Upper Dolpo Trek Itinerary -23 Days

The Upper Dolpo Trek is one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally captivating adventures, taking trekkers deep into the wild landscapes of western Nepal. This 24-day Upper Dolpo trekking itinerary follows ancient trade routes through rugged valleys, sacred monasteries, and the turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake. Crossing high mountain passes like Kang-La and Jeng-La, the journey reveals breathtaking Himalayan panoramas and the timeless Tibetan-influenced culture of Shey Gompa, Saldang, and Dho Tarap. Perfect for trekkers seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience, this challenging expedition offers pristine natural beauty, untouched culture, and the spirit of true wilderness trekking in Nepal.

  • Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu (1,330m / 4,363ft)

    Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you’ll be greeted by a representative and transferred to your hotel. After a long flight, you can relax and recover from jet lag. Later in the evening, there will be a short briefing about the upcoming trek, introduction to your trekking guide, and a discussion on equipment and permits. Overnight in Kathmandu.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Kathmandu
    • Altitude: (1,330m / 4,363ft)
  • Day 02 Kathmandu – Preparation Day and Special Permit Processing

    Today is reserved for preparing and obtaining the special restricted area permits required for Upper Dolpo. You can use this day to make final gear checks, buy or rent any missing trekking items, and explore nearby attractions like Swayambhunath or Thamel’s lively streets. Overnight in Kathmandu.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Kathmandu
    • Altitude: (1,330m / 4,363ft)
  • Day 03 Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj (150m / 492ft)

    Take a scenic one-hour flight to Nepalgunj, a bustling town in the Terai region near the Indian border. The flight offers contrasting views—from the Himalayas to the southern plains. Nepalgunj is warmer and more humid compared to Kathmandu. Spend the evening exploring the colorful local bazaar and preparing for your mountain flight tomorrow. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Nepalgunj
    • Altitude: (150m / 492ft)
  • Day 04 Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal (2,475m / 8,120ft) and Trek to Dunai (2,140m / 7,020ft)

    Early morning, take a short but dramatic mountain fliThe last day of your trek to Upper Dolpo has arrived. On this day, finally, you'll fly back to your home. Never Less, there are many other trekking destinations in Nepal if you would like to continue your hiking. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any worries.

    Happy Trekking !!!ght to Juphal, the gateway to Dolpo. After meeting the local trekking crew, begin your first trek along the Bheri River through terraced fields and small villages. The path is easy-going and follows a scenic river valley, eventually reaching Dunai, the administrative headquarters of Dolpa District. Overnight in Dunai.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Dunai
    • Altitude: (2,140m / 7,020ft)
  • Day 05 Trek from Dunai to Chhepka (2,630m / 8,628ft) – 6 hours

    Leaving Dunai, the trail enters Shey Phoksundo National Park, Nepal’s largest national park. You’ll follow the Suli Gad River, crossing several suspension bridges and passing through small settlements surrounded by pine forests. The walk is gradual with occasional ascents as you reach the charming village of Chhepka. Overnight in Chhepka.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Chhekpa
    • Altitude: (2,630m / 8,628ft)
  • Day 06 Trek from Chhepka to Lama School (2,838m / 9,311ft)

    Today’s trail passes through dense forests of fir and cedar with occasional glimpses of snow-capped peaks. You’ll follow the Phoksundo River upstream and cross several wooden bridges. The route is peaceful and shaded, eventually reaching Lama School, a small settlement used by local herders. Overnight in Lama School.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Lama school
    • Altitude: (2,838m / 9,311ft
  • Day 07 Trek from Lama School to Phoksundo Lake (3,620m / 11,877ft)

    The day begins with a gradual climb through birch and pine forests before the trail opens into the stunning valley of Ringmo. You’ll witness the dramatic 167-meter high Phoksundo Waterfall, Nepal’s highest waterfall, before reaching Phoksundo Lake—a mesmerizing turquoise-blue lake surrounded by rocky cliffs. Overnight beside Phoksundo Lake.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Ringmo
    • Altitude: (3,620m / 11,877ft)
  • Day 08 Exploration Day around Phoksundo Lake (3,620m / 11,877ft)

    Spend a restful day exploring the surroundings of Phoksundo Lake and the traditional Ringmo Village, a beautiful Bon Buddhist settlement. Visit the ancient Tshowa Gompa (Bon Monastery) perched on a ridge above the lake. The day offers time for acclimatization and photography of the pristine landscapes and turquoise reflections of the lake. Overnight at Phoksundo.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Ringmo
    • Altitude: (3,620m / 11,877ft)
  • Day 09 Trek from Phoksundo to Salla Ghari (3,640m / 11,942ft)

    The trail today winds along rocky cliffs above the Phoksundo River, offering breathtaking views of the lake and the snow-covered peaks. The vegetation becomes sparser as you head deeper into the arid valleys of Upper Dolpo. You’ll reach Salla Ghari, a picturesque campsite surrounded by tall pine trees. Overnight in Salla Ghari.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Salla Ghari
    • Altitude: (3,640m / 11,942ft)
  • Day 10 Trek from Salla Ghari to Lar Tsa (4,120m / 13,517ft)

    This section takes you through high alpine terrain, with open meadows and narrow gorges. The trail ascends gradually to Lar Tsa, a beautiful grassy campsite where the air starts to feel thinner. You’ll begin to notice a change in landscape as the lush greenery gives way to barren slopes and rugged cliffs. Overnight in Lar Tsa.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Lar Tas
    • Altitude: (4,120m / 13,517ft)
  • Day 11 Trek from Lar Tsa to Shey Gompa (4,320m / 14,173ft)

