28 Days Upper Dolpo Trek: Upper Dolpo – Jomsom to Juphal Trekking

                                                    
                                                    destination
                                                    Dolpo
                                                
                                                    duration
                                                    28 Days
                                                
                                                    grade
                                                    High Advance
                                                
                                                    start/end point
                                                    Kathmandu/Kathmandu
                                                
                                                    region
                                                    Dolpo
                                                
                                                    max altitude
                                                    5250m
                                                
                                                    group size
                                                    2-12
                                                
                                                    meal
                                                    All inclusive
                                                
                                                    activity
                                                    5-6 Hrs
                                                
                                                    accommodation
                                                    Camping
                                                
                                                    season
                                                    All Season

28 Days Upper Dolpo Trek

The 28 Days Upper Dolpo Trek takes you to jaw-dropping alpine regions away from the main tourist trails. If it is solitude, a pristine environment, and a genuinely warm and kind-hearted people that turn you on, then this is the trek for you. This is a perfect getaway from the material world; a place where you can open your mind and hopefully realize what is important in this world. There are more smiles than mountains!

The Upper Dolpo trek takes you into the Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to a number of endangered species, such as the elusive snow leopard, grey wolf, musk deer, blue sheep, goral, great Tibetan sheep, Himalayan Tahr, jackal, and Himalayan black bear.

The “Bon” people in this region practice a distinct form of Tibetan Buddhism that is reflected in their homes and daily lives.

The Dolpo region is divided into two parts Upper Dolpo and Lower Dolpo. The trail begins at Jufal which is reached after a short flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and then fly to Jufal (2499m) in Upper Dolpo. The highest point of the trek is at Shey Gompa (Crystal Monastery), an 800-year-old Tibetan monastery and one of the most famous in all of Nepal. The trail takes you through the Annapurna, Kanjiroba, and Dhaulagiri ranges and to the crystal clear waters of Phoksundo Lake (3612m). You will see the unspoiled culturally rich Bon and Buddhist villages: Saldang, Tokyu Gaon (Yak Kharka), DhoTarap and Tarakot and the major town of the Dolpo region - Dunai.

If you want to preview what lies ahead on your trek to Upper Dolpo, then we recommend you take a peek at these movies. Dolpo was the location for the Oscar-nominated movies "The Himalaya" and “The Caravan” and for the German documentary Dolpo Tulku. It wasn’t until 1989 that the southern part of Dolpo eventually opened up to trekkers

Sherpa Expedition and Trekking guarantee this trek will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Key Features of Upper Dolpo Trekking

Upper Dolpo trek through parts of Nepal that very few trekkers ever see.
Visit 800-year-old Shey Gompa (monastery) also known as Crystal Monastery – made famous in the book The Snow Leopard by author Peter Matthiessen.
The Shey Phoksundo National Park & its wild animal species.
High altitude passes - Kang La Pass & Saldang La Pass
Rugged high altitude desert-like and barren landscapes and striking valleys - Dho, Saldang and Tarakot.
Views of Dhaulagiri and other enormous Tibetan peaks.
The crystal clear turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake (3612m).
Forever smiling faces to soften your heart and warm your soul.
Trek through parts of Nepal that few visitors ever see.

ITINERARY

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Day 1 : Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel (1,400m)

On your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by Sherpa Expedition and trekking staff and transferred to your respective hotels followed by a briefing regarding Upper Dolpo Jomsom Juphal Trek, hotels, lodges on the route and the dos and don’ts followed by an evening welcome dinner.

Day 2 : Explore Kathmandu & pre-trek briefing.

Today, we will spend the day sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley with our guide. We will visit Pashupatinath, which is regarded as the holiest Hindu temple in Nepal and where pilgrims worship Lord Shiva (situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River), Bouddhanath, a Buddhist temple known as ‘Little Tibet’ and then on to Swayambhunath known as the Monkey Temple. From Swayambhunath we drive to Kathmandu’s famous Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site and located in front of the old royal palace. Upon arriving back at your hotel you may have time to do some last-minute shopping around Thamel – the tourist hub of Kathmandu.

Day 3 : Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara (9,00m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today we travel to Pokhara via Prithvi Highway, a trip of around six to seven hours. Upon reaching Pokhara we can relax or take in some of the sights.

