ECO TOURISM ADVENTURE

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Upper Dolpo Trek

Fact of the Trip:

Starting from
US$ 4855
Per Person
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Group Size:02 - 14 pax

Arrival on:Kathmandu, Nepal

Grade:Difficult

Transportation:Car/Bus/Plane

Destination:Nepal

Elevation:5360

Duration:28 days

Accomodation:Hotel, Lodge, Tent

Meal:Full board while on trekking as itinerary.

  • Overview
  • Itinerary
  • Cost Info
  • Checklist

Trip Highlights

Adventurous camping trek to the remote trans Himalayan region of Nepal, Superb view of Kanjirowa Himal, Crystal Mountain and many more, Visit ancient monasteries of Dolpo district, Explore remote areas of western region, Observe Unique Tibetan Buddhist culture, Discover the wild west of Nepal Himalaya, Visit UNESCO world cultural heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley, Crossing Kang La 5350m and Jyagla pass, Explore mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake (Deepest lake of Nepal) and more.

Introduction

Upper Dolpo Trek 28 Days, Dolpo region is situated between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri ranges. The entire district was closed to trekkers until 1989 when the southern part of Dolpo was opened to organized trekking groups. Our trekking adventure begins with tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. We then fly to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal from where we begin our trek in the Dolpo region which was made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s book - The Snow Leopard. Nepal’s first English subtitled movie on Dolpo, The Caravan, was also a huge success and was also nominated for the Oscar Award in the best foreign language film category. On our 28-day trek we pass through interesting villages, trekking routes and meet fascinating people. We also cross a few high Himalayan passes and enjoy the vast and tranquil beauty of Phoksundo Lake. From Shey Gompa, we follow the ancient Trans Himalayan Trade route and return back to Jhuphal as our trek ends. The trek indeed takes us into the wild west of Nepal.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1330m

Day 02: Kathmandu: sightseeing and trekking preparation

Day 03: Fly to Nepalgunj 1 hour

Day 04: Fly to Jhuphal and trek to Dunai 2850m 45 min flight, 2-3 hours trek

Day 05: Trek to Ankhe 2896m 5-6 hours

Day 06: Trek to Sulighat 3030m 5-6 hours

Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo Lake 3611m 4-5 hours

Day 08: Acclimatization Day

Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo Khola 3300m 4-5 hours

Day 10: Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang 4000m 6-7 hours

Day 11: Trek to Shey Gompa 4500m via Kang-La pass 5360m 5-6 hours

Day 12: Acclimatization Day

Day 13: Trek to Namduna Gaun 4800m via Saldang La 5200m 6-7 hours

Day 14: Trek to Saldang 3620m 4-5 hours

Day 15: Trek to Yangze Gompa 4960m 4-5 hours

Day 16: Trek to Sibu 4560m 6-7 hours

Day 17: Trek to Jeng-la Phedi 4900m 5-6 hours

Day 18: Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4209m via Jeng La pass 5090m 5-6 hours

Day 19: Trek to Dho Tarap 4040m 4-5 hours

Day 20: Rest Day

Day 21: Trek to Tarap Khola 3800m 6-7 hours

Day 22: Trek to Khanigaon 3150m 4-5 hours

Day 23: Trek to Tarakot 2537m 4-5 hours

Day 24: Trek to Dunai 2140m 5-6 hours

Day 25: Trek to Jhuphal 2-3 hours

Day 26: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

Day 27: Free day in Kathmandu

Day 28: Final departure

Note: Fill free to customize your trip. click here.

Accommodation for this trip: 

Eco Tourism Adventure Pvt. Ltd provides two kinds of accommodation during Upper Dolpo Trek 28 Days. At Kathmandu, we provide three star hotel rooms with breakfast twin sharing base. During the trek, we provide nice lodge and good tent. If you need a Single room or tent we will charge extra $555 (Kathmandu and trek) but high season not so easy to get single room on the way to trek.