    Today’s journey is one of the highlights of the trek. You’ll cross the Kang-La Pass (5,360m / 17,585ft), a challenging but rewarding ascent. From the top, the panorama of the Dolpo region and the Crystal Mountain is truly unforgettable. Descending carefully, you’ll reach Shey Gompa, one of Dolpo’s oldest and most sacred monasteries. Overnight near Shey Gompa.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Shey Gumpa
    • Altitude: (4,320m / 14,173ft)
  • Day 12 Rest and Exploration at Shey Gompa (4,320m / 14,173ft)

    Take a well-deserved rest day and explore Shey Gompa and its surroundings. The monastery, believed to be over 800 years old, is the spiritual heart of Dolpo. You can hike around the Crystal Mountain (Shey Rinpoche Ri), revered by locals as sacred, or simply relax and absorb the serenity of this ancient land. Overnight in Shey Gompa.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Shey Gumpa
    • Altitude: (4,320m / 14,173ft)
  • Day 13 Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung (4,430m / 14,534ft)

    After breakfast, cross the Shey La Pass (5,010m / 16,437ft). The trail offers magnificent views of the arid Dolpo landscape. Descend gradually into the Namgung Valley, where you’ll find the Namgung Monastery, built high against a cliff wall. Overnight in Namgung.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Namgung
    • Altitude: (4,430m / 14,534ft)
  • Day 14 Trek from Namgung to Saldang (4,046m / 13,274ft)

    Today’s route follows a high trail with gentle ups and downs before descending into the large and prosperous Saldang Village. This is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich villages in Upper Dolpo, home to ancient monasteries and traditional Tibetan homes. Overnight in Saldang.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Saldang
    • Altitude: (4,046m / 13,274ft)
  • Day 15 Trek from Saldang to Sibu (4,000m / 13,123ft)

    Continue your journey along the Namga Khola, passing through small settlements and mani walls. You’ll often see herds of yaks and blue sheep grazing nearby. The trail leads you to Sibu, a small settlement surrounded by wide yak pastures. Overnight in Sibu.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Sibu
    • Altitude: (4,000m / 13,123ft)
  • Day 16 Trek from Sibu to Foot of the Jeng-La (4,480m / 14,698ft)

    Gradually ascend towards the base of Jeng-La Pass, surrounded by sweeping alpine meadows and rugged mountain ridges. The campsite here offers a spectacular night sky due to the region’s remoteness and lack of light pollution. Overnight at Jeng-La Base.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Foot of the jungle
    • Altitude: (4,480m / 14,698ft)
  • Day 17 Cross Jeng-La Pass (5,090m / 16,699ft) and Trek to Tokyu Gaon (4,240m / 13,910ft)

    An early start is essential today to cross Jeng-La Pass, one of the most challenging sections of the trek. The climb is steep but rewarding with panoramic views of the Dhaulagiri and Tibet Plateau. After a careful descent, you’ll reach Tokyu Gaon, one of the highest permanent settlements in the region. Overnight in Tokyu Gaon.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Tokyo Goan
    • Altitude: (4,240m / 13,910ft)
  • Day 18 Trek from Tokyu Gaon to Dho Tarap (4,200m / 13,779ft)

    A short and easy trek today takes you to Dho Tarap, a culturally rich village that beautifully blends Tibetan and Bon traditions. The locals are friendly and still practice age-old customs. Visit nearby monasteries or simply explore village life. Overnight in Dho Tarap.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Do Tarap[
    • Altitude: (4,200m / 13,779ft)
  • Day 19 Trek from Dho Tarap to Serkam (3,623m / 11,886ft)

    The trail descends through the stunning Tarap Valley, following the Tarap Khola River. You’ll pass through deep gorges, narrow canyons, and hanging cliffs, creating an adventurous day of hiking. Overnight in Serkam.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Serkam
    • Altitude: (3,623m / 11,886ft)
  • Day 20 Trek from Serkam to Tarakot (2,280m / 7,480ft)

    Continue descending through terraced fields and pine forests as the air grows warmer and thicker. You’ll arrive at Tarakot, a historic town that once served as a fortress during the Malla period. The area is dotted with monasteries and ancient ruins. Overnight in Tarakot.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Tarakot
    • Altitude: (2,280m / 7,480ft)
  • Day 21 Trek from Tarakot to Dunai (2,109m / 6,919ft)

    Follow the Bheri River downstream through lush landscapes and small villages. The trek back to Dunai is pleasant and relatively easy compared to the upper sections. Overnight in Dunai.

    • Meals: Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)
    • Place: Dunai
    • Altitude: (2,109m / 6,919ft)
  • Day 22 Trek from Dunai to Juphal (2,404m / 7,887ft)

    A short final trek retracing your earlier path brings you back to Juphal, the starting point of your adventure. This marks the end of the trekking portion of your journey. Overnight in Juphal.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Lodge(tea house)/ Tent camp
    • Place: Jufal
    • Altitude: (2,404m / 7,887ft)
  • Day 23 Fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj, then to Kathmandu (1,330m / 4,363ft)

    Take an early morning flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj and connect to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing, shopping, or celebrating your successful completion of the Upper Dolpo Trek. Overnight in Kathmandu.

    • Meals: Breakfast
    • Accommodation: Hotel
    • Place: Kathmandu
    • Altitude: (1,330m / 4,363ft)
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