Today, you’ll take a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj, located in the western Terai plains of Nepal, close to the Indian border. As you descend from the hilly Kathmandu valley, you’ll notice a shift in climate and scenery.

Nepalgunj is a bustling trade hub and has a distinctly different feel from the Himalayan region. In the evening, you can take a leisurely walk around the town or relax at your hotel, preparing for the next day’s flight into the remote Dolpo region.

This morning, you’ll board a short yet thrilling flight to Juphal, the starting point of your trek into Upper Dolpo. As the plane glides over the rugged terrain, you’ll be welcomed by stunning views of the Dhaulagiri and other Himalayan peaks.

After landing in Juphal, you’ll begin your trek toward Dunai, the administrative center of Dolpo. The trail descends through terraced fields and passes through small villages, offering glimpses into the rural lifestyle. Dunai, situated by the Bheri River, is a small town with teahouses and a peaceful atmosphere.

Today is a spare day in Nepalgunj to account for any potential flight delays to Juphal. If your flight is on time, you can use this day to acclimatize during a day of your trek and continue as per itinearary.

If you spend a day at Nepalgunj, consider exploring local attractions or sampling some regional cuisine at a nearby restaurant. Visit the Bardia National Park or take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Karnali River. This extra day provides a chance to acclimatize and recharge before heading into the more remote areas.

Leaving Dunai, the trail climbs steadily along a rugged path, winding through a forested area that is rich in biodiversity. The trail takes you along the Bheri River’s banks, crossing suspension bridges and passing small settlements.

Ankhe marks the entry into Shey Phoksundo National Park, a protected area known for its diverse wildlife, including blue sheep and the elusive snow leopard. The dense forests of pine and oak provide cool shade as you ascend, offering spectacular views of the surrounding hills.

Today’s trek involves both ascents and descents as you make your way along a challenging yet scenic path. The trail passes through lush green forests, small villages, and terraced fields.

Renje is a tiny settlement surrounded by towering cliffs and dense forests, giving it a secluded and remote feel. The journey is steep in places, but the breathtaking scenery makes the effort worthwhile.

Today’s trek takes you to one of the most iconic destinations in Upper Dolpo, the pristine Phoksundo Lake. The trail climbs steeply, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

You’ll pass through the village of Ringmo, a traditional Bonpo settlement, where you can see ancient chortens and mani walls. The final ascent to Phoksundo Lake is steep, but the sight of the turquoise waters shimmering against the backdrop of the snow-capped mountains is unforgettable.

This sacred lake holds great significance for both Buddhists and followers of the Bon religion.

After enjoying the tranquility of Phoksundo Lake, you’ll continue your trek along its western shore, entering a narrow gorge. The trail follows the Phoksundo Khola (river), leading you through pristine wilderness where you’ll encounter cascading waterfalls and sheer rock walls.

As you walk deeper into the Dolpo region, the landscape becomes more barren and rugged, evoking a sense of isolation and wonder. This remote trail is less traveled, allowing you to fully appreciate the untouched beauty of Dolpo.

Today’s trek takes you on a steep ascent toward Phoksundo Bhanjyang, also known as the Kang La Base Camp. The trail is challenging, with numerous switchbacks as you gain altitude.

The landscape transitions to high alpine terrain, with rocky outcrops, scattered shrubs, and occasional views of snow-capped peaks.

As you approach the base of Kang La Pass, you’ll feel the altitude and the thinning air, but the incredible views of the surrounding mountains will keep you motivated.

Today is one of the most challenging yet rewarding days of the trek. You’ll cross the Kang La Pass, one of the highest passes in the region, which offers breathtaking views of the Dolpo region’s stark, barren landscape.

The ascent is steep and the air thin, but once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. From the pass, you’ll descend toward Shey Gompa, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Dolpo.

This ancient monastery, known as the Crystal Mountain Monastery, is a sacred place for both Buddhists and Bonpo followers.

Today is a well-deserved rest day at Shey Gompa. This day allows you to explore the surroundings and learn about the spiritual significance of this sacred site. Shey Gompa is renowned for its religious and cultural heritage, and you can take this opportunity to visit the monastery, meditate, or simply relax.

The Crystal Mountain, towering above Shey, is said to be a holy mountain where pilgrims walk around the base in a sacred kora. You’ll also have a chance to observe the lifestyle of the local people who live in this remote and mystical part of Nepal.

Leaving Shey Gompa, you’ll embark on another challenging day as you trek toward Namduna Gaun, crossing the Saldang La Pass along the way. The trail ascends steeply to the pass, offering awe-inspiring views of the vast Dolpo region. After reaching the top of the pass, you’ll descend toward the beautiful settlement of Namduna Gaun.

This village, perched on a hill, is home to Namgung Monastery, a red stone structure built into the cliffs. The monastery plays a crucial role in the spiritual lives of the local residents. You can explore the area and interact with the villagers, gaining insight into their way of life in this remote corner of Nepal.

The subsequent descent towards the north is long and tiring, but you finally come upon the welcome sight of pastures of grazing yaks and sheep and nomadic tents made from yak hair. This signals your approach to Namduna Gaon. Like Shey, the Namgung monastery is of the Karma-pa sect.

The monastery, a red stone structure, is built against the backdrop of a cliff on the north wall of a gorge. The red and white colors of the Gompa and its Stupas are the only color in this stark landscape. The village itself consists of only six stone houses and has terraced fields on both sides of the tributary, which flows down to the Nam Khong valley.

The economy of the region is based on agriculture, animal husbandry and trading. In Dolpo, only one crop a year can be grown and this is mainly barley. In some village buckwheat, oilseed, potato and radish are also cultivated. Recently the main cliff temple collapsed and the villagers have now built a beautiful new monastery in the village itself.

Today’s trek takes you to Saldang, one of the largest and most prosperous villages in the Dolpo region. The trail descends and follows the dusty, barren landscape of the high plateau, where the vastness of the region becomes truly apparent.

As you approach Saldang, the terrain gradually becomes more hospitable, with terraced fields and cultivated lands indicating the village’s agricultural practices.

Saldang is situated along an ancient trade route between Tibet and Nepal and is an important hub for the local economy. The people of Saldang live in a harsh environment, yet their culture and traditions remain rich and vibrant.

Leaving Saldang, the trail gradually descends toward the riverbed, taking you through a picturesque landscape of terraced fields, stupas, chortens, and mani stone walls. You’ll pass Namdo, another prosperous village with around 60 houses and nearly 400 inhabitants.

The Namdo Monastery, located near the river, is a serene spot for reflection, while another small monastery sits on a high cliff above the village. After exploring Namdo, you’ll continue trekking along the river to reach Sibu, a small settlement located right on the riverbank, where you’ll set up camp for the night.

Following the river valley, today’s trek begins with an easy trail, meandering through meadows and offering picturesque views of the surrounding hills. After two hours, you’ll need to cross a stream, and soon after, the trail turns sharply into a side valley where the ascent becomes more challenging.

The final part of the trek leads to a peaceful meadow scattered with yak and other livestock, marking the base of the Jeng La Pass. The climb prepares you for the steep ascent to the pass tomorrow, but for now, you can relax in the tranquil atmosphere of the high alpine environment.

Today, you’ll face another challenging pass, the Jeng La. The climb is steep and exhausting, but the views from the top are truly spectacular. As you cross the pass, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramas of the Dhaulagiri and Kanjiroba mountain ranges.

The descent takes you into the Tarap Valley, one of the highest human settlements in the world. Tokyu Gaon is a large village in the Tarap region, home to several monasteries and a vibrant community of Tibetan Buddhists. You’ll notice the distinct Tibetan influence in the architecture, prayer flags, and mani walls that adorn the village.

Today’s trek takes you on a gentle path through the wide Tarap Valley, a region of immense natural beauty and cultural richness. The trail is easier compared to previous days, allowing you to fully enjoy the landscapes of rolling hills, open pastures, and traditional villages.

Dho Tarap is a culturally rich village where you’ll find a mix of Bonpo and Buddhist communities living in harmony. The stone houses, prayer flags, and ancient monasteries give Dho Tarap a timeless, spiritual feel. You’ll have the opportunity to visit the local gompas and interact with the warm and hospitable Dolpo-pa people.

The trail today gradually descends from the high plateau of Dho Tarap, following the Tarap Khola. The path takes you through a mix of lush forests and arid landscapes, showcasing Dolpo’s incredible ecological diversity.

You’ll walk past terraced fields, small villages, and monasteries, with occasional glimpses of blue sheep grazing on the hillsides. As you approach Serkam, the valley becomes narrower, and the surrounding cliffs loom high above.

Serkam is a small settlement where you’ll camp for the night, surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Dolpo region.

Today’s trail continues descending through the Tarap Gorge, one of the deepest and most dramatic gorges in Nepal. The path is narrow in places and requires careful footing, but the stunning scenery makes it worth the effort.

You’ll walk through lush forests of pine and rhododendron, with the sound of the rushing river echoing in the gorge below. As you descend, the air becomes warmer, and the landscape transitions from high alpine to more temperate zones. Khani Gaon is a peaceful village nestled in the hills, where you’ll set up camp for the night.

Today’s trek is a relatively easy descent to Tarakot, a historical town once used as a fortress to guard the trade route to Tibet. The trail follows the winding river, passing through small villages and terraced fields.

Tarakot is situated on a hill overlooking the river, and you can explore the ancient ruins of the fortress, which date back to the early Tibetan period. The town is also home to a Bonpo monastery, which you can visit to learn more about the region’s spiritual traditions.

Today’s trek takes you back to Dunai, the administrative center of the Dolpo region. The trail descends further, passing through beautiful landscapes of forests, rivers, and traditional villages.

As you approach Dunai, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment as you complete the loop of your Upper Dolpo adventure. In Dunai, you can enjoy the comforts of a larger town, with access to basic amenities and teahouses.

Your final trekking day takes you from Dunai to Juphal, retracing the path through terraced fields and small villages. The trail is relatively easy, and you’ll have time to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve undertaken in one of the most remote and culturally rich regions of Nepal. In Juphal, you’ll prepare for tomorrow’s flight back to Kathmandu.

In the morning, you’ll board a short flight from Juphal to Nepalgunj, and from there, catch another flight back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can rest or explore the city.

This is a great time to do some last-minute shopping in Thamel. In the evening, you will have a farewell dinner with your guide.

Today is a buffer day in Juphal in case of any flight delays. However, if the flight is on time, you can proceed to fly from Juphal to Nepalgunj and then onward to Kathmandu on the same day.

If you end up staying in Juphal, use this day to rest and explore the local area, or simply relax before concluding your Upper Dolpo journey.

After breakfast, our representative will transfer you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your final departure, bidding you farewell as you embark on your onward journey with memories of the majestic Upper Dolpo trek.