24-Day Upper Dolpo Trek in Nepal with Shey Phoksundo and Shey Gompa

24 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

The Upper Dolpo Trek is a remote and enchanting journey through one of Nepal's most isolated Himalayan regions. Hidden behind the Dhaulagiri range, this trek le...

Duration: 24 Days · Tour type: Shared · Activity level: Hard · Accommodation: Included · Standard · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Nepalganj, Kathmandu, Dolpo, Phoksundo Lake, Shey Phoksundo National Park · Languages: English

Know before you go: You should prepare for 1 month before the trek.

About Nepalganj

Nepal

Nepalganj

One of Nepal’s few lowland cities, Nepalganj is a lively town of Indian undercurrents that’s home to the Bengal tiger populations of Bardia National Park. Discover it all with help from a local guide.

Explore Nepalganj Nepal All destinations

What's Included

3-night hotel in Kathmandu on a bed-and-breakfast basis
Domestic flights from Kathmandu - Nepalgunj - Juphal and return airfare
Airport-to-hotel pick-up and hotel-to-airport drop-off
One expert government-certified trekking guide
All staff salaries, accommodation, food, and insurance
All trekking permits and national park fees
Trekking equipment: mattresses, member tents, and kitchen utensils
Three meals during the trek, along with tea/coffee and snacks
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
First aid kit
1-night hotel stay in Nepalgunj

Not Included

International airfare
Nepal entry visa
Travel insurance - compulsory
Personal expenses and meals in Kathmandu
Donations and local entrance fees
All cold drinks such as alcoholic beverages, mineral water, Coke, Fanta, juice, etc.
Personal shopping, laundry, phone, internet bills, etc.
Personal trekking equipment
Tips for trekking crews

Itinerary

1

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu and Welcome Dinner

Welcome to Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal! Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, take some time to relax and recover from your flight. In the evening, enjoy a warm welcome dinner featuring authentic Nepali cuisine while receiving a briefing about your upcoming trek. Stroll through the lively streets of Thamel, where colorful shops, cafes, and culture set the perfect tone for your Himalayan adventure ahead.
2

Day 02

Kathmandu Heritage Sightseeing and Trek Preparation

Visit some of the Kathmandu Valley's heritage sites, such as Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath, or Swayambhunath. In the afternoon, your guide will check your gear, go over permits, and answer any last questions. Stay: hotel, Kathmandu. Meals: breakfast.
3

Day 03

Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj

A short morning flight takes you to the hot, flat plains of western Nepal. The rest of the day is free to relax before the mountain flight. Stay: hotel, Nepalgunj. Meals: breakfast.
4

Day 04

Fly to Juphal and Trek to Dunai

The flight to Juphal is a short, scenic mountain flight. From the airstrip, you walk downhill for about 2 hours along the Thulo Bheri River to Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa. Stay: camp or guesthouse. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
5

Day 05

Trek from Dunai to Chhepka

Follow the Suli Gad River through forest and past small settlements. The trail has a few ups and downs, and you enter Shey Phoksundo National Park along the way. Walking time is about 6 hours. Stay: camp.
6

Day 06

Trek from Chhepka to Chunuwar

The trail climbs gently through pine and cypress forest, with views of the gorge below. You pass waterfalls and suspension bridges. Walking time is about 5 to 6 hours. Stay: camp.
7

Day 07

Trek to Phoksundo Lake via Ringmo

You climb to a ridge, and your first view of the turquoise lake appears, with the waterfall below it. Descend to Ringmo village, a Tibetan-style settlement with whitewashed chortens and mani walls. Walking time is about 5 hours. Stay: camp by the lake.
8

Day 08

Acclimatization and Exploration at Phoksundo

Rest and let your body adjust. Visit Ringmo village and the 900-year-old Thashung Gompa, or walk along the lakeshore. Light activity at this altitude helps acclimatization more than sitting still. Stay: camp by the lake.
9

Day 09

Phoksundo Lake to Salla Ghari

Follow the trail along the cliff edge above the lake, the section leading into the restricted Upper Dolpo area. The route continues up the Phoksundo Khola valley to a quiet riverside camp. Walking time is about 6 hours. Stay: camp.
10

Day 10

Salla Ghari to Kang La High Camp

A steady climb into higher, barren country. Camp is cold and exposed, so rest and drink plenty of water to prepare for the big pass tomorrow. Walking time is about 5 to 6 hours. Stay: camp.
11

Day 11

Cross Kang La Pass to Shey Gompa

The hardest and most rewarding day. Start before dawn for the climb to Kang La, the trek's highest point, with views across the Dolpo plateau. A long descent follows to Shey Gompa. Walking time is about 8 to 9 hours. Stay: camp near the monastery.
12

Day 12

Rest and Explore Shey Gompa

Spend the day at the 'Crystal Monastery,' founded in the 11th century. Meet the monks, walk the pilgrim circuit, and enjoy the stillness of one of the most remote places on the trek. Stay: camp.
13

Day 13

Cross Sela La and Trek to Namgung

Cross Sela La (5,095 m) and descend into the valley beyond, with wide views over dry, high-altitude terrain. Walking time is about 7 to 8 hours. Stay: camp.
14

Day 14

Namgung to Saldang

A more comfortable day, passing the Namgung monastery and walking along the Nang Chu valley to Saldang, one of the largest villages in Upper Dolpo, with terraced barley fields. Walking time is about 5 hours. Stay: camp.
15

Day 15

Hike to Yanjer Gompa and Return to Saldang

A day hike to Yanjer Gompa, with time to meet local families and see daily Dolpo-pa life before returning to Saldang. Stay: camp.
16

Day 16

Saldang to Rapa Gaon

Walk through a string of small villages, past yak herds and fields. Walking time is about 6 hours. Stay: camp.
17

Day 17

Rapa Gaon to Jyanta La Phedi

A gradual climb up the valley to the foot of the next pass. Camp early and rest. Walking time is about 6 hours. Stay: camp.
18

Day 18

Cross Jyanta La to Dho Tarap

Cross Jyanta La (5,220 m) early in the morning, then descend into the Tarap valley. Dho Tarap is a large, fertile valley with Tibetan- and Bon-influenced villages and monasteries. Walking time is about 8 hours. Stay: camp.
19

Day 19

Dho Tarap to Nawarpani

Follow the Tarap Chu River downstream through a narrowing gorge. The trail drops steadily, and the landscape slowly turns greener. Walking time is about 6 hours. Stay: camp.
20

Day 20

Nawarpani to Sahar Tara

Continue through the gorge and forests, crossing the river several times. Walking time is about 6 hours. Stay: camp.
21

Day 21

Return to Dunai and Drive to Juphal

The final full day of walking brings you back to Dunai. Enjoy a celebration dinner with your crew before driving to Juphal. Walking time is about 6 hours. Stay: guesthouse.
22

Day 22

Fly from Juphal to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj

Take the morning flight out of Juphal and connect to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj. Transfer to your hotel. Stay: hotel, Kathmandu.
23

Day 23

Rest Day in Kathmandu and Farewell Dinner

Free day to rest, shop, or sightsee. In the evening, join the farewell dinner. Stay: hotel, Kathmandu.
24

Day 24

Final Departure

Our representative will drop you at the airport for your flight home.