Upper Dolpo Circuit Trekking (24N/25D) Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1400 m)
Arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport, Then welcome by our office representative, and transfer to the respective hotel. After checking in to the hotel, meet our experienced trekking guide then detail briefing about the Trekking. Trekking permit collection as well as other required documents for the trekking. Finally settle down all the payment procedures.
Day 02: Kathmandu Half day city tour and trek preparation.
After breakfast we go for Kathmandu city half day city tour:
• Pashupatinath: This is located nearby Bouddhanth, this temple is one of the major important sacred pilgrim sites for the Hindus around the world, and this shrine is enlisted in UNESCO world heritage site.
• Then after we drive to Bouddhanath stupa, which is the main important shrine for Buddhist around the world. Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the largest spherical Stupa of Nepal and one of the largest Stupa in the world. Bouddhnath is also enlisted in UNESCO world heritage site.
• Swoyambhunath, it is also one of the holiest pilgrims for Buddhist and Hindus, and it is located at the hilltop in the Kathmandu also popularly known as the monkey temple. Swoyambhunath is also enlisted in UNESCO world heritage site.
Day 03: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj flight
From Kathmandu we fly to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia Nationl Park.It is a major transport hub for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Overnight stay will be at hotel or lodge that is 10 to 15 minutes' drive from the airport. Our representative will pick you up in the airport and take you to the hotel.
Day 04: Nepalgunj to Juphal (2475 m) flight and Juphal to Dunai (2140m)/ 3-4 hrs.
Today we take a 35 minutes long flight to Juphal .Our trekking starts from Juphal. The trail from Juphal to Dunai is comfortable and easy as the trail on this part of trek also has few jeeps running to and fro. The first forty five minutes of the trek descends down to Kalagauda followed by two hours of hike along the trail above Thuli Bheri River.We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the Dunai (2150m) a small town, the head quarter of the district. Dunai has some schools government and private, college, police check post and some government offices.
You can visit the Bon Stupa and school, Central Buddhist monastery and the very first English medium school across the river, From the Stupa you can have the view of whole town and another village, upper Dunai too.
Day 05: Trek Dunai to Chhepka (2687 m)/ 6-7hrs
As the trek begins we initially trek along classic trekking route of Dolpo via Sulighat, which is pretty much comfortable walk along the levelled trail. Beyond Sulighat our trek follows the trail beside Phoksundo River till Kageni. As the trek goes further, the landscapes in the vicinity begin to change. We trek through the lush tropical forest frequently emerging at isolated mid-hill villages like Jutung and arrive to Shangta. At Shangta we cross the bridge twice- once over Phoksundo River and once over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Maiaba Khola and begin to head north towards Chhepka.Trekking upstream along the trail beside Phoksundo Khola for a while we arrive to Chhepka. We put our camps at an ideal location in Chhepka for the overnight stay.
Day 06: Trek Chhepka to Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital (3000 m)/ 6-7hrs
We trek in the opposite direction of the river flow to Amchi Hospital. The trek crosses the bridge over Phoksundo Khola twice. As we approach closer to Kharka trekking along the amazingly peaceful region the trail goes high above Phoksundo Khola to Rechi 3011m, where we stop for the lunch.
Beyond Rechi we again hike along the river side trail to Sulligad Dovan where we cross the bridge over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola and arrive to Amchi Hospital. Amchi refers to traditional doctors who heal infections and diseases using the herbal medicine found in Dolpo.Amchi Hospital is the treatment center of the locals of Dolpo, where expert Amchis treat the patients. We will settle our camps by side of Amchi Hospital.
Day 07: Trek Chunuwar / Amchi Hospital to Phoksundo Lake (3600m)/ 6-7hrs
We will join the direct trail to Phoksundo Lake today climbing through forests of big cedars on to Polam (3397m), a winter settlement used by the people of the Ringmo village.
The entrance station for the Shey Phoksundo National Park is at the south end of the village. The route then descends on switchbacks through open country to an elevation of 3300 meter, and then starts up another set of dusty switchbacks to a ridge at 3780 meter to the highest waterfall in Nepal (200 meter high). Our route then continues on to Ringmo village, a picturesque settlement of flat-roofed stone houses with lots of mani walls. Just below Ringmo we cross a bridge and follow the trail to Phoksundo Lake, where we camp at the national park camping grounds west.
