To reach to Palma, we have to pass through beautiful forest, following a river. We have to ascend sometimes and descend sometimes. On the way we can see the local people with their mules as dzopas (cross bread of Yak and Cow). After 4 hrs we will reach Reechi village, leaving behind Reechi we will reachChumuwar after 2 hrs. There is aAmchi Hospital, an Amchi is a doctor who is educated in traditional Tibetan medicine. You can have treatment from herbs and numerals. Interested person can donate for this Hospital. Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
Upper Dolpo Trekking route is a remote and unspoiled destination near the Tibetan border of Nepal. Upper Dolpa is opened only in the late eighties for trekkers. The isolated trekking destination offers unique culture, landscape, mountain views and great Himalayan experience without any modern tech.
Highlights of Upper Dolpo Trekking
- You will follow the footprints of the ancient trans-Himalayan traders.
- You will be freely exploring the region in a dry weather without worrying about the rain as the region lies in the rain shadow area of Dhaulagiri ranges.
- You will have an amazing time inside your tented camp on this trek around the Shey Phoksundo lake, Crystal mountain, and the crisp views of Dhaulagiri ranges.
- You can catch a view of diverse flora and fauna in the SheyPhoksundo National Park.
- You get an insight into the life and culture of the followers of Bon Buddhism.
Overview
Upper Dolpo lies in the northwest distant of Nepal, between the Tibetan Mesa and the Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Trekking to Upper Dolpo is famous camping trekking in Nepal best for adventure seekers. The Upper Dolpo trekking – 24 Days takes in, as the name recommends, the upper part of this region, which is even more distant and rarely visited which was only opened to visitors at the end of the 1980s, Upper Dolpo is still taken as delimited area which requires a special permit. Phoksundo Lake; Shey Gompa; Bon Po practitioners; Buddhist monasteries; views of Dhaulagiri; Crystal Mountain (a mountain whose cliffs are fastened with quartz and marine fossils); unique Tibetan cultures; the glorious and rare snow leopard – all of these may sound acquainted. And yes, they are the topic of the Peter Matthiessen’s book “The Snow Leopard” and Eric Valla’s film of Dolpo life, ‘Himalaya’.
While Dolpo region is in general a dry, unadorned place, it is fastened with fast flowing rivers, roaring waterfalls, deep river canyons, lush pastures, and valleys of dug fields. Distant villages with stimulating cultures, including the Bon Po religion, and off course the gorgeous icy waters of Phoksundo Lake are other fascinations in this region. As part of Dolpo falls under the Shey Phoksundo National Park, the wildlife, such as the snow leopard, rare Himalayan blue sheep, goral, thar, Himalayan black bear etc. is sheltered.
This three week Upper Dolpo trek is not for the weak-hearted as trails are difficult, high, steep, shaky, and sometimes barely there. Long walking days at high altitude are the model with several high passes to cross, but for those with the endurance, fitness level and utter willpower, this Upper Dolpo Trekking – 24 Days is certainly a once-in a lifetime trip.
Outline Itinerary
Day | Program | Elevation |
---|---|---|
1 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1360m |
2 | Sightseeing Around Kathmandu Valley | |
3 | Flight to Nepalgunj | 150m |
4 | Flight to Juphal | 2475m |
5 | Trek to Chhepka – 6 hrs Walk | 2838m |
6 | Trek to Palam – 6-7 hrs Walk | 3820m |
7 | Trek to Phoksundo Lake – 4 hrs Walk | 3620m |
8 | Exploring Day | |
9 | Trek to Salla Ghari – 5-6 hrs Walk | 3640m |
10 | Trek to Lar Tsa – 6 hrs Walk | 4120m |
11 | Trek to Shey Gompa – 7-8 hrs Walk | 4320m |
12 | Rest Day – Shey Gompa | 4320m |
13 |
Trek to Namgung – 6 hrs Walk
|
4430m |
14 | Trek to Saldang – 3 hrs Walk | 4046m |
15 | Trek to Sibu – 6 hrs Walk | 4000m |
16 | Trek to foot of the Jengla – 4-5 hrs Walk | 4480m |
17 | Trek to Tokyo Gaon – 6-7 hrs Walk | 4240m |
18 | Trek to Dho Tarap – 2 hrs Walk | 4200m |
19 | Trek to Serkam – 7 hrs Walk | 3623m |
20 | Trek to Tarakot – 5 hrs Walk | 2280m |
21 | Trek to Dunai – 5 hrs Walk | 2109m |
22 | Trek to Juphal – 3 hrs Walk | 2404m |
23 | Flight to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj | 1440m |
24 | Departure to your destination |
Itinerary
When you arrive in Kathmandu airport, our agency representative will be waiting for you in the airport holding our company and your name play card. From airport our agency representative will escort you to the hotel. After you check in to the hotel, you will rest and fed your flight sickness till next day.
