Upper Dolpo Trekking – 24 Days

Day 1: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300)
On starting day, we send our agents to pick you up at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu. After that, you will be heartily welcomed and shifted towards tourist standard hotel and further additionally, we plan for meeting at our office for discussing about upcoming trek.

Day 2: Kathmandu valley sightseeing and trek preparation
Today after morning delicious breakfast, we move forward for sightseeing some attractions throughout valley. Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) will be our targets to sightsee, listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site. After exploring these wonderful spots, we will return back for preparing and finalizing our equipments and needs required during trek. This night, we stay at same hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 3: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (165 m)
Today after attending delicious breakfast, our private vehicle shifts you to the airport to catch a flight towards Nepalgunj. Finally after an hour of flight, plane lands on Nepalgunj airport. Further, we will be transferred towards the fine tourist hotel. Remaining hours of the day will be spent by exploring mini zoo, Muslim Bazaar and Tharu villages along returning back to hotel on evening hour, we finish preparation and night will be spent at lodge in Nepalgunj.

Day 4: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal (2,320 m) and trek to Shulighat (2,070 m)
Following schedule and catching an early morning flight over the Himalayas, we reach Jhupal airport by leaving Nepalgunj behind to meet the crew members there. After that meeting them, we quickly arrange our bags and luggage to develop our trek ahead. Forward, following the bank of Thulo Bheri River takes cross the bridge across and forward walking continuously after crossing bridge takes to Shulighat. This night will be spent in a camp at Shulighat.

Day 5: Trek from Shulighat to Renje (3,010 m)
Leaving Shulighat behind, we develop our walk ahead by crossing the bridge towards Jyalhasa. Therefore again crossing another bridge, we follow the up and down trail by passing through grasses and fern along steeping the east bank of river for meeting the trail junction to Phoksundo Lake. After that, directly catching the Phoksundo Lake trail and continuing walk through a ridge and rocky path takes to Renje. This night will also be spent in a camp at Renje.

Day 6: Trek from Renje to Ringmo village (3,640 m) and Phoksundo Lake (3,620 m)
Aiming our destination, we move forward by steeping up the ridge and then down to wooden bridge. Therefore, passing up and down walk along the valley floor takes to confluence of two rivers before catching the west bank of Phoksundo River. Developing steps ahead by following the trail through the forest and grassy slope leads to sight Phoksundo Lake by crossing the ridge along continue walk from there takes to Rigmo village. After that, we walk all the way up to the Phoksundo Lake for staying a night in camp.

Day 7: Phoksundo Lake (Acclimatization and rest day)
Seriously, we are already height above 3,600 m so this day is separated for acclimatization and proper rest time. This day, we don’t move our steps forward but we schedule to explore beautiful Phoksundo Lake or inspect throughout Ringmo village as trekkers desire. Leisure hours can be utilized by sighting monuments and we can also hike up towards the source of the lake. This night will be spent at same spot in Phoksundo Lake.

Day 8: Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo River (3,630 m)
Today triggering our steady walk forward through shore of the Lakes as it curves on a rocky ridge along the western bank of the Lake. Therefore, the path leads through the lush meadows which forward walk shifts towards the flood plain of Phoksundo River. After, we march through the valley by crossing the river and avoiding the rare marshy land to stop today’s hike at the bank of Phoksundo River. This night will be spent in a camp near Phoksundo River.

Day 9: Trek from Phoksundo River to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,120 m)
Today leaving the camp site, we head towards the confluence of two opposed rivers though a glacial valley. Along marching forward by crossing the wooden bridge, we continuously walk through a hardly distinctive path on Shey Gumba trekking trail. Crossing a little more difficult trail and continuing the walk ahead takes to another valley that rewards view of Kang La Pass. Night will be spent at a tented camp in Phoksundo Bhanjyang.

