Upper Dolpo - Shey Gompa & Shey-Phoksundo National Park Trekking

16 +

Age

Nepal

Country

Mar through Dec

Dates

28 Days

Duration

Trekking

Activities

Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa Trekking in the Dolpo region is a relatively new route, as trekking has only been permitted since mid-1989. The region lies to the west of the Kali Gandaki Valley. Dolpo is located inside the Shey-Phoksundo National Park in mid-western Nepal, behind the Dhaulagiri massif, towards the Tibetan plateau.

The Upper Dolpo region offers opportunities to visit ancient villages, high passes, beautiful Lakes and isolated Buddhist monasteries. Especially the isolated Shey Gompa is a uniquely spiritual place. Besides that, you will also experience the vast array of wildlife inhabiting the region, including Blue sheep, Mountain Goat, Jackal, Wolf and the legendary Snow Leopard in the Shey-Phoksundo National Park.

Upper Doldo remains a truly isolated corner of Nepal, time has stood still here for centuries as inhabitants of Tibetan stock continue to live, cultivate and trade the way they have done for hundreds of years. Most treks into Dolpo take from 14 to 30 days. The best time to trek here is towards the end of the monsoon season Sept to November. Shorter Dolpo treks are possible by flying into the air strip at Jumla.

Outline Itinerary:

01: Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to hotel, tour briefing

02: Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek preparation

03: Flight to Nepalgunj: 1 hour

04: Flight to Jhuphal (Dolpo), trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348ft): 45 mins flight, 2-3 hours trek

05: Dunai to Ankhe (2,896m/9,499ft): 5-6 hours

06: Ankhe to Sulighat: 5-6 hours

07: Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m/11,849 ft): 4-5 hours

08: Trek to Phoksundo Khola: 4-5 hours

09: Baga La to Numla Base Camp (5190m)

10: Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang: 6-7 hours

11: Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4,500m/14,760ft) via Kang-La pass (5,360m/17,581ft): 5-6 hours

12: Acclimatization and rest at Shey Gompa

13: Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun (4,800m/15,744ft) via Saldang La (5,200m/17,056ft): 6-7 hours

14: Namduna Gaun to Saldang (3,620m/ 11,874ft): 4-5 hours

15: Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4,960m/16,267ft): 4-5 hours

16: Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4,560m/14,957ft): 6-7 hours.

17: Sibu to Jeng-la Phedi (4,900m/16,072ft): 5-6 hours

18: Jeng-la Phedi to Tokyu Gaon (4209m/13809ft) via Jeng La pass (5,090m/16,695ft): 5-6 hours

19: Tokyu to Dho Tarap (4,040m/13,251ft): 4-5 hours

20: Rest Day at Dho Tarap

21: Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (Kamakharka) (3,800m/12,464ft): 6-7 hours

22: Tarap Khola to Khani Gaon (3,150m/10,332ft): 4-5 hours

23: Khani Gaon to Tarakot (2,537m/8,321ft): 4-5 hours

24: Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m/7,019ft): 5-6 hours

25: Dunai to Jhuphal: 2-3 hours

26: Flight from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu

27: Rest day in Kathmandu

28: Final departure, departure for onward destination

Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m/4264ft)

Upon our arrival in Kathmandu, a representative from Nature Trail will pick you up from the airport and take you to your hotel. In the afternoon, we may take a rest or visit Nature Trail’s office. In the evening, there will be a welcome dinner hosted by Nature Trail. For dinner, you will be served excellent authentic Nepalese cuisine. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu: Sightseeing and trek preparation

Today after breakfast we start a guided tour to several of the most historical and spiritual attractions in Kathmandu. Some of these landmarks are considered World Heritage Sites including the historic Durbar Square, the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, the famous ‘Monkey Temple’ (Swayambhunath) and Buddhist shrine (Boudhanath), which is one of the largest stupas in the world. At noon, there will be a pre-trip discussion where we can meet our trek leader and other team members. Nature Trail will brief us regarding our trek as well as provide us with an opportunity to ask any questions we may have regarding our upcoming adventure. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Flight to Nepalgunj: 1 hour

