Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Upon arrival at Kathmandu’s TIA, a Himalayan Trekkers representative will welcome you and take you to your hotel. After a brief rest, meet your trekking team and enjoy a welcome dinner at an authentic Nepali restaurant.
Note: If you arrive before noon, we’ll visit Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple. At Boudhanath, you’ll experience the peaceful environment, stroll around, and enjoy a coffee with a view. Then, witness the evening aarti ceremony at Pashupatinath and explore the surroundings before returning to the hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu Tour & Trek Preparation
Day 3: Fly to Nepalgunj
Today, we’ll take a one-hour flight from Kathmandu Airport to Nepalgunj, a captivating town near the Nepal-India border situated in the Western Terai region of Nepal. Upon our arrival in Nepalgunj, we’ll check in at the hotel for a brief rest. In the afternoon, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the local market, nearby villages, engage with the locals, and gain insight into their way of life. We’ll also visit Mahendra Park and a mini-zoo in the area. Rest overnight in Nepalgunj.
Day 4: Fly to Juphal & Trek to Dunai
After breakfast, we’ll fly to Juphal and meet our trekking team to start our adventure. The initial trail is easy, and we’ll trek comfortably for 45 minutes to Kalagauda. From there, it’s a 2-3 hour hike through lush terraced fields along the Thulo Bheri River to reach Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpa district. We’ll set up camp in Dunai, and if time allows, we may visit Bon Gumba (monastery) for panoramic views of the area.
Overnight in a tented camp at Dunai
Day 5: Trek to Ankhe
Leaving Dunai, we cross a suspension bridge and head west towards the Thulo Bheri Valley, eventually entering the Phoksundo River Valley. Along the way, we’re treated to mesmerizing views of Kagmara Peak. Passing through the small settlements of Hanke (eyelashes), Parela (eyebrows), and Rahagaon (eyes), we reach our destination for the day, Ankhe. We set up camp, enjoy a tasty dinner prepared by the team, and spend the night in Ankhe.
Day 6: Trek to Sulighat
Today’s trek involves challenging ascents and descents, which can be tiring. However, the trail rewards us with refreshing streams and occasional glimpses of the Himalayan ranges, providing relief from the fatigue. We pass through forests, cross passes, and traverse a grassy slope above the river. Descending along the river, we reach Ryajik. At the Silughar checkpoint, we present our Dolpo and Shey Phoksundo National Park trekking permits, officially entering the national park. We’ll set up camp for an overnight stay on the banks of the Sulighat River.
Day 7: Trek to Phoksundo Lake
We start early, head to the Phoksundo and Pungmo Rivers’ confluence, cross a bridge, follow the Pungmo River’s western bank through a cedar forest to Palam village. As we ascend a ridge, we see distant views of Phoksundo Lake and its impressive waterfall. We hike through birch forests to the upper Phoksundo Khola, then reach Ringmo Village with its mud-plastered chortens and mani walls. Finally, we camp by Phoksundo Lake.
Day 8: Rest day at Phoksundo Lake & Explore Around
Today is a rest and acclimatization day at the higher altitude. After a relaxed breakfast in our tents, we’ll explore the area around Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo Village. Ringmo is a traditional Tibetan settlement with its own culture.We’ll take a short hike to Ringmo Village, visit the ancient Tshowa Monastery on the lake’s edge (900 years old), and interact with the locals to learn about their lifestyle. Then, we’ll explore the stunning surroundings of Shey Phoksundo Lake, Nepal’s deepest lake.In the evening, we’ll enjoy the starry sky with our crew as we prepare for the next day’s adventure.
Day 9: Trek to Phoksundo Khola /Sallaghari
Today offers one of the most enjoyable trekking days in the Dolpo region. Following breakfast, we follow a narrow trail etched into a rocky ledge, providing stunning views of the lake. The path then leads us through a green meadow that opens up into the floodplain of the Phoksundo River. We continue through the valley, cross the river, and descend to the banks of the Shey-Phoksundo Khola. The day concludes with a final ascent to Sallaghari, where we’ll set up our tents amidst a charming pine forest, spending the night here.