Food: 

Upper Dolpo Trek 28 Days, Eco Tourism Adventure Pvt. Ltd provides different kind of food like Nepali, Continental and Indian with one cup of tea and coffee. We provide welcome dinner Nepali cousin with Nepali culture dance and farewell dinner at K2 steak house (best steak in Kathmandu). Breakfast Kathmandu hotel provide a lot of items you can choose yourself and other guest house you can choose one items in the menu with cup of tea and coffee. 

Physical Requirements:

Eco Tourism Adventure Pvt. Ltd, Upper Dolpo Trek 28 Days is difficult trek basically hikers have to hike per day 6 to 7 hours with daypack except some days are longer hour than 8 to 9. High altitude hike anyway need energy and experience, we have two days acclimatization day Phoksundo Lake and Shey Gumba that absolutely help for your altitude fitness, have a positive attitude, self-confidence and physically powerful determination, we can achieve the trek successfully. If Around month jogging regularly before this trip is a great idea to improve our power and performance. Past hiking experience would be a great advantage and glacier hiking skill is required for this trip. Before booking this trip it is a great idea to consult with your doctor and if you have any disease better inform us. 

Best Time to Travel:

We have three best seasons in the year like summer, autumn and spring, summer and Autumn best month is June to December and spring best month is mid February to May this three seasons are the best seasons for this trek because of the weather is fine and warm with perfect views but the nights are chilly and can drop to freezing level in higher altitude. Winter season is close for Upper Dolpo Trek the only problem is cold and lot of show. Trekking in summer season will be one of the best because of sangria-la. The trekking routes are not crowded like a spring and autumn.

(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1330m

Today arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Eco Tourism Adventure will pick us up from the airport and take us to our hotel. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Eco Tourism Adventure. For dinner, you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine with culture dance. Hotel Overnight. Included meal: (D)

Day 02: Kathmandu: sightseeing and trekking preparation

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and religious attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous 'Monkey Temple' Swayambhunath and Buddhist shrine Bouddhanath, which is one of the largest stupas in the world. At afternoon, there will be a trip Briefing where we can meet our trek leader. Well as provide us with an opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Hotel Overnight. Included meal: (B)

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj: 1 hour

After our short excursion in Kathmandu, we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western 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. Hotel Overnight. Included meal: (B)

Day 04: Fly to Jhuphal and trek to Dunai 2850m45 min flight, 2-3 hours trek

Today, We fly to Jhupal early in the morning 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 05: Trek to Ankhe 2896m 5-6 hours

Today, 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 06: Trek to Sulighat 3030m 5-6 hours

Today, 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 07: Trek to Phoksundo Lake 3611m 4-5 hours

Today, 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 08: Acclimatization Day

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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 09: Trek to Phoksundo Khola 3300m 4-5 hours

Today, 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.  Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 10: Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang 4000m 6-7 hours

Today, 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 six 6739m and peak seven 6105m. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 11: Trek to Shey Gompa 4500m via Kang-La pass 5360m 5-6 hours

Today, 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 12: Acclimatization Day

Today, 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 13: Trek to Namduna Gaun 4800m via Saldang La 5200m 6-7 hours

Today, 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 14: Trek to Saldang 3620m 4-5 hours

Today, 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 15: Trek to Yangze Gompa 4960m 4-5 hours

Today, 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 16: Trek to Sibu 4560m 6-7 hours

Today, 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 17: Trek to Jeng-la Phedi 4900m 5-6 hours

Today, 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 18: Trek to Tokyu Gaon 4209m via Jeng La pass 5090m 5-6 hours

Today, 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 19: Trek to Dho Tarap 4040m 4-5 hours

Today, 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). Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 20: Rest Day

Today, 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 21: Trek to Tarap Khola 3800m 6-7 hours

Today, 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.  Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 22: Trek to Khanigaon 3150m 4-5 hours

Today, 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. Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 23: Trek to Tarakot 2537m 4-5 hours

Today, 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.  Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 24: Trek to Dunai 2140m 5-6 hours

Today, 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. Lodge orTent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 25: Dunai to Jhuphal: 2-3 hours

Today, 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. Lodge or Tent Overnight. Included meal: (B,L,D)

Day 26: Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

Today, 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. celebrate the successful completion of our journey, we will have a farewell dinner. Hotel Overnight. Included meal: (B,D)