After breakfast, Free day in Kathmandu or you can visit to world heritage sites of Pashupatinath Temple-the holiest Hindu Temple on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, BodhanathStupa-the biggest Buddhist Stupa architecture in the world! Patan Durbar Square is the oldest city in the Kathmandu valley with age old tradition also called Lalitpur-the city of fine arts. SwayambhunathStupa-the 2000 years old legendary stupa on the hillock also nick-named as monkey temple. Your day tour ends Kathmandu Durbar Square Showcasing living goddess Kumari Temple. But one day is not enough to visit all places.
From Kathmandu we fly to Nepalgunj enjoying scenic views throughout the flight. Nepalgunj is an important business center for many regions as it is located in the western part of Nepal, near the Indian Border. Later in the evening, we can stroll around the busy markets of Nepalgunj. Here we will have the night stay.
After the night at Nepalgunjwe will again catch a 35-minute long flight to Juphal from Nepalgunj. As we land in the Juphal, our trekking journey starts. We descend through local villages and terraced fields to the Bheri River. The trail continues by the riverside and passes by the RoopGhar with water mill to finally arrive in the village of Dunai. Today we will have overnight in lodge of Dunai.
From Juphal, we have to descend through wheat and vegetables field to reach ThuliBheri River. A big suspension bridge will lead us to the entrance of SheyPhoksando National Park (SPNP), Nepal?s largest National Park with the area of 3,555km/sq. It comprises the Trans Himalayan ecasy stem and the Tibetan type of floras and faunas. You have to pay 1000NPR, except tourists from SAARC countries. We will follow SuliKhola viewing a part of the Dhaulagiri Range. We have tea while we pass through the village as can stay there. We can enjoy the tea with honey, pure and fresh honey. Then we will trek through the trail surrounded by pine tree line spruce, fir, Juniper and Cyprus and bamboo forest. At the end of the day we will reach Cheep Ka, a small village surrounded by millet and wheat field. Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
To reach to Palma, we have to pass through beautiful forest, following a river. We have to ascend sometimes and descend sometimes. On the way we can see the local people with their mules as dzopas (cross bread of Yak and Cow). After 4 hrs we will reach Reechi village, leaving behind Reechi we will reachChumuwar after 2 hrs. There is aAmchi Hospital, an Amchi is a doctor who is educated in traditional Tibetan medicine. You can have treatment from herbs and numerals. Interested person can donate for this Hospital. Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
It takes about 4 hrs to reach Phoksundo Lake. We have to climb steep about 2hrs. before reaching the top, we can have the new of Nepal?s highest waterfall, a spectacular waterfall of 107m high knows Phoksundo waterfall as known as sunlight waterfall. Then we will descend from the top to get Ringmo village a small charming village. People residing here practice Bonpo religion, religion related to Buddhism but it is older than Buddhism. The religion was founded by Buddha LonpaShanrabMiwo, 18000 years ago. It is believe that Dolpa used to be the centre of Bon Kindom called Zhang. It is believed that in the century Zhang was defeated by the Buddhist kingdom of Tibet and Bonpo disappeared completely, but still some people practice it. . Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
We take another day off from trekking and utilize this day to explore Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo village. Phoksundo Lake is a beautiful turquoise color lake which is also considered the deepest lake in Nepal. We can get the scenic view of Ringmo village from the Lake. We explore nearby the Ringmo village and go to visit Tshowa (Bon Monastery), built 900 years ago. We also come across many beautiful glaciers above the lake area. Today we will have Overnight at tented camp.
