Duration: 10 days
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Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek
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Duration - 23 days
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Guide optionsEnglish
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Cancellation PolicyStandard
Overview
It has only been a short while since the hidden kingdom of Upper Dolpo has been revealed to trekkers from around the world. If you decide to trek in the north-western part of Nepal, you have made a good decision. The Upper Dolpo Circuit trek is gracefully awaiting your arrival
Highlights
- Old monasteries, Gompas, Chortens, and other Buddhist monuments in the Dolpo region.
- Exploring the tranquil Shey Phoksundo Lake.
- Meeting nomads guiding herds of Yaks.
- Shey Phoksundo National Park and rare species like Musk deer and Snow leopard
- Astonishing views of the Himalayas like Mt. Dhaulagiri range, Mt Api, Mt Saipal, and others.
- Tibetan Buddhists people, their lifestyle, culture, and traditions.
Description
Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek
It has only been a short while since the hidden kingdom of Upper Dolpo has been revealed to trekkers from around the world. If you decide to trek in the north-western part of Nepal, you have made a good decision. The Upper Dolpo Circuit trek is gracefully awaiting your arrival with a pouch full of exciting adventures.
You will be stepping up to newer steps towards heaven as you begin to trek from Nepalgunj. Your definition of wealth is definitely going to change. Wealthy is the remote villages in lower and upper Dolpo. The unique tradition and culture are their wealth. The exotic natural scenarios and purity of life add to their assets.
Prepare to face some of the rare wildlife and plant species at the Shey-Phoksundo National Park. you will be walking over the wildest trails, dense jungles, wearing hats of bare rocky cliffs. While you are walking, you are seeing the unexplored trails and unspoiled originality.
Imagine, you are standing nowhere with a far-fetched view of giant Shey Phoksundo Lake. You hear the bells of Yak herds approaching near. Your senses are softly touched by the mountain winds. Isn’t that amazing! This is Upper Dolpo. Aren’t you excited to trek to a dreamy world?
Discover the undiscovered amazements in Upper Dolpa with Mount Mania. In 24 days, we will take you to the beautiful land of Upper Dolpo. Crossing many high altitude passes is a highlight of this trek. These passes not just make the trek strenuous but also add excitements to the journey.
Upper Dolpo region is well known for von Buddhism. You will see several Buddhist shrines including Buddhist gompas and monasteries. People in Upper Dolpo migrated from Tibet a long time back. They continue to practice their traditions and culture without modifications. Thus, you will see the direct influence of the Tibetan lifestyle on the lifestyle of people here.
Upper Dolpo region is a restricted trekking region in Nepal. In order to trek there, you must get a restricted area permit. To obtain the permit you should fulfill several rules by the government of Nepal. If you are a solo trekker, you should know that solo trekking is not possible in Upper Dolpo. In fact, you should go with a team of at least two trekkers. Along with that, you should hire an experienced guide or a porter.
You can rely on Mount Mania. We are a bunch of experienced trekkers who will help you have a successful trek in any part of Nepal. We will help you arrange the trekking permits. We have experienced guides and permits who will go with you on the trek.
Contact Us if you have any queries regarding Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek. Serving you is our purpose, your safety and satisfaction is our concern.
What's included
- Inclusions:
- Airport Pickup and Drop (Domestic & International)
- Teahouse & Camping Accommodation during the trek
- Three meals a day during the trek (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
- Round Trip Flight Ticket (Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Jhuphal)
- Trekking Guide with Food & Accommodation, Insurance, and Transportation
- Porter with Insurance, Transportation, Food, and Accommodation
- All Camping equipment like Tents and Kitchen equipment
- Cooking Staff and Helper
- All Necessary Trekking Permits (Upper Dolpo Special Permit, Shey Phoksundo National Park)
- Use of sleeping bag & Duffel bag (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed)
- Daily seasonal fresh fruits after dinner
- A first aid kit carried by the guide (Oximeter to measure your oxygen and pulse in high altitude)
- All Government and Local taxes
- Exclusions:
- International Flight Ticket and Nepalese Visa Fee
- Other costs not mentioned in 'Cost Includes' section
- Hotel & Meals in Kathmandu
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return
- Private Transpotation or Flight From Pokhara
- Personal expenses (WiFi, Phone calls, Laundry, Bar bills, Battery Recharge, Water, Shower, and Tea
- Travel and Rescue Insurance
- Tips for Guides, Porters, and Drivers
Itinerary
- Visited Places:
- Kathmandu
- Nepalgunj
- Jufal
- Dolpa
- Shey Phoksundo Lake
- Shey Gompa
- Saldang
- Dunai
Day 1: Trek Preparation in Kathmandu
The first day is a trek preparation day. We will meet at our office. There, we will hold a short discussion about your trek. You can introduce to our official team members and your trekking team. If you want to buy some trekking gears, we will help you buy them.
