Nepal Challenge Treks
+977-9741470101
info@nepalchallenge.com
Pay Online | info@nepalchallenge.com | +977-9741470101 (WhatsApp/Viber) |

Dolpo Jomsom via Upper Dolpo 25 days


Overview The Dolpo Jomsom trek via Upper Dolpo is a mesmerizing 25-day adventure that takes you through the remote and captivating landscapes of the Dolpo region in Nepal. This trek also combines the rugged beauty of Upper Dolpo with the cultural charm of Jomsom, offering a truly unforgettable experience. The journey begins with a flight to Juphal, the starting point of the trek. From there, you'll venture into the heart of Dolpo, a land of pristine wilderness and ancient traditions. Trekking through deep valleys, dense forests, and high mountain passes, you'll also get treat with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks,…

Overview

The Dolpo Jomsom trek via Upper Dolpo is a mesmerizing 25-day adventure that takes you through the remote and captivating landscapes of the Dolpo region in Nepal. This trek also combines the rugged beauty of Upper Dolpo with the cultural charm of Jomsom, offering a truly unforgettable experience.

The journey begins with a flight to Juphal, the starting point of the trek. From there, you’ll venture into the heart of Dolpo, a land of pristine wilderness and ancient traditions. Trekking through deep valleys, dense forests, and high mountain passes, you’ll also get treat with breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks, glistening rivers, and cascading waterfalls.

As you traverse the trails of Upper Dolpo, you’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique culture and traditions of the local people. Interacting with the warm-hearted Dolpo communities, visiting ancient monasteries, and also witnessing their spiritual practices provide a profound insight into their way of life and the rich Buddhist heritage of the region.

The trail then leads you towards Jomsom, a vibrant town in the Mustang region. The transition from the rugged landscapes of Dolpo to the arid landscapes of Mustang is truly fascinating. Jomsom also offers a blend of Tibetan and Nepali cultures, with its distinctive architecture, bustling markets, and ancient monasteries.

Throughout the trek, you have the opportunity to interact with the warm and welcoming locals, who have preserved their unique cultural traditions for generations. The Dolpo people, also known as the “Baons,” are renowned for their vibrant attire, ancient Bon Buddhist practices, and Tibetan-influenced lifestyle.

Conclusion and Summary

The Dolpo-Jomsom trek via Upper Dolpo is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering a glimpse into a world untouched by modernity. It requires physical fitness, perseverance, and a sense of adventure. With its rugged beauty, cultural richness, and awe-inspiring landscapes, this trek is a true gem for avid trekkers seeking an extraordinary Himalayan experience.

Trip Highlights


  • Remote and Untouched Landscapes: The Dolpo Jomsom trek via Upper Dolpo takes you through some of the most remote and untouched landscapes in Nepal. From deep valleys and dense forests to high mountain passes and arid terrains, the trek offers a unique opportunity to experience the raw beauty of nature.
  • Cultural Immersion: The trek provides a chance to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of the Dolpo and Mustang regions. Interacting with the warm-hearted local communities, visiting ancient monasteries, and witnessing traditional rituals and practices offer a deep insight into the unique Tibetan-influenced culture of the area.
  • Ancient Buddhist Monasteries: Along the trekking route, you’ll encounter ancient Buddhist monasteries that are steeped in history and spirituality. These monasteries, adorned with vibrant prayer flags and intricate artwork, provide a serene atmosphere for contemplation and reflection.
  • Wildlife Spotting: Dolpo is known for its diverse wildlife, including the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, and various bird species. The trek offers opportunities to spot these rare animals in their natural habitat, adding an element of adventure and excitement to the journey.
  • Stunning Natural Beauty: From the majestic snow-capped peaks to the picturesque rivers and waterfalls, the landscapes along the Dolpo Jomsom trek are simply breathtaking. The ever-changing scenery, with its contrasting colors and textures, creates a visual feast for the eyes and leaves a lasting impression.
  • High Mountain Passes: The trek includes crossing high mountain passes, such as the challenging Kang La Pass. These passes not only provide incredible panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan ranges but also offer a sense of achievement and adventure as you conquer the rugged terrain.
  • Cultural Contrasts: The journey from Dolpo to Mustang allows you to witness the contrasting cultural influences of the two regions. The traditional Bonpo practices of Dolpo blend with the Tibetan Buddhist heritage of Mustang, creating a fascinating cultural tapestry that highlights the richness and diversity of the area.
  • Off-the-Beaten-Path Experience: The Dolpo Jomsom trek takes you off the beaten path, far away from the crowded tourist trails. This allows for a more authentic and immersive experience, where you can truly connect with the natural surroundings and the local communities.
  • Personal Challenge and Growth: The trek is physically demanding and requires good fitness and stamina. Overcoming the challenges of trekking at high altitudes and traversing rugged terrains not only offers a sense of accomplishment but also fosters personal growth and resilience.
  • Sense of Tranquility and Serenity: The remote landscapes and spiritual atmosphere of Dolpo and Mustang create a sense of tranquility and serenity. This allows for introspection, relaxation, and a chance to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, providing a truly rejuvenating experience.