From SallaGhari we will follow the famous trail where the famous movie called CARAVAN of Eric Valli was casted. This trail is used by peoples of Dolpo and other trade with Tibetans. Ti is really adventurous to pass through the trail. When we reach the top we will have beautiful view of Lane Ringmo, the dark green pine forests and snowcapped mountain to the South. We will have to descend first and ascend through a wide valley which will let us to have spectacular view of KanjirowaHimal (66612m) then we will reach an alpine area with junipers called Thaneba or Lake side camp, a beautiful place of camping. . Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
Today we will have SallaGhari, trekking through between high rock walls on both sides and crossing a couple of streams. We will enter an arrow gorge where will set our camp. We can continue trek but there is possibility of altitude sickness problem. . Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
Today we will trek through long and strenuous climb of about 2 and half hrs over a dusty path to Kang La (5350m), also called as Ngadra La. We have to descend through pass covered with snow which is very steeply and after about 3 hrs we will reach SheyGompa, a very small village with a couple of houses and the Gompa. It is a 11th century gompa, situated beneath the crystal peak on a small grassy plain, at the confluence of two rivers people believed that it was constructed by a Tibetan Buddhist, who arrived here on the back of flying snow lion. It is also called spiritual heart of Dolpo. Every year many pilgrims visit his gompa to make Kora (clockwise circuit) of crystal peak. Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
We can explore around TsakangGompa which is at about 457m. It is not really a monastery but a retreat. Tsakang had been a meditation centre of many famous lamas from Tibet. SheyGompa belongs to the Chaiba community, followers of the Padmasambhava and Kagyu sects. It was the first Kagyupa monastery and its founder was the lama Ten-szin-Ra-Pa. The monastery was built during the 11th century. Shey is famous for its ancient Buddhist culture. In Dolpo the ancient Tibetan way of life combines animism with the teachings of Buddha. DrutupYeshe introduced Buddhism in the Dolpo valley. Many years ago he came to Dolpo and came across a wild people whose supreme God was a 'fierce mountain spirit'. Crystal mountain is to the west of Shey monastery. It is a very strange mountain indeed. Its contorted cliffs are laced with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. SheyGompa stands above the confluence of Kangjunala and Yejunala. Near the confluence there is a group of prayer mills turned by water wheels. Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
Today we will go through the Glen pass, we can see beautiful view of northern part of Tibetan plateau, which is highest plateau in the world. To the east we can see Mustang. After through pass we have to descend to the pastures of Namgung. Peoples of Namgung heartily welcome us. It is a beautiful place with friendly environment. Overnight at tented camp inclusive all board of meals.
Today we will trek to Saldangclaimbling through tree slope. Then we have to ascend to 4700m before going down steep slopes to picturesque village of Saldang, situated on a plateau high above the Nam Khongnala and the biggest villages of lower Dolpo area. The village is prosperous, not only agriculturally but also for its strategic location on a trade route to Tibet. Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
We will leave Saldang village and on way to Sibu we have to pass through terraced fields, Stupas, Chortensmani and a Chaiba monastery. Namdo, the next village contains sixty houses having nearby four hundred in habitants. It streaches 5km on the high slopes to the left of Nam KhongKhola. We will set camp near the small settlement of Sibu, right on the river bank. Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
Today We will follow the line of the river valley and the trail is easy going initially. But after two hours, we must make another stream before turning into side valley where the rise becomes very sharp. Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
To reach to Tokyo Gaon we have to cross the Jeng La which is about 4850m. It will take about 2 hrs climb to reach the top of Jeng La. Form the top of the peak we can have good views of Dhaulagiri, beautiful goldy views in the morning then we will descend towards Tarap valley. Tarap is a spectacular valley with vast plants in high mountains extending to twenty kilometer along the Tarap Chu River. It consist of ten villages with cultivated fields, many Gompas and Chhortens. Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
To reach to DhoTarap we will walk east along the downward lower of Tarap Chu. The trail is easy as it is well travelled. There are many mani walls, we can see but some of the Chhortens are in a bad situation. The Frencch School is just outside the village of DhoTarap. Dho is surrounded by an irregular stone wall and consist of thirty four houses. Both Bonpo and Buddhist is inhabitant here. We will visit Buddhist Gompa where a Lama lives. He is very happy to show his monastery and might even let you see his private Gompa and the Thankas which he has made himself. Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
