Inner Dolpo Trek, 26 Days
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Inner Dolpo Trek, 26 Days

Days: 26 / Difficulty: 4 of 5 (Strenuous)

Inner Dolpo, located in the mid-western region of Nepal, is certainly one of Nepal’s best trekking regions, for it takes trekkers beyond the tranquil Phoksundo Lake through ancient trading routes to the Tibetan border crossing high passes, steep valleys, Tibetan village settlements, lush green forests, and arid landscape. Inner Dolpo Trek allows trekkers to traverse through the unexplored land of Dolpo and to experience the purity of Tibetan Buddhism practiced widely in the area. 

The 26-days trek to the beautiful Inner Dolpo begins with your arrival in Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. The trip continues with a short flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, followed by another flight to Juphal. The trek begins from Jhupal following the trails of Suli Gad and Phoksundo River that pass through the dense alpine forest of rhododendrons, oaks and pines, grassy fields, and different remote villages until you reach the beautiful Phoksundo Lake: the deepest lake of Nepal. You trek through Shey Phoksundo National Park where you may encounter different Himalayan wildlife like snow leopard, blue sheep, Ghoral, Himalayan black beer, and so on. You also cross high pass of Kang-La (5350m) that takes you to the ancient Shey Gompa situated on the foot of the holy Crystal Mountain, which is one of the main attractions of Inner Dolpo. Visitors from all around Dolpo circumambulate around Crystal Mountain every year. The trails also take you through ancient paths created by Tibetan salt traders. You also trek past the beautiful valley of Tarap Chu and the village of Dho Tarap surrounded by a jagged stone wall. Besides amazing scenery, Inner Dolpo is equally rich when it comes to Tibetan culture. The people of Dolpo still practice pre-Buddhist Bon religion, and the region is also known as the land of rare Bon monasteries. Throughout the trek, you get to visit many ancient monasteries as you ascend and descend from the open valley with the dry and barren landscape to vegetation, an old fortress, terraced fields, and abundant wildlife. 

Swiss Family Treks and Expedition has been ruling the tourism industry and excelling at adventures in the Himalayas since 2003. We provide our clients with experienced guides to guide them throughout the trek. We also take care of all kind of permits required for the trek including all kinds of transportation services and other valid services. Additionally, we offer different packages based on clients’ choice. 


Fact of the Trek

Trek Region
Upper Dolpo Region
Type of Trek
Trekking
Duration
26 Days
Highest Elevation
5,350 m (17,553 ft)
Grade
Strenuous
Meals
Full board during the trek
Accomodations
4* Hotel in Kathmandu & tented accommodation during the trek
Best Season
Autumn (Sep-Oct-Nov), Spring (March-April-May) & Monsoon (June-July-August)
Transportation by
Domestic flights & private vehicle

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Itinerary 
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu 

Welcome to Nepal. Our team member will pick you up from the airport and then transfer you to the hotel. If you wish you can stroll around the hotel. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2: Permit procedure and Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj 
Take an early morning flight to Nepalgunj from Kathmandu. Nepalgunj lies in the Terai region of Nepal where you can experience the change in topography and temperature. Upon arrival, feel free to enjoy and explore the place. Overnight in Nepalgunj.

Day 3: Early start for the flight to Juphal where we begin our trek to Sulighat (2050m). 3 hrs trek 
Early morning flight from Nepalgunj takes us to Juphal in about 40 minutes. In Juphal, we meet other members of our team and make final preparation for the trek ahead by assigning the baggage to our porters. We then descend alongside Thuli Bheri River and make our way to Sulighat. Overnight in Sulighat.

Day 4: Trek from Sulighat to Chhepka (2970m), crossing the Anke Khola river. 7 hrs trek 
The Suli River descends from Phoksundo Lake through a sheer and highly vegetated gorge. The trail goes through disseminated villages and abandoned crude stone houses of Jyalhasa. Many of these villages are only full during the winter months when the groups of Upper Dolpo bring their animals down from the high meadows. After lunch, we pass Anke Khola and ascend alongside Suli River to reach our campsite in Chhepka. Overnight in Chhepka. 

Day 5: Ascend the gorge to Samduwa (3085m) via the small village at Renje. 7 hrs trek 
We cross and ascend the narrow valley through forests of bamboo and conifer. At one point, the trail ascends to the jungle and into flower-strewn fields. Finally, the gorge opens up and the trail becomes easier until we cross a bridge to Rechi. Beyond here, the valley contracts once again and the trail ascends and descends till the union of Phoksundo River and Pungmo River. Samduwa is situated right above the confluence. Overnight in Samduwa.

Day 6: Trek to Ringmo and on to Phoksundo Lake (3600m). 7 hrs trek 
Today's destination is the village of Ringmo, situated by the side of the attractive Phoksundo Lake. Keeping to the left side of Phoksundo River, incline for some time to reach a large waterfall. Then follow a pleasant trail along the Phoksundo River to a green clearing spot for lunch. The afternoon's walk up to Ringmo is very satisfying as enormous rock walls guard the upper valley and as we arrive in Ringmo village, the lake can be seen. Overnight at Phoksundo Lake. 