Day 10: Trek from Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Kang La Pass (5,160 m) and Shey Gompa (4,390 m)
Developing walk forward through the steep trail with quite strenuous march leads towards top of the pass which rewards the amazing view of large valley being cut into two halves by a pleasing river. Therefore ascend from the pass, leads towards long winding trek along the bank of river which also requires crossing several times along passing meadows and nomadic hut of herders slides us towards red chorten (Shey Gompa). This night will be spent at tented camp in Shey Gompa.

Day 11: Shey Gompa (Acclimatization and rest day)
According to our trekking schedule, this day is separated as for both exploration and acclimatization. This day, we plan to visit monastery Shey Gompa located above the confluence of Kangjunala and Yeju Nala River along Crystal Mountain, built during 11th century. On leisure hours you can relax your muscles by taking rest or you can engage in sightseeing throughout as option. This night will also be spent on tented camp.

Day 12: Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung village (4,430 m)
After a day acclimatization and exploration on Shey Gompa, initially we follow the pleasant juniper forest and descent into a gray, stony canyon. Continuing walk through zigzag path over bare rocks and coarse eroded soil leads towards the top of Saldaga La. After that, trail slides down towards north by crossing pastures of grazing yaks and sheep to reach Namgung village. Finally after steeping village, we engage in exploring throughout for some hours and night will be spent at tented camp there.

Day 13: Trek from Namgung village to Saldang (3,620 m)
Today quitting beautiful village behind, we ascend down towards a slope and continue a steady walk along the dusty barren mountains. Therefore, after some hours of hard climb breathtaking view of Saldang is greeted below on a plateau high above the Nam Khongmala. Walking all way till saldang, we engage on exploring throughout and night will be spent at camp in Saldang village.

Day 14: Trek from Saldang to Yangjze Gompa (4,960 m)
Developing early walk catching the trail towards north by passing a gradual path with few ups and downs along Nagon River also makes a gentle walk on numerous settlements including Tiling and Lurigoan. Marching forward by crossing the bridge and charming spots directly takes us to a rarely explored area of this region (Yangjze Gompa). Remaining time will be utilized by exploring the monastery and village throughout along night will be spent at camp in Yangjze Gompa.

Day 15: Trek from Yangjze Gompa to Sibu (4,560 m)
This day, we are offered by two different forward walking paths to step our destination so in order to minimize our walk and to save precious time, we retrace the earlier developed trek till Saldang village. Along from there following the right path, we encounter terraced fields, stupas, mini walls, monasteries and numerous of settlements to reach Sibu and night will be spent at tented camp in Sibu.

Day 16: Trek from Sibu to Jeng La Phedi (4,900 m)
Splitting Sibu after early morning fresh up, we set off our walk ahead. Initially continuing walk by following Nam Khong River and changing direction later towards east takes to confluence of two minor tributaries. Therefore, we walk all the way up to bottom of Jeng La Phedi. Tonight’s night will be managed at tended camp in Jeng La Phedi.

Day 17: Trek from Jeng La Phedi to Do Tarap (4,080 m)
Trekking begins with early walk by climbing uphill to reach top of the Jeng La Pass which greets us beautiful view of snow ranges and north face of Dhaulagiri massif. Therefore, we descend following rough path to Tarap valley and forward take to Tarap Chu by encountering numerous of monasteries and attractions en route. Thus, after short walk from this point leads towards Do Tarap for spending night in tended camp.

Day 18: Do Tarap (Acclimatization and rest day) 
There is no any doubt of being tired after achieving several days walk to catch aimed destination. Surely this day, we don’t walk forward but we plan to explore attractions those which are spotted nearby and you can also visit Ribo Bhumpa Gompa above village, rebuilt in the year 1955 and the village of Do Tarap. This night will be spent at same tented camp in Do Tarap.