Day 4 : Pokhara Valley sightseeing

In the early morning we can take a hike to the hills and witness the sun rise over the Annapurnas and see, Machapuchare, Manaslu, Dhaulagiri Range, and across Pokhara valley. After returning to the hotel for breakfast we can head to Sarangkot where you can experience paragliding. After lunch your guide will take you to Bindabasini Temple, Davis Falls, Gupteshwor Cave, the Seti River gorges, to Tibetan refugee camps and high on the hill to the World Peace Pagoda and finally to the museum.

Day 5 : Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom & trek to Dhangarjung (3,175m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today we will take a 20 minute scenic flight from Pokhara to Jomsom in the Mustang region. From Jomsom we follow the trail for about three hours on the banks of the Kali Gandaki (river) until we reach Dhangarjung where we will stay the night.

Day 6 : Trek from Dhangarjung to Sangda (3,710m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today the trail takes us through fir, birch and bamboo forests and along the trail pass Tibetan monasteries and other signs of Tibetan culture. We then climb towards Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo the starting point to Dolpo. We eventually reach a 3800m ridge where we have awesome views over the turquoise blue Phoksundo Lake after which we descend to Sangda where we stay the night.

Day 7 : Trek to Sangda Phedi (Tuchela, Niwar La Phedi (4,190m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today we trek through the Kang Gopa Valley and climb to 4060m from where we have amazing views of Sonam Kang, Shey Shikar (6239m) and Kang Chunne (6443m). The trail is rugged and barren. We will camp overnight at Niwar La Phedi.

Day 8 : Trek from Niwar La Phedi to Yak Kharka (4,780m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

The trail today takes us through Niwar La Pass (5250m) and Tudje La Pass (5185m) from where we have some awesome in-your-face views of the mountains. After another three hours on the trail we reach Yak Kharka where we stay the night.

Day 9 : Trek from Yak Kharka to Chharka Village (4,110m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

The trail today initially takes us to Rakpa Village and then through Shey La Pass (5010m) and then we head down to Namgung Village. After passing Namgung Village we cross Dolma La Pass and then ascend a steep narrow path to Shey and then head to Chharka Village where we will camp overnight. We can also visit the local monastery, Tsakang Gompa.

Day 10 : Trek from Chharka to Chanla Phedi (4,530m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today we will cross Shey La Pass at 5010m and descend for a while before climbing to Namjung Village and then on to Namjung Khola (river) and to Karang Village. We continue and head downhill to Torak Sumdo and then ascend to Yanger Gompa (3750m). We again descend to Mugoan Village and then ascend to Mushi La Pass (5030m) and then continue to Shimen Village (4010m), Pha (4090m) and on to Tinje Village. Finally we reach Chanla Phedi where we camp the night.

Day 11 : Trek from Chanla Phedi to Do Tarap (4,040m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

We will ascend to Charkala (4920m) and then descend into the valley. The trail today is undulating and becomes narrower. We continue until we reach Do Tarap where we camp overnight.

Day 12 : Exploration of Dho Tarap region.

Today we take time to explore the picturesque valley of Dho Tarap. Dho and Tarap are some of the highest altitude settlements in the world. The people here are Khampas from Tibet and follow their unique form of Buddhism, Bon Po. From this vantage point we have amazing views over the mountains to the west and the turquoise blue Shey Phoksundo Lake. Overnight we stay at Do Tarap.

Day 13 : Trek from Do Tarap to Pangjang Khola Dovan (4,480m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we climb higher through the valley to Tok-Khyu through the 5000m pass that offers some magnificent views of the surrounding peaks. We then descend to the Payon Khola (river) and then on to Namjung, Mungaon, Shimen, Tinje, Rakpa and Norbulung until we reach Pangjang Khola Dovan where we will camp overnight.

Day 14 : Trek from Pangjang Khola Dovan to Tinje Gaon (4,150m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

The day begins as we descend to Musigaon and then through Lnag-La Pass and then head downhill for about four hours before reaching Tinje Gaon where we camp overnight.

Day 15 : Trek from Tinje Gaon to Shimen Gaon (3,870m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today the trail is mostly downhill for about six hours and along the way we may see yak caravans, horses and mules carrying goods. Tonight we will camp at Shimen Gaon.

Day 16 : Trek from Shimen Gaon to Koma (4,060m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today we cross Shimen La Pass (4270m) and continue for about five hours before reaching Koma where we camp for the night.

Day 17 : Trek from Koma to Saldang (3,770m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we head north toward the Tibetan border walking through the Nankhang Valley and along the trail have views of Mt.Kanjiroba. We arrive at Saldang where we camp overnight.

