Upper Dolpo Trek (28 Days)
Upper Dolpo Trek is one of most interesting trekking destinations of Nepal for many reasons. With an area of 7,889 sq. kilometers, it is largest distric of Nepal, and yet one of the most sparsely populated. Topographically too it is interesting. It contains the deepest lake of Nepal, Lake Phoksundo, which also happens to be the deepest lake of high altitude in the world. Dolpa is one of the few distric in Nepal that is behind the Himalaya mountains, due to which it gets very little rain. Hence, most of the hills are bare with little vegetation. Harsh weather combined with high hills makes this area one of the most inhospitable in Nepal, and yet the barren and majestic hills lend it a rare beauty that is absolutely mesmerising. Due to the harsh living conditions, few peoples live or travel in these areas. Even today, much of dolpa is restricted area for tourists, which contributed to the preservation of unique culture of Dolpa.
Upper Dolpo Trek, some of the attractions of this route are Dho Tarap, a human settlement at highest altutude in the world, ShayGomba religiously the most inportant Gumba in Nepal, and lake Phoksundo is the deepest lake of high altitude in the world. Dolpa is rich in flora and fauna too. Upper Dolpa Trek is full of rare herbs and wild animals. Blue sheep, Ghoral and even Cheetahs, and many other species of wild animals can be sighted in the region. The forests of Upper dolpa are home to rare plants like Yarsagumba, Jatamsi, Panchaunle, Chimailo and many others.
Upper Dolpo Trek is one of the few remaining sources of Yarsa Gumba, an axotic half plant, half animal that is considered a powerfull aphrodisiac. Every year,during May and June, the Shey Phoksundo National park opens its doors to the seehers of Yarsa Gumba.
March to September is the good time for trekking one this Upper Dolpo Trek region. After September . its start snowing heavly, and trekking is possible only with heavy duty equipment. From November it is completely impossible . The best time is from March to May, as it may rain in Jun and July.
In the Upper Dolpo Trek the communication facilities are quiet hard to get. Satellite phones work everywhere but are expensive. Phone networks which are popular in other parts of the country do not work well here. The Upper Dolpo Trek is formally start from Ranjha airport, a small airport on top of the twon of Juphal and ends at juphal.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
Day 02 : Kathmandu sightseeing and Trek preparation.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj: 1hr fly
Day 04: Fly from Nepalganj to Jhuphal and trek to Dunai (2,850m): 45 mins flight, 2-3 hours walk
Day 05: Dunai to Ankhe (2,896m): 5-6 hours
Day 06: Ankhe to Sulighat: 5-6 hours
Day 07: Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m) 4-5 hours
Day 08: Acclimatization and rest at Phoksundo Lake
Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo Khola: 4-5 hours
Day 10: Phoksunds Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang: 6-7 hours
Day 11: Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4,500m) via Kang-La pass (5,360m): 5-6 hours
Day 12: Acclimatization and rest at Shey Gompa
Day 13: Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun (4,800m) via Saldang La (5,200m): 6-7 hours
Day 14: Namduna Gaun to Saldang (3,620m): 4-5 hours
Day 15: Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4,960m): 4-5 hours
Day 16: Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4,560m): 6-7 hours
Day 17: Sibu to Jeng-la Phedi (4,900m): 5-6 hours
Day 18: Jeng-la Phedi to Tokyu Gaon (4209m) via Jeng La pass (5,090m): 5-6 hours
Day 19: Tokyu to Dho Tarap(4,040m): 4-5 hours
Day 20: Rest Day at Dho Tarap
Day 21: Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (Kamakharka) (3,800m): 6-7 hours
Day 22: Tarap Khola to Khanigaon(3,150m): 4-5 hours
Day 23: Khanigaon to Tarakot (2,537m): 4-5 hours
Day 24: Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m): 5-6 hours
Day 25: Dunai to Jhuphal: 2-3 hours
Day 26: Fly from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu
Day 27: Rest day in Kathmandu
Day 28: Final departure
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu & Transfer to Hotel
You will be welcomed by the boss of company at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu (1300m).After completing your custom formalities (Visa, etc) pick up your luggage and look for our company display board at the arrival gate. You will be transfer to Hotel. After check in, you will visit our office; meet your trekking guide as well as other participants. Later in the evening we will organize a “Welcome Dinner” at an excellent Touristic Restaurant where you will enjoy with a fine meal. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02 : Kathmandu sightseeing and Trek preparation.