Day 10: Trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang
After breakfast, we embark on a brief trek to Phoksundo Bhanjyang, also known as Nangdala Base Camp or Kang La Base Camp. The day’s trek will take approximately 3 hours, with a leisurely pace. We follow a narrow trail along the Tuk Kyaksa River, crossing an old wooden bridge where the Phoksundo Khola meets another mountain stream. We’ll climb steadily through a glacial valley to a lush grassland, offering views of Kang-La Pass. Continuing along the canyon for another two and a half hours, we’ll reach Kang La/Nangdala Base Camp, a large rock slab with stunning views of Kang-La Pass, Chhamlang Peak 6 (6739m), and Peak 7 (6105m). We’ll set up camp here for the night.
Day 11: Trek to Shey Gompa Village via Kang-La Pass
We start the day with a hike to Kang-La Pass (5151m), also known as Nangdala, offering panoramic views of the vast valley, Crystal Mountain, and the U-shaped canyon leading to Shey-Gompa. Descending, we cross the river multiple times, encountering yaks, sheep, and mountain goats along the way. Shey Village, with its modest houses and the revered Shey Gompa, stands as the spiritual heart of Dolpo. Situated at the confluence of Kangju Nala and Yeju Nala rivers, beneath the imposing Crystal Peak, this 800-year-old monastery is a significant landmark.
Day 12: Acclimatization and Exploration around Shey Gompa
Day 13: Trek to Namduna Gaon via Saldang La
Leaving Shey Gompa Village behind, we ascend through a juniper forest, eventually reaching the grey stone gorge. Zig-zagging along a rocky trail, we reach the stunning Salang-La Pass (4785m), offering breathtaking views of the Mustang region and Tibetan mountains. Descending from the pass, we encounter picturesque landscapes, grazing cattle, and nomadic tents, marking our entry into Saldang village with its stone houses and expansive farm fields along the Nam Khong Khola. We’ll explore the area, visit Namgung Monastery in Namduna Gaon, and continue our journey for the day.
Day 14: Trek to Saldang
Today, we follow the ancient trade route to Tibet, leaving Namduna Gaon after breakfast. As we ascend a slope, we transition to steep hills and rocky terrain. After a few hours, Saldang Village, the largest in inner Dolpo, comes into view, perched on a high plateau above the Nam Khong Nala River. We’ll explore the village, connect with the locals, and savor traditional SuCha (salt butter tea) or Chhyang (barley beer), immersing ourselves in Dolpo’s rich Buddhist and Amchi traditions. Overnight in a tented camp at Saldang Village
Day 15: Hike to Yangze Gompa & Back to Saldang
Today, we’ll take a side hike to Yangze Gompa (3885 m), also known as Yangtsher Gumpa, in the northern part of Saldang. We’ll follow the Nagon Khola along a windswept trail with some ups and downs, passing through Marang and Ki settlements. After crossing a tributary of the Panzang River, we’ll head east to reach Yangze Gompa, a thousand-year-old monastery. The monastery is known for its numerous chortens, making it a visually striking site and the highlight of our day.After exploring the monastery and paying our respects, we’ll return to Saldang. Alternatively, you can choose to stay at the Gompa overnight and return to Saldang in the morning.
Day 16: Trek to Sibu
After breakfast, we depart from Saldang village and continue on the trail, passing through terraced farms. Along the way, we’ll come across Mani walls, chortens, prayer flags, and prayer wheels, adding to the cultural richness of our journey. Following the river’s path, we’ll reach Chaiba Monastery and Namdo Village, where we’ll visit Namdo Monastery. Our trek continues alongside the river for a few more hours until we reach Sibu village, where we’ll spend the night at a tented camp.
Day 17: Trek to Jeng-La Phedi
Following a satisfying breakfast, we embark on today’s trek, tracing the path along the edge of the Nam Khong Khola and crossing a creek. As we move forward, we venture into dense juniper, pine, and silver birch forests. After a brief distance, our trail starts to climb upward into a side valley, where the terrain becomes more challenging. We press on until we reach a junction in the trail and ascend to the base of Jenga La, passing by yak farms along the way. Our camp for the night will be set up in this picturesque meadow.