Our route now follows the course of the TarapKhola, generally downhill. You go through narrow gorges with the river rushing through. One may see blue sheep, marmots, yaks, sheep and goats and perhaps meet people from Dolpo taking their flocks of sheep and goats to lower pastures for the winter. The afternoon brings more undulations in the path when it leaves the immediate course of the river. There is evidence of improvements to the trail where parts of the rock have been blasted out. You will also see the first of the modern steel suspension bridges which have been built to facilitate movement of people and animals. The track is very narrow in places. Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal
We will leave Khanigoan by the new suspension bridge and then walk alongside the river, sometimes going very high before reaching down to the water again. Some of the going is quite demanding and one bridge, said to have unusable for six years, necessitates crossing on wet stepping-stones.Coming into the broad fertile valley of the Barbung Chu, you walk amongst the various crops of millet, sweet corn, barley, buckwheat, green beans, chillies and marijuana. Your lunch and night stop is high above the river but there is a standpipe for water. Tarakot is an old fortress town known by the local people as Dzong, meaning 'fort'. Before the Gorkha dynasty Tarakot was the capital and had a dzong. The famous Sandulgompa, which lies 8km east of Tarakot and at the junction of BarbungKhola and Tarap Chu, stands on a knoll to the south of Bheri River and at one time supervised collections of tolls for the trading caravans traversing an area called TichuRong. As an alternative to camping at Tarakot, you may camp down by the river as there are good cooking facilities there and a clean, locked toilet for trekkers' use. Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
Today trail is mostly descending and fairly firm underfoot. Walking beside the Bheri River you use the ingenious path built twenty feet above the river. All too soon you have reached the village of Dunai and the camp site you used before. Today we will have overnight at tented camp, inclusive of full board meal.
FromChhepka, we will head towards Juphal passing through the village of Shyanta and Kageni. From Shyanta, we will trek through a forested path that leads us to the check post of SheyPhoksundo National Park. We will then cross the metal suspension bridge over DhimKhola and make our way to Juphal, trekking along the narrow path and beautiful fields of barley and wheat. Today we will have overnight in lodge ofJuphal.
We catch an early morning scenic flight to Nepalgunj from Juphal. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we catch our next flight back to Kathmandu. We transfer you to the hotel in Kathmandu and give the rest of the day to yourself to relax and rest. Later in the evening, you can try out the local eateries in the capital city. Today we will rest at night at the hotel of Kathmandu.
The journey comes to an end today! A representative from Nepal Trekking in Himalayas will drop us off at the airport approximately 3 hours before our scheduled flight.
Price Includes
- Airport Pickup and Drop by private transport
- 1 nights hotel in Kathmandu at tourist standard hotel ( centrally located, attach bathroom, hot and cold shower) and standard hotel in Nepalgunj
- Meals on full board (Breakfast, lunch and dinner) during trekking period.
- Kathmandu –Nepalgunj - Nepalgunj- Juphal Flight Tickets/ ground transport for Clients and Trekking Crews.
- Juphal to Nepalgunj - Nepalgunj – Kathmandu Fly back
- Best available accommodations during the trek in Teahouse/tent camp.
- TIMS CARD (Trekking Information Management System) - ( we need two photos each for permit
- Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu Flight Tickets/ ground transport for Clients and Trekking Crews.
- Dolpo Special Permit fees $500 Per Person
- All the camping equipment such as sleeping tent, Dinning tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, sleeping mattress, Sleeping Bag and necessary Kitchen Equipment etc.)
- An experience trekking guide (trained by Ministry of tourism), trekking cook, kitchen helper, Sherpa
- Necessary number of porter’s their meal /accommodation / transportation / salary / insurance / equipment’s are included in price.
- Trekking Permits for Dolpo Restricted Area
- Trekking poles, sleeping bag/duffle bag (we provide these if necessary).
- Trekking Maps
- Rubbish Disposal
- Our Service Charge and Government Taxes
Cost Excludes
- All meals in Kathmandu
- Extra nights hotel stay in Kathmandu.
- Tips to guides and support staff.
- Additional costs in case of emergency (You must have adequate travel insurance to cover any kind of emergencies, such as ground transportation & Heli recue/medical/hospitalization. Medical etc).
- Your International flight ticket airfare
- Energetic chocolate/energy drinks/alcohol/mineral water/cigarettes/packing food snacks etc
- Additional medication for altitude sickness (Acetazolamide etc).
