Upper Dolpo Circuit Trek-29 Days

It’s the day to prepare for the Dolpo special permit and arrange all necessary items for the upcoming trip. You can utilize this day by exploring Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, or Durbar Square, or you can simply take rest in your hotel to recover from jet lag before the adventure begins.

You can enjoy your free time until midday, then we will take a late afternoon flight to Nepalgunj. The journey covers 365 km in about 45–50 minutes. Upon arrival, we will check in at Hotel Star (or similar accommodation).

Nepalgunj lies in the flatland region known as the Tarai, at just 150 m above sea level. It’s a bustling city, perfect for you to go on an evening walk to soak in local life. The late afternoon flight is especially useful if permits need to be finalized the same day — for example, if guests arrive on a public holiday or if there are technical delays in processing.

Take an early morning flight from Nepalgunj (150 m) to Juphal (2,475 m), a scenic journey of about 35–45 minutes with stunning Himalayan views. From Juphal, begin trekking toward Rupgad (2,070 m), where you’ll camp overnight. Flights usually operate in the morning, but schedules depend heavily on local Himalayan weather. If flights are canceled, an overland jeep drive is the backup option, taking 12–13 hours. Most of the road is good, though some sections are off-road and bumpy to Rupgad and Dunai in Dolpo.

This stage is not a big day but perfectly suited as the first trekking day. The trail begins with a pleasant walk along the Thuli Bheri River for a short distance before crossing a suspension bridge into the Phoksundo valley. From here, the route follows the Phoksundo Khola to Sulighat, then continues past the Kageni riverside and Raktang. The journey ends at Shyanta, a fantastic spot to enjoy the scenery and settle into the rhythm of the trek.

The trek from Shyanta to Rechi is a beautiful day’s journey through natural heritage landscapes. The trail passes Chhepka village and Yak Kharka, following the Phoksundo Khola while crossing several wooden and steel bridges. Much of the walk is through lush jungle along a well-managed trekking trail. This section is more of a gorge walk, so it doesn’t offer wide open valley views, but it provides plenty of opportunities for fun, photography, and enjoying the forest atmosphere. The path involves gradual ascents and descents, but nothing too strenuous, making it a pleasant and engaging day.

Embark on a scenic trek from Rechi along the Phoksundo Khola, where the trail leads to the enchanting Ringmo village. The journey is highlighted by a breathtaking waterfall cascading from the turquoise waters of Phoksundo Lake, one of Nepal’s most spectacular natural wonders.

Along the way, you’ll pass through Chunuwar village, a central hub connecting many surrounding settlements such as Polam, Ringmo, Rike, Maduwa, Pungmo, Khyaru, and Rechi. Chunuwar serves as the valley’s local headquarters, home to a hospital, school, and community houses that support the region’s daily life.

At Ringmo, travelers are welcomed by comfortable hotels and lodges, making it an ideal resting place. The village offers a vibrant cultural experience with traditional farming practices, lively community activities, and the serene presence of the Bon monastery. The highlight of the trip is the mesmerizing view of Phoksundo Lake, shimmering in incredible shades of blue and green, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and forests.

Today is a free day to relax and explore the surroundings of Ringmo village. Nestled beside the shimmering Phoksundo Lake, Ringmo offers travelers a peaceful retreat with a comfortable stay. The village is alive with cultural charm — traditional farming practices, warm community life, and the spiritual presence of the Bon monastery enrich the atmosphere.

Spend time wandering through the village, meeting locals, or simply soaking in the incredible views of Phoksundo Lake, its waters glowing in shades of turquoise and emerald, framed by dramatic cliffs and lush forests. This is a day to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in the natural and cultural beauty of Ringmo.

This day’s trek from Ringmo village to Sallaghari Camp is a pure natural experience. The trail offers sweeping views of the entire Phoksundo Lake, surrounded by white snow-capped mountains and diverse valleys. It’s a rewarding day to immerse yourself in the pristine beauty of Dolpo’s landscapes.

Gentle walk along the Phoksundo Khola to Khola Camp, then a gradual uphill climb toward Phulbari. Riverside paths, lush valley views, and striking mountain panoramas. A pleasant day’s trek with an easy ascent after lunch, rewarding trekkers with sweeping vistas of the valley below. Phulbari Camp — a beautiful riverside campsite, perfect for rest and reflection.

The day begins with a steady climb from Kangla High Camp to the summit of Kangla Pass at 5,120m. The ascent is gradual but demanding, rewarded by breathtaking views of the Dolpo valleys and the snowcapped peaks of the Himalayas. From the pass, the trail descends into a wide valley, following a scenic route down toward Shey Gaon. The descent is long but gentle, with dramatic landscapes unfolding along the way. By late afternoon, trekkers arrive at Shey Gaon — the spiritual heart of Dolpo — where the monastery and surrounding settlement provide a serene overnight stop.

This is a 6–7 hour trekking day that begins with exploration of Shey Gompa, an 800-year-old monastery rich in myth and history, famously described in The Snow Leopard and featured in Eric Valli’s Caravan. After visiting the monastery and learning about the legends of Crystal Mountain, the trail follows the Sephu Khola for about two hours through striking Dolpo landscapes. A steady two-hour ascent leads to the top of Shey La, offering magnificent views of Mustag, Tibet, Kanjirowa, Kagmara, and Crystal Mountain.

This 4–5 hour trek begins with exploration of Namgung Monastery, beautifully perched on a high cliff. The trail then follows the Namga Khola, passing summer herding settlements along the way. The route leads into Saldang, a striking village set amidst dry hills and surrounded by dramatic landscapes. Saldang is not only picturesque but also culturally rich, known for its flourishing Buddhist traditions and the ancient Amchi medical practice. The day offers both scenic beauty and cultural immersion, with time to explore the village and interact with locals.

After an early breakfast, we hike to Yanjer, the richest monastery in the region. The day is dedicated to exploring this important spiritual site, with time to admire its treasures and learn about its cultural significance. Packed lunch is enjoyed during the exploration. In the afternoon, we return to the Saldang campsite for the overnight stay.

After breakfast, the trek follows the Saldang Lek along the Rapyha Khola. The route ascends gradually to about 4,500m, offering expansive views of the surrounding Dolpo landscape. From the summit, the trail descends toward Komash village, a settlement reminiscent of traditional Tibetan villages with its dry terrain and clustered houses. The walk takes around 6 hours, blending high-altitude scenery with cultural immersion upon arrival in Komash.

This 4–5 hour walk takes you through highland desert terrain dotted with shrub-like vegetation. Along the way, you’ll pass several small villages and may even encounter rare wildlife such as blue sheep or, with luck, the elusive snow leopard. The trails are comfortable and not particularly difficult, making for a pleasant day of trekking through Dolpo’s unique landscapes.

This 5–6 hour trek follows the trails along the Panjyang Khola, passing through charming villages and monasteries that showcase Dolpo’s cultural richness. The route leads into Tinje, a beautiful valley notable for its natural airstrip where a British aircraft once landed and took off. The day concludes with camping at Tinje village, surrounded by striking landscapes and traditional settlement life.

This 5–6 hour walk follows the Panjyan River, passing through the small settlement of Chhamdang. After walking along the riverbank for a while, the trail reaches the confluence of Chholtam Khola and Panjyan Khola. Crossing a bridge over the Thalum Khola, the route opens into a wide grazing ground used for yaks and sheep, known locally as Yak Kharka (Phat). The day blends riverside walking with pastoral highland scenery, offering a peaceful approach to the grazing pastures.

This 5–6 hour trek begins by crossing a bridge over the Sulun Khola, leading to the ascent of Choila North Pass at 5,040m. The climb takes about two hours and is one of the more challenging sections of the journey, but the effort is rewarded with stunning views from the top, including a clear sight of Tokyu camp below. From the pass, the trail descends steadily into the valley, eventually reaching Tokyu, where the campsite is set for the night.

This is a short trek day of about 1.5 hours, allowing time to rest and explore the vibrant village of Dho Tarap. The settlement is beautifully decorated with colorful Buddhist prayer flags, chortens, mani walls, and monasteries. Fields of wheat, buckwheat, barley, potatoes, and other crops add charm to the valley. The village is culturally rich, with traditions resembling Tibetan Khampas — men with ponytails and red tassels, and women adorned with musk deer’s teeth necklaces. Dho Tarap is famously depicted in Eric Valli’s Caravan movie. Visitors can enjoy cultural programs with traditional Tibetan dance and songs, as well as explore monasteries such as Ribo Bumpa, Drakmar Dewa, Mekhyim, and Dhoro.

This 6–7 hour trek follows a mostly flat trail leading to the confluence of Tarap Khola and Mirubabane Khola. After crossing a bridge over the Klang Khola at Langa Camp, the route continues along the Tarap Khola, offering magnificent views of Dolpo’s rugged landscapes. Along the way, you’ll pass through picturesque settlements such as Sisaul, Gyamghar, and Toltol. The day concludes at Naworpani, where the campsite is set amidst the serene riverside surroundings.

This 6-hour trek follows the Tarap Khola, where green forests begin to appear as the landscape changes. The trail ascends to Lamchaur, high above the river, offering sweeping views of the valley. After crossing Lahini Odar, the path descends toward Chhedhul Gompa, a serene monastery along the way. Continuing along the Tarap Khola, the trek concludes at Laisicap, where the campsite is set for the night.

This 6–7 hour trek follows green landscapes above the Thuli Bheri River, leading toward the village of Tarakot. Along the way, the trail passes through Lawan and Byasgad, offering glimpses of cultivated terraced fields and forested areas. After reaching Tarakot, a small bridge over a stream marks the entry into the settlement. The journey then continues to the final destination, Dunai, where the group celebrates the completion of the trek with a last-day gathering.

This last day of the trek takes about 3 hours. The trail follows the Bheri River until reaching Kalagauda, offering gentle riverside walking. From there, a short ascent leads up to Juphal, marking the end of the Upper Dolpo journey. It’s a rewarding conclusion, with time to reflect on the adventure before departure.

Flights between Juphal and Nepalgunj operate in the morning. It is a free day in Nepalganj, and stay there overnight at the hotel.

Nepalganj - Kathmandu fly return to by flight during day and transfer to hotel.

It's day departure to home. It depends on your international flight time; we arrange transportation to airport. The hotel check out time is 12:30 AM.