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P.O.Box: 8169, Thamel, KTM, Nepal
Tel: 977 1 4414503, 4414454
Mobile: 977 9851130491
Email:gurungtej2003@yahoo.com
Dolpo region is the most remote and least developed district in Nepal. Although a few anthropologists and geographers had explored the region, the entire district was closed to trekkers until 1989 when the southern part of Dolpo was opened to organized trekking groups. Peter Mathesons book - The Snow Leopard and Snell grove - Himalayan pilgrimage has contributed to the mystique and attraction of Dolpo.
Dolpo region situated between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri Himalayan range is the highest inhabited land of Dolpo. Geographically a southern extension of Tibet, it lies within the borders of the state of Nepal, since 1984 has been the countries largest national park and conservation, the park sustains an abundance of wild life including Musk Deer, Himalayan Blue Sheep and the legendary elusive Snow Leopard, as well as being home to a fascinating race of Tibetan speaking people. The hardy highlanders of Dolpo are traders, exchanging barley for Tibetan rock salt and they take their yaks onto the Tibetan plateau during the summer for grazing.
Nepals first English subtitled movie on Dolpo -The Caravan- or -The Himalaya- was a huge success and was nominated for the Oscar Award in the best foreign language film category. Boundaries of the park include within 3,500 square kilometers of land, mostly above 4,000 meters. Before 1989, when the southern regions were opened to trekking groups, very few explorers had visited the area. Two notable visits were the first mountaineering expedition by Dr. Herbert Tichy in 1953 based in Kaigon and the other visit by John Tyson in the early sixties. Dolpo is one of the most beautiful treks in the remote areas of Nepal, very rarely visited by outsider.
During the Upper Dolpo we start from Jhupal village, we begin this wonderful adventure, encountering interesting places, people, villages, valleys and serene forest of pines, oaks and rhododendron, the trek passes many gigantic mountain ranges and over the Numala pass at 5,400m till we reach the Phoksundo lake at Ringmo village in the "Phoksundo National Park".
At Ringmo, the highlight of our trip we will have two nights here to enjoy the beauty of the deep blue waters of the Phoksundo lake and the surrounding snow peaks of Kanjirowa Himalayan range, with time to visit the nearby isolated village of Ringmo and its Monastery. Our classic journey continues to the amazing country of Crystal Mountain at Shey Gomba, following the ancient Trans Himalayan Trade route and back to Jhuphal for the flight back by an alternative route, giving you more opportunity to explore this fascinating wild west of Nepal Himalaya.

| Fact of this Peak | |
| Trip Duration     | 25 days deluxe trip |
| Max. Altitude: | 5,500m./18150ft. |
| Minimum Altitude: | 2354mm/77682ft |
| Grade: | Strenuous  |
| Activities: | Trekking /tour/ travel |
| Accommodation: | Camping |
| Meals: | Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner with tea/coffee |
| Transportation: | Car/ Van/ Taxi / Plane |
| Trek Departure: | Every day throughout the Month |
| Group Size: | 2 persons (minimum) to 12 persons (maximum) |
| Best season: | Feb, March, April, May, June, Sep, Oct & Early Nov. |
| Available Time: | All months |
| Per day hiking: | 3 to 8 hours |
Day 1 : Kathmandu arrival
Arriving in Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), you will be met by a Nepal Alternative Treks airport representative. Transfer by Private car/ Van (depends on size of group) to the selected hotel ( Hotel Marshyangdi) at thamel in Kathmandu(1290m./4273). Stay overnight on B/B basis.
Day 2 : Visit world heritage sites in Kathmandu
Full day Kathmandu sight seeing (world heritages sites) - Â Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Boudhanath stupa and pashupatinath temple by private car/van (depends on group size) and tour guide. Stay at same hotel on B/B basis.
Day 3: Kathmandu- Nepalgunja
Today you will take an hour flight (with good view of the Himalayas to the north) from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj. Upon arrival at Nepalgunj Airport, you will be picked up by one of our staffs and transfer to hotel select hotel. Stay there overnight on FB basis.
Day 4: Nepalgunja- Jhupal- Dunai
The flight to Dolpo from Nepalgunj is short but exciting, and the landing a heart-stopping affair typical of so many grass-strip landings in upcountry Nepal. The Juphal airport is on a hillside shelf high above the river at an altitude of 2354m., with the few houses of the village tucked just below overlooking the deep Thuli Bheri valley. Upon arrival at Juphal, you will meet our support staffs of the trek and start the first day journey to Dunai (3 hours walking). Dunai is district headquarter of Dolpo which is situated at elevation of 2109m./6959ft.) above the sea level. It is a large village with paved street lined with houses, several shops and some lodges. The village has a school, police check-post and government office. Stay there overnight at tent on FB basis.
