98% Success Rate
Precise planning with first-hand knowledge defining our high success rate
Dolpo region is situated between the Tibetan plateau and the Dhaulagiri ranges. The entire district was closed to trekkers until 1989 when the southern part of Dolpo was opened to organized trekking groups. Our trekking adventure begins with tours of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu. We then fly to Nepalgunj and then to Juphal from where we begin our trek in the Dolpo region which was made famous by Peter Matthiessen’s book – The Snow Leopard. Nepal’s first English subtitled movie on Dolpo, The Caravan, was also a huge success and was also nominated for the Oscar Award in the best foreign language film category. On our 28-day trek we pass through interesting villages, trekking routes and meet fascinating people. We also cross a few high Himalayan passes and enjoy the vast and tranquil beauty of Phoksundo Lake. From Shey Gompa, we follow the ancient Trans Himalayan Trade route and return back to Jhuphal as our trek ends. The trek indeed takes us into the wild west of Nepal.
Itinerary | Maximum Altitude | Walking/Hiking |
---|---|---|
Day 01 Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,350m/4,429ft | |
Day 02 Kathmandu: sightseeing and trek preparation | 1,350m/4,429ft | |
Day 03 Fly from Kathmandu to Nepalgunj | 150m/492ft | |
Day 04 Fly from Nepalgunj to Jhuphal (Dolpo) and trek to Dunai | 2,850m/9,351ft | 2-3 hrs |
Day 05 Dunai to Ankhe | 2,896m/9,502ft | 5-6 hrs |
Day 06 Ankhe to Sulighat | 3,180m/10,434ft | 5-6 hrs |
Day 07 Sulighat to Phoksundo Lake | 3,612m/11,851ft | 4-5 hrs |
Day 08 Acclimatization and rest at Phoksundo Lake | 3,612m/11,851ft | |
Day 09 Trek to Phoksundo Khola | 3,507m/11,506ft | 4-5 hrs |
Day 10 Phoksunds Khola to Phoksundo Bhanjyang | 3,910m/12,829ft | 6-7 hrs |
Day 11 Phoksundo Bhanjyang to Shey Gompa via Kang-La pass | 4,500m/14,765ft | 5-6 hrs |
Day 12 Acclimatization and rest at Shey Gompa | 4,500m/14,765ft | |
Day 13 Shey Gompa to Namduna Gaun via Saldang La | 4,800m/15,749ft | 6-7 hrs |
Day 14 Namduna Gaun to Saldang | 3,620m/11,877ft | 4-5 hrs |
Day 15 Saldang to Yangze Gompa | 4,960m/16,274ft | 4-5 hrs |
Day 16 Yangze Gompa to Sibu | 4,560m/14,961ft | 6-7 hrs |
Day 17 Sibu to Jeng-la Phedi | 4,900m/16,077ft | 5-6 hrs |
Day 18 Jeng-la Phedi to Tokyu Gaon via Jeng La pass | 4,209m/13,810ft | 5-6 hrs |
Day 19 Tokyu to Dho Tarap | 4,040m/13,255ft | 4-5 hrs |
Day 20 Rest Day at Dho Tarap | 4,040m/13,255ft | |
Day 21 Dho Tarap to Tarap Khola (Kamakharka) | 3,800m/12,468ft | 6-7 hrs |
Day 22 Tarap Khola to Khanigaon | 3,150m/10,335ft | 4-5 hrs |
Day 23 Khanigaon to Tarakot | 2,537m/8,324ft | 4-5 hrs |
Day 24 Tarakot to Dunai | 2,850m/9,351ft | 5-6 hrs |
Day 25 Dunai to Jhuphal | 2,500m/8,203ft | 2-3 hrs |
Day 26 Fly from Jhuphal to Nepalgunj and then to Kathmandu | 1,350m/4,429ft | |
Day 27 Rest day in Kathmandu | 1,350m/4,429ft | |
Day 28 Final departure | - |
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Breakfast (only) will be available in Kathmandu whereas all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be available during the trek. We can enjoy freshly-cooked, hygienic and nutritious meals on full-board basis prepared by our trained and experienced cook during the trek. Authentic Nepalese, Tibetan dishes as well as the more common international cuisine (Tibetan, Continental, Italian, Indian, etc.) will be available. There will also be welcome and farewell dinners in Kathmandu.
Accommodations are included in the trip cost and Himalayan Glacier has chosen the best deluxe accommodation for 3 nights in Kathmandu in a 3-star Hotel, 2 night in lodge in Nepalgunj/Jupal, and rest other nights in comfortable two-men camping tent. To sleep in tent, 4 season sleeping bag and foam mattress will be provided. We maintain standard comfort in every matter based on the enforceable conditions such as weather calamities. All hotel and camping accommodation is on twin sharing basis, and will provide you single supplement if there is different sex without extra charge. If you prefer a single room, you may indicate your preference and get single room/tent on request by paying single supplement USD 350.
Upper Dolpo Trek is categorized as a difficult trek. In such trek, you are likely to walk for 6-7 hours, cross steep, hilly terrain and occasional high passes of up to 5500 m. You are likely to be in a remote environment with extreme weather on some days. You will also be facing high-altitude air with low levels of oxygen. Therefore, previous trekking experience, physical fitness and a positive attitude are essential. Exercising and jogging regularly for some weeks prior to the trip is a good idea to enhance our strength and stability. Past hiking experience is fundamental but no technical skill is required for this trip. It is vital for participants with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart, lung, and blood diseases to consult their doctor before taking the trip. It is also advised that you inform Himalayan Glacier about your medical condition before booking the trek.
Upper Dolpo Trek's itinerary is planned with a high degree of awareness of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). Three separate days are set aside for acclimatization. Going up at higher altitudes too fast causes a medical condition serious enough to result in death. The higher the altitude, the less oxygen will be in the air. For example, at an altitude above of 5000 m, there is 50% less oxygen than at sea level. Therefore, our body needs many days to adapt to an environment with less oxygen.
Himalayan Glacier advises guest(s) with known heart, lungs or blood diseases to consult their doctor before traveling. Mild headaches, fever, loss of appetite or stomach disorders are symptoms of AMS. Check out "Altitude illness" by Dr Jim Duff. Himalayan Glacier's itineraries are designed to try to prevent AMS as much as possible. However, it is important to remember that some visitors are more vulnerable than others.
For the Upper Dolpo Trek, there will be one leader, assistant leader (4 trekkers: 1 assistant guide) and Sherpa porters for luggage carrying (2 trekkers: 1 porter). This arrangement ensures that even if someone in the group gets sick or is unable to carry on, the trip can still go ahead as planned for the rest of the group. We can run the trek for groups of any size, but usually a maximum of twelve people is ideal as we've found this to be the optimum size for a successful trip.
We guarantee departure on all of our published dates! However, if they don't match your travel plans, we will gladly help you set your own date! Whether you're looking for private trips as a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group; you can plan your tailor-made trips now! Please contact us for price details and any other queries.
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