Day 19:  Trek from Do tarap to Tarap River (Karmakharka) (3,800 m)
After spending full day on same spot, today we head forward catching the downward trail towards the wide valley and then into the George. Initially continuing forward march through juniper bushes and wild roses above the tree line leads to junction point of Tarap Chu and the Lang River along forward walk through meadow takes to Karmakharka. If the time remains then we can go for visiting nearby caves and night will be spent in a tented camp.

Day 20:  Trek from Tarap River (Karmakharka) to Khani village (3,150 m)
On day twenty, we continue our walk on a trail down the gorge of Tarap River and forward, we pass numerous of camp sites by the river, narrow deep Gorges, stone slabs fitted on logs in between the walls as a bridge. Marching walk ahead, we reach the camping spot beside the Tarap River at Khani village. This night will be spent in a tented camp in Khani village.

Day 21: Trek from Khani village to Dunai (2,030 m)
Marching forward on morning time by catching the trail which passes through the pleasing forest descends towards another gorge. Steeping ahead following the river downstream crossing Tarakot and enjoying colorful terraced field leads to Lawan for crossing a bridge. Initially, forward walk by passing remote village under the shade of pine trees and deep gorges takes to Dunai for staying overnight in lodge.

Day 22: Trek from Dunai to Jhupal (2,320 m)
On last walking day, developing shortest and moderate walk ahead through the flat trail along following Thulo Bheri River leads forward passing terraced fields and pleasing villages till up to Jhupal. Remaining hours can be spent by exploring a beautiful settlement holding mud and rock houses, terraced fields, monasteries and the lifestyle of local people. This night will be spent by spending night at a lodge in Jhupal.

Day 23: Fly from Jhupal to Nepalgunj (165 m) to Kathmandu (1,300 m)
Evacuating Dolpo starts with morning scenic flight over Himalayas to Nepalgunj and soon after landing on Nepalgunj Airport, we catch next flight to Tribhuwan International Airport (Kathmandu). On reaching Kathmandu, our private vehicle shifts you safely towards fine tourist standard hotel and evening time will be managed for a farewell dinner and night will be spent at hotel.

Day 24: Departure day
On last day of trip after attending morning breakfast, you can march ahead for shopping or for market visiting to buy some gifts for your loving ones. We will be there to help for your flight arrangements and guidance. Our private vehicle transfers you to airport highlighting your flight schedule and representative will be there to wish for your safe journey and successful steps ahead on upcoming days.

Visa Information

All visitors are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and you can obtain visas for Nepal from the Nepalese Consulate in your country or up on arrival in Kathmandu Airport. Nepalese visas cost USD 25 for 15 days and USD 40 for 30 days till date.

Official Papers

Some of the required official documents are your valid passport, 4 extra passport sized photographs (for trekking permits), travel insurance, airline tickets and luggage tags. Visas can be obtained upon entry into Nepal.

Weather Information

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict.  Nights are generally cooler and days are warm.  Months of winter (January and February) are bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during the month of January, February and December in Himalayan areas.

Best time to travel

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so as the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

Physical Fitness

Even though the physical fitness plays an important role in trekking you don’t have to be super athletes or a marathon runner to trek in Nepal.  Many people of good fitness for their age can complete the trek. You can prepare yourself before hand by doing some yoga which will prepare you in your breathing as you will be going to the higher altitude. Running or hiking to hills, going for a long walk will also help you. And if you live in urban area running in the stairs of a tall building will also work better in keeping you fit for trekking. All though these preparations aren’t strictly compulsory, you can do well even when the preparations you do aren’t rigorous like that of some ultra-athletic person. Do these things in moderate pace for two months or even less.  And you are set to complete any trekking to Nepal.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking is Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charge, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you to bring you travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your home land. We do not arrange or sell insurance so you can find your local travel insurance for this.

Vaccination for Nepal

All travelers should consult with their physician or update on vaccination requirements before travel. (Your doctor or health-care provider will determine what you will need, depending on factors such as your health and immunization history, areas of the country you will be visiting, and planned activities) For traveling to Nepal; we recommend you to take a vaccination of Polio, Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies etc, it is not really must but recommended.