Day 5: Dunai- Hanke
Today you will trek to reach Hanke (2660m./8778ft.) 6/7 hours walking. You will follow the route of the confluence of the Thuri Bheri and Suli Gad rivers and turn to the north and follow the Suli Gad River. The trail is fairly undulating and you are never far away from the river and its roar. You also walk through some nice villages such as Parela meaning eyelash, Rahagaon meaning eyebrow, and Ankhe meaning eye. Eventually, you will arrive at Hanke, which is also the entry point of Shey Phoksundo National Park. Stay there overnight at tent on FB basis.
Day 6: Hanke- Renje
The trail starts becoming very hectic but once you cross the river twice on well made bridges, you then make a steep ascent on a very narrow path hugging the cliff face. Having descended to the river again the trail takes another steep ascent requiring frequent stops to watch the panorama of the landscapes and also for some rest. Stay at Renje(3104m./10243ft.) 5 hours walking and overnight at tent on FB basis.
Day 7 Renje- Shey Phoksundo Lake
It is about 6-7 hours walking to Shey Phoksundo Lake (3738m./ 12335ft.) from Sumdo. The trek from here is steeply uphill. Here you will leave the river and follow the path high above the water. You will ascend to a ridge (about 3900m) from where you can see amazing views of a waterfall, and your first view of Phoksundo Lake. You then descend through birch forests to the picturesque settlement of Ringmo village with its chortens and mani walls. It is just a short walk to the shores of Phoksundo lake where is your tonight's camp. Stay there overnight at tent on FB basis.
Day 8: Rest day (Explore day)
Today we rest to admire the beauty of this great lake. We also visit nearby villages inhabited by Bon and Buddhist Settlers. Stay at same place overnight at tent on FB basis.
Day 9: Shey Phoksundo Lake- Phokshundo Khola
From the lakeside you follow the trail that skirts the edge of the lake itself. This precarious trail is suspended on a gangway of wood supported on pegs driven into crevices in the rocks and signals the remoteness of the area you are about to enter. You go very steeply up, to 4,040m, and then plunge down again to the valley bottom to enter the flood plain of the Phoksundo Khola (3500m./11550ft.)5/6 hours walking and trek to your night stop alongside the river, but within the confines of the forest to avoid the worst of the wind which is prevalent in the valley bottom. Stay there overnight at tent on FB basis.
Day 10: Phoksundo Khola- Phoksundo Bhanjyang
Today you walk 7/8 hours walking to Phoksundo Bhanjyang (4400m./14520ft.).
There are quite a few stream crossings today, so you should take sandals or footwear suitable for knee deep crossings. This morning you continue along the level path through a glacial valley that now heads due north. As this becomes narrower and narrower there are impressive vertical cliffs and contorted rock formations. At the confluence of the Phoksundo Khola and another, unnamed, mountain stream there is an old wooden bridge. Here you take the barely discernible path to the north east up a side valley which has a cavernous look. There is no trail as such, so it is necessary to clamber over rocks and boulders and to ford a stream that rushes down the steep valley. A long climb brings you to a sheep meadow where the trail veers up a steep ravine. A hard climb to the top brings you to yet another valley where you can see the Kang La, the pass will lead you to Shey Gompa. Your camp is just before the pass in a place that Peter Matthiessen christened 'Snowfields Camp'. Stay there overnight at tent on FB basis.
Day 11: Phoksundo Bhanjyang- Shey Gompa
After an initial easy stretch going up the flood plain, the trail goes up very steeply. The somewhat indistinct track is physically demanding especially on the loose slate scree. It will take about two and a half to three hours to reach the top of the Kang La. The views from the top however are magnificent and well worth all the hard work. The height of the Kang La is variously given between 5,200 and 5,500 metres depending on the map one uses. On descending steeply to the valley floor, not more than 45 minutes, you make a long meandering trek along the banks of the river, crossing it once. A red chorten heralds your arrival at Shey Gompa (4126m./13615ft.) 6/7 hours walking where a quaint wooden log bridge leads up to the Shey compound. Stay there overnight at tent on FB basis.
