Upper Dolpo Trek, situated in themidway between the Tibetan Plateau and the Dhaulagiri Himal range is one of the highest inhabited lands of Dolpo. Geographically a southern extension of Tibet, it lies within the borders of the kingdom of Nepal. Since 1984 has been the country's 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.
Upper Dolpo Trek, From Jhupal village, begining 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 until we reach the Phoksundo lake at Ringmo village in the "Phoksundo National Park".
Upper Dolpo Trek is strenuously long and technically difficult trek. Dolpo region is supposed to be blessed by Guru Rimpoche where you can get spiritual serenity being away from hustle and bustle of urban life. The opportunity to explore this abandoned region which is very rich in natural life including different endangered animals like Blue sheep and snow leopard and precious plants like silvery fir and other plants gives you exact picture of diversity of Nepalese flora and fauna.
Short Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Full day Sight Seeing Kathmandu Valley
Day 03: By Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj 1 hour
Day 04 Fly Nepalgunj- Juphal / Trek Juphal- Dunai (2150m)
Day 05: Trek to Tarakot (2540m) 5-6 hrs
Day 06: Trek to Laini Odar (3375m.) 4-5 hrs
Day 07: Lain Odhar to Nawarpani (3950m) 6 hour
Day 08: Trek to Dho Tarap (3950m.) 6/7 hrs
Day 09: At Dho Tarap for Acclimatization
Day 10: Trek to Tokyu Gaun (4200m/13776ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 11: Trek below Numala pass (4665m/15301ft), 4-5 hrs walk
Day 12: Cross Numala (5,190m/17,023ft), and camp at Phedi , 6-7 Hrs
Day 13: Trek and cross Baga La (5,070m/16,630ft) and camp, 5-6 Hrs
Day 14: Trek to Ringmo (3,600m/11,808ft), 6-7 hrs
Day 15: Rest day at Ringmo & for a hike to Phoksundo Lake (3730m)
Day 16: Trek to Pungmo village (3170m/10397ft), 4-5 hrs
Day 17: Trek below Kagmara -La, 5-6 Hrs
Day 18: Cross the Kagmara-La (5,115m/16777ft), 4-5 hrs
Day 19: Trek to Hurikot village (3600m/11808ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 20: Trek to Chaurikot (3060m/10036ft), 5-6 hrs
Day 21: Trek to Chorte Gompa (3200m/10496ft), 5-6hrs
Day 22: Trek to Gothi Chaur (2,700m/8856ft), 4-5 hrs
Day 23: Trek to Jumla (2,370m/7773ft), 6-7 hrs
Day 24: Fly from Jumla to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Day 25: Final International Departure
According to actual plan extend the date on a trip above the custom Itinerary and take Private Jeep From Kathmandu to Syabrubesi and Melanchipul to Kathmandu and also if you need luxury accommodation after your trip that cost will be additional. We cannot guarantee it if weather, road condition bad, and vehicle breakdown mountain acute sickness for trekkers. We will try to ensure that our official schedule trip runs, And if you have more extra days pre-plan then let us inform we assist by your requirement. You can Contact directly Tour Operator Email: info@adventuremountainguide.net
DAY 01: ARRIVAL IN KATHMANDU (1,400M)
Arrival in Kathmandu, The representatives by Everest Trekking Routes will welcome to you at TIA Upon your Arrival. We transfer to hotel overnight stay.
DAY 02: FULL DAY SIGHT SEEING KATHMANDU VALLEY
After breakfast, we spend the whole day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu Valley as a major point. One of the biggest Stupa in the world, Boudhanath stupa and Monastery, Old heritage Buddhist temple Soyembhunath and Monastery, Kathmandu Durbar Square Kumari temple and Patan Durbar Square Krishna temple. The Kathmandu sightseeing is real Nepalese traditional culture and heritage touring, After tour will back to hotel and preparation the Lower Dolpo trip overnight stay hotel.