Day 08: Phoksundo Lake Rest day (Acclimatization)
Today we explore the area around Ringmo Village and the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. First, we explore around Ringmo Village and head to Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery).
The Gompa nestling a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. Exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery is fascinating experience. Then we drop down to Phoksundo Lake along steep-sided cliffs.
The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise colour and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, is scenic view from Phoksundo Lake. There are several monasteries (Gompas) and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of these. We also explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.
Day 09: Trek Phoksundo to Sallaghari (3630m)/ 6-7hrs trek
Today’s trek is probably one of the best trekking days of Dolpo. It climbs along the narrow trail cut on a cliff standing vertically straight above Phoksundo Lake.This treacherously fascinating trail brings us to another side of Phoksundo Lake. This part of the trek is like fantasy walk portrayed by a writer in their fiction novels.To get to the Phoksundo Khola camp on other side of the lake, we slide down for ninety minutes along the beautiful forests. The final part of today’s trek slides up to the beautiful campsite at Sallaghari. Enjoy the night in the camps amongst beautiful pine forest.
Day 10:Trek Sallaghari to Nangdala (4717m)/ 6-7hrs trek
Today’s trek is relatively short; we trek for almost three hours to reach Kangla/Nangdala Base Camp 4100m. As the trek begins we ascend up the narrow defile of Tuk Kyaksa River. The trail switches to opposite side of the river several times. Soon we arrive to a place where the rapids of the river are calmer. We cross the bridge over the river at that point.
Thirty minutes of walk after the bridge, we come across the wide valley followed by two hours of walk along the canyon brings us the potential campsite. A walk for a while further reaches to the massive rock slab, which is Kang La/Nangdala Base Camp- our campsite for the night.
Day 11:Nangdala to Shey Gompa (4343m) crossing Nangdala pass (5350m)/ 6-7hrs
The trek to the top of Kang La/Nangdala Pass is along the graveled trail uphill for three continuous hours. However, all the efforts put to come up to the top of the pass rewards us with wonderful views. The eye catching views from the Kang La Pass include Cyrstal Mountain, the mountains in Tibetan territory and the amazing landscapes of Dolpo. We also have views of the peaks Shey Shikkar and Kang Chunne, both just over 6000 meters, before descending steeply down to the valley floor and along the river. A red chorten marks the entrance to Shey. We camp for the night.
Day 12: Trek Shey Gompa to Namgung Gompa (4360m) crossing Shey La Pass (5100m)/ 7-8hrs
Today we will explore Shey Gompa. It is said to be about 800 years old monastery, with murals inside and an ancient scroll describing the mythology behind the Crystal Mountain. The monastery is locally known as Shelri Sumdho Gompa. The landscapes during this part of the trek are typical Dolpo landscapes- barren and enchanting. Then we begin to climb up towards the top of Shey La Pass, which is almost two hours of hike. The acme of Shey La Pass west of Shey, rewards us with the magnificent views of Mustang to the East, Tibet to the North and Kanjiroba, Kagmara and Riu Dhukta, or the Crystal Mountain, to the West. The final push downhill from the pass, which is almost 2 hours of hike, brings us to Namgung. We spend our night at Namgung, a local nomadic herding settlement
Day 13: Trek Namgong Gompa to Saldang (3770m)/ 5-6hrs
Before setting out towards Saldang, we explore the monastery of Namgung set on the flanking cliff. As the trek from Namgong Gompa begins we follow Namga Khola cross pass more summer herding spots and emerge out of spur for a short hike down to Saldang. Saldang is a beautiful village with lots of dry land surrounded hills. Amchi tradition and Buddhism in Dolpo thrives here at Saldang. Camping and overnight at Saldang.
Day 14: Saldang Day hike to Yangjer Gumba (4590m)/4-5 hours
Today we will have a day hike after early breakfast to Yanjer the historically richest monastery of this region. We will have packed lunch and will come back to Saldang for the night stop after the exploration of the monastery.
Day 15: Trek Saldang to Komash Village (4060m)/ 6-7 hrs trek
From Saldang we trek for six hours and arrive at the village of Komash. Initially, the trail follows the Saldang Lek along the Rapyha Khola to the barren hillside. Exiting out to the elevated ridge of almost 4500m, the trail descends down steeply to Komash Village, which has the similarity to a Tibetan village. Overnight in tents at Komash.
Day 16: Trek Komash Village to Shimen (3850m)/ 6-7hrs walk.