After our short excursion in Kathmandu, we take an hour-long flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in Western Nepal. Nepalgunj, a town near the Nepal-India border, is also the gateway to Simikot, Humla. The town itself is an interesting Terai town that showcases the diverse culture of Nepal. In Nepalgunj, we visit the local market, mini-zoo and nearby villages. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Flight from Nepalgunj to Juphal (Dolpo) and trek to Dunai (2,850m/9,348ft): 45 mins flight

We fly to Juphal after breakfast. The town is beautifully located over the Himalayan foothills, with views of Annapurna and Dhaulagiri peaks to its north. Here, we meet our trekking staff and begin the adventure. We walk through terraced fields to the Bheri River and its narrow gorge. We finally start walking by making our direction towards Dunai, which is the administrative headquarter of the Dolpo region. We explore the small town in the evening and camp there for the night.

Walking time: 2-3 hours

Dunai to Ankhe (2,896m/9,499ft)

We leave Dunai and cross a suspension bridge and turn to the west following a trail past a hospital. The trail ascends up the side of the treeless, Thulo Bheri valley before entering Phoksundo river valley. During the walk we get to the view of Kagmara Peak up the valley. We pass through walnut groves, Dhera and Rahagaun villages, walk down dense jungles and finally reach Ankhe. Overnight in Ankhe.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Ankhe to Sulighat

Our trail ascends and descends along a wooded riverbank and climbs on a steep trail. The ups and downs can be a bit monotonous, but there are 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 where we spend the night.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake (3,611m/11,849 ft)

We continue our journey along the valley floor to the confluence of the Phoksundo and Pungmo rivers. After crossing a bridge, we walk on the western bank of the Pungmo Khola. The trail passes through a cedar forest before reaching Palam village. From here we trek up to a ridge and enjoy distant views of Phoksundo Lake and a spectacular waterfall, one of the highest in Nepal. Next, our trail descends through birch forests to the upper reaches of the Phoksundo Khola, and then to the picturesque Ringmo village with its mud-plastered chortens and mani walls. From here it is a short walk to the shores of the Phoksundo Lake. Overnight at Phoksundo Lake.

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Acclimatization and rest at Phoksundo Lake

Today will be a well deserved rest day for acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake. During the day we can embark on a short hike to the village of Ringmo and it’s Tibetan Buddhist Monastery. During our short walks, we also get a chance to get acquainted with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear homespun clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon color and they favor Tibetan-style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for foot wear. Both men and women often wear religious amulets and strings of coral, amber and turquoise. Overnight at Phoksundo Lake.

Phoksundo Khola

Our trail moves around the top western end of the Phoksundo Lake as it contours on a rocky ledge along the lake’s western bank. This unsteady trail suspended on a gangway of wood supported on pegs driven into crevasse in the rocks, signals the remoteness of the area we are about to enter. At the westernmost edge of the lake the path leads through a lush meadow that opens up into the flood plain of the Phoksundo Khola. Then we walk through the valley, crossing the river and avoiding the occasional boggy marsh underfoot and then coming on the bank of the river to the overnight camp.

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang

For an hour or so we walk on a trail that leads us along the level path through a glacial valley which heads due north. At the confluence of the Phoksundo Khola and another mountain stream, there is an old wooden bridge. From here, we walk towards the north-east. A long climb brings us to a sheep meadow where our trail veers up a steep ravine. A hard climb to the top brings us to yet another valley where we can see the Kang-La pass. We set up our camp near the pass in a place that Peter Matthiessen christened ‘Snowfields Camp’. During our trek today we also get to admire the views of Chhamlang peak 6 (6739m) and peak 7 (6105m).

