Upper Dolpo Circuit trekUpper Dolpo Circuit trek

Upper Dolpo Trek via Shey Phoksundo Lake across Mustang

Trip Facts
  • Duration25 Days
  • Max. Altitude 5350 m
  • Group Size 4-15
  • Trip Style Camping
  • Best Season Spring, Summer and Autumn
Highlights

 

  • An offbeat trek route in the far remote corners of the Himalayas
  • No crowd & unparalleled natural beauty
  • Get to see BonPo's cultural heritage and lifestyle of the locals that dates back centuries
  • Cross numerous mountain passes and rocky gorges
  • Come across a wide range of flora and fauna while trekking in the Shey Phoksundo National Park
  • Explore the stunning Phoksundo Lake
  • Get to witness jaw-dropping landscapes and mountain views of Dhaulagiri, Crystal Mountain, etc
  • Visit ancient monasteries like Shey Gompa
  • Adventurous trekking route that involves fast-flowing rivers, cascading waterfalls, and huge pastures
  • Enjoy a full supported camping trek in a trans-Himalayan region

"For those brave adventurers willing to embark on an extraordinary journey in the Himalayas, the upper Dolpo treks hold the promise of unparalleled natural beauty, unique cultural encounters, and a profound sense of discovery in one of the most secluded corners of Nepal."

Upper Dolpo Trek via Shey Phoksundo Lake across Mustang Itinerary

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Welcome dinner

Meet our team upon landing at the international airport in Kathmandu. They will be waiting for you around the terminal gate. We will drop you at the hotel. Unpack and freshen up. We will meet you in the late evening for a welcome dinner, till then you are free to rest and explore the surrounding area.

 

  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast only

In the morning, we will go on a guided sightseeing tour of historical sites like Monkey Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. The tour guide will explain to you about the monuments. After lunch, we will meet in our office & begin preparation for the trek. The mountain guide will brief you on the program, and we will begin final packing.

  • Altitude: 150 m/492 ft
  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast only

Today, we will take a nonstop 45 minute flight to Nepalgunj. The guide will drop you at the hotel after the flight. The rest of the day is free to relax and explore the city.

  • Altitude: 2,520 m/8,265 ft
  • Duration:  35 minutes flight & 3-4 hours drive
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

We will take another short flight in the morning from Nepalgunj to Juphal. From here, we will use a local jeep and drive to Shyanta for the night stay. The drive offers stunning views of lush green hills, snow-capped mountains, and terraced fields.

  • Altitude:  2,670 m/8,759 ft
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The trail from Shyanta village follows a river and trek past crops fields. We will pass by a small settlement area and shrubs to Chhepka village. From here, the trail gradually ascends to Rengi.

 

  • Altitude: 3,660 m/12,008 ft
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Following the opposite direction of Phoksaundo Khola, we will trek to Amchi Hospital. The trail then crosses a bridge over Phoksundo Khola twice, ascends to a Kharka, and continues to Rechi (3,011 m). From here, we will trek to Sulligad Dovan and cross a bridge on a confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola to reach Chunuwar

The trail enters the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Following a downhill trail, we will drop down to 3,300 meters. From here, we will trek on a dusty trail to a ridge at 3,780 meters, where we will come across the highest waterfall in Nepal on the way to Ringmo village.

  • Altitude: 3,600 m/11,811 ft
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today, we will go on a hike to explore gorgeous Phoksundo Lake. Below Ringmo, we will cross a bridge and follow a rugged trail to Phoksundo Lake. We can camp here or return to Ringmo for a night's stay. The views of Mt. Kanjirowa are superb on this day.

  • Altitude: 3,700 m/12,139 ft
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The trail goes along the uneven cliffside. The gradually ascends, offering stunning landscapes. We will see the scenes from the film Himalaya by Erich Valli. Soon we will come across a large pebble beach and trek up to the Pine Camp. The view of Kanjiroba Himal is wonderful on the way.

  • Altitude: 4,650 m/15,256 ft
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The trail goes through lush forests and crosses a torrent that comes out of the Ghent La gorge. We will follow a passage that steeply ascends to Kang La Phedi, where we will spend the night. On the way, we will also trek past grassy areas.

  • Altitude: 5,350 m/17,552 ft
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

From Kang La Phedi, we will follow a steep uphill route toward the top of the Kang la pass. On the way, we get to see beautiful views of Crystal Mountain, Shey Shikhar Peak, and Kang Chunne. Further, the trail descends to Shey Gompa via meadow.

  • Altitude: 4,350 m/14,271 ft
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

We have the option to hike to the hermitages of Tsarang and Gomoche in the morning. Later, we will trek to an untamed pass at 4,800 meters and descend into a green valley used by shepherds as a summer valley. The Crystal mountain dominates the skyline.