DAY 03: BY FLY KATHMANDU TO NEPALGUNJ 1 HOUR
After breakfast, Kathmandu to Nepalgunj takes an hour’s by domestic air, after flight take lunch and visit Nepalganj City which is the biggest city in the Southern part of Nepal. Stay overnight at the hotel.
DAY 04 FLY NEPALGUNJ- JUPHAL / TREK JUPHAL- DUNAI (2150M)
After breakfast flight to Juphal take 30 minutes by little domestic air and trek to Dunai. The beginning trail descends and wind cooler through pass several local villages continue edge of the riverside. We will see on the way many of water mill to granted flower from white, corn, millet and some other food. The elevation of Dunai (2125m) the Dunai is middle town has Police check post, school and government offices. Stay overnight at lodge.
DAY 05: TREK TO TARAKOT (2540M) 5-6 HRS
After breakfast trek to Tarakot following the bheri river bitten track of the trail. We will pass several local villages and some Buddhist monastery and also mani wall stones with cultivating the field. The tarakot is a small settlement of which is thuli very river famous and ancient independent kingdom of Tichorung. And stay overnight at Camp.
DAY 06: TREK TO LAINI ODAR (3375M.) 4-5 HRS
After breakfast trek to tarakot and wonderful landscape and several passes which is Laisicap (2775m.) and Kaigaun (2950m.) Excellent Himalayan scenery Including Putha himchuli, Churen Himal and other beauty nature’s stay overnight at Camp sited.
DAY 07: LAIN ODHAR TO NAWARPANI (3950M) 6 HOUR
After breakfast trek to Nawarpani, it takes 6-7 hours spectacular Himalayan scenery and several pass Chhyugar (3440m.) and Taltol (3530m.) toward the deepest gorges with scary cliffs stay overnight at Campsite.
DAY 08: TREK TO DHO TARAP (3950M.) 6/7 HRS
After breakfast trek to Dhor Tarap wonderful trekking along the bank of Larap Khola via Ghyamghar and Langa, The Dho Tarap fascinating settlement of that manifests the real attributes Lower Dolpo. Famous settlement of lower Dolpo Nestles high above the wide valley and stay overnight at camp.
DAY 09: AT DHO TARAP FOR ACCLIMATIZATION
Acclimatization day at Tarap Explore Dho Tarap visit beautiful Monastery like Ringo Bumpa Monastery which is secreted monastery build by Jimge Nyima Gyaltsen and lama Tenzing Tragye 1000 years ago. To get rid of spirits wandering in the region, Amazing architecture of Samye Monastery in Tibet, 12th Century Lots of history related and general information explain by a mountain guide. And stay overnight at Camp.
DAY 10: TREK TO TOKYU GAUN (4200M/13776FT), 5-6 HRS
After breakfast Trek to Tokyo gaun, our journey continues towards upper Tarap valley, the walk follows in this plain valley with patched of lush verdant grass on both sides of the river, which is completely different from other parts of Inner Dolpo. The trek on this pleasant track leads by the Tarap chu upstream all the way. Tarap is certainly a dream valley with vast plains in high mountains extending twenty kilometres along the river Tarap Chu, having ten villages with cultivated fields of barley, buckwheat, wheat and potato. After 3-4 hrs of a good walk in this perfect tranquillity coming to the village of Tokyu, it has a monastery belonging to the Chiba sect. After a break here our walk continues farther up this valley climbing up the rough track for almost another three hours to reach Tokyu gaun overnight campsite.
DAY 11: TREK BELOW NUMALA PASS (4665M/15301FT), 4-5 HRS WALK
After breakfast trek to Nmala Pass, we start our trek after breakfast with the scenic view but gaining high altitudes and feel short breathing. We will have a short day but feel little hard during the walk. Even a great day at the high altitude and we’ll reach at the camp stay overnight at campsite.
DAY 12: CROSS NUMALA (5,190M/17,023FT), AND CAMP AT PHEDI , 6-7 HRS
After breakfast trek to Phedi. Today we cross the highest pass during this trek where you may feel difficult but can be seen a great view takes 6-7 hrs and after top at Numala we will descends another bottom part known as Phedi and overnight campsite.