Booking Process

While you chose which trip you wanted to go with, contact us to our head office Thamel Marg, Kathmandu Nepal by email or phone, email is more easy and clear options, as soon as we get your email or call we will process for your booking. We need 20% booking amount to confirm your booking, the payment can be made through the Bank transfer, Credit card payment (Master/Visa card) or through online money transfers also Money Gram, Western Unions or others. After we get the 20% amount we will confirm your booking and you will get the official booking and payment receipt. The final balance for the tour will be paid upon arrival in Kathmandu.

Safety Guidelines

• Do proper research about the company that you are planning to trek with and make sure they are legally registered travel agency.
• You should be well acquainted about the travel health and travel insurance before travelling.
• Have idea about the climate, geography, temperature and environment of Nepal before starting your trip.
• Using credit cards instead of cash is a wiser idea.
• Majority of the Nepalese people are nicer but there are few scammers you will come meet on your way and need to avoid them, for example ‘holy men’ who will try to plant a tika (a red paste denoting a blessing) on your forehead demanding a payment for it on streets.
• Be careful while buying the medicinal herbs as some may be illegal for you t take home and also be aware of duplicate products.
• Never get yourself involve in doing drugs, trafficking and sexual relations with children as there is a strict rules for these cases and might get yourself into a big problem.
• Take copies of your passport, visa, air ticket and trekking permits and keep them separately from the originals.
• Prepare yourself for altitude sickness and be familiar with its symptoms so that you can follow the guidelines for safe acclimatization.

Where is Nepal?

Nepal is a landlocked country located in Southern part of Asia sharing the border with China form north and India from the south, east and west. It is especially known for its multi-cultural, multi-racial, multi-linguistic and multi-ethnic diversity in unity. It is a small country with many world's most beautiful mountain ranges, art, culture, and wildlife, no wonder it is the paradise for the trekkers from all around the world. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is also known for its most unique culture and heritages which directly grabs the attention and takes you to the time of old civilization from 12th century.

What is Nepal known for?     

Nepal is mostly known for Mt.Everest, highest peak in the world. It is also known as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, who was the pioneer of the Buddhist religion. Eight of the fourteen eight-thousanders are located in the country, either in whole or shared across a border with China or India. Besides that, it is also known as multi-ethnic, multiracial, multicultural, multi-religious and multilingual country. Overall, Nepal is known for its hospitality as there is a saying in Sanskrit  “Atithi Debo Bhaba”. (Guest are god).

How can I obtain a Visa?

All visitors are required to arrange a visa in order to enter Nepal. A Nepalese visa can be easily obtained upon arrival on arrival in Kathmandu at the airport or Nepalese embassy abroad. But nationals from Afghanistan, Iraq, Cameroon, Ghana, Somalia, Swaziland, Palestine, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Ethiopia, and Liberia cannot secure the Nepalese Visa upon arrival. The Visa can also be secured at the entry point at Nepalese borders. A valid passport for at least six months, recent digital photo (size: 1.5" x 1.5") will be required and the following fees either in USD dollars cash or the equivalent local currency:

Is the country politically safe and stable?

Nepal is one of the newly democratic countries in the world with many active political parties, ideas, ideologies, and leaders. Now Nepal has the communist government elected with 2/3 of the majority so, now it has the fully stable government it does not affect the daily life of the residents and the tourist. Life moves on, as usual, unperturbed.

When Is The Best Time To Travel?

Nepal offers diversified geographical regions and so as the climatic condition differs from the Himalayas to the plains. The climate varies as per the season. Nepal generally offers 4 seasons amongst which autumn and spring are the two most favorable ones for visiting Nepal. It is always wise to know about the weather and climatic condition of the place you visit. The best time to travel really depends on your destination, activities and season of travel. Our destination specialists will recommend certain travel times after learning more about your preferences. The favorable months for trekking and climbing are usually September – November, and February – April. The monsoon season is June – August.