Itinerary Expand All


As you fly into Kathmandu, the views of snow-capped mountain peaks greet you. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. Our representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.

From Kathmandu, we take a bus or fly on any domestic carrier to Nepalgunj. Nepalgunj, a town in the western Terai, is very close to the Indian border and the Bardia Nationl Park. It is a major transport hub for western, mid-western and far-western regions of Nepal. Our representative will pick you up from the airport and take you to the hotel. Overnight stay will be at hotel that is 10 to 15 minutes drive from the airport.

Today we take a 35 minutes long flight to Juphal .Our trekking starts from Juphal. The trail from Juphal to Dunai is comfortable and easy as the trail on this part of trek also has few jeeps running to and fro. The first forty five minutes of the trek descends down to Kalagauda followed by two hours of hike along the trail above Thuli Bheri River. We trek by the riverside and pass Roop Ghar with the water mill and finally reach the Dunai (2150m) a small town, the head quarter of the district. Dunai has some schools government and private, college, police check post and some government offices. You can visit the Bon Stupa and school, Central Buddhist monastery and the very first English medium school across the river, From the Stupa you can have the view of whole town and another village, upper Dunai too.

The real adventure of Dolpo Mustang Trek begins today. As the trek begins we initially trek along classic trekking route of Dolpo via Sulighar, which is pretty much comfortable walk along the levelled trail. We shall produce the trekking permit to Dolpo and the Shey Phoksundo National Park Permit at the Sulighat Check-post. Now we are officially inside Shey Phoksundo National Park. Beyond Sulighat our trek follows the trail beside Phoksundo River till Kageni. As the trek goes further, the landscapes in the vicinity begin to change. We trek through the lush tropical forest frequently emerging at isolated mid-hill villages like Jutung and arrive to Shangta. At Shangta we cross the bridge twice- once over Phoksundo River and once over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Maiaba Khola and begin to head north towards Chhepka. Trekking upstream along the trail beside Phoksundo Khola for a while we arrive to Chhepka. We put our camps at an ideal location in Chhepka for the overnight stay.

Today the the trail leads you beside Phoksundo Khola- the trail of famous Lower Dolpa Circuit. We trek in the opposite direction of the river flow to Amchi Hospital. The trek crosses the bridge over Phoksundo Khola twice. As we approach closer to Kharka trekking along the amazingly peaceful region the trail goes high above Phoksundo Khola to Rechi 3011m, where we stop for the lunch. Beyond Rechi we again hike along the river side trail to Sulligad Dovan where we cross the bridge over the confluence of Phoksundo Khola and Yulung Khola and arrive to Chunuwar. We will settle our camps here for the night.

We will join the direct trail to Phoksundo Lake today climbing through forests of big cedars on to Palam (3710m), a winter settlement used by the people of the Ringmo village. The entrance station for the Shey Phoksundo National Park is at the south end of the village. The route then descends on switchbacks through open country to an elevation of 3300 meter, and then starts up another set of dusty switchbacks to a ridge at 3780 meter to the highest waterfall in Nepal (200 meter high). Our route then continues on to Ringmo village, a picturesque settlement of flat-roofed stone houses with lots of mani walls. Just below Ringmo we cross a bridge and follow the trail to Phoksundo Lake, where we camp at the national park camping grounds west.

Today we explore the area around Ringmo Village and the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. First, we explore around Ringmo Village and head to Tshowa (the lake-shore Bon Monastery).

The Gompa nestling a ridge top above Phoksundo Lake was built about 900 years ago. Exploring this culturally rich Bon Monastery is fascinating experience.

Then we drop down to Phoksundo Lake along steep-sided cliffs. The lake is famous for its magnificent turquoise colour and spectacular scenery. Ringmo village, a typical Tibetan village, is scenic view from Phoksundo Lake.

There are several monasteries (Gompas ) and Bon-po religious sites at the park and we spend our time visiting some of these. We also explore the wonderful natural sites and enjoy our nature tour.