DAY 13: TREK AND CROSS BAGA LA (5,070M/16,630FT) AND CAMP, 5-6 HRS
After breakfast trek to Baga La passes with after crossing of Numa La pass at 5,190m, the track leads to steep climb all the way to the top ridge of Numa la with great views of the surrounding landscapes scenery of valleys, mountains including the north face of the Dhaulagiri massif along with other distance snow-capped peaks. After a glorious moment at the pass, almost three hours of the downhill walk takes to Palungtang or farther for the overnight camp just before Baga-la or Basi-la pass, depending upon the duration of walk and fitness of the people, if everybody is all right and on time, stay Overnight at campsite.
DAY 14: TREK TO RINGMO (3,600M/11,808FT), 6-7 HRS
After breakfast Trek to Ringmo a steep climb to reach the ridge top of Baga-la at 5,070m, which offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscapes and of the distant snow-capped peaks of Kanjirowa Himal range, after a great moment here our walk leads to a descend for 2 hours through the pine forest, on leaving the forest behind the country and the vegetation changes for pasture field and alpine shrubs most of the way to Ringmo on the gradual slopes with few ups and downs as we reach our final destination at Ringmo and the crystal serene Lake of Phoksundo. Stay overnight at campsite.
DAY 15: REST DAY AT RINGMO & FOR A HIKE TO PHOKSUNDO LAKE (3730M)
Today we are Explore day and Acclimatization at Ringmo, the nearby Tibetan Buddhist monastery is well worth a visit, as is the village of Ringmo. A walk part way around the lake is also very enjoyable and relaxing. This is a great day exploring the lake areas and with a great view overnight at camp.
DAY 16: TREK TO PUNGMO VILLAGE (3170M/10397FT), 4-5 HRS
After breakfast trek to Pungmo Village and start after a night at this wonderful campsite beside the clear waters of the lake we retrace our steps back down to Sumo from where we will follow the trail north-west up the Pungmo Nala to the small B’on village of Pungmo. The camp is there up near the village after a half day’s walk. Having lunch ample time to explore the village and the enthusiastic can visit the Bon monastery about two hrs walk up the hillside across the river from here. Stay overnight at Campsite.
DAY 17: TREK BELOW KAGMARA -LA, 5-6 HRS
After breakfast trek to Kagmara, Walking from Pungmo the trail leads up the valley along the left bank to cross it about two hours from here to the right-hand bank. Views of the Kangchunne and Kanjeilarwa peaks are very nice along today’ walk. The valley is well forested with Juniper and birch and wild animals like the musk deer inhabit this area. Further up the valley blue sheep might be seen on the mountain slopes. Stay overnight at campsite.
DAY 18: CROSS THE KAGMARA-LA (5,115M/16777FT), 4-5 HRS
An early start climbing steadily uphill to the pass at an altitude of 16100 ft; from here the summits of Kagwara I towards the south is visible nearby and many other peaks of the range also are visible. Views west towards the since and Patrasi Himal and northwards to Kanjiroba are striking. Stay Overnight at Campsite.
DAY 19: TREK TO HURIKOT VILLAGE (3600M/11808FT), 5-6 HRS
After breakfast trek to Hurikot village, Our trek following the Garpung Khola high above it along the right bank the trail turns north above the confluence with the Jagdulla Khola to descend down to the Army Check Post. After crossing the Jadulla Khola to the right bank here the trail follows the well-forested valley to the village of Huyrikot stay overnight at Campsite.
DAY 20: TREK TO CHAURIKOT (3060M/10036FT), 5-6 HRS
After breakfast trek to Chaurikot to crossing the stream coming off the Jagdull Lekh the trail goes up along the ridge to the northwest to climb Barbary Lekh Pass at an altitude of about 3810m/12,500ft. This is a longish gradual climb and the pass itself is a long ridgeline quite unlike most passes. Views north towards the Kanjiroba Himal are very fine from here. Stay Overnight at lodge.
