Your adventure begins with your arrival in Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital city. Upon landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, a representative from Summit Nepal Adventure will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. You’ll have time to rest, acclimatize, and prepare for the journey ahead. In the evening, you may explore the lively streets of Thamel or enjoy a briefing session outlining the trek details.
After breakfast, enjoy a guided city tour of Kathmandu, visiting significant cultural landmarks such as Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Durbar Square. These visits offer a fascinating introduction to Nepal’s rich heritage. In the afternoon, you’ll board a flight to Nepalgunj, a gateway to western Nepal, where you’ll stay overnight and prepare for the next day’s flight to the Dolpo region.
A morning flight takes you from Nepalgunj to the remote airstrip at Jhupal, nestled in the Himalayas. From Jhupal, your trek officially begins with a moderate 4-hour walk to Chepkpa, crossing rural villages and terraced fields. The trail introduces you to the stark beauty and isolation of Upper Dolpo, with stunning views of rugged peaks surrounding you.
Today’s trek ascends steadily through juniper and pine forests, following traditional trading routes used for centuries. After approximately 6 hours of walking, you arrive at Samduwa, a tranquil mountain village that offers the first glimpses of Tibetan Buddhist culture that dominates the region. The evening brings clear skies and spectacular sunset views over the distant snow-capped mountains.
Continuing your ascent, you trek toward the famous Phoksundo Lake, renowned for its turquoise waters and sacred status. The trail passes through lush valleys and crosses wooden suspension bridges over rushing rivers. After around 6 hours, you arrive at the lake’s shores, where you’ll be mesmerized by the dramatic cliffs and the serenity of this high-altitude jewel.
Spend a full day exploring the area surrounding Phoksundo Lake. Trek along the lake’s perimeter, visit local villages, and discover ancient monasteries perched on rocky outcrops. The peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking scenery make this an ideal spot for photography and cultural immersion.
Today is a well-earned rest day to relax and acclimatize. You may opt for a short excursion to nearby villages or explore the famous Ringmo village known for its ancient cave monastery and traditional Tibetan architecture. Enjoy interacting with local residents and experiencing their unique lifestyle.
You leave the lake area and begin trekking upstream along the Phoksundo River. The trail meanders through alpine meadows and past traditional settlements. After approximately 5 hours, you reach Phoksundo Khola, a small settlement set against towering mountain backdrops, where you camp or stay in a basic lodge.
A steady climb today leads you to Phoksundo Bhanjyang, a high mountain pass at nearly 4,700 meters. The trail offers panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan giants and deep valleys below. Despite the altitude, the hike is manageable in around 4 hours, allowing time to rest and enjoy the crisp mountain air.
Today’s crossing of the Kang-La Pass is the trek’s most challenging and rewarding segment. At 5,345 meters, the pass offers breathtaking views of Kanjiroba and Kanchenjunga peaks. The descent leads you to Shey Gompa, an important Tibetan Buddhist monastery nestled in the valley. Here, you’ll soak in spiritual energy and the stark beauty of Upper Dolpo.
Take a rest day to explore the serene Shey Gompa, one of the largest and oldest monasteries in Dolpo. You may also visit the Crystal Monastery nearby, known for its shimmering sacred crystals and artifacts. The day offers a peaceful pause to absorb the spiritual and cultural significance of this remote Himalayan sanctuary.
Leaving Shey Gompa, you climb to cross the Sela (or Gela) La pass at just over 5,000 meters. The high-altitude trek rewards you with stunning vistas before descending to Nam-Gaon, a traditional Tibetan-style village known for its ancient culture and architecture. The 6-hour trek is a combination of challenging climbs and beautiful descents.
Today’s trail descends to Saldang, the largest village in Upper Dolpo. Saldang is a bustling settlement with markets, ancient chortens, and monasteries. This is a great opportunity to interact with local people and explore a village that retains much of its traditional Tibetan character. The 5-hour walk passes through mixed forests and cultivated fields.
From Saldang, the trail ascends steeply toward Cha-Gaon, a smaller and more isolated settlement at nearly 5,000 meters. This high-altitude village offers striking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and glaciers. The day’s trek is demanding, but the quiet and remote environment makes it a truly unique Himalayan experience.
Continuing eastward, you trek to Dachu Khola, crossing varied terrain including rocky ridges and river valleys. The trail winds through a wild and pristine landscape, rich in alpine flora and fauna. After about 6 hours, you set up camp near the river at 4,700 meters, preparing for the next high pass.
A challenging day crossing the high Jyanta-La pass at 5,220 meters, the trail offers spectacular views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks and valleys. After descending from the pass, you reach Phedi, a remote camp nestled in a sheltered valley. The 6-hour trek demands stamina but rewards with awe-inspiring scenery.
Descending gradually, you trek to Tokyu Gaon, a village known for its traditional Tibetan houses and rich cultural heritage. The trail passes through beautiful forests and alpine meadows, offering a glimpse of local life and nature in Upper Dolpo.
Today’s trek leads you to Dho-Tarap, one of the largest villages in the Tarap valley. The area is renowned for its stunning monasteries, including Tarap Gompa, and for preserving ancient Tibetan Buddhist culture. The 5-hour walk is peaceful and scenic, with a blend of forests and open valleys.
