The Upper Dolpo Trekking program from Multi Adventure takes to the remote regions of Dolpa district in western Nepal. Dolpa is untouched by signs of modernity – lacking even the basic infrastructure. There are no motorable roads for miles and miles of terrain. The barren and sometimes rocky trails are preferred for adventurous trekking. Lying inside Shey-Phoksundo National park, the habitation of this region is sparse. But a brighter side of this trek is that it offers a complete sense of serenity, isolation, and quietness.
Geographically, the trekking region is this program lies somewhere between the western lake of Rara and the easter hunting reserve of Dhorpatan. The trails bordered by Dhaulagiri and Churen Peaks are not frequented by travelers. In the north lies the expansive plateau of Tibet. The people here share much of their culture with the Tibetan ones, which is why trekkers often mistake this region to be a Tibet. In addition, the barren and windswept landscape resembles closely that of Tibet – validating this perception.
On this trek, you will see the closely knit culture of the people, see the traditions they practice – all in a landscape that seems exotic. This 3,500 square kilometers of unspoiled area was opened for trekking in the late eighties. The magical beauty of Dolpo instills in you a sense of isolated beauty. And since this is categorized under “Restricted Trekking”, you will need special permits to travel in this region. Multi Adventure will take care of the paperwork while you can focus on the trek itself.
You will need a very good level of stamina to go on this trek. It is best visited in monsoon and also in the summer when the skies are clear, offering better chances of seeing close-up views of the peaks. Avoid late autumn and winter as snowfall will make some passes impassable. It is a beautiful trek with lots of high-altitude passes, isolated hamlets, expansive valleys, majestic mountains, and beautiful people. You will travel through ancient monasteries, time-worn villages, intricate nature, and challenging terrains, and to top it all off, you will be staying at the shores of the famous Lake Phoksundo.
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU (1365M)
After your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, we will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. You can spend the evening around Thamel.
Day 4: TREK FROM DHUNAI TO ANKHE (2895M) 6/7H TREK
Starting from Dunai, first we will cross Thulo Bheri Valley and enter the Phoksundo River Valley. From here, we will trek to Dhera, cross a thick forest and reach the entry point of Shey-Phoksundo National Park. This is the village of Anke, where we will stay tonight.
Day 5: TREK FROM ANKHE TO SUMDU (3505M) 6/7H TREK
The trek today is around six to seven hours. The route has a number of ascents and descents today. You will cross several streams with clear gushing waters. Later we ascend to a forest, cross it, and descend to Ryajik. A little trek further will bring us to Sumdu where we will stay overnight.
Day 6: TREK FROM SUMDU TO PHOKSHUNDO LAKE (3505M) 5/6H TREK
Start after breakfast to reach Lake Phoksundo as early as possible. The emerald waters of this lake is the crowning glory of this trek. Located in the village of Ringmo, this lakes formed by two rivers – Phoksundo and Pungmo – flowing in. On the way we get view of one of the longest waterfalls of Nepal. Once at the lake, you will be enchanted by the environment with all the surrounding beauty. The pristine environment demands to be photographed for as long as possible. Enjoy the day and camp overnight near the shore.
Day 7: A DAY AROUND LAKE PHOKSHUNDO
We have set aside this day for rests and exploration. In order to adapt to the altitude, we will spend the day in serenity, and also take little hikes to the villages nearby. This kind of immersive beauty is rare in Nepal. Sleep overnight in the tent.
Day 8: TREK FROM PHOKSHUNDO TO BEGA LA (5075M) TO PHEDI (4475M) 6/7H TREK
The trek today is around seven hours with lots of rests in. between. Leaving behind Phokshundo and Ringmo Village, we will head east along a gentle ascent to reach Bega-La (or Baga-La) Pass. At the top, you will have wonderful panoramic views of the several peaks above and the lake below. Cross the pass and arrive at Phedi for the overnight stay.
Day 9: TREK FROM PHEDI TO NUMA-LA (5190M) TO PHEDI 7/8H TREK
Numa-La is the second pass that we’ll be crossing in this consecutive day. Numa-La, at 5,190 meters, is the highest point of this trip. The route is marked by green pastures and a silent river. The beautiful landscape of Dolpo will astound you. At Numa-La, you will have magnificent views of several peaks including sections of the Dhaulagiri Mountain Range. From there descend to the pastures on the plains below, where we will camp for the night.
