Gongabu, Kathmandu, Nepal
Earth Matter Treks & Expedition Nepal
  • Destination

    Nepal

  • Regions

    Dolpa

  • Activity

    Trekking

  • Accomodation

    Tea House/Camping

  • Transportation

    Flight/Drive

  • Duration

    21 Days

  • Trip Grade

    Moderate/Challenging

  • Altitude

    Highest Point: Kang La Pass at 5,160m (16,929ft) and Lowest Point: Nepalgunj at 150m (492ft)

  • Best Season

    Autumn (September to November) and Spring (April to May)

  • Start/End Point

    Juphal (2,475m)-Juphal (2,475m)

Destination Region Activity Accomodation Transportation
Nepal Dolpa Trekking Tea House/Camping Flight/Drive
Duration Trip Grade Altitude Best Season Start/End Point
21 Days Moderate/Challenging Highest Point: Kang La Pass at 5,160m (16,929ft) and Lowest Point: Nepalgunj at 150m (492ft) Autumn (September to November) and Spring (April to May) Juphal (2,475m)-Juphal (2,475m)

Trip Overview

Upper Dolpa is a remote and culturally rich region in Nepal, offering a unique trekking experience. Known for its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries, and traditional Tibetan culture, it attracts trekkers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure.

Trip Highlights

  • Phoksundo Lake: One of the deepest and most beautiful lakes in Nepal, with its striking turquoise color.
  • Shey Gompa: An ancient and significant monastery, also known as the Crystal Mountain Monastery.
  • Traditional Tibetan Culture: The region is home to the Dolpo-pa people, whose culture and lifestyle are heavily influenced by Tibetan traditions.
  • Remote and Unspoiled: The region is less visited compared to other trekking areas in Nepal, offering pristine natural beauty and solitude.
  • Wildlife: The area is part of the Shey Phoksundo National Park, home to rare wildlife like the snow leopard, blue sheep, and Himalayan black bear.

Itinerary

  • Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to your hotel.
  • Rest and prepare for the trek.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Take a flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj.
  • Overnight stay in Nepalgunj.

  • Take an early morning flight to Juphal.
  • Trek from Juphal to Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa.
  • Overnight stay in Dunai.

  • Trek through forests and along the Bheri River.
  • Overnight stay in Ankhe.

  • Continue trekking through the forested trail and pass small settlements.
  • Overnight stay in Renje.

  • Trek to Ringmo village and the stunning Phoksundo Lake.
  • Overnight stay near Phoksundo Lake.

  • Explore the area around Phoksundo Lake and visit nearby villages.
  • Overnight stay near Phoksundo Lake.

  • Trek along the western side of the lake and follow the Phoksundo Khola.
  • Overnight stay at Phoksundo Khola.

  • Trek through a steep gorge and follow the trail along the river.
  • Overnight stay at Phoksundo Bhanjyang.

  • Cross the Kang La Pass and descend to Shey Gompa, also known as the Crystal Monastery.
  • Overnight stay at Shey Gompa.

  • Explore Shey Gompa and surrounding areas.
  • Overnight stay at Shey Gompa.

  • Trek through Saldang La Pass (4,785m) to Namgung.
  • Overnight stay in Namgung.

  • Trek to the large village of Saldang.
  • Overnight stay in Saldang.

  • Trek to Yangze Gompa, a remote monastery.
  • Overnight stay at Yangze Gompa.

  • Return to Saldang and continue trekking to Sibu.
  • Overnight stay in Sibu.

  • Trek to the base of the Jeng La Pass.
  • Overnight stay at Jeng La Phedi.

  • Cross the Jeng La Pass and descend to Tokyu Gaon.
  • Overnight stay in Tokyu Gaon.

  • Trek to Dho Tarap, a beautiful valley with traditional villages.
  • Overnight stay in Dho Tarap.

  • Descend through the Tarap Valley to Tarap Khola.
  • Overnight stay near Tarap Khola.

  • Continue trekking along the river to Khanigaon.
  • Overnight stay in Khanigaon.

  • Trek back to Juphal, completing the circuit.
  • Overnight stay in Juphal.

  • Take an early morning flight to Nepalgunj, then connect to Kathmandu.
  • Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

  • Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

Cost Inclusion/Exclusion

Cost Inclusion

  • Hotels in Kathmandu and Nepalgunj: Typically 3-star or similar accommodations with breakfast.
  • Tea Houses/Lodges/Camping during the trek: Basic accommodation along the trekking route, sometimes including meals.
  • During the trek: Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and hot drinks.
  • Domestic Flights: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj and Nepalgunj to Juphal (round trip).
  • Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at the airport in Kathmandu, Nepalgunj, and Juphal.
  • Restricted Area Permit (RAP) for Upper Dolpa and Shey Phoksundo National Park Entry Permit.
  • Camping Equipment: Tents, sleeping bags, and mats if camping is included.
  • First Aid Kit: Basic medical supplies carried by the guide.
  • Maps and Trekking Information: Detailed itinerary and maps of the trek.
  • Porters: To carry luggage (usually shared between two trekkers).

Cost Exclusion

  • International Flights: Flights to and from Nepal.
  • Travel Insurance: Insurance covering emergency evacuation, medical expenses, and trip cancellation.
  • Meals and Drinks: Outside of those provided during the trek and in Kathmandu/Nepalgunj.
  • Extra Accommodation: Beyond the itinerary (e.g., extra nights in Kathmandu due to flight delays).
  • Visa Fees: Entry visa to Nepal.
  • Emergency Evacuation: Costs for helicopter rescue or evacuation in case of medical emergency (often covered by travel insurance).
  • Additional Costs: Associated with unforeseen events such as flight cancellations, delays, or natural disasters.