You continue trekking through the beautiful Tarap valley toward Gyagar village. The trail is long, around 7 hours, but rewarding with sweeping views and encounters with local shepherds and their yaks. Gyagar is a traditional settlement with quaint stone houses and a serene atmosphere.
Descending further into the valley, you trek toward Tarap Khola, crossing the smaller settlement of Chyugar. This stretch features riverside walks and views of terraced fields. The trail offers a quieter environment with chances to spot local wildlife and birds.
The trail continues descending through lush forests and farmland to Tarakot, a larger village with lively local markets and traditional stone houses. This easier day allows you to relax and enjoy the contrast between the high alpine wilderness and more cultivated valley life.
You trek to Dunai, the district headquarters, passing through terraced fields and local villages. After a 5-hour trek, you board a vehicle for a 2-hour drive back to Jhupal. Here you’ll prepare for your flight back, enjoying a comfortable lodge and reflecting on your incredible journey through Upper Dolpo.
From Jhupal, you fly back to Nepalgunj and then connect to a flight to Kathmandu. Once in the capital, you’ll be transferred to your hotel for rest, shopping, or last-minute sightseeing. Enjoy a celebratory dinner with your trekking team arranged by Summit Nepal Adventure.
On your final day, a Summit Nepal Adventure representative will escort you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight, wishing you safe travels and hoping you carry unforgettable memories of the mystical Upper Dolpo region.
The Upper Dolpo Trek is a remote and culturally rich expedition in the far western region of Nepal, taking trekkers through pristine landscapes, ancient Tibetan Buddhist villages, and stunning alpine environments. Offered by Summit Nepal Adventure, this 24-day trek covers high mountain passes such as Kang-La and Jyanta-La, visits sacred sites like Shey Gompa and Crystal Monastery, and explores the magnificent Phoksundo Lake area within Shey Phoksundo National Park. The trek offers an unparalleled journey into one of Nepal’s most isolated and least disturbed regions.
This trek is very demanding and suited for experienced trekkers. It involves long days of trekking at high altitudes—often above 4,000 meters—and multiple challenging mountain passes above 5,000 meters. The remoteness of the region also means limited access to medical facilities, so physical fitness, acclimatization, and mental resilience are essential. Summit Nepal Adventure carefully plans acclimatization days and uses experienced guides to ensure your safety and success.
The best trekking seasons are spring (late March to June) and autumn (late September to November). These periods offer stable weather, clearer skies, and the best trekking conditions. Winter months are extremely cold with heavy snow blocking high passes, while the monsoon season brings rain and challenging trail conditions, making trekking difficult and risky.
The trek boasts several highlights, including the sacred Shey Gompa (4,160m)—one of the oldest monasteries in the region, spectacular turquoise Phoksundo Lake (3,630m), and panoramic views from high passes like Kang-La Pass (5,345m) and Jyanta-La Pass (5,220m). Additionally, trekkers will experience traditional Tibetan culture, remote villages like Saldang and Dho-Tarap, and the unique wildlife and rugged beauty of Shey Phoksundo National Park.
Accommodation during the trek consists mainly of basic tea houses, guesthouses, and camping in tents, especially in the more remote sections. Facilities are simple, with shared rooms and limited electricity or heating. Summit Nepal Adventure works closely with local partners to provide the safest and most comfortable lodging available in this remote region.
Meals on the trek are typically traditional Nepali and Tibetan-style dishes such as dal bhat (rice and lentils), momos (dumplings), noodles, soups, and barley bread. Food variety may be limited in higher elevations, but your guides ensure proper nutrition and hydration to maintain energy levels throughout the journey.
The trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by another flight to Jhupal, the trek’s starting point. At the end, trekkers return by road to Jhupal and fly back via Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. Summit Nepal Adventure coordinates all domestic flights, ground transfers, and airport pickups to ensure smooth travel logistics.
Yes, trekking in Upper Dolpo requires several permits, including the Restricted Area Permit (RAP) and Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit. Summit Nepal Adventure handles all necessary permit applications and paperwork prior to your departure, so you can focus on your trek without administrative hassle.
Absolutely. Due to the remoteness and restricted nature of the area, trekking with a licensed guide is mandatory. Summit Nepal Adventure provides experienced, English-speaking guides and porters who carry heavy loads, help with acclimatization, and offer invaluable support and local knowledge throughout your journey.
Given the physical and mental demands, thorough preparation is essential. We recommend a fitness regimen focusing on cardio, endurance hiking with a weighted backpack, and strength training for at least two to three months before departure. Summit Nepal Adventure also offers pre-trek briefings and a comprehensive gear checklist to help you pack appropriately for the high-altitude conditions.
Summit Nepal Adventure prioritizes your health by incorporating rest days and gradual ascents to aid acclimatization. Guides monitor trekkers closely for symptoms of altitude sickness and carry oxygen and first aid supplies. In emergencies, evacuation plans are in place with access to helicopters if required.
Booking is straightforward—simply contact Summit Nepal Adventure via our official website or email. Our team will guide you through itinerary details, pricing, required documentation, and any special requests to tailor the trek to your needs. Early booking is encouraged due to permit processing times and flight availability.