Day 27: Free day in Kathmandu

Today, this is an free day set aside for you to explore Kathmandu on your own. You can spend the day getting ready for your next day’s flight, do some souvenir shopping. Hotel Overnight. Included meal: (B)

Day 28: Final departure

Today transfer to international airport the sorry to say good bye.  Included meals: (B)

Cost Includes

  • All airports pick up and transfer.
  • Welcome and farewell dinner at Kathmandu. 
  • Kathmandu City Tours as per above program, inclusive of all entry fees, tour guide, transport.
  • Tent and guest house, food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea and coffee during the trek.
  • Accommodation with breakfast at three star hotel in Kathmandu as per as program.
  • Guide, porter and staffs, food, accommodation, salary, equipments, insurance.
  • Flight to Ktm-Nepalganj-juphal and back to ktm.
  • Group First Aid medical kit.
  • Shey Phoksundo National Park permits.
  • Dolpo special Permit.
  • Eco Tourism Adventure print porter bag for client.
  • Government taxes.
  • Office Service charge.

Cost Excludes

  • Any food in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
  • Drinks (coke, water and alcohol) shower, internet, battery charge during the trek.
  • Cargo for plane more load airline facility.
  • Travel insurance
  • International air fare to and from Nepal.
  • Nepal entry visa fee.
  • Single room $555
  • Porter extra load more than 13kg per kilo $7.
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Tips for staffs.

Important documents and items

  • Ø Valid passport,
  • Ø Two extra passport size pictures.
  • Ø Cash for purchasing Nepalese visa at Kathmandu airport.
  • Ø Bank cards (for withdraw money at Nepal).

Clothing

  • Ø Trekking boots and spare laces.
  • Ø Hat (worm), buff or scarf and gloves.
  • Ø Waterproof set, poncho or umbrella.
  • Ø Hiking shoes, sandals or thongs (flip-flops).
  • Ø Wool blend socks (for snow), cool-max socks (for warmer weather), underwire
  • Ø Sunhat with strap and wide brim
  • Ø Fleece jacket
  • Ø Wind stopper
  • Ø Quick drying t-shirt(two or three)        

Equipment

  • Ø Backpack and day pack.
  • Ø Sleeping bag and liner.
  • Ø Map.
  • Ø Water bottle or bladder.
  • Ø Lead head torch.

 Miscellaneous Items

  • Ø Toiletries (in travel size bottles with screw on lid)
  • Ø Quick drying towel.
  • Ø Toilet paper and cigarette lighter.
  • Ø Laundry shop.
  • Ø Sunscreen (SPF 30plus) and lip balm.
  • Ø Polarizing sunglass and hard case.
  • Ø Water purification tablets.
  • Ø Personal Medical Kit.
  • Ø Blister kit (if you doing trek first time).
  • Ø Insect repellent (for lower altitude). 
  • Ø Locks for bag.
  • Ø Stuff sack and Ziploc bag.
  • Ø Gaffer/duct tape for repair.

For treks above 4200m

  • Ø Thermal underwear and down jacket.
  • Ø Gaiters.
  • Ø Micro spikes or Yakrrax (for winter and high pass). 

Optional Equipment

  • Ø Camera, memory card and battery charger or spare batteries.
  • Ø GPS unit.
  • Ø Smartphone or tablet/kindle, books and charger.
  • Ø Small duffle bag (to leave behind Kathmandu).
  • Ø Back cover.
  • Ø Trekking poles.
  • Ø Antibacterial gel or sanitizer.
  • Ø Pocket knife. 

Medical

  • Ø Small, personal first-aid kit. (simple and light)
  • Ø Aspirin, first-aid tape, and plasters (Band-Aids)
  • Ø Blister repair tape.
  • Ø Anti-diarrhea pills
  • Ø Pain killers pills.
  • Ø Anti cough or anti cold medicine.
  • Ø Altitude sickness pills: Acetylzolamide.
  • Ø For Stomach antibiotic: Ciprofloxacin. Note: Don't bring sleeping pills as they are a respiratory depressant.
  • Ø Extra pair of prescription glasses, contact lens supplies.

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