Upon your arrival, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport and comfortably transferred to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you have the option to unwind and settle in at your hotel or venture out to explore the vibrant bazaars of Kathmandu. Wander through the lively streets, where the hustle and bustle of local markets offer a perfect introduction to the city’s rich culture and heritage.

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), where you can enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and the peaceful atmosphere of this UNESCO site. Next, head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historic royal palace complex, surrounded by beautiful temples and ancient architecture.

From there, wander through the vibrant Ason Market, a lively bazaar filled with spices, textiles, and local goods, offering a glimpse into daily life in Kathmandu. Then, explore the bustling streets of Thamel, where you can pick up any last-minute trekking gear or souvenirs.

In the evening, meet with your trekking guide to finalize your preparations for the Upper Dolpo Trek. This is a great time to check your gear, discuss the trek details, and get advice on what to expect along the way. By the end of the day, you’ll be ready for your adventure ahead!

This morning, you’ll catch a flight to Nepalgunj, located in the western region of Nepal. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel. You may choose to unwind and relax or take some time to explore the city at your leisure. Nepalgunj is a city and the centre for your trek to Upper Dolpo. Overnight stay in Nepalgunj.

After an early breakfast in Nepalgunj, you will board a scenic morning flight to Jhuphal, a small airstrip in the Dolpo region located at an altitude of approximately 2,475 meters. The flight offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan foothills and remote mountain landscapes. Upon landing in Jhuphal, the gateway to this adventure, Upper Dolpo Trek commences at this place.

From Jhuphal, the trail descends gently through terraced fields, local villages, and apple orchards. As you move forward, the landscape transitions into a narrow gorge carved by the Bheri River, offering a mix of serene nature and glimpses of rural life. The path continues along the riverbanks, gradually ascending towards Dunai, the administrative headquarters of the Dolpa district, situated at around 2,140 meters.

Upon reaching Dunai, you can spend some time exploring the town, visiting local monasteries, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this Himalayan settlement. Overnight stay in Dunai.

After breakfast in Dunai, the trek begins with a walk across a suspension bridge over the Bheri River, heading westward past the local hospital. The trail gradually ascends through the arid and treeless landscape of the Tulo Bheri valley, offering expansive views of the surrounding hills. As you gain elevation, the path leads into the fertile Phoksundo River valley, where the terrain becomes greener and more vibrant.

Along the way, you’ll pass through charming villages such as Dhera and Rahagaun, and walk beneath canopies of impressive walnut groves that provide welcome shade along the route. Eventually, the trail begins to descend through thick, lush forests—home to a variety of birdlife and the occasional sighting of langurs or Himalayan wildlife. After a peaceful trek through the jungle, you’ll arrive in Ankhe, a small settlement nestled at the edge of the Shey Phoksundo National Park. Tonight, we will camp at Ankhe.

The trek from Ankhe to Sulighat begins with a series of ascents and descents as the trail meanders along the riverbank, offering stunning views of the Phoksundo River below. The path is both scenic and challenging, weaving through dense vegetation and occasionally opening up to panoramic vistas.

A steep climb takes you above the river, where the landscape transitions into open, grassy slopes. From this elevated vantage point, the trail gradually descends again, leading back into the forested tree line. Eventually, you’ll arrive at a dramatic cliffside section, where the trail narrows and descends via a stone staircase carved into the rock—an exciting and memorable part of the journey. This staircase leads down to the riverbank, where you can feel the cool air rising from the water.

Continuing along the riverside path, the final stretch brings you to Sulighat, a tranquil resting point surrounded by natural beauty and the sounds of the river. Overnight stay in Sulighat.

Today’s trail follows the valley floor alongside the Sulighat Khola until we reach the dramatic confluence of the Pungmo and Phoksundo Rivers. Crossing a bridge, we continue along the western bank of the Pungmo River, gradually ascending through a beautiful forest of Himalayan cedars.

We arrive at Palam, a seasonal herding settlement, then descend through enchanting birch forests with glimpses of distant waterfalls. Soon, the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake come into view—an unforgettable sight.

Passing through the traditional Bon village of Ringmo, adorned with prayer flags and chortens, we take a short walk to the shores of the spectacular lake. Surrounded by cliffs and snow-capped peaks, Phoksundo is one of the most stunning high-altitude lakes in Nepal.

Camp overnight near Phoksundo Lake.

Today is a well-deserved rest and acclimatization day by the serene Phoksundo Lake. In the morning, we take a short hike to explore Ringmo village, some picturesque Bon settlement rich in culture and tradition. We visit the local Tibetan Buddhist monastery, perched above the village, offering insight into the region’s spiritual heritage and stunning views over the lake.

After lunch, the afternoon is yours to relax by the mesmerizing turquoise waters, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, or wander around in search of the perfect photo spot framed by towering cliffs and snow-dusted peaks.