Day 18 : Trek from Saldang to Shey Gompa (4,500m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today we cross the high altitude Sela La Pass (5095) from where we have breathtaking views of the snow-clad peaks. We will camp overnight here.

Day 19 : A day to explore Shey Gompa.

Today we can explore this culturally and historically rich place and visit the ancient monastery. The Gompa (monastery) was built in 1665.

Day 20 : Trek from Shey Gompa to Lar Tsa (4,120m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Our trail today will last about two hours, at first crossing Kangla La Pass (5360m) and then descending to the river before reaching Lar Tsa where we will camp for the night.

Day 21 : Trek from Lar Tsa to Ringmo/Phoksundo Lake (3,730m) Duration: 6-7 hours.

Today we head to the brilliant blue Phoksundo Lake which even at this altitude never completely freezes. The trek today is not so physically demanding. We will camp here overnight. This is truly worth the journey and is one of the highlights of this journey into Dolpo.

Day 22 : Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Sanduwa (3,038m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Passing through Ringmo we descend to Sanduwa along a trail that is situated between the rivers Kagmara Khola and Phoksundo Khola. There is also a national park and army checkpoint at Sanduwa. We will camp here overnight.

Day 23 : Trek from Sanduwa to Chhepka (2,680m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today it is all downhill as we leave the mountains behind us and follow the river heading south until we reach Chhepka where we will camp overnight.

Day 24 : Trek from Chhepka to Dunai (2050m) Duration: 5-6 hours.

Today the trail follows along the bank of the Bheri River. The trek should take us around four hours after which we will reach Dunai where we will camp for the night. The views of the mountains from here are memorable.

Day 25 : Trek from Dunai to Jhupal (2,345m) Duration: 4-5 hours.

This is our final day of trekking as we head to Jhupal where we will camp overnight.

Day 26 : Fly to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. Overnight in a hotel

Today we fly to Nepalgunj and then on to Kathmandu (about 60 minutes). On arrival back at Kathmandu we will drop you back at your hotels where you can either sit back and relax or explore Thamel and find a bar to celebrate your epic journey.

Day 27 : Leisure day in Kathmandu.

Today is yours to spend as you wish. You may opt to explore the nearby towns of Basantapur, Patan, and Bhaktapur, or to do some last-minute shopping.

Day 28 : Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport.

Your adventure comes to an end today – but your memories will last a lifetime! Our company representative will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to plan your next adventure and explore the most magnificent mountains of Nepal.

SERVICES

Cost Includes

Airport pick up and drop by private car or microbus depending upon your group size.
Four-night standard hotel in Kathmandu and one-night hotel in Pokhara with breakfast.
Guided city tour as per the above program with private vehicles.
Full board meal (veg./non veg.) during camping, prepared by our expert cook with tea & coffee.
Boiled and purified drinking water.
Twin sharing tented accommodation and other equipment during the camping trek. We will provide fully water proof two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, table with chairs, kitchen utensils, toilet tents, etc.
A Government Licensed English speaking Guide during the trek, cook, kitchen helper, required number of porters, their food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment, and medicines.
First Aid medical kit will be available.
Arrangement of Emergency Helicopter service which will be paid by your Travel Insurance Company.
Down Sleeping bags/Jackets, Walking Pole, and other necessary equipments during the trek. (If you don’t have you own).
Upper Dolpo Permit, ACAP (Annapurna Conservation Area Project) permit and other required paper documents.
Flight fare from Pokhara-Jomsom and Juphal-Nepalgunja-Kathmandu including airport departure taxes.
All our Government Taxes tourist service charges and official expenses.
Tourist bus from Kathmandu-Pokhara
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu at a typical Nepalese Restaurant.

Cost Excludes

Meals while you are in Kathmandu Lunch and Dinner.
Nepal entry visa fees (you may easily issue the visa upon your arrival at International Airport – Kathmandu). You need 2 passport size photos and $40 dollar for one month visa.
Your Travel and medical insurance(compulsory)
International airfare.
Your personal expenses.
All the alcoholic and nonalcoholic hot and cold drinks.
Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected).
All sightseeing tour entrance fees.
Any other expenses which are mentioned on include section (please ask if you are not sure).

EQUIPMENTS

The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.

