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.