Day 7: Vital acclimatization day at Phoksumdo Lake. 
Today will be a hard-earned rest day for acclimatization at Phoksundo Lake. We have the whole day to relish the beauty and calmness of the turquoise lake. During the day, we can take on a short hike to the village of Ringmo and its monastery. Our short walk also allows us an opportunity to get aware with the local culture. The Dolpo people wear simple clothing that is sometimes dyed a maroon tint, and they prefer Tibetan-style somba or dhocha (boots with upturned toes) for footwear. Both men and women often wear religious charms and cords of coral, amber, and turquoise. Overnight at Phoksundo Lake.

Day 8: Trek the lakeside trail and ascend the ridge to a campsite beyond the northern shore. 8 hrs trek 
Today we start to walk to Phoksundo Khola Camp with a remarkable track around the western end of the lake. The trail goes mostly through the riverbed of Phoksundo Khola and features a remarkable view of Kanjirowa Himal (6612m). As we reach the camp, we notice the sparkling pure turquoise water of Phoksundo Lake lying right below. Overnight in Phoksundo Khola Camp. 

Day 9: Trek in Peter Matthiesson's footsteps to Snowfields Camp (4650m) at the foot of the Kang La. 6 hrs trek 
We exit Phoksundo valley on a narrow path with high rock walls on both edges. It is a short ascend from Phoksundo Khola Camp to Snowfields Camp, but due to the steep paths, we need to maintain a gradual pace so that we don’t tire ourselves. We move along in Peter Matthiesson’s footsteps here, and we camp at Snowfields Camp (4650m) which was given its name in his book. The camp is at the base of Kang La Pass (5350m) that will take us to Inner Dolpo. Overnight in Snowfields Camp.

Day 10: Cross the Kang La (5350m) into Inner Dolpo and Shey Gompa (4370m). 8 hrs trek 
Ascend for a few hours to reach the summit of Kang La (5350m). This high pass that leads us into Inner Dolpo is also known as the Nagadalo La. Descend to the valley floor and move along the river to reach Shey Gompa. The monastery is situated under the peculiar Crystal Peak on a small green plain created by the convergence of two rivers. We set up our camp just underneath the gompa in a field containing a few herders’ huts. Overnight in Shey Gompa.
 
Day 11: A day for rest and exploration at Shey Gompa. 
We rest and explore the Shey Gompa vicinity today. Shey Gompa was built in 1655 and the monastery is renowned for its giant copper with the gold-plated gold statue of a seated Sakyamuni Buddha. To the east of the Gompa is Crystal Mountain with its twisted cliffs that are mixed with quartz and embedded with a rich variety of aquatic fossils. We also explore Shey village and familiarize ourselves with its olden pre-Buddhist culture, the Bon Po. Overnight in Shey Gompa. 

Day 12: Traverse the Sela La (5100m) to the pastures at Namgung (4415m). 8 hrs trek 
To get to Namgung, we have to move through the pass Sela La (5094m), which is also known as Gela La. From the top of the pass, we can get an amazing view of Inner Dolpo as well as the Tibetan plateau. Afterward, descend along the meadows to reach Namgung village, where we can visit the ancient Namgung Gompa. Overnight in Namgung.

Day 13: Trek to Saldang (4070m) close to the Tibetan border. 3 hrs trek 
The trek to Saldang goes through a quiet path on a rocky trail. We descend relishing the unique landscape made up of tall sand hills. The soothing trails take us to the beautiful village of Saldang, which in ancient times used to be an independent kingdom of Dolpo. We can stroll around the village later in the evening. Overnight in Saldang.

Day 14: Trek to Sibu (4150m), passing the monasteries at Samdo. 6 hrs trek 
After leaving Saldang, we move along Nagon Khola through attached fields of barley, the main crop of Dolpo. We cross the dispersed village of Namdo which has two monasteries, one beside the stream and another high on a hilltop. Our waterside camp tonight is near the smaller village of Sibu. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Day 15: Ascend to the pastures below the Jeng La. 6 hours
From Sibu, we follow Nagon Khola for a while and pass by many yak caravans as we head towards Jeng La. The bare rocky hills and the sand dunes keep us company as we ascend alongside Dachun Khola to finally reach a yak grazing area where Jeng La Phedi is situated. Overnight in Jeng La Phedi.

Day 16: Cross the Jeng La (5220m). Views of Dhaulagiri. Descend to Tokyu (4160m). 7 hrs trek 
From Jeng La Phedi, it is a sheer ascend to Jeng La (5220m) which is reached after a few hours. From the top, we get a distant view of several peaks of the Dhaulagiri massif. Beyond the pass, we go downhill to reach Jyanla Khola and follow it until reaching Tokyu village. Overnight in Tokyu.

Day 17: Trek down the Tarap Valley to Dho Tarap (4020m). 8 hrs trek 
The Tarap valley is our destination today as we descend along various Gompas situated on the bank of Thakchiu Khola. A gentle walk alongside the river takes us to Dho Tarap, the first village in the Tarap valley. After resting for a while, we explore the village and visit the monastery there. Overnight in Dho Tarap.