In the evening, you can go around Thamel. Thamel is a popular touristic hub in Kathmandu. The bright streets, live music, clubs, pubs, at Thamel can be something you want before going to remote trek.
- Altitude: 1320m
Day 2: Flight to Nepalgunj
On this day we will take a domestic flight to Nepalgunj. From Tribhuvan International airport, we will board on a flight to Nepalgunj. The total distance from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj is 366. It will take us about an hour to reach there on a plane.
The flight is scenic. You will be flying over several rivers, valleys, and changing landscapes. Overnight at a lodge in Nepalgunj.
Flight Duration: 60 minutes
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Altitude: 366m
Day 3: Flight to Juphal. Trek to Suli Ghat
We will have breakfast at the lodge. From there, we will walk or drive to the airport. From Nepalgunj, we will again take a domestic flight to Juphal. Juphal is the only airport in Dolpa. From Juphal, we will begin to trek. The trek is exciting. We will walk to a small town called Suli Ghat. This place sits beside a riverbank. Here you can find some lodges. Overnight at lodge in Suli Ghat.
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 2070m
Day 4: Trek to Rechi
After having breakfast at the lodge in Suli Ghat, we will begin to trek. Crossing the Suli Bridge, we will make our way towards Renje. The Suli River is a beautiful river that flows down a beautiful gorge. We will trek across many villages. We will walk through the stone houses in Jyalhasa. In these villages, people migrate during winter from upper Dolpo regions along with their cattle.
We will meet a stream called Anke Khola on our way to Chhepka. From there, the trail passes through amazing jungles of bamboo and conifer. After the forested section, we will see the gorge opening up wide. Then, the trail becomes easier. There is a bridge on the trail just before Renje. Walking through the splendid trekking trails for a few hours, you will reach Renje.
Trek Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented Camps
- Altitude: 3010m
Day 5: Trek to Ringmo Gaon
We will have a good morning breakfast in our tent kitchen. Then, we will make our way towards the Ringmo village. From Ringmo village, the valley narrows down. We will take several ascends and towns. We will meet the confluence of two rivers: Phoksundo and Pungmo River. Samduwa lies at the confluence.
We will walk further over the exciting trails. On the way, we will see a large waterfall. You can take some pictures at the waterfall. From there, we will walk to Ringmo. We will see beautiful Shey Phoksundo lake on our way. On approaching near the village, we will see a beautiful valley surrounded by walls of rock.
The village lies by the side of Phoksundo Lake. Staying here is an amazing thing to do. You will love the afternoon there. Tent accommodation in Ringmo village.
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented Camps
- Altitude: 3620m
Day 6: Explore around Phoksundo Lake
Today is our first acclimatization day. We have walked all the way up to Shey Phoksundo Lake, 3611 meters. For acclimatization, we will walk around the Ringmo village. Doing this, we can get an insight into the very unique way of life at the village. The village here is directly influenced by Tibetan culture. People living around Shey Phoksundo lake were Tibetan inhabitants who migrated here a long time ago.
We will explore the turquoise colored Shey Phoksundo Lake. A short hike near the Ringmo village and you will reach a Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. We will visit the monastery where we can see portrayals of von Buddhism.
