Upper Dolpo Trek (Dolpo to Mustang Trek)

Upon arrival at Tribhuvan Inteational Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly welcomed with a traditional khada or flower garland and transferred to your pre-booked hotel in Thamel or Boudha. After check-in, your guide will brief you about the trek and answer any questions regarding the jouey ahead. Oveight Hotel.

Prepare packing your backpacks and permits in the moing and take a scenic one-hour flight to Nepalgunj in the afteoon with magnificent views of the Manaslu, Annapua, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. Nepalgunj is located in the lowlands of weste Nepal near the Indian border. Oveight Hotel.

An early moing flight takes you to Juphal, the gateway to Dolpo. During the flight, enjoy impressive views of deep valleys and rugged mountain landscapes. From Juphal, begin trekking downhill toward Suligad, following the Thuli Bheri River through small villages and cultivated fields before reaching Kageni. Oveight camp.

Continue trekking along the Phoksundo Khola, following riverbanks and forest trails with gradual elevation gain. Cross several suspension bridges and pass small settlements along the way. The surroundings become increasingly remote and peaceful as you enter the heart of Dolpo. Oveight camp.

Today, enter Shey Phoksundo National Park and ascend through pine forests, waterfalls, and narrow cliffside trails. Following the Phoksundo Khola gorge, you eventually reach the breathtaking turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake. Camp near Ringmo, a traditional village influenced by Tibetan and Bon culture. Oveight camp.

Spend the day acclimatizing and exploring Ringmo Village. Visit the nearby Bon Monastery and lea about the ancient Bon religion, which predates Buddhism. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the lakeshore and surrounding forests while taking in the spectacular scenery. Oveight camp.

Follow the beautiful trail along the lake’s cliffs and shoreline. This area was featured in the famous film Himalaya: Caravan. After passing pebble beaches and pine forests, the trail becomes more rugged and remote. Camp beneath the impressive Kanjiroba Himal. Oveight camp.

Trek through forests and cross streams flowing from the Gand La Gorge. The trail steadily climbs into barren, windswept landscapes typical of the Trans-Himalayan region. Camp at Low Camp with wide mountain views and prepare for the high pass crossing the following day. Oveight camp.

Begin early to cross Nagdalo La Pass, which marks the boundary between Lower and Upper Dolpo. The climb is challenging but rewarded with panoramic Himalayan views. Descend through a rocky valley to Shey Gompa, one of Dolpo’s most sacred monasteries and a major highlight of the trek. Oveight camp.

Spend the day exploring the surroundings of Shey Gompa. Visit Tsakhang Monastery and lea about the region’s rich spiritual and cultural history. This area was made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s book The Snow Leopard. If time permits, continue to Tsarang and Gomoche. In the afteoon, hike over a nearby ridge and descend into a lush valley used by shepherds during summer. Oveight camp.

Cross several high ridges and the impressive Sela La Pass (5,094m), which offers spectacular views toward Tibet. Trek through wide valleys and barren landscapes before arriving at Namgung Village beneath dramatic cliffs. Visit the ancient monastery overlooking the settlement. Oveight camp.

A short but scenic trek leads across barren ridges and high plateaus before descending to the Namga Khola. Arrive at Saldang, the largest and most prosperous settlement in Inner Dolpo, known for its strong Tibetan cultural heritage. Oveight camp.

Follow an ancient trade route through the remote Nagkhong Valley. Pass mani walls, chortens, and traditional stone houses before visiting Yangjer Monastery, one of the oldest Bon monasteries in Dolpo. Continue to Musi Village, situated in a broad valley surrounded by colorful cliffs. Oveight cam.

Cross the challenging Muri La Pass before descending into the Panzang Khola Valley. The trail leads to Simen, a traditional Trans-Himalayan village influenced by Tibetan culture. Trek duration is approximately 6–7 hours. Oveight cam.

Ascend through rugged terrain and dry hillsides where yak caravans are often seen. Tinje is an ancient trading settlement that historically played an important role in the salt and wool trade. Trek duration: 4–6 hours. Oveight camp.

Continue through high-altitude grazing lands used by yaks and livestock during summer. The open and windswept landscape offers dramatic mountain views. Camp at Panjyang Khola Dovan. Oveight camp.

Cross the demanding Cho La Pass, adoed with colorful prayer flags and offering magnificent views of Dolpo’s arid landscapes. Descend to Tokyu, one of the highest and most culturally significant villages in the region, featuring ancient monasteries and traditional architecture. Oveight cam.

Follow the Tarap Khola upstream through a wide high-altitude valley. Pass ancient chortens and mani walls that once marked important trade routes between Dolpo and Tibet. Camp at Sipchuk or Maran. Oveight camp.

Climb steadily toward Jhyargo La Pass before making a steep descent into the valley below. The route offers magnificent mountain scenery and remote alpine landscapes. Continue to Yak Kharka, a peaceful summer grazing area. Oveight camp.

Ascend gradually across alpine meadows and grazing pastures before crossing Mo La Pass. Descend into the isolated Chharka Valley and arrive at Chharka Bhot, a traditional Tibetan-influenced settlement. Oveight camp. 

Enjoy a rest day for acclimatization and exploration. Visit local monasteries, ancient caves, and traditional farmlands. Lea about the Bon and Buddhist traditions of the region while relaxing and preparing for the upcoming stages of the trek Oveight camp.

Follow streams and nomadic camps before ascending into arid, high-altitude terrain. The landscape gradually changes from cultivated fields to barren Trans-Himalayan desert scenery. Oveight camp at Nulungsumda Kharka. Oveight camp.

Cross Niwa La Pass (5,150m) and Junbeni Pass (5,550m), enjoying magnificent views of the Dolpo and Mustang regions. Continue across open valleys before reaching the camp at Ghaldeng Ghuldung. Oveight camp.

Descend to the Chalung Khola and cross a newly built metal bridge into Mustang District. Climb gradually to a ridge decorated with prayer flags before descending to Sangta, a traditional village perched on a hillside. Oveight camp.

The final trekking day. Walk to Phalak or Dhagarjung and then take a jeep to Jomsom. Celebrate the successful completion of your trek with your trekking crew. Oveight Hotel.

Take an early moing flight to Pokhara. If flights are cancelled due to weather, drive to Pokhara instead. Spend the rest of the day exploring the lakeside area, temples, and stupas. Oveight camp.

Drive back to Kathmandu along the scenic Prithvi Highway, following the Trishuli River. Enjoy beautiful countryside views during the jouey. Oveight camp.

According to your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan Inteational Airport for your final departure. Bid farewell to Nepal with unforgettable memories of your Upper Dolpo adventure.