Day 12: Rest Day (Explore )
As Shey means crystal, this monastery is also known as the Crystal Mountain. The lama of Shey resides at a red hermitage known as Tsakang gompa which is west of Shey. It is not really a monastery but a retreat. Tsakang had been a meditation centre of many famous lamas from Tibet. Shey Gompa belongs to the Chaiba community, followers of the Padmasambhava and Kagyu sects. It was the first Kagyupa monastery and its founder was the lama Ten-szin-Ra-Pa. The monastery was built during the 11th century. Shey is famous for its ancient Buddhist culture. In Dolpo the ancient Tibetan way of life combines animism with the teachings of Buddha. Drutup Yeshe introduced Buddhism in the Dolpo valley. Many years ago he came to Dolpo and came across a wild people whose supreme God was a 'fierce mountain spirit'. Crystal mountain is to the west of Shey monastery. It is a very strange mountain indeed. Its contorted cliffs are laced with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. Shey Gompa stands above the confluence of Kangju nala and Yeju nala. Near the confluence there is a group of prayer mills turned by water wheels. Stay there overnight at same place on FB basis.
Day 13: Shey Gompa- Namduna
You start by following a pleasant track amidst juniper, which ascends to a grey, stony canyon. This then begins to zig-zag over bare rocks and coarse eroded soil until it eventually brings you to a flat spot suitable for a brew or lunch if the weather is fine. You then continue very steeply up for 20 minutes before traversing to the top of the Saldang La. Here you can enjoy great views towards the arid landscapes of Mustang and the distant snow peaks of Tibet . The subsequent descent towards the north is long and tiring but you finally come upon the welcome sight of pastures of grazing yaks and sheep and nomadic tents made from yak hair. This signals your approach to Namduna Gaon(4400m./14520ft.) 7 hours walking. Like Shey, the Namgung monastery is of the Karma-pa sect. The monastery, a red stone structure, is built against the backdrop of a cliff on the north wall of a gorge. The red and white colours of the gompa and its stupas are the only colour in this stark landscape. The village itself consists of only six stone houses and has terraced fields on both sides of the tributary, which flow down to the Nam Khong valley. The economy of the region is based on agriculture, animal husbandry and trading. In Dolpo only one crop a year can be grown and this is mainly barley. In some villages buckwheat, oilseed, potato and radish are also cultivated. Recently the main cliff temple collapsed and the villagers have now built a beautiful new monastery in the village itself. Stay there overnight at tent on FB basis.
Day 14: Namduna- Soldang
In the morning after packing up the loads you leave the Namgung monastery and start climbing a scree slope. Further on it begins a long thrilling traverse along some dusty barren mountains. Looking down into the valley bottom it is very evident that the people have made best use of the fertile valley as one sees the neat terraced fields showing bright patches of green and ripening crops. You ascend to 4700m before going down steep slopes to the picturesque village of Salding , situated on a plateau high above the Nam Khong nala and the biggest village of the inner Dolpo area. Though the village lies at about the same altitude as Ringmo it is totally different. Ringmo, a Himalayan village is situated below the tree line while Saldang belongs to the arid zone of the trans-Himalayan Tibetan plateau. The village stretches for two kilometres on an open slope and consists of five villages having eighty well-built houses with nearly six hundred villagers. It is prosperous, not only agriculturally, but also for its strategic location on a trade route to Tibet . After the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959, trade with Tibet was virtually stopped. It has been restored to some extent through the barter system by which Tibetan salt reaches mid-Nepal. The Drokpa people from the western plains of Tibet collect salt from the dried lakes north of Tsangpo. Stay overnight at Saldang(3900m./12870ft.) at tent on FB basis after 3 hours walking from Namduna.
Day 15: Soldang- Sibu
You bid farewell to Saldang and on the way down to the river bed you pass through terraced fields, stupas, chortens, heaps of mani stones and a Chaiba monastery. Namdo, the next village is also prosperous with sixty houses having nearly four hundred inhabitants. It stretches for more than 5km on the high slopes to the left of Nam Khong Khola. The Namdo monastery is located near the river bed. There is also another monastery on top of a high cliff. You camp near the small settlement of Sibu( 4000m./13200ft.) 6 hours walking, right on the river bank. Stay there overnight at tent on FB basis.
Day 16: Sibu- Jeng
Following the line of the river valley the trail is fairly easy-going initially. After about two hours it is necessary to cross another stream before turning into a side valley where the rise becomes very sharp. After only four hours walking you reach your lunch and night stop. This is a pleasant meadow, but bestrewn with rocks, yak and other animal droppings. Stay overnight at Jeng La (4480m./14784ft.) at tent on FB basis after 4/5 hours walking.
