Upper Dolpo Trek

Enjoy a full-day guided tour of Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Basantapur Durbar Square. Each site visit will last about an hour. Meanwhile, our team will finalize trekking permits and paperwork. You’ll receive your expedition duffel bag at the hotel briefing. The area is convenient for last-minute shopping for snacks and trekking gear.

Morning at leisure for packing and final preparation. In the afternoon, fly 45 minutes to Nepalgunj, a gateway to western Nepal. Transfer to hotel and relax. In the evening, enjoy a local cultural experience with a rickshaw tour of Nepalgunj’s bustling market, sampling traditional teas and mingling with locals.

Early morning flight (~40 mins) to Juphal airstrip (2475m), a remote mountain airfield. Begin trek downhill through terraced fields and shallow gullies to the Thuli Bheri River (2080m). Cross several suspension bridges before arriving at Dunai (2140m), the district headquarters, for an overnight stay in a local guesthouse.

Cross the suspension bridge over the Thuli Bheri River and trek upstream along the Suli Khola valley. Register at the national park office at Sulighat. Ascend and descend across multiple suspension bridges, passing through the villages of Raktang and Ringmo. Reach Chhepka or nearby excellent campsite for overnight.

Follow the valley with multiple river crossings and trails varying between riverbanks and cliffs. Trek through forests of horse chestnut, larch, birch, and bamboo. Pass the confluence of rivers and reach Amchi Hospital, named after the traditional Tibetan medicine practiced here.

Ascend to a ridge (~3800m) offering views of Nepal’s highest waterfall cascading from Phoksundo Lake. Descend through birch forests to Ringmo village, with its chortens and mani walls. Walk to camp on the shore of the stunning turquoise alpine Phoksundo Lake.

Acclimatize with a day to explore Ringmo village and visit the Bonpo Buddhist monastery. Discover local traditions, including the unique Bonpo circumambulation of chortens.

Enter Upper Dolpo’s restricted area with special permits. Follow the “Devil’s Trail,” a narrow cliff path made famous in the film Himalaya. Enjoy views of Kanjiroba (6612m), Norbung Kang (6085m), and Jhyarko Dingla (5892m). Camp on the northern shore of the lake.

Cross pine and birch forests, pass the confluence at Chunemba, and ascend grassy ridges while spotting the medicinal Cordyceps (Yarchagomba). Enjoy spectacular views of Kanjiroba massif. This is one of the longest and most rewarding days on the trek.

Essential rest and acclimatization at the base of Kang La Pass (5380m). Guides will assess conditions for the pass crossing.

Early start to cross the Kang La pass. Descend through colorful gorges to Shey Gompa, a sacred monastery revered as the “younger brother” of Mt. Kailash. Camp near the monastery nestled in a beautiful river valley.

Traverse high-altitude passes with panoramic views of Mustang and surrounding peaks. Descend to the village of Namgung, passing isolated yak herder settlements and mani walls.

Follow high-level trails above villages and farmland. Experience the traditional Tibetan-influenced culture, yak grazing pastures, and local farming lifestyle.

Explore a culturally rich valley, with wildlife sightings possible including blue sheep and musk deer. Visit Dolpo’s oldest monastery surrounded by mani walls and chortens.

Ascend Muri La Pass with breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri and surrounding Himalayan peaks. Enjoy a relaxing lunch amidst spectacular alpine scenery.

Descend through the Panzang Valley with ancient mani walls and Tibetan fields. Visit traditional villages and two gompas before arriving at Tinje, a larger Upper Dolpo settlement.

Follow river valleys and pass small settlements en route to alpine campsites surrounded by rugged mountain terrain.

A challenging day crossing Mo La, with spectacular high-altitude views. Descend to Charka Bhot village for camping.

Explore local Buddhist and Bonpo monasteries and relax before the final trekking stages.

Traverse high yak pastures and river gorges, passing herder settlements en route to Yak Kharka.

Cross two high passes, Niwash La (5120m) and Jungden La (5550m), for incredible mountain vistas before camping near Sangda La.

Descend through steep, rocky trails with stunning views of the Kali Gandaki Valley and Himalayan peaks.

Traverse multiple ridges with panoramic views of Thorong Peak, Nilgiri, and Annapurna ranges before descending to a picturesque valley campsite.

Descend along the Kali Gandaki River to Jomsom. Celebrate the trek’s completion with a farewell meal and gratitude to your trekking crew.

Fly early morning to Pokhara, then onward to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and relax after your epic Upper Dolpo trekking adventure.

Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour visiting Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, and Basantapur Durbar Square. End your day with a farewell dinner in the lively Thamel district.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Thank you for choosing us to guide you through the stunning Upper Dolpo region!