  • Altitude: 4,000 m/13,123 ft
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

We will leave Shepherds Camp and ascend to a pass at 4,600 meters. From the top of the pass, we can see the stunning peaks of Tibet. The trail then descends to Shamling Gompa, a BonPo monastery, and continues to Bijor for the night stay.

  • Altitude: 4,350 m/ ft
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

After a warm breakfast prepared by our team, we will pack up our stuff and begin trekking toward Nang La Phedi. On the way, we will visit a school and an old monastery. The trail then gradually ascends above the village to the base of Nang La Phedi.

 

  • Altitude: 5,400 m/17,716 ft
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Today, we will cross the Nang La pass. We will be trekking on a steep and rocky trail. From the pass, the trail descends to Karang village.

  • Altitude: 3,680 m/12,073 ft
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

We will trek along the Saldang valley and Yangser valley. This part of the trail sees many yak caravans from Tibet with Chinese products. The trail will take us to a confluence at Tora Sumna, where we will camp for the night. We will also visit Yangser gompas and the remote village of Nysalgaon on the way.

  • Altitude: 4,910 m/16,109 ft
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

We will trek following the Nang Chu (river). The trail ascends & descends and passes by Sugugaon and Dechen Lapran, a cattle herders' settlement. On the way, we will visit Saldang Gompa. Our final destination of the day is Chagaon, where we will spend the night.

  • Altitude: 4,900 m/ ft
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

We will begin the day with a delicious breakfast. The trail goes south toward Tarap valley. We will reach Dachu Khola at 4,700 meters and continue trekking via summer pastures. Further, trekking through an ancient trans-Himalayan caravan route, we will reach Jyanta La Phedi.

  • Altitude: 5,130 m/16,831 ft
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Early in the morning, we will begin trekking towards Jyanta La pass. The trail steeply ascends to the top of the pass, from where we get to see the jaw-dropping view of Mt. Dhaulagiri. From here, we will descend on a rugged trail to Tokyu village. The trail then continues to Dho Tarap village for a night stay.

  • Altitude: 4,800 m/15,748 ft
  • Duration: 5 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

We will trek exploring the traditional Tibetan villages and monasteries. We will ascend to Upper Tarap, where we will visit the Buddhist monasteries of the Nyingmapa (Red Caps) school of Ribo Bhumpa and Doro. Likewise, while trekking past Schipshok, we will stop at a Bonpo monastery and trek to Jhyarkoi La Phedi for the night stay.

  • Altitude: 5,360 m/17,586 ft
  • Duration: 6-7 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The trail ascends up Keheing Khola river valley and continues to Larkyang Khola river valley. Upon reaching the top of Jhyarkoi La pass, we will witness a breathtaking view of Dolpo Himal, Churen Himal, and Mt. Dhaulagiri. From here, the trail descends to Lajar Sumna camp, situated at the foot of Mola La pass. It is a beautiful green meadow.

  • Altitude: 5,030 m/16,502 ft
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The trail gradually ascends to a remote pasture and continues towards Mola La pass, from where we get to see breathtaking glacial mountain views. From here, we will descend to Chharka Bhot, a small village where we can meet the locals. It is also a hub for buying and reselling yaks.

  • Altitude: 4,870 m/15,977 ft
  • Duration: 7 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The trail crosses Barbung Khola and Thasang Khola via two new suspension bridges. We then continue trekking following Thasang Khola and trek through large meadows with yaks. The trail goes through Thasang Khola gorge, ascends to the mountain pasture and descends to the foot where we will be camping.

  • Altitude: 5,555 m/18,225 ft
  • Duration: 7-8 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

This is a long and difficult trekking day for us. We will cross three passes Nirwa La, Jungben La, and Jungbenley La. Leaving our campsite at Mulung Khola, we will gradually ascend and descend, crossing these three passes to Ghalden Ghuldung Khola Camp, enjoying stunning mountain views of Mukot Himal and Dhaulagiri on the way.

  • Altitude: 3,760 m/12,336 ft
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Accommodation: Camp
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The trail descends to a place called the door of the Dolpo, a path lined with the cliff. We will then cross Kyalungpa Khola via a suspension bridge and follow a flat land to Sangta village. From here, the trail goes to Plateau Camp, where we will be camping for the night.

  • Altitude: 2,804 m/9,199 ft
  • Duration: 5-6 hours
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Leaving the camp, we will cross a small pass (4,400 m). The trail gradually descends to 4,300 meters, from where we will trek on the left side to the alpine pasture. On the way, we can see the stunning view of Tilicho Peak. Further, crossing a limestone area, we will trek past sheep pastures and descend to the Kali Gandaki route that leads to Kageni.

  • Altitude: 2,743 m/8,999 ft
  • Duration: 6 hours
  • Accommodation: Tea house
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

The trail descends from Kagbeni to Ekle Bhatti. From here, we will head to Lupra and continue trekking toward Jomsom village. On the way, we get to see stunning mountain views along with unique formations of rocks.

