Discover the untouched beauty of Upper Dolpo, a region known as the forgotten land, with Chamlang Expeditions. Priced at USD 3100, our trekking package allows you to delve into the rugged terrain adorned with Tibetan culture and lifestyle. Upper Dolpo serves as a different world, nestled in the distant corner of West Northern Nepal, between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri range. The nomads native to Tibet have settled in this region, establishing their religion and practices of life, following Tibetan Buddhism and Bon. The major attractions of the trek include Shey Gompa and Thasung Gompa, located adjacent to the mesmerizing Phoksundo Lake within Shey-Phoksundo National Park, the largest national park in Nepal. At Chamlang Expeditions, we offer the most reasonable Upper Dolpo trekking cost, along with timely updated Upper Dolpo trekking map and a flexible Upper Dolpo Trekking Itinerary focused on client satisfaction. We also offer trekking packages to Shey Gompa Dolpo and Phoksundo Lake, spanning an area of 4.94km².
The Upper Dolpo region, with its unique topography, is often regarded as a different world. This remote and less explored trekking destination takes you through a mystic wilderness of barren land. The trek is strenuous and physically challenging, requiring memorable camping experiences amidst forested and barren ridges, rustic settlements, and scenic valleys. Along the way, you’ll encounter Tibetan Gompas, diverse alpine flora and fauna, and a crystal-clear view of the Kanjirowa mountain range. Upper Dolpo was discovered approximately 1700 years ago by a Rimpoche who was on a spiritual quest. For centuries, this hidden land remained untouched until it was introduced as a trekking destination in 1989. Since then, it has become a popular choice for global travelers seeking spiritual tourism in the far-flung lands of Nepal.
Phoksundo National Park, spanning 3555km², opens a door to a world of diverse wildlife, including grey wolves, snow leopards, musk deer, blue sheep, gorals, Tibetan sheep, jackals, black bears, Himalayan tahrs, and more. The park is also home to a rich variety of plant species, such as caragana, juniper, shrubs, salix, white Himalayan birch, silver fir, rhododendron, hemlock, spruce, cedar, cordyceps, Artemisia, Paris Polyphilla, Swertia, poplar, pine, and mountain bamboo. Dolpo, isolated and untouched by the convolution of the modern world, boasts the 800-year-old Shey Gompa and Nepal’s deepest lake, Phoksundo Lake (145m), a mesmerizing oligotrophic lake with otherworldly natural charisma. Upper Dolpo is a land of peace and tranquility, offering an escape to a world beyond our own.
Trail Description:
The Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa Trekking, spanning 26 days, begins with a brief sightseeing tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu (1400m). From there, we take a flight to Nepalgunj (150m) and then another flight to Juphal (2499m) as there are no direct flights from Kathmandu to Juphal. The trek starts from Juphal and passes through Sulighat (2050m), Chhepka (2970m), Samduwa (3085m), Ringmo (3660m), and Phoksundo Lake (3600m), where an acclimatization day is included. Continuing the journey, we cross Kang La (5350m), Shey Gompa (4370m), Shey La (5100m), Namgung (4415m), Saldang (4070m), Sibu (4150m), Jeng La (5110m), Tokyu (4160m), Dho Tarap (4020m), Shim Ora (3647m), Kanigaon (2620m), Dunai (2090m), and finally reach Juphal (2499m), where the trek formally concludes.
Choose Chamlang Expeditions for an unforgettable adventure through Upper Dolpo and Shey Gompa.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Day 2: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj
Day 3: Early start for the flight to Juphal where we begin our trek to Sulighat (2050m). 3 hrs trek
Day 4: Trek from Sulighat to Chepka (2970m), crossing the Anke Khola river. 7 hrs trek
Day 5: Ascend the gorge to Samduwa (3085m) via the small viilage at Renje. 7 hrs trek
Day 6: Trek to Ringmo and on to Phoksumdo Lake (3600m). 7 hrs trek
Day 7: Vital acclimatization day at Phoksumdo Lake.
Day 8: Trek the lakeside trail and ascend ridge to a campsite beyond the northern shore. 8 hrs trek
Day 9: Trek in Peter Matthiesson’s footsteps to Snowfields Camp (4650m) at the foot of the Kang La. 6 hrs trek
Day 10: Cross the Kang La (5350m) into Inner Dolpo and Shey Gompa (4370m). 8 hrs trek
Day 11: A day for rest and exploration at Shey Gompa.
Day 12: Traverse the Shey La (5100m) to the pastures at Namgung (4415m). 8 hrs trek
Day 13: Trek to Saldang (4070m) close to the Tibetan border. 3 hrs trek
Day 14: Trek to Sibu (4150m), passing the monasteries at Samdo. 6 hrs trek
Day 15: Ascend to the pastures below the Jeng La. 8 hrs trek
Day 16: Cross the Jeng La (5110m). Views of Dhaulagiri. Descend to Tokyu (4160m). 7 hrs trek
Day 17: Trek down the Tarap Valley to Dho Tarap (4020m). 8 hrs trek
Day 18: Contingency day for possible delays.
Day 19: Trek through blue sheep grazing areas to Shim Ora (3647m). 7 hrs trek
Day 20: Trek through the gorges of the Tarap Chu and descend to Kanigaon (2620m). 7 hrs trek
Day 21: Trek to Tarakot from where there is the option to visit the fortified settlement at Gumba Tera. 6 hrs trek
Day 22: Follow the Barbung Khola to Dunai (2090m). 6 hrs trek
Day 23: Trek to the airstrip at Juphal. 4 hrs trek
Day 24: Fly from Juphal via Nepalgunj to Kathmandu.
Day 25: A free day in Kathmandu which can also be used as contingency.
Day 26: Final Departure from Kathmandu