Full day of sightseeing in the very famous capital, Kathmandu. We will be visit the famous heritage sites in Kathmandu.
Morning:
We will start from your hotel by a morning walk in the blocked alleyways of Kathmandu. Your first contact with the smiling Nepalese people. We begin to cross the nice area of Thamel, full of nice shops, bars and restaurants.
We will see during this walk many temples and stupas: it will be for you the beginning of religious lessons, making the difference between Buddhists stupas and Hindu temples. You will discover with a great surprise how these two religions live together.
We will make a stop at Thahiti Tole, then in front of Kathesimbhu stupa. Always meeting statues and local shops (suits, spices, incenses, and so on) and listening the noise of bells (and of horns), we will see Asan Tole with wonderful Hindu temples. Then Indra Chowk and Pyaphal Tole. After 2 hours of walk and of wonder, we will arrive at Durbar Square.
Kathmandu Durbar Square situated the center of Kathmandu where you can see the House of Living Goddess “KUMARI” Kasthamandup temple” Said that was built from single tree in 16th century, big bell-big drams, erotic carving in old temple, old palace etc. All the most important monuments of the city are in this area. You will be filled with wonder by all these numerous such majestic and so ancient temples
registered in the Heritage of the UNESCO. It is possible to spend hours, sat on the walk of one of these monuments, admiring architecture, considering the animation of places, dreaming. We will take lunch at the top of a restaurant, with a great plunging view.
Afternoon.
You will begin the afternoon by another walk in the streets of Kathmandu, to look at the real face of this city, with local buildings and narrow streets. Then we will arrive at Swayambunath Stupa (Monkey Temple). Swayambunath stupa has it that Manjushree, found of Kathmandu valley, and discovered the lotus of ancient valley lake on which site the great stupa of Swayambunath was later built. The omni sighted stare of Buddha greets visitors & residents alike compassion. This is one of the oldest Buddhist stupa in the world, which has been registered in UNESCO heritage side. It is said that Swayambunath Stupa is more than 2,000 years old, and it symbolizes knowledge. At the summit of this hill, the painted eyes on all four sides symbolize the all-seeing power of Buddha. It is an important Buddhist place where pilgrims from all over the world.
From this place we can have a wonderful panoramic view on all the capital. So great at the end of the day, with the sunset. We will come back hotel by bus.
Evening: Time for you to prepare the trek and we introduce in front of you our crew members. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj: 1hr fly
After our short excursion in Kathmandu, we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western part of Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, mini-zoo and nearby villages. Overnight in Nepalgunj.
Day 04: Fly from Nepalganj to Jhuphal and trek to Dunai (2,850m): 45 mins flight, 2-3 hours walk
We fly to Jhupal after breakfast. The town is beautifully located over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to its north. Here, we meet our trekking staff and begin the adventure. We walk through terraced fields to the Bheri River and its narrow gorge. We continue walking to Dunai, which is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. We explore the small town in the evening and camp there for the night.
Day 05: Dunai to Ankhe (2,896m): 5-6 hours
We leave Dunai and cross a suspension bridge and turn to the west following a trail past a hospital. The trail ascends up the side of the treeless, Thulo Bheri valley before entering Phoksundo river valley. During the walk we get to the view of Kagmara Peak up the valley. We pass through walnut groves, Dhera and Rahagaun villages, walk down dense jungles and finally reach Ankhe. Overnight in Ankhe.
Day 06: Ankhe to Sulighat: 5-6 hours
Our trail ascends and descends along a wooded riverbank and climbs on a steep trail. The ups and downs can be a bit monotonous, but there are several streams along the way that offer a chance to cool off. The trail eventually leaves the forests and passes through a grassy slope high above the river. We trek downhill on a trail surrounded by lush forests before reaching a cliff followed by a dizzying drop on a wobbly stone staircase to the river bank. We continue trekking until we reach Sulighat where we spend the night.
