Upper Dolpo Trek - 21 Days

Arrive in Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, trek preparation.

Flying from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj is the quickest and most convenient way to reach the gateway to the remote regions of western Nepal. Enjoy scenic views of the Himalayas and the Terai region. Domestic flights in Nepal are generally comfortable but may have limited in-flight services.Explore Nepalgunj.Overnight Stay in Hotel At Nepalgunj.

Enjoy the scenic flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal. The flight may offer views of the Himalayas and the remote landscapes of Dolpo. Begin your trek from Juphal, which is the starting point of your trek into the Dolpo region.The trek to Dunai follows a trail that descends through lush forests and scenic landscapes. You’ll pass through several small villages and cross suspension bridges over rivers.Overnight Stay in Lodge At Dunai.

The trek begins with a gradual ascent out of Dunai, passing through terraced fields and following the banks of the Dolpo Khola (river).You'll cross several suspension bridges over rivers and streams. The trail offers views of lush forests, fertile fields, and traditional villages. You’ll pass through beautiful landscapes with a mix of river valleys and hilly terrain.The trek includes passing through small villages where you can experience local culture and lifestyle.Overnight Stay in Chhepka.

The trail starts with a gradual ascent through dense forests of pine and rhododendron. You’ll pass through several small villages and terraced fields. You’ll cross several suspension bridges over rivers and streams.Enjoy stunning views of waterfalls, and the surrounding mountains. The trail provides picturesque landscapes with a mix of forest and river valley terrain.As you ascend, the terrain becomes more rugged with steeper sections. The altitude gain is gradual, allowing for better acclimatization.Overnight Stay in Jharna hotel.

The trail starts with a gradual ascent through forests, crossing several suspension bridges over rivers. The path gradually opens up to offer views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.Enjoy stunning views of waterfalls and lush vegetation as you trek along the riverside. The trail passes through the village of Ringmo, which is a good spot to rest and experience local culture .Phoksundo lake is situated in a valley surrounded by high cliffs and snow-capped peaks, offering dramatic and stunning views.Overnight Stay In Lodge At Phoksundo Lake.

An acclimatization day is crucial when trekking in high-altitude areas like Shey Phoksundo Lake to prevent altitude sickness and ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. Take a short, easy hike to a higher vantage point for better acclimatization. Hike to a viewpoint overlooking the lake or the surrounding mountains.Explore the area around Shey Phoksundo Lake at a comfortable pace.Walk along the lakeshore, enjoy the views, and visit local monasteries like the Tshowa (Bon Monastery).

Begin your descent from the lake. The trail starts with a gentle slope, descending through scenic landscapes. Enjoy views of the lake and surrounding mountains as you start the descent. The trail passes through lush forests and terraced fields. You’ll pass through several small villages or settlements along the way, where you can experience local culture and possibly find a place for a rest stop. Overnight Stay in Lodge At Phoksundo Khola.

Begin the ascent from the river valley. The trail starts with a gradual climb, passing through lush forests and terraced fields.As you ascend, the landscape changes from river valleys to more rugged and mountainous terrain. You’ll pass through alpine meadows and sparse forests.The climb is steady but can be steep in sections. The trail switchbacks up the mountainside, offering excellent views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.Overnight Stay in Lodge At Phoksundo Bhanjyang.

Begin the ascent to Kang La Pass. The climb is steep and challenging, with rocky terrain and high-altitude conditions.The pass offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and the rugged landscape of the Dolpo region.After crossing Kang La Pass, you will descend into the valley leading to Shey Gompa. The descent can be steep and requires careful navigation.Enjoy stunning views of the landscape, including glaciers, alpine meadows, and the distant peaks of the Himalayas.Overnight Stay in Shey Gompa.

Begin your trek from Shey Gompa with a gradual ascent through a scenic valley. The trail is well-defined and offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The route involves crossing a high pass (Shey La or Saldang La), which stands at around 5,010 meters (16,437 feet). The ascent to the pass is steep and challenging, but the panoramic views from the top are rewarding.After crossing the pass, the trail descends into the Namgung Valley. The descent can be steep and rocky in places, requiring careful navigation.Overnight Stay in Lodge At Namgung.

Begin the trek from Namgung, following a well-marked trail. The path initially ascends through the arid landscape typical of the Upper Dolpo region. The trail offers breathtaking views of the barren yet beautiful Dolpo landscape. You will see traditional Tibetan-style villages, terraced fields, and grazing yaks.Along the way, you may pass through small settlements where you can interact with the local people and experience their unique culture and lifestyle.Overnight Stay in Saldang.

Begin your trek from Saldang, following a trail that heads east. The initial part of the trek involves a gentle ascent through a high-altitude desert landscape. The trail offers stunning views of the arid and rugged terrain of Upper Dolpo. You’ll pass through small villages and terraced fields, with the chance to see local wildlife such as blue sheep and yaks. Along the way, you might encounter local villagers, offering a glimpse into the traditional Tibetan lifestyle and culture of the region.

Begin your trek from Yangze Gompa, starting with a descent from the monastery. The initial part of the trail involves traversing rocky terrain and crossing small streams.The trail descends through rugged terrain, offering beautiful views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. You’ll experience a variety of landscapes, including high-altitude deserts and lush valleys.The primary feature of this segment is the descent from Yangze Gompa to Sibu. Overnight Stay in Lodge At sibu.

Begin your trek from Sibu, starting with a descent through the rocky and sometimes steep terrain. The trail may involve crossing several small streams and descending through a variety of landscapes.As you descend, the landscape transitions from the high-altitude desert of Upper Dolpo to greener, more fertile valleys. You’ll pass through small villages and terraced fields. The trail is predominantly downhill, with some flat and gentle ascending sections.Overnight Stay in Lodge At Dunai.

Begin your trek from Dunai, following the trail that heads east toward Juphal. The initial part of the trek involves crossing the Bheri River and navigating through the valley.The trail offers views of the lower Dolpo landscape, with terraced fields, traditional villages, and river valleys. You’ll pass through some forested areas and cross small streams.The path is mostly a gradual ascent from Dunai to Juphal. The trail is well-trodden and relatively easy to navigate.Overnight Stay in Lodge At Juphal.

Flying from Juphal to Nepalgunj is a key segment of the journey when concluding the Upper Dolpo trek. From Nepalgunj, you will continue your journey to Kathmandu, typically via a 1-hour flight.This flight marks the transition from the remote trekking region of Dolpo to the more developed area of Nepalgunj, where you will catch a connecting flight to Kathmandu.Overnight Stay in Hotel At Kathmandu.

Free day in Kathmandu for relaxation, shopping, or exploring any missed sights. Final preparations for departure.

Transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward travel.