Upper Dolpa Trek
Dolpa region appears in historical records since c. 8th century. The region lies in Shey Phoksundo National Park at western part of Nepal, between the Tibet plateau and Dhaulagiri range. The Dolpa is divided into two part Upper Dolpa and Lower Dolpa but the entire district was closed to all trekkers until 1989. The region is normally adherents of "Bon" and has preserved its Tibetan culture in fairly pure form. Our trekking to Dolpa is connected by the place named 'Jufal' after taking a short flight from Nepalagunj airport. Jufal is a starting and ending point of Upper Dolpa Trek.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu 1300.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) in Kathmandu, after completion of our custom formalities (Visa, etc), Sherpa Khangri Outdoor representative will pick you up from airport and transfer to hotel. Depending on time if we have enough time we will hang around thamel and buy some necessary gears.
In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner and short briefing.
Day 02: Trip briefing and paper works.
Included Meals: BB
Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
Nepalgunj is the town which is situated on the south-west Nepal border with India. From Kathmandu domestic airport it will take an hour to land at Nepalgunj airport. Here we visit the local markets and mini zoo in the evening. Overnight stay in Nepalgunj.
Included Meals : Breakfast
Day 04: Fly to Jufal from Nepalgunj and trek to Dunai 2850m.
In the early morning after breakfast we will transferred to the domestic airport of Nepalgunj for the flight to Jufal. The flight duration is 45 minutes. Jufal is situated over the Himalayan foothills, with the imagistic views of Dhaulagiri and Annapurna in its North. With food and water supply for 5-7 days at Jufal we meet our trekking guide and start our trail to Dunai 2850 m. After 3 hours walk from Jufal trek takes to our overnight camp at Dunai village.
Included meals : BLD
Day 05: Trek from Dunai to Ankhe 2896m.
Today we continue our trek to Ankhe. After crossing the suspension bridge and turning on west the path shortly begins to ascent up the side of the treeless Thulo Bheri Valley before we wnter the Shey Phosundo River Valley. Our trek lead us to a large side canyon, descending diagonally from the canyon we reach to a stream. The Trail below this stream situated at the height of 2810 m leads to Dhera. From Dhera the route is climbing up to Raha Village and after passing through its lower part we again walk through canyon. Finally, we reach to the Ankhe.
Included meals : BLD
Day 06: Trek from Akhe to Sulighat
Day 06: Trek from Akhe to Sulighat
The destination of our trek in this day is Sulighat. The path is little up and down along the forested riverbed. These up and down can be bit monotonous but the several streams along the way that offer a chance to cool off. The trail eventually leaves the forests and passes through a grassy slope high above the river. We trek downhill on a trail surrounded by lush forests before reaching a cliff followed by a dizzying drop on a wobbly stone staircase to the river bank. We continue trekking until we reach Sulighat, our overnight stay point.
Included meals : BLD
Day 07: Trek from Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake
The day trek continues along the valley floor to the confluence of the Phoksundo and Pungmo river. After crossing the bridge of Pungmo we walk on the Pumgmo's bank. Before reaching the Palma village the trail passes through a cedar forest. From Palam we ascent up to a ridge and enjoy the amazing view of Phoksundo Lake situated at an altitude of 3611 m. The trail goes steep down and takes us to the upper reaches of Phoksundo river and from there to the beautiful village called "Ringmo". After a short walk we can reach to Phoksundo Lake. Overnight stay at Phoksundo Lake.
Included meals : BLD
Day 08: Acclimatization and Rest at Phoksundo Lake
Today is A well deserved acclimatization day in Phoksundo Lake. From the Lake we can go for a short hike to the village of Ringmo and its Tibetan Buddhist Monastery.
Included meals : BLD
Day 09: Trek from Lake to Phoksundo Khola
The trail from Phoksundo Lake continues skirting the shoreline of the lake as it curves on a rocky legde. The tottering walk suspended on a gangway of woods supported on pegs driven into crevasse in the rocks symbolizes the remoteness of the area. The path takes us to the Phoksundo river and after crossing the river and passing through village we will reach to the bank of the river for overnight stay.