Day 07: Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m) 4-5 hours
We continue our journey along the valley floor to the confluence of the Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers. After crossing a bridge, we walk on the western bank of the Pungmo Khola. The trail passes through a cedar forest before reaching Palam village. From here we trek up to a ridge and enjoy distant views of Phoksundo Lake and a spectacular waterfall, one of the highest in Nepal. Next, our trail descends through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo Khola, and then to the picturesque Ringmo village with its mud-plastered chortens and mani walls. From here it is a short walk to the shores of the Phoksundo Lake. Overnight at Phoksundo Lake.
Day 08: Acclimatization and rest at Phoksundo Lake
Today will be a well deserved rest day for acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake. During the day we can embark on a short hike to the village of Ringmo and it’s Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. During our short walks, we also get a chance to get acquainted with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon color and they favor Tibetan-style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. Overnight at Phoksundo Lake.
Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo Khola: 4-5 hours
Our trail moves around the top western end of the Phoksundo Lake as it contours on a rocky ledge along the lake’s western bank. This unsteady trail suspended on a gangway of wood supported on pegs driven into crevasse in the rocks, signals the remoteness of the area we are about to enter. At the westernmost edge of the lake the path leads through a lush meadow that opens up into the flood plain of the Phoksundo Khola. Then we walk through the valley, crossing the river and avoiding the occasional boggy marsh underfoot and then coming on the bank of the river to the overnight camp.
Day 10: Phoksunds Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang: 6-7 hours
For an hour or so we walk on a trail that leads us along the level path through a glacial valley which heads due north. At the confluence of the Phoksundo Khola and another mountain stream, there is an old wooden bridge. From here, we walk towards the north-east. A long climb brings us to a sheep meadow where our trail veers up a steep ravine. A hard climb to the top brings us to yet another valley where we can see the Kang-La pass. We set up our camp near the pass in a place that Peter Matthiessen christened ‘Snowfields Camp’. During our trek today we also get to admire the views of Chhamlang peak 6 (6739m) and peak 7 (6105m).
Day 11: Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4,500m) via Kang-La pass (5,360m): 5-6 hours
In the morning, we ascend on a steep trail littered with slate towards the pass. The climb to the top of the pass is quite strenuous. From the top of Kang-la pass we get excellent views of the large valley dissected by a gushing river. We descend to the valley floor on a steep trail. Next, we walk on a meandering trail along the banks of a river, crossing and re-crossing it several times. There are mud caves lining the hills overlooking the river. We also pass through meadows where we see grazing yaks, hundreds of sheep and domestic mountain goat (Chyangra). After crossing a quaint log bridge we reach the Shey Gompa compound where we will be spending the night.
Day 12: Acclimatization and rest at Shey Gompa
Shey Gompa was built in 1655 and the monastery is noted for its giant copper with gilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha. To the east of the gompa is Crystal Mountain which is one of the strangest mountains, as its contorted cliffs are laced with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. Today is another well-earned rest day for acclimatization. We spend the day hiking around Shey village which is famous for its ancient pre-Buddhist culture, the Bon Po. In Dolpo the ancient Tibetan way of life combines animism with the teaching of Buddha. Overnight in Shey Gompa.
Day 13: Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun (4,800m) via Saldang La (5,200m): 6-7 hours
We begin the day by following a pleasant trail amidst juniper trees which descends into a grey, stony canyon. Then the path begins to zigzag over bare rocks and coarse eroded soil until it eventually brings us to the top of Saldang-la pass. The subsequent descent towards the north is long and tiring but grazing yaks and sheep, and nomadic tents made from yak hair is a comforting sight. In Namduna Gaun we visit Namgung monastery. The red stone monstery is built against the backdrop of a cliff on the north wall of a gorge. Overnight in Namuda Gaun.
Day 14: Namduna Gaun to Saldang (3,620m): 4-5 hours
We leave the village and climb up a slope and begin a long walk along dusty barren mountains. After 3-4 hours of hard climb, we begin to see Saldang Village below us on a plateau high above the Namga Khola stream. It has a picturesque appearance. Saldang is the largest village of the inner Dolpo area. The village stretches for nearly two kilometers on an open slope and consists of five villages having about eighty well-built houses with nearly six hundred people. It is a prosperous village not only agriculturally but also for its strategic location on a trade route to Tibet. Overnight in Saldang.