Day 18: Contingency day for possible delays. 
This is a free day in case we have met any problems with our trekking timetable. If we haven't had to use this day, we have the choice to spend a rest day in Dho Tarap or at one of the campsites lower down in the valley. Our trip leader will choose the most suitable place to take this rest day. Stay overnight at tented camp.

Day 19: Trek through blue sheep grazing areas to Shim Ora (3647m). 7 hrs trek 
Moving downhill beside the river, we continue trekking below striking cliffs, before the ridge which is noticeable with its two ancient Chortens. Moving down to the meadows of the Sisaul Khola, we cross Tarap Chu on different bridges to reach the grazing area of Shim Ora (3647m).

Day 20: Trek through the gorges of the Tarap Chu and descend to Kanigaon (2620m). 7 hrs trek 
Today we walk through the valley of Tarap Chu on a well-engineered track, including some stone ladders. The trail then goes down to Kanigaon. We make camp just outside the settlement, below the check post, in a stand of juniper beside the stream. We are now at a lower elevation and it is pleasantly warm. Overnight in Kanigaon.

Day 21: Trek to Tarakot from where there is the option to visit the fortified settlement at Gumba Tera. 6 hrs trek 
As we leave Kanigaon, we come to a union of Tarap Chu and Bharbung Khola, and shortly after, we move along the high suspension bridge. The trail ascends above the river until a final descend to Tarakot alongside Thuli Bheri River. This is a short day of trekking, so after lunch, we ascend to the impressive Lam Gompa. Overnight in Tarakot.

Day 22: Follow the Barbung Khola to Dunai (2090m). 6 hrs trek 
We almost complete our journey as we move alongside Thuli Bheri River to reach Dunai. The trail is dotted with many scattered settlements along with their farms. An easy and short walk through the picturesque trail brings us to Dunai, which is the district headquarters of Dolpo with a few lodges and restaurants where we can celebrate the completion of our trek together. Overnight in Dunai.
 
Day 23: Trek to the airstrip at Juphal. 4 hrs trek 
Today is the last day of the trek which goes mostly along the banks of Thuli Bheri River to take us to the airstrip in Juphal from the headquarters. We can explore the town in our free time as we only trek for a few hours today. Overnight in Juphal.

Day 24: Fly from Juphal via Nepalgunj to Kathmandu. 
We take the first flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj enjoying the scenic view. We then take another flight from Nepalgunj to reach Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be taken to your hotel. Feel free to enjoy the nightlife of Kathmandu. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 25: A free day in Kathmandu which can also be used as the contingency. 
Today will be a free day in Kathmandu. You can use this day to visit the UNESCO listed world heritage sites like the Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, or do fun activities such as go shopping for souvenirs or stroll around the place. Overnight at a 4-star hotel in Kathmandu. 

Day 26: Final Departure from Kathmandu
The final day is here! We will drop you at the airport before the flight time. We hope you had a great time in Nepal.

Pricing on group size basis (Camping Mode)
All inclusive Trek Package Price for single person: USD 6930
All inclusive Trek Package Price on 2 persons basis: USD 4965 per person
All inclusive Trek Package Price on 3-4 persons basis: USD 4490 per person
 
Join with us on a Inner Dolpo Trek in 2023/2024.
 
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.
Dates 1 Person 2 Persons 3 Persons 4 Persons Status *
2023-09-18 to 2023-10-13 USD 6,930
EUR 6.460
SFr 6.411
USD 9,930
EUR 9.256
SFr 9.187
USD 13,470
EUR 12.556
SFr 12.462
USD 17,960
EUR 16.742
SFr 16.616
Trip is guaranteed
2023-10-15 to 2023-11-09 USD 6,930
EUR 6.460
SFr 6.411
USD 9,930
EUR 9.256
SFr 9.187
USD 13,470
EUR 12.556
SFr 12.462
USD 17,960
EUR 16.742
SFr 16.616
Trip is guaranteed
2023-11-01 to 2023-11-26 USD 6,930
EUR 6.460
SFr 6.411
USD 9,930
EUR 9.256
SFr 9.187
USD 13,470
EUR 12.556
SFr 12.462
USD 17,960
EUR 16.742
SFr 16.616
Trip is guaranteed
* 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 with breakfast at 4* Hotel Kathmandu Guest House or Dalai-La Boutique Resort in Kathmandu.
* 1 night deluxe 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 necessary porters/donkeys, their food & accommodation, salary, equipment and insurance.
* Trekking camping equipment (Tent, mattress, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, kitchen utensils etc.)
* All domestic flights and airport tax.
* Upper and Lower Dolpo Restricted Area permit.
* All necessary permits.
* All transportation by private car.
* First Aid Medical Kit box.
* Office Service charge.
* All Government Tax.


Our Trek Package Cost doesn't include;
* Any meals in Kathmandu and Nepagunj 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 due to natural calamities during the trek.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver... 
 
                                      Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.

Inner Dolpo Trek, 26 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.