the season and the trek duration. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 15 kg. Remember that your luggage will be carried by your porter but you are required to carry a day-pack (with your valuables or anything important) on your own. We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary.

Important documents and items

Valid passport, 2 extra passport size photos, airline tickets
Separate photocopies of passport, visa form (easily obtained at Kathmandu airport), proof of insurance
Dollars, pounds or Euros in cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport, for paying for restaurants and hotels, for gratuities, snacks, and to purchase your own drinks and gifts
Credit cards, Bank/ATM/Cash machine cards for withdrawing funds from cash machines (bring a photocopy of your cards), traveler’s checks, etc.
Head
Bandana or head scarf, also useful for dusty conditions
Warm hat that covers your ears (wool or synthetic)
Headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs
Sunglasses with UV protection
Prescription sunglasses (if required)
Upper Body
Polypropylene shirts (1 half sleeve and 2 long sleeves)
Light and expedition weight thermal tops
Fleece wind-stopper jacket or pullover
Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Down vest and/or jacket
Gore-Tex jacket with hood, waterproof and breathable

Hands

1 pair of lightweight poly-liner gloves.
1 pair of lightweight wool or fleece gloves
1 pair of mittens, consists of 1 Gore-Tex over mitt matched with a very warm polar-fleece mitt liner (seasonal)

Lower Body

Non-cotton underwear briefs
1 pair of Hiking shorts
1 pair of Hiking trousers
1 pair of lightweight thermal bottoms (seasonal)
1 pair of fleece or woolen trousers
1 pair of waterproof shell pants, breathable fabric

Feet

2 pairs of thin, lightweight inner socks
2 pairs of heavy poly or wool socks
1 pair of Hiking boots with spare laces (sturdy soles, water resistant, ankle support, broken in )
1 pair of trainers or running shoes and/or sandals
Cotton socks (optional)
Gaiters (winter only), optional, low ankle high version

Sleeping

1 sleeping bag (good to -10 degrees C or 14 degrees F)
Fleece sleeping bag liner (optional)

Rucksack and Travel Bags

1 medium rucksack (50-70 liters/3000-4500 cubic inches, can be used for an airplane carryon)
1 large duffel bag
A small daypack/backpack for carrying your valuables, should have good shoulder padding
Small padlocks for duffel-kit bags
2 large waterproof rucksack covers (optional)

Medical

first-aid kit. (simple and light)
Aspirin, first-aid Small, personal tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
1 skin-blister repair kit
Anti-diarrhea pills
Anti-headache pills
Cough and/or cold medicine
Anti-altitude sickness pills: Diamox or Acetylzolamide
Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin, etc. Do not bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
Water purification tablets or water filter
1 set of earplugs
Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies

Practical Items

1 small roll of repair tape, 1 sewing-repair kit
1 cigarette lighter, 1 small box of matches
1 compass or GPS(optional)
1 alarm clock/watch
1 digital camera with extra cards and batteries
large Ziplocs
2 water bottles (1 liter each)
1 small folding knife
Binoculars (optional)
4 large, waterproof, disposable rubbish sacks

Toiletries

1 medium-sized quick drying towel
Toothbrush/paste (preferably biodegradable)
Multi-purpose soap (preferably biodegradable)
Deodorants
Nail clippers
Face and body moisturizer
Female hygiene products
Small mirror

Personal Hygiene

Wet wipes (baby wipes)
Tissue /toilet roll
Anti-bacterial hand wash

Extras/Luxuries

Reading book
Trail map/guide book
Journal and pen
iPod
Travel game i.e. chess, backgammon, scrabble, playing cards (to help you pass the time at teahouses and/or camps)
1 modest swim suit
Binoculars (optional)
Voltage converter (from 220 to 110)
Plug adapter (2 round pegs to 2 flat pegs)
Lightweight pillow case (in case your teahouses provide you with pillows) or use your own stuff as a pillow