Day 18: Trek to Tokyu Gaon via Jeng La Pass
We begin our journey to Jeng La Pass early in the morning, reaching the pass after a two-hour trek. From the pass, we enjoy stunning views of the Dhaulagiri Massif. Afterward, we descend through a challenging route into the picturesque Tarap Valley, offering panoramic vistas of high-mountain plains along the Tarap Chu River, spanning 20 kilometers.Upon reaching Tokyu Gaon, we explore the local monasteries and chortens, eventually resting for the night near the Tokyu Monastery
Day 19: Trek to Dho Tarap
We start our day early, visiting the historic Tokyo Monastery before leaving the village. The trail takes us through a plain valley, passing fields, Mani Walls, and Chortens. Along the way, we may stop at the charming Chaiba Gompa and soak in its surroundings. Continuing our journey, we encounter more Mani walls and Chortens, eventually reaching our destination.Dho Tarap is inhabited by Magars and a few Tibetans who follow both the Bon Po and Buddhist sects. We set up camp, rest, interact with the locals, explore the village, and visit the Gompas.
Overnight in Dho Tarap.
Day 20: Rest & Exploration day at Dho Tarap
Spend a leisurely day exploring the charming village of Dho Tarap, which boasts colorful Buddhist prayer flags, numerous chortens, mani walls, and monasteries. The picturesque landscape includes lush wheat, buckwheat, barley, and potato fields, enhancing the village’s appeal. Dho Tarap is renowned for its appearance in Eric Valli’s acclaimed film “Caravan,” where Karma, Thinley, and their companions journey across high mountain passes to trade salt for barley.
You also have the option to visit one of the monasteries in the Dho Tarap area, such as Ribo Bumpa Monastery, Drakmar Dewa Monastery, Mekhyim Monastery, or Dhoro Monastery.
Day 21: Trek to Tarap Khola (Kamakharka)
Descending from Dho Tarap, we enter a wide valley with juniper and wild roses. Keep an eye out, as you might be lucky enough to encounter herds of blue sheep along the way. By afternoon, we’ll reach the junction of Tarap Chu and Lang Khola, where the Tarap River continues flowing east. We’ll set up our camp at Kamakharka for the night.
Day 22: Trek to Khanigaon
Today’s trek will be thrilling as the valley narrows, requiring us to jump from one side to another. We’ll also navigate man-made stone slabs fitted between the walls, requiring extra care. Our campsite beside the Tarap Khola is in a beautiful, shady spot under big, long trees.
Day 23: Trek to Tarakot
After breakfast, we depart Khanigaon and make our way to Lalberi village. We’ll pass through a dense forest, descend to another village, follow the river, and finally reach Tarakot. Here, the Sandul Gompa stands on a hill at the confluence of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu rivers. We will camp near the police post by the Tarap Chu River for the night.
Day 24: Trek to Dunai
Our trail follows the Bheri River, leading us to the village of Dunai, marking the end of our trek to Upper Dolpo. Upon reaching the village, we’ll take a well-deserved break and spend our evening enjoying some local wines, bottles of beer, or local brews.
Day 25: Trek to Juphal
We depart from Dunai, following the Bheri River and soaking in the beautiful landscapes along the way. We pass through Dhupichaur and Rupgad Villages before continuing on to Kalagaonda and Motipur villages. Our journey concludes at the small airstrip in Juphal.
Day 26: Fly Juphal-Nepalgunj-Kathmandu
We’ll kickstart our day with an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, followed by another connecting flight that will wing us back to the vibrant heart of Kathmandu. As you touch down in the capital city, the day unfurls like a canvas, ready for you to paint with your interests.
Perhaps you’ll saunter through the bustling streets of Thamel, where every corner tells a tale, or venture into the time-honored markets of Ason and Indrachowk, where treasures await your discovery. It’s a perfect opportunity to acquire unique keepsakes for your loved ones, pieces of Nepal’s rich culture and history.
As the sun dips below the horizon, we’ll gather at an authentic Nepalese restaurant, where you’ll not only savor a delectable dinner but also immerse yourself in a traditional cultural performance, adding a vibrant and melodious note to the finale of our journey.
Day 27: Final Departure from Kathmandu
The moment has arrived for us to part ways, but the memories we’ve created will forever linger. Following a hearty breakfast, we’ll assist you with the check-out process at the hotel. Our commitment to your comfort extends to ensuring you arrive at the airport with ample time—three hours prior to your scheduled flight. Whether you’re headed back to your home country or embarking on the next leg of your adventure, your journey continues, filled with the echoes of Nepal’s wonders. Safe travels!