Included meals : BL
Day 10: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang
At the starting of our trail we walk for an hour through a glacial valley, heads due North. There is an old wodden bridge at the meet point of Phoksundo river and another mountain stream. After crossing the bridge we trek to North-East of the valley and a long climb from there the trail brings is to a sheep meadow where our trail veers up a steep ravine. Now, after a hard conquest to the top we reach to another valley which collect the view of Kang-La pass. We setup our camp at Bhanjyang in a place that Peter Matheson christened 'Snowfields Camp'.
Included meals : BLD
Day 11: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Shey Gompa 4500m. via Kang-La Pass 5360m.
n the morning as we leave from Bhangyang the walk leads ascent up toward the Kang-La pass. It’s strenuous to ascent the top of the pass. From its top there are excellent views of the large valley divided by gushing river. After descending steep to the valley base, we continue our trail through the path which leads a meandering trek along the river's banks crossing and re-crossing its several times. When we finish passing through meadows of hairy yaks, hundred of sheep and mountain goats we arrive at Shey Gompa lies at 4500 m high.
Included meals : BLD
Day 12: Rest day at Shey Gompa
Today is an another well-deserved acclimatization day at Shey Gompa. The Gompa which was built in 1655 and has the meaning of Crystal Monastery is noted for a giant statue of a seated Lord Buddha. We spend the day hiking around the re-Buddhist cultured village. In Dolpo the ancient Tibetan way of life combines animism with the teaching of Buddha.Overnight in Shey Gompa.
Included meals : BLD
Day 13: Trek from Shey Gompa to Namduna Gauna 4800m.
Our trek begins by following a pleasant trail amidst juniper trees which takes us in a descending way into a grey, stony canyon. The zigzag path over plain rocks and rough eroded soil brings us at the top of Saldang-La pass which lies at the height of 5200 m. After the long and tiring subsequent descent toward north, grazing yaks and nomadic tents made from yak hair comforts the sight. Now after a short walk we reach to Namduna Village 4800 m. We also will visit the monastery of the village. Overnight in Namuda Gaun.
Included meals : BLD
Day 14: Trek from Namduna Gaun to Saldang 3620m.
As we leave the Namduna Gaun the route is steep up and further on it begins a traverse. After hard ascending up for some hours, Saldang appers below on a plateau high above the Namga river. Saldang is the largest village of the inner part of Dopla reigion. The village stretches for nearly a mile on an open slope. Saldang is a prosperous village with agriculturally and for its strategic location on a trade route to Tibet.
Included meals : BLD
Day 15: Trek to Sakdabg ti Yangze Gompa 4960m.
The trek from Saldand diverts further far north to the least unexplored area by westerners along with the Nang Chu River on a wild barren windswept terrain. The trail is gradually up and down later. Then after passing through the small settlement of Tiling and Luri Gaun we cross the tributary Panzang River, a short walk from here brings us to an unexplored region of Yangze 4,960m and its very old Bon-Po Monastery> Finally we reach to our night camp at Yangze Gompa. we cross the tributary Panzang River, a short walk from here brings us to an unexplored region of Yangze 4,960m and its very old Bon-Po Monastery.
Included meals : BLD
Day 16: Trek from Yangze Gompa to Sibu 4560m.
Today our trail follow the route toward Sibu. Actually there are two connecting route to Sibu, to save the time and for easy access we will retrace the path bit back toward Saldung village. From Saldung after passing through, stupas, terraced field, a Chaiba monastery and heaps of Mani stone we reach to Namdo Village. This village occupy the space nearly 3 miles on the high slope to the left of Nam Khong river. Now, our trail continues steep down to the river for about two hours to Sibu.
Included meals : BLD
Day 17: Trek from Sibu to Jeng-La Phedi 4900m.
Today's morning our trail follows the Nam Khong river and passes by the Caravans of laden yaks that are on the wat towards Tibet. Now, after a long walk finally we part turning east till we arrive at the confluence of two small tributaries. The trail from here is steep up to the buttom of Jeng-La Phedi situated at the height of 4900m. Overngiht in Jeng la Phedi.
Included meals : BLD
Day 18: Trek from Jeng-La Phedi to Tokyu Gaun 4209m. via Jeng-La Pass 5090m.