DAY 21: TREK TO CHORTE GOMPA (3200M/10496FT), 5-6HRS
After breakfast trek to Chorte Gompa and from camp below Barbary Lekh follow the trail downstream through oak and pine forest to the village of Chorte another small settlement of the newly established village. Stay overnight at Campsite.
DAY 22: TREK TO GOTHI CHAUR (2,700M/8856FT), 4-5 HRS
After breakfast Continue to following the Tila stream. The trail runs below the villages of Munigaun; The Kurigaun to climb up a side stream coming down from the left just short of Guthigaun climbing steadily the sheep farm at Guthichaur Stay overnight campsite.
DAY 23: TREK TO JUMLA (2,370M/7773FT), 6-7 HRS
After breakfast trekking begins by slowly and gradually dropping down a really lovely valley from high alpine pastures, through magnificent forests and eventually into a fertile well-farmed valley. It has pretty little villages such as Padmara and the track is not too steep and following the same river all the way down to Jumla. This makes a nice circuit and avoids having a repeat part of the outward trek. Stay overnight lodge.
Day 24: Fly from Jumla to Nepalgunj to Kathmandu
Early morning 30 minutes sweeping wonderful flight to Nepalgunj over the Himalayan foothills, overlooking stunning views of the snow-capped peaks. On arrival at Nepalgunj depending upon the connecting flight schedule to Kathmandu. If it’s in the afternoon we will have time, few hours for refreshment in the comfort of the Hotel at Nepalgunj; when we arrived in the domestic airport in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel stay overnight at hotel.
DAY 25: FINAL INTERNATIONAL DEPARTURE
We will drop you to the TIA for your final departure and happy journey to your hometown, hope to see you again and goodbye.
This is my second trip with Rabin and I am already looking forward to a third trip with him soon. That show how much I value his services, his extensive experiences with the treks, his honesty and of course, the great supporting staffs he have. I feel safe and well taken care of with Rabin as my guide. He is a man with integrity and deal in a most honest way with us. This is unlike lots of horror stories you read about guides and tea-house owners collaborating to fleece hikers. We pay exactly what we consumed at the tea-houses based on the published menu prices, no more and no less. With Rabin, there is no hidden cost.
With more than 20 years of trekking experiences, he gave good advises on the route and safety measures to take. For example, he insisted that we started off early on a particular day so that we will reach a section with ice-sheet before the ice started to melt and traversing the ice-sheet becomes dangerous and difficult. We have a large team of porters and assistant guides to take care of our team of 12 hikers and everyone on Rabin's team have been extremely helpful and friendly. My teenage son enjoyed playing Uno and sliding down the ABC icy slope with a teenage porter, a fellow hiker who has walking difficulties was supported all the way by assistant guides and porters and our meals were all ordered in advance so the group don't have to wait long for food to be served.
If you feel tl;dr, please skip to the last line. My name is Patibut Preeyawongsakul. I have been trekking since 2012. I do either individual trekking or going with mountain guide. I was with Rabin on Annapurna Trekking in Dec 2015. Not only on the mountains, but also roaming around in the city. I was with him for totally 15 days. By 4 years of my trekking around Asia (and a little hiking in US), Rabin is the best mountain guide so far. Rabin knows how to take care any kind of trekkers from slow ladies to teenagers. Luckily we didn't need his first aid kit which he always carry it in his backpack. He's expert in almost mountains' information in Nepal (including sometimes Tibet). He can calculate trip's timing very precisely.
We could change itinerary on the way we walk without affecting flight schedule (we had one more day on the base camp last time.) Though, His skill still not matches his humbleness and hospitality. I had been seriously discussing with him for 6 months with nothing guarantee I'd go with him, but he happily helped me decide which route to take. He frankly showed the cost breakdown before we make final decision. He welcomed us at the airport, and all of my team had his souvenirs on the day we flew back to our home country. If you want a short review, Hire this guy. 10/10 would go with him again.