Overnight in tent at Ringmo village.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented Camps
- Altitude: 3620m
Day 7: Trek to Phoksundo Khola
We will have a warm and filling breakfast in our tent kitchen. Then, with beautiful views of Shey Phoksundo lake, we will trek over splendid trails. The trail is narrow at places. You will meet with the herd of Yaks. You should be really careful while they are approaching near.
After trekking for several hours, we will reach Phoksundo Khola. We will set our tents at the campsite and will stay there overnight.
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented Camps
- Altitude: 3630m
Day 8: Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang
Today we will trek to the Phoksundo Bhanjyang. The trek is as exciting as of the other days. You will see splendid sceneries around. You will meet the traders guiding Yak caravans. The trails are remote, rugged, and are adventurous. Be more careful while you trek. After hours of walking, we will reach the Phoksundo Bhanjyang. We will set a camp there and will stay overnight.
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented Camps
- Altitude: 4120m
Day 9: Trek to Shey Gompa via Nagdalo La Pass
Today, we will cross the first pass on our trek, The Kang La pass. Starting from Phoksundo Bhanjyang, we will continue on the trekking trails. After a few hours of walk, we will reach the Nagdalo La Pass (5350m). Crossing this pass is a challenge.
You must be really careful. The trails are highly rugged. And, there also prevails the risk of altitude sickness. Drink plenty of water and walk slow.
Crossing the pass, we will trek towards Shey Gompa. Today is a long and tiring day. After all, it’s a day of crossing the high pass. We will stay overnight in Shey Gumpa.
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 4340m
Day 10: Explore around in Shey Gompa
Yesterday we did a high pass. And tomorrow is again a high pass day. A day between these tiring days should be a rest day. Today is our second acclimatization day. On this day, we will explore the Shey Gompa. Shey Gompa is a famous monastery in Upper Dolpo region where lots of devotees visit yearly.
Overnight at tent in Shey Gompa.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 4340m
Day 11: Trek to Nam Gung via Sela La Pass
It’s again a high pass day. We will start early after a nice breakfast. We don't want to be late reaching top of the pass. It might get windy or the views might hide inside clouds if we reach there late.
We will follow the trail through amazing Juniper forest. We will walk uphill and will climb the beautiful trail to Sela La Pass (5090m). From the top, we can enjoy the amazing views of the surrounding. Then we will trek down the pass towards Namduna Gaun.
This is a beautiful village with a beautiful monastery. Overnight in a teahouse at Nam Gung.
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 4430m
Day 12: Trek to Sal Dang
We will start to trek from Nam Gung towards Sal Dang. The trail passes through exotic landscapes, quiet and wonderful. Enjoying the splendid trekking trails, we will walk further.
Sal Dang is the largest village in Dolpo. There are around 80 houses in the village. In ancient times, Sal Dang was an independent kingdom of Dolpo.
Overnight in Saldang.
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 3620m
Day 13: Trek to Yangze Gompa
After having breakfast, we will begin to trek. Today, we will trek to the inner parts of Upper Dolpo. We will walk through several villages like Tiling and Lurigaun. People in Upper Dolpo have their own culture and traditions. You will see men, women, and children wearing their attractive traditional attires.
Walking for several hours, we will reach the campsite in Yangze. We will stay overnight there in a teahouse.
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 4960m
Day 14: Trek to Sibuk
There are two routes from Yangze to Sibu. We will take the shorter route by retracing our way back to Saldang village. From there, we will head towards Sibu. Being a shorter trail, this will save your time and energy.
From Samdo, we will trek towards Namdo village. On the way, we will walk across the Chaiba monastery. We will also meet Nam Kong Khola on our way. From the river, we will reach Sibu in a couple of hours (approx). At Sibu, we will stay overnight.
(If you decide to choose the longer route to Sibu, you will walk through Nishalgaon and Shimengaon.)
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 4560m
Day 15: Trek to Jeng La Phedi
The trek from Sibu to Jeng La Phedi starts following Nam Khong river. The trail is quite and is rough and rugged. You will see many Yak herds while trekking. The climb to Jeng La pass begins at a meeting point of two streams on the way. Today, we will climb up to Jeng La Phedi.