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa (4,500m/14,760ft) via Kang-La pass (5,360m/17,581ft)

In the morning, we ascend on a steep trail littered with slate towards the pass. The climb to the top of the pass is quite strenuous. From the top of Kang-la pass we get excellent views of the large valley dissected by a gushing river. We descend to the valley floor on a steep trail. Next, we walk on a meandering trail along the banks of a river, crossing and re-crossing it several times. There are mud caves lining the hills overlooking the river. We also pass through meadows where we see grazing yaks, hundreds of sheep and domestic mountain goat (Chyangra). After crossing a quaint log bridge we reach the Shey Gompa compound where we will be spending the night.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Acclimatization and rest at Shey Gompa

Shey Gompa was built in 1655 and the monastery is noted for its giant copper with gilded gold statue of a seated Shakyamuni Buddha. To the east of the gompa is Crystal Mountain which is one of the strangest mountains, as its contorted cliffs are laced with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of marine fossils. Today is another well-earned rest day for acclimatization. We spend the day hiking around Shey village which is famous for its ancient pre-Buddhist culture, the Bon Po. In Dolpo the ancient Tibetan way of life combines animism with the teaching of Buddha. Overnight in Shey Gompa.

Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun (4,800m/15,744ft) via Saldang La (5,200m/17,056ft)

We begin the day by following a pleasant trail amidst juniper trees which descends into a grey, stony canyon. Then the path begins to zigzag over bare rocks and coarse eroded soil until it eventually brings us to the top of Saldang-la pass. The subsequent descent towards the north is long and tiring but grazing yaks and sheep, and nomadic tents made from yak hair is a comforting sight. In Namuda Gaun we visit Namgung monastery. The red stone monastery is built against the backdrop of a cliff on the north wall of a gorge. Overnight in Namuda Gaun.

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Namduna Gaun to Saldang (3,620m/ 11,874ft)

We leave the village and climb up a slope and begin a long walk along dusty barren mountains. After 3-4 hours of hard climb, we begin to see Saldang Village below us on a plateau high above the Namga Khola stream. It has a picturesque appearance. Saldang is the largest village of the inner Dolpo area. The village stretches for nearly two kilometers on an open slope and consists of five villages having about eighty well-built houses with nearly six hundred people. It is a prosperous village not only agriculturally but also for its strategic location on a trade route to Tibet. Overnight in Saldang.

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Saldang to Yangze Gompa (4,960m/16,267ft)

From Saldang, we walk further north along the Nagon Khola (river) on a wild and barren terrain. We begin our walk on a fairly gradual path with few ups and downs. On the way, we pass through Marang and Ki villages. Next, we cross a tributary of Panzang River and walk towards the east and cross the river again before reaching Yangze gompa which houses an old Bon-Po Monastery. Overnight in Yangze Gompa.

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Yangze Gompa to Sibu (4,560m/14,957ft)

From Yangze, there are two trails that connect to Sibu. To save time we will retrace the path back towards Saldang village, which will be much easier and shorter than the other route. From Saldang we walk along a river and pass through terraced fields, stupas, chortens, heaps of mani stones and a Chaiba monastery, then pass through the Namdo village, which is also prosperous, with about sixty houses having nearly 400 inhabitants. It stretches for more than 5 km on the high slopes to the left of Nam Khong Khola. The Namdo monastery is located near the river bed. Our journey continues further down the river for another two hours to camp near a small settlement of Sibu.

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Sibu to Jeng-la Phedi (4,900m/16,072ft)

We walk along the Nam Khong Khola for a while and pass by caravans with yaks that are moving towards the Tibetan border. After turning east and walking for a while, we arrive at a confluence of two small streams. Next, the steep trail ascends to a grazing area below the Jeng La pass (4,900m/16,072ft). Our camp will be set up in this beautiful meadow. Overngiht in Jeng la Phedi.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Jeng-la Phedi to Tokyu Gaon (4209m/13809ft) via Jeng La pass (5,090m/16,695ft)

We get up early in the morning and set forth on today’s trek. It will take us two long hours to reach the top of the Jeng La pass from where we get remarkable views of the north face of the Dhaulagiri massif. From here we descend on a rough trail to the Tarap Valley, a fascinating valley with vast plains in high mountains that extends twenty kilometers along Tarap Chu river. We camp close to the monastery at Tokyu.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Tokyu to Dho Tarap(4,040m/13,251ft)

We trek downhill on a plain valley with patches of lush grass on both sides of the river which is completely different from other parts of inner Dolpo. There is also 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 valley. After a short trek, we reach Dho Tarap). Overnight in Dho Tarap.