What kind of weather (how cold does it get) can we expect during trekking?

Weather in the mountains is pretty difficult to predict. Nights are generally cooler and days are warm. Months of winter (January and February) are bit colder but the days can be quite beautiful and warm if the sun is out. It snows during the month of January, February, and December in Himalayan areas.

Are Vaccinations Required?

Immunizations are not required to visit Nepal. (Exception: if you are traveling from an area infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a certificate.) Depending on the season and region of travel, certain vaccinations and/ or medications are suggested and we will recommend preventative measures. We do encourage all travelers to be current on routine immunizations. Also, we recommend the vaccines for polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus, typhoid, yellow fever, hepatitis A/B, Influenza (Flu), Japanese encephalitis, and Tuberculosis. Meantime, it is better to consult your professional doctor about your travel and he/s might recommend you properly. You can also take the suggestion of local travelers who have traveled Nepal before and know more about the required precautions. Please note that the protection that can be gained from vaccines varies from 50% to almost 100%. So remember that even if you have taken a vaccine you might still get the disease, although you will have greatly reduced your chances of getting ill.

How fit do I need to be for the trek?

You don’t have to be a super athletic person but despite the ages should be moderately fit. We recommend to running, hiking to hills and long walk as a preparation.

Are ATM booths easily available?

Yes, ATM booths are easily available around the major city area where you can use both credit and debit cards. But there are only few ATM booths on the way to your trek, so it’s better you withdraw your cash before to trek.

What type of food to expect during the trek? 

Nepal is rich in cultural diversity. Meal habits of the Nepalese vary with the ethnicity and the geographical differences. Normally, the local has a habit of taking milk/black tea in the morning, before noon take lunch after mid-day take light snacks as Khaja and Dinner in the evening. The lunch and dinner comprise Dhido (short of porridge), Dal, Bhat, Tarkari, Achar (Lentil, Rice, Curry, and Pickles). However, you can have a choice of Indian/Continental/Italian/ Chinese food even in some trekking regions.

Is drinking water safe while trekking? 

Drinking water should be treated by boiling and water purification by medicine or with filtered. We suggest carrying a water purifier while trekking to be on a safe side.

Are there any tourist police in Nepal?

Of course, there is tourist police located near the Nepal Tourism Development Board's Office. Also, there are complaint counters at the airport, Basantapur Durbar Square, Thamel and so many other places. Tourist police are specially trained in English and have the detailed local knowledge to assist tourists. For security and travel related assistance, you can reach any of the officers from telephone 4-247041, 4-4268969 from 11 am to 5 pm.

Is Nepal safe? Is a woman traveling alone safe with your company?

Absolutely Nepal is safe for the traveler. Firstly, Nepal is considered as one of the peaceful countries in the world (chances are it's safer here than your home-country). Secondly, while you're on one of our trips, we take personal responsibility for your well-being, a responsibility we commit very seriously.

What about Time in Nepal?

Nepal is +5 hours 45 minutes ahead to Greenwich Mean Time (GMT: +0545). For example, when it is noon in Kathmandu, the standard time of London is 6.15am, 4.15am in Sydney, 1.15am in New York and 10.15 pm the previous night in San Francisco. The strange 15-minute difference is said to be a reflection of the exact time at the summit of Mt. Gaurishankar.

Travel Insurance

Doing the insurance while trekking in Nepal is not compulsory but will surely help you a lot if you do one, as it covers any comprehensive expenses possible to acquire due to medical issues or accidents. Your travel insurance must protect air ambulance, treatment charge, rescue and evacuation, product cancellation and refundable charges, flight delay and cancellations. We suggest you bring your travel insurance certificate or send us scan copy and it must be issued from your homeland. We do not arrange or sell insurance so we suggest you to do a research on the company and do the travel insurance.