Day 15: Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4,960m): 4-5 hours
From Saldang, we walk further north along the Nagon Khola (river) on a wild and barren terrain. We begin our walk on a fairly gradual path with few ups and downs. On the way, we pass through Marang and Ki villages. Next, we cross a tributary of Panzang River and walk towards the east and cross the river again before reaching Yangze gompa which houses an old Bon-Po Monastery. Overnight in Yangze Gompa.
Day 16: Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4,560m): 6-7 hours
From Yangze, there are two trails that connect to Sibu. To save time we will retrace the path back towards Saldang village, which will be much easier and shorter than the other route. From Saldang we walk along a river and pass through terraced fields, stupas, chortens, heaps of mani stones and a Chaiba monastery, then pass through the Namdo village, which is also prosperous, with about sixty houses having nearly 400 inhabitants. It stretches for more than 5 km on the high slopes to the left of Nam Khong Khola. The Namdo monastery is located near the river bed. Our journey continues further down the river for another two hours to camp near a small settlement of Sibu.
Day 17: Sibu to Jeng-la Phedi (4,900m): 5-6 hours
We walk along the Nam Khong Khola for a while and pass by caravans with yaks that are moving towards the Tibetan border. After turning east and walking for a while, we arrive at a confluence of two small streams. Next, the steep trail ascends to a grazing area below the Jeng La pass (4,900m/16,072ft). Our camp will be set up in this beautiful meadow. Overngiht in Jeng la Phedi.
Day 18: Jeng-la Phedi to Tokyu Gaon (4209m) via Jeng La pass (5,090m): 5-6 hours
We get up early in the morning and set forth on today’s trek. It will take us two long hours to reach the top of the Jeng La pass from where we get remarkable views of the north face of the Dhaualgiri massif. From here we descend on a rough trail to the Tarap Valley, a fascinating valley with vast plains in high mountains that extends twenty kilometers along Tarap Chu river. We camp close to the monastery at Tokyu.
Day 19: Tokyu to Dho Tarap(4,040m): 4-5 hours
We trek downhill on a plain valley with patches of lush grass on both sides of the river which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. There is also a marsh which is a common feature in the Desert Mountains of Tibet and the Ladakh Himalaya. Both the Bon Po and Buddhist sects are practiced in the valley. After a short trek, we reach Dho Tarap). Overnight in Dho Tarap.
Day 20: Rest Day at Dho Tarap
We spend today resting and strolling in the village of Dho Tarap which is surrounded by an irregular stone wall. Our walks will help us get acquainted with the local culture of the area. At Dho, about 40 houses are divided into three clusters and built in a haphazard way inhabited by few Tibetans and mostly Magars who are a hill tribe of Nepal. While here, we can visit a Buddhist Gompa which is closest to our campsite or we could embark upon a 40-minute walk and visit a Bon Po Gompa.Overnight in Dho Tarap.
Day 21: Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (Kamakharka) (3,800m): 6-7 hours
From Tarap we descend towards a wide valley which eventually narrows into a gorge. We walk along juniper and wild rose bushes just above the tree line. On our trek we see herds of blue sheep and by the afternoon, we reach the confluence of the Tarap Chu and the Lang Khola, a stream that joins with Tarap River from further east. We will make our camp on a nice meadow also known as Kamakharka and spend the night.
Day 22: Tarap Khola to Khanigaon(3,150m): 4-5 hours
We continue walking down the gorge of the Tarap River, at times alongside it. During our walk we pass by the local people who will be taking their herds to lower pastures for the winter. This will be one of the most exciting days of this trip as the valley becomes so narrow in a deep gorge that in some places we can jump from one side to another. Sometimes there is no trace of a path and we may have to walk across stone slabs fitted on logs in between the walls which act as a bridge. The gorge also provides unexpected adventure and thrills. At some places, the bridges are either damaged or washed away and we may be forced to cross the icy torrent on foot. Finally, we reach our camping spot beside the Tarap Khola at Khanigaon where we spend the night.