Our morning trail will be couple of hours long to climb the Jeng-La Pass top 5090 m from where we get the excellent views of the north of Mt. Dhaulagri shining in the morning. The trail descends down on the rough path towards Tarap Valley. Taras is considered as a fantastic vally with vast plains in high Himalayas. By the mid of the day we come to the green valley which leads us on the pleasant track down towards Tarap Chu. Finally, we stop our treak at Tokyu village for overnight stay.
Included meals : BLD
Day 19: Trek to Tokyu Gaun to Dho Tarap 4040m.
Today from Tokyu Gaun the trek downhill on a plain valley collecting the beauty of patches of lush grass on both sides of the river, completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. We can see a marsh which is a common feature in the Desert Mountains of Tibet and the Ladakh Himalaya. Both the Bon Po and Buddhist sects are practiced in the valleyNow, after trekking a while we reach Dho Tarap.
Included meals:BLD
Day 20: Rest day at Dho Tarap 4040m.
Today will be our rest day at Dho Tarap. Visiting the village which has is surrounded by stone walls. More than 40 houses at Dho tarap are divided into three clusters and has built in a haphazard way inhabited nbt Tibetans and Magars. We also will visit a Buddhist Gompa which is closest to our campsite.
Included meals : BLD
Day 21: Trek from Dho Tarap to Dho Tarap Khola (Kamakharka) 3800m.
At the starting the trek takes us descending down towards a wide valley which eventually narrows into a gorge. After walking along the Juniper bush and wild rose by the mid day we reach at the confluence of the Taraop Chu and Lang River, a river which joins with Tarap river from further east. The night camp will be set up at a nice meadow also known as Kamakharka which lies at 3800 m height.
Included meals : BLD
Day 22: Trek from Kamakharka to Khanigaun 3150m.
In this morning we continues our trail down to the gorge of the Tarap river, at times alongside it, rising high above on a trail built from the steep slopes might come across people from Dolpo taking their herds to lower pastures for the winter. As the valley becomes so narrow in a geep gorge, in some places we can jump from one side to another, this is an exciting part of the journey. At some of the places, the bridges are either damaged or washed away so we have to cross the icy torrent by foot. Finally today's trip ends at our camping spot beside the Tarap Khola at Khanigaon 3150 m.
Included meals : BLD
Day 23: Trek from Khanigaun to Tarakot 2527m.
As we leave Khangaon by crossing the new suspension bridge, the trail takes us to the cillage of Lalberi. After coming in the board fertile valley of Barbung Chu, we walk through the various crops of millet, sweet corn, barley, green beans, chilies and marijuana and now we reach to Tarakot. Tarakot is an old fortress town known by the local people as Dzong.. Before the Gorkha dynasty Tarakot was the capital and had a Dzong. Here we will visit Sandul Gompa lying at 5 miles east of the village at the junction of Barbung river and Tarap Chu. Today our camp will be set up near by the Tarap Chu river about 160 m below the Tarakot.
Included meals : BLD
Day 24: Trek from Tarakot to Dunai 2140m.
Our today's trail is mostly down and fairly firm, beside the Bheri river. Here we have to use the ingenious path which is almost 7 meter above the river. Trail will be continues until we reach to Byas Gadi. From Gadi we descent down near to Lochakhola Gaun and ascent to Duani. Now, we have completed the circuit of mysterious land Dolpo. overnight stay at Dunai.
Included meals : BLD
Day 25: Trek from Dunai to Jhuphal
Today from Dunai we retrace the journey back to the Jufal, the journey along the Bheri river via Kalagaonda and Motipur village to the small airstrip for the last overnight camp.
Included meals : BLD
Day 26: Fly from Jhuphal to NepalgunjIn the early morning we take 35 minutes flight from Jufal to Nepalgunj. Overnightstay in Nepaljung.
Included meals : Breakfast
Day 27: Fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Today we will fly from Nepalgunj to kathmandu and It will be the leisure day in Kathmandu and in the evening we will have a farewell dinner with a traditional Nepalese cuisine . Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Included meals : Dinner
Day 28: Final Departure
Sherpa Khangri Outdoor representative will drop you to airport according to your flight schedule.
Included meals : B
COST INCLUDES
COST EXCLUDES
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