Upper Dolpo trek
Upper dolpo trekking -Juphal to Jomsom
Itinerary detailed of the 24 days upper dolpo trek
The UPPER DOLPO REGION
No. Of days: 24--_ 27 Days
Starting point: Kathmandu
Max. Elevation: 4095m
Grade: Medium
Mode of trek: Camping
Ending point: Kathmandu
Season: Apr/May and Sept/Oct
Max. Walking: 6-7 hrs
Mode of travel: fly in/fly out
This is indeed a remote and hidden destination in far western Nepal whose tranquility and natural beauty is still largely unexplored. This home of unspoiled trans-Himalayan culture, Buddhist monuments, a unique human civilization at the limits of high altitude living is more than worth a visit. Trekking here will be an unforgettable journey in any visitor's life. Observing ever-changing rain shadow landscapes with stunning mountain views, wildflowers, Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopards, wolves, and huge Himalayan Griffons are but a few of the treats.
It's difficult to grow crops there, which makes life difficult for the local people, so most of them are involved in the salt trade from Tibet, this traditional culture still continues unchanged here generation after generation. The view of Kanjiroba peak, Phoksumdo Lake, and the Dhauligiri massif are some of the most rewarding moments of this trek. A visit to the Phoksumdo Gompa – dedicated to the ancient Bonpo religion, local to Dolpo and Tibet, is a memorable experience. The enchanting beauty and unique culture of this place will demonstrate why Eric Valli, the author of the famous book Honey Hunter of Nepal, created the Oscar-nominated film "Caravan".
To trek here, you must do so through a registered company. We will obtain the necessary permits.No tea houses here. A well-organized camping trek is required and traveling in a group is highly recommended. This trek is most suitable for those who are exceptionally fit and prepared to face the full challenge of the Himalayan wilderness. Groups generally fly from Nepalgunj to the Juphal airstrip, then walk few hours to the district headquarters of Dunai (2,100 meters). The trail follows the Suli Gad River, passing through thick conifer forests and a few Thakuri Hindu villages. The National Park check-post is one day from Dunai; two rugged days later, you reach Phoksumdo Lake.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel
Day 02: Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Day 03: Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhupal and trek to Dunai(2150m)
Day 04: Trek to Ankhe(2660m)
Day 05: Trek to Sumdo(3100m)
Day 06: Trek to Ringmo Phoksundo(3728m)
Day 07: Rest day at Ringmo Phokshindo for acclimatization
Day 08: Trek to North camp(400m)
Day 09: Trek to Gandla Là(5250m)
Day 10: Trek to Shey(4750m)
Day 11: Trek to Namdung(4950m)
Day 12: Trek to Saldang(4650m)
Day 13: Trek to Yangjir(3965m)
Day 14: Trek to Shimen(4250m)
Day 15: Trek to Tingkyu-Kehengchu Rivar side camp(4694m)
Day 16: Trek to Charkhala Phedi(4290m)
Day 17: Trek to Charkhala passes 5035m
Day 18: Rest day at Charkha village
Day 19: Trek to Yak Kharka(4250m)
Day 20: Trek to Bhery Kharka(4670m)
Day 21: Trek to Thula 5400m & 6 1/2 hours/after Sangdala pass(4295m)
Day 22: Trek to Dangar Jung village(3560m)
Day 23: Trek to Jomsom
Day 24: Fly from Jomsom to Pokhara
Day 25: Drive/ Fly back to Kathmandu
Day 26: Rest day in Kathmandu
Day 27: Final Departure
Upper dolpo trekking scenario
Upper dolpo categorized the restriction trekking in western northern side of Nepal bordering with tibetan plateau. Very pristine and virgin culture , territory you meet while you are upper dolpo trekking. Because of the expensive permit of the dolpo even rain shadow areas there are not enough tourist. How is in india in Ladkah there are very famous for summer trekking but dolpo even nice and worthwhile places, cannot pickup the good trekking market. trekking specialist said and demand the government of the Nepal decrease the fee of the upper mustang for the summer trekking popularity and more visitors and trekkers invitation for the upper dolpo trekking. Only for the trekking permit cost of the upper mustang $ 500 usd for 10 days. so, trekking agent association of Nepal try to give attention ministry of the tourism, deduct the high costing upper dolpo trekking fee.Like a upper dolpo trekking in Nepal to trek another restriction trekking areas of Nepal, it need a at least 2 people in the group. for the single trekkers make a problem for the trekking in the upper dolpo. Trekking agency of Nepal, try to manage the permit even there are single trekkers for the dolpo trekking.