Leaving behind the tranquil beauty of Phoksundo Lake, we begin our journey deeper into the remote Upper Dolpo region, heading toward Shey Gompa. The trail hugs a rocky ledge high above the lake, offering breathtaking views of its shimmering turquoise waters.

We follow a narrow, uneven path that skirts the western rim of the lake, eventually descending into a gorge carved by the Phoksundo Khola. The walk leads us through dramatic terrain and pristine wilderness before arriving at a peaceful grazing meadow by the river—our campsite for the night. Overnight at Phoksundo Khola

The trek begins with a gentle walk along a level trail through a glacial valley heading north. After about an hour, we reach the confluence of a mountain stream and the Phoksundo Khola, where we cross a traditional wooden bridge.

From here, the trail veers northeast and climbs steeply through alpine meadows, gradually gaining elevation. The path winds up a narrow ravine, testing our endurance with its rugged terrain.

A final push brings us to an open high-altitude valley offering stunning views of the Kang-La Pass—our next big challenge. We set up camp at Phoksundo Bhanjyang, surrounded by dramatic Himalayan scenery. It is interesting to note that Peter Matthiessen, the American novelist (The Snow Leopard), named this site, Snowfields Camp.

Overnight at a camp in Bhanjyang

The Upper Dolpo trek continues with a challenging ascent on a steep, slate-strewn trail leading up to the Kang-La Pass (5,360m). The path winds through loose black rocks, demanding steady footing and determination. As we climb higher, the panoramic views expand dramatically. Reaching the top of the pass is a rewarding moment—offering sweeping vistas of the barren yet majestic Upper Dolpo landscape. We pause here to catch our breath, take photos, and soak in the surreal beauty.

From the pass, the trail descends sharply into a broad, open valley. The terrain becomes gentler as we follow a river downstream, crossing it several times—sometimes over makeshift log bridges. Along the way, we pass hill caves tucked into the cliffs, and it’s not uncommon to see yaks, mountain goats, and sheep grazing peacefully in the high meadows.

After the final river crossing, the trail leads us to the spiritual heart of Upper Dolpo, the Shey Gompa, a 12th-century monastery nestled beneath the sacred Crystal Mountain. Camp under the stars tonight near Shey Gompa.

Rest and acclimatize at the sacred Shey Gompa, allowing us to adjust to the altitude and explore the spiritual and cultural richness of this remote region.

We visit the historic Shey Monastery, a revered 800-year-old Bon-Buddhist site nestled beneath the striking Crystal Mountain, which locals consider sacred. Pilgrims often perform a kora (ritual circumambulation) around the mountain—a practice believed to cleanse sins.

The rest of the day can be spent exploring the surrounding valley, relaxing by the riverside, or simply soaking in the peaceful ambiance of this high Himalayan sanctuary. Keep an eye out for wildlife, grazing herds, and the quiet rhythm of life in one of the most isolated corners of Nepal.

The trail is gentle at the start with a gradual ascent, as we walk through a tranquil landscape dotted with juniper trees, gradually descending into a rugged stone canyon. From here, the path begins to climb, slowly but steadily, as we zigzag our way up to the Saldang-La Pass (5,200m).

At the top, we pause to rest and take in the expansive views of the Dolpo region, where barren ridges stretch into the distance under the vast Himalayan sky. After a well-earned break, we descend along a winding trail that leads northward, passing nomadic camps with traditional yak-hair tents and grazing herds of yaks and sheep. This is a glimpse into the timeless life of Dolpo’s highland herders.

Eventually, we arrive at Namduna Gaun, a secluded settlement tucked against a rocky cliff. One of its highlights is the striking red stone monastery, built dramatically into the cliff face—an inspiring and photogenic site to explore. Overnight stay in Namduna Gaun.

We begin the day with a short ascent that takes us up a gentle slope and into a stark, barren mountain landscape. The trail soon becomes more demanding as we take on a challenging 3 to 4-hour climb, gradually rising above the Namga Khola.

Eventually, we reach Saldang, the largest village in the inner Dolpo region. Spread over a 2-kilometer stretch, this traditional settlement is home to around 600 residents and lies strategically along an ancient trade route to Tibet.

With its unique Tibetan-style homes, monasteries, and a small but lively local marketplace, Saldang offers a fascinating glimpse into the high-altitude way of life. The afternoon is perfect for exploring the village and soaking in its remote, cultural charm. Overnight stay in Saldang.

Leaving Saldang behind, we follow the Nagaon Khola northward through open, windswept terrain. The trail undulates gently, with a mix of gradual ascents and descents that make for a pleasant walk through the heart of Upper Dolpo.

We pass through the traditional villages of Marang and Ki, where whitewashed homes and prayer flags add color to the arid landscape. Continuing onward, we cross a side stream that flows from the Panzang River.

The path then veers east, following the riverbank until a final crossing leads us to the remote and peaceful Yangze Gompa which is a secluded monastery with strong Bon-Buddhist influences, nestled against dramatic mountain scenery. Overnight stay at Yangze Gompa.

