Upper Dolpo Trek

Welcome to Nepal! Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free to relax, recover from your flight, or take a gentle evening stroll around Thamel, the lively tourist hub. In the evening, you’ll be introduced to your trekking guide, who will brief you about the upcoming adventure.

Today you’ll explore some of Kathmandu’s cultural gems. Depending on time, you may visit Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) — all UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Alongside sightseeing, your special Restricted Area Permits for Upper Dolpo will be processed. In the evening, you can do some last-minute shopping for trekking gear and prepare your backpack.

After breakfast, a short flight takes you to Nepalgunj, a busy border town in the Terai region of Nepal. This is quite a contrast to the hills and mountains — warm weather, Indian-influenced culture, and bustling bazaars. Spend the evening exploring the vibrant market or relax at the hotel.

Early in the morning, you’ll board a scenic flight to Juphal — the official gateway to Dolpo. The mountains look breathtaking from the plane. After landing, you’ll begin your trek with an easy walk along the Bheri River, crossing suspension bridges and small settlements, before reaching Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa. Overnight at Dunai.

The trail follows the Phoksundo River through beautiful pine and birch forests. Villages and cultivated terraces appear along the way, and you may meet locals carrying loads with yak or mule caravans. By afternoon, you’ll arrive at Chhepka, a small farming village where you’ll rest overnight.

Today’s walk feels magical as you pass through a forested trail filled with juniper, cedar, and pine. Soon, you’ll start hearing the thunderous roar of the Phoksundo Waterfall, Nepal’s highest waterfall. You’ll stay near the waterfall lodge, enjoying views of the river valley.

This is a shorter but stunning walk. As you ascend gradually, you’ll reach the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake. Its turquoise-blue water surrounded by rocky cliffs is one of the most iconic sights in Nepal. You’ll camp or stay near the lake and watch the golden hues of sunset reflecting on its surface.

A well-deserved rest day! You’ll explore around Phoksundo Lake, visit Ringmo Village, and see the centuries-old Bonpo Monastery. Optional short hikes to surrounding viewpoints offer jaw-dropping panoramas. Acclimatization here helps prepare your body for the higher altitudes ahead.

The trail leaves behind the lake and enters one of the most remote sections of the trek. Dense forests slowly give way to open meadows, where yaks and horses graze. Sallaghari is a beautiful campsite in the wilderness.

As you gain altitude, the terrain becomes rugged and rocky. The air is thinner here, so you’ll walk slowly, taking breaks. The campsite at Nangdala Base Camp sits at high elevation, surrounded by towering peaks, making it a dramatic overnight stop.

This is a challenging but rewarding day. You’ll climb steadily up to Nangdala Pass (5,350m), where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of snow-covered mountains and high valleys. After crossing the pass, a long descent brings you to Shey Gompa, a sacred monastery often called the “Crystal Monastery.”

A day to relax, explore, and soak in the spiritual energy of this magical place. Locals believe Shey Gompa and nearby Crystal Mountain are sacred. You can hike around the valley, visit monasteries, and learn about the spiritual traditions of Dolpo.

The trek continues over arid hills and deep canyons until you reach Namgung, a small settlement with a monastery built against a rock face. The remoteness of the region is striking, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

A relatively easier walk takes you to Saldang, one of the largest and most important villages in Upper Dolpo. The village is lively, with traditional houses, farmlands, and monasteries. You’ll get your first deep taste of Dolpo’s Tibetan-influenced culture.

The trail heads towards Yangze Gompa, an ancient and rarely visited monastery. Few trekkers make it here, giving you a sense of exclusivity. The route is remote, with very few settlements, and surrounded by stark yet beautiful landscapes.

Today’s walk takes you through small villages and nomadic settlements. You may encounter yak caravans and locals traveling across valleys. The night will be spent at Sibu, a small, remote campsite.

You’ll trek slowly to the base of Jeng La Pass, preparing for another high-altitude crossing tomorrow. The camp sits in an open valley with incredible views.

An early morning climb takes you over Jeng La Pass (5,090m). From the top, the massive Dhaulagiri range appears in the distance — a truly breathtaking sight. After the descent, you’ll arrive in Tokyu Gaon, one of the highest settlements in the Tarap Valley.

The valley gradually widens, and you’ll descend gently to Dho Tarap, a culturally rich village where people live in stone houses decorated with prayer flags. This is a highlight of the trek, offering deep insights into Dolpo’s traditions.

You’ll spend a second acclimatization and cultural day in Dho Tarap. Visit monasteries, interact with local people, and learn about their lifestyle, which has remained unchanged for centuries.

The trail leads through a spectacular gorge carved by the Tarap River. The narrow canyons and dramatic cliffs make today’s walk one of the most scenic parts of the trek.

You’ll follow the river downstream through deep gorges, passing by yak herders’ camps, before reaching Khanigaon, a small settlement surrounded by terraced fields.

The trail gradually descends through cultivated land and traditional villages until you arrive at Tarakot, once an ancient fortress town that controlled trade routes in Dolpo.

A long but final trekking day as you retrace your steps to Dunai and continue on to Juphal. Celebrate with your trekking team — you’ve completed one of Nepal’s most remote and rewarding journeys!

A short flight takes you from Juphal to Nepalgunj, and then you’ll catch a connecting flight back to Kathmandu. The evening is free to relax, enjoy a farewell dinner, or shop for souvenirs.

Your incredible journey through Upper Dolpo ends today. We’ll drop you at the airport for your flight home, carrying memories of turquoise lakes, high passes, and the untouched culture of Dolpo.