Day 17: Jeng la- Tokyu
It is only a 2 hours climb to reach the top of the Jeng La. The trail is generally well-compacted making the going underfoot easy, much easier than loose shale, but it is steep. From the top of the pass there are good views of the Dhaulagiri massif, glittering in the morning light. A rough track descends towards the Tarap valley. By the afternoon you find a green valley which leads you by a pleasant track down towards the Tarap Chu. Tarap is a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains extending 20kms along the river Tarap Chu. It has ten villages with cultivated fields, many gompas and chortens of both sects. You halt for the night at Tokyu monastery. This monastery also belongs to the Chaiba sect. Stay overnight at Jeng La ( 4850m./16005ft.) 6/7 hours walking at tent on FB basis.
Day 18: Tokyo- Dho Tarap
You walk east along the downward course of Tarap Chu in a plain valley with patches of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river - completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. Before leaving Tokyu a short visit can be made to the Chaiba Gompa. The trail is broad and welltravelled, making the going easy and there is much evidence of work in the fields where the women will be bringing in the harvest â the men are away bringing down the herds of animals for the forthcoming winter. There are many mani walls but some of the chortens are in a bad state of repair. The âFrench School' is just outside the village of Dho Tarap where you have your night stop. Dho is surrounded by an irregular stone wall and consists of thirty-four houses, divided into three clusters and built in a haphazard way. A chance to make friends with the people from Dolpo. Tarap is inhabited mostly by Magars who have lived here for generations but also by a few Tibetans. They wear home-spun clothing that is sometimes dyed maroon and they favour Tibetan style somba (boots with upturned toes) for footgear. Men and women often wear both religious amulets and strings of coral and turquoise.
The inhabitants of this village are both Bon Po and Buddhist (Nyingmapa). In the afternoon a walk up to the Buddhist Gompa is very worthwhile. There is a resident lama who is very happy to show off his monastery and might even let you see his private Gompa and the tankas he has made himself. The Bon Gompa is about half an hour's walk. Stay overnight at Dho Tarap( 4100m./13530ft.) at tent on FB basis after 2 hours walking.
Day 19: Dho Tarap- Serkam
The next two days are longish with a choice of several different campsites so the itinerary can be flexible. Your route follows the course of the Tarap Khola, generally downhill. You go through narrow gorges with the river rushing through. One may see blue sheep, marmots, yaks, sheep and goats and perhaps meet people from Dolpo taking their flocks of sheep and goats to lower pastures for the winter. The afternoon brings more undulations in the path when it leaves the immediate course of the river. There is evidence of improvements to the trail where parts of the rock have been blasted out. You will also see the first of the modern steel suspension bridges which have been built to facilitate movement of people and animals. The track is very narrow in places. Stay overnight at tent on FB basis in Serkam( 3630m./11979ft.) after 7 hours walking from Dho Tarap.
Day 20: Serkam- Khanigaun
You continue to walk down the gorge of the Tarap River , sometimes high above, on a narrow trail built out from the steep slopes. The quality of the path varies from broad, smooth and firm to very narrow and crumbly. There are also flights of man- made stone staircases which need to be tackled with care â some of the constituent rocks wobble when stepped upon! An exciting day in deep and awe-inspiring gorges. Your camp site is a pleasant meadow in the shade of a stand of trees. Stay at Khani gaun on FB basis at tent after 6/7 hours walking from Serkam.
Day 21: Khanigaun- Tarakot
Today you trek to Tarakot(2280m./7524ft.) 4 hours walking then stay there overnight at tent on FB basis.
You leave Khanigoan by the new suspension bridge and then walk alongside the river, sometimes going very high before reaching down to the water again. Some of the going is quite demanding and one bridge, said to have unusable for six years, necessitates crossing on wet stepping-stones.
Coming into the broad fertile valley of the Barbung Chu, you walk amongst the various crops of millet, sweet corn, barley, buckwheat, green beans, chillies and marijuana. Your lunch and night stop is high above the river but there is a standpipe for water. Tarakot is an old fortress town known by the local people as Dzong, meaning 'fort'. Before the Gorkha dynasty Tarakot was the capital and had a dzong. The famous Sandul gompa, which lies 8km east of Tarakot and at the junction of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu, stands on a knoll to the south of Bheri River and at one time supervised collections of tolls for the trading caravans traversing an area called Tichu Rong. As an alternative to camping at Tarakot, you may camp down by the river as there are good cooking facilities there and a clean, locked toilet for trekkers' use.