We retrace our steps back to Saldang, taking the quicker route to save time. From there, we continue along the trail that follows the river, gradually descending toward Namdo village, a vibrant settlement tucked along the hillside.

Along the way, we pass ancient chortens, rows of spiritual mani stones, and the weathered walls of an old Chaiba Monastery, structures that are testaments the deep-rooted Buddhist heritage of the region. Near the edge of Namdo, we make a short visit to the Namdo Village Monastery, beautifully perched above the valley.

After a refreshing break, we continue downstream to reach our campsite near Sibu, surrounded by open pastures and views of the stark Dolpo landscape. Overnight camp at a peaceful site in Sibu.

Today’s journey begins along the banks of the Nam Khong Khola, winding through open valleys and rugged terrain. After a steady walk, we turn eastward and soon arrive at the confluence of two mountain streams, marking the start of our ascent.

From here, the trail climbs steeply through high-altitude pastures, passing grazing yaks and sheep as we gain elevation. The final stretch brings us to a beautiful alpine meadow tucked just below the Jeng-La Pass, known as Jeng-La Phedi.

With dramatic mountain views and the silence of remote Dolpo around us, we settle into our overnight camp at Jeng-La Phedi, preparing for tomorrow’s high pass crossing.

The morning begins with a steep ascent to the Jeng-La Pass (5,090m), a climb that takes about two hours over rocky and uneven terrain. At the top, we’re rewarded with spectacular views of the Dhaulagiri range and the wide expanse of the Tarap Valley below.

The descent from the pass is rugged and dramatic, winding down through narrow trails and loose scree into the heart of the Tarap region. As the landscape opens, we follow the valley floor, eventually reaching the picturesque village of Tokyu Gaon which is one of the highest settlements in Dolpo.

We set up overnight camp near Tokyu at an altitude of 4, 209 meters, surrounded by stone houses and barley fields.

A gentle and scenic ensures in the morning, as we descend gradually through the broad Tarap Valley. The trail follows the river, winding past lush grasslands and seasonal marshes, with a peaceful and open landscape surrounding us.

After a relaxing walk, we arrive at Dho Tarap, a culturally rich settlement home to both Bon and Buddhist communities. The village offers insight into traditional Dolpo life, with stone houses, prayer flags, and ancient monasteries dotting the area.

Overnight stay in Dho Tarap, soaking in the tranquil beauty of this high-altitude valley.

Start descending from Dho Tarap, following the trail that gradually narrows into a dramatic gorge carved by the Tarap Chu River. The landscape shifts from wide open valley to a more rugged and intimate trail flanked by juniper trees and blooming wild rose bushes.

After several hours of trekking, we arrive at the serene confluence of the Lang Khola and Tarap Chu, where a grassy meadow known as Kamakharka makes for the perfect campsite.

Overnight camp at Tarap Khola, surrounded by nature’s stillness and the gentle sound of flowing water.

This Upper Dolpo trek gets adventurous today as we follow the deep gorge carved by the Tarap River. The path clings to cliff sides, dips into narrow canyons, and crosses the river multiple times over log bridges and rocky fords. The dramatic scenery, echoing river sounds, and occasional sightings of blue sheep or Himalayan birds make this a thrilling and immersive trekking day.

After a long but rewarding hike, we arrive at our campsite near Khanigaon, where we rest amidst the rugged beauty of Dolpo. Overnight camp near Khanigaon

Our Upper Dolpo trek begins this day by following a scenic trail that leads us to the charming Lalberi village. From here, we descend through lush forests and a dramatic gorge, where the sound of rushing water accompanies us.

As we follow the river downstream, the trail brings us to the colorful Tarakot village, perched above the Tarap Chu River. We set up camp about 150 meters below the village, close to the riverside.

Optional: For those with extra energy, a side trip to Sandul Gompa, located about 8 km east of Tarakot, offers a peaceful spiritual detour.

After breakfast, we begin our trek along a scenic trail that traces the Bheri River. Passing through Lawan village, we cross the river and gradually ascend through terraced landscapes and scattered settlements.

Continuing toward Byas Gadi, the path becomes easier as we follow the river westward. We eventually cross it again at Lochakhola Gaon, after which a final gentle climb brings us into Dunai, the district headquarters of Dolpa. Stay for the night in Dunai

We set out on the final day of our Upper Dolpo trek, taking in the peaceful surroundings one last time. The trail winds past Dhupichaur and Rugged villages, offering glimpses of rural life and an old hilltop temple along the way.

Continuing through Motipur and Karaganda villages, we eventually reach the Jhuphal airstrip, where our trekking journey comes to a close. Overnight stay in Jhuphal

After an early breakfast, we take a short flight from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj. From there, we catch a connecting flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

After 25 days of adventurous Upper Dolpo Trek, this will be your last day in Nepal. Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel before checking out. We’ll transfer you to the international airport approximately 2 hours before your flight.