Day 10: TREK FROM PHEDI TO JENG-LA (5095M) TO TOKYU GAON (4205M) 6/7H TREK
This is the third consecutive day where we will crossing yet another pass – the Pass of Jeng-La. At an altitude of 5,095 meters, Jeng-La offers majestic views of the Dhaulagiri Mountain Range – with peaks far and wide. After a pleasurable time at Jeng-La, descend to the valley of Tarap – a green expansive valley that connects with the Lower Dolpo Trekking Route. This valley is graced by the Tarap-Chu River – with the presence of at least ten different villages. Seeing a unique habitation at this remoteness might seem surreal, but setting aside the pondering for later, follow along the river and descend to Tokyu Gaun. It is an old village with an ancient-looking monastery that belongs to the Chiba-sect. Stay overnight here.
Day 11: TREK FROM TOKYU GAON TO DHO TARAP (4045M) 5/6H TREK
It is an average walk today with plenty of time for rest along the way. From Tokyo, we will be heading towards Dho Tarap, a scenic valley with pastures nearby. Arriving at Dho Tarap early, we will set up camp and then explore the area. The villages seem old and worn but the people that live here are friendly. Stay overnight here.
Day 12: TREK FROM DHO TARAP TO KAMEKHARKA (3805M) 6/7H TREK
Start immediately after a quick breakfast as it is a challenging day of walk. Although the trekking duration is six to seven hours, we will be traveling along a rough terrain. First we will pass across a valley that narrows into a deep gorge. Next, we will walk out at an open meadow at the confluence of Tarap-Chu and Lang Rivers. This is Kamekharka where we’ll we’ll set up camp for tonight.
Day 13: TREK FROM KAMEKHARKA TO KHARIGAON (3165M) 5/6H TREK
Start with a leisurely morning. Today it’s a scenic walk along a path that sometimes gets too narrow. The tricky descent is indeed challenging. The narrow gorge later emerges on a wider river bank. Here, you will see some of the clearest waters you’ve ever seen. Continue on the trail to later arrive at Khari Gaun where we will set up camp for the night.
Day 14: TREK FROM KHARIGAON TO TARAKOT (2850M) 5/6H TREK
Today the walk is around four to five hours. Tarakot, our destination for today, is a village that is at the junction of several trekking routes in Dolpo region. In the past, Tarakot was an important point of caravan trading with Tibet. We will frist walk to Lalberi village and, cross a forest, and descend to a narrow gorge. Coming out into the open, we will have reached the village of Tarakot.
Day 15: TREK FROM TARAKOT TO DHUNAI (2855M) AND DRIVE TO JHUPHAL (2330M) 6H TREK 1H DRIVE
As we come near the end of trekking in this program, we will gradually descend from Tarakot. First we will cross some villages and farmlands, and ascend to a valley with a vantage point. Take a break and descend to Thulo Bheri. Dunai is near. From Thulo Bheri, take the regular route across a river to arrive at the town of Dunai, the headquarters of Dolpo. From here, we will drive back to Jhupal.
Day 16: FLY FROM JHUPHAL TO NEPALGUNJ TO KATHMANDU
Today we will take the earliest flight possible to Nepalganj. From the lodge we will walk to Jhupal Airstrip and fly to Nepalganj. At Nepalganj, we will board the connecting flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day as you see fit.
Day 17: KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING
After breakfast, we will take you on a sightseeing tour of some iconic places in the Kathmandu Valley, that will essentially include UNESCO World Heritage sites. In the evening, you are invited to join us for a farewell dinner.
Fitness Level: |
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Group Size: |
5 |
Max-Altitude: |
550m |
Duration: |
5 hours |
Walking Days: |
4 days |
Activity: |
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Best Period: |
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Price: |
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INCLUDED IN THE COST
- Airport pickups and drops in a private vehicle.
- 3 -star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Teahouse accommodation during the trek with Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
- Welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
- All ground transportation on a comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary.
- An experienced, English speaking guide, government-license holder.
- Domestic flight (Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal-Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu).
- Porter service : 2 participants-1 porter.
- Assistant guide: 4 participants- 1 assistant guide.
- Staff costs including their salary, equipment, insurance, food and accommodation.
- Down jacket and sleeping bag : to be returned after your trip completion.
- Multi Adventure duffel bag, t-shirt and trekking map are yours to take.
- Energy Supplies: Dry fruits, Snickers, Mars, Bounty on your Trek.
- All necessary paperwork and trekking permits : ACAP and TIMS.
- Medical kit: carried by your trekking assistant guide.
- Gamow Bag for your safety and security.
- All government and local taxes
- Personal insurance for Nepalese team for your trekking.
NOT INCLUDED IN THE COST
- Nepalese visa fee.
- Excess baggage charge.
- International flights.
- Travel and rescue insurance.
- Lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu.
- Tips for guide, porter and driver.
- Special permit for Upper dolpo for 10 days ($500) par person par day ($50)
- Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure.
- Also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled itinerary.
- Personal expenses laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower.