Restricted Area - Dolpo Trek Tour

Dolpo, the mystic land, has plenty of Buddhist monasteries, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, the Kali Gandaki Gorge, and dense forests stretching toward the Tibetan Plateau. Trekking to this area offers a completely different experience, along with a unique culture. Dolpo is located inside the Shey-Phoksundo National Park of Midwestern Nepal, behind the Dhaulagiri massif, toward the Tibetan Plateau. Cut off by a series of very high passes, closed by snow most of the year, Dolpo remains a truly isolated corner of Nepal.

Time has stood still here for centuries as the inhabitants of Tibetan origin continue to live, cultivate, and trade the way they have done since time immemorial. The finely preserved ecosystem encompasses a wild and wonderful variety of plants and wildlife, including blue sheep and snow leopards. A trek through Dolpo is an experience not easily forgotten.

This trek follows the ancient trading route from India to Tibet up the Kali Gandaki Valley. It introduces trekkers to the pilgrimage site of Muktinath (3802 m).

Along the route, you experience a range of surroundings—from lowland village culture to the splendor of the high Himalayas. This trek provides spectacular views of two Himalayan giants, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri, and offers a glimpse of the Tibetan-like region north of Jomsom. It is also known as a pilgrimage trek for those who travel more for worship at Muktinath than for trekking.

This is indeed a classic trek that allows access to the high mountains of the Himalayas within a reasonable timeframe and without ascending to extreme altitudes. These two prominent trekking areas blend Hindu and Buddhist cultures beautifully amid scenic splendor in the lap of world-famous mountains.

TRIP FACTS:

Country: Nepal
Duration: 22 days
Area: Dolpo Region
Activities: Trekking
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Max. Altitude: 5,700 m
Seasons: March–May, September–November

DETAIL ITINERARY:

Day 01: Kathmandu to Nepalgunj:

Fly to Nepalgunj, a small town near the Indian border in the Terai region of Nepal, and stay overnight in this transit city.

Day 02: Flying from Nepalgunj to Juphal:

On the second day, we fly to Juphal from Nepalgunj and then trek from Juphal to Dunai. We will spend the night in Dunai.

Day 03: Dunai to Chekpa (2710 m):

Chekpa is today’s destination. We slowly ascend from Dunai after breakfast. Our guide will explain the history, culture, people, and mountains of the area during the trek.

Day 04: Chekpa to Renje (3010 m):

Renje is a wonderful village inhabited by Gurungs and Magars. Situated at 3010 m, the trail leading here is moderate. Along the way, you will enjoy scenic landscapes and views of white snow-capped mountains.

Day 05: Renje to Shey Phoksundo Lake (3700 m):

After breakfast, we ascend toward Shey Phoksundo Lake, the highlight of the trip. The Dolpo trekking area lies inside Phoksundo National Park, named after this lake. Tonight’s stay will be lakeside.

Day 06: Phoksundo Lake Rest/Explore (3700 m):

As noted earlier, this lake is the main attraction of the trek. One extra day is allocated for exploration. Walking slowly around the lake at 3700 m, surrounded by mountains, is a memorable experience.

Day 07: Phoksundo Lake to Mandala (4570 m):

Mandala is considered the best camping spot in this region. On the way, we pass through alpine forests, small rivers, hot springs, and other natural wonders.

Day 08: Mandala Camp to Kang La (5240 m), trek to Shey Gompa (4280 m):

After Mandala, we encounter a series of high passes. Today, we cross the first major pass, Kang La (5240 m). Afterward, we descend to Shey Gompa, where ancient Buddhist monasteries await.

Day 09: Shey Gompa to Saldang Pass (5010 m), trek to Namgung (4380 m):

Another high pass day. We wake up early to cross Saldang La (5010 m). After descending, we reach Namgung and camp overnight.

Day 10: Namgung to Yangar Gompa (3890 m):

After breakfast, we follow an undulating trail through forests and natural landscapes to reach Yangar Gompa, known for its monasteries and mountain views.

Day 11: Yangar Gompa to Musigaun (4270 m):

Musigaun is a high-altitude settlement situated at 4270 m. Normal lowland residents might experience altitude sickness here. We set up camp in this region.

Day 12: Rest Day at Musigaun (Explore):

Dolpo is a mystic land rich in natural and cultural heritage. Musigaun remains largely unexplored, making it an ideal place for rest and exploration.

Day 13: Musigaun to Lang La (5002 m), trek to Simegaun (3950 m):

Another pass day. We ascend to Lang La (5002 m) and then descend to Simegaun for the night.

Day 14: Simegaun to Tinjia (4150 m):

After breakfast, our guide leads you through forests and remote settlements toward Tinjia.

Day 15: Tinjia to Kaheng (4550 m):

We ascend toward Kaheng, where we set up camp. The trail, like most mountain routes, includes both ascents and descents.

Day 16: Kaheng to Chark Pass (5036 m), trek to Chark (4365 m):

Today we cross Chark Pass (5036 m). After the pass, we descend to the village of Chark for camping.

Day 17: Chark to Yak Kharka (4780 m):

Yak Kharka is a grazing area where you may see yaks feeding, adding to the region’s charm.

Day 18: Yak Kharka to Sangda Pass (5490 m), trek to Sangda Phedi (5110 m):

Sangda Pass is an important and relatively easier pass compared to the others on the Dolpo–Jomsom route. We camp at its base.

Day 19: Sangda Phedi to Sangda (3909 m):

After breakfast and some exploration, we trek to Sangda, passing scenic landscapes and cultural monuments.

Day 20: Sangda to Dangar Dzong (2900 m):

Sangda and Dangar Dzong are beautiful mountain villages. We are approaching Jomsom, the gateway for flights to Pokhara and Kathmandu.

Day 21: Dangar Dzong to Jomsom (2710 m):

After breakfast, we trek toward Jomsom, taking lunch along the way. Jomsom is a well-developed town with access to flights. We stay overnight here.

Day 22: Fly Jomsom to Pokhara, then Kathmandu:

Early morning flight to Pokhara, then onward to Kathmandu. Pokhara offers options for additional sightseeing if time permits. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel.

PRICE INCLUSIONS:

ACCOMMODATION:

1 night hotel in Nepalgunj

1 night in Jomsom

19 days camping/tea house

TRANSPORTATION:

Airport pick-up and drop-off

Domestic flights: Kathmandu–Nepalgunj–Kathmandu

Nepalgunj to Juphal

Jomsom to Pokhara

Pokhara to Kathmandu

TREKKING:

All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner with tea/coffee)

Accommodation in teahouses/camping

Sleeping bag/Camping equipment

Down jackets

Special trekking permits

English-speaking guide

Porter

All necessities for Nepali staff (meals, accommodation, equipment, salary, insurance, etc.)

MEALS:

21 breakfasts

21 lunches

21 dinners

PRICE EXCLUSIONS:

Any bar bills (mineral water, Coke, beer, etc.)

Personal clothing

Personal expenses

Emergency rescue charges

Any unforeseen expenses