Upper Dolpo Extensive trek (24 days) Dolpo is also called “Ba Yul” or the Hidden valley is a land of mystery, scenery and peace. Surrounded by Dhaulagiri and Tibet from south and north, The Dolpo region is the natural embodiment of high passes, rare flora and fauna and sweeping vistas. The medicinal plant, Yarchagumba (Coerdiopsis sinensis) a type of wild mushroom is found in abundance in this region. Extracts from Yarchagumba is believed to significantly improve health and fitness. This trekking is for combination of natural and cultural phenomena which is enriched by the traditional Tibetan cultural heritage. It is a rain shadow area and was opened in 1991 for trekking. The whole trekking areas in this region stretches through and around Arun River whose origin dates back to prehistoric period. The Arun valley is one of the most beautiful regions to trek in Nepal. Dolpo is protected by Shey-Phoksundo National Park. It lies to the north of the Dhaulagiri Range bordering the Tibetan Plateau. Here one can find a well-preserved ecosystem of plants and wildlife, including the blue sheep and the elusive snow leopard. The view of Kanjiroba peak, Phoksumdo Lake, and the Dhauligiri massif is one of the most rewarding moments of this trek. A visit to the Phoksumdo Gompa – dedicated to the ancient Bonpo religion, local to Dolpo and Tibet, is a memorable experience. The Upper Dolpo region is another remote hidden destination in far west where Nepal's most tranquil and natural beauty is still unexplored. The home of herbal land, unspoiled trans-Himalayan culture, Buddhist monuments, and unique human civilization at high altitude is worth a visit. Trekking around the Dolpo region is an unforgettable journey in every visitor's life. Observing different rain shadow landscapes with stunning mountain views, wild flowers, Himalayan blue sheep, snow leopards, and huge birds Himalayan griffon. The Upper Dolpo is the home of the Bhotiya and Sherpa people. It's difficult to grow crops there, which makes life difficult for the local people. They depend on barley as sole crop. The stalwart yak is a vital source of food, transport and dung fuel. They also trade salt for grain with those from far away Hurikot and Jumla to compensate their dwindling winter supply of food.
Facts of the Upper dolpo Trek
Duration: 24 Days
Trek type: Camping
Max Altitude: 5160 m
.Minimum Pax: 1 +
Mode of travel: Land
Grade: Strenuous
ITINERARY
Day 01: Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj. You fly from Kathmandu to Nepalganj in the southwest part of the Terai, right on the border to India. After checking into your hotel you might go and have a look at the Bageshwari Mandir, a temple to honour Kali. But what Nepalganj is all about is just wandering around in the bazaar, which has everything on sale that one could imagine. You will see people here from every part of Nepal, people from Tibet and India; they all come here to trade.
Day 02: Fly from Nepalgunj to Juphal and trek from Juphal to Dunai. You go to the airport very early in order to get on the flight to Juphal. Dolpo flights are always early in the morning. This is because high winds in the Thulo Bheri Valley begin around 10 am, making later flights impossible. Once you have gotten all your equipment of the Twin otter in Juphal (2500m), you start out on the short walk from Juphal to Dunai. You walk downhill through meadows and past a few houses to the small hotels at Kala Gaura (2090m). From here you follow the river trail upstream to Dunai. You camp near Dunai and explore this bustling little hill town for the rest of the afternoon.
Day 03: Trek from Dunai to Chepka which takes about seven hours. You start trekking from Dunai, cross the big steel suspension bridge and turn west, following the trail past the hospital, and then it's a level walk along the bank of the Thulo Bheri to its confluence with the Suli Gaad at 2070m. You follow the new trail north up the east bank of the Suli Gaad to a collection of tea shops run by the wives of army personnel in Dunai. Another hour of walking takes us to Kal Rupi and then on to Raktang (2260m). You cross to the west bank and trek past numerous goths and horses pastures over a ridge to the rough stone houses of Jyalhasa, a wintering spot for the people of Ringmo. You keep walking upstream to another bridge, cross it to the east bank, and make your way past some crude teashops and a bridge over a side stream, the Ankhe Khola, at 2460m. The trail makes some ups and downs through grass and ferns to a trail junction. The fork is the old trail leading to the army and national park post at Ankhe, and on to the old trail that passes the villages of Rahagoan and Parela, high on the ridge above.
