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

28 Days Duration

Experiences

About This Tour

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal's most remote and culturally rich Himalayan journeys, taking you deep into an untouched landscape of dramatic valleys, high...

Duration: 28 Days · Tour type: Private · Activity level: Challenging · Accommodation: Included · Budget · Transport: Included · Wheelchair access: No · Cities: Nepalganj, Kathmandu, Dhaulagiri, Dolpo, Phoksundo Lake · Languages: English

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

All ground transportation by private vehicle, including airport transfers
Four nights' accommodation with breakfast in Kathmandu
Guided Kathmandu Valley sightseeing tour with entrance fees and private vehicle
Full board meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, and coffee)
Twin-sharing tented camp accommodation during the trek
Highly experienced trekking guide, Sherpa staff, and required porters (including salary, food, accommodation, insurance, and equipment)
Complete trekking and camping equipment (tents, dining tent, kitchen tent, tables, chairs, utensils, etc.)
Domestic flights: Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Juphal and return (including departure taxes)
One night's accommodation with breakfast in Nepalgunj
Marvel Treks trekking T-shirt and detailed trekking map
Safe drinking water (boiled) during the trek
Comprehensive first-aid medical kit
All necessary permits, including Upper Dolpo Special Permits
All government and local taxes
Office service charges

Not Included

Meals not specified in the itinerary
Travel and medical insurance (mandatory)
International airfare
Nepal entry visa fees
Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water, and snacks
Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, internet, shopping, etc.)
Personal trekking gear and equipment
Tips for trekking guides and support staff

Itinerary

1

Day 01

28-Day Upper Dolpo Trek from Kathmandu to Phoksundo and Shey Gompa

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m / 4,593ft) Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Marvel Treks will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you will receive a short briefing about the trip. In the evening, meet your trekking guide for a detailed discussion of the Upper Dolpo Trek itinerary. Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in ThamelMeals: Welcome Dinner Day 2: Permit Preparation and Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing After breakfast, enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley, visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Later in the day, you will review trekking permits and equipment with your guide. The evening is free to explore Thamel. Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in ThamelMeals: Breakfast Day 3: Flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m / 492ft) Today, you take a scenic domestic flight to Nepalgunj in western Nepal. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and explore this lively border town, including its local markets and surroundings. Accommodation: Standard Hotel in NepalgunjMeals: BreakfastFlight Duration: ~1 hour Day 4: Flight to Juphal (2,502m) and Trek to Dunai (2,850m) Fly early in the morning to Juphal, enjoying stunning aerial views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. Begin trekking through terraced fields and villages, following the Bheri River to Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerFlight: ~45 minutes | Trek: 2-3 hours Day 5: Trek from Dunai to Ankhe (2,896m) Cross suspension bridges and trek through walnut groves and small settlements. Enjoy views of Kagmara Peak while following the Thulo Bheri Valley before reaching Ankhe. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 5-6 hours Day 6: Trek from Ankhe to Sulighat (3,500m) Today's trail involves multiple ascents and descents through forests and along riverbanks. Continue climbing to Sulighat, passing grassy hills and narrow trails. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 5-6 hours Day 7: Trek from Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m) Hike along the Pungmo River, passing cedar and birch forests before reaching Ringmo Village. A short walk brings you to the breathtaking Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal's most beautiful alpine lakes. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 4-5 hours Day 8: Acclimatization Day at Phoksundo Lake Enjoy a rest and acclimatization day. Explore Ringmo Village and visit a traditional Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Spend time taking in the serene beauty of Phoksundo Lake. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 9: Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Phoksundo Khola (3,507m) Follow a rugged trail along the western shore of Phoksundo Lake, crossing meadows and valleys before reaching Phoksundo Khola. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 4-5 hours Day 10: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4,402m) Trek through a glacier valley with magnificent views of Chamlang Peak 6 and 7 and the Kang La Pass region. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 6-7 hours Day 11: Cross Kang La Pass (5,360m) to Shey Gompa (4,500m) A challenging but rewarding day crossing Kang La Pass, offering panoramic mountain views. Descend to Shey Gompa via alpine meadows and river crossings. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 5-6 hours Day 12: Acclimatization Day at Shey Gompa Visit the historic Shey Gompa (1655) and admire the massive gold-plated Buddha statue. Explore Crystal Mountain and learn about the ancient Bon-Po culture. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 13: Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung Gonpa (4,800m) Climb through rocky terrain toward Saldang La Pass before descending to Namgung Gonpa, home to the historic Namgung Monastery. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 6-7 hours Day 14: Trek from Namgung Gonpa to Saldang (3,903m) via Saldang La Pass Cross Saldang La Pass (5,200m) and descend to the prosperous village of Saldang, an important trading hub of Lower Dolpo. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 4-5 hours Day 15: Trek from Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4,960m) Walk through remote valleys, crossing rivers and villages before reaching the ancient Yangze Gompa, an important Bon-Po monastery. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 4-5 hours Day 16: Trek from Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4,560m) Retrace the route back through Saldang and Namdo Village, passing chortens, mani walls, and monasteries before reaching Sibu. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 6-7 hours Day 17: Trek from Sibu to Jenga La Phedi (4,900m) Follow the Nam Khong Khola and ascend toward the grazing meadows below Jenga La Pass. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 5-6 hours Day 18: Cross Jenga La Pass to Tokyu Gaon (4,209m) Cross Jenga La Pass, enjoying dramatic views of the north face of Mt. Dhaulagiri, then descend into Tarap Valley to Tokyu Gaon. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 5-6 hours Day 19: Trek from Tokyu Gaon to Dho Tarap (4,040m) Descend through open valleys and marshlands to reach Dho Tarap, a culturally rich village practicing Bon-Po and Chaiba traditions. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 4-5 hours Day 20: Acclimatization Day at Dho Tarap Explore Dho Tarap Village, interact with locals, and learn about their unique lifestyle, religion, and traditions. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 21: Trek from Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (3,800m) Descend through juniper forests and open meadows to Tarap Khola, camping at Kamakharka beside the river. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 6-7 hours Day 22: Trek from Tarap Khola to Khanigaon (3,150m) Enter narrow gorges and cross streams, following challenging trails to Khanigaon. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 4-5 hours Day 23: Trek from Khanigaon to Tarakot (2,537m) Pass through Lalberi Village and forested gorges before reaching Tarakot. Visit Sandul Gompa near the river confluence. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 4-5 hours Day 24: Trek from Tarakot to Dunai (2,850m) Retrace the trail along the Bheri River back to Dunai. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 5-6 hours Day 25: Trek from Dunai to Juphal (2,502m) A short scenic walk along the river and through villages brings you back to Juphal airstrip. Accommodation: Tented CampMeals: Breakfast, Lunch and DinnerTrek Duration: 2-3 hours Day 26: Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu Take a morning flight to Nepalgunj, followed by a connecting flight back to Kathmandu. Transfer to your hotel and relax. Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in ThamelMeals: Breakfast Day 27: Leisure Day in Kathmandu Enjoy a free day for shopping, relaxation, or optional sightseeing. In the evening, join a farewell dinner celebrating the successful completion of your Upper Dolpo Trek. Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel in ThamelMeals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Day 28: Final Departure After breakfast, a Marvel Treks representative will transfer you to the airport for your onward journey.