Upper Dolpo Trek

On arrival at Kathmandu airport, we will receive you there and drive to Hotel. Tour briefing in the afternoon and trekking preparation.

A free morning in Kathmandu to relax or explore Thamel. In the afternoon we’ll take the short flight to Nepalgunj in the Terai. Overnight in a simple hotel.

An early morning flight to Jhupal in the Lower Dolpo district where we meet up with our trek crew. An easy start to our trek as we walk downhill to camp by the river at Sulighat (2050m).

We start the trek to Inner Dolpo following the Suli Gaad river north. We’ll pass through many villages including Jyalhasa which is only inhabited in the winter when the Dolpopa (local Dolpo people) bring their animals down from mountain pastures.

Crossing the river many times today, we ascend a narrow gorge through forests of bamboo and conifer. The valley opens up at the village of Renje beyond which the trail climbs upwards further.

From Samduwa the river becomes the Phoksumdo Khola. Trekking through Palam we enter the Dolpo National Park. From a ridge above the valley we get our first view of Phoksumdo Lake. Descending through forest we climb to the Dolpopa village of Ringmo (3600m), where we camp close by.

A day for acclimatisation at Phoksumdo Lake. There are options for many day hikes here and a visit to Ringmo and its monastery is highly recommended. A second night camping near Ringmo.

Following a spectacular trail around the western edge of the lake we head north into Inner Dolpo. The path is chiseled into the steep rock walls and was featured in Eric Valli’s film, Himalaya. The trail then climbs to a ridge and we make a descent to the north shore before ascending a wide valley where we make camp (3700m).

The valley narrows as we continue our ascent, crossing several streams. Leaving the main valley we enter a narrow gorge and climb up a steep-sided valley, following in the footsteps of Peter Matthiessen camping at the spot he names Snowfields in his book at approx 4650m .

Today we cross the Kang La (5350m). It’s a 2-3 hour climb from camp on loose scree that may be snow covered. From the prayer-flag bedecked pass we descend to the valley floor and follow the river to Shey Gompa. The monastery is set dramatically beneath Crystal Mountain. We set up camp below the Gompa at around 4370m.

A rest day at Shey Gompa. There is much to do and see here. Besides Shey Gompa itself, a visit to Tsa Kang monastery, perched on a ledge of a cliff-face, is highly recommended. A second night at our Shey Gompa campsite.

Heading east we cross the Shey La pass (5100m) from where we can see Tibet in the north and Mustang in the east. We make a long descent to the pastures at Namgung (4415m) where we set up camp outside the village.

A shorter day starting with a traverse high above the Namgung Khola, then a steep descent to the village of Saldang. Close to the border, Tibetan yak caravans pass through here trading salt for salt from the lowlands. Saldang is the largest settlement in Inner Dolpo. We set up camp here and have the afternoon to explore.

Heading south now we follow the Nagaon Khola passing through Namdo Village with it’s 2 Gompas. Our riverside campsite tonight is near the smaller settlement of Sibu (4150m).

A shorter day following the river intiially. Later we make a a steady climb to a grazing area below the Jeng La at 4850 metres where we set up camp for the night.

A steep climb takes us to the summit of the Jeng La (5110m). From the top there are spectacular views south to Dhaulagiri. Descending to the Tarap Valley we follow a stream to Tokyu Village, our overnight campsite (4160m).

An easy morning’s walk, descending the upper Tarap valley towards Dho (4020m). There are many monasteries here and the local women wear traditional headpieces of beaten silver. We set up camp beyond the village at Yak Kharka where it is less windy.

This is a contingency day in case we have encountered any difficulties with our trekking schedule. If not required, we have the option to spend a rest day here.

Descending beside the river we cross to the west bank beneath imposing cliffs before cresting a ridge. We drop down to the Shishul Khola, home to the herds of bharal (blue sheep) studied by George Schaller in 1973. Beyond we cross the Tarap Chu to Shim Ora where we make camp.

An interesting day of trekking through the gorges of the Tarap Chu to Kanigaon. After 4 hours of descent we break for lunch before a further descent to the police checkpost at Kanigaon. Camp tonight is beside the river. At this lower elevation (2620m) its much warmer.

Just after the confluence of the Tarap Chu and the Barbung Khola, we cross the latter via a high suspension bridge. The trail continues high above the river until the descent to Tarakot where we camp by the river. The afternoon is free for a visit to Gumba Tara where there is a monastery.

Today we complete our circuit following the Barbung Khola to Dunai (2090m). This is another short day and allows us a leisurely afternoon. Dunai has a couple of small lodges selling soft drinks and beer.

A pleasant walk beside the Bheri river and a last climb to reach the airstrip at Jhupal (2480m). We camp beside the airstrip and celebrate the final night of this amazing trek with our crew.

Flying out to Nepalgunj in the Terrai, we connect with an onward flight to Kathmandu. Time for a welcome shower and an enjoyable evening dining in the city. Overnight in a Kathmandu hotel.

Today is a contingency day in case of problems with the weather-dependent flights out of Nepalgunj. If we have flown out on schedule, this is a free day for all in Kathmandu and we’ll enjoy a final celebratory night dinner in one of the city’s restaurants.

Breakfast and final complimentary airport transfers are provided to get your flight back home.