Day 04: Trek from Chepka to Renje and it takes about six hours. You continue on the new trail, which stays near the river, climbing over a small ridge ,then crossing to the west side to avoid a large ridge and returning to the east side an hour later near a national park camping ground. Alongside the river at 2900m, the trail becomes a collection of rocks and sticks forming a dyke along the river bank. The trail makes several more ups and downs through forests of firs and larches as it continues upstream to a bridge that leads to nine houses comprising the village of Renje on the opposite side of the river at 3010m. You camp at a good camp site here or another about five minutes further on.
Day 05: Trek from Renje to Ringmo which takes about seven hours. You follow the Suli Gaad valley, which turns eastward and becomes even steeper and narrower. You then climb over a ridge and descends to a wooden bridge then continue along the ups and downs along the valley floor to the confluence of the Suli Gaad with the Pungmo Khola. From here the trail to Phoiksumdo Lake and Shey gompa follows the west bank of the river. You climb through a forest of big cedar to a good camp site and then on to Palam (3710m), a winter settlement used by the people of Ringmo village. The houses are almost burried in the sandy soil. The entrance station for Shey Phoksumdo National Park is at the south end of the village. After your park entrance ticket is examined, you may be subjected to a baggage inspection-ostensibly for drugs and stolen art objects. It's very peculiar formality in this remote locale. You continue on the route, which switchbacks steeply on a sandy trail through open country to an elevation of 3300m, then you start up another steep set of dusty switchbacks to a ridge at 3780m. From the ridge there are distant views of a spectacular 200m -high waterfall, the highest in Nepal. The trail makes a steep descent in birch forests to the upper reaches of the brilliantly clear,rushing waters of the Phoksumdo Khola, then you climb gently to Ringmo village, a picturesque settlement of flat-roofed stone houses with lots of mud -plastered chortens and maniwalls. Just below Ringmo, you cross a bridge and follow a trail north to the ranger station at Phoksumdo Lake (3730). You continue to the shores of the lake near the point where the Phoksumdo Khola flows out of the lake. There are national park camping grounds on both sides of the river on the south-east shore of the lake. Park rules prohibit us from camping in other places
Day 06: Rest and exploration. A trail leads from the lakeside through juniper trees to the white Pal Sentan Thasoon Chholing gompa, a ramshackle Bon-po gompa overlooking the lake that is said have been built 60 generations ago. There are five other private gompas in various houses of small monastic community near the lake. The insides of the temples contain dusty Buddhist paintings and statues, but the trappings also reflect the animistic elements of the Bon-po religion, so some of the chapels are reminiscent of an ancient witch's cavern. A donation to the ragtag collection of dirty monks will gain us entrance to the gompas; your sherpas will be equally fascinated by the strange iconography and practice of the Bon-po religion.
Day 07: Trek from Ringmo to Chunemba it takes approximately six hours. From your camp site near Ringmo on the southern end of Phoksumdo Lake, the trail contours on a rocky ledge as it skirts the western lip of the lake. In places it's precariously suspended on a gangway of wood supported on pegs driven into crevices in the rocks. As you cross a stream, look up at the glacier descending from the upper slopes of Kanjeralwa (6612m). You then climb to a crest at 4060m for a spectacular view of the lake with the snowy peaks of Sonam Kang in the background. The trail makes a step and dusty descent through birches and blue pines to the westernmost edge of the lake at 3630m where the Phoksumdo Khola enters. The route now heads west up a long a wide valley. You follow an indistinct trail through thorn bushes and scrub trees, crisscrossing boggy marshes and tributaries of Phoksumdo Khola. You camp in a forest of blue pines at Chunemba, an undeveloped national park camping ground at 3630m.
Day 08: Trek from Chunembe to Lar Tsa which takes almost five and half hours. You begin the day along the level path that now heads north through a glacial valley. You then cross to the east bank of Phoksumdo Khola. You follow the main valley for another hour to kang Gompa. You climb steeply from Kang Gompa and stay on the grassy ridge. It's a long climb up the ridge past a few groves of birch trees. There are spectacular mountain views with Shey Shikar (6139m) and Kang Chunne (6443m) dominating the skyline to the west. You continue on a crest at 4200m then the route descends gently on a rocky trail to Lar Tsa, a camp site besides the river at 4120m. It's possible to continue walking, but you have now ascended more than 500m in a day and should spend the night at Lar tsa for acclimatisation.
Day 09: Trek from Lar Tsa to Mendok Din and it takes about three hours. You cross a new bridge and climb to the top of a scree slope at 4490m, then make your way up a grassy ridge to a crest at 4640m. You contour and then drop gently into Mendok Ding (flower valley). You again climb alongside a stream to a campsite at 4610m. You are almost certain to spot herds of blue sheep on the slopes above the camp.
Day 10: Trek from Mendok Din to Shey Gompa which takes approximately eight and half hours. You continue on the route that follows the upper reaches of the Phoksumdo Khola, and then you turn north towards the peak of Riwo Drugdra (Crystal Mountain). There is a choice of trails here; you follow the more scenic pilgrim route across the Sehu La to the west of Crystal Mountain, making a kora (circumambullation) of this sacred peak. The Dolma trail turns north soon after camp while the pilgrim trail starts up a steep scree slope on the opposite side of a stream that flows from the north. After a long pull to Sehu La (also known as Mendok Ding La) at 5160m the trail descends a scree slope to a grassy meadow besides a stream valley and begins a series of long ascents and descends across ridges in and out of side valleys as it traverses around Crystal Mountain. After a steep, rough climb to a crest at 5010m and another at 4860m, you begin the descent to the Tar valley. Soon after the route reaches grassy slopes a side trail leads to Tsakang, a gompa said to be 800years that is perched dramatically on the side of a cliff. The final descent is on a wide trail to a campsite in a large meadow near a few nomads huts at 4310, just below Shey gompa.
Day 11: Rest and Exploration day. Cross the river on a log bridge and climb past a big chorten and a huge field of manistones to the Shey gompa compound at 4390m. The gompa itself is not large, and there are no artifacts or paintings of note inside. Although the building is said to be 800years old, the wall paintings are relatively recent, probably done in 1970s. The statues on the altar are of Guru Rimpoche, Sakyamuni and Milarepa. The gompa also houses an ancient Tibetan scroll that describes the myth of Crystal Mountain and Shey gompa. According to the inscription, there is a holy lake in a crater among the mountains that surrounds Shey. When a pilgrim makes nine circumambulations of this lake the water turns milk. A sip of this milk and the pilgrim can se Mt Kailash in the distance.
Day 12: Trek from Shey Gompa to Namgung which takes almost seven and half hours. You trek east from Shey gompa and across the 5010m Shey La. Here you turn north and descend before climbing again to Namgung (4430m).
Day 13: Trek from Namgung to Karang which takes almost six hours. You traverse high above the Namgung Kola to Karang (4050m). It's also possible to descend to Saldang on the banks of the river, but this village holds little of interest.
Day 14: Trek from Karang to Mugaon and it takes approximately seven and half hours. You descend to Torak Sumdo (3670m), the confluence of the Namgung and Polang kholas, and cross to the northern bank. You then climb to Yanger gompa at 3750m and trek along the river side valley. You camp at one of the camp sites alongside the stream at about 4100m before Mugaon.
Day 15: Trek from Mugaon to Shimen which takes almost eight and half hours. You continue up the valley to Mugaon and climb towards the Mushi La at 5030m. Then you descend towards Shimen village, you end the day at a good camp site in pastures above the village at 4010m.
Day 16: Trek from Shiment to Tinje and it takes about eight hours. You drop down to Shimen village at 3870m and make a long trek upriver through Pha (4090m) to Tinje (4150m).
Day 17: Trek from Tinje to Rakpa which takes approximately eight hours. You trek past the runway of mysterious Tinje airport to a trail junction at 4130m, where a high route leads to Tarap. You continue southward to a camp site on the banks of the river at Rakpa (4530m).
Day 18: Trek from Rakpa to Chharka and it takes almost eight hours. You begin your day with a long climb to the Chharka La (4920m). You continue on the trail descending along the side of the valley, then make a big drop into a side valley at 4290m. You then make a long traverse down to the picturesque village of Chharka on the banks of Barbung Kola at 4120m.
Day 19: Trek from Chharka to Norbulung and it takes about seven hours. You descend again to a river. You follow the right fork southward, climbing in and out of side valleys on a rough trail. The valley narrows, you then emerge into a big meadow and climb to your campsite at Norbulung (4750m).
Day 20: Trek from Norbulung to Sangda Phedi and it takes approximately eight hours. You begin the day climbing to a yak pasture at Molum Sumna (4860m) and on to a crest at 5130m. You then make a long traverse across meadows to the foot of the Sangda La, then a long, steep final climb to the pass at 5460m.
Day 21: Trek from Sangda Phedi to Sangda which takes about eight hours. You climb to a lower Sangda La at 4990m, and then descend through loose shale towards the village of Sangda Ghunsa (4190m). You drop to the Chalung Khola, crossing it at 3750m, and then climb steeply up the opposite bank. A long high traverse leads to a cairn at 4090m, you then come to a set of steep switchbacks descends to a stream at 3580m. You do another climb to the compact settlement of Sangda, were you end a long day at 3700m.
Day 22: Trek from Sangdo to Dhagarjun and it takes about eight hours. You climb the hill behind Sangda and spent most of the day making a high traverse, crossing nine ridges to a final crest at 4280m. You then descend into the Kali Gandaki valley, traversing under high cliffs and descending to the large village of Dhagarjun (3290m).
Day 23:Trek from Dhagarjun to Jomson and fly to Pokhara. You climb to a ridge at 3360m and make a final descent on a challenging trail of loose rocks to Jomsom at 2670m. You take an early flight from Jomsom to Pokhara - a fantastic way to round off the trek, flying right along the Kali Gandaki Gorge between the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. In Pokhara you check into the Hotel, get the dust of the last three weeks washed off and head out for a nice dinner..!
Day 24: Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu by tourist mini bus that takes about seven hours. While driving from Pokhara to Kathmandu, you head up to Damauli, Dumre, Muglin and Kurintar where the Nepal's first Cable car is operated to reach to Manakamana Temple. En route, you could enjoy the mountain views, green sceneries, rice terrace fields, vegetable fields and people being engaged in their daily life activities. From Naubishe you climb up to Thankot, the gateway to capital city. You can also fly from Pokhara to Kathmandu which takes about 25 minutes.
Services Included
National Park entry permit, Trekking permit, all surface transportation to and fro, a guide and required number of porter(s), cook, kitchen helper, sherpas, all meals three times a day (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea, coffee, fruit, juice, etc.), necessary camping equipments such as tents, kitchen tent, dining tent, toilet tent, mattresses, down sleeping bags, down jackets, cooking utensils, fuel etc. camping charges, rescue help, insurance and equipment for the Nepali staffs.
Services Excluded
Personal expenses, Insurance, Tips, Emergency evacuation by Helicopter, Alternative transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide, strike, road blockade etc.
Alternative way for the lifestyle when travelling in Nepal will be possible by Booking a home stay in Nepal. Mountains home is running by the home stay family in Nepal kathmandu. Home stay in Nepal give you the best ideas of the explore the Nepalese culture by giving face to face and eyewitness experience. lets book home stay in Nepal for grab the opportunity to study the Nepalese life style. After home stay again you can come back hotel with helps to clear picture of the Nepal living ideas.
Alternative way for the lifestyle when travelling in Nepal will be possible by Booking a home stay in Nepal. Mountains home is running by the home stay family in Nepal kathmandu. Home stay in Nepal give you the best ideas of the explore the Nepalese culture by giving face to face and eyewitness experience. lets book home stay in Nepal for grab the opportunity to study the Nepalese life style. After home stay again you can come back hotel with helps to clear picture of the Nepal living ideas.