As we trek from Komash village we migh see some endangered animals like snow leopard or Blue sheep. The landscapes in the vicinity are full of highland deserts with few shrubs like vegetation. After almost five hours of comfortable hike we arrive to Shimen. Overnight in the tented camps at Shimen.
Day 17: Trek Shimen to Tinje (4110m)
Today the trail goes by the side of Panjyang Khola. There are some villages and gompas on the way to Tinje. Tinje is a very beautiful valley. There is a natural air strip where once a British aircraft had landed and taken off.
Day 18: Trek Tinje Village to Yak Kharka
From the village of Tinje we trek to Yak Kharka. Initially the trail to Yak Kharka follows the trail beside Panjyan River to the small settlement of Chhamdang. Beyond Chhamdang the trek along the river bank continues to the confluence of Chholtam Khola and Panjyan Khola. Trekking further we cross the bridge over Thalum Khola, which flows from Thalum Lek and arrive at Yak Kharka. Yak Kharka is an open grazing ground for yaks and sheep. The grassy meadow of Yak Kharka makes for an excellent camping site.
Day 19: Trek Yak Kharka to Tokyu (4240m)
As the trek begins today, we cross the bridge over Sulun River, Crossing the bridges over several streams the trek arrives to Choila North Pass 5040m. The trail to Choila North BC is an arduous and difficult trek. Almost two hours steep ascend brings us to the top of Choila Pass from where the fascinating sights of Tokyu camps are seen. A downhill and leveled trail beside Choila Khola brings us to Tokyu, where we settle our camps for the overnight stay.
Day 20: Trek Tokyo to Dho Tarap (3944m) Rest day (2-3 hours)
Today after breakfast we walk towards Dho Tarap, it is nearly one and half hours walk. We spend the day at Dho Tarap. Dho Tarap is a large village decorated by colourfull prayer flags. There are chortens, mani walls and monasteries. Villagers grow wheat, buck wheat, barley, potatoes and green vegetables in terraced fields. Here we have few major sites that are worthwhile exploring around Dho Tarap, Including Ribo Bumpa Monastery & Drakmar Dewa Monastery, and the vicinity around Dho Tarap has many other important monasteries which include Mekhyim Monastery, Dhoro Monastery and a Bon Gompa of Shipichowk among others. Overnight at Dho Tarap.
Day 21: Trek Dho Tarap to Chhegur Cave (3441m)
Today, the trek covers a long distance, as we start the trek; we hike along the flat trail beside Tarap Khola to Mirububane Khola Dovan- the confluence of Tarap Khola and Mirubabane Khola. Then the trek slides down to the bridge over Klang Khloa at Langa Camp.
The trail continues to follow Tarap Khola with the views of arid landscapes. As the trek goes further the trail emerges and passes several villages like Sisaul, Gyamghar, Toltol and Nawarpani before we finally stop at Chhegur Cave. We set up the tents at Chhegur Cave sides for the overnight stay.
Day 22: Trek Chhegur Cave to Tarakot (2537m)
The trek today begins on the trail that runs beside Tarap Khola. Gradually, the view in the vicinity begins to change. The green forests start to emerge. For a while we trek up high above Tarap Khola to Lamchaur. Passing Lahini Odar, we descend down the hill to Chhedhul Gompa.
Once again, a short walk along the trail beside Tarap Khola we arrive at Laisicap, where we cross the bridge over the confluence of Tarap Khola and Thuli Bheri River. Now on we trek along the green woodlands high above Thuli Bheri River towards Tarakot. Overnight in a camp at Tarakot.
Day 23: Trek Tarakot to Juphal (2475)/ 8hrs
The last day of the trek is not less interesting. We trek on the trail that stretches beside Thuli Bheri River to Dunai via Lawan and Byasgad. The trail has forested region on its west, Thuli Bheri River and cultivated terraced fields on its East. We will have our lunch at Dunai then couple of hours trek from Dunai brings us to Juphal. Overnight at Juphal.
Day 24:Juphal to Nepalgunj flight and Nepalgunj to Kathmandu flight
From Juphal we fly to Nepalgunj by early morning flight. In Nepalgunj you will have to spend some time by looking around the airport settlement or can go to the hotel and have a rest. By afternoon we will fly to Kathmandu. Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu airport and will take you to the hotel. At Evening Himalayan Icefall Trekking Company will provide Typical Nepali farewell dinner. Overnight Kathmandu.
Day 25: Final Departure for your onward destination.
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