Day 23: Khanigaon to Tarakot (2,537m): 4-5 hours
From the camp we follow a trail that takes us to the village of Lalberi. Our trail then passes through a lush forest, descends into another gorge and continues to follow the river again. After reaching Tarakot, we can visit Sandul Gompa which lies about 8 km east of the village at a juncture of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu. The monastery stands on a hill to the south of Bheri River. Today we camp by the Tarap Chu river about 150 meters below Tarakot, near the police post. Overnight in Tarakot
Day 24: Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m): 5-6 hours
We begin our trek on a trail behind the Bheri River before crossing a bridge near the Lawan village. Our trail will continue alongside the big Bheri Rriver ascending until the Byas Gadi. From here the trail moves towards the west on a relatively easy trail. We cross the river again near the Lochakhola Gaon and ascend to Dunai for an overnight stay. Today’s trek will mostly be on a wonderful gorge with pine trees. Overnight in Dunai.
Day 25: Dunai to Jhuphal: 2-3 hours
Fron Dunai, we trek along the Bheri River enjoying the beautiful landscape. On the way, we pass through Dhupichaur and Rupgad villages as well as a temple. We continue trekking via Kalagaonda village and Motipur village before reaching the small airstrip. Overnight in Jhuphal.
Day 26: Fly from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu
We take the earliest flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. After arriving in Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier. Overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 27: Rest day in Kathmandu
After breakfast, we will take local bus to go Pashupatinath. it takes 40 minutes then we visit Pashupatinath. This temple, classified in the heritage of the UNESCO, is very famous among the Hindus of the whole world. We discover the ghats where take place in the rituals of cremation, according to Hindu tradition, along the sacred river Bagmati. This river throwing itself into the Ganges, a cremation in this place get the same symbolic value as in Varanasi. Stakes and bodies are orientated northward, towards the Himalayas, which is the cradle of the Hindu Gods. Don’t take pictures: meditate simply some minutes in the sense of this earth life, and impregnate you with this ambience, so strange according to our Western values.
The access to the Golden temple is only reserved for the Hindus, but it is possible to discover it on the bank of opposite, easy sat on one of the terraces. Both footbridges which cross this river allow to achieve a big series of stone terraces, adorned with dozens sanctuaries of Shiva. We will cross there surely numerous sadhus.
Then we take the hill up, in the middle of monkeys’ cloud. We go down towards the imposing temple of Guhyeshwari, where only the Hindus can visit it.
After the crossing of a small hanging bridge, we walk to another site of worldwide heritage: Boudhanath. During this walk, we can see the various lifestyles and styles of houses of this city. We also cross numerous shops: here is the true life of the inhabitants of the capital!
After 30 minutes, we arrive at Boudhanath, which is the seat of the Tibetan community having run away in Nepal in 1959″,. Millions of Buddhists visit every year this sacred place. Will be possible to us remain insensible to the extraordinary charm of this very spellbinding place!
This large esplanade is encircled with many shops and thirty Tibetan monasteries with marvelous gilding. Let’s make turn at pleasure mills, the smallest and the biggest! Which extraordinary vision to see all these believers, young people and old, turning continuously around imposing stupa, by singing mantras, by lighting lamps with oil, and by prostrating itself.
This Stupa, of 100 meters of circumference, was undoubtedly constructed at origin in the 7th century. This huge mandala is of an absolute favor. The dome whitened persistently in the lime constitutes the plinth of the gold arrow (to 13 degrees) adorned with the fabulous eyes of Buddha. Every thing makes an absolute harmony.
It is possible to enter inside the surrounding wall of the Stupa and to walk on one of the terraces.
We take lunch in Boudhanath, on the terrace of a panoramic restaurant, with plunging view on the Stupa and you will be again fascinated by the eyes of Buddha which encircle you at all times! Here is a celestial environment for you!
In the afternoon, leisure to go shopping in search of different gifts for your family and your friends, in Boudhanath and in Thamel.
In the evening, we perform a “farewell dinner” with all members of this walking.
Night at hotel of Kathmandu.
Day 28: Final departure
It’s time to enjoy a bit of Kathmandu and the ultimate view of the great mountains! Free time in Kathmandu and transfer to the airport two hours before departure of your flight home, after a final goodbye! On the way back, you’ll have time to plan a new adventure in Nepal, that country so magical!
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