- Personal expenses and any other unforeseen expenses, such as Laundry/WIFI on trek/phone call
- Personal trekking equipment.
- Nepal entry visa fees which can get up on your arrival in Kathmandu airport
- Sightseeing tour and All the entrance fees of temple in Kathmandu
- Services not mentioned herein
It depends on the individuals’ adaptation of walking in any situation and at any circumstances. It depends on the location and choice of trekkers. Both difficult as well as easy treks are available. Difficulty of the treks depends on the region of the trek and duration of it. Shorter treks tend to be easier while longer ones require some physical fitness.
Completely, we assure the safety and security of the women travelling with us. We will provide the privacy that the women need. We will also give you a personal room on lodge and personal tent for camping while trekking.
Tea House Trek – is a trek during which at the end of each trekking day you stay for overnight in Tea Houses. “Trekking Guide Team Adventure” also organizes Camping Treks during which you stay for overnight in tents which our guides will set up for you and food during such treks will be cooked by our experienced cook.
Yes, you can get it in Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. As you arrive to airport fill the form and proceed to the visa line. You have to pay 25US$ for 15 days of visa from the day of issue, 40US$ for 30days and 100US$ for 90 days of tourist visa. For this you have to bring two passport size photos.
There are enough airline companies operating daily flights from Middle East of Kathmandu. Kathmandu only has got only international airport in Nepal so, where ever you are coming from you must come through tribhuvan international airport.
For coming to Nepal you should have both medical and Rescue evacuation insurance. Yes you can get it here too, but we recommend purchasing it in your own country to avoid any last minute hassle and basal.
In Nepal it rains a lot between Junes to August. You too can enjoy great treks during this period of year in rain shadow region. But if you planning for more popular trek autumn and spring is the best time. As during this period climate will be moderate and will favorable for the trekking.
Nepal has modern banking facilities having branches of some international bank. Almost all foreign currency along with credit card such as American Express, Visa and Master card are accepted. Nepal also has ATM facilities.
We suggest you to book your trip in advance to avoid the disappointment and hassles. We too will make an effort to accommodate last minute bookings but some time due to the last minute planning we may unintentionally make few mistake which may offend you so it will be better to do advance booking.
Yes, our agency representative will pick you from airport. We will be displaying our placard of your name with our agency name.
This depends on the destination you will be at and package, facilities you may choose . However our trip profile will give you information about how to budget form additional meals, optional excursions and extra expenses that might occur in any specific trip.
Since we are Nepal based company we refer to arrange your international flights from your home town. But domestic flight ticket will be included in our package. Other help like river rafting, city guided tour, mountain flight, jungle safari will be provided according to your necessities.
If you are in good physical condition then you do not require any hiking experience for short trekking. But if you are planning for the longer ones then you should do long day hikes at your home.
Permit is not required for trekking in Everest, Annapurna, Langtang and some other regions. However, conservation permits or National park permits are required. There are few restricted trekking areas in Nepal where trekking permits are required.
All the meals are prepared with high standards of hygiene, fruit and vegetables are soaked in iodine before preparation. Most of lodges serve boiled and filter water which is safe. It is also possible to buy the bottle of mineral water in the trek.
All of our guides are trained with first aid and have basic idea about the physical problems that may arise during trekking. If an emergency occur then we will cover initial expenses of rescue operation as these expenses will need to be recovered from your insurance company. For minor cases there are health posts established by foreign doctors and many are staffed by overseas personnel.
You need to pay 30% of total price as advance deposit to conform reservation before arriving to Nepal. Rest of the payment can be paid after arrival.
You can bring power bars, cereal bars and similar high energy foods, powder Gatorade is also recommended to fight dehydration.
In the way in many villages along the popular trekking routes you can find telephones from where you can make international calls. And now a days we have the internet facilities most of the trekking destination.
You can do all day walk, where you stay overnight (or several nights) at three activities in Nepal, but they are quite different things. Trekking is a multi-the place you’ve walked to.
Hiking generally refers to a one-day walk. It might be two hours or eight, but if it takes place within a single day, it’ll probably be referred to as a hike.
Mountain climbing is another thing entirely. It takes special equipment, training and comes with more risk. Neither trekking nor hiking require any special skill, other than the ability to walk.