Today’s trek is probably one of the best trekking days of Dolpo to Mustang Trek. It climbs along the narrow trail cut on a cliff standing vertically straight above Phoksundo Lake. This treacherously fascinating trail brings us to another side of Phoksundo Lake.

This particular part of the trek is like fantasy walk portrayed by a writer in their fiction novels. To get to the Phoksundo Khola camp on other side of the lake, we slide down for ninety minutes along the beautiful forests. The final part of today’s trek slides up to the beautiful campsite at Sallaghari. Enjoy the night in the camps amongst beautiful pine forest.

Today’s trek is relatively short; we trek for almost three hours to reach Nangdala High Camp 4100m. As the trek begins we ascend up the narrow defile of Tuk Kyaksa River.

The trail switches to opposite side of the river several times. Soon we arrive to a place where the rapids of the river are calmer. We cross the bridge over the river at that point.

Thirty minutes of walk after the bridge, we come across the wide valley followed by two hours of walk along the canyon brings us the potential campsite. A walk for a while further reaches to the massive rock slab, which is Nangdala High Camp- our campsite for the night.

Today we trek to the fabled Shey Gompa and the nearby ‘Crystal Mountain’, the most sacred peak in Dolpo which Dolpo pilgrims circumambulate each summer before the harvest. We are now entering the real Dolpo, and to enter into this mystical land we have to cross the Kangla/Nangdala pass . The trek to the top of Kang La/Nangdala Pass is along the graveled trail uphill for three continuous hours. However, all the efforts put to come up to the top of the pass rewards us with wonderful views.

The eye feast views from the Kang La Pass includes Cyrstal Mountain, the mountains in Tibetan territory and the mesmerizing landscapes of Dolpo. We also have views of the peaks Shey Shikkar and Kang Chunne, both just over 6000 meters, before descending steeply down to the valley floor and along the river. A red chorten marks the entrance to Shey.

Every Dragon year according to the Tibetan calendar that comes in every 12 years there occurs a grand festival. People from different places and countries come to join this festival. We camp for the night.

Today we will explore Shey Gompa. It is said to be about 800 years old monastery, with murals inside and an ancient scroll describing the mythology behind the Crystal Mountain.

The monastery is locally known as Shelri Sumdho Gompa. Shey Festival, the summer festival observed by the people of Dolpo with huge enthusiasm is hosted at Shey Gompa. Peter Mattheissen wrote quite a lot about his stay in Shey in ‘The Snow Leopard’, and it was shown in Eric Valli’s movie ‘Caravan’ as Thinley’s son’s gompa.

After the exploration of Shey Gompa as the trek begins, it follows the trail beside Sephu Khola for almost couple of hours. The landscapes during this part of the trek are typical Dolpo landscapes- barren and enchanting.

Then we begin to climb up towards the top of Shey La Pass, which is almost two hours of hike. The acme of Shey La Pass west of Shey, rewards us with the magnificent views of Mustang to the East, Tibet to the North and Kanjiroba, Kagmara and Riu Dhukta, or the Crystal Mountain, to the West.

The final push downhill from the Sela La (5095m), which is almost 2 hours of hike brings us to Namgung. We spend our night at Namgung, a local nomadic herding settlement.

Before setting out towards Saldang, we explore the monastery of Namgung set on the flanking cliff. As the trek from Namgong Gompa begins we follow Namga Khola cross pass more summer herding spots and emerge out of spur for a short hike down to Saldang. Saldang is a beautiful village with lots of dry land surrounded hills. Amchi tradition and Buddhism in Dolpo thrives here at Saldang. We’ll get a chance to visit some local houses, drink some salt butter tea or chhyang (Tibetan barley beer) and sample the local fare at Saldang.

Today we will have a day hike after early breakfast to Yanjer the richest monastery of this region. We will have packed lunch and will come back to Saldang for the night stop after the exploration of the monastery.

Today we trek for six hours and reach the village of Komash. Initially, the trail follows the Saldang Lek along the Rapyha Khola to the barren hillside. Exiting out to the elevated ridge (Khom La) of almost 4500m, the trail descends down steeply to Komash Village a village which bears similarity to a Tibetan village. Overnight in tents at Komash.

As we trek from Komash village we may sight some endangered animals like snow leopard or Blue sheep. On the way we pass small villages. The landscapes in the vicinity is full of highland deserts with few shrub like vegetation. On the trail there is one small pass Shimen La (4260m). After almost five hours of comfortable hike we arrive to Shimen. Overnight in the tented camps at Shimen.

Today the trail goes by the side of Panjyang Khola. There are some villages and gompas on the way to Tinje. Tinje is a very beautiful valley. There is a natural air strip where once a British aircraft had landed and taken off.