  • Altitude: 1,400 m/4,593 ft
  • Duration: 45 minutes
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner

We will leave Jomsom early in the morning and take a short flight back to Pokhara. The flight had an excellent mountain panorama. Upon landing at Pokhara, we will take another flight to Kathmandu. The guide will drop you at the hotel. The remaining day is free.

You have this full day free in Kathmandu. This is a great time to visit tourist sites like Monkey Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. We can also arrange a guided sightseeing tour for you. Explore local markets, try Nepali delicacies, and window shop in Thamel. In the late evening, we will meet for a farewell dinner.

We will drop you at the Tribhuvan International Airport according to your flight departure time. Our team will assist you with the luggage and transfer you to the airport.

What's Included
  • Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and transfer by private car/van.
  • 4 nights accommodation in twin bed sharing basis with breakfast at 3***hotel in Kathmandu.
  • Sightseeing tour as per above mentioned itinerary and entry fees.
  • All domestic flight tickets and airport tax.
  • Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot/cold filter water during the camping trek.
  • Camping/Tented accommodation during the trek.
  • 1 experienced, helpful and friendly guide, 1 cook and 1 helper, porters (1 porter  for 2 peoples), their food & accommodation, salary, equipments & insurance.
  • Trekking camping equipments (Tent, mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, kitchen utensils etc.)
  • All transportation by private vehicle.
  • Upper and Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit.
  • Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit.
  • Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
  • All necessary permits.
  • First Aid Medical Kit box.
  • Tourist service charge,
  • Office Service charge
  • All Government Tax.
What's Excluded
  • Special permit ($520)
  • Gears and Equipment
  • Beverage (alcoholic products)
  • Meals in Kathmandu
  • Sightseeing
  • Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
  • Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would  greatly be happy to assist).
  • International air fare to and from Nepal.
  • Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
  • Items and expenses of personal nature.
  • Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
  • Personal Trekking Equipments like sleeping bags, jackets (can all be hired in KTM)
  • Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
  • Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
  • Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
  • Horse renting and additional porters due to natural calamities during the trek.
  • Tips for guide, porters, driver...
  • TIPS
Essential Info & Equipments

Safety and Security

With our experienced guides and porters, you can do the upper Dolpo trek without any worries. Our team will take care of your safety and security on the mountain and make sure you are enjoying every moment of the journey. We carry all the essentials, including a satellite phone and a first-aid kit. Likewise, our guides and porters are natives of the region who know the trails thoroughly.

Gears and Equipment

As Upper Dolpo is a camping trek, you have to carry many small things too. We will provide the packing checklist after the trip confirmation that you can use for reference.

Accommodation & Meals

During the upper Dolpo trek 29 days, you will stay overnight in tents. It is a camping trek. All the tents, fuels, and other essentials are provided by us and managed by our supporting staff during the trek. We offer a comfortable sleeping tent setting with separate dining and washroom tents. The meals will be prepared and cooked by our kitchen staff. We offer a wide range of food options during the trek, along with clean drinking water to our guests.

Upper Dolpo Trek via Shey Phoksundo Lake across Mustang FAQs

  • The upper Dolpo trek takes you multiple times about 5,000 meters. The trail crosses many high passes, including Kang La (5,350 m/17,552 ft) and Nang La (5,400 m/17,716 ft).

  • To reach upper Dolpo, you have to take two flights from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj to Juphal. From here, a multiple day trek begins to upper Dolpo.

  • Nepal has many tough trekking routes like the upper Dolpo trek, Kanchenjunga circuit trek, Makalu base camp trek, Everest three passes trek, etc.

  • Our upper Dolpo trek begins at Shyanta village. We take two flights from Kathmandu to Juphal and drive for 3 to 4 hours to reach Shyanta.

  • Dolpa is one of the untouched and unspoiled areas in the Himalayas of Nepal. It is one of the less trekked areas and offers a raw trekking experience with BonPo culture and breathtaking landscapes.

  • No, you cannot swim in the Phoksundo lake, as swimming in this lake is prohibited by the government of Nepal.

  • Phoksundo lake is approximately 446.9 ft deep.

  • The Shey Phoksundo National Park encompasses a wide range of ecosystems, including alpine meadows, high mountain passes, and the tranquil Phoksundo Lake, which adds to its rich biodiversity. The park is home to Tibetan gazelles, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, and several species of birds.

  • The Upper Dolpo is one of the remotest parts of Nepal. You may see WiFin handful of villages towards the start and end of the trek. For the rest of the journey, we recommend carrying a tourist sim to data. Note that you may not get a network at all places.

  • No, you cannot do the upper Dolpo trek alone. It is a restricted area, so an organized trek is a must.

Contact Us on WhatsApp+977 9841340915 (Dhane)
Similar Packages
Explore More

Ask a Question