Day 22: Tarakot- Dunai
The trail is mostly down and fairly firm underfoot. Walking beside the Bheri River you use the ingenious path built twenty feet above the river. All too soon you have reached the village of Dunai(2109m./69597ft.) 4 hours walking and the camp site you used before. You will now have completed the circuit and can mark the occasion with a celebration party! Stay there overnight at tent on FB basis.
Day 23: Dunai- Juphal
You now retrace your steps to Juphal(2404m./7933ft.) 3 hours walking. Initially the way is flat but the final hour up to your destination seems steeper than you remember on Day One! Camp overnight in the grounds of one of the lodges and stay there on FB basis.
Day 24: Jhupal-Nepalgunj- Kathmandu
Early morning flight to Nepalganj. This is a wonderful 35- minute flight over the Himalayan foothills, with fine views of the main peaks including Annapurna and Dhaulagiri to the north. You then connect with the flight back to Kathmandu. Stay at Hotel Marshyangdi on b/b plan.
In the evening, you are cordially invited to a farewell dinner where you will experience typical Nepali food and cultural entertainment, courtesy of Nepal Alternative Treks.
Day 25: Departure to International airport
Nepal Alternative Treks provides you free transportation to Trivuwan international airport and departure to your home or other destination.
B/B = Bed and Breakfast,
B = breakfast.
L = Lunch,
D = Dinner,
FB = Full board.( accommodation, breakfast, lunch, Dinner with tea/coffee).
M .= meter.
f .= Feet, km =kilometre
- Free pick up and drop by car/van/ from/to international airport.
- 3 nights deluxe 3***hotel (Hotel Marshyangdi) on b/b plan in Kathmandu.
- One full day sightseeing in Kathmandu with professional tour guide by private car/Van.
- -All meals during the trekking (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, with tea/coffee).
- Twin sharing accommodation on tented camp during the trek.
- All camping gear & Kitchen utensils.
- One experienced, educated, well trained, fluent English speaking, friendly, specialized in Upper dolpo trekking region and government authorized trekking guide and Sherpa, cook, required porters etc.
- Guide and other staff's food, accommodation, salary, insurance, transportation, equipments and all necessary payment.
- Kathmandu-Nepalgunj-Jhupal and return by flight tickets.
- Upper Dolpo special permit and TIMS (Trekker's information management system) card.
- Intl. flight ticket re-confirmation.
- First aid medical box.
- Trekking equipments as sleeping bag and down jacket etc.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu.
- Complementary Trekking Certificate of Completion.
- Hard and soft table drinks such as coke, fanta, mineral water, beer.
- Personal Travel insurance.
- Rescue operation.
- International air fare.
- Nepal tourist visa fee ( $ 25 for 15 days and $ 40 for 30 days multiple entry visa).
- Tips for guide and porter.( Highly suggested but not compulsory).
1. One day Trishuli river rafting.
2. Full day world heritage sites city tour as Bhaktapur, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Monkey temple.
3. One night two days Nagarkot sunrise and mountain view and 3 hours hiking trip.
4. One night Two days Dhulikhel tour.
5. Two nights Three days Trishuli river rafting + Chitwan Jungle safari.
6. 1/2/3 hours Trekking thai massage.
7.Mountain flight.
| Related Other Routes | Trip Details | |
| Upper Mustang Trekking | Deluxe Trip | Budget Trip |
| Upper Dolpo Trekking | Deluxe Trip | Budget Trip |
| Annapurna Circuit Trekking | Deluxe Trip | Budget Trip |
| Jomsom Muktinath Trekking | Deluxe Trip | Budget Trip |
Upper Mustang Tea House Trek
Season : All months except Nov, Dec & Jan
Duration : 24 Days
Details...


1. Is previous hiking experience required to go on a trek ?
As long as you are in good physical shape, you do not require any hiking experience for short treks. However, if you are planning a trek longer than a week, some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, hiking is recommended before you embark on a trek.
2. What equipment should I bring ?
When selecting your personal items, keep in mind the number of days you'll be camping, the time of year and the altitude. We advise our clients to bring these items - Click Here
What is Teahouse Trekking? And how it is organized?
Teahouse trekking is guided walking and very popular in the well-developed tourist regions including Annapurna, Everest and Langtang Helambu, where western cuisine as well Nepalese food (Dalbhat) is available. Overnight accommodation is in good, clean guest houses, lodges and hotels.
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