General

All season sleeping bag and down Jacket (we can provide if you need it, but has to be returned after the trek)
Duffle bag ( Sherpa Expedition & Trekking provide duffle bag during the trek but has to be returned after the trek)
A wind and waterproof thin layered jacket (a must-have for morning and evenings above 3,000m)
Daypack

Upper Body- Head / Ears / Eyewear

A pair of half gloves
A warmer hat that covers the ears
Sunglasses
Neckwarmer
Sunscreen (35 to 60 SPF)
Headlamp and an extra set of batteries

Hands

A pair of half gloves for walking poles(if you prefer)
Warmer shell gloves and liner

Upper Body

long sleeve t-shirts
Thermal tops
wool jacket or pullover
Sports bras for women and girls
Water and windproof shell jacket

Lower Body

Thermal underwear (especially trousers)
windproof and waterproof trousers
warmer trousers
Comfortable trekking pants
Extra casual sport pants

Footwear

A pair of good waterproof trekking boots
Pair of sandals
4-5 pairs of woolen socks
Sock liners
Light shoes and sneakers
First Aid Kits and Medicines
Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
Blister treatment cream or similar
Insect / anti-itch ointment
Ibuprofen or other pain-relief medication
Diamox (125mg to 250mg tablets for altitude sickness)
Warps, splints, and wound coverings butterfly bandage
Water purifying pills

(Note our company guide will carry the medicines and first aid kits during the trek. However, we recommend you bring your personal first-aid kit as well)

Miscellaneous - but must useful on the trek

4 passport size photos with original passport
Water bottle & filter
Flight details (please make a copy and leave one pic at our office in KTM because in case you want to change your flight date)
Bathroom kit (conform, should be included toilet paper, plastic bags, hand wipes, towel, and soap, etc.)

Extra things

Comfortable trekking poles
Quality energy dry foods (up to you)
Power bank and music players
Camera (memory card, chargers, and extra batteries)

GOOD TO KNOW

Getting There & Away

Western Nepal is remote, making access more difficult than other parts of Nepal. First, you have to get to Nepalgunj, on the plains, and then to Juphal in Dolpo district.
Most people fly to Nepalgunj from either Kathmandu or Pokhara. From Nepalgunj, you then fly to Juphal. (It isn’t possible to fly directly to Juphal from Kathmandu, although expensive charter flights can be arranged from Pokhara.) Most organized tours will fly from Kathmandu. Keep in mind that the airport at Juphal is no more than a tiny mountain airstrip, where bad weather can often delay flights.
Nepalgunj is also accessible by road, but it is a long trip from Kathmandu or Pokhara. Roads are improving throughout Western Nepal, but Juphal is currently several days’ walk from the nearest road-head.

Permits & Regulations

Permits for Upper Dolpo are expensive and strictly enforced. You also need to purchase a permit for Lower Dolpo, which you pass through on your way to Upper Dolpo. On top of that, only 250 foreigners are permitted to enter Upper Dolpo each year.

Lower Dolpo: $10 USD per week

Upper Dolpo: $50 USD per day (10-day minimum)

There is also an Rs. 1000 entry fee to the Shey-Phoksundo National Park. As it’s mandatory to trek with a guide on an organized tour in Upper Dolpo, your tour operator will arrange all permits and these fees are generally included in the total cost of your trip.

Best Season

Like much of Nepal, the best time to visit Upper Dolpo is the spring (April to May) and the fall (October to November) when temperatures are pleasant, skies are the clearest, and there is minimal chance of snow at high altitudes. Late/early snow can affect this trek in April and November, making some passes impossible to cross. Phoksundo Lake, Shey Phoksundo National Park

Difficulty

Trekking in Upper Dolpo is considered strenuous. There are steep ascents, three passes above 5000 m., several nights spent above 3500 m. and some long trekking days of six hours or more. The fact that this is a camping trek adds to the physical challenge and discomfort of trekking in Upper Dolpo, and rest days are recommended.
This is not a beginner’s trek or one to attempt if it’s your first time in Nepal. But it will be a worthwhile challenge for experienced trekkers and repeat visitors to Nepal alike!

Accommodation & Meals

Most treks in Upper Dolpo are fully-catered camping treks given accommodation and food supplies are hard to come by along the trail. (Upper Dolpo is known to have food shortages.) Some basic teahouse/lodge accommodation is available in some villages, but shouldn’t be relied upon.
It is advised to take as many food provisions when trekking in Upper Dolpo (and anywhere in Western Nepal, in general). If participating in an organized trek (essential in Upper Dolpo), your food needs will be taken care of. It is still important to be mindful of the fact that restocking provisions can be challenging for guides and porters in this region, and that resources are scarce.