Upper Mustang to Upper Dolpo Camping Trek via Ghami-La Pass (Bhanjyang) 32 Days
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Upper Mustang to Upper Dolpo Camping Trek via Ghami-La Pass (Bhanjyang) 32 Days

Days: 32 / Difficulty: 4 of 5 (Strenuous)
Min Group Size: 2 / Max Group Size: 8

Our fascination for the unknown and the ability to explore the undiscovered have given us access to almost every corner of the world. One of the few regions which could escape foreigners was Mustang, a Buddhist kingdom in the Himalayas. Only a handful of Westerners had visited the area in western Nepal before it was opened to tourism in 1992. They brought back reports of a culturally highly developed, thriving medieval society and a landscape almost beyond description. It lies north of the two 8'000 meter peaks Annapurna I and Dhaulagiri I. The arid place with snow-capped mountains and barren hills reaches deep inside the vast Tibetan plateau. Cold winds sweep through narrow canyons and over plains. Erosion has left its marks in bizarre rock formations. Yet humans have lived in this hostile environment for centuries. They have built their settlements along rivers and creeks, the villages of whitewashed houses appear like oases in a huge desert. People work as farmers on their fields, sowing and harvesting barley and potatoes, and driving cattle to relatively fertile meadows. High up in vertical cliffs are inaccessible caves where people dwelled two thousand years ago. Much later the region came under the influence of the Tibetan Yarlung dynasty. In the 15th century the independent kingdom of Lo was founded by Ame Pal, whose invitation of the famous Buddhist scholar Ngorchen Künga Zangpo led to a cultural zenith never to be reached again in the following centuries. It was probably thanks to its remoteness that even in later times of conquest Mustang was granted large autonomy. The destruction of their culture and religion could be averted but the Hindu culture and tourism are definitely a threat these days. Only in 1950 was it officially declared part of Nepal. The years following the Chinese invasion of Tibet proved to be the most difficult ones in Mustang’s history. Large numbers of Tibetan freedom fighters set up their camps and attacked the nearby Chinese troops, putting Nepal in a delicate situation. In the 1970 the Dalai Lama asked the guerillas to stop their fighting, the Nepalese government arrested and sentenced some of the leaders. It takes some effort to discover the scenic and cultural beauties and mysteries of such an area. Our plan is to follow the Kali Gandaki from Jomsom northwards for two days, then taking the west route to the capital Lo-Manthang and from there back to Jomsom over the holy site Muktinath. Upper Mustang consists of two distinct regions: the southern part and the northern where the languages, culture and traditions are alike to those of the Tibetan people. This area is consider as one of the most interesting and picturesque places in Nepal. The whole area has an isolated and mystical feel to it, enchanting and inspiring visitors to this region. The trek to Lo-Manthang is through high altitude desert country climbing in and out of the huge sided valley of the Kali Gandaki. In places the gorge which the Kali Gandaki River runs through is the deepest in the world. This region is full of some of Nepal’s oldest Buddhist Monasteries, ancient and isolated villages with quaint white washed houses.

The Hidden Land of Dolpo was first settled by Rokpa farmers and Erokpa nomads from Tibet in the 10th century. It is one of the highest inhabited places on earth, with scattered fortress-Like villages and monasteries nestling among mountains of stark ascetic beauty. Initially very steep and exposed, the way into the valley is quite sensational, affording a breathtaking view of the waterfall where the Phoksundo Khola plunges into the valley south of Ringmo, and back to the west of Kagmara Himal. Upper Dolpo being one of the remotest, poorest and backward regions in whole of Nepal with its difficult terrains and extreme cold weather has been overlooked despite being a land of tourist potential and other opportunities. There are no motor able roads or airport in Upper Dolpo, except the airport near district headquarter, Dunai which is several days journey from Upper Dolpo. The people of Upper Dolpo are deprived of fundamental rights of good education, basic medical facilities, and others such as postal and electricity services. The death toll cause by lack of basic medical facilities is quite alarming. The existing schools in Upper Dolpo have only primary levels and health posts are functional only for a brief summer season. Recently some western NGOs have supported in opening up schools and health posts but due to the insurgency going on in Nepal, these NGOs are being apprehensive of fully implementing further programs. Therefore, some of the NGOs are being inconsistent in supporting their programs in Upper Dolpo. Dolpo Society continues to seek help from the government and INGOs, NGOs for the development of Upper Dolpo as a whole. As envision in Dolpo Society’s aims and objectives significant contribution has been made for the restoration and renovation of religious monuments, preservation of its valuable religious scriptures, artifacts and its unique monastery at Namdho Monastery, Shalri Monastery, Karang Gompa, Charkha Gompa, Dho-Tarap Gompa, Vijer Gompa, Kupa Gompa, Komang Gompa, Shimong Gompa, Nyishal Gompa, and Tichurong Gompa with cash or kind. Further, Dolpo Society has donated Buddhist canons text (Kangyur & Tengyur) to some monasteries. In an effort to improve village infrastructures, Dolpo Society has built and repaired 10 bridges at Phosumdho, Saldang and Dho-Tarap villages. Besides, 55 old and new Stupas were renovated and built at Shilri Gompa, Saldang Gompa, Karang Gompa, Yashir Gompa and Margum Gompa. Though modern schools are relatively new in Upper Dolpo, in the early nineties, NGOs like “Friends of Nepal” opened up one school in Saldang village, and another NGO “Dolpohilphe”, Germany, started schools in Namdho and Karang villages, Dolpo Society have lent all the support needed to establish these three schools according to the wishes of donors such as donating land for the schools and by providing free labors for building construction of the schools. The centre also helps provide water supply and other help that is needed for the smooth running of the school locally. The altitude ranges from 2500m to 5070m.The best known of the many isolated high Himalayan valleys across northern Nepal, Dolpo preserves one of the last remnants of traditional Tibetan Culture. Surrounded by high mountains including the Dhaulagiri massif to the southeast and cut off by high passes closed by snow half the year, Dolpo is close to Tibet, where people emigrated from perhaps 1,000 years ago. Dolpo remains a truly isolated corner of Nepal. Time has stood still here for centuries as the inhabitants of Tibetan stock continue to live, cultivate and trade the way they have done since time immemorial.Shey-Phoksundo National Park in the core of Dolpo Region is famous for snow leopard. A great Naturalist Rodney Jackson conducted his research on snow leopards in Shey Phoksundo area. The finally preserved Eco—system encompasses a wild and wonderful variety of plants and wildlife, including the blue sheep and leopard. A trek through Dolpo is an experience not easily forgotten.

Trekking Highlights:
- Explore the ancient Himalayan Kingdom.
- Interesting and picturesque places.
- World Deepest gorge.
- Buddhist monasteries.
- Ancient and isolated villages.
- Unique culture and Tradition.
- Bon region and people of Dolpo and their culture.
- Beautiful Landscapes.
- Stunning views of Mountains.
- Typical lifestyle and Languages.
- Picturesque Lake.


Fact of the trek

Trek Region
Upper Mustang & Upper Dolpo Region
Type of Trek
Private Trip
Duration
32 Days
Highest Elevation
5,933 m ( 19,465 ft)
Grade
Moderate to Strenuous
Meals
Full board during the camping trek
Accomodations
4* Hotel in Kathmandu, Pokhara & Camping during the trek
Best Season
Spring (March-April-May) & Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov)
Transportation by
Domestic Flight & Private Vehicle

Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel. Equipment Check and relax.

Day 2: Permits procedure and late afternoon fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara and transfer to Hotel.

Day 3: Fly from Pokhara to Jomsom 2720m (35 Min.) and trek to Kagbeni 2800m (3/4 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 4: Trek from Kagbeni to Tsaile 3100m (5/6 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 5: Trek from Tsaile to Ghiling 3570m (6/7 hours) via Ranchung Cave Monastery, Overnight at tented camp.

Day 6: Trek from Ghiling to Drakmar 3820m (5/6 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 7: Trek from Drakmar to Lo-Manthang 3840m (7/8 hours) via Ghar Gompa & Marang-La Pass 4230m, Overnight at tented camp.

Day 8: Exploring The Medieval Walled City, King’s Palace and Buddhist Monasteries, Overnight at tented camp.

Day 9: Trek from Lo-Manthang to Tsarang 3560m (4/5 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 10: Trek from Tsarang to Ghami 3510m (4/5 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 11: Trek from Ghami to Yak Kharka 4200m (6/7 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 12: Trek from Yak Kharka to Ghami-La Base Camp 5100m (6/7 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 13: Trek from Ghami-La Base Camp to Chharka Bhot 4110m (9/10 hours) via Ghami-La Pass (Bhanjyang) 5933m, Overnight at tented camp.