We will arrange our tents and will stay overnight in Jeng-La Phedi.
Trek Duration: 5 to 6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented Camp
- Altitude: 4900m
Day 16: Trek to Dho Tarap via Jeng La pass
And today is the last day that we will be doing a high pass. Though the day is long and tiring, it is satisfying. The day starts climbing to the top of Jeng La Pass(5110). It will take us around two hours to reach the top. From the top of Jeng La pass, you will see great views of Mount Dhaulagiri.
After spending some time at the top, we will walk towards Tarap Valley. The descending trail is more exciting. Be careful while you walk down. After crossing the pass you will meet a stream. We will follow an exotic trail along the stream to Tokyu village.
From Tokyu village, we will walk over flat and easy trekking trails. Walking through the wide valley of Tarap we will reach Dho Tarap.
Overnight stay in Dho Tarap in a teahouse.
Trek Duration: 8 to 9 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 4200m
Day 17: Explore around Dho Tarap
Today is a rest day. You will have a whole day to explore the village observing the lifestyles, traditions, and culture. On this day, you can visit the gompas around. Dho Tarap is a place where the trek routes to Mustang, Jomsom, and Tibet meets. People here are Magars and Tibetans. You can see different monuments of Buddhism here. Here, people follow Bon Buddhism. There is a popular Bon Gompa above Dho Tarap. You can make a visit there if you want to.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 4200m
Day 18: Trek to Tarap Khola
We will begin by descending towards a wide valley. We will walk through the wide valley that narrows down gradually into a gorge. The trek route passes through some Juniper trees. Following the trail, we will reach the junction of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola.
From there we will walk further to reach Tarap Khola or Kama Kharka. We will stay overnight at Kama Kharka in a tent.
Trek Duration: 6 to 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented Camp
- Altitude: 3800m
Day 19: Trek to Khani Gaon
We will begin to trek by following the beautiful trail along the Tarap Khola gorge. The gorge narrows and widens at places. After hours of exciting walks through the gorge, we will reach Khanigaun.
At the campsite in Khanigaun, we will set a tent and stay overnight there.
Trek Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Tented Camp
- Altitude: 3150m
Day 20: Trek to Dunai via Tarakot
On this day, we will trek to Dunai, the district headquarter of Dolpo. After having breakfast, we will set off on the rugged trekking trails. After walking for a certain time, we will reach Lalberi village. From the village, the trail passes into a lush forest and descends down to a gorge.
From there, you will follow the riverside trail to Tarakot, a small town. We will have lunch here. Tarakot was the capital of Tichorung Kingdom. Along with being a trading point, it had fortress also.
From Tarakot, we will begin to trek towards Dunai. We will follow the splashing Bheri River. Walking for several hours passing through the splendid surrounding, we will reach Dunai.
Overnight at a lodge or a teahouse in Dunai.
Trek Duration: 8 to 9 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 2020m
Day 21: Trek to Juphal
Most of the trekking trail makes its way alongside the Thuli Bheri river. Walking across several villages like Dhupichaur, Rupgad, Kalagaonda, and Motipur we will trek towards Juphal. The last day on the trek is exciting. Overnight in Juphal.
Trek Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Teahouse / Lodge
- Altitude: 2320m
Day 22: Flight to Nepalgunj
We will fly on a domestic plane from Juphal to Nepalgunj. Overnight in Nepalgunj. Prepare for your Kathmandu flight tomorrow.
Flight Duration: 25 minutes
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Hotel
- Altitude: 660m
Day 23: Flight to Kathmandu
From Nepalgunj, we will fly to Kathmandu airport. The one-hour long flight is scenic. It is interesting to observe the aerial view of the Kathmandu valley getting denser and denser.
After landing in Kathmandu, we will escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. Overnight in Kathmandu. We will serve you farewell dinner on this day.
- Altitude: 1320m
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time does the Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek take?
Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek duration is 23 days.
Book Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek now just with Booking Deposit on TripsPointHow many days in advance I must book Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek?
You can book Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek at least in 10 days. Check availability calendar in "Book Now" form to see currently available dates.
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