From the village of Tinje we trek to Yak Kharka, which is an open grazing ground for yaks and sheep. The grassy meadow of Yak Kharka makes for an excellent camping site.

From yak kharka we trek towards Chharka. Crossing the pass Mola (5030m) we reach Chharka. We can visit beautiful village and the Bon Monastery in Chharka.

Today the trail goes through the arid high land. There are some up hills on the way. We trek up to Norbulung and have a night camp there.

From Nulungsumda ascending trail takes us to the pass Niwas La. Crossing the pass the trail we again proceed towards another pass Jungbenla then the trail goes down hill up to Ghaldang Ghuldung, where we make the night stop.

Today the trail goes with several ups and downs and finally reaches to the village Sangta.

We climb the hill behind Santa and spent most of the day making a high traverse, crossing nine ridges to a final crest at 4280m. We then descend into the Kali Gandaki valley, traversing under high cliffs and descending to the large village of Phalek.

We climb to a ridge at 3360m and make a final descent on a challenging trail of loose rocks to Jomsom at 2670m. Jomsom is also one of the famous places for the tourist.

We fly form Jomsom to Pokhara and to Kathmandu today. Our representative will pick you up at Kathmandu airport and take you to the hotel.

You will be flying back to your home after finishing your adventure in Nepal and we will bid you goodbye with the hope of returning to Nepal shortly again.

What's Included


  • Airport Pick-up and Drop Off,
  • Licensed and trained trekking guides,
  • potters for carrying goods and supplies,
  • Meal on full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) basis during the trek
  • 3 Nights Accommodation in the 3 Star Hotel in Kathmandu with B & B. (Bed & Breakfast) on Twin Sharing Basis.
  • All accommodation on Tent during the trek on sharing Basis.
  • All meals and hot beverages during the trek.
  • Transportation to and from trail head by Private and Sharing Transport
  • All necessary documents and permits for trekking (where applicable)
  • National Park/Conservation Area entry Permit, Insurance, and
    equipment for the staffs.
  • Coordination of quick Rescue service (Costs covered by your Insurance Plan)
  • Trekking staffs wages etc.
  • Welcome dinner in a Nepali Cultural Dance restaurant in Kathmandu.
  • Trekking Map, T-shirt, and Trekking certificate.
  • Exclusive of Medical Kit Bag
  • All Government and local Taxes
  • International Flight ticket re-confirmation.
  • Meals will be Start when your Trek starts.
  • Domestic Flights
  • Domestic Flights for Trekking Guide.
  • Trekking Staff Insurance of $10,000 Per Person.

What's Excluded


  • International Airfares,
  • Travel/Trekking Insurance,
  • Excess baggage charges More than 16kg and hand bag more than 5 kg in domestic flights.
  • Visa fees.
  • Airport Departure Taxes.
  • Drinks (Cold and Alcoholic) Rescue charge.
  • Tips for The staffs.
  • Expenses of Personnel nature and Permit and Liaison officer fee (where Applicable.
  • Meals during stay in the Kathmandu
  • Extra Domestic Ticket  of Jomsom, Pokhara etc.
  • Extra Hotel in Kathmandu and Pokhara

Trip Information


Throughout the trek, you’ll encounter diverse wildlife and witness the untouched beauty of nature. Dolpo is renowned for its biodiversity, and you may have the chance to spot rare species such as the elusive snow leopard, Himalayan blue sheep, and a variety of bird species.

The Dolpo Jomsom trek via Upper Dolpo is a physically demanding adventure, requiring good fitness and acclimatization to the high altitudes. The trekking days are long and challenging, but the rewards are immense. The feeling of accomplishment as you conquer high mountain passes and reach remote destinations is unparalleled.

This trek offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and natural wonders. It takes you off the beaten path, allowing you to explore the hidden gems of Dolpo and experience the vibrant energy of Jomsom. The stunning landscapes, cultural encounters, and personal connections forged along the way make this journey an extraordinary and transformative experience.

In summary, the Dolpo Jomsom trek via Upper Dolpo is a 25-day odyssey through the pristine wilderness of Dolpo and the cultural treasures of Jomsom. It offers a perfect balance of adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty, leaving you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the magic of the Himalayas.

For booking, Let's get started

Enquiry Now

Trip Facts


Duration 24 Day(s)
Activities Trekking
Group Size 2 to 20
Best Season March to May, September to November
Start/End Point Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Difficulty Level Challenging
Max Altitude 5550M
<

Traveler's Review


Associated With/Partners