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Rest Day at Dho Tarap

We spend today resting and strolling in the village of Dho Tarap which is surrounded by an irregular stone wall. Our walks will help us get acquainted with the local culture of the area. At Dho, about 40 houses are divided into three clusters and built in a haphazard way inhabited by few Tibetans and mostly Magars who are a hill tribe of Nepal. While here, we can visit a Buddhist Gompa which is closest to our campsite or we could embark upon a 40-minute walk and visit a Bon Po Gompa.Overnight in Dho Tarap.

Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (Kamakharka) (3,800m/12,464ft)

From Tarap we descend towards a wide valley which eventually narrows into a gorge. We walk along juniper and wild rose bushes just above the tree line. On our trek we see herds of blue sheep and by the afternoon, we reach the confluence of the Tarap Chu and the Lang Khola, a stream that joins with Tarap River from further east. We will make our camp on a nice meadow also known as Kamakharka and spend the night.

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Tarap Khola to Khanigaon (3,150m/10,332ft)

We continue walking down the gorge of the Tarap River, at times alongside it. During our walk we pass by the local people who will be taking their herds to lower pastures for the winter. This will be one of the most exciting days of this trip as the valley becomes so narrow in a deep gorge that in some places we can jump from one side to another. Sometimes there is no trace of a path and we may have to walk across stone slabs fitted on logs in between the walls which act as a bridge. The gorge also provides unexpected adventure and thrills. At some places, the bridges are either damaged or washed away and we may be forced to cross the icy torrent on foot. Finally, we reach our camping spot beside the Tarap Khola at Khanigaon where we spend the night.

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Khanigaon to Tarakot (2,537m/8,321ft)

From the camp we follow a trail that takes us to the village of Lalberi. Our trail then passes through a lush forest, descends into another gorge and continues to follow the river again. After reaching Tarakot, we can visit Sandul Gompa which lies about 8 km east of the village at a juncture of Barbung Khola and Tarap Chu. The monastery stands on a hill to the south of Bheri River. Today we camp by the Tarap Chu river about 150 meters below Tarakot, near the police post. Overnight in Tarakot.

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Tarakot to Dunai (2,140m/7,019ft)

We begin our trek on a trail behind the Bheri River before crossing a bridge near the Lawan village. Our trail will continue alongside the big Bheri Rriver ascending until the Byas Gadi. From here the trail moves towards the west on a relatively easy trail. We cross the river again near the Lochakhola Gaon and ascend to Dunai for an overnight stay. Today’s trek will mostly be on a wonderful gorge with pine trees. Overnight in Dunai.

Walking time: 5-6 hours

Dunai to Jhuphal

Fron Dunai, we trek along the Bheri River enjoying the beautiful landscape. On the way, we pass through Dhupichaur and Rupgad villages as well as a temple. We continue trekking via Kalagaonda village and Motipur village before reaching the small airstrip. Overnight in Jhuphal.

Walking time: 2-3 hours

Fligt from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu

We take the earliest flight from Jhupal to Nepalgunj. Upon reaching Nepalgunj, we return to Kathmandu on the next available flight. After arriving in Kathmandu, we will be transferred to our hotel. There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize the photos. To celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Rest day in Kathmandu

This is an extra day set aside for you to explore Kathmandu on your own. You can spend the day getting ready for your next day’s flight, do some souvenir shopping, or if there is a place is Kathmandu that you really want to visit, please let us know and we will arrange everything for you. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner hosted by Nature Trail to celebrate the successful completion of your journey in the Dolpo region of western Nepal. Overnight in Kathmandu.

