Overview
Upper Dolpo till today stands as one of the most isolated and remote region of this Himalayan country. But, the magnificence of this region is second to none. Snuggled between the Tibetan plateau and Dhaulagiri Himalaya Chain, it is your Shangri-La. The Upper Dolpo Trekking Jomsom to Juphal will take you to the most isolated and unscathed parts of the Mid-West region of Nepal. Dolpo, the land past Himalayans summons the beautiful and up-close view of regal mounts, oldest monasteries and frosty turquoise lakes The Upper Dolpo Trekking Jomsom to Juphal passes by some of the world’s lordliest mounts as Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba, and an ancient medieval kingdom of Lower Dolpo.
The region is very much secluded due to lack of road access until recently. That is why Dolpo is unhurt by the tribulations of the modern world, its beauty and exotic culture very much intact. In the fall of 1990, the first British tour operator planned a trek from east to west, Pokhara to Jumla via Lower Dolpo.
The clustered settlement of the Dolpo region makes its people some of the “world’s highest dwellers”. The ancient villages in Upper Dolpo are 4,300 meters and above! Dolpo is home to rare and outlandish animals such as Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard and medicinal herbs as Silvery Fil. People here practice pre Buddhist religion, the Bon Po. Even after extensive spreading of Buddhism in 9th century Tibet, this region has preserved its very ancient religion. You will be able to be part of the most unique and rare cultural practice of the world.
The trek passes north of the major mountain chain, through thrilling mountain passes as high as 5,500m towards the Tibetan Plateau. We will come across monasteries, both Buddhist and Pre-Buddhist (Shamanistic) laden with colorful prayer flags. Shey Gompa is anthropologically and religiously very important monastery of the region.
This trek into the wilderness, with high ups and lows is suitable for high altitude trekkers, those who seek for adventure. It is also for those who do not want to trek along tourist-packed mainstream trek routes. Every day we will hike for at least 5-7 hours.
So, come join with us. With Nepal Eco Adventure embark on the Upper Dolpo Trekking Jomsom to Juphal. Experience firsthand living in the youngest mounts of the world, wilderness and with a warm and innocent smile of mountain people, who are completely oblivious about the life elsewhere the mountains. Create a pocketful of memories to cherish for lifetime with the Upper Dolpo Trekking .
Upper Dolpo – Jomsom to Juphal Trekking Altitude Chart
Itinerary
Once you land at Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), our airport representatives will kindly receive you and take you to your hotel, in a private car or a high-end tourist bus. Our representatives will brief you about the trek. After checking in, you can either explore this vibrant and exciting city on your own, or, take a cozy rest at your hotel.
Your sightseeing of this ancient city begins at around 8:30 am, after breakfast. A specialized tour guide and a comfy private vehicle will be available for your assistance. First we will visit the biggest Hindu temple of Nepal, Pashupati Nath, which predates to Lichhavi period. Then, to Boudha Nath, and Swayambhu Nath, shrines of lord Buddha, uniquely built in Shikhara style. The evening will be spent at Kathmandu Durbar Square, testimonial of middle age architecture. We will brief you about the journey that starts tomorrow. You can do some last minute shopping for the trek in Thamel.
Early morning after breakfast, we will travel to Pokhara via Prithvi Highway. The scenic bus ride will be around 6-7 hours long. We can see western Himalayans, on our way. Beautiful but tad tiring bus ride to the beautiful valley of Pokhara, it is our gateway to the mounts. We can explore around this beautiful lake city in the night or go for boating in the grand Phewa Lake. We will spend the night at the local guest house.
We will catch a plane from Pokhara to Jomsom, headquarter of Mustang. It will take around 20 minutes to reach the beautiful town of Jomsom. We will fly North-West from Pokhara towards great portal between Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. You can enjoy beautiful views of the lofty hills and mountains during your flight. From Jomsom, we will trek uphill for 3 hours alongside Kali Gandaki to reach Dhangarjung, the gateway to the Himalayas.
We will trek through wooded gorges, along the river and through Bamboo, Fir and Birch trees. You can witness distinctive Tibetan culture and very ancient monasteries and Gompas. After crossing several bridges leading us westward, we will ascend towards the Phoksundo Lake and Ringmo, the gateway to upper Dolpo. After crossing the small dwindling Phoksundo Khola, we will ascend through Larches’ and Birches’ forests. After ascending for an hour or so through the rocky trial to a ridge at 3,800m we can finally view the emerald Phoksundo Lake. Then, we will climb downhill to reach the small village of Sangda, where we will be spending the night.
We will continue our trek through rocky ledge. We will trail along the valley of Kang Gopa. We will climb a small crest at 4,060m. From there we can see the spectacular view of the Sonam Kang, Shey Shikar (6,239m) and Kang Chunne (6,443m). The trail is rough and dusty and we will pass through Birches’ and Blue Pine forests.
We will hike to Yak Kharka where we will be spending the night in an overnight camp. We will cross two passes Niwar La (5,250m) and Tudje La (5,185m) from where we can see the mountains even up-close. We will walk down the rocky terrain for around 3 hours to reach Yak Kharka. The two passes are the highest altitude we will set foot on during the trek.
From here, we will trek downhill along the bank of river to Rakpa. We will cross the Shey La Pass at 5,010m and ascend before walking down to Namgung. We will cross a bridge and walk downhill to the top of the scree slope. We will then cross the Dolma La Pass and ascend the steep and narrow trail to Shey. We will walk through the grassy meadows and also visit the Tsakang Gompa.
