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26 DAYS

Upper & Lower Dolpo Trek

  • OVERVIEW
  • HIGHLIGHTS
  • ITINERARY

Trip Overview

The Upper & Lower Dolpo Trek leads adventurers into one of Nepal’s most remote and mystical regions, perched above the Tibetan plateau. Trekkers traverse high passes, sacred lakes, and ancient monasteries, passing isolated villages where Tibetan-Bon culture flourishes. The journey offers panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Kanjiroba, and surrounding Himalayan peaks, while experiencing timeless traditions in villages like Lo Monthang, Ringmo, and Dho Tarap. Nights are spent in serene meadows and tented camps, allowing immersion in the wilderness. This challenging trek rewards trekkers with spiritual encounters, cultural insight, and pristine high-altitude landscapes, largely untouched by tourism.

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Upper & Lower Dolpo Trek Highlights

REGION
Dolpo (Upper & Lower)
MAX ALTITUDE
5,650 m (Kanji La Pass, Upper Dolpo)
ACTIVITY
Trek
DIFFICULTY
Moderate to Strenuous
GROUP SIZE
2-10
  •     
    Remote Upper & Lower Dolpo with Kanji La Pass (5,650 m)

        
    Authentic Tibetan-Bon culture in Lo Monthang, Dho Tarap, Ringmo, and Phoksundo

        
    Panoramic views of Dhaulagiri, Kanjiroba, and surrounding peaks

        
    Sacred lakes, caves, monasteries, and ritual sites

        
    Pristine wilderness and high-altitude landscapes untouched by tourism

        
    Fully camping trek under open Himalayan skies

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu [1,350 m / 4,429 ft.]
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will greet you and escort you to your hotel. This day allows you to settle in and recover from your international flight. Optional light walk around Thamel or enjoy a Nepali dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 2Permit Preparation & Briefing in Kathmandu [1,350 m / 4,429 ft.]
Day reserved for obtaining Special Area Permit for Upper & Lower Dolpo. While permits are being processed, explore nearby UNESCO heritage sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) and Patan Durbar Square. Attend a pre-trek briefing and prepare gear. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 3Fly Kathmandu to Nepalgunj [150 m / 492 ft., 1-hour flight]
Morning flight to Nepalgunj, a lowland city near the Indian border. Check in at Hotel Batika. Explore colorful markets, temples, and neighborhoods reflecting Hindu-Muslim cohabitation. Overnight at hotel.
Day 4Fly Nepalgunj to Juphal & Trek to Dunai [2,150 m / 7,053 ft., 3–4 hrs, 10 km]
Take a morning flight to Juphal airstrip. Begin trek with a gentle descent through terraced fields and cross the Bheri River. Reach Dunai, Dolpa district headquarters with basic infrastructure. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 5Dunai to Tarakot [2,550 m / 8,366 ft., 5–6 hrs, 10 km]
Follow the trail along Bheri River, passing canyons, pine-covered hills, and hanging bridges. Reach historic Tarakot village, once a fortress. Visit hillside monastery. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 6Tarakot to Lahini Kharka [3,450 m / 11,318 ft., 4–5 hrs]
Trail continues upstream along Tarap Chu River through narrow gorges and forests. Arrive at Lahini Kharka, grazing area near sacred cave Lahini Odar. Camp amidst peaceful meadows. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 7Lahini Kharka to Thulo Odar [3,550 m / 11,647 ft., 4–5 hrs]
Gentle walk through highland pastures and narrow ridgelines. Thulo Odar (“big cave”) is often used by herders. Enjoy the isolation and serenity. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 8Thulo Odar to Dho Tarap [4,050 m / 13,288 ft., 5–6 hrs]
Ascend through juniper scrub and barren valleys. Reach Dho Tarap, a village blending Bon and Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Pass chortens, prayer walls, and stone houses. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 9Acclimatization Day at Dho Tarap [4,050 m / 13,288 ft.]