Final departure

Your adventure in Nepal comes to an end today! A representative from Nature Trail will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.

Upper Dolpo or Inner Dolpo Circuit Trekking

Inner Dolpo Circuit trekking is considered as one of Nepal’s classic mountain treks in the Dolpo area, a region in Nepal’s upper Dolpa district. Trekking along the tropical forests full of pine trees and savouring the beauty of Phoksundo Lake are definitely memorable experiences! A very unique part of this trek is encountering the Bonpos, people believing in the Tibetan Bon (or Bonpo) religion, who reside in Ringmo. Further, we traverse through high passes and visit the sacred Shey Gompa before coming across the ancient trading hub Dho- the perfect trek to see the whole of Dolpo!

The route is most demanding as we traverse heights in excess of 5350m, some of the most remote territories in Nepal. As we trek through the heart of Dolpo we are presented with a variety of both scenery and people. From Magar villages with lush green paddy fields surrounded by dense jungles in the south of Dhaulagiri to Bhotia fortress hamlets and gompas amid barren, windswept hills… This trek shows how much more Nepal has to offer than the popular trails to Annapurna, Everest and Langtang. The hills along the way are sparsely populated and the trails through them peaceful and quiet.

Crossing a series of high passes, the journey takes in Shey Gompa and the exotic villages set amidst the arid, remote highlands of Dolpo, making this a classic trek. Inner Dolpo Trek is one of our best sellers treks that extends to far-flung wilderness of western Nepal.

Undoubtedly, Inner Dolpo trek caters some of Dolpo’s most intriguing highlights. The highlights of Inner Dolpo Trek with explore Dolpo include natural paradise like Phoksundo Lake, unique cultural encounters so often as we traverse through villages of different ethnic tribes and religious devotees. Some of the oldest and most important monasteries like Shey Gompa are an exciting trek highlights and the pain that every trekker would love to endure while crossing 5000m+ passes like Nagdala and Shey La lifetime experiences of Inner Dolpo Trekking in Nepal.

Nature Trail organise this trekking since last 23 years and every year we do have several groups. Based on your timeframe, we can tailor-make the itinerary and plan your Upper Dolpo trekking that suits your timeframe.

Price & Service Details:

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Kathmandu

JOIN GROUP

3 before departure from Kathmandu.

SERVICE INCLUDES

All local transfers, pick up drops

Trekking Information Management System Fee (TIMS Fee)

National park Conservation Fee, including Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa (Lower Dolpo area), permits, and special permits etc.

Tented camp accommodation during the trek with all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

1 night accommodation in Nepalganja, 2 nights accommodation in Jhuphal (Dolpo) on Standard hotels/lodges.

Services of English speaking trekking guide and porter (one porter for two people and the maximum weight carry by one porter is total 25kg)

Accommodation, meals (warm daily cooked meals in campsite, insurance, equipment and allowance of guide and porters, Yaks and Yakmans.

Sleeping bag and down jacket if necessary.

All tents for camp including kitchen, dinning, and staffs tents

Just incase of any emergency, back up and supports such as any alternative arrangement services, helicopter booking, alternative flight booking etc.

First Aid-medical services

All cooking and kitchen utensils

All applicable government taxes and service charges.

SERVICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

Any accommodation and meals in Kathmandu

Any sightseeing tour in Kathmandu.

Any international and domestic airfare

Your personal travel insurance and medical.

Bottled drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).

Expenses of personal nature such as tips for guide, porter, and driver, laundry, bar bill, telephone calls etc.

Liability for expenses against sickness, flight cancellation, road blockage, accidents, and other occurrence, beyond our control.

Nepal visa fee.

Any other optional services not mentioned above as included.

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Upper Dolpo – Shey Gompa Trekking