Day 14: Trek from Chharka Bhot to Rapka 4535m (6/7 hours) via Chharka Bhanjyang 5027m, Overnight at tented camp.

Day 15: Trek from Rapka to Tinje Gaon 4150m (7/8 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 16: Trek from Tinje Gaon to Shimen Gaon 3870m (5/6 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 17: Trek from Shimen Gaon to Nisal Gaon 3750m (5/6 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 18: Trek from Nisal Gaon to Saldang 3770m (5/6 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 19: Trek from Saldang to Namgung 4430m (4/5 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 20: Trek from Namgung to Shey Gompa 4160m (5/6 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 21: Trek from Shey Gompa to Nangda-La Phedi 4600m (4/5 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 22: Trek from Nangda-La Phedi to Phoksundo Khola 4316m (5/6 hours) via Nangda-La Pass 5360m, Overnight at tented camp.

Day 23: Trek from Phoksundo Khola to Phoksundo Lake 3733m (4/5 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 24: Exploring to Phoksundo Lake and surrounding hills, Overnight at tented camp.

Day 25: Trek from Phoksundo Lake to Rechi 2940m (4/5 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 26: Trek from Rechi to Chhepka 2838m (4/5 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 27: Trek from Chhepka to Dunai 2140m (5/6 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 28: Trek from Dunai to Juphal 2475m (4/5 hours), Overnight at tented camp.

Day 29: Fly from Juphal to Nepalganj and transfer to Hotel.

Day 30: Fly from Nepalgunj to Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel.

Day 31: Free Day for Sightseeing.

Day 32: Departure to International Airport.

Pricing on group size basis (Camping Mode)
All inclusive Trek Package Price on 2 persons basis: USD 5780 per person
All inclusive Trek Package Price on 3 persons basis: USD 4900 per person
All inclusive Trek Package Price on 4 persons basis: USD 4650 per person

Join with us on Upper Mustang to Upper Dolpo Camping Trek via Ghami-La Pass (Bhanjyang) in 2024/2025.

Customize Your Trek: This is a general itinerary, which can always individually be “tailormade”. The trek package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste, For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de

NOTE: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss  Family Treks  & Expedition GmbH. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.

Price starts from/Adult Status *
USD 4,650
EUR 4.335
SFr 4.302
GBP 3.627
AUD 6.929
CAD 6.185
Trip is available
* Dates can be flexible, please contact us for individual dates.

Our Trek Package Cost Includes:
* Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & transfer by car / Van.
* 3 nights deluxe accommodation in twin bed sharing basis with breakfast at 4* Kathmandu Guest House in Kathmandu.
* 1 night deluxe accommodation in twin bed sharing basis with breakfast at 4* Hotel Temple Tree Resort in Pokhara.
* 1  night accommodation with breakfast at 3*** hotel in Nepalgunj.
* Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) with Tea & coffee and hot/cold filter water during the trek.
* Tented camp accommodation during the trek.
* 1 experienced, helpful and friendly guide, 1 cook and porters or mules, their food & accommodation, bus ticket, salary, equipment and insurance.
* All ground transportation by private vehicle.
* Restricted Area Permit for Upper Mustang.
* Annapurna Conservation Area Permit.
* Upper and Lower Dolpo Restricted Area Permit.
* All necessary permits.
* Domestic flight ticket Kathmandu/Pokhara/Jomsom/Juphal/Nepalganj/Kathmandu and Domestic airport tax.
* All Camping Equipment (Tents) and Kitchen utensils.
* Office Service charge and government tax.



Our Trek Package Cost doesn't include:
* Any meals in Kathmandu and Pokhara other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance.
* International air fare to and from Nepal.
* Nepal Tourist Visa fees.
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, snacks, laundry, phone call, internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipment.
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, domestic flight delays, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Horse renting and additional porters during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...

                                             Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.


Upper Mustang to Upper Dolpo Camping Trek via Ghami-La Pass (Bhanjyang) 32 Days


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Swiss Family Treks & Expedition GmbH, Switzerland
Swiss Himalayan Family Treks & Expedition P. Ltd

Address
Ganeshtan-6, Pharping Kathmandu, Nepal

Phone +977 4710390
Cell +977 9803200543 Stephan
Cell +977 9849193453 Ashta
Email snftnepal@yahoo.de

Please have a look what our clients saying about their trip with us in our Testimonials in website and Tripadvisor Reviews.