Full rest day for acclimatization. Explore local monasteries, interact with villagers, and observe traditional attire and lifestyle. Optional short acclimatization hikes. Overnight at camp.
Day 10Dho Tarap to Ringmo [4,100 m / 13,451 ft., 6–7 hrs, 14 km]
Trek through Sangda La valley, passing yak grazing lands and remote settlements. Reach Ringmo village beside sacred Phoksundo Lake. Experience Bon religious symbols and local traditions. Overnight camping by the lakeside.
Day 11Ringmo to Shey Gompa [4,200 m / 13,780 ft., 5–6 hrs, 12 km]
Hike through alpine meadows and valleys to Shey Gompa monastery, a spiritual center for the Bon religion. Observe prayer rituals and local architecture. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 12Shey Gompa to Pungmo [4,400 m / 14,436 ft., 6 hrs, 15 km]
Continue trekking through remote valleys and yak pastures. Pungmo is a small settlement known for its traditional lifestyle and scenic surroundings. Overnight camping.
Day 13Pungmo to Kanji La Base Camp [4,900 m / 16,076 ft., 6–7 hrs, 14 km]
Trek gradually ascending towards Kanji La Base Camp. Stunning high-altitude landscapes with snow-capped peaks appear. Camp under dramatic alpine scenery. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 14Kanji La Pass (5,650 m) to Tangya [4,300 m / 14,108 ft., 7–8 hrs, 16 km]
Early start for the challenging Kanji La Pass crossing. Enjoy panoramic Himalayan views including Dhaulagiri and Kanji Himal. Descend to Tangya alpine meadows. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 15Tangya to Tripurakot [4,150 m / 13,615 ft., 5–6 hrs, 13 km]
Hike along high-altitude valleys and ridges, passing remote Bon villages. Tripurakot provides lush grazing areas and quiet camping spots. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 16Tripurakot to Lo Monthang [3,800 m / 12,467 ft., 5–6 hrs, 15 km]
Reach the walled capital of Upper Dolpo. Explore Lo Monthang’s monasteries, royal palace, and local Tibetan-style houses. Engage with local culture. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 17Exploration Day in Lo Monthang [3,800 m / 12,467 ft.]
Full day to explore Lo Monthang and nearby villages such as Chhuksang and Gyakar. Visit ancient monasteries, interact with locals, and enjoy the Tibetan plateau scenery. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 18Lo Monthang to Chhuksang [3,600 m / 11,811 ft., 5–6 hrs, 12 km]
Descend through picturesque villages and valleys. Witness terraced fields and grazing lands. Overnight camping.
Day 19Chhuksang to Phoksundo Lake [3,730 m / 12,238 ft., 7–8 hrs, 20 km]
Rejoin the Lower Dolpo route via Ringmo village. Pass alpine forests and cliffs. Arrive at the mesmerizing turquoise Phoksundo Lake. Overnight lakeside tented camp.
Day 20Exploration Day at Phoksundo Lake [3,730 m / 12,238 ft.]
Explore the area, visit Bon monastery, and hike to higher viewpoints. Observe traditional village life at Ringmo. Overnight at camp.
Day 21Phoksundo Lake to Chhepka [2,670 m / 8,760 ft., 6–7 hrs, 18 km]
Descend through pine and oak forests, waterfalls, and small settlements like Chunuwar and Rechi. Overnight in tented camp.
Day 22Chhepka to Juphal [2,499 m / 8,198 ft., 6–7 hrs, 18 km]
Final trekking day through forests and meadows. Pass villages such as Shyangta and Kageni. Celebrate with trekking team upon arrival. Overnight in tented camp or local lodge.
Day 23Fly Juphal to Nepalgunj [150 m / 492 ft., 35 min]
Relax at hotel or explore local surroundings. Overnight at hotel.
Day 24Fly Nepalgunj to Kathmandu [1,350 m / 4,429 ft., 1 hr]
Transfer to hotel. Free day for sightseeing (Boudhanath, Pashupatinath) or shopping. Overnight at hotel.
Day 25Contingency/Leisure Day in Kathmandu [1,350 m / 4,429 ft.]
Buffer for flight delays or optional guided city tour. Overnight at hotel.
Day 26Final Departure
Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure. Memories of remote valleys, sacred lakes, and timeless cultures will stay with you forever. Namaste and safe travels
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Rajani Kapali
Tour Manager
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