After crossing the Dolma La and descending the steep and narrow trail to Shey, we will cross the Shey La Pass at 5,010m and descend for some time before climbing Namjung. The trial will then ascend and descend along the Namjung Khola to Karang. Then, the trial will steeply descend to Torak Sumdo and climb up Yanger Gompa at 3,750m. We will trek along the river to the valley. From there, we will continue our descend further into the valley of Mugoan. We will climb towards the Mushi La at 5,030m and then walk to the Shimen village (4,010m). From here, we will continue our long trek along the river to Pha in 4,090m to reach Tinje. We will continue our trek along the river to Chanla Phedi where we will spend the night in a camp.
We will ascend to Charkala (4,920m) and then descend down the side of the valley. The trail then climbs to the crest and descend to the dwindling river. The valley becomes narrower. On reaching Do Tarap we will take a good rest and spend the night in a camp.
We will explore the beautiful valley of Dho Tarap, once an important cultural and political center of Dolpo. Dho and Tarap are also very famously known as the highest altitude human settlement in the world. Here are some monasteries and remains that dates back to pre-Buddhist times. Here, people who resemble very closely the Khampas of Tibet follow animistic religion Bon Po as well as Buddhism. From here you can have breathtaking views of western mountains and the magical Shey Phoksundo Lake. You can relish the experience of Yak Caravans, and warm smile of people unknown to the modern world. Travelling in Dho Tarap will give you truly primeval experience.
Ascending through the beautiful valley of Dho Tarap, we will walk through the primeval village of Tok-Khyu. We will cross the challenging pass at 5,000m and the views of peaks and hills from there will more than compensate. From there, we will descend along with the Payon Khola. Walking along the uphills and downhills from Dho Tarap to Namjung, Mungaon, Shimen, Tinje, Rakpa and Norbulung we will reach Pangjang Khola Dovan, where we will spend the night in an overnight camp.
From here, we will walk downhill to reach settlement of Tinjegaon, a small mountain village. We will descend to Musigaon, and cross the exciting Lnag-La pass. From there we will walk down the steep trail. From here, after walking for around 4 hours we will reach Tinjagaon.
We will mainly trek downhill today. The trek will be approximately 6 hours long. You can see Yak Caravans, horses and mules walking along the rocky trail on you way. On reaching Shimengaon, we will spend the night in an overnight camp.
After breakfast we will trek to reach the small village of Koma. We will cross yet another pass at 4,270m known as Shimen La Pass from where we will mainly trek downhill. It will take us around 5 hours at maximum to reach our destination.
It is a small stretched out village at the bottom of the valley. We will walk northward towards the Tibetan border to reach Saldang. We will walk through the valley of Nankhang. On reaching our destination, we can go explore this beautiful village of around 1500 population. The view of the Kanjiroba is truly magnificent from here.
Today we will trek to the inner Dolpa. To reach Shey Gompa we will cross a high pass known as Sela La Pass (5,095). The view of the Himalayans from here is very gratifying. On reaching here, we will take a good rest and prepare for exploration day tomorrow.
We have allocated a full day for the exploration of this historic place. We will visit the Shey Gompa, which is historically and culturally is an important monument. The Shey Gompa is a complex structure located in the hilltop. Once the prosperous capital, this place is deserted most time of the year except for two major festivals. The monastery was built in the 1665 AD.
Lar Tsa is a small village in the footsteps of the mountains. We will continue our ascen uphill for at least two hours before crossing a pass at 5,360m, Kangla Pass. Then, we will descend along the river, in a rocky trail to reach Lar Tsa. We will spend the night in an overnight camp.
Shey Phoksundo is one of the main attraction of the whole trek. We will enjoy in the chilly water of the lake. Rich and azure Phoksundo is truly a gem. The water in this lake never freezes, despite the high altitude. We will spend the night in Ringmo. There are several trails to Ringmo. The trek should be relatively easier today.
From Ringmo, we will descend to Sanduwa. Sanduwa literally means three trials. It lies between the Kagmara Khola and the Phoksundo Khola. A national park and an army check post sit here. We will spend the night in an overnight camp.
We will now descend to Chhepka leaving the beautiful mountains in the backdrop. We will follow the stream going south and cross a beautiful forest to reach Chhepka where we will spend the night.
We will trek to the Dunai, which is in the bank of the very big Bheri River. The trek will be around 4 hours long. Dunai is the district headquarters, which is going through a minor construction boom. The panoramic view of the mountains from here is memorable.
From Dunai, we will hike to Juphal, the familiar hill. This is our last day of trekking. We will stay the night in an overnight camp.
We will board the two planes on the 14th day. We will fly from to Nepalgunj and from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu (60 minutes). After a tiring day, you can spend the evening in your hotel or explore this vibrant city.
You can spend the day further exploring this historic city. You can also go travel to the outskirts of the valley. Buy souvenirs at Thamel, Basantapur and old towns of Patan and Bhaktapur to take back home.
What is Included
- Airport pickup 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 above program with private vehicle.
- 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, equipments 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).
- Use of sleeping bag, down Jacket and walking Poles (if you don’t have your own, To be return after trip completed). Using these 3 items you pay $10 USD each as maintenance and washing charge.
- 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 typical Nepalese Restaurant.
What is Excluded
- 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 non alcoholic hot and cold drinks.
- Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected).
- All sightseeing tour entrance fee.
- Any other expenses which are in mentioned on include section (please ask if you are not sure).
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