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Hotel, Tea House, Tent
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Car, Jeep, flights
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All meals during the trek
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2-15
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5,550 M
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Autumn & Spring
Overview
The Upper Dolpo to Jomsom Trek is a definitive 28-day expedition into one of Nepal’s most remote and culturally preserved regions. Located in the “rain shadow” of the Himalayas, this trek traverses a high-altitude desert landscape that remains largely untouched by modern development. The journey connects the secluded valleys of Upper Dolpo to the more familiar Annapurna region at Jomsom, crossing at least five formidable high passes over $5,000$ meters. It is a fully self-sustained camping trek, designed for adventurers who seek complete isolation and a deep connection with the ancient Trans-Himalayan wilderness.
This trek is as much a cultural odyssey as it is a physical challenge. You will explore the profound turquoise waters of Shey Phoksundo Lake, visit the 11th-century Shey Gompa at the base of the sacred Crystal Mountain, and immerse yourself in the Bon Po religion—a pre-Buddhist shamanic tradition that still thrives here. As you move from the hidden villages of Inner Dolpo toward the rugged terrain of the Mustang border and finally into Jomsom, you will witness a way of life that has remained virtually unchanged for centuries, centered around nomadic herding and high-altitude salt trade.
Highlights
- Shey Phoksundo Lake: Behold the deepest lake in Nepal, famous for its magnificent, ever-changing turquoise hues and lack of aquatic life.
- Shey Gompa & Crystal Mountain: Visit one of the most sacred sites in the Himalayas, a spiritual center for both Buddhists and Bon Po followers.
- Ancient Bon Culture: Experience the rare and ancient pre-Buddhist shamanic traditions that are still practiced in the remote villages of Dolpo.
- High Altitude Passes: Conquer a series of challenging passes over 5,000m, including Nangdala La (5,350m), Sela La (5,095m), and Jungben La (5,550m).
- Shey Phoksundo National Park: Explore Nepal’s largest national park, home to the elusive snow leopard, blue sheep, and diverse trans-Himalayan flora.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The evening is yours to soak in the atmosphere of the capital before your long journey begins. Meals: None | Max Elevation: 1,350m
While we process your restricted area permits, you can explore the ancient Durbar Squares or Pashupatinath. A pre-trip meeting in the evening will introduce you to your crew and gear requirements. Meals: B | Max Elevation: 1,350m
A 45-minute flight takes you to the hot, tropical plains of Nepalgunj near the Indian border. This is a mandatory staging point for the early morning flights into the Dolpa mountains. Meals: B | Max Elevation: 150m
Take a dramatic mountain flight to Juphal, the only airport in Dolpa. From here, begin the walk through local villages and terraced fields along the Bheri River to reach Dunai, the district headquarters. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 2-3 hrs | Max Elevation: 2,480m
The trail enters the Shey Phoksundo National Park, following the Suligad River through lush forests of walnut and cedar. You will camp at the small settlement of Chhepka. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Max Elevation: 2,600m
Ascend through dense cedar forests toward the winter settlement of Ringmo village. The trail climbs to a ridge offering the first glimpse of a massive 330m waterfall—the highest in Nepal. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 5-6 hrs | Max Elevation: 3,170m
A short but steep descent leads through birch forests to the shore of the magnificent Phoksundo Lake. The sight of its deep turquoise water against the surrounding peaks is the first major milestone of the trip. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 4-5 hrs | Max Elevation: 3,650m
Spend the day exploring Ringmo village and visiting local Bon-Po monasteries. This day is crucial for letting your body adjust to the altitude before tackling the high passes ahead. Meals: B, L, D | Max Elevation: 3,650m
Leaving Phoksundo, the trail becomes dramatic as you traverse the "Devil's Trail"—a narrow path carved into the cliffs high above the lake. You will descend to camp on the northern floodplains of the river. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Max Elevation: 3,660m
The trail follows the Phoksundo Khola northward, climbing through a valley with views of Kanjirowa Himal ($6,612$m). You will reach a stark, high-altitude camp at the foot of the Nangdala Pass. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 5-6 hrs | Max Elevation: 4,120m
A tough ascent leads to the summit of Nangdala Pass, offering expansive views into Inner Dolpo. Descend into the "Hidden Land" to reach the legendary Shey Gompa, the spiritual heart of the region. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Max Elevation: 5,240m
Explore the 11th-century monastery and the nearby Tsakang Gompa, which is built into the side of a cliff. This area is the setting for Peter Matthiessen’s famous book, The Snow Leopard. Meals: B, L, D | Max Elevation: 4,400m
Ascend the Shey La Pass for views of the Tibetan plateau to the north. The trail then descends to the red-walled Namgung Gompa, a remote sanctuary in a stark, desert landscape. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Max Elevation: 5,100m
he trail descends along the Namga Khola toward Saldang, the largest village in the Inner Dolpo region. This is a chance to interact with the "Dolpo-pa" and learn about their trans-Himalayan trade lifestyles. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 4-5 hrs | Max Elevation: 3,770m
Use this day to visit the outlying monasteries and observe the local agriculture in this high-altitude desert. The region is rich in history and traditional Tibetan medicine. Meals: B, L, D | Max Elevation: 3,770m
Leave the Saldang valley and head toward the border of Mustang. The trail crosses a high ridge and descends to the small, traditional village of Komash. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Max Elevation: 4,060m
Trek to Shimen Village The trail winds through the barren landscape, often seeing local caravans of yaks or mules. You will reach Shimen, a village known for its large Mani walls and traditional houses. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 5-6 hrs | Max Elevation: 3,850m
The trail continues along the river before climbing toward the high summer pastures of Rakpa. The terrain becomes increasingly wild and sparsely populated. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Max Elevation: 4,530m
Climb the Mo La Pass and enjoy views of the Dhaulagiri range. Descend into the picturesque village of Chharka Bhot, one of the highest and most remote permanent settlements in the world. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 7-8 hrs | Max Elevation: 5,030m
Recover from the previous pass and prepare for the final high-altitude crossing toward Jomsom. Explore the village's unique architecture and ancient Bon-Po monastery. Meals: B, L, D | Max Elevation: 4,110m
Begin the final stretch eastward. The trail enters a deep valley, climbing steadily toward the foot of the Jungben La pass to a high-altitude campsite at Norbulung. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 6-7 hrs | Max Elevation: 4,750m
This is the most challenging day of the trek. You will cross two high passes back-to-back, offering views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri massifs, before descending to a cold, high camp at Sangta Ghansi. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 8-9 hrs | Max Elevation: 5,550m
Descend from the high passes into the village of Sangta, a small settlement that feels like a gateway between the wild Dolpo and the developed Kali Gandaki valley. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 5-6 hrs | Max Elevation: 3,770m
A long final day of trekking takes you over a ridge and down into the Kali Gandaki valley. You will arrive in Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang, where you can enjoy the relative luxury of a teahouse. Meals: B, L, D | Duration: 7-8 hrs | Max Elevation: 2,720m
Take an early morning flight from Jomsom to Pokhara, followed by a connecting flight to Kathmandu. In the evening, a farewell dinner celebrates the completion of your 28-day journey. Meals: B, D | Max Elevation: 1,350m
A day to rest your legs and reflect. You can do some last-minute souvenir shopping in Thamel or simply enjoy the city's cafes. Meals: B | Max Elevation: 1,350m
Transfer to the airport for your international flight home. Meals: B
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Permits: Restricted Area Permits for Upper Dolpo, plus Shey Phoksundo and Annapurna Conservation fees.
- Internal Flights: All domestic airfare (KTM-Nepalgunj-Juphal and Jomsom-Pokhara-KTM).
- Staff: Professional guide, base camp cook, kitchen staff, and a team of mules/porters for logistics.
- Logistics: Full camping equipment (high-quality tents, foam mattresses, kitchen gear) and a satellite phone for emergencies.
- Safety: Supplementary oxygen system and a comprehensive medical kit with altitude-specific medications.
The Cost Excludes
- International Airfare: Flights to and from Nepal and Nepal entry visa fees.Personal Equipment: Personal trekking gear, down jackets, and sleeping bags (though some can be provided).Insurance: Mandatory travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking ($5,500$m+) and helicopter evacuation.KTM Meals: Lunches and dinners during the stays in Kathmandu.Tips: Gratuities for the trekking staff and mule drivers.
Check List
The gear listed below is recommended for this kind of trips. We encourage you to get all equipment listed below for the trip and kindly ensure you check and try every equipment. You can also buy or hire the same in Kathmandu as they are available in the many trekking shops from branded to local manufacturers in Kathmandu.
Head gears:
- Sunhat X 1
- Warm hat (should cover head & ear comfortably) X 1
- Buffs X 2
- Sunglasses (High-quality, UV-blocking sunglasses with good all-around protection) X 1
- Headlamp with spare batteries (200-300 lumens output) X 1
Upper Body:
- Thermal or fleece base layer top X 2
- Trekking shirts/t-shirts (Breathable and quick-dry materials) – full sleeve x 2 and short sleeve x 2
- Mid-Layer Jacket X 2 (Lightweight downs are good as well)
- Soft-shell jacket X 1 (Water and Wind Resistant)
- Hardshell jacket with a hood X 1 (Fully waterproof shell jacket, must fit comfortably over mid layers)
- Insulated Down Jacket X 1 (provided by us at request)
Lower Body:
- Thermal or fleece base layer bottom X 2
- Trekking trousers/pants X 3
- Hardshell pants X 1 for climbing days (Non-insulated and waterproof)
- Insulated down pant (optional) X 1
Underwear:
- 4 pairs of synthetic or wool fabrics only
Hand Wear:
- Liner Gloves X 1
- Midweight gloves X 1
- Expedition Down Mittens (Leather Palm) X 1
Foot Wear:
- Waterproof Hiking Boots (Preferably full to protect/support your ankle) X 1
- Double Layer Mountaineering Boot X 1
- Hiking socks X 4 pairs medium to heavy (synthetic and wool)
- Summit socks X 2
- Liner socks X 2
- Gaiter X 1 Pair
- Flip flop or Sneaker (To wear at teahouses and in city)
- Down booties (Optional)
Climbing Gears:
- Helmet
- Ice Axe
- Crampons
- Harness
- Carabiners (2 X Screw Gate and 2 X Snap Gate )
- Belay Device X 1
- Ascender/Jumar (Large Handle)
- Prussik Cord
- Safety Cord (2 m length)
Gears / Personal equipment:
- Daypack 40-45 liters (For both trekking and climbing)
- Duffel bag (provided by us at request)
- Down Sleeping bag (-20 C rated) with compression sack (provided by us at request)
- One litre capacity water bottle X 2 (Nalgene)
- Insulated Cover for Water bottle X 1
- Trekking poles
- Camera with charger or spare batteries
- Personal snacks, comfort foods, energy bars and gels
- A laundry bag to keep the dirty clothes
- Padlock (Optional)
- Earplugs (Recommended for light sleeper)
- Large plastic bags to keep the clothes dry
- Extra clothes to wear in Kathmandu when you come back from trek.
Toiletries and hygiene
- Quick drying towel
- Small face towel
- Toothbrush &Toothpaste
- Face mask
- Water treatment tools
- Soap and Shampoo (Smaller bottle)
- Face and body moisturizer
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and Lip balm SPF 30+
- Hand sanitiser/Antiseptic wipes
- Hygiene products
- Basic first aid kit
Documents:
- Passport with validity of 6 months.
- Credit cards in case of emergencies
- Travel Insurance
- Flight tickets
FAQs
It is significantly more challenging due to its length (28 days), remoteness, and the lack of teahouses. It requires high physical fitness and the ability to live in a camping environment for three weeks.
No, Upper Dolpo is one of the last regions in Nepal where teahouse culture has not yet developed. This is a fully organized camping trek where all food and equipment are carried by the team.
Yes, Upper Dolpo is a restricted area. The permit fee for Upper Dolpo is currently $$500$ for the first 10 days and $$50$ per day thereafter, which is included in the Highland Expeditions package.
While Shey Phoksundo National Park is a prime habitat for snow leopards, they are extremely elusive. You are more likely to see their tracks or sightings of blue sheep (Bharal), which are their primary prey.
The best window is April to October. Because much of the trek lies in the rain shadow, it is one of the few regions in Nepal that